Patent Description:
The present invention relates to child stroller apparatuses.

Caregivers usually rely on a stroller apparatus to transport babies and children. A stroller apparatus is typically constructed from a rigid frame that can be collapsed for convenient storage or transport and unfolded for use. The construction adopted for the folding mechanism of the stroller apparatus plays an important role in the design of the stroller since it has to be safe and convenient to handle in different situations while not affecting the appealing aesthetics of the stroller.

In some existing construction, the stroller frame may typically include a front leg, a rear leg and a handle frame pivotally connected with one another via multiple joint structures. The multiple joint structures may be dispersed at different locations on each of the left and right sides of the stroller frame, which may result in a stroller apparatus that requires two hands to operate and is inconvenient to fold and unfold. Document <CIT> relates to a stroller that can be folded for storage with a hinge for facilitating the stroller folding. A first pivoting hinge member is connected to a second pivoting hinge member by a linking member. A slide member may be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Therefore, there is a need for a child stroller apparatus that can be convenient to fold and unfold, and address at least the foregoing issues.

The present application describes a child stroller apparatus that is easy to collapse and unfold, and has a compact structure.

The child stroller apparatus includes a handle frame, a front leg frame, a rear leg frame, a linking member, a latch, a release actuator and a safety lock mechanism. The handle frame has a first side segment fixedly connected with a first coupling part. The front leg frame has a second side segment fixedly connected with a second coupling part. The rear leg frame has a third side segment that is fixedly connected with a shell and is respectively connected pivotally with the first and second coupling parts. The linking member is received at least partially inside the shell and is respectively connected pivotally with the first and second coupling parts about two different pivot axes, the handle frame and the front leg frame being thereby rotationally linked to each other. The latch is disposed adjacent to the first coupling part, the latch being operable to rotationally lock the handle frame with respect to the rear leg frame so as to lock the infant stroller apparatus in an unfolded state, wherein the latch is assembled with the shell and is movable to engage with or disengage from the first coupling part. The release actuator is movably assembled with the shell for rotational movement, the latch and the release actuator being in sliding contact with each other via ramp surfaces, the release actuator being movable upward to cause an unlocking displacement of the latch for disengaging from the first coupling part. The safety lock mechanism is configured to prevent accidental folding of the child stroller apparatus, the safety lock mechanism including an impeding part assembled with the release actuator, the impeding part being movable relative to the release actuator to protrude outward and engage with the shell for blocking upward displacement of the release actuator, or to retract inward and disengage from the shell.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating a child stroller apparatus <NUM>. The child stroller apparatus <NUM> can include a handle frame <NUM>, a front leg frame <NUM>, a rear leg frame <NUM> and two joint structures <NUM>. The front and rear leg frames <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively provided with wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. Each of the handle frame <NUM>, front leg frame <NUM> and rear leg frame <NUM> can have a generally symmetrical construction including two parallel side segments respectively disposed at a left and a right side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, i.e., two side segments 1A for the handle frame <NUM>, two side segments 2A for the front leg frame <NUM>, and two side segments 3A for the rear leg frame <NUM>. The side segments 1A, 2A and 3A can be, for example, tube portions. The side segments 1A, 2A and 3A at each of the left and right sides are connected with one joint structure <NUM>. The two joint structures <NUM> on the left and right sides are generally similar in construction, and allow relative rotation between the handle frame <NUM>, front leg frame <NUM> and rear leg frame <NUM> for folding and unfolding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the joint structure <NUM> can include two coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> that are respectively connected fixedly with the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM> and the side segment 2A of the front leg frame <NUM>. The coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> can include, e.g., plate elements made of a metallic material, and can be respectively provided at the ends of the side segments 1A and 2A. The joint structure <NUM> can further include a shell <NUM> that is fixedly connected with the side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM> and is comprised of an inner and an outer shell portion <NUM> and <NUM> fixedly assembled with each other, the inner shell portion <NUM> facing an inner side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> and the outer shell portion <NUM> facing an outside thereof. Two seat mounts <NUM> on which a child seat can be detachably installed may be respectively attached fixedly to the two shells <NUM>, e.g., on the inner shell portions <NUM> thereof. The shell <NUM> can have a hollow interior in which the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> are assembled and can be at least partially received. More specifically, the coupling part <NUM> of the side segment 1A can be pivotally connected with the shell <NUM> about a pivot axis A, and the coupling part <NUM> of the side segment 2A can be pivotally connected with the shell <NUM> about another pivot axis D, the two pivot connections about the pivot axes A and D being received at least partially in the shell <NUM>. The two pivot connections about the pivot axes A and D can be achieved, for example, by providing shafts in the shell <NUM> that are respectively connected pivotally with the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM>, or by providing a coupling part (e.g., comprised of a metallic plate) inside the shell <NUM> that is fixedly connected with the side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM> and is respectively connected pivotally with the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> about the pivot axes A and D. The two pivot axes A and D are spaced apart from each other, and extend transversally parallel from the left to the right side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. The side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM> is thereby respectively connected pivotally with the coupling part <NUM> on the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM> on the side segment 2A of the front leg frame <NUM>.

The coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> are linked to each other via a linking member <NUM>, which can be received at least partially inside the shell <NUM>. The linking member <NUM> can be a unitary part having an elongated shape. For example, the linking member <NUM> may be a rod, a bar, and the like. A first end portion of the linking member <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the coupling part <NUM> about a pivot axis B distinct from the pivot axis A, and a second end portion of the linking member <NUM> opposite to its first end portion can be pivotally connected with the coupling part <NUM> about another pivot axis C distinct from the pivot axis D, the two pivot connections about the pivot axes B and C being received in the shell <NUM>. The two pivot axes B and C are spaced apart from each other, and extend transversally parallel from the left to the right side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

With the aforementioned assembly, the handle frame <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM> attached thereto are rotatable about the pivot axis A relative to the rear leg frame <NUM> and the shell <NUM>, and the front leg frame <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM> attached thereto are rotatable about the pivot axis D relative to the rear leg frame <NUM> and the shell <NUM>, the handle frame <NUM> and the front leg frame <NUM> being rotationally linked to each other owing to the connection of the linking member <NUM>. Accordingly, the handle frame <NUM> and the front leg frame <NUM> can rotate in unison in opposite directions either toward the rear leg frame <NUM> for folding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, or away from the rear leg frame <NUM> for unfolding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. <FIG> shows the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in an unfolded state for use, and <FIG> shows the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in a fully folded state. The linking member <NUM> can remain at least partially inside the shell <NUM> during rotation of the handle frame <NUM> and the front leg frame <NUM> between the folded and unfolded states, which can provide a compact and safe construction for the joint structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a latch <NUM> may be assembled adjacent to the shell <NUM> for locking the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in the unfolded state. For example, the latch <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the coupling part <NUM> and pivotally connected with the shell <NUM> (e.g., the inner shell portion <NUM> thereof) about a pivot axis E. The latch <NUM> can engage with the coupling part <NUM> to rotationally lock the handle frame <NUM> with respect to the rear leg frame <NUM>, thereby locking the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in the unfolded state. Moreover, the latch <NUM> can disengage from the coupling part <NUM> to allow rotation of the handle frame <NUM> for folding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may be pivotally connected on an outer side of the inner shell portion <NUM> with the pivot axis E thereof extending from a front to a rear of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, and can have a latching portion <NUM> that extends through a slot 421a provided on the inner shell portion <NUM> into the interior of the shell <NUM>. The latching portion <NUM> can engage with a side edge <NUM> of the coupling part <NUM> to block a folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM> about the pivot axis A, and disengage from the side edge <NUM> for folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM> about the pivot axis A.

Referring to <FIG>, the latch <NUM> can be connected with a spring <NUM>, which can bias the latch <NUM> toward a locking state for engagement with the coupling part <NUM> of the handle frame <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may exemplary be a compression spring having two ends respectively connected with the latch <NUM> and the shell <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> can further be connected with a release actuator <NUM>, which is operable to urge the latch <NUM> to move to an unlocking state and disengage from the coupling part <NUM> of the handle frame <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the release actuator <NUM> can extend transversally across a width of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, and may include a flexible strap or web. The release actuator <NUM> may be pulled upward to cause rotation of the latch <NUM> against the biasing force of the spring <NUM> toward its unlocking state, thereby allowing folding of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the same assembly of the latch <NUM> and spring <NUM> can be respectively provided at the left and right side, and the release actuator <NUM> can be oppositely connected with the two latches <NUM> so that it can be operable to drive concurrent unlocking of the two latches <NUM>.

Exemplary operation of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is described hereinafter with reference to <FIG>. When the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM> and the side segment 2A of the front leg frame <NUM> can respectively project rearward and forward from an upper and a lower portion of the shell <NUM> at each of the left and right sides. Moreover, the latch <NUM> biased by the spring <NUM> can engage with the side edge <NUM> of the coupling part <NUM>, which can block downward folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM> about the pivot axis A relative to the rear leg frame <NUM>. The child stroller apparatus <NUM> can be thereby locked in the unfolded state.

For folding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, a caregiver can pull the release actuator <NUM> upward with a single hand, which can urge the latch <NUM> to rotate relative to the shell <NUM> against the biasing force of the spring <NUM> for disengaging from the side edge <NUM> of the coupling part <NUM>. The handle frame <NUM> is thereby unlocked and can be rotated downward about the pivot axis A, which can drive the front leg frame <NUM> to rotate in unison about the pivot axis D toward the rear leg frame <NUM> owing to the linking member <NUM>. The side edge <NUM> of the coupling part <NUM> can travel past the latching portion <NUM> of the latch <NUM> during the folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM>. The handle frame <NUM> and the front leg frame <NUM> can thereby rotate relative to the shell <NUM> and fold toward the rear leg frame <NUM> at two opposite sides thereof. When the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the linking member <NUM> can remain at least partially inside the shell <NUM>, the two pivot connections of the linking member <NUM> about the pivot axes B and C moving and remaining inside the shell <NUM>. Most of the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> can also remain inside the shell <NUM> when the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state. This can add protection, and provide a compact and robust construction for the joint structure <NUM>.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating an embodiment of a child stroller apparatus <NUM>. The child stroller apparatus <NUM> has a frame structure generally similar to that described previously, including the handle frame <NUM> having two side segments 1A, the front leg frame <NUM> having two side segments 2A, and the rear leg frame <NUM> having two side segments 3A. The side segments 1A, 2A and 3A at each of the left and right sides are connected with one joint structure <NUM>. The two joint structures <NUM> on the left and right sides are generally similar in construction, and allow relative rotation between the handle frame <NUM>, front leg frame <NUM> and rear leg frame <NUM> for folding and unfolding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Like previously described, the joint structure <NUM> includes the shell <NUM> that is fixedly attached to the side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM> and is pivotally connected with the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM> and the side segment 2A of the front leg frame <NUM> about two distinct pivot axes (e.g., via the assembly of the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> like previously described and shown in <FIG>), and the handle frame <NUM> and front leg frame <NUM> are rotationally linked to each other (e.g., via the linking member <NUM> like described previously and shown in <FIG>).

At each of the left and right sides, the latch <NUM> is likewise assembled with the shell <NUM> for locking the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in the unfolded state. The latch <NUM> can be engaged (e.g., with the coupling part <NUM> as previously described and shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) for blocking folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM>, and disengaged to allow folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may also be connected with a spring (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) adapted to bias the latch <NUM> to the locking state.

In addition, the latch <NUM> is connected with a release actuator <NUM>. The release actuator <NUM> can be a rigid part having a ramp surface 51a, and may be movably assembled with the shell <NUM>. For example, the release actuator <NUM> may be assembled with the shell <NUM> for rotational movements. The latch <NUM> has a ramp surface 45a that is in sliding contact with the ramp surface 51a of the release actuator <NUM>. Owing to the interaction between the ramp surfaces 45a and 51a, an upward displacement of the release actuator <NUM> can result in a rotation of the latch <NUM> for unlocking the handle frame <NUM> and thereby allow its rotation for folding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. For facilitating the unlocking operation, a transversal bar assembly <NUM> may be fixedly connected with the release actuator <NUM>. The transversal bar assembly <NUM> may have two opposite ends respectively attached with the two release actuators <NUM> on the left and right sides. A caregiver can grasp the transversal bar assembly <NUM> with one hand, and lift it for unlocking the two latches <NUM> in a concurrent manner.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> further includes a safety lock mechanism <NUM> coupled with at least one release actuator <NUM>. The safety lock mechanism <NUM> can include an impeding part <NUM>, a cable <NUM>, a slider <NUM>, a release part <NUM> and two springs <NUM> and <NUM>. The impeding part <NUM> may include a pin shape, and is slidably assembled with the release actuator <NUM>. The impeding part <NUM> can slide relative to the release actuator <NUM> to protrude sideways outward for engaging with a stop portion 42a affixed on the shell <NUM>, or to retract inward for disengaging from the stop portion 42a. The engagement of the impeding part <NUM> with the stop portion 42a can block upward displacement of the release actuator <NUM>, which thereby prevents inadvertent movement of the release actuator <NUM> that would result in accidental unlocking of the latch <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> can bias the impeding part <NUM> for engagement with the stop portion 42a of the shell <NUM>. According to an example of assembly, the spring <NUM> can have a first end anchored with the impeding part <NUM>, and a second end anchored with the release actuator <NUM> or transversal bar assembly <NUM>.

The release part <NUM> can be disposed on the transversal bar assembly <NUM>, and can be operatively connected with the impeding part <NUM> via the cable <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the release part <NUM> can be provided as button, and can be slidably connected with the transversal bar assembly <NUM>. The release part <NUM> can have a guide slot 524a through which the slider <NUM> is guided for sliding movement. The cable <NUM> can have two opposite ends respectively anchored with the impeding part <NUM> and the slider <NUM>, and can be disposed through a hollow interior of the transversal bar assembly <NUM>. When the release part <NUM> is depressed, it can urge the slider <NUM> to move and pull on the cable <NUM>, which in turn can pull the impeding part <NUM> against the biasing force of the spring <NUM> for disengaging from the stop portion 42a of the shell <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> can be respectively connected with the release part <NUM> and the transversal bar assembly <NUM>. When no external pressure is applied on the release part <NUM>, the spring <NUM> can urge the release part <NUM> to protrude outward the transversal bar assembly <NUM>.

When the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is locked in the unfolded state by the latch <NUM> at each of the left and right sides, the impeding part <NUM> can engage with the stop portion 42a of one shell <NUM> and thereby block displacement of the release actuator <NUM> in the unlocking direction. As a result, accidental folding of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> can be prevented.

For folding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, a caregiver first presses on the release part <NUM> against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>, which results in the impeding part <NUM> moving and disengaging from the stop portion 42a of the shell <NUM>, thereby unlocking the release actuator <NUM>. While the release part <NUM> is kept depressed, the caregiver then can pull the transversal bar assembly <NUM> upward with the same hand, which urges the release actuator <NUM> to move in unison and cause unlocking displacement of the latch <NUM>. The unlocked child stroller apparatus <NUM> then can be folded like previously described.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating another construction of a mechanism for locking the child stroller apparatus in the unfolded state. Referring to <FIG>, the respective side segments 1A, 2A and 3A of the handle frame <NUM>, front leg frame <NUM> and rear leg frame <NUM> at each of the left and right sides can be connected with one joint structure <NUM>, which may exemplarily substitute for the joint structure <NUM> in the above-described child stroller apparatus <NUM>. Like previously described, the joint structure <NUM> can include the shell <NUM>, which is fixedly attached to the side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM> and is pivotally connected with the coupling part <NUM> of the side segment 1A and the coupling part <NUM> of the side segment 2A about two distinct pivot axes, and the linking member <NUM> that rotationally links the handle frame <NUM> to the front leg frame <NUM> and is received at least partially in the shell <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, for locking the child stroller apparatus in the unfolded state, the shell <NUM> at each of the left and right sides can be assembled with a locking mechanism comprised of a latch <NUM> and an actuating arm <NUM>. The latch <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the shell <NUM> and can have a locking notch 61a, and the coupling part <NUM> of the front leg frame <NUM> can be fixedly connected with a pin 44a disposed eccentric from its pivot axis. The latch <NUM> is rotatable to cause the notch 61a to engage with the pin 44a for locking the joint structure <NUM> and the child stroller apparatus in the unfolded state, or to cause the notch 61a to disengage from the pin 44a for unlocking the joint structure <NUM> and allowing folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM>, front leg frame <NUM> and rear leg frame <NUM>.

The actuating arm <NUM> is exposed outside the shell <NUM> and is respectively connected pivotally with the shell <NUM> and the latch <NUM> about two distinct pivot axes, the pivot connection of the actuating arm <NUM> with the latch <NUM> being radially separate from the pivot connection of the latch <NUM> with the shell <NUM>. Moreover, the actuating arm <NUM> may be attached to a transversal bar assembly <NUM>, which can extend across a width of the child stroller apparatus. The transversal bar assembly <NUM> may have two opposite ends respectively attached to the two actuating arms <NUM> on the left and right sides of the child stroller apparatus. A caregiver can pull the transversal bar assembly <NUM> upward, which results in concurrent rotation of the actuating arms <NUM> in a first direction relative to the shells <NUM>, which in turn urge the two latches <NUM> to rotate in unison and disengage from the coupling parts <NUM> for unlocking the child stroller apparatus and allowing its folding. Reversely, the transversal bar assembly <NUM> can be displaced downward (e.g., by gravity action) to cause concurrent rotation of the actuating arms <NUM> relative to the shells <NUM> in a second direction opposite to the first direction, which in turn urge the two latches <NUM> to rotate in unison and engage with the coupling parts <NUM> for locking the child stroller apparatus in the unfolded state.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a safety lock mechanism <NUM> may be further provided to prevent accidental unlocking of the child stroller apparatus. The safety lock mechanism <NUM> can include an impeding part <NUM> and a spring <NUM>. The impeding part <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the shell <NUM>, and can have an operation portion 631a exposed outward. The impeding part <NUM> is rotatable to engage or disengage the actuating arm <NUM>. The spring <NUM> can have two ends respectively connected with the impeding part <NUM> and the shell <NUM>, and can bias the impeding part <NUM> to engage with the actuating arm <NUM>. In one example of construction, the spring <NUM> can be a torsion spring assembled about the pivot axis of the impeding part <NUM>. The safety lock mechanism <NUM> may be provided at only one of the left and right sides.

While the latch <NUM> remains engaged with the coupling part <NUM> and thereby locks the joint structure <NUM> in the unfolded state of the child stroller apparatus, the impeding part <NUM> biased by the spring <NUM> can engage with an eccentric portion <NUM> of the actuating arm <NUM> so as to block its rotation in a direction that would urge unlocking displacement of the latch <NUM>. Since the latch <NUM> and the actuating arm <NUM> are rotationally linked to each other, this interference between the impeding part <NUM> and the actuating arm <NUM> can effectively prevent accidental unlocking of the latch <NUM>.

For folding the child stroller apparatus, a caregiver first presses on the operation portion 631a of the impeding part <NUM>, which causes its rotation relative to the shell <NUM> for disengaging from the actuating arm <NUM>, thereby allowing rotation of the actuating arm <NUM>. Then the caregiver can pull the transversal bar assembly <NUM> upward, which drives rotation of the two actuating arms <NUM> relative to the shells <NUM> and thereby urge the two latches <NUM> to rotate and disengage from the coupling parts <NUM> for unlocking the child stroller apparatus. The unlocked child stroller apparatus then can be folded like described previously.

In conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are schematic views illustrating another construction of a safety lock mechanism <NUM> for preventing accidental folding of the child stroller apparatus. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the respective side segments 1A, 2A and 3A of the handle frame <NUM>, front leg frame <NUM> and rear leg frame <NUM> at each of the left and right sides can be connected with one joint structure <NUM>. Like previously described, the joint structure <NUM> can include the shell <NUM>, which is fixedly attached to the side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM> and is pivotally connected with the side segments 1A and 2A (e.g., via the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> like previously described in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>) about two distinct pivot axes, and the handle frame <NUM> and front leg frame <NUM> may be rotationally linked to each other (e.g., via the linking member <NUM> like previously described in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>). Moreover, the shell <NUM> may be assembled with the actuating arm <NUM> and the latch <NUM> (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) like described previously, the actuating arm <NUM> being attached to the transversal bar assembly <NUM> and being operable to cause unlocking of the latch <NUM>.

The safety lock mechanism <NUM> can include an impeding part <NUM> and a spring <NUM>. The impeding part <NUM> may be exposed outward, and may be assembled with the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM> at a location adjacent to the shell <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the impeding part <NUM> may be pivotally connected with the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM>, and can have a tongue 711a. The impeding part <NUM> is operable independent from the actuating arm <NUM> and the latch <NUM>, and can rotate relative to the handle frame <NUM> to cause the tongue 711a to engage with a recess 712a provided on an ear portion <NUM> fixedly connected with the shell <NUM>. The spring <NUM> can be connected with the impeding part <NUM>, and can bias the impeding part <NUM> for engaging the tongue 711a thereof with the ear portion <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. According to an example of implementation, the safety lock mechanism <NUM> may be provided at only one of the left and right sides.

While the child stroller apparatus is locked in the unfolded state, the impeding part <NUM> can engage with the ear portion <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. Rotation of the handle frame <NUM> in the folding direction can be thereby prevented, even if the transversal bar assembly <NUM> were pulled upward in the unlocking direction. For folding the child stroller apparatus, a caregiver first rotates the impeding part <NUM> so as to disengage the tongue 711a thereof from the ear portion <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, thereby unlocking the handle frame <NUM> with respect to the shell <NUM>. Then the caregiver can pull the transversal bar assembly <NUM> upward, which drives rotation of the two actuating arms <NUM> relative to the shells <NUM> and urge the two latches <NUM> to rotate and disengage from the coupling parts <NUM> for unlocking the child stroller apparatus, like previously described. The unlocked child stroller apparatus then can be folded like described previously.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating a child stroller apparatus <NUM>. The child stroller apparatus <NUM> has a frame structure generally similar to that described previously, including the handle frame <NUM> having two side segments 1A, the front leg frame <NUM> having two side segments 2A, and the rear leg frame <NUM> having two side segments 3A. The front and rear leg frames <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively provided with wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. The side segments 1A, 2A and 3A at each of the left and right sides are connected with one joint structure <NUM>. The two joint structures <NUM> on the left and right sides are generally similar in construction, and allow relative rotation between the handle frame <NUM>, front leg frame <NUM> and rear leg frame <NUM> for folding and unfolding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the joint structure <NUM> can include three coupling parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> that are respectively connected fixedly with the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM>, the side segment 2A of the front leg frame <NUM> and the side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM>. The coupling parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> can include, e.g., plate elements made of a metallic material. The coupling part <NUM> of the handle frame <NUM> is pivotally connected with the coupling part <NUM> of the rear leg frame <NUM> about the pivot axis A, and the coupling part <NUM> of the front leg frame <NUM> is pivotally connected with the coupling part <NUM> of the rear leg frame <NUM> about the pivot axis D. The coupling part <NUM> of the rear leg frame <NUM> can have an arcuate guide slot <NUM> centered on the pivot axis A, the coupling part <NUM> of the handle frame <NUM> can have a pin <NUM> slidably assembled through the guide slot <NUM>. The course of the pin <NUM> along the guide slot <NUM> can limit a range of rotational movement of the handle frame <NUM> relative to the rear leg frame <NUM>. Moreover, the coupling part <NUM> can be fixedly attached with a pin <NUM>, which can abut against the coupling part <NUM> while the front leg frame <NUM> is unfolded relative to the rear leg frame <NUM>. The pin <NUM> can likewise limit the course of rotation of the front leg frame <NUM>.

Like described in the previous embodiments, the coupling part <NUM> of the handle frame <NUM> is linked to the coupling part <NUM> of the front leg frame <NUM> via a linking member <NUM>. The linking member <NUM> can be a unitary part having an elongated shape. A first end portion of the linking member <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the coupling part <NUM> about the pivot axis B, and a second end portion of the linking member <NUM> opposite to its first end portion can be pivotally connected with the coupling part <NUM> about the pivot axis C. With this assembly, the handle frame <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM> attached thereto are rotatable about the pivot axis A relative to the rear leg frame <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM> attached thereto, and the front leg frame <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM> attached thereto are rotatable about the pivot axis D relative to the rear leg frame <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM>, the handle frame <NUM> and the front leg frame <NUM> being rotationally linked to each other owing to the connection of the linking member <NUM>. Accordingly, the handle frame <NUM> and the front leg frame <NUM> can rotate in unison in opposite directions either toward the rear leg frame <NUM> for folding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, or away from the rear leg frame <NUM> for unfolding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the joint structure <NUM> can further include a shell <NUM> fixedly connected with the side segment 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM>, and another shell <NUM> fixedly connected with the side segment 1A of the handle frame <NUM> and pivotally connected with the shell <NUM> about the pivot axis A. The shell <NUM> can have a hollow interior in which the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> are at least partially received and assembled, and the shell <NUM> can have a hollow interior in which the coupling parts <NUM> and <NUM> are at least partially received and assembled. The linking member <NUM> is received at least partially in the shells <NUM> and <NUM>, the pivot connection of the linking member <NUM> about the pivot axis C being received in the shell <NUM>, and the pivot connection of the linking member <NUM> about the pivot axis B being received in the shell <NUM>. During rotation of the handle frame <NUM> and the front leg frame <NUM> between the folded and unfolded states, the linking member <NUM> can remain at least partially inside the shells <NUM> and <NUM>, the pivot connection of the linking member <NUM> about the pivot axis C moving and remaining inside the shell <NUM>. This can add protection, and provide a compact and robust construction for the joint structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a latch <NUM> may be movably assembled with the coupling part <NUM> of the handle frame <NUM>, and can be operable to engage or disengage the coupling part <NUM> of the rear leg frame <NUM> for locking or unlocking the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the coupling part <NUM> may have an elongated slot <NUM>, and the latch <NUM> may be assembled for sliding movement along the elongated slot <NUM>. The latch <NUM> can slide relative to the coupling part <NUM> to engage with a groove <NUM> provided on the coupling part <NUM> of the rear leg frame <NUM>, which can block a folding rotation of the handle frame <NUM> about the pivot axis A and thereby lock the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in the unfolded state. Moreover, the latch <NUM> can slide relative to the coupling part <NUM> to disengage from the groove <NUM> of the coupling part <NUM>, which unlocks the child stroller apparatus <NUM> and allows rotation of the handle frame <NUM> about the pivot axis A for folding the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. The latch <NUM> can move in unison with the handle frame <NUM> when it is rotated about the pivot axis A in a folding or unfolding direction.

The latch <NUM> can be connected with a spring <NUM>, which can bias the latch <NUM> toward a locking state for engagement with the coupling part <NUM> of the rear leg frame <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may exemplary be a compression spring having two ends respectively connected with the latch <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the latch <NUM> can be further connected with a release actuator <NUM> via a cable <NUM>. The release actuator <NUM> can be exemplary assembled slidably with the handle frame <NUM> (e.g., on an upper end of the side segment 1A), and the cable <NUM> can be routed along the side segment 1A and have two opposite ends respectively anchored with the release actuator <NUM> and the latch <NUM>. A caregiver can thereby operate the release actuator <NUM> to urge the latch <NUM> to slide against the biasing force of the spring <NUM> and disengage from the coupling part <NUM> for unlocking the child stroller apparatus <NUM> and allowing its folding.

A same assembly of the latch <NUM>, spring <NUM>, cable <NUM> and release actuator <NUM> as described above can be similarly provided on the left and right sides of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> to achieve locking and unlocking of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> can further include two seat mounts <NUM> on which a child seat can be detachably installed. The seat mounts <NUM> may be respectively attached fixedly to the two shells <NUM> of the handle frame <NUM>. Additional seat mounts <NUM> may be further provided on the two side segments 3A of the rear leg frame <NUM> close to the wheel assemblies <NUM>. In addition, a transversal bar <NUM> extending across a width of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> may also be fixedly connected with the two shells <NUM>. The transversal bar <NUM> may be grasped with one hand for facilitating carrying of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in the folded state.

Advantages of the child stroller apparatuses described herein include the ability to provide compact joint structures for connecting the handle frame, the front leg frame and the rear leg frame, which allow convenient folding and unfolding of the child stroller apparatuses. Moreover, the ability to integrate various elements such as linking members and latches in the joint structures can offer a simpler and more appealing appearance of the child stroller apparatus.

Claim 1:
A child stroller apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle frame (<NUM>) having a first side segment (1A) fixedly connected with a first coupling part (<NUM>);
a front leg frame (<NUM>) having a second side segment (2A) fixedly connected with a second coupling part (<NUM>);
a rear leg frame (<NUM>) having a third side segment (3A) fixedly connected with a shell (<NUM>), the third side segment (3A) being respectively connected pivotally with the first and second coupling parts (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a linking member (<NUM>) received at least partially inside the shell (<NUM>) and respectively connected pivotally with the first and second coupling parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) about two different pivot axes (B, C), the handle frame (<NUM>) and the front leg frame (<NUM>) being thereby rotationally linked to each other;
a latch (<NUM>) disposed adjacent to the first coupling part (<NUM>), the latch (<NUM>) being operable to rotationally lock the handle frame (<NUM>) with respect to the rear leg frame (<NUM>) so as to lock the infant stroller apparatus (<NUM>) in an unfolded state, wherein the latch (<NUM>) is assembled with the shell (<NUM>) and is movable to engage with or disengage from the first coupling part (<NUM>);
a release actuator (<NUM>) movably assembled with the shell (<NUM>), the latch (<NUM>) and the release actuator (<NUM>) being in sliding contact with each other via ramp surfaces (45a, 51a), the release actuator (<NUM>) being movable upward to cause an unlocking displacement of the latch (<NUM>) for disengaging from the first coupling part (<NUM>); and
a safety lock mechanism (<NUM>) including an impeding part (<NUM>) assembled with the release actuator (<NUM>), the impeding part (<NUM>) being movable relative to the release actuator (<NUM>) to protrude outward and engage with the shell (<NUM>) for blocking upward displacement of the release actuator (<NUM>), or to retract inward and disengage from the shell (<NUM>).