Abstract:
Comfort push stroller is a device with at least one adjustable handle that may be raised and lowered and/or telescoped, adjustable to accommodate user-pushers of varying heights. The handle(s) on this device may be adjustable thereby allowing the user to raise the handle(s) to a height that is found most comfortable by individuals of virtually all heights. The handle(s) may include at least one inner tube and at least one slightly larger outer tube that fits concentrically over the inner tube. Depressible spring-loaded push-buttons are located on the outer tubing and are designed to couple the inner tube to the outer tube in a locked relationship thereby permitting a user to vertically height-adjust and set the vertically adjustable handle to a user-preferred height via telescoping action.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/262,943, filed Nov. 20, 2009 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of strollers and more specifically relates to strollers with an adjustable handle that may be height-manipulated to provide a comfortable position for the user-pusher. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0007]    Babies may be transported between locations using child carriers, strollers, or other such devices. A “child carrier” or “baby carrier” is a device typically used to carry an infant or small child on the body of an adult. Such on-the-body carriers are designed in various forms such as baby slings, backpack carriers, and soft front or hip carriers, with varying materials and degrees of rigidity, decoration, support and safe confinement of the child. 
         [0008]    A stroller normally has the child strapped in a sitting position, usually facing forwards, instead of facing the pusher. Many parents and childcare workers enjoy pushing their infant in a stroller as they take a walk or go for a jog as the vast majority of the weight of the child is carried by the wheeled system. Unfortunately, strollers are traditionally designed and manufactured under the premise that one-size-fits-all. This quality leaves user-pushers that are taller than average no choice but to stoop over to reach the handles. Shorter user-pushers may be uncomfortably positioned as well. Remaining in a stooped position for continuous periods of time can result in serious back-related issues along with poor posture that may easily be avoided simply by using a properly fitted or adjusted stroller. Therefore a need exists for a stroller with a height adjustable handle that may be raised and lowered and/or telescoped to accommodate a wider height range of users. 
         [0009]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,845,917, 4,587,864, 5,625,923, 5,184,835, 7,032,911, and 7,011,335. This prior art is representative of strollers with adjustable handles. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0010]    Ideally, a stroller should be user-friendly, and comfortable in-use. Additionally, the stroller must operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable comfort push stroller system with vertically adjustable handles to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known stroller art, the present invention provides a novel comfort push stroller system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a stroller with adjustable handle(s) that may be raised and lowered and/or telescoped by the user to provide a comfortable position in which to push the child in. This device will allow taller and shorter than average mothers and fathers to push a stroller without causing back stress or poor body posture. Parents of ranging heights can adjust the handles with a push of button to find a position that is most comfortable for them as they walk or jog with their infant nestled inside the stroller seat. 
         [0012]    The present comfort push stroller described herein preferably comprises: at least one vertically adjustable handle; with at least one inner tube; at least one outer tube; and at least one push-button located on the outer tubing. The vertically adjustable handle comprises metal in preferred embodiments and at least one cushioner. The inner tube and the outer tube are adjacently and concentrically located in relation to each other, the inner tube located within the confines of the outer tube so they may be telescoped when adjusted. 
         [0013]    The inner tube preferably comprises a plurality of through-holes (apertures) located on mating side-arc portion(s) relative to the push-button. In this way the inner-tube is vertically adjustable downwardly and/or upwardly, and then locked in a desired position via the push-button. The locking relationship is accomplished via a friction relationship at the desired height, the available choices according to spaced-increments of the plurality of through-holes. 
         [0014]    The quarter-sized push-button(s) may comprise a tensioned spring and by their relative sizing act to prevent accidental finger pinching as a user engages (compresses and/or tensions) the push-button. The spring of the push-button mechanism is in compression when the push-button is compressed. Conversely, the spring is in tension when the inner-tube is in a friction-locked position in one of the through-holes. The user-preferred height of the vertically adjustable handle is achieved when the push-button is tensioned thereby locking the vertically adjustable handle in a desired location. The push-button is designed to couple the inner tube to the outer tube in a locked relationship (preventing sliding telescopically in relation to each other) thereby providing a rigid member sufficient to push the stroller. 
         [0015]    A kit is embodied herein for the comfort push stroller system comprising: the stroller with the vertically adjustable handle; push-buttons; at least one (optionally removably replaceable) cushioner (user-preferred coloring/design); and a set of user instructions. 
         [0016]    In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: compressing at least one push-button; vertically adjusting an inner-tube relative to an outer-tube on the vertically adjustable handle according to the height of a user-pusher; and tensioning the push-button once a desired height is reached thereby locking the inner-tube to the outer-tube such that the comfort push stroller is at a user-preferred height—one that is comfortable in-use while pushing the stroller. 
         [0017]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a comfort push stroller system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, comfort push stroller system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view illustrating a traditional push stroller in an ‘in-use’ condition. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view illustrating a comfort push stroller system in an ‘in-use’ condition as properly height-adjusted according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an ‘in-use’ condition of the comfort push stroller system as used by a taller user-pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1B . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the user compressing push-buttons to adjust relative handle height according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1B . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the user-pusher adjusting the vertically-adjustable handle(s) according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5 . is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1B-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0025]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a stroller device and more particularly to a comfort push stroller system  100  as used to permit user-pushers of various heights to comfortably push a stroller. 
         [0027]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1A-2 , perspective views illustrating comfort push stroller system  100  in ‘in-use’ condition(s)  120 .  FIG. 1  specifically alludes to comfort push stroller system  100  (alternately named just my height stroller  110 ) as improperly height-adjusted in the left side image (generally referenced as  102 ) and properly height adjusted in the right side image (generally referenced as  104 ), representing before and after adjusting conditions for comfort push stroller system  100 . The left side image  102  is representative of the prior art as discussed above, shown to be uncomfortable to user-pusher  150 .  FIG. 2 , shows a perspective view illustrating ‘in-use’ condition  120  of the comfort push stroller system  100  as used comfortably by a taller (above-average height) user-pusher  150 . Both  FIGS. 1B and 2  represent comfort push stroller system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1B  ( FIG. 1A  does not). Vertically adjustable handle  140  may be produced OEM on comfort push stroller  130  or alternately retro-fit to existing strollers (such as the stroller shown in  FIG. 1A ). 
         [0028]    Comfort push stroller system  100  comprises comfort push stroller  130  according to the embodiment shown in the present figures referenced. Comfort push stroller  130  preferably comprises: at least one vertically adjustable handle  140  (may be a one-piece handle construction as referenced in  FIG. 4 ) with at least one inner tube  160 ; at least one outer tube  170 ; and at least one push-button  180  located on outer tubing  170 . Vertically adjustable handle  140  comprises at least one inner tube  160  and at least one outer tube  170 ; wherein outer tube  170  fits concentrically over inner tube  160 , outer tube  170  being slightly larger in diameter than inner tube  160 . In this way the relationship between inner tube  160  and outer tube  170  is adjacent and concentric such that inner tube  160  may be telescopically moved in relation with outer tube  170  such that vertically adjustable handle  140  may be retracted or extended (lengthened and/or shortened). The present invention, further comprising push-button  180  is designed to couple inner tube  160  to outer tube  170  in a locked relationship thereby permitting user  150  to vertically height-adjust and set vertically adjustable handle  140  to a user-preferred height via telescoping action. It should be appreciated that spring  182  (discussed below) within push-button  180  acts upon an insertable member to insert into through-holes  190  to create a contact-relationship to prevent relative movement. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  showing a perspective view illustrating user  150  compressing push-buttons  180  to adjust relative handle height of vertically adjustable handle  140  in relation to comfort push stroller  130  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1B . 
         [0030]    Inner-tube  160 , as mentioned above preferably comprises a plurality of through-holes  190 . Through-holes  190  comprise apertures and may be located on a mating side-arc portion relative to push-button  180 . In certain embodiments push-buttons  180  and through-holes  190  may be located on the inner side of vertically adjustable handle  140  and in other embodiments may be located on the outer side. Push-buttons  180  and through-holes  190  are located on the same side within both of the above-mentioned versions so that they may work in conjunction with one another to provide securing and locking means in a mechanical way via contact friction force. 
         [0031]    Push-button  180  within this particular embodiment comprises a mechanical insertion means and may be made out of hard, yet durable material, preferably either plastic, metal or of other such suitable material. The surface of push-button  180  is preferably flat or suitably dome-shaped to accommodate finger of user  150 , so as to be easily depressed or pushed to manipulate push-button  180 . Push-button  180  is about the size of a quarter within this particular embodiment to substantially prevent accidental finger pinching as user  150  compresses and tensions push-button  180 . In other embodiments push-button  180  may comprise other shapes and sizes. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments each push-button  180  comprises a spring  182 . Spring  182  is used to store potential mechanical energy and can be wound from pre-hardened stock, or made from annealed steel and hardened after fabrication. Spring  182  is designed to operate alternately between tension and compression states. For example spring  182  is in compression when push-button  180  is compressed/depressed (by user  150 ), allowing inner-tube  160  to be height adjustable in relation to outer tube  170  (via telescopic sliding motion). Spring  182  is in tension (returns to a natural in-tension state) when push-button  180  is released and inner-tube  160  is in a friction-locked relation to outer tube  170  as push-button  180  is positioned in a locked-inserted position in one of the plurality of through-holes  190 . In this way inner-tube  160  is vertically adjustable downwardly and/or upwardly (telescopically), and vertically adjustable handle  140  is height adjusted according to spaced-increments of the plurality of through-holes  190 . Once a comfortable user-preferred height (distance from ground to height of hands of user  150 ) of vertically adjustable handle  140  is achieved (reached), push-button  180  is tensioned thereby locking vertically adjustable handle  140  in a desired location. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view illustrating user-pusher  150  adjusting vertically-adjustable handle(s)  140  according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1B . 
         [0034]    As shown in the current and previous figures vertically-adjustable handle(s)  140  may comprise one-piece constructions and multiple-piece constructions. In certain embodiments vertically adjustable handle  140  comprises metal (ferrous or non-ferrous metals, alloys or combinations thereof). In other embodiments vertically adjustable handle  140  comprises plastic, composite or other suitable material(s). The materials used are preferably lightweight and durable in service, thus providing relative longevity of the present invention. In this way comfort push stroller system  100  is made cost-effective in use. 
         [0035]    Comfort push stroller  130  with vertically adjustable handle  140  may comprise at least one grippable handgrip (may comprise a gripping surface). The handgrip preferably comprises a cushioner to provide a means whereby comfort push stroller  130  is comfortable to push. The cushioner may come in a variety of shapes and graphic themes. Additionally, the cushioner may comprise foam, gel or other flexible soft material such that hands of user  150  are not wearied when pushing comfort push stroller  130 . Variously themed cushioners may be removably attachable (via hook and loop fasteners or other suitable means) to vertically adjustable handle  140  and may comprise indicia with cartoon characters, various boy, girl, baby themes. In this way the present invention is user-customizable. 
         [0036]    Comfort push stroller system  100  may be sold as kit  106  comprising at least the following parts: comfort push stroller  130  with at least one vertically adjustable handle  140 ; replacement push-button(s)  180 ; removable and/or replaceable variously themed cushioners and a set of user instructions. Comfort push stroller system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5 . shows a flowchart  550  illustrating a method of use  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1B-4 , referring now to  FIG. 5 . showing a method (at least herein embodying method of use  500 ) of using comfort push stroller  102  preferably comprises the steps of: step one  501  compressing at least one push-button; step two  502  vertically adjusting (telescoping—shortening or lengthening) inner-tube  160  relative to outer-tube  170  on vertically adjustable handle  140  according to the height of user  150 ; step three  503  compressing spring  182  inside at least one push-button  180  to release locking relationship between inner tube  160  and outer tube  170 ; and step four  504  tensioning spring  182  inside at least one push-button  180  once a desired height is reached on the vertically adjustable handle  140  thereby locking inner-tube  160  to the outer-tube  170  such that the comfort push stroller  130  is at a user-preferred height, and vertically adjustable handle  140  is held in rigid stasis for pushing episodes. 
         [0038]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0039]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.