Abstract:
An anti-tipping/stand device for providing support for a stroller or similar device includes a clamp mechanism structured to be coupled to a portion of the stroller and a support system or “stand” portion selectively coupled to the clamp mechanism. The stand portion is selectively rotatable relative to the clamp mechanism among a plurality of positions for the user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/058,103, filed Oct. 1, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Strollers, especially lightweight easily compactable strollers—commonly termed as “umbrella strollers,” are generally not designed for any additional imposed loads on or around the handles. And as such it often takes a small load applied to the back of an empty stroller, and the stroller will topple over. Strollers can often be equipped with miscellaneous accessories and items including but not limited to: shopping bags, purses, diaper bags, coats, scooters, mounts for smart devices/tablets, cup holders, umbrella mounts etc. thereby easily imposing additional loads to the handles. Any occurrence of an imposed load is generally, temporarily stabilized by the occupant of the stroller acting as a counter weight, once the occupant exits, or is assisted exiting the stroller by the user, the stroller often destabilizes due to the additional loads now acting as a cantilever over the rear wheels and topples over along with the load imposing contents (diaper/shopping bags etc.) 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the light and compact designs of umbrella strollers, to take on additional imposed loads without tipping, the present invention provides an apparatus primarily developed for purposes to remain upright while sustaining said loads. 
         [0004]    The anti-tipping stand, actuated by the user prior to the stroller occupant exiting the stroller, stabilizes and braces the stroller in place. The anti-tipping device hereinafter referred to as “stand” once actuated acts as a preventative measure to avoid the stroller from tipping over and allowing the stroller to remain in the open position with no further assistance from the user, while allowing miscellaneous load imposing items on and around the handlebars to remain in place for an indefinite amount of time on various terrains. 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to an adjustable mounting device for securing an anti-tipping or weight supporting device/stand to a stroller, carriage, pram, wheelchair or other such device to provide stability from the imposed loads subject to the stroller or like device. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment of the invention, a stand assembly for providing anti-tipping stability to a stroller or similar device is provided. The assembly includes a clamp mechanism structured to be coupled to a portion of the stroller and a stand portion selectively coupled to the clamp mechanism. The stand portion is selectively rotatable relative to the clamp mechanism among a plurality of positions. 
         [0007]    The stand portion may be moveable among the plurality of positions while coupled to the clamp. The plurality of positions may comprise a first position in which the stand is structured to be positioned generally at a 60-80 degree angle to the ground. The clamp mechanism may comprise a first knob and a second knob, the first knob being structured to tighten or loosen the clamp mechanism from the stroller and the second knob being disposed to adjust the coupling of the stand portion and the clamp member. The stand portion may comprise an adjustable, collapsible, tethered, segmented cane (as shown in the illustrations here-in but certainly not limited to this design) another viable iteration would be a telescopin shaft, both in which would have a number of apertures disposed therein and the upper portion having a button member protruding radially therefrom for further height adjustment. The button member may be structured to engage a selected one of the number of apertures in a manner that allows for the relative positioning of the lower portion and the upper portion to be selectively adjusted. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the invention, another shaft assembly for providing anti-tipping stability to a user parking a stroller or similar device is also provided. The assembly includes a stand having a telescoping shaft extending therefrom and a clamp mechanism having a first portion structured to be coupled to a portion of the stroller and a second portion coupled to the shaft of the stand. The second portion of the clamp mechanism is selectively rotatable about the first portion of the clamp mechanism such that the stand may be placed among a plurality of positions. 
         [0009]    The second portion of the clamp mechanism may be selectively rotatable with respect to the first portion of the clamp mechanism from a first position to a second position. The first portion of the clamp mechanism may comprise a first lever that is structured to tighten or loosen the coupling of the first portion and the portion of the stroller. The second portion of the clamp mechanism may comprise a second knob member that is structured to control rotation of the second portion about the first portion. The second portion of the clamp mechanism may comprise an elbow or plastic arm that engages the telescoping stand. The plastic arm may comprise a number of apertures disposed therein and the telescoping stand may comprise a button member protruding radially therefrom, the button member being structured to selectively engage a selected one or of a number of apertures in a manner that allows for the relative positioning of the stand to be selectively adjusted. 
         [0010]    It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings and/or bi-tonal black and white pictures. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In regards to both the clamp and the stand and all related components there-in. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0011]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0012]    These objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0013]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the attached drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIGS. 1A-1C  are side axonometric views of a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention installed on an example stroller with the anti-tipping device positioned in an active position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1C  separate from the stroller for clarity, with the stand portion assembled and positioned flat on its side and; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with the stand portion collapsed in a stowed position; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a bottom elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with the stand portion collapsed in a stowed position; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with the stand portion collapsed in a stowed position; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with the stand portion collapsed in a stowed position; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a user perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and with the stand portion assembled in a operable position; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is the embodiment of  FIG. 7  and with a detailed view of how the stand is coupled to the clamp and how said clamp engages the stroller 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a user perspective view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1C  and with the stand portion collapsed in a stowed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with detailed focus on the adjustable clamp. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is an alternate perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with detailed focus on the adjustable clamp. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with detailed focus on the junction elbow of where the clamp is coupled with the stand. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with detailed focus on the stand arm to clamp receiver arm in which forms the elbow and the various slotted apertures. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with detailed focus on the junction between the stand arm and the stand, and the various slotted apertures. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with emphasis on the multiple components comprising the clamp 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with emphasis on the multiple apertures received by the clamp and provided by the clamp arm. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with emphasis on the tethered segmented stand joints in the collapsed position at the angle illustrating the foot and stand arm. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  and with emphasis on the tethered segmented stand joints in the collapsed position at the angle illustrating the middle sections of the stand. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    All of the above figures are illustrating a device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. 
         [0034]    As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
         [0035]    Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. 
         [0036]    In addressing the overturning stroller issue, embodiments of the present invention provide a mounting device that attaches securely and easily to a stroller, carriage, pram, walker, wheelchair or other pushchair. As employed herein, the term “stroller” shall be used to mean a stroller, carriage, pram, walker, wheelchair or other similar device. 
         [0037]    Referring to the bi-tonal pictures,  FIG. 1C  depicts an anti-tipping stroller device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, generally designated with the reference numeral  10 , attached to a conventional folding or collapsible stroller otherwise referred to as an “umbrella stroller”  12 . The stroller  12  seats a young child (not shown) who may be acting as a counterweight to the diaper bag  14  or other accessory or miscellaneous stored item (not shown). The anti-tipping device assembly  10 , which may also attach to a pram, baby carriage, wheelchair, or other suitable device, includes a clamp  15 , and a stand  16  (see  FIG. 1A,1B ). The stand, in the illustrated iteration, includes multiple segmented shafts  17 , 18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  includes an upper adjustable, sliding section  17  with suitably 5 holes (though more or less holes can be utilized), that receives and slides over shaft section  18  which is fashioned with a corresponding spring pin  75  that is intended to spring into said holes and lock the stand into positions of varying heights. Following shaft sections  17  and  18  and commencing where shaft section  18  meets shaft section  19  and so on through the subsequent shaft sections, is a rope comprised of elastic/nylon  80 , tethering all shaft sections together. And in which, thereby, actuates a propensity for the stand to interlock and remain erect and upright in the locked position, once the velcro strap  76  is undone. The first few inches of the shaft sections are depressed  81  and of a smaller diameters, to be received by the last few inches of the adjoining shaft section which is thereupon fashioned with a flared and beveled edge  82  acting as a guide for all intermediate sections  18 - 20  as well as the lower section  21  to come together as a unit, section  21  will be fashioned with a rubber shoe or foot  77 . Upper section  17  is coupled to a clamp  15  that attaches to a portion of the stroller frame  22  of the stroller  12 , preferably proximal to the handle portion  24 , in this case high on the back vertical leg  22  supporting the rear wheels  23  by a clamping mechanism  15  as shown in  FIGS. 10,11 . The clamping mechanism is described in further detail below. 
         [0038]    Having thus described an overview of an example embodiment of an anti-tipping device  10  according to an embodiment of the invention, an example embodiment of a clamping mechanism  15  will now be described in conjunction with the FIGS., particularly in conjunction with the exploded view of  FIG. 15,16 . The example clamping mechanism  15  of  FIG. 15,16  serves two general functions: first it serves to couple the stand  16  to stroller  12 , and second it serves to allow for the adjustment of the relative positing of the stand  16  with respect to stroller  12 . 
         [0039]    In providing the first function, clamping mechanism  15  includes a first clamp member  30  having a threaded shaft  32  extending through a portion thereof such that a first end  34  with affixed capped lock nut, of threaded shaft  32  protrudes from a first side of clamp member  30 , and an opposite second end  36  protrudes from an opposite second side of clamp member  30 . A second clamp member  38  includes a pivot pin  40  that interlocks with a corresponding portion of first clamp member  30 , creating a hinge point that allows the two clamp members  30 ,  38  to cooperatively engage, and be tightened, on a selected portion of the stroller  12 , preferably at or near the handle portion  24 . The two clamp members  30 ,  38  are tightened by turning a stroller tightening lever  42  threadedly disposed on threaded shaft  32  at or near second end  36 . A truss rod anchor nut  48  is preferably installed in the tightening lever  42  during manufacturing and a washer  44  is sandwiched between stroller lever  42  and clamp member  38 . There is an additional corresponding truss rod anchor  41  integrated into clamp member  30  that will be the opposing communication transposed through the threaded shaft  32  and allowing the clamp members  30 ,  38  to expand and contract relative to one another. Preferably, such elements are made from a composite material such as reinforced polycarbonate, EPS (or other type of composite) or other suitable material. In use, the tightening lever  42  opens and closes the clamp formed by the first and second clamp members  30 ,  38  to secure the anti-tipping device  10  to the stroller  12 . Preferably, the tightening knob  42  is manufactured to only loosen a selected amount, and thus cannot be removed from the threaded shaft via cap nut  34  and epoxy or latex coating applied to the last few threads of  36  to avoid the potential over loosening by a user. 
         [0040]    Preferably, one or both of clamp members  30 ,  38  are provided with a number of generally small grip protrusions  50  molded into the concave clamp area (not numbered) thereof. The grip protrusions  50  allow the clamp formed by the first and second clamp members  30 ,  38  to grip the cushioned (rubber, foam, plastic or metal) handles or other selected portion of a stroller. 
         [0041]    In providing the second function, clamping mechanism  25  includes rotating positioning knob  60  with multiple notched apertures radially configured around a perimeter component  55  and to be received by, and coupled to relative apertures located in a radial depression with corresponding apertures  53  on the back of clamp member  38  via self-tapping screw  65 , washer  66  and spring  67 . Thereby allowing positioning knob  60  to rotate freely about clamp member  38  and lock into integral positions about the axis with minimal exertion from the user. 
         [0042]    Ribbed receiving disc  68  has an integral square washer to allow it to align with winged appendage  64  and affix into position via hexagonal screw head with corresponding profile located on winged appendage  61 . Hexagonal screw thread  58  then precedes through stand arm  70 , through ribbed receiving disc  68  and corresponding appendage  64  and engage locknut  69 . Thereby, allowing the stand arm  70  (or anything attached thereto) to further rotate about axis  58  which would in turn effect the angle of the stand relative to the position of the stroller. Where the relationship of the stand  71  to the positioning knob  60  is of the utmost importance as its typically related to holding the stroller in the upright position, the multiple pluralities derived from the relationship between the positioning knob  60  and clamp member  38  is of subordinate importance as it conveniently allows the user to position the foot of the stand in more relevant orientations relative to the terrain and/or to better counter the perhaps unevenly distributed weight of the contents imposed on the stroller  12 . The ability to have two means of rotating arms allows for the versatility in gripping the various types of stroller conditions that will present themselves through the application of design. Stand arm  70  is fixedly engaged to item  71  during manufacturing see  FIG. 14 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-6,11 and 17 , the securing of the adjustable stand segments occurs via a velcro strap or the like  75  and acts in keeping the stand collapsed and stowed and out of the users way. Ideally, this would occur while also securing the stand  10  to the stroller rear vertical leg  22  of the stroller. 
         [0044]    It should be appreciated that an anti-tipping device attaches to a stroller to resist overturning from additional imposed loads, as it pertains to common everyday use and practice, has been described, with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but that other modifications may be made to this preferred embodiment. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.