Abstract:
An accessory support device for a stroller apparatus comprises a coupling fixture securely mounted on a handle of a stroller and including a plurality of latching openings, a rotary socket pivotally assembled with the coupling fixture and including a detent and a connecting portion, and an accessory support frame detachably fastened with the connecting portion of the rotary socket. The accessory support frame is operable to rotate with the rotary socket relative to the coupling fixture, and the detent is movable to engage with any one of the latching openings for locking the accessory support frame at different angular positions relative to the coupling fixture.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Taiwan Patent Application No. 098114249, which was filed on Apr. 29, 2009. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to accessory parts for a stroller apparatus, and more particularly to a stroller apparatus having a rotary accessory support device. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Chinese Patent Application no. CN200620070283.8, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a stroller apparatus provided with an adjustable handle. The adjustable handle is pivotally coupled with the stroller frame, such that the handle can be rotated between at least two different positions: a first position where it is inclined rearward, and a second position where it is inclined forward. In addition, the handle may also be provided with a tray for facilitating the placement of a drink bottle or like fluid containers. When the orientation of the handle is changed, the tray must also be accordingly adjusted to permit proper use. Unfortunately, the conventional construction does not allow convenient operation of the tray, and also fails to securely lock the position of the tray. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there is a need for an accessory support device that can address the foregoing issues in a cost-effective manner. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present application describes a stroller apparatus that has an accessory support device pivotally coupled with the handle of the stroller. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the accessory support device comprises a coupling fixture securely mounted on a handle of a stroller and including a plurality of latching openings, a rotary socket pivotally assembled with the coupling fixture and including a detent and a connecting portion, and an accessory support frame detachably fastened with the connecting portion of the rotary socket. The accessory support frame is operable to rotate with the rotary socket relative to the coupling fixture, and the detent is movable to engage with any one of the latching openings for locking the accessory support frame at different angular positions relative to the coupling fixture. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, a stroller apparatus is described. The stroller apparatus comprises a stroller frame, a handle, a coupling fixture securely mounted on the handle and including a plurality of latching openings, a rotary socket pivotally assembled with the coupling fixture and including a detent and a connecting portion, and an accessory support frame detachably fastened with the connecting portion of the rotary socket. The accessory support frame is operable to rotate with the rotary socket relative to the coupling fixture, and the detent is movable to engage with any one of the latching openings for locking the accessory support frame at different angular positions relative to the coupling fixture. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view illustrating a first embodiment of an accessory support device; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the coupling fixture and the rotary socket; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the rotary socket; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating how a portion of the rotary socket is assembled with the coupling fixture; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view illustrating how a protruding stud in the rotary socket moves relative to the coupling fixture during rotation of the rotary socket; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the rotary socket and the accessory support frame; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating the accessory support frame locked in a first position on the handle; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view illustrating the accessory support frame locked in a second position on the handle; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view illustrating a first position of the handle in the stroller apparatus with the accessory support device locked in a first position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view illustrating a second position of the handle in the stroller apparatus with the accessory support device locked in a second position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view illustrating a second embodiment of an accessory support device; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are schematic views illustrating various adjustable positions of the accessory support device shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view illustrating a first position of the handle in the stroller apparatus with the accessory support device of  FIG. 11  locked in a first position; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view illustrating a second position of the handle in the stroller apparatus with the accessory support device of  FIG. 11  locked in a second position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    The present application describes a stroller apparatus that has an accessory support device pivotally coupled with the handle of the stroller. The accessory support device may include a bottle holder, a tray, or like support structures capable of conveniently holding various articles on the handle at a location easily accessible to an adult. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1-5  and  FIGS. 6-10  are various schematic views illustrating a first embodiment provided with an accessory support device. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  9  and  10 , the first embodiment comprises a handle  1  coupled with a stroller frame, a connecting structure  2  provided on the handle  1 , and a coupling structure  3  adapted to assemble with the connecting structure  2 . The connecting structure  2  includes a base  21  having a central region provided with a hole  211 , and two threaded holes  212  located at two sides of the hole  211 . The coupling structure  3  includes a coupling fixture  31 , a rotary socket  32  pivotally mounted on the coupling fixture  31 , and an accessory support frame  4  detachably mounted with the rotary socket  32 . The rotary socket  32  is pivotally assembled in the coupling fixture  31  in a snugly manner. Holes  314  and  321  are provided at central regions of the coupling fixture  31  and rotary socket  32 , respectively. Two screws  5  engage through the two threaded holes  212  of the base  21  and two corresponding threaded holes  315  of the coupling fixture  31  for affixing the coupling fixture  31  with the connecting structure  2 . A rivet  6  is passed respectively through the holes  211 ,  314  and  321  of the base  21 , the coupling fixture  31  and the rotary socket  32  for pivotally assembling the rotary socket  32  with the coupling fixture  31  and connecting structure  2 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the coupling fixture  31  includes an outer sidewall  312  lying at periphery of the coupling fixture  31 . The outer sidewall  312  has a generally cylindrical shape that delimits at least partially an inner space  313  of the coupling fixture  31 . A bottom surface of the inner space  313  includes a central hole  314 , and two threaded holes  315  at two opposite sides of the central hole  314 . In addition, a curved rib  316  also protrudes from the bottom surface of the inner space  313  proximate to one of the two threaded holes  315  and at a location spaced apart from the outer sidewall  312 . The curved rib  316  has a profile that is substantially parallel with the outer sidewall  312 , such that an arc-shaped sliding track  3161  is defined at least partially between the curved rib  316  and the outer sidewall  312 . Two opposite ends of the curved rib  316  also form a first and second stop portion  3162 ,  3163 , respectively located at two opposite ends of the sliding track  3161 . The outer sidewall  312  includes a first latching opening  317  and second latching opening  318  through which an engagement stud  3233  of the rotary socket  32  can engage for locking rotation of the rotary socket  32 . The first and second latching openings  317 ,  318  are disposed at different radial directions relative to the rotation axis defined by the rivet  6 . The first and second stop portions  3162 ,  3163  act to restrict movement of a stud  3234  protruding inwardly from the rotary socket  32 , such that the stud  3234  is restricted to move along the sliding track  3161  between the first and second stop portions  3162  and  3163 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rotary socket  32  includes an outer sidewall  322  having a generally cylindrical shape that delimits at least partially an inner space  323 . A generally “8”-shaped hole  324  is formed centrally through a bottom surface of the inner space  323 . A curved gap  3232  is also cut through the outer sidewall  322  of the inner space  323 . A detent  3231  provided with an engagement stud  3233  at one end thereof is thereby formed at a side of the curved gap  3232 , extending from the outer sidewall  322 . The engagement stud  3233  is integrally formed and resiliently connected with the rotary socket  32 . The engagement stud  3233  is connected with the outer sidewall  322  of the rotary socket  32  via the detent  3231 . The stud  3234  protrudes inward and is positioned in the sliding track  3161  of the coupling fixture  31 . A connecting portion  325  projects from the rotary socket  32  at a side opposite the inner space  323 . The connecting portion  325  includes a neck  326  adapted to engage with a retainer flange  42  on the accessory support frame  4  for attaching the accessory support frame  4  with the rotary socket  32 . A distal end surface of the connecting portion  325  also includes a catch  3251  adapted to snap fit through an opening  45  provided on the accessory support frame  4 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  7  and  8 , when the rotary socket  32  rotates an angle around the rotation axis of the rivet  6  relative to the coupling fixture  31 , the stud  3234  slides until it reaches and is arrested by either of the first and second stop portions  3162 ,  3163 . When the stud  3234  abuts against one of the first and second stop portions  3162 ,  3163 , the engagement stud  3233  on the detent  3231  can engage through one of the latching openings (i.e., either of the first and second latching openings  317  and  318 ) and protrude outside on the outer sidewall  312  for locking the position of the rotary socket  32  and accessory support frame  4  relative to the coupling fixture  31 . After the orientation of the handle  1  is changed, the position of the accessory support frame  4  can be changed by first pushing on the engagement stud  3233 , which previously lies engaged through one of the latching openings  317  and  318  and protrudes from the inner space  313  to the outside of the outer sidewall  312 . As a result, the detent  3231  deforms and causes the engagement stud  3233  to disengage from the first or second latching opening  317 ,  318 , and moves the engagement stud  3233  into the inner space  313  of the coupling fixture  31 , whereby allowing rotation of the rotary socket  32  and accessory support frame  4  relative to the coupling fixture  31 . The accessory support frame  4  and rotary socket  32  can then be rotated in unison around the axis of the rivet  6 , until the engagement stud  3233  engages with another latching opening under resilient action of the detent  3231  for locking the accessory support frame  4 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the accessory support frame  4  may include a cup-like holder body  41  adapted to receive the placement of a bottle, cup and any objects therein. A hanger portion provided with a retainer flange  42  extends from the holder body  41 . The hanger portion also includes a U-shaped slit  43  that defines a tongue portion  44  capable of resiliently deflecting relative to the hanger portion. The tongue portion  44  has an opening  45  that can detachably snap fit with the catch  3251  of the connecting portion  325 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 9 and 10  respectively show the handle  1  in two different positions. According to the needs, the handle  1  can be oriented forward or rearward. To match the orientation of the handle  1 , the position of the accessory support frame  4  can also be adjusted by rotation relative to the handle  1 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 11-15  are schematic views illustrating a second embodiment provided with an accessory support device. Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment also includes a handle  1  extending symmetrically at two sides of the stroller, a connecting structure  2  provided on the handle  1 , and a coupling structure  3  adapted to assemble with the connecting structure  2 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  14  and  15 , in the second embodiment, the connecting structure  2  likewise includes a base  21  having a central region provided with a hole  211 , and two threaded holes  212  located at two sides of the hole  211 . The coupling structure  3  includes a coupling fixture  31 , a rotary socket  32  pivotally mounted on the coupling fixture  31 , and an accessory support frame  4  detachably mounted with the rotary socket  32 . Holes  314  and  321  are provided at central regions of the coupling fixture  31  and rotary socket  32 , respectively. Two screws  5  engage through the two threaded holes  212  of the base  21  and two corresponding threaded holes  315  of the coupling fixture  31  for affixing the coupling fixture  31  with the connecting structure  2 . A rivet  6  is passed respectively through the holes  211 ,  314  and  321  of the base  21 , coupling fixture  31  and rotary socket  32  for pivotally assembling the rotary socket  32  with the coupling fixture  31  and connecting structure  2 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the coupling fixture  31  includes an outer sidewall  312  lying at periphery of the coupling fixture  31 . The outer sidewall  312  has a generally cylindrical shape that delimits at least partially an inner space  313  of the coupling fixture  31 . A bottom surface of the inner space  313  includes a central hole  314 , and two threaded holes  315  at two opposite sides of the central hole  314 . In addition, a curved rib  316  also protrudes from the bottom surface of the inner space  313  proximate to one of the two threaded holes  315  and at a location spaced apart from the outer sidewall  312 . The curved rib  316  has a profile that is substantially parallel with the outer sidewall  312 , such that a sliding track  3161  is defined at least partially between the curved rib  316  and the outer sidewall  312 . Two opposite ends of the curved rib  316  also form a first and second stop portion  3162 ,  3163 , respectively. The outer sidewall  312  includes a first latching opening  317  and second latching opening  318  through which an engagement stud  3233  of the rotary socket  32  can engage for locking rotation of the rotary socket  32 . The first and second latching openings  317 ,  318  are disposed at different radial directions relative to the rotation axis defined by the rivet  6 . The first and second stop portions  3162 ,  3163  act to restrict movement of a stud  3234  protruding inwardly from the rotary socket  32 , such that the stud  3234  can only move along the sliding track  3161  between the first and second stop portions  3162  and  3163 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rotary socket  32  includes an outer sidewall  322  having a generally cylindrical shape that delimits at least partially an inner space  323 . A generally “8”-shaped hole  324  is formed centrally through a bottom surface of the inner space  323 . A curved gap  3232  is also left through the outer sidewall  322  of the inner space  323 . A detent  3231  provided with an engagement stud  3233  at one end thereof extends from the outer sidewall  322  at a side of the curved gap  3232 . The engagement stud  3233  is thus integrally formed and resiliently connected with the rotary socket  32 . The engagement stud  3233  is thus connected with the outer sidewall  322  of the rotary socket  32  via the detent  3231 . The stud  3234  protrudes inward and is positioned in the sliding track  3161  of the coupling fixture  31 . A connecting portion  325  projects from the rotary socket  32  at a side opposite the inner space  323 . The connecting portion  325  includes a neck  326  adapted to engage with a retainer flange  42  on the accessory support frame  4  for attaching the accessory support frame  4  with the rotary socket  32 . A distal end surface of the connecting portion  325  also includes a catch  3251  adapted to snap fit through an opening  45  provided on the accessory support frame  4 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  7  and  8 , when the rotary socket  32  rotates an angle around the rotation axis of the rivet  6  relative to the coupling fixture  31 , the stud  3234  accordingly slides until it reaches and is arrested by either of the first and second stop portions  3162 ,  3163 . When the stud  3234  abuts against any of the first and second stop portions  3162 ,  3163 , the engagement stud  3233  on the detent  3231  can engage with one of the latching openings (i.e., either of the first and second latching openings  317  and  318 ) for locking the position of the rotary socket  32  and accessory support frame  4  relative to the coupling fixture  31 . After the orientation of the handle  1  is changed, the position of the accessory support frame  4  can be changed by first pushing on the engagement stud  3233 . As a result, the detent  3231  deforms and causes the engagement stud  3233  to disengage from the first or second latching opening  317 ,  318 , whereby allowing rotation of the rotary socket  32  and accessory support frame  4  relative to the coupling fixture  31 . The accessory support frame  4  and rotary socket  32  can then be rotated in unison around the axis of the rivet  6 , until the engagement stud  3233  engages with another latching opening under resilient action of the detent  3231  for locking the accessory support frame  4 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  13 , the accessory support frame  4  can include a tray  46  having two opposite sides respectively provided with retainer flanges  42  for assembling the tray  46  between two parallel segments of the handle  1 . Each of the retainer flanges  42  may have a structure similar to the retainer flange  42  shown in  FIG. 6 . In addition, each of the two opposite sides of the tray  46  may also have a U-shaped slit (such as slit  43  shown in  FIG. 6 ) that defines a tongue portion (such as tongue  44  shown in  FIG. 6 ) capable of resiliently deflection. The tongue portion also has an opening (such as opening  45  shown in  FIG. 6 ) that can detachably snap fit with the catch  3251  of the connecting portion  325  for fastening the tray  46  with the rotary socket  32 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 14 and 15  respectively show the handle  1  in two different positions. According to the needs, the handle  1  can be oriented forward or rearward. To match the configuration of the handle  1 , the position of the accessory support frame  4  can also be adjusted by rotation relative to the handle  1 . 
         [0038]    At least one advantage of the accessory support device described herein is the ability to pivotally adjust the position of the accessory support frame in a convenient manner, according to the orientation of the handle. In addition, the accessory support device uses a construction that can reliably lock the position of the accessory support frame at any orientation. 
         [0039]    Realizations in accordance with the present invention therefore have been described only in the context of particular embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided for components described herein as a single instance. Structures and functionality presented as discrete components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.