Patent Publication Number: US-2020276999-A1

Title: Rotational handle assembly for strollers

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to rotational handle assemblies and more specifically to rotational handle assembly for strollers or the like. 
     Strollers or baby carriages are hand-pushed vehicles used for transporting babies and smaller children. Many variations of such strollers exist. An example is a jogging stroller that allows the user to jog while pushing the stroller. The multiple wheels at the base of the jogging stroller carriage allows for mobility of the user during jogging. 
     Generally, jogging strollers (and other stroller types) have fixed horizontal handles that provide a gripping surface for the user to hold onto while manipulating the stroller. In many instances, operation of the stroller can be cumbersome since the user&#39;s arm must typically remain immobile in a substantially horizontal position to manipulate the stroller, resulting in stress on the arms and wrists of the user. 
     It is within the aforementioned context that a need for the present disclosure has arisen, and the present disclosure meets this need. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Various aspects of a rotational handle assembly for strollers can be found in examples of the present disclosure. 
     In one aspect, the rotational handle assembly is pivotally attached to the stroller handle bar to facilitate pushing, pulling, steering, and general manipulation of the stroller. In one example, the rotational assembly includes a pair of handles that pivotally attach to the horizontal handle bar of the stroller. This pivotal articulation relative promotes natural swaying of the arms thus reducing stress on the wrists and arms of the user while operating the stroller. 
     In another aspect, the rotational handle assembly may axially rotate forwardly and rearwardly relative to a vertical plane of the horizontal handle bar of the stroller. Further, such axial rotation in the forward direction may continue until a first stop position is reached; after which the rotation is in a reverse direction until a second stop position is reached. The user or stroller operator may control the direction and extent of the rotation, through movement of the wrists and arms. 
     In one example, the pair of handles include a mount end, a body section, and a grip end. In some examples, the grip end has a C-shaped configuration that provides a natural fit for the hand. The mount end of the handles is configured for pivotally mounting onto the stroller handle bar. In some examples, the mount end is pivotally clamped to the horizontal handle bar. 
     The assembly is also unique in that each one of the pair of handles may partially rotate in two directions about the horizontal handle bar of the stroller. However, in alternative examples, the pair of handles is restricted to partially rotate in two directions about the horizontal handle bar, while below the horizontal plane. This provides a lower grip angle for user, if desired. 
     In addition, the pair of handles partially rotate in an upward and downward direction about the horizontal plane of the horizontal handle bar. In yet another example, the pair of handles partially rotate about the horizontal handle bar in a forward and backward direction relative to a vertically disposed plane of the horizontal handle bar. 
     In some examples, the body section of each of the pair of handles may have one of the following shapes: a linear shape, a bowed shape, a tortuous shape, and a U-shape. In addition, the mount end of the handle members is perpendicular to the body section of the handle members. 
     A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various examples of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a rotational handle assembly attached to a stroller handle bar according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the rotational handle assembly shown in  FIG. 1  according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a rear view of the rotational handle assembly of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  shows an example U-shaped handle member. 
         FIG. 4B  shows an example tortuous-shaped handle member. 
         FIG. 4C  shows an example U-shaped handle member. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative rotational handle assembly according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another example of the rotational handle assembly shown of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the examples of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the preferred examples, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these examples. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a rotational assembly  100  for strollers. 
     In  FIG. 1 , rotational assembly  100  pivotally attaches to a stroller handle bar  102  of a stroller  104 . Rotational assembly  100  can then be gripped by user  126  while pushing, pulling, steering, and general manipulation of stroller  104 . Here, although stroller  104  of  FIG. 1  has been depicted as a jogging stroller, the present disclosure is applicable to other types of strollers and mobile carriages. 
     [ 24 ] Rotational assembly  100  includes a pair of connecting handles  106   a ,  106   b.  User  126  can hold connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  while pushing, pulling, and steering stroller  104 . The pivotal articulation of rotational assembly  100  relative to the horizontal stroller handle bar  102  works to reduce stress on the wrists and arms of user  126  while operating stroller  104 . 
     For example, assume that user  126 , a typical jogger, is jogging without a stroller. Naturally, user  126 &#39;s arms would sway in a forward and backward direction. Rotational assembly  100  of the present disclosure promotes this natural forward and backward sway of the arms. As shown in  FIG. 1 , user  126  is pushing stroller  104  during a jogging activity. User  126 &#39;s arm is gripping connecting handle  106   b.  As jogging proceeds, connecting handle  106  is configured to rotate axially in a forward direction  122  away from the user and in a backward direction  120  proximal to user  126 . 
     In this manner, unlike conventional systems where the user&#39;s arm must remain fixed and stationary on a stroller handle bar, the present disclosure uses the articulating and rotational assembly  100  to replicate the user&#39;s natural motion when a stroller is pushed. The present disclosure significantly reduces and/or prevents the stress and fatigue experienced by users&#39; arms and wrist with conventional stroller activities. 
     This rotatable adjustability is possible because rotational assembly  100  can axially rotate forwardly and rearwardly relative to stroller handle bar  102 . In one non-limiting example, this axial rotation can be up to 45° in both directions. In other examples, greater or less degrees of freedom for connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  may be possible. 
     Further, rotational assembly  100  axially rotates in such forward direction  122  until a first stop position  122 A is reached; and then rotates in a backward direction  120  until a second stop position  120 A is reached. First stop position  122 A may be positioned at a 45 degree angle relative to vertical plane  308  ( FIG. 3 ), while second stop position is similarly positioned at a 45 degree angle relative to vertical plane  308 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the stop positions may be varied as desired by a user. The stop positions provide a stable point for holding connecting handles  106   a ,  106   b.  User  126  controls the direction and extent of the rotation of connecting handles  106   a ,  106   b,  through manipulation of the wrists and arms against stroller handle bar  102 . 
     In another example, in addition to or in lieu of axial rotation in forward direction  122  and backward direction  120 , axial rotation may be in an upward direction  116  and downward direction  118 . Where movement is in upward direction  116  and downward direction  118 , such movement is with respect to the horizontal plane  117  (or horizontal plane  306  of  FIG. 3 ) along which the stroller handle bar  102  extends. 
     In  FIG. 1 , in one implementation, stroller handle bar  102  may be part of a stroller handle subassembly that is integral with stroller  104 . Such a stroller handle subassembly might include the connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  both integrated with stroller handle bar  102  during manufacture of the stroller. The stroller handle subassembly may include C-shaped or U-shaped handles. 
     Referring now to connecting handles  106   a,    106   b,  the axial rotation in upward and downward directions  116 ,  118  about horizontal plane  306  ( FIG. 3 ) may be a partial rotation. Upward direction  116  is oriented away from the ground surface, and downward direction  118  is oriented toward the ground surface. Connecting handles  106   a ,  106   b  may also partially rotate in forward and backward direction  122 ,  120  relative to vertical plane  308  ( FIG. 3 ). Forward direction  122  is oriented in the forward movement followed by stroller  104 . Backward direction  120  is oriented toward user  126  behind stroller  104 . 
     As  FIG. 2  illustrates, rotational assembly  100  disposes the pair of connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  in a spaced-apart relationship across stroller handle bar  102 . Connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  are detachably attached to stroller handle bar  102 , so that the distance between the handle members can be adjusted by user  126 . In this manner, connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  may be spaced at a natural shoulder width distance, so as to provide a natural gripping alignment for user  126 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , stroller handle bar  102  extends along a horizontal plane  306 . Horizontal plane  306  provides a reference point for rotation of connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  in the upward and downward directions  116 ,  118 . A vertical plane  308  also provides a point of reference for rotation of connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  in the forward and backward directions  122 ,  120 . 
     Connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  are defined by a mount end  108   a ,  108   b,  a C-shaped body section  110   a,    110   b,  and a grip end  112   a,    112   b,  respectively. Grip end  112   a  provides a surface for gripping connecting handle  106   a.  In some examples, the C-shaped configuration of grip end  112   a  can provide a natural fit for the hand of user  126 . Grip end  112   a  may have a foam sleeve for additional grip comfort when the stroller is operated. 
     Body section  110   a  is a rigid, C-shaped configuration (in one implementation) that extends between the grip end  112   a  and mount end  108  of connecting handle  106   a.  In the C-shaped configuration, body section  110   a  forms a convex shape that protrudes toward user  126  for proximity to the hands of user  126 . 
     However, as shown in  FIGS. 4A through 4C , body section  110   a  may have other shapes, including, without limitation, a bowed shape  400   a,    400   b,  a tortuous shape  402   a,    402   b,  and a U-shape  404   a,    404   b.  The various shapes are configured for efficient rotation and operator comfort. Body section  110   a  may be fabricated from a rigid material that does not rust, including, without limitation, a rigid polymer, a metal alloy, aluminum, rubber, and wood. 
     Mount end  108   a  of connecting handle  106   a  is configured for pivotally mounting to stroller handle bar  102  of stroller  104 . In one non-limiting example, mount end  108   a  is oriented substantially perpendicularly to its adjoining body section  110   a.  This perpendicular orientation provides a parallel mounting position with stroller handle bar  102 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , as noted, mount end  108   a  is pivotally mounted to stroller handle bar  102 . In this example, pivot mounting is via a pair of clamps  614   a,    614   b,  ADD TO FIGURE, as discussed with reference to  FIG. 6 . In this manner, connecting handles  106   a ,  106   b  at least partially rotate about stroller handle bar  102  of the stroller. Thus, the pivotal attachment of the mount end  108   a,    108   b  allows connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  to at least partially rotate in two directions about stroller handle bar  203 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates rotational assembly  500 , which is another example of rotational assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 . Here, rotational assembly  500  includes a pair of connecting handles  502   a,    502   b  that rotate below horizontal plane  306  of stroller handle bar  102 . As discussed below, although not required, one or more springs  300   a,    300   b  may restrict connecting handles  502   a,    502   b  below the horizontal plane  306 . Notwithstanding said springs, this lower positioning connecting handles  502   a,    502   b  provides user  126  with a lower arm swaying as the user pushes the stroller. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates rotational assembly  100  including a pair of fasteners such as clamps  614   a,    614   b  [CHANGE  114 B IN  FIG. 6 . Here, clamps  614   a,    614   b  detachably fasten mount end  108   a,    108   b  to stroller handle bar  102 . Clamps  614   a,    614   b  are detachable such that connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  can be removed, adjusted, and manipulated directly from stroller handle bar  102 . 
     Further, clamps  614   a,    614   b  are rotatable about stroller handle bar  102 , such that connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  at least partially rotate in two directions about stroller handle bar  102 . A fastener  304  may secure clamp  614   a,    614   b  to stroller handle bar  102 , or to connecting handles  106   a,    106   b,  or both. The fastener  304  may include, without limitation, a screw, a bolt, a lock, a pin, a magnet, and a tether. 
     Clamps  614   a,    614   b  may include a resilient metal strap that wraps around mount end  108   a,    108   b  of connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  and stroller handle bar  102 . In yet other examples, clamps  614   a,    614   b  may include a rotational gear mechanism that fixedly attaches to stroller handle bar  102 . One skilled in the art will realize that any comparable fastener or clamping mechanisms may be utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , clamps  614   a,    614   b  comprise a locking mechanism  302  to help regulate the axial rotation and extent of the rotation. The Locking mechanism  302  fixedly fastens connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  in angular positions relative to stroller handle bar  102 . 
     In one non-limiting example, locking mechanism  302  may include an incremental mechanical device that allows connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  to axially rotate in a controlled, incremental motion about stroller handle bar  102 . Locking mechanism  302  can also be configured to enable connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  to rotate freely in two directions about stroller handle bar  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , clamps  614   a,    614   b  include one or more springs  300   a,    300   b.  The springs position across clamps  614   a,    614   b,  or locking mechanism  302 , so as to generate tension when connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  are rotated beyond a tension point, such as below the horizontal plane  306 . In this manner, connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  axially rotate, and maintain a position above the horizontal plane  306  of stroller handle bar  102 . 
     For example, as user  126  pulls connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  in downward direction  118 , and toward horizontal plane  306 , springs  300   a,    300   b  are extended and the tension load is increased until connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  are pulled back above the horizontal plane  306 . However, as discussed above, and as shown in  FIG. 5 , connecting handles  106   a,    106   b  may also be positioned below horizontal plane  306 . In this alternative configuration, springs  300   a,    300   b  may be removed, or their orientation spring reversed. 
     While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific examples of the disclosure, additional examples are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.