Patent Publication Number: US-2015084294-A1

Title: Stroller accessory

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/880,537 filed on Sep. 20, 2013, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Travel with children can be an especially difficult endeavor. Children are not able to walk for as long as adults, they do not have a sense of time (so, for example, saying “ten more minutes” does not necessarily help them to understand how close or far to the destination) and they are more likely to need naps or other rests. Because of these, and other, issues parents often take strollers to give children a place to sit. 
     However, there are drawbacks to pushing children in a stroller. Foremost, for many parents, is that strollers normally either sit a limited number of children (most strollers fit a single child). Thus, parents with multiple children must either have the children take turns in the stroller or older children are not able to avail themselves of the stroller. I.e., smaller children are given priority for stroller use. 
     To alleviate this problem, parents may take multiple strollers. However, each stroller requires an adult, or older child, be available to push the stroller. I.e., each stroller requires a separate person to push the stroller. In addition, older children may need the stroller for only a portion of the time that younger children will need a stroller. I.e., some children do not constantly need a stroller. However, the stroller must be brought for the entirety of the outing in order to be available when needed. This means that an empty stroller, or a stroller with gear in the seat, is pushed around much of the day. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an accessory that can increase the available seating. Moreover, there is a need for the accessory to be detached when desired. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     One example embodiment includes a stroller accessory. The stroller accessory includes a seat where the seat is configured to allow a user to sit. The stroller accessory also includes one or more wheels. The one or more wheels are attached to the seat and are configured to allow the stroller accessory to move. The stroller accessory further includes an attachment, wherein the attachment is configured to attach the stroller accessory to a stroller. 
     Another example embodiment includes a stroller accessory. The stroller accessory includes a seat where the seat is configured to allow a user to sit. The stroller accessory also includes one or more wheels. The one or more wheels are attached to the seat and are configured to allow the stroller accessory to move. The stroller accessory further includes a frame attached to the base. The stroller accessory additionally includes an attachment, wherein the attachment is configured to attach the stroller accessory to a stroller. 
     Another example embodiment includes a stroller accessory. The stroller accessory includes a seat where the seat is configured to allow a user to sit. The stroller accessory also includes one or more wheels. The one or more wheels are attached to the base and are configured to allow the stroller accessory to move. The stroller accessory further includes a frame attached to the base. The stroller accessory additionally includes a frame attached to the base. The stroller accessory moreover includes an attachment, wherein the attachment is configured to attach the stroller accessory to a stroller. 
     These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates the example of a stroller accessory attached to a stroller; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an example of a stroller accessory with a user; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a stroller accessory; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative example of a stroller accessory with a cover; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an example of an attachment which is connected; and 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an example of an attachment which has been disconnected. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  (collectively “FIG.  1 ”) illustrate an example of a stroller accessory  100  attached to a stroller  102 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates the example of a stroller accessory  100  attached to a stroller  102 ; and  FIG. 1B  illustrates an example of a stroller accessory  100  with a user. The stroller accessory  100  allows a user to sit and move in concert with the stroller  102 . I.e., the stroller accessory  100  is configured to attach to the stroller  102  and be moved with the stroller  102 . Thus, additional users may sit on the stroller accessory  100  and additional materials may be stored on the stroller accessory  100 , as described below. 
     Although the stroller  102  is used herein as exemplary of an external device to which the stroller accessory  100  will be attached, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the stroller accessory  100  can be used with any desired external device. For example, the stroller accessory  100  can be attached to luggage, to a bicycle, to a shopping cart, to another stroller accessory or any other desired device. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a stroller accessory  100 . The stroller accessory  100  can provide transport for a child who is unable to sit in a stroller. I.e., the stroller accessory  100  is configured to attach to a stroller, providing additional seating and/or storage space. Attaching the stroller accessory  100  to a stroller allows a parent to push one unit, making the outing easier. As used in the specification and the claims, the phrase “configured to” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties recited elements to the physical characteristics of the recited structure. As a result, the phrase “configured to” reaches well beyond merely describing functional language or intended use since the phrase actively recites an actual state of configuration. 
       FIG. 2  shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include a seat  202 . The seat  202  is a place for a child or other user to sit. I.e., a child or other user can sit on the seat  202 . This allows the stroller accessory  100  to provide an additional seat that it is attached to the stroller. The seat  202  can include cushioning, restraints, a back, arm rests or any other desired elements to increase the comfort of the user. Additionally or alternatively, the seat  202  can be adjustable. I.e., the height can be changed to allow for the user to be seated at any desired height. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include a base  204 . The base  204  supports the seat  202 . I.e., the base  204  is configured to support the weight of the seat  202  and a user. In particular, when a user is on the seat  202 , the weight of the user and the seat  202  itself must all be supported. The base  204  is made of any material which is of sufficient strength to support the weight of the seat  202  and the user, such as plastic, aluminum or steel. 
       FIG. 2  further shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include one or more wheels  206 . The wheels  206  allow the stroller accessory  100  to move along with the stroller to which it is attached. I.e., as a force is applied to the stroller that force is transferred to the stroller accessory  100  which can then move via the wheels  206 . The wheels  206  can include single wheels or pairs of wheels as desired. Additionally or alternatively, the wheels  206  can include casters. A caster (or castor) is an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel that is designed to be mounted to the bottom of a larger object so as to enable that object to be easily moved. They are available in various sizes, and are commonly made of rubber, plastic, nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel. 
       FIG. 2  additionally shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include an axle  208 . The axle  208  allows the wheels  206  to rotate freely. I.e., the wheels  206  rotate about the axle  208  allowing the stroller accessory  100  to be moved as desired. One of skill in the art will appreciate that multiple axles  208  will allow for a greater range of motion for the stroller accessory  100 . I.e., if each wheel or set of wheels has a separate axle  208  then the wheels or sets of wheels can move independently of one another. 
       FIG. 2  moreover shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include a frame  210 . The frame  210  is connected to the base  204  and the stroller. I.e., the frame  210  transfers force that is used to push the stroller to the base  204 , moving the stroller accessory  100  in concert with the stroller. Thus, the individual pushing the stroller moves both the stroller and the stroller accessory  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the frame  210  can be used for mounting other auxiliary devices. For example, a basket, a cover from the elements, a base platform (for standing rather than sitting, or for standing tandem behind a seated child), steering wheel, gear shifter, instrumentation panel, wheel fenders, hitch for attaching following stroller accessory  100 , gas tank, head and tail lights, muffler, handle bars, handle throttle, windshield, brakes, other general accessories that lend to automotive and/or motorcycle styling, bells and noisemakers, an enclosed seat, seat belt, accessory bags, battery powered accessories, heater, flag pole, radio or any other auxiliary devices can be attached to the frame  210 . 
     The frame  210  can be adjustable to allow for connection to different strollers. I.e., the frame  210  can include a lower portion and an upper portion which can be adjusted relative to one another. I.e., the upper portion can be at least partially inserted into the lower portion (or vice versa) and move relative to the lower portion. This changes the overall length of the frame  210  which allows for the connection point to the stroller to be customized to any stroller. 
     One of skill in the art will appreciate that the frame  210  can allow the stroller accessory  100  to be folded. For example, the frame  210  can include one or more hinges which allow the frame to be collapsible, allowing for easier transport or storage. Additionally or alternatively, the base  204 , the wheels or any other attached element can be folded to the frame  210 . E.g., the base  204  can include one or more hinges at the attachment point between the base  204  and the frame  210 , allowing the base  204  to be folded for storage or when use of the base  204  is not desired. 
       FIG. 2  also shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include a foot rest  212 . The foot rest  212  provides a space for the user&#39;s feet. I.e., the foot rest  212  allows a user to raise his/her feet to prevent them from dragging on the ground where they would impede motion of the stroller accessory  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the foot rest  212  can be configured to support a storage area. I.e., the foot rest  212  can allow for installation of a storage area into which the user may place items. The foot rest  212  can be attached to the frame  210 . Additionally or alternatively, the foot rest  212  can be folded to the frame  210 . I.e., the foot rest  212  can include one or more hinges at the attachment point between the foot rest  212  and the frame  210 , allowing the foot rest  212  to be folded for storage or when use of the foot rest  212  is not desired. 
       FIG. 2  further shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include a handle  214 . The handle  214  allows a user to hold on to avoid falling while the stroller accessory  100  is being moved. I.e., the user can steady himself/herself while on the seat  202 . The handle  214  can be attached to the frame  210 . Additionally or alternatively, the handle  214  can be folded to the frame  210 . I.e., the handle  214  can include one or more hinges at the attachment point between the handle  214  and the frame  210 , allowing the handle  214  to be folded for storage or when use of the handle  214  is not desired. 
       FIG. 2  additionally shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include an attachment  216 . The attachment  216  is configured to connect the stroller accessory  100  to the stroller. In particular, the attachment  216  can be configured to allow the stroller accessory  100  to be attached and released as desired by the user. This can allow the user to attach and detach the stroller accessory as desired and as described below. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative example of a stroller accessory  100  with a cover  302 . I.e., the seat is within a space that can is under the cover  302  to remove light and or to protect the child from the elements. That is, the child can sleep within the seat or can sit on the seat under the cover. The cover  302  blocks wind, rain, light or other environmental conditions from the seat area. 
       FIG. 3  shows that the stroller accessory  100  can include one or more safety devices  304 . The safety devices  304  can include anything which makes the stroller accessory  100  more noticeable or helps the child to remain in the stroller accessory  100 . For example the safety devices  304  can include a door, reflectors, or any other desired safety device. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  (collectively “FIG.  4 ”) illustrate an example of an attachment  216 .  FIG. 4A  illustrates an example of an attachment  216  which is connected; and  FIG. 4B  illustrates an example of an attachment  216  which has been disconnected. The attachment  216  is configured to attach a stroller accessory to a stroller. In particular, the attachment  216  allows a pushing or other moving force on a stroller to be transferred to the stroller accessory  100  allowing the stroller to “tow” the stroller accessory. 
       FIG. 4  shows that the attachment  216  can include a clamp  402 . The clamp  402  is configured to secure to the stroller. I.e., the clamp  402  is a portion that is attached permanently to the stroller, allowing a stroller accessory to be removed when desired. In particular, the clamp  402  includes two portions that are attached to one another with a portion of the stroller in between. The force on the two portions of the clamp  402  are sufficient that the clamp cannot move relative to the stroller. 
       FIG. 4  also shows that the attachment  216  can include a receiver  404 . The receiver is configured to releasably receive a portion of the stroller accessory. I.e., a portion of the stroller accessory is inserted into, or otherwise attached to, the receiver  404 . The connection then allows the stroller accessory and the stroller to move in concert with one another and to be removed when desired. 
       FIG. 4  further shows that the attachment  216  can include a post  406 . The post  406  is configured to be placed within the receiver  404 . I.e., the post  406  is smaller than the receiver  404  and is placed within the receiver  404  when the user desires to attach the stroller accessory to the stroller. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the stroller is being pushed laterally; therefore, gravity keeps the post  406  within the receiver  404  and lateral forces are transferred to the stroller accessory. Additionally or alternatively, a safety lock can be used to ensure that the post  406  remains in place. I.e., the safety lock can hold the post  406  in relation to the receiver  404 . 
       FIG. 4  additionally shows that the attachment  216  can include an adjustment arm  408 . The adjustment arm is configured to change the orientation of the receiver  404  and the clamp  402  to one another. In particular, the adjustment arm  408  can allow the clamp  402  to be attached to an external object and the orientation of the receiver  404  to be adjusted in order to receive the post  406  when use of the stroller attachment is desired. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.