Patent Abstract:
The present invention is a passenger assembly for a stroller and is adaptable to almost any stroller and is capable of practice in numerous embodiments. The preferred embodiment features a chassis mounted platform with adjustable mounting arms. A mounting mechanism is located at the terminus of each arm and is attachable and removable from the stroller frame with the passenger assembly. A number of potential mounting mechanisms are disclosed. An extension handle is provided to allow users greater control of the stroller from a distance further than normal, as the assembly occupies the position proximate the stroller, where the user ordinarily stands. Modules are capable of addition to the assembly, such as a seat or basket, or a stow strap for securement of the assembly when not in use.

Full Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to the field of load bearing carts, such as infant and child strollers, shopping carts and the like and more particularly relates to assemblies purposed to allow additional passengers for such strollers and carts.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Stroller passenger assemblies are known in the prior art. They are used to provide an additional seat or platform for a child either on or attached to a stroller. Advantages of such devices are readily appreciable for households with more than one small child. However, the present state of the art lacks a stroller passenger assembly that is readily adaptable to different strollers of different types with minimal alteration to either the stroller or the assembly. Likewise, a number of passenger assemblies require mounting significant hardware on the stroller, reducing unit interchangeability.  
         [0003]     In this respect, the passenger assembly according to the present invention departs substantially from the usual designs in the prior art. In doing so, this invention provides an adaptable passenger assembly utilizable on all types of strollers. The invention also provides such adaptability in a convenient manner, leaving no major mechanical components on the stroller and in a manner that is readily removed from one stroller and utilizable on a stroller of another type. In embodiments where a component is left on the stroller frame, it is easily removed and still adaptable to other stroller frames.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of stroller passenger assemblies, this invention provides an improved passenger assembly adaptable to almost any stroller and provides adjustments and accessories that increase utility and comfort. As such, the present invention&#39;s general purpose is to provide a new and improved passenger assembly that will provide length, height, width and pitch adjustment, additional handle extensions for the stroller handle, attachments for the platform and ease of adaptability.  
         [0005]     In order to provide these advantages, the passenger assembly of the present invention comprises many separate components, all co-operatively employed to provide an entire system as a passenger assembly. Initially, the preferred embodiment of the passenger assembly comprises a platform, mounted upon a chassis, upon which two casters are attached. The casters may be adjustable for height. Extending outward and away from the chassis is at least one, ideally two, attachment arms for interconnecting with a stroller frame. The chassis assembly is rotatable in the preferred embodiment, thereby adjusting the position of the attachment arms relative to the platform and, consequently, the stroller frame. In the preferred embodiment, handlebar extensions are provided for easier control of the stroller given the tendency of the platform alone to obstruct a user from achieving proximity necessary for comfortable, efficient and effective control of the stroller. Modules may also be added to the platform, such as a seat or basket.  
         [0006]     The preferred embodiment&#39;s attachment to the stroller frame allows for ease of use, security and durability. Any attachment mechanism that either is removable with the attachment arms or is easily removable from the frame in order to be transferred to another stroller may be used with the preferred embodiment.  
         [0007]     A summary of the present invention has thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated.  
         [0008]     Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.  
         [0009]     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0010]     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the present invention installed on a stroller utilizing the attachment means depicted in  FIGS. 8   a - 8   d.    
         [0017]      FIG. 7   a  is a top plan view of one attachment means for use with the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7   b  is a side elevation of the attachment means of  FIG. 7   a.    
         [0019]      FIG. 7   c  is a front elevation of the attachment means of  FIG. 7   a.    
         [0020]      FIG. 7   d  is an exploded view of the attachment means of  FIG. 7   a.    
         [0021]      FIG. 7   e  is a perspective view of the assembly, utilizing the means of  FIG. 7   a , attached to a stroller.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7   f  is a perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 7   e  with the attachment means unsecured.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8   a  is a top plan view of a second attachment means for use with the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 8   b  is a rear elevation of the attachment means of  FIG. 8   a.    
         [0025]      FIG. 8   c  is a side elevation of the attachment means of  FIG. 8   a.    
         [0026]      FIG. 8   d  is an exploded view of the attachment means of  FIG. 8   a.    
         [0027]      FIG. 9   a  is perspective view of a third attachment means for use with the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 9   b  is a top plan view of the attachment means of  FIG. 9   a.    
         [0029]      FIG. 9   c  is a rear elevation of the attachment means of  FIG. 9   a    
         [0030]      FIG. 9   d  is an exploded view of the attachment means of  FIG. 9   a.    
         [0031]      FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view of a fourth attachment means for use with the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 10   b  is a top plan view of the attachment means of  FIG. 10   a.    
         [0033]      FIG. 10   c  is a rear elevation of the attachment means of  FIG. 10   a.    
         [0034]      FIG. 10   d  is an exploded view of the attachment means of  FIG. 10   a.    
         [0035]      FIG. 11   a  is a perspective view of a handle extension for use with the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 11   b  is a top plan view of the handle extension of  FIG. 11   a.    
         [0037]      FIG. 11   c  is a front elevation of the handle extension of  FIG. 11   a.    
         [0038]      FIG. 11   d  is an exploded view of the handle extension of  FIG. 11   a.    
         [0039]      FIG. 11   e  is a rear perspective view of the handle extension of  FIG. 11   a  installed on a stroller handle.  
         [0040]      FIG. 12  perspective view detailing the underside of the assembly and stow strap in use.  
         [0041]      FIG. 12   a  is the assembly and stow strap of  FIG. 12  prior to attachment of the strap to the assembly frame.  
         [0042]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the assembly with an attached storage compartment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0043]     With reference now to the drawings, and with note that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise, a preferred embodiment of the passenger assembly is herein explained. As seen in  FIGS. 1-6 , in a preferred embodiment, the assembly has a platform  2  mounted upon a chassis  4  with wheels  6  extending downward from the chassis  4  for contact with the ground. Also extending from chassis  4  is at least one, preferably two attachment arms  8  for attachment to the frame  12  of a stroller  10 . Attachment arms may be adjustable in length to accommodate various user preferences and stroller models. An example of a means of providing such extensible arms would be utilizing coaxially mounted tubes sliding relative to each other, incorporating a spring button latching mechanism  7  on the inner tube and several hole detents  5  on the outer tube, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 . Attachment means  14  are provided on the ends of arms  8  for attachment onto the frame  12 . Ideally, attachment means  14  are easily removed from the frame  12  so as to allow for quick and easy attachment to other strollers. There are a number of embodiments for the attachment means  14  which would still come into the purview of this application and the claimed invention, some of which will be described later in this description.  
         [0044]     In one preferred embodiment, the platform  2 , being attached to chassis  4 , is interchangeable with other platforms. This interchangeability allows for customization of the assembly and, if necessary, replacement of just one piece if it is damaged. The utilization of a chassis base also allows the board  2  to be adjusted into different positions relative to the chassis  4 , such as a sliding relationship. Likewise, a rotational feature of the arms  8  is built into the chassis  4  to interface with said arms  8 , shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In the preferred embodiment, the arms  8  attach into the chassis  2  at an interface  16  with a compression means  18 . Interface  16  is formed of two open jaws, which surround the base of the arms  9  and are closed by compression means  18 . This allows a smooth 360° rotation of the arms  8 , as opposed to incremental rotation. With this embodiment, the base of the arms  9  should be knurled or otherwise roughened to increase friction between it and interface  16 . The chassis  4  provides greater stability and strength to the entire assembly as opposed to the use of similarly constructed platforms alone.  
         [0045]     Additional features incorporated for increased utility.  FIGS. 1-5  shows an attachable seat structure, including a post  20  and seat  22 , which preferably is screwed into a port  24 , shown in  FIG. 6 . The seat structure may alternatively be attached through use of a bolt, clip, mesh, integral locking mechanism, snap in place, slide with detachment prevention mechanism, or any other attachment means known in the art. Alternatively, a storage compartment  25 , shown in  FIG. 13 , may be provided for additional load bearing utility in necessary circumstances, for instance, when shopping. Stow strap  28 , attached to frame  12 , may also be clipped into slot  26  with hook  27 , shown in  FIGS. 12 and 12   a  and utilized to lift the assembly out of the way of a user when the assembly is not in use. Ground clearance may be raised or lowered by use of removable wheel extensions  30 , shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0046]     There are a number of attachment means that may be used with the present invention. The four ideal means can be categorized in two classes. The first class is a simple clip means, with an anchor semi-permanently attached to the stroller frame and a closeable hook  50  on the terminal end of the arms  8 , shown in  FIG. 6 , for rapid attachment and detachment of the passenger assembly to and from the stroller frame. The second class is a clamping means, mounted on the arms  8 , that is detachable from the stroller frame. The first attachment means, shown in  FIGS. 8   a - 8   d , is of the first class and has an anchor means defined by an anchor body  40  with a channel  42  defined centrally. Connection bar  44  bridges the channel  42  perpendicularly. As seen in  FIG. 8   d , body  40  has an attached cover  40   b  secured with bolts  46  and has a space defined to accommodate hose clamp  48  therein. Body  40  is attached to the frame  12  using the hose clamp  48  shown in  FIG. 8   d . Hook  50 , shown in  FIG. 6 , is located at the end of each attachment arm  8 . In use, hook  50  interfaces and closes on connection bar  44 , thus attaching the assembly to the frame of the stroller.  
         [0047]     The second means is also in the first class in that it utilizes an anchor means that attaches to the frame semi-permanently and utilizes a hook  50  to attach to the arms  8 . Shown in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   d , means body has two halves  94 ,  96  which are brought together preferably with bolts  98 . Sets of bolts  98  of varying length may be provided to accommodate different width frames. Half  96  contains connection bar  44 . Halves  94 ,  96  should be formed with complimentary indentations  95 ,  97  to encompass frame  12  more securely. Halves  94 ,  96  may have threaded bores or nuts  99  or the like.  
         [0048]     A third embodiment is of the second class and utilizes an adjustable clamp, shown in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   d  comprising a clamp frame  100  with a threaded bore  101  and a threadingly engaged compression means  102 . In this embodiment the end of both the frame and the compression means are jaws  104 ,  106 . Lever  108  is utilized to provide additional torque on compression means  102 . Between compression means  102  and jaw  104  is attachment structure  107 . This attachment structure  107  may either feature a connection bar, like the previous two means, or may be attached directly to the arm  8  of the passenger assembly.  
         [0049]     A more specialized attachment means of the second class is shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   d . The means includes a main body  80  and a flexible slotted strap  82  having a flaccid end  84  and a latch  86  affixed to the opposite end. The latch  86  is attached to the main body and the flaccid end  84  is wrapped around the support of the stroller frame until it is in contact with the main body  80  on the side opposite the latch. A screw  89  is passed through a brace  87  and the strap&#39;s slot  83 , into a threaded bore in the main body  80 , thereby allowing adjustment for different frames. Threaded nut  91  may be mounted inside main body  80  to provide a stronger threaded bore for screw  89 . A locking bar  85 , pivotally mounted upon the main body  80 , braces the latch  86  onto the main body  80  and pivots so as to release the latch  86  and thereby the entire attachment means. Ideally, spacer  81  should have a slidable relationship on strap  82  and should be adjusted to contact the side of the frame opposite the main body  80 . Main body  80  should have a depression  90  and a groove  92  to accommodate latch  86 . Locking bar  85  should be sturdy enough to withstand the force of pressure from latch  86  and maintain latch&#39;s position relative the main body  80 . Locking bar  85  should also be restrained from rotation unless intentionally rotated. This is easily accomplished by means known in the art, such as providing detent settings. This embodiment, as is the earlier described clamp embodiment, is well suited to a “fleet” of identical strollers, such as in a rental situation, where the assembly may be removed or installed at the whim of the user without installing a permanent part on each stroller.  
         [0050]     For further utility, at least one extension handle  60  may be provided to account for additional space utilized by the assembly and a passenger while still enabling control of the stroller.  FIGS. 11   a - 11   e  detail one possible embodiment of an extension arm with both extensibility and rotation capability. The extension handle is mounted upon the stroller handle by clamping bracket halves  64   a ,  64   b  on the stroller handle by use of bolts  67  and nuts  65 . A secondary jaw  62  is mounted within half  64   b  over bolt  67  and is rotatable. Secondary jaw  62  may have detent interfaces  61  to limit rotation positions and provide a greater degree of stability when the unit is installed, or may have no such detents and rely on the tightening of bracket  64  to secure the jaw and provide greater incremental rotational control. Handle bar  66  is inserted inside secondary jaw  62  and secured with locking bolt  69  tightened by locking nut  63 . Grip  68  is positioned on the end of handle bar  66  for comfort and a better gripping surface. Handle  60  is shown installed on a stroller handle  11  in  FIG. 11   e.    
         [0051]     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1