Abstract:
An adult stroller includes a movable frame adapted for use by a person to assist in ambulatory movement, and a canopy that is positioned substantially above and carried by the movable frame. A flexible shield extends downwardly from the front portion of the canopy to at least partially cover a front portion of the movable frame. Such coverage effectively protects a passenger from the environment or potential inclement weather.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present disclosure relates to a stroller. More particularly, the invention relates to a lightweight adult stroller to aid in the ambulatory movement of individuals having limited mobility, vitality, balancing, or neurological issues.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The current selection of flexible mobility devices for adolescents and adults having limited mobility, vitality, balance issues, or neurological difficulties, is limited. An overwhelming number of Americans, over 54 million as of the last Census report, suffer from some form of limited mobility. There are over 15 million who, alone, use walking canes. These numbers are sure to escalate as a growing percentage of the population reaches retirement age. By 2030, approximately twenty percent of the entire population will be 65 years old or older. Additionally, nearly one in a dozen adolescents has some form of physical or mental disability that precludes easy, pain free ambulatory transportation. Thus, there is already a large need to have access to easily transportable devices for aid in mobility of every aspect of life. While the selection of strollers for babies and infants may be abundant, the market for adult strollers has yet to develop. Targeting individuals in the above market is critical to adequate health care, especially considering the target consumer is increasing in percentage population.  
         [0003]     Individual consumers in the targeted adult stroller market might specifically include persons afflicted with restricted ambulatory movement and their corresponding caregivers. On a broader scale, corporations comprising the $1.1 trillion United States medical industry also fall into the targeted market. Hospitals, health care facilities, and nursing homes are all potential consumers as these institutions strive to provide maximum comfort and flexibility for patients of all ages and sizes. These institutions have an abundant access to wheel chairs and fully motorized scooters. But, wheel chairs and fully motorized scooters are often heavy, obstructive, and require special facilities and retrofitted vehicles to transport equipment. The adult stroller is specially designed to eliminate the downfalls of these devices by being lightweight, versatile, and collapsible for easy storage and transportation. Flexibility and versatility allows stroller passengers to go more places and thus have fuller life experiences while riding in comfort.  
         [0004]     Ambulatory injuries impair mobility and hence preclude enjoyment of many of life&#39;s activities. Such injuries might include spinal cord damage, stroke, advanced osteoporosis, and hip or joint replacement. While individuals may not be fully dependent on a wheelchair, getting from one place to another can be time-consuming, difficult, and frustrating without the aid of a mobility device. This is often the case in instances where an individual is required to walk or stand in one place for an extended period of time. Limited movement not only frustrates the person with the disability, but can often instill frustration with companions, caregivers, or other individuals having an intimate relation with the disabled person. Other types of chronic illnesses such as heart conditions, cancer, and other degenerative diseases may also make physical transportation difficult. Balance and coordination issues are also brought on by such conditions as head trauma, Parkinson&#39;s disease, Alzheimer&#39;s disease, Meniere&#39;s disease, dementia, or even middle ear disturbances. Individuals afflicted with such ambulatory restrictions will find relief in an adult stroller in their everyday lives as a mobility aid.  
         [0005]     Thus, there exists a significant need for an adult stroller capable of transporting an adolescent or adult having limited mobility, balance issues, or neurological difficulties. Such an improved stroller should include a lightweight and/or foldable construction for easy movement, a means for protecting a passenger from the environment, capacity for transporting medical devices or other goods, and a mechanism to control the stroller when left unattended with a passenger inside. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Herein disclosed is a specially designed assistive mobility device configured for use by adolescents and adults. This adult stroller includes four wheels and a frame manufactured from a light weight material such as heavy gauge nylon or vinyl, aluminum, or other suitable material. The durable, yet flexible design allows the adult stroller to be used in parks, stores, amusement parks, and around town. The adult stroller provides adolescents and adults a means for a safer, easier, and comfortable mode of transportation. Adult stroller passengers will be able to once again go shopping, see movies, and enjoy parks, even in inclement weather. The stroller is easily storable, has a variety of safety features, is perfectly adjustable, and is an ideal replacement for wheel chairs and fully motorized scooters.  
         [0007]     The adult stroller frame is versatile and foldable for easy storage. In general, the frame is supported by a series of four wheels. Two wheels in the front are fixed while the two rear wheels swivel. Although, a variety of wheel combinations are possible. Stroller movement is controlled by a person through use of a rear handle that curves back similar to a shopping cart. Also integrated into the frame design is a brake bar located parallel to the rear handle. The brake bar runs adjacent down the side of the frame and connects to a brake unit. When resting, the brake unit engages and locks at least one of the stroller wheels. This safety feature prevents inadvertent movement or accidental rolling of an unattended stroller. A person, such as a caregiver, attempting to move the stroller need only pull the brake bar to disengage the brake unit. After stopping and releasing the brake bar, the brake unit reengages at least one of the wheels to again prevent movement.  
         [0008]     The adult stroller also includes a front and rear weather shield. The front shield is connected to a canopy mounted to a top portion of the adult stroller frame. The combination of the canopy and the front shield protects an adult stroller passenger from the environment—including the sun and inclement weather. A section of the front shield is manufactured from a clear plastic material to allow a passenger to see out. The bottom portion of the front shield may be made from any weather resistant material, such as nylon. While the front shield may be designed in many different sizes, the front shield should ideally be long enough to completely cover a passenger&#39;s legs and feet. The front shield may substantially cover and connect to a front portion of the frame to further protect the passenger from the outside environment. For storage, the front shield may be folded under the canopy or folded above the canopy. Additionally, a rear shield is stored underneath the canopy in a pocket, or rolled up and secured with pull tabs, or stored by another suitable means. The rear shield is used to substantially cover the rear side of the adult stroller frame. When the front and rear shields are both deployed, a passenger is completely enclosed within the adult stroller and thus protected from the environment.  
         [0009]     In addition to protection from the environment, the adult stroller also includes a variety of comfort options. A seat support incorporates several padded seat designs, adjustable head rests, and neck support options. For persons with specific or particularly painful back problems, an optional detachable and adjustable lumbar support device may be mounted to the seatback. Persons dependent upon respirators or other respiratory aid devices have the option of storing an oxygen tank or other medical equipment in specially designed seatback pockets. The seatback is adjustable and configured to recline into a variety of positions to maximize comfort. The combination of a lower seatbelt and an upper shoulder belt help retain passengers. The lower seatbelt is threaded through a “V” shaped metal fitting that allows the lower seatbelt or the shoulder seatbelt to be used together or separately. The seatbelts are secured by Velcro or other suitable material having durable construction. Armrests reside on each side of the frame and may incorporate a basket-type cup holder for storing beverages. An optional tray attaches over the armrests. Furthermore, the foot rest folds up to enable a passenger to stand in close proximity to the seat when sitting down and standing up. A flexible storage compartment resides in back of the footrest and is integrated into the base of the adult stroller frame. This storage compartment compacts when the adult stroller frame is collapsed. An optional wire or mesh basket can be secured to the handle for shopping or additional storage.  
         [0010]     The above and other objects and the nature and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including an exploded view of a canopy and a protective shield attachment;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including a front shield rolled above an attached canopy;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including a front shield rolled under an attached canopy;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating attachment of a rear shield to the rear side of an adult stroller;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a rear shield attached to the rear side of an adult stroller;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating attachment of a canopy, front shield, and a rear shield encapsulating the frame of an adult stroller;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including a brake unit;  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including armrests and a basket-type holder;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including a seatbelt;  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including an alternative set of supports;  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an adult stroller including a padded seat cushion;  
         [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side view of an adult stroller having a brake unit;  
         [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side view of an adult stroller illustrating multiple seatback configurations;  
         [0025]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an adult stroller illustrating multiple armrest positions; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 15  is a side view of an adult stroller as collapsed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0027]     As shown in the exemplary drawings for purposes of illustration, the present disclosure for an adult stroller is referred to generally by the reference numeral  20 . Turning now to the representative figures in the specification,  FIG. 1  illustrates an adult stroller  20  having a frame  22 . The frame  22  is generally constructed from a lightweight and durable material such as heavy gauge nylon, heavy gauge vinyl, aluminum, or other suitable materials meeting such criterion. The frame  22  is configured to receive a retractable canopy  24  by connecting a set of canopy bar straps  26  around the frame  22 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the canopy  24  fully extended and attached to the frame  22  with the canopy bar straps  26 . A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the canopy bar straps  26  could include any type of attachment mechanism including screws, nails, a hook and loop configuration, snaps, buttons, Velcro, or other suitable attachment mechanism capable of retaining the canopy  24  to the frame  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the canopy  24  is supported by a rigid canopy support bar  28  that is connected to the frame  22  via a canopy attachment aperture  30 . The canopy  24  is designed to shield a passenger from the sun or other inclement weather such as rain, snow, sleet, or wind. The canopy  24  is retractable and thus must be made out of a flexible, weather resistant, and durable material. Suitable materials might include flexible plastics, nylon, or Gore-Tex®.  
         [0028]     Referencing  FIG. 1 , a front shield  32  is attached to the canopy  24 . The front shield  32  is generally positioned above the frame  22  and the canopy  24  to provide shelter for a passenger. Ideally, the front shield  32  is made from a clear plastic-type material such that a passenger can see out from the bottom portion of the frame  22 . The material of the front shield  32  must also be able to withstand the environment (wind, rain, snow, etc.), while enabling the passenger to breathe comfortably while riding in the stroller  20 . Suitable materials for the front shield  32  might include nylon or a micro-fiber weave as they are substantially weather resistant. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any weather resistant, yet flexible material known in the art may be used to form the front shield  32 . The front shield  32  may attach to the base of the frame  22  by means of snaps, buttons, Velcro, adhesive, or any other suitable connection means (not shown). The front shield  32  is also collapsible and may be stored above the canopy  24  ( FIG. 2 ) or below the canopy  24  ( FIG. 3 ). Upon deployment, the front shield  32  is unraveled longitudinally and extended outwardly along a set of arrows  34  in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  illustrates the stroller  20  with the canopy  24  fully extended and the front shield  32  fully deployed to substantially encapsulate the front portion of the frame  22 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the front shield  32  is long enough to completely cover the rider&#39;s legs and feet. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are many different configurations for the canopy  24  and the front shield  32 . For example, the canopy  24  may have a significantly greater width or length than the frame  22 . The front shield  32  may only partially cover the height of the frame  22  depending on the application. It should also be recognized that various combinations of the canopy  24  and the front shield  32  are possible because the combination is removable via the canopy bar straps  26  ( FIGS. 1-6 ).  
         [0029]     Additionally, the frame  22  is configured to receive a removable rear shield  36  as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 .  FIG. 4  specifically discloses an exploded view of the frame  22  set to receive the rear shield  36  along a set of phantom lines  38 . The rear shield  36  is foldable and can be stored underneath the frame  22 , or a pocket or other holder mounted to the frame  22 . The rear shield  36  is connected to the frame  22  via attachments such as screws, nails, a hook and loop configuration, snaps, buttons, Velcro, or other suitable mechanisms known in the art. In  FIG. 6 , the frame  22  of the stroller  20  is completely enclosed by the canopy  24 , the front shield  32 , and the rear shield  36 . The entire enclosure protects passengers from the outside weather, including sun, snow, wind, or rain. Like the front shield  32 , the dimensions of the rear shield  36  could also vary in width, height, and length depending on the desired application. For example, a passenger might want a canopy with a smaller shield for protection only against the sun on a sunny day. Alternatively, a passenger might want to be encapsulated by the canopy  24 , the front shield  32 , and the rear shield  36  combination for protection against cold wind, rain, or snow. Since the rear shield  36  is detachable, it is also envisioned that a variety of different styles and configurations could be used depending on the desired application. Different rear shields are configured to be carried by the canopy  24  or another suitable storage device associated with the stroller  20 .  
         [0030]     As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the stroller  20  includes a seat  40  pivotally connected to the frame  22  at a pivot point  42 . The seat  40  should be manufactured from a substantially rigid material that can withstand the weight of an adolescent or adult. The seat  40  is further supported by a seat bar  44 . The seat bar  44  is rigidly connected to the frame  22  as illustrated and able to withstand the weight of any passenger such that the seat  40  is retained in a substantially horizontal position when deployed. The combination of the seat bar  44  and the seat  40  are designed to carry a variety of individuals including adolescents and adults ranging up to the ninetieth percentile in size and weight. When attempting to sit down into the seat  40  or standup from the seat  40 , the stroller  20  further includes a footrest  46  ( FIG. 1 ) which folds along a directional arrow  48 . When the footrest  46  is folded, a passenger can stand in close proximity to the seat  40 . Turning back to  FIG. 7 , a seatback  50  is also provided and mounted to the frame  22  via the pivot point  42 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a series of seatback tabs  52  that enable the seatback  50  to be retained by the frame  22  in a variety of reclining positions. One reclined position is noted in phantom. Passengers may adjust comfort settings by altering the location of the seatback tabs  52 . Persons with back pain may choose a position substantially reclining. Persons having spinal cord problems or that are affected by scoliosis, may choose a substantially upright position.  
         [0031]     Safety also accompanies comfort in the adult stroller. One safety feature of the adult stroller resides in the control and brake system as generally depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 12 . The stroller  20  is controlled and operated by a caregiver or other individual through use of a handle  54 . The handle  54  is adjustable such that it can accommodate individuals of different sizes. The adjustability of the handle  54  may include a telescoping feature such that the handle  54  may be lowered for easier storage or raised to accommodate taller individuals. Thus, individuals may customize the location of the handle  54  to achieve better comfort and control over the stroller  20 .  
         [0032]     A brake bar  56  is adjacent to the handle  54  and runs parallel down the backside of the frame  22 . As generally illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 12 , the brake bar  56  is coupled to a braking unit  57 , which in turn is coupled to one of a pair of rear swivel wheels  58 . It is conceived that the braking unit  57  could also engage any one of a pair of front stationary wheels  60 . The combination of the rear swivel wheels  58  with the front stationary wheels  60 , provide the proper maneuverability and directional drive stability necessary for an individual operating the stroller  20  via the handle  54  to easily traverse a variety of terrains. It should be recognized that a variety of different mechanisms could be used to enable mobility of the stroller  20 . Such devices might include a variety of different wheels, rollers, castors, or skis. Additionally, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that any combination of such devices could be used. For example, the stroller  20  could consist of a set of four stationary wheels, or a set of four swivel wheels, or a pair of stationary wheels mounted with a pair of skis.  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the connection between the brake bar  56  and the braking unit  57  enables a person operating the stroller  20  via the handle  54  to selectively engage or disengage the braking unit  57 . When the brake bar  56  is in a resting position, the brake unit  57  automatically engages one of a pair of the rear swivel wheels  58 , thereby preventing inadvertent movement of the stroller  20 . When the brake bar  56  is pulled toward the handle  54  along the arrow  62 , the braking unit  57  disengages one of the rear swivel wheels  58  to enable movement of the stroller  20 . The person controlling the stroller  20  via the handle  54  and the brake bar  56  must retain the brake bar  56  against the handle  54  to continue to enable mobility of the stroller  20 . Once the brake bar  56  is released back to an initial resting position, the brake unit  57  reengages one of the rear swivel wheels  58  and the stroller  20  is thereafter prevented from moving. The brake unit  57  is not limited to engagement of only one of the rear swivel wheels  58 . The brake unit  57  could engage one or both of the rear swivel wheels  58 , one or both of the front stationary wheels  60 , or any combination of wheels or other mobility enhancing devices thereof.  
         [0034]     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , the stroller  20  further incorporates a dual safety belt combination including a lap seatbelt  62  and a shoulder seatbelt  64 . When the lap seatbelt  62  is threaded through a “V” shaped metal fitting  66  either the lap seatbelt  62  or the shoulder seatbelt  64  could be utilized. Alternatively, both the lap seatbelt  62  and the shoulder seatbelt  64  could be used simultaneously. The lap seatbelt  62  and the shoulder seatbelt  64  may be secured around a passenger by a clip, a traditional seatbelt locking device found in cars or airplanes, an adhesive, Velcro, buttons, snaps, or other suitable retaining mechanism known in the art. The lap seatbelt  62  and the shoulder seatbelt  64  are particularly ideal for retaining passengers prone to involuntary muscular movements and who may be susceptible to falling out of the stroller  20 . Passengers may use a set of armrests  68  for stability when sitting down or standing up or for comfort when riding in the stroller  20 . The armrests  68  generally have a wide formation for maximum comfort and utility. A basket type cup holder  70  may be incorporated into one or both of the armrests  68 . The cup holder  70  is configured to retain beverage cups or other containers storing food, medication, or personal belongings. Adjustability of the armrests  68  is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The armrests  68  may be raised or lowered along the directional arrow depending on the size and shape of the passenger. A set of spaced armrest connection points  72  located along the side of the frame  22  provide connection points to adjust the armrests  68 . The armrests  68  may be adjusted and connected to the frame  22  at the armrest connection points  72  by any means well known in the art. Such connection mechanisms might include a sliding engagement mechanism, snaps, clips, or Velcro.  
         [0035]     Next,  FIG. 8  discloses the stroller  20  incorporating a set of customizable modifications. First, the stroller  20  may include an adjustable lumbar support  74 . The lumbar support  74  may be attached and positioned anywhere along a variety of lumbar connection strips  76  located on the seatback  50 . Securing the lumbar support  74  to the lumbar connection strips  76  may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms such as snaps, adhesive, Velcro, or any combination of securement methods known in the art. Users have the option of incorporating different sized lumbar to correspond with the passenger&#39;s size and shape. It is also conceived that more than one lumbar support  74  may be used. The adjustability of the lumbar support  74  along the lumbar connection strips  76  provides for maximum comfort and enjoyment while riding in the stroller  20 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  further illustrates use of an adjustable neck support  78  with the stroller  20 . A series of neck support connection strips  80  provide a means for attaching and adjusting the neck support  78 . Like the lumbar support  74 , any combination of connection mechanisms, including snaps, adhesives, Velcro, or other methods known in the art, may be used to adjust and retain the neck support  78  to the seatback  50  for maximize comfort. The neck support  78  is also offered in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide greater versatility for a wider range of potential passengers. It is also envisioned that the neck support  78  could be used as a head support for younger or shorter passengers.  FIG. 8  also illustrates the use of a wire or mesh basket  82  capable of being mounted to the handle  54  via a set of basket mounting clips  84 . The basket  82  may be used to carry a variety of personal items, goods, or medical supplies. Lastly,  FIGS. 4 and 5  also disclose a pair of seatback pockets  86  ideal for carrying an oxygen tank, an ambulatory aid, or other suitable goods or personal items.  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  further discloses the use of a seat pad  88  and a seatback pad  90 . A combination of designs may comprise the seat pad  88  or the seatback pad  90 . For example, individuals that have severe back or pain from sitting for long periods of time may opt for a thick pad  92  as depicted in  FIG. 11 . It is conceivable that a variety of combinations may be used for the seat pad  88  and the seatback pad  90  including integrated back supports, cushions, formable pads, or other items known in the art. Turning back now to  FIG. 1 , a tray  94  is illustrated in exploded view from the armrests  68 . The tray  94  is capable of utilizing the cup holder  70  by placing a beverage through a pair of tray apertures  96 . The tray  94  has a variety of uses that might include storing or carrying items desired to be transported, retaining food or other beverages, or further providing a place to rest arms or other parts of the body during travel.  
         [0038]     Lastly,  FIG. 15  discloses the frame  22  of the stroller  20  in a collapsed position. A horizontal support bar  98  consists of two members, a front side member  100  and a rear side member  102 . The front side member  100  and the rear side member  102  are pivotally connected to the frame  22 . The front side member  100  and the rear side member  102  are also pivotally connected to one another along a support bar pivot point  104  ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ). When the stroller  20  is in operational form, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the support bar pivot point  104  is in a locked position. The locked position may include any means of preventing the support bar pivot point  104  from moving or inadvertently collapsing. When a user desires to collapse the stroller  20 , the user applies downward pressure at the support bar pivot point  104  to break the support bar pivot point  104  from its locked position. The linkage between the front side member  100  and the rear side member  102  allows the stroller  20  to collapse along the width of a flexible container  106  ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ). For easier storage the armrests  68  fold vertically to become substantially parallel with the rest of the frame  22  of the stroller  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 .  
         [0039]     A variety of modifications and improvements to the adult stroller of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such changes may be made without departing from the underlying principles of the present disclosure. The above-described disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is determined only by the following claims.