Abstract:
A three wheel jogging stroller having a conversion kit for enabling the stroller to be interchangeable between a single seat and a double seat model. The conversion requiring only the installation of a insert into the handlebar and an insert into the rear axle with a center bar between the handlebar and the front end and a connecting brace between the handlebar and rear axle. The center bar providing support for both seats. Pivoting means for the structural rods and handlebar extensions all being built into the basic stroller chassis. The entire conversion being performed without the need of any auxiliary tools.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is based on Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/238,117, filed Oct. 6, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to strollers for infants and small children, and more specifically to a stroller adapted particularly to outdoor use and which enables a parent to jog or exercise while pushing the stroller. The present invention is designed to have the ability to expand from a single seat to a multiple seat stroller or vice versa by the use of a conversion kit.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    With the resurgence of physical fitness, persons of all ages, including the parents of infants and young children have developed great interest in all forms of physical exercise, particularly in jogging and walking at relatively high speeds. Infants and small children certainly cannot be left unattended for any period of time, therefore it has become popular for parents to use jogging strollers to take the child or children along on the jog. Infant jogging strollers have been the subject of prior art and have developed into highly engineered and popular items, especially among young parents.  
           [0006]    To design a jogging stroller to navigate over the rough terrain on jogging trails requires the use of larger wheels, a much lighter chassis, and more shock absorption for the child than one would expect on a normal stroller. Such devices can be relatively expensive. Jogging strollers are available in single, double and even triple seat units. The double strollers are obviously slightly heavier and more expensive than that of a single seat design of similar quality. One would not usually purchase a double seat model, if there was no immediate need. Usually, a consumer first purchases a single seat model, and when the need to accommodate a second child arrives, they then purchase a double seat unit. There are excellent single and double units available, but it is an expensive expenditure when someone has to purchase an entirely new stroller to accommodate an extra child. The present invention seeks to provide an economic solution to this problem. It makes it possible to purchase a single seat stroller, and if and when the need arises for a second seat, the user need only to purchase a conversion kit, whereby the single seat unit can be converted into a double seat unit in a matter of minutes and without the need for very little mechanical skill. The cost savings are substantial as is the satisfaction that a perfectly good jogging stroller did not go to waste.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 418,780 and 402,597 issued to Everett are examples of double and single seat models and state of the art construction. Neither teaches the use of a conversion kit to alter the chassis from a single seat to a double or vice versa. It is anticipated that the occasion will also arise when a user may wish to convert from the double unit back to a single unit.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,212 issued to Hinkston on Dec. 9, 1997 is another example of a single seat unit, but again with no anticipation for converting to a double seat model.  
           [0009]    U.S. Patent issued to Nelson on Oct. 8, 1996, does disclose the ability to add one or two seats to the same stroller chassis. This patent teaches the use of a car seat as the seat on the jogging stroller. But even though it discloses the addition or removal of the second seat, the user is inconvenienced by a much larger chassis when only one seat is wanted. This can be extremely important in cases where the added weight and size is a detriment to the serious jogger.  
           [0010]    None of the above inventions and patents, either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are obviated by the present invention which provides for a three-wheel jogging stroller with the ability to be expanded to accommodate a second seat by means of a conversion kit.  
           [0012]    The frame assembly includes a primary structural rear axle assembly having an enlarged diameter tubular construction which couples at opposite ends thereof for supporting removable large diameter pneumatic tires with axles thereof cantered so that the wheels are downwardly divergent relative to the ground. The rear axle assembly having pivotally coupled thereto a pair of upright support members and a pair of rods for supporting the removable front wheel at one end thereof, while at the other end, the rod members are pivotally coupled to the rear axle member by means of clevis type members, so that the pivotable coupling is displaced, or offset, a given distance from the axis of the rear axle member.  
           [0013]    The handlebar assembly includes a first generally U-shaped handlebar member and a second tubular portion including left and right leg members having lower ends thereof flexibly connected to a front wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly supporting the front wheel and forming the structural integrity of the stroller by rotationally connecting the distal ends of the rods while the proximal ends of the rods are pivotally connected to the axle assembly.  
           [0014]    Both the handle bar assembly and the rear axle assembly have means for separating and then installing an insert from the conversion kit which will thereby expand the width of the single seat stroller to that of a double seat unit. A couple of support members include: a center bar extending between the handlebar assembly and the front end assembly for providing support for the dual seats; and a brace between the handlebar and the rear axle assembly.  
           [0015]    Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved jogging stroller which comprises a tricycle frame having a single seat arrangement which can be adapted to convert into a double seat stroller by utilization of a conversion kit.  
           [0016]    Another of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved jogging stroller which includes relatively large wheels preferably having a diameter of at least fifteen inches or more, in order to provide for ease of travel over uneven and rough terrain.  
           [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved jogging stroller in which at least some of the wheels are quickly and easily removable and installable without need for special tools.  
           [0018]    Still another of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved jogging stroller in which at least the horizontal tubular members are capable of being disconnected and of receiving interconnecting members for expanding the overall width of the chassis to accommodate a second seat.  
           [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved jogging stroller which frame is constructed of light weight tubing for durability and strength.  
           [0020]    A final object of the present invention is to provide an improved jogging stroller for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purpose.  
           [0021]    These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is top view of a single seat stroller frame, showing its general configuration when being operated as a single seat unit. Seams are indicated where the conversion kit will be installed.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2 is a top view of the stroller frame of FIG. 1 after being converted by the conversion kit to a double seated unit.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 is a side view of the stroller of FIG. 2.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 4 a  is a top view of the knuckle member.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 b  is an elevation view of the knuckle member,  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 a  is top view of the handlebar insert and center bar of the conversion kit.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 b  is a side view of FIG. 5 a.    
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 c  is a top view of the axle insert and brace member of the conversion kit. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0030]    The present invention provides a conversion kit  80  for converting an ordinary single seat jogging stroller to a double seat unit by inserting a few friction fitting mechanical procedures requiring no tools or exceptional mechanical ability. The utilization of a conversion kit  80 , at a fraction of the price of what a new double seat stroller would cost, is the main inventive concept of the present invention.  
         [0031]    Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a three-wheeled jogging stroller, a single seat unit generally designated as  20 , and a double seat stroller designated as  22 . Both strollers  20  and  22  include: a front wheel assembly  60  comprising a front wheel frame  53 ; a rear axle assembly  40  having an elongated axle  41  which further has opposite ends supporting a pair of pneumatic tire wheel frames, a left wheel frame  51  and a right wheel frame  52 ; and a two-part U-shaped tubular handlebar assembly  30  which includes a first part having a pair of arm members, a left arm  33  and a right arm  34 , each arm having a distal end terminating in a folding coupling  37 , and a second part comprising of a pair of leg members, a left leg  35  and a right leg  36  interconnecting between folding couplings  37  and front wheel assembly  60 . Folding couplings  37  are generally saddle-shaped and configured for enabling the two arms  33 ,  34  and legs  35  and  36  to be therefore folded.  
         [0032]    In order to make the strollers convertible between either single or double seat models, the handlebar assembly  30  has in its gripping portion  32  a handlebar disconnect seam  31 , wherein friction fitting means is incorporated to permit the user to disengage the handlebar assembly  30  for easy installation of one the conversion kit parts (discussed below). The grip itself will be covered with a rubberized grasping material.  
         [0033]    The other insert of the kit  80  involves the structural axle assembly  40  including axle  41  having a diameter between about 2.5 inches to 4.0 inches which includes an axle disconnect seam  42  which enables axle  41  to be disengaged for the installation of the appropriate part from the conversion kit  80  (to be discussed later). The structural support between axle  41  and front wheel assembly  60  is accomplished by a pair of elongated rods, a left rod  44  and a right rod  45 . A pair of axle couplers  43  having means for fitting to axle  41  and each having a pivoting member  46  connected to one of the ends of the rods  44 ,  45 . The other ends of the rods  44 ,  45 , being connected to front wheel assembly  60  by a pair of knuckle members  70 .  
         [0034]    The front wheel assembly  60  comprises a generally tubular elongated housing  68 , each end having flexible leg sockets, a left leg socket  61  and a right leg socket  62 . Each socket  61 ,  62 , having a female type friction-fitting means for connection to one of the ends of the legs  35 ,  36 . A pair of fixed front rod couplers  63 , have means for attachment to the tubular housing  68 , each having a portion for a friction-fitting engagement with one of the knuckle members  70 . A front end sleeve  67  extends outwardly from housing  68  and towards handlebar assembly  30  for engagement with the appropriate part of the conversion kit  80 . Front wheel assembly  60  provides the structural integrity for front wheel frame  53  by means of a pair of fork-like supports, a left support  64  and a right support  65 , each support extending outwardly from the housing  68  and having connecting means  66  for supporting front wheel frame  53  and properly maintaining the alignment therein.  
         [0035]    Providing the vertical structural support are a pair of generally vertical tubular strut members, a left strut  47  and a right strut  48 , illustrated in FIG. 3, both being attached at their lower ends to rear axle  41 , and at their upper ends to like configured interconnects in folding couplings  37 . Struts  47 ,  48 , thereby interconnecting between axle tube  41  and folding couplings  37 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  illustrate the knuckle members  70 . Each knuckle member  70  is comprised of: a rotation portion  71  in the generally middle area; on one side a rod sheath  72  having an opening  74  for connection by friction-fitting means to one of the rods  44  or  45 ; and on the other side a housing connection sheath  73  having an opening  75  for connection by friction fitting means to one of the couplers  63 . The knuckle members  70  provide the ability for the stroller to rotate between the angles required for the conversion of the single seat model  20  to the double seat model  22  as explained below.  
         [0037]    The main inventive concept of the present invention is providing the conversion kit  80  to interchange between the single seat unit  20  and the double seat unit  22 . As shown in FIGS. 5 a,    5   b  and  5   c,  kit  80  includes a handlebar insert  81 , an axle insert  90 , a center bar  86  and a brace member  96 . The conversion will only take minutes and tools are not required. The conversion is actuated by first disconnecting the handlebar assembly  30  is disconnected at the seam  31 , which is located in handlebar tube  38 .  
         [0038]    Then axle  41  is disconnected at its seam  42 , thereby allowing stroller  20  to be spread apart to accommodate an additional seat. Handlebar insert  81  comprises a generally hollow main structural body  82 , having at one end a male section  83  and at the other end a female section  84 , each having means for friction-fitting with one of the disconnected portions of handlebar tube  38 . Extending obliquely from body  82  are a pair of sleeves, a center bar sleeve  85  and a brace sleeve  89 , each having friction-fitting connection means for connecting to the center bar  86  and to the brace member  96  respectively. Center bar  86  having a proximal end  87  which is received in sleeve  85  and a distal end  88  which is similarly received in front end sleeve  67 , thereby providing both structural support as well as support for the pair of seats disposed in the center of stroller  22 . For purposes of clarity, the seats are not shown in the drawings. They are snapped into the frame by conventional means well known to those skilled in the art. The axle insert  90  supports the additional weight and structure of the two seat stroller  22  and is installed into axle seam  42  of axle  41 . Axle insert  90  has a construction generally similar to handlebar insert  81 , however it has only one outwardly extending brace sleeve  94 . Again a male section  92  at one end of axle insert body  91  and a female section  93  at the other end engage in a friction-fit with the disconnected ends of axle  41 . Extending upwardly away from axle insert body  91  is a brace sheath  94  having an opening  95  therein for receiving brace member  96  in a friction-fit. Brace member  96  having a lower end  97  for connecting within the brace sheath  94  and an upper end  98  for friction fitting with the brace sleeve  89  of handlebar insert  81 .  
         [0039]    The installation of handlebar insert  81 , axle insert  90 , connecting bar  86 , brace member  96 , and an additional seat that can be snapped into place (seat not shown) makes the conversion to a double seat model  22  complete. To convert back to a single seat model  20 , the reverse procedure is required. Either way the procedure consists of disconnecting snap-fitting connections and then snap-fitting new connections. The entire process will only take a few minutes and tools are not required.  
         [0040]    For the purposes of simplicity and clarity many of the very necessary elements of a jogging stroller, such as the brake lever which is normally located on the handlebar assembly, and the associated caliper type brake which engages the rim of the front wheel frame, have not been shown. While the description has utilized directional references, such as upper, lower, right and left, it is to be understood that these terms are utilized with reference to the orienting of the figures and not intended to be limiting. The construction of jogging strollers  20 ,  22 , is preferably of aluminum tubing which, with the exception of axle  41 , are all of the same diameter, thus effecting economies of assembly. Furthermore, with the exception of handlebar tube  38 , all the tubular stock consists of straight or linear lengths of material.  
         [0041]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompass any and all embodiments within the scope of the following clams.