Patent Abstract:
A stroller for carrying a child or child restraint system, that may comprise an additional storage area or child support system when expanded. The frames include a mechanism whereby the base of the frame is expanded rearward to create a storage space roughly behind the baby seat, and optionally where a top to the storage area folds up from the rear of the frame to complete the storage area. The stroller may include detachable wheels. The stroller may also include handles or push bars that may optionally include mechanisms to assist in expanding or contracting the storage area. The stroller may also be constructed so as to be collapsible for storage.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/194,712, filed Mar. 1, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of, claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/069,169, filed Oct. 31, 2013 and provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/720,605, entitled Stroller with Expandable Cargo Area, filed Oct. 31, 2012, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to baby strollers, and more particularly baby strollers which can be expanded or configured in such a way as to provide additional storage capabilities. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to a baby stroller with enhanced capabilities for storage and/or multi-child configurations. The stroller in the present invention is capable of expanding from the rear, thereby creating a cargo space, and, thus, providing the ability to simultaneously transport a passenger such as a child, multiple children, as well as additional cargo, with or without passengers, using simple actuation mechanisms. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Broadly, the present invention provides for a stroller for carrying a user, having a front frame member for supporting a seat. In one embodiment, there is a foldable rear member which folds down to create an additional base member. The foldable rear member can be actuated via a mechanism located at or near the rear frame, the nexus of the rear frame and base member, or the handle. In an alternative embodiment, there is a rear member which can expand by means of telescopically or slide-wise actuating a handle. In a third embodiment, there is an additional support member coupled between the front and rear frame member which expands to form an additional support when the base is expanded. In many embodiments, this cargo area is designed for flexibility, so that its size may be adjusted. Further, in some embodiments, the extendable cargo area includes additional seating capacity for one or more additional children. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    Baby strollers have been known and used for a number of years to provide a comfortable device to move a baby or small child. The trend with baby strollers has been to reduce the size of the stroller, thus allowing it to be stored more easily. However, with the reduction of size has come the reduction of space that the strollers provide for carrying additional cargo, or multiple children. There remains the need for a baby stroller that can accommodate a large volume of goods and/or a secondary child, while still folding to a compact state. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,680 describes a convertible car seat and stroller combination apparatus comprising a padded child&#39;s seat having a telescopic U-shaped handle extending upward from behind the back of the seat, and a perimeter frame having four wheels extendible downward. The apparatus is distinguishable from the present invention at least in being limited to one occupant and requiring a perimeter frame for the wheels, as well as lacking an extendable cargo area. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,894 describes a stroller car seat apparatus comprising a conventional infant seat having a safety harness, a U-shaped padded front guard bar, a U-shaped telescoping handle in the rear, a pivoting front footrest, and a folding rectangular scissors framework with four wheels. The apparatus is distinguishable from the present invention at least in being limited to one child, requiring an obtrusive lower framework, and lacking an extendable cargo area. [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,221 describes a baby carriage convertible to a safety car seat with a harness comprising a body assembly including a seat, a back, a footrest, and side plates. A wheel assembly is pivotally mounted on the body assembly and adapted to be folded back. A handle assembly is pivotally mounted on the body assembly and adapted to be rotated into a horizontal position. A locking assembly locks and releases the wheel assembly. When the carriage is converted into a safety seat, the wheel assembly is released and folded back, and the handle assembly is rotated into a horizontal position to be used as an arm rest plate. The apparatus is distinguishable from the present invention at least in being limited to one child, requiring the rotation of the handle assembly to serve as an arm rest, and lacking an extendable cargo area. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,096 Chien Ting describes a collapsible multi-use baby carriage having a structure transformable into a dining chair, a safety seat in a car, a cradle, and a bed comprising a seat, a backrest pivotally connected with the seat to change the angle of the backrest, a U-shaped hand rest pivotally connected with the backrest. The structure has a pushing handle, two opposite telescopic side tubes with a windable support plate between the side tubes, and a winding tubular shaft housed in a front tube of the hand rest for pulling out for supporting food. Two front and rear casters are pivotally connected with the bottom of the seat and foldable to the seat bottom. The carriage is distinguishable from the present invention at least in being limited to one child, requiring a windable support plate and two opposite side tubes, and lacking an extendable cargo area. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,523,840, 6,669,212 B2 and 6,523,840 B1 (related patents) describe a combined shopping cart stroller, with a frame that includes a primarily horizontal lower frame portion having a forward end and a rearward end; a curved upper frame portion; vertical support extending between the lower frame portion and upper frame portion; a seat mounted to the frame; and a primary cargo area, which is defined as the space generally bounded by the lower frame portion and the upper frame portion rearward of the seating area. The shopping cart stroller is distinguished from the present invention at least in the front frame not extending to a point above the rearward frame when the cargo space is engaged, the manner in which the primary cargo space extends, as well as the fact that the primary cargo space is unable to support the weight of an additional child. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,858 B2 describes a collapsible stroller, with a frame having left and right sides, each side comprising: an elongated bottom member; a front leg; a push arm; and a support strut, wherein the front leg, the push arm, and the support strut pivot relative to each other when the stroller moves between the open position and the folded position. The stroller is distinguishable from the current invention at least in being limited to one child, and not having an extendable rear cargo space. 
         [0011]    U.K. Patent Application No. GB 2 262 914 A published on Jul. 7, 1993, describes a molded child seat for a vehicle and convertible into a pushchair comprising a supporting frame having two triangular lateral sub-frames interconnected by cross rails. Each sub-frame is equipped with a pair of mounting pins adapted to engage with appropriately shaped and positioned slots on the wheeled pushchair frame. The apparatus is distinguishable from the present invention at least in being limited to one child, requiring a separate supporting frame, and lacking an extendable cargo area. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,904 discloses a convertible stroller and shopping cart having a stroller portion and a shopping cart portion. The stroller portion includes a seat secured to a metal frame, and the shopping cart portion comprises a collapsible receptacle. The receptacle can be oriented in two orientations, a stowed orientation adjacent the seat and a deployed orientation over the seat. When the receptacle is deployed, it conforms to the seat, creating a shopping cart from the stroller. The convertible stroller is distinguishable from the present invention at least in lacking the capacity to carry a second child, and in the fact that the extendable cargo area extends to occupy the same volume as the child seat when extended. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,212 discloses a cart having a frame member including upright and lateral frame portions. A platform is attached to the lateral frame portion and a stationary seat assembly is secured to the upright frame portion. The stationary seat assembly includes a rearward facing stationary seat, a handle and a safety bar between the seat and the handle. A pivoting mechanism is mounted to the lateral frame portion remote from the upright frame portion. The pivoting mechanism is moveable between a substantially upright position and a retracted position and is located relative to a back portion of the seat. A flexible receptacle is attached to the pivoting mechanism, and moves between an open and collapsed position when the pivoting mechanism is moved between the substantially upright and the retracted position, respectively. The stationary seat and the platform are accessible when the pivoting mechanism is in the substantially upright position or the retracted position. The cart is distinguishable from the present invention at least in that the present invention is fully collapsible, can accommodate a second child, and in having an extendable cargo area which includes an extendable base component. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,378,891 and 6,170,854 disclose a convertible stroller and shopping vehicle having a stroller portion and a shopping vehicle portion. The stroller portion includes a seat which is movable from a deployed position to a stowed position. In the deployed position, the invention is used as a stroller. The shopping vehicle portion includes a collapsible receptacle that can be oriented in one of two orientations. In an open orientation, the receptacle creates a shopping cart while in a collapsed orientation the invention can be used to transport bulk materials. The convertible stroller is distinguishable from the present invention at least by lacking the capacity to carry a second child, and in the fact that the extendable cargo area extends to occupy the same volume as the child seat when extended. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,180 (which has the same inventor as the present invention) discloses a stroller for carrying a user, and having an expandable storage space located between the child seat and the rearmost frame members. This may include a first and second front frame member for supporting a seat or seats and back support member, a first and second back frame member being connected to the first and second front frame member, an expandable base member, which connects between the first and second front frame member and the first and second back frame member. The expandable frame member may move between an extended and a retracted position to provide a storage area. This invention discloses a stroller with an expandable storage space, however, the volume of the storage space is not adjustable, he invention does not provide mechanisms for actuating the deployment of the extendable cargo area, the invention does not provide a rear handle lock to take the load of additional cargo, the invention does not provide a solution for folding the front seat compactly and independently of the rear frame, the invention does not provide methods for compactly folding the upper expandable basket, and the invention does not provide for additional seating configurations within the expandable storage space. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,140 B1 discloses a two-seat collapsible stroller comprising a telescopically collapsing rear section that roughly slides into the front section such that the seat nests onto the front seat in the collapsed position. This stroller differs from the present invention at least in that the second seat is a mandatory part of the invention, and no extendable cargo area exists. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,141 discloses a stroller with a collapsible seat for a second child, comprising a complex coupling mechanism that enables the collapse and expansion mechanism. It is distinguishable from the present invention at least in that the stroller&#39;s collapse mechanism for the second seat is substantially more complex than in the present invention, and in that it does not provide for the option of an extendable cargo area. 
         [0018]    In general, the prior art contains a series of weaknesses which the present invention addresses. First, most prior art lacks the capacity to form an extendable cargo area while simultaneously carrying even a single child: the cargo area extends into the area where the child would sit. Second, those few inventions designed to include a second child both lack the flexibility to also include extendable storage, and include complex or inflexible deployment mechanisms which prevent the strollers from being deployed easily and/or folded into compact form. The present invention, as will be shown, is capable of simultaneously carrying a child and having the cargo area extended/deployed in a way that can handle heavy loads, is easily expanded via actuation mechanisms, is of such a nature that it can also function as additional seating space for additional children. Finally, the present invention is designed to be easily folded into a compact state for travel or storage. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the stroller in a retracted position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the stroller with the rear member expanded; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3 a   . illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller, in which the rear member is not expanded, and in which a cable, being connected to an extendable handle and extendable base member, runs through the frame, so that a user can engage the rear extendable member by actuating the handle; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3 b   . illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller, in which the rear member is in the process of being expanded; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3 c   . illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller in which the rear member is shown being further expanded; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3 d   . illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller in which the rear member is shown fully expanded; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller, in which the rear member is not expanded, in which an expandable frame member is engaged via sliding support members and joint members; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in which the rear member is not expanded; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in which the rear member is in the process of being expanded; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in which the rear member is in the process of being expanded; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in which the rear member is fully expanded; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in which the rear member is fully expanded; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , where the stroller is in a folded position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stroller as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , where the stroller is in a folded position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stroller having selectively foldable front frame members. 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stroller having a rear child seat. 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  illustrates a specific alternative embodiment of a basket for the stroller. 
           [0037]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a specific exemplary embodiment of a rear handle lock of the stroller. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15B  illustrates the lock of  FIG. 15A  assembled. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15C  illustrates the lock of  FIG. 15B  in an exploded view. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic illustration side view of a stroller of the present disclosure in a retracted position and an expanded position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  provides various views of the telescopic members of a stroller of the present disclosure. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic illustration perspective view of a detail of the stroller of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic illustration perspective view of a detail of the detail of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic illustration perspective view of a detail of the male and female telescoping members of a stroller of the present disclosure. 
           [0045]      FIG. 21  is a diagrammatic illustration transparent view of a detail of the male and female telescoping members of a stroller of the present disclosure. 
           [0046]      FIG. 22  is a diagrammatic illustration side view and detail of a stroller telescoping member locking mechanism of the present disclosure. 
           [0047]      FIG. 23  is a diagrammatic illustration side view of a stroller of the present disclosure with the base in a retracted position, intermediate position, and an expanded position. 
           [0048]      FIG. 24  is a diagrammatic illustration side view of a stroller of the present disclosure with the handle members in a retracted position and an expanded position. 
           [0049]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view schematic illustration of telescopic member locking mechanism of the present disclosure. 
           [0050]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view schematic illustration of a female telescopic member for a locking mechanism of the present disclosure. 
           [0051]      FIG. 27  is a front view schematic illustration of a male telescoping member for a locking mechanism of the present disclosure. 
           [0052]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view schematic illustration of stroller frame portion with lockable telescoping members of the present disclosure. 
           [0053]      FIG. 29  is a side view schematic illustration of a telescopic tube assembly of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0054]    The following description of the preferred embodiment or embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form or forms disclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of the principles of the invention so that others skilled in the art may follow its teachings. 
         [0055]      FIG. 1  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention without the rear member engaged, shown at a side elevational view.  FIG. 1  illustrates a base main frame member  101  roughly parallel to the ground, a diagonal main frame member  102 , and a rear main frame member  103  roughly perpendicular to the ground. The main frame section of the present invention, comprised of members  101 ,  102 , and  103  is comprised of two mirror sides, connected by cross members. The bottom end, or a section substantially near the bottom end of frame member  103  is connected to frame member  101  at or substantially near the rear end of frame member  101 . In the present embodiment, frame members  101  and  103  are connected at or substantially at a right angle, so that frame member  101  is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground, and frame member  103  is vertical or substantially vertical. In some embodiments, the angle at which frame members  101  and  103  are connected may be substantially acute or obtuse. In some embodiments, frame member  103  may attach near the middle or front of member  101 . In some alternative embodiments, frame member  103  may be located generally midway along member  101 . In some alternative embodiments, frame member  103  may be located near the nexus of member  101  and  104 . In some alternative embodiments, frame member  103  may not be present. 
         [0056]      FIG. 1  further illustrates frame member  102 , which connects to frame members  101  and  103  to complete the main frame section.  FIG. 1  illustrates that the top, or a section substantially near the top, of frame member  102  is connected at or substantially near the top of frame member  103 , and the bottom, or a section substantially near the bottom, of frame member  102  is connected at or substantially near the front of frame member  101 . In some alternative embodiments, frame member  103  may be joined to frame member  102  at alternative locations, such as nearer to the middle or front of frame member  102 . One skilled in the art will recognize that the location of the connections between members  102  and  103 , and  101  and  103  will largely determine the angle of  103 . 
         [0057]    In the present invention, members  101 ,  102 , and  103  are made out of a single piece of material. In alternative embodiments, member  101 ,  102 , and  103  may be composed of two or more separate components, so as to change the angle of the handle of the stroller, and to enable folding (see  FIGS. 5 a - d   ,  6 ,  12 , and  13 ). The means with which frame members  101 ,  102 , and  103  are connected can be by screws, brackets, welds, rivets or any other suitably strong means. Additionally, frame members  101 ,  102 , and  103  may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitably strong material. In alternative embodiments, there may be handles connected at or near the junctions of frame members  102  and  103 , or at the top-rearmost end of member  102 . Furthermore, the handle may serve as a cross-member, linking the mirrored frames of the invention. 
         [0058]      FIG. 1  illustrates that the wheel members  105  are attached at or around the junctions of frame members  101  and  102 , and  101  and  103 . In the present embodiment, wheel members  105  can rotate freely 360 degrees along the axis (as, e.g., swivel wheels). In alternative embodiments, the wheels can have other degrees of rotational freedom.  FIG. 1  illustrates seat member  104 , which is attached to frame member  102 . Seat member  104  may be made from a flexible material, for example fabric or durable plastic cloth. Alternatively, seat member  104  may be made from a harder material, for example solid plastic, metal, or any other suitable material, and may or may not be covered with a padding material for child comfort. The present invention shows seat member  104  containing a canopy, in order to protect a child from sun, rain, or any other weather. In a preferred embodiment, this canopy is retractable, allowing the child to enjoy pleasant weather. In alternative embodiments, this canopy may be fixed in a way so that it cannot be retracted, or it may be absent altogether. In alternative embodiments, seat member  104  may be replaced by at least one seat attachment device, in which alternate seat configurations such as modular seats, car seats, carry cots or alternate child restraint systems may be mounted to the seat attachment device and or frame support members. 
         [0059]      FIG. 1  additionally illustrates a foldable base member  106 , which folds and/or pivots out to form a rear base member.  FIG. 1  shows this rear member in a retracted position, so that the rear member is not engaged.  FIG. 1  illustrates member  106  attached to the main frame section at or substantially near the nexus of main frame members  101  and  103 . In alternative embodiments, member  106  may be attached to member  101 , or the wheel/wheel assembly of member  105 . In the current embodiment, member  106  is deployed via actuator  150 , which engages cable  120  to release pin  141 . In alternate embodiments, the location of actuators and locking devices or cables may be at any point along the frame or wheel members. In alternate embodiments, actuators may be levers, buttons, or any other suitable device for deploying member  106 . When folded up, member  106  may sit substantially vertical, and flush up against frame member  103 , and when folded down, member  106  may sit substantially parallel to the ground, aligned to be roughly parallel with frame member  101 . In alternative embodiments, stowed, member  106  may sit parallel to member  101 , or at any suitable position between members  101  and  103 . Member  106  can be constructed of metal, plastic or any other suitably strong material so as to support the weight of a child and/or any additional items carried in the cargo area when the stroller is configured as such. The present invention shows member  106  as being a single piece of material. In alternative embodiments, member  106  may be comprised of multiple parts, so as to be telescopic (retracting and extending), slideable, or otherwise shortenable so as to be less noticeable when folded up. Additionally, member  106  may be made so as to be completely detachable. In some embodiments, member  106  may be attached via a quick-release mechanism. 
         [0060]      FIG. 1  illustrates a wheel member  107 , which is attached at or substantially near the top of member  106  (when member  106  is folded vertically), so that when folded down, the base of the rear cargo section is more stable because of the support provided by wheel  107 . In alternate embodiments, wheel member  107  may not be attached to member  106 , if member  106  is of a length that does not require additional support. The wheel member  107  can comprise one or a plurality of wheels. In the present embodiment, wheel member  107  can only rotate at a limited angle along the axis (e.g., a limited-movement swivel). In alternative embodiments, the wheel or wheels can have other degrees of rotational freedom. 
         [0061]      FIG. 1  illustrates handle member  109 , which is pivotably affixed to frame member  102 . In alternative embodiments, member  109  may be attached to, or be an integral part of a telescopic expansion of mirrored frame members  102  (as in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, handle  109  may be attached to mirrored frame members  103 , or may be attached to, or be an integral part of a telescopic expansion of mirrored frame members  103 . The range of motion at which member  109  can pivot is not limited to particular angles with respect to member ( 103 )  102 . Additionally, in alternative embodiments, member  109  may be connected to a different member of the main frame section, as long as its primary functionality of providing a comfortable pushing and steering mechanism for the device is maintained Member  109  can be made out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly suitable material. In alternative embodiments, the handle  109  can be shaped differently; with its design not being limited to any particular curved or straight shapes, and in alternative embodiments may be designed as two separate left and right handles (hence not linking mirrored frame members). This handle  109  can be made out of plastic, metal, or some other suitable material, and may additionally be wrapped in foam, rubber, fabric, or some other padding material. 
         [0062]      FIG. 2  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention with the rear member in the deployed state. The embodiment shown is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , but with the rear member folded down along its joint with the structural frame so as to be roughly parallel to the ground and member  101 .  FIG. 2  additionally shows the position of wheel member  107  when member  106  is folded down-the wheel is now in contact with the ground so as to provide support for member  106 . Additionally,  FIG. 2  illustrates how handle  109  can be constructed to telescopically expand as a means to lengthen the handle. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescopic expansion of handle  109  actuates the deployment of rear member  106  by pulling cable  120  which engages pulley  121  to release pin  141 . In other embodiments, the placement of pin  141  can be located at any location in which release of member  106  or wheel member  107  can occur. In other embodiments, pin  141  may be a lock, clamp, or other retaining mechanism to allow member  106  to move from a stowed to a deployed state (See  FIGS. 5A-d  for more detail). In alternative embodiments, a lever or button actuation mechanism can release the pin, lock, clamp, or other retaining mechanism holding member  106 , thus allowing it to deploy. In other embodiments, the cable and/or pulley mechanisms may run through or along other frame members, or any combination of frame members which result in deployment of member  106 . The lever or button to release member  106  can be located at many locations along stroller  100 , and may be actuated by hand, by foot, or a combination of the two. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3 a    illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view with the rear base member not engaged, and with alternative embodiments in some of the members.  FIG. 3 a   . illustrates base main frame member  101 , expandable base main frame member  101   b , front frame members  102  and  102   a , and rear main frame member  103 . The main frame section of the present invention is comprised of mirrored structural frames connected by cross members, each mirrored structural frame comprising members  101 ,  101   b ,  102 ,  102   a , and  103 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 3 a   . illustrates the base of the stroller  100  as being comprised of frame members  101  and  101   b , and as being substantially parallel with the ground.  FIG. 5 a   . illustrates frame member  101  as forming the frontward section of the extendable base frame member, and  101   b  as forming the rearward section of the extendable base frame member. Members  101  and  101   b  are designed to form an expanding base. This is accomplished by having parts  101  and  101   b  move parallel relative to one another. In some embodiments, this may be done by having the two components slide (as, e.g., on rails) parallel to each other. In other embodiments, one component may telescope within another. In other embodiments still, one component or another may be made of sub-components which allow the part itself to telescope within itself. Specifically,  FIG. 5 a   . illustrates frame member  101  fitting inside extendable frame member  101   b . In an alternative embodiment, member  101   b  can fit inside member  101 ; in yet another alternative embodiment, member  101   b  itself may be composed of multiple, telescoping components. In yet another embodiment, member  101  may have rails on which  101   b  moves. In still other embodiments,  101   b  may have rails along which  101  moves. In a further embodiment, members  101  and  101 B slide along each other for extension and retraction. The means with which members  101  and  101   b  are connected can be by screws, brackets, welds, pins, rails, slots, slides, or any other suitably strong means. Members  101  and  101   b  can be made out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly suitably strong material. The bottom end, or a section substantially near the bottom end, of frame member  103  is connected to the extendable frame member  101 . 
         [0065]    In the present embodiment, frame members  101  and  103  are connected at a substantially acute angle in relation to the front of the frame, so that frame member  103  is leaning substantially towards the front of the stroller (see  FIG. 5 a   .). In alternative embodiments, the angle at which frame members  101  and  103  are connected may be substantially more acute, obtuse, or may form a substantially right angle, with relation to the front of the stroller. The means with which frame members  101  and  103  are connected can be by screws, brackets, welds, pins, or any other suitably strong means. In alternative embodiments, the lower end of member  103  may be attached to extendable member  101   b . In preferred versions of this embodiment, member  103  is slidably attached to extendable member  101   b , so that the movement of member  101   b  does not substantially alter the angle at which  103  is attached. Member  103  can be made out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material. 
         [0066]      FIG. 3 a   . illustrates frame member  102 , with the bottom end, or a section substantially near the bottom end, of member  102  connecting to the front, or a section substantially near the front, of base frame member  101 . In the present embodiment, members  101  and  102  are connected at a substantially acute angle in relation to the front of the frame, so that frame member  102  is leaning substantially towards the rear of the stroller (see  FIG. 5 a   ). In alternative embodiments, the angle at which frame members  101  and  102  are connected may be substantially more obtuse, acute, or may form a substantially right angle, with relation to the front of the frame of the stroller, so long as it still forms a sturdy frame to support the potential load on the stroller. Additionally, member  102  can be made out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material. 
         [0067]      FIG. 3 a   . illustrates frame member  102   a , with the front of member  102   a  connecting to the top of frame member  102 , with the top of member  103  connected to  102   a  at about the middle of  102   a &#39;s length, thus completing the main frame section. In alternate embodiments, the nexus point at which frame members connect can be at any optimal geometric position. The means with which frame member  102   a  connects to frame members  102  and  103  can be by screws, brackets, welds, pins, pivots, slides, or any other suitably strong means. Additionally, member  102   a  can be made out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material. 
         [0068]      FIG. 3 a   . illustrates that wheel members  105  are attached at or around the junctions of frame members  101  and  102 , and near the end of  101   b . In alternate embodiments, front wheel placement can be oriented independently to either member  101 ,  101   b  or  102  respectively. The rear wheels  105  extend along with member  101   b , as it extends to form the rear base member. In the present embodiment, wheel members  105  can rotate freely 360 degrees along the axis, as on, e.g., a swivel. In alternative embodiments, the wheels can have other degrees of rotational freedom. 
         [0069]      FIG. 3 a   . illustrates extendable handle member  102   b , cable member  120 , cable connection point  121 ( a  and  b ), and pulley members  122 , which, in addition to extendable base member  101   b , comprise the means with which the rear base member is extended. Handle member  102   b  moves parallel to member  102   a . In a preferred embodiment, this sliding motion is accomplished by making handle member  102   b  fit telescopically within  102   a . In alternative embodiments,  102   b  slides next to  102   a , as though with rails, slots, slides, or other guides, or may fit inside of  102   b . In yet other embodiments, handle member  102   b  comprises multiple pieces and telescopes within itself to contract and extend. Cable connection point  121   a  is attached at a point along the length of handle member  102   b , and cable connection point  121   b  is attached at a point along the length of  101   b .  FIG. 5 a   . additionally illustrates cable member  120 , which is the primary mechanism through which the rear base member is engaged and disengaged. Cable member  120  is threaded through or alongside frame members  101   b ,  103 ,  102   a  and  102   b , and is additionally threaded through pulley members  122  in order to connect connection points  121 .  FIG. 5 a   . illustrates pulley members  122  as being located near the junctions of members  103  and  102   a , and members  103  and  101   b , respectively. Cable member  120  can be made out of metal or some other similarly strong material. The pulley members  122  assist cable member  120  to move smoothly within the frame of the stroller  100 . In alternative embodiments, pulley members  122  may be located at different points within the frame of the stroller, or may be some similarly suitable device for assisting cable member  120  to move smoothly within the frame of the stroller. Pulley members  122  can be made out of plastic, metal, or any other suitably strong material. 
         [0070]      FIG. 3 a   . illustrates extendable handle member  102   b  in a substantially retracted position. When member  102   b  is in a retracted position, the rear cargo area is not engaged; when member  102   b  is extended by the user, member  101   b  extends via cable member  120 , connection point members  121  and pulley members  122 , thus extending the rear base member  101   b . Additionally, when fully extended, handle  102   b  and member  101   b  selectively lock into place, so that the rear base member  101   b  and handle  102   b  are selectively secured to stroller  100 . Attached to the end of handle member  102   b  is handle  119 . Handle  119  can be have a variety of possible shapes; with its design not being limited to any particular curved or straight shapes, and in alternative embodiments may be designed as two separate left and right handles, attached to mirrored members  102   b . This handle  119  can be made out of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material, and may additionally be wrapped in foam, rubber, fabric, or any other suitable padding material. 
         [0071]    In the present embodiment, members  102   b  and  101   b  are extended manually via cable member  120 , in alternative embodiments, some other mechanical device may be used to automatically extend members  102   b  and  101   b . In yet other alternative embodiments, springs or some other similarly suitable means to store and release potential energy may be attached to member  102   b  or member  101   b  to assist the user in engaging the rear base member. 
         [0072]      FIG. 3 b   . illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members  102   b  and  101   b  beginning to be extended to form the rear base member. 
         [0073]      FIG. 3 c   . illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members  102   b  and  101   b  being extended further, so that the rear base member is almost fully engaged. 
         [0074]      FIG. 3 d   . illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members  102   b  and  101   b  in a fully extended and locked position, so that the rear base member is fully engaged. 
         [0075]      FIG. 4  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with the rear base member  101   b  not engaged, with alternative embodiments in some of the members. Importantly. the stroller  100  illustrated in  FIG. 4  has a folding capability (see  FIGS. 10-11 ). The stroller  100  is folded via joint locking member  130 , and  128   a , and  128   b . Release of locking joint  130  allows member  103  to fold forward (see  FIG. 10-11 ). Release of joint member  128   a , allows members  102  and  102   c  to fold downward (see  FIGS. 12-13 ). In alternative embodiments, this folding capability may not be present. Frame member  103 , seat member  104 , and wheel members  105  are functionally identical to those illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  and seat member  104  is mounted to members  102 . Additionally, front frame base members  101  and  101   b  are functionally identical to those illustrated in  FIGS. 3 a - d   .  FIG. 4  illustrates diagonal frame member  102 , the top of which is connected to a joint member  128   b  (see  FIG. 6 ), and the bottom, or a section substantially near the bottom, of member  102  being connected to joint member  128   a .  FIG. 4  also illustrates diagonal frame member  102   c , the top of which is connected to joint member  128   a , and the bottom, or a section substantially near the bottom, of member  102   c  is connected to member  101 . Joint member  128   a  allows frame members  102  and  102   c  to move from an unfolded position (see  FIG. 6 ) to a folded position (see  FIGS. 10-11 ). Joint members  128   a  and  128   b  can be made out of plastic, metal, or any other suitably strong material.  FIG. 4  introduces diagonal support frame member  123 . The top of diagonal support frame member  123  is connected with a slide somewhere along frame member  102 , in such a way as to allow it to slide along member  102 ; the bottom of member  123  is connected at, or substantially near, the rear end of base frame member  101 . In alternative embodiments, the points at which member  123  attaches to members  102  and  101  may be different, so long as member  123  is still able to provide structural support for the main frame of the stroller and to slide during folding. In yet another embodiment, the top of member  123  may be attached to member  102   c , instead of member  102 . The means with which member  123  attaches to members  102  (or  102   c ) and  101  can be by slots, screws, clamps, brackets, pins, slides or any other similarly suitable means. Additionally, member  123  can be made out of metal, plastic, or any other suitably strong material.  FIG. 4  additionally illustrates footrest member  104   a , which is attached near or substantially near the front end of base frame member  101 . In alternative embodiments, member  104   a  may be placed at a different location on the frame of the stroller, or may be connected to seat member  104 . Additionally, member  104   a  can be made out of plastic, metal, or any other similarly suitable material, and may additionally be wrapped in foam, rubber, fabric, or some other padding material. 
         [0076]      FIG. 5  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a rear perspective view.  FIG. 5  illustrates cross members  115  and  128 ;  FIG. 5  additionally illustrates extendable support member  125 . In the current embodiment, member  125  is a three-sided, u-shaped tube. In alternate embodiments,  125  may be parallel tubes connected between the frame members  102  (through joint  128   b ) and  103  without a third tube cross-member. In this embodiment, extendable support member  125  and expandable base frame member  101   b  are the primary means with which the rear cargo area is engaged (see  FIG. 8 ). In the un-engaged position, the top, or a portion substantially near the top, of extendable bar member  125  is connected to joint member  128   b ; the bottom, or a portion substantially near the bottom, of member  125  is connected to frame member  103  in such a way as to allow it to slide vertically along member  103  and to pivot about that same point. Member  125  is able to move from a closed, substantially vertical, position, to an open, substantially horizontal, position by sliding the base of the u shape vertically along member  103 . As member  125  is lifted along member  103 , it is pushed to a substantially horizontal position (see  FIG. 10 ) via joint members  128   b . This creates a new distance between  102  and  103 , which simultaneously causes base member  101   b  to move parallel to  101  to extend the base of the frame (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). which simultaneously expands member  101   b , and thus engages the rear cargo area. In alternative embodiments, there may be springs, pulleys, motors, or some other mechanism which assists the user of the stroller  100  to expand members  125  and  101   b . In alternate embodiments, member  125  may have additional expansion capabilities beyond pivoting upward, such as expanding telescopically while also pivoting into an expanded position, or expanding via hinges. When member  125  is in a closed position, it locks into position. The means with which member  125  locks into place can be by pin, snap, strap, slot, clamp or any other similarly suitable method. Additionally, member  125  can lock into place at various intervals along the height of  103 , to provide for variable expansion. The means with which member  125  locks into place can be by pin, snap, strap, slot, clamp or any other similarly suitable method. Support member  125  can be made out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material. 
         [0077]      FIG. 6  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members  125  and  101   b  in the process of being extended to form the rear cargo area. As discussed above, in some embodiments, member  125  may lock in an intermediate position along the height of  103 , thus achieving variable expansion of the base. In another embodiment, the total movement of member  125  may be limited to an intermediate position, with member  125  serving as side frame members once the extendable base has selectively expanded. 
         [0078]      FIG. 7  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a rear perspective view, with members  125  and  101   b  being extended to form the rear cargo area. 
         [0079]      FIG. 8  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view with the rear cargo area fully extended.  FIG. 8  additionally illustrates basket member  127 , the top of which attaches to member  125 , the front of which attaches to member  128 , and the back of which attaches to member  103 . In alternate embodiments, basket member  127  may attach at or near any frame member, joint, pivot or hub in which attachment renders the basket to a usable state. Member  127  can be made out of fabric or some other similarly soft material, or may additionally be made out of plastic or some other similarly rigid material. Member  127  attaches to the frame of the stroller by snaps, straps, or any other similarly suitable means of attachment. 
         [0080]      FIG. 9  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a rear perspective view, with the rear cargo area fully engaged. 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a side elevational view in a folded position. The stroller is folded by releasing joint members  130  via a release mechanism, which allows frame member  103  to fold forward to a substantially horizontal position. Additionally, joint members  128   a  and  128   b  allows frame members  102  and  102   c  to fold downward, thus allowing member  103  to fold fully forward. The mechanism with which joint members  130  are released can be a button, spring, latch, or any other similarly suitable method. 
         [0082]      FIG. 11  illustrates a stroller  100  in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, shown at a rear perspective view in a folded position. 
         [0083]    In addition to the foregoing embodiments, the present invention contemplates other specific exemplary alternative embodiments. For example,  FIG. 12  illustrates a specific alternative embodiment of a stroller  100  that provides selectively foldable front frame members  102 / 102 C in which the members are rotatably jointed to create a top portion  102  and a bottom portion  102 C of each front member. An actuator, such as a cable arrangement connected to the rotatable joint of each front member, effects folding of the front members upon actuation. Specific exemplary embodiments further provide a rotatable, front member  102 C extending from bottom frame member  101  which is slidably coupled to support member  102 D, and from which the support member also rotatably pivots to provide support while still allowing the front members to be selectively folded or deployed. Additional specific exemplary embodiments further provide that member  102 C may have a shock or damper system. 
         [0084]      FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a stroller  100 . Specific exemplary embodiments provide the rear cargo area with a foldable child seat  210  that is selectively detachable from the rear cargo area. For embodiments which provide floor platform  101 C, platform  101 C provides a floor upon which a child may step up to access the chair, or stand, as the case may be. For safety and other considerations, specific exemplary embodiments of the stroller, platform  101 C is cropped to extend less than the full length of member  101 B. 
         [0085]      FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative embodiment of basket  127 . Another specific alternative embodiment provides a selectively foldable basket  400  that is selectively mountable to handle  110 , front frame member  102 , rear frame member  103 , support member  125 , or rear cargo area platform  101 C_. Specific exemplary embodiments of basket  400  have one or more elastic members  410 A,  410 B which mount to  430 A &amp;  430 B respectively, and which are held in place by restraints  420 A and  420 B, which combined cause basket  400  to snap into a more compact position when the basket is folded. Base panels  430 A,  430 B pivot around hinge  440 . Side Panels  450 A,  450 B comprise the upper sides of basket  400 . Members  460 A,  460 B provide a potential surface in which to mount basket  400  to stroller  100  frame members. 
         [0086]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a specific exemplary embodiment of a rear handle lock  130  of a stroller  100 . A lock  130  provides, for example, a mechanism consisting of rear frame member  103  (tube), pivot, locking pins, shuttle, locking plates, spring, spring stop, lock actuator, and cable. A rear frame member  103  has slots cut into it to allow limited travel of the pins up and down parallel to the handle and along the center plane of rear frame member  103 . The pivot is a metal pin, for example, that facilitates rotational motion of the rear frame member relative to the locking plates. The locking pins provide the locking bar for restraining the rear frame member&#39;s rotation relative to the locking plates. The shuttle may be a plastic part, for example, that slides up and down inside the handle tube and couples the pins so they slide up and down at the same time. The shuttle is constantly pushed upon (downward) by a spring pushing the shuttle and pins into a locked position. The shuttle has a cable attached to it in which a lock actuator on or near the handle pulls the cable and hence moves the shuttle and pins to an unlocked state. The unlocked state is a state in which the pins are now inside the circular track of the locking plate and the rear frame member  103  can now be rotated freely to a non-use state (folded state). The locking plates may be mounted to lower frame member  101 B and may be located on each side of the rear frame members  103 . The locking plates may employ tracks or slide-by-slide translation and locking pockets for the pins to travel in. The pins may be spring loaded to lock into the locking pockets when the handle is rotated to the appropriate angle to line up with the locking pockets. Locking pockets may be designed for both a stowed (folded) state and erected (unfolded) state. 
         [0087]      FIG. 15B  illustrates lock  130  assembled. 
         [0088]      FIG. 15C  depicts lock  130  in an exploded view. 
         [0089]    In reference now to  FIGS. 16-29 : 
         [0090]    Telescopic Tubing with Wheel: A pair of tubes in which one tube  207  is smaller in circumference than the other  209 , and in which the smaller tube  207  houses at least one wheel  211 , and in which the smaller tube  207  contains a slot  213  for the wheel  211  to make contact with interior of the larger tube  209 . In general, the expandable stroller of the present invention comprises two mirror-imaged structural frames connected to each other by cross members. As the cross members may be placed in any suitable position, and since the structural frame members are mirror images, the discussion of the structure of the present invention will focus on a single frame. One skilled in the art will recognize that the description will apply equally to the mirrored frame. 
         [0091]    Each pair of telescopic tubes are configured with at least one wheel (in this case the wheels have ball bearings). The ball bearings ease the movement from the retracted to expanded configurations. 
         [0092]    Telescopic Tubing Expansion with balls: A pair of tubes in which one tube  207  is smaller in circumference than the other  209 , and in which the smaller tube  207  includes at least a set of channels or depressed insets  219  on opposing upper/lower and/or left/right sides, and in which at least two or more balls  215  is set within the channels/insets  219  of the smaller tube  207  and the interior surface  217  of the larger tube  209 , such that when the telescopic tubes move axially relative to each other, movement of the tubes is eased by means of the balls. The interface  221  between the larger  209  and smaller  207  tubes (as well as the tube ends), is preferably sealed in a way to prevent infiltration of dirt and debris. 
         [0093]    Telescopic Tubing Lock Mechanism: A pair of tubes in which one tube  207  is smaller in circumference than the other  209 , and in which the smaller tube  207  slides relative to the larger tube  209 , and in which the smaller tube  207  is locked in a fixed position relative to the larger tube  209  by means of a pin or rod  509  engaging into a tab or slot  513  with a spring mechanism holding the pin/rod into a locked position, and in which releasing tension of the spring disengages the pin/rod from the tab/slot, thus allowing the tubes to slide relative to one another, and in which the design may embody two or more locking positions (tabs and/or slots). Releasing tension on the spring and pin/rod is achieved by pulling cables and/or a secondary mechanism which acts upon the spring. In one embodiment, the spring is located within the place for a spring  503  depicted in  FIG. 25 . 
         [0094]    The telescopic tubes each have a locking mechanism, which is actuated at the upper frame  202  of the stroller&#39;s front seat  204 . To actuate the cables/locks, the user slides the secondary lock with their thumb and then squeezes the actuation lever. The actuation lever pulls cables on both the right and left sides to release the locks simultaneously. The lock utilizes a spring that is predisposed to stay locked. The cables release tension on the spring, allowing the lock to release. 
         [0095]    The telescopic locking mechanism has three positions in which the pins/bars can lock into place. The initial position ( FIG. 23 , left), the intermediate expansion ( FIG. 23 , center), and the fully expanded position ( FIG. 23 , right). Although our system has three positions, the design itself allows for a multitude of locking positions. 
         [0096]    The locking mechanism can also be used in the other embodiment in which the extendable base is extended by telescopic actuation of the handle ( FIGS. 3A-3D  from the converted utility app). In this case, the actuator for the lock may be forward of the telescopic handle (or not a part of it at all), but once the lock is released, telescoping the handle allows the tubes to slide relative to one another into their next locked position. 
         [0097]    The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural, materials, and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
         [0098]    Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 
         [0099]    The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 
         [0100]    The description has made reference to several exemplary embodiments. It is understood, however, that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure in all its aspects. Although description makes reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the disclosure extends to all functionally equivalent technologies, structures, methods and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1