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

Some strollers currently available on the market, such as double strollers, may have an increased volume so that several seats can be installed for receiving more than one child at a time. However, these strollers can be very large and therefore more difficult to maneuver and transport. Owing to its large size, a double stroller is generally not purchased when a first child is born, because it may take a few years before the next child is born. Document <CIT> describes a stroller with a secondary attachment mechanism to facilitate the attachment of various structures to the stroller. Further, a basket for use in an expandable stroller system is described. Document <CIT> describes a collapsible stroller with a slidable basket. Accordingly, parents generally acquire a single stroller for their first child, and may envisage the purchase of a double stroller only after the birth of the second child. This results in additional expense, and requires space for storing several strollers.

Therefore, there is a need for a child stroller apparatus that is more flexible in use, easy to operate and address at least the foregoing issues.

The present application describes a child stroller apparatus that is expandable according the needs during use.

According to an aspect, the child stroller apparatus includes a first frame portion provided with a first wheel assembly, a second frame portion provided with a second wheel assembly, the second frame portion being assembled with the first frame portion for sliding movement along a lengthwise axis extending from a front to a rear of the child stroller apparatus, and an expandable storage basket spanning across the first and second frame portions, wherein the storage basket includes a first and a second basket frame portion respectively attached to the first and second frame portion, and a softgoods material attached to the second basket frame portion for defining at least partially an enclosure of the storage basket, the first and second basket frame portions being movable away or toward each other for expanding or contracting the storage basket as the second frame portion slides relative to the first frame portion for increasing or reducing a distance between the first and second wheel assemblies, wherein the storage basket further includes two elastic members respectively connected with the first and second basket frame portions.

According to another aspect, the child stroller apparatus includes a first frame portion provided with a first wheel assembly, a second frame portion provided with a second wheel assembly, the second frame portion being assembled with the first frame portion for sliding movement along a lengthwise axis extending from a front to a rear of the child stroller apparatus, and a storage basket spanning across the first and second frame portions, wherein the storage basket includes a basket frame portion connected with the second frame portion, and a softgoods material connected with the basket frame portion and defining a sidewall of the storage basket, the basket frame portion being movable relative to the second frame portion between a first position for expanding the sidewall and a second position for collapsing the sidewall, wherein the basket frame portion is connected with the second frame portion via two springs, the springs biasing the basket frame portion towards the first position.

The present application describes child stroller apparatuses having expandable stroller frames. During use, the stroller frames can be adjusted for increasing or reducing an inner volume of the child stroller apparatuses according to a caregiver's needs. For example, the expanded stroller frame can increase an inner volume of the child stroller apparatus for placement of an additional seat or expanding a storage basket. Moreover, the child stroller apparatuses described herein can include a control mechanism that is easy to operate for adjusting the child stroller apparatus between the expanded state and the shortened state. The control mechanism can be easily accessible for operation at a front or a rear of the child stroller apparatus.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a child stroller apparatus <NUM> having an expandable stroller frame. The child stroller apparatus <NUM> can include a base <NUM>, and an upper frame portion <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM> with the upper frame portion <NUM> being comprised of two front or first leg portions <NUM>, two rear or second leg portions <NUM>, a handle frame <NUM> and two joint structures <NUM>. The base <NUM> can include two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The frame portion <NUM> can be exemplary a front frame portion, and the frame portion <NUM> can be exemplary a rear frame portion. The two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are slidably assembled with each other so that the frame portion <NUM> can slide generally horizontally relative to the frame portion <NUM> along a lengthwise axis Y extending centrally from a front to a rear of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

The frame portion <NUM> can include two tube portions <NUM> and a footrest <NUM>. The footrest <NUM> can be provided as a shell body having a hollow interior, which can be exemplary made of a plastic material. The footrest <NUM> can be fixedly connected with the two tube portions <NUM> at a front of the frame portion <NUM>, and the two tube portions <NUM> can extend at least partially parallel to each other at a left and a right side of the footrest <NUM>. Moreover, the frame portion <NUM> is provided with one or more wheel assembly <NUM>. For example, two wheel assemblies <NUM> can be respectively assembled with the frame portion <NUM> at the left and right sides of the footrest <NUM>. Each wheel assembly <NUM> may include a mount base <NUM>, a rotary bracket <NUM> connected with an underside of the mount base <NUM> for rotation about a vertical axis, and a wheel <NUM> pivotally connected the rotary bracket <NUM>. Each wheel assembly <NUM> can be connected with the frame portion <NUM> near the footrest <NUM> via the mount base <NUM>, which may be fixedly or pivotally connected with the frame portion <NUM>.

The frame portion <NUM> can include two tube portions <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>), two wheel assemblies <NUM> and an inner frame member <NUM>. The two tube portions <NUM> can extend generally parallel to each other at the left and right sides of the base <NUM>. The two tube portions <NUM> can be telescopically assembled with the two tube portions <NUM>, so that the frame portion <NUM> can slide relative to the frame portion <NUM> along the lengthwise axis Y.

The two wheel assemblies <NUM> can be respectively attached to the two tube portions <NUM> near the rear ends thereof. A transversal shaft <NUM> fixedly connected with the two tube portions <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> can have two ends respectively connected with the two wheel assemblies <NUM>.

The inner frame member <NUM> can be made of a rigid material (e.g., rigid tubular structure), and can be fixedly connected with the two tube portions <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the inner frame member <NUM> can have a transversal segment 132A and two side segments 132B fixedly joined with one another to form a unitary part, which is better shown in <FIG>. The transversal 132A of the inner frame member <NUM> extends from a left to a right side of the frame portion <NUM> across a central region of the base <NUM>. The two side segments 132B of the inner frame member <NUM> can be respectively attached fixedly to the two tube portions <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>, and can extend generally along the lengthwise axis Y. A shape defined by the inner frame member <NUM> can exemplary include a generally U-shape. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner frame member <NUM> can be placed in an inner region between the two tube portions <NUM> and overlap with the frame portion <NUM>. Since the inner frame member <NUM> is fixedly attached to the frame portion <NUM>, they can slide in unison along the lengthwise axis Y relative to the frame portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the frame portion <NUM> can further include two seat mounts <NUM> configured to detachably engage with a seat <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>), which may be a stroller seat or an infant car seat installed in a forward or rearward facing position. The two seat mounts <NUM> can be respectively assembled with the two tube portions <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>, e.g., near the wheel assemblies <NUM>. According to some example of implementation, each seat mount <NUM> can have a construction allowing adjustment of the seat mount <NUM> between a deployed position where it projects upward for receiving the installation of the seat <NUM>, and a stowed position where the seat mount <NUM> lies down generally horizontally to facilitate storage.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be respectively disposed symmetrically at a left and a right side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. Any of the leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> can include, e.g., rigid tubular segments. The two leg portions <NUM> can be respectively connected pivotally with the frame portion <NUM> at the left and right sides of the footrest <NUM>. For example, each leg portion <NUM> can have a lower end pivotally connected with the mount base <NUM> of one corresponding wheel assembly <NUM>, whereby the leg portions <NUM> are rotatable relative to the frame portion <NUM> about a pivot axis extending transversally from a left to a right side.

Each of the leg portions <NUM> can be respectively assembled with a seat mount <NUM> configured to detachably engage with a seat <NUM>, which may be a stroller seat or an infant car seat. The two seat mounts <NUM> can be assembled symmetrically with the two leg portions <NUM>, e.g., near upper ends of the two leg portions <NUM>. According to some example of implementation, each seat mount <NUM> can further have a construction allowing adjustment of the seat mount <NUM> between a deployed position where it projects upward for receiving the installation of the seat <NUM>, and a stowed position where the seat mount <NUM> lies down generally horizontally to facilitate storage.

The two leg portions <NUM> can be respectively connected pivotally with the frame portion <NUM> in an intermediate region between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM>. For example, each leg portion <NUM> can have a lower end that is pivotally connected with one corresponding tube portion <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> at a position between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM> along the lengthwise axis Y. The leg portions <NUM> are thereby rotatable relative to the frame portion <NUM> about a pivot axis extending transversally from a left to a right side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the handle frame <NUM> can include two side segments 108A and a transversal segment 108B connected with each other. The two side segments 108A can be disposed symmetrically at the left and right side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. At each of the left and right sides, the side segment 108A of the handle frame <NUM> can be respectively connected pivotally with one leg portion <NUM> and one leg portion <NUM> via one joint structure <NUM>. For example, the joint structure <NUM> can include a coupling member <NUM> fixedly attached to a lower end of one side segment 108A, and a coupling member <NUM> that is fixedly attached to an upper end of one leg portion <NUM> and is pivotally connected with the coupling member <NUM>. Each of the coupling members <NUM> and <NUM> can be exemplary made of plastic materials. Moreover, the coupling member <NUM> may include a linking arm <NUM> disposed offset from the pivot axis about which the handle frame <NUM> can rotate relative to the leg portions <NUM>. The linking arm <NUM> can be pivotally connected with an upper end of one corresponding leg portion <NUM>. With this construction, the handle frame <NUM> can respectively rotate relative to the leg portions <NUM> and the leg portions <NUM> about two different pivot axes for unfolding or collapsing the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment further includes a basket frame portion <NUM> assembled with the base <NUM>. The basket frame portion <NUM> is configured as a support for attaching and stretching a softgoods material, which may exemplary include a fabric material, thereby defining a sidewall of a storage basket <NUM> (shown with phantom lines in <FIG>). For example, the basket frame portion <NUM> can be movably connected with the inner frame member <NUM> via springs <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>). According to one example of construction, the basket frame portion <NUM> can have a generally U-shape having two ends, and each spring <NUM> can be respectively connected with one corresponding end of the basket frame portion <NUM> and the inner frame member <NUM>. The springs <NUM> can thereby act as pivot connections allowing rotational displacement of the basket frame portion <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

The springs <NUM> bias the basket frame portion <NUM> to a rise position (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) where it projects rearward and upward substantially above the base <NUM>, thereby expanding the softgoods material of the storage basket <NUM> for use. The storage basket <NUM> span across the two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, and the seat mounts <NUM> may be disposed outside or in an interior of the storage basket <NUM>. Moreover, the basket frame portion <NUM> can be displaced toward the base <NUM> to a collapse position (as shown in <FIG>) for better accessibility to the interior of the storage basket <NUM>. The collapse position of the basket frame portion <NUM> may further facilitate access to the seat mounts <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> for installation of the seat <NUM> on the seat mounts <NUM>.

The storage basket <NUM> may offer a convenient storage function, and can move along with the frame portion <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM>. However, it will be appreciated that the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is not limited to the aforementioned construction provided with the storage basket <NUM>.

With the aforementioned construction, the frame portion <NUM> can slide along the lengthwise axis Y relative to the frame portion <NUM> to increase or reduce a distance between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM>, according to the needs. For example, when the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is used for transporting only one child on the seat <NUM>, the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjusted to set a distance D1 between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM> for shortening the base <NUM> (better shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), thereby disabling the installation of a seat on the seat mounts <NUM>. When the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is used for transporting two children, the frame portion <NUM> can slide rearward relative to the frame portion <NUM> to set a distance D2 between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) that is greater than the distance D1, thereby providing more room for the installation of the seat <NUM> on the seat mounts <NUM> in addition to the seat <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> can further include a control mechanism <NUM> operable to adjust a position of the frame portion <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM>, thereby facilitating expansion or contraction of the base <NUM>. In conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a construction of the control mechanism <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the control mechanism <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the control mechanism <NUM> can be provided on the base <NUM>, and can include an actuator <NUM>, a linkage <NUM> and a spring <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is pivotally connected with the frame portion <NUM> via a pivot connection P1, and can have a guide slot 162A disposed eccentric from the pivot connection P1. According to one example of construction, the actuator <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the footrest <NUM>. For example, the footrest <NUM> can be made of a plastic material having a hollow interior, and the actuator <NUM> can be assembled through the interior of the footrest <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can include a tubular segment <NUM> and a handle <NUM> fixedly connected with each other to form a unitary part operating as a lever. The tubular segment <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the footrest <NUM> via the pivot connection P1, and can be provided with the guide slot 162A. According to an example of implementation, the pivot connection P1 may be centered on the lengthwise axis Y.

The handle <NUM> can project at an angle from the tubular segment <NUM>, so that the tubular segment <NUM> and the handle <NUM> form an elbow-like bend. The handle <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> may be exposed on a sidewall 118A of the footrest <NUM> for manual operation. According to an example of construction, the handle <NUM> may include a rod <NUM> fixedly connected with the tubular segment <NUM>, and a gripping part <NUM> pivotally connected with an end of the rod <NUM> that forms the exposed part of the handle <NUM>. The gripping part <NUM> may facilitate grasping of the handle <NUM> for rotating the actuator <NUM> about the pivot connection P1 relative to the frame portion <NUM>.

The linkage <NUM> is respectively connected with the actuator <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the linkage <NUM> can include a bar <NUM> that is respectively connected pivotally with the actuator <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM>. The bar <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the actuator <NUM> via a pivot connection P2 that is guided for sliding displacement along the guide slot 162A. The pivot connection P2 can include, for example, a shaft portion assembled through the guide slot 162A. Moreover, the bar <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the frame portion <NUM> via a pivot connection P3. For example, the pivot connection P3 can connect an end of the bar <NUM> with the inner frame member <NUM>. The pivot connection P3 may be centered on the lengthwise axis Y, and connect with the transversal segment 132A of the inner frame member <NUM> in a central region of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is operatively connected with the actuator <NUM> and the linkage <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the spring <NUM> can be assembled around the tubular segment <NUM>, and can have two opposite ends respectively connected with the actuator <NUM> and the pivot connection P2. The spring <NUM> may be a compressive spring.

In the control mechanism <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> and the linkage <NUM> are movable generally horizontally. Moreover, the actuator <NUM> is operable to drive the frame portion <NUM> in sliding movement relative to the frame portion <NUM> for increasing or reducing a distance between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, the handle <NUM> is operable to cause the actuator <NUM> to rotate about the pivot connection P1 relative to the frame portion <NUM>, which in turn urges the linkage <NUM> to move for pulling or pushing the frame portion <NUM> to slide along the lengthwise axis Y relative to the frame portion <NUM>.

In conjunction with <FIG>, reference is further made to <FIG> for describing exemplary operation of the control mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is shown in a first position corresponding to a shortened or contracted configuration of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> where the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart from each other by a distance D1. In this first position, the gripping part <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> can be partially exposed through an opening 118B formed on the sidewall 118A of the footrest <NUM>. In this shortened configuration, the three pivot connections P1, P2 and P3 can define three distinct apexes of a triangle. Moreover, the spring <NUM> can apply a biasing force for keeping the apex of the pivot connection P2 offset from a line joining the respective apexes of the two other pivot connections P1 and P3, which can help to maintain the triangular geometry formed by the three pivot connections P1, P2 and P3 and keep the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in the shortened configuration. This shortened configuration can correspond to the shortened state shown in <FIG> disabling the installation of a seat on the seat mounts <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>.

When a caregiver wants to expand the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, the caregiver can grasp the gripping part <NUM> of the handle <NUM>, and displace it along the sidewall 118A of the footrest <NUM>. As a result, the actuator <NUM> (including the tubular segment <NUM> and the handle <NUM>) can rotate about the pivot connection P1 relative to the frame portion <NUM> from the first position shown in <FIG> to a second position shown in <FIG>. During this rotation, the actuator <NUM> can travel past an intermediate center position shown in <FIG> where the spring <NUM> is loaded and the three pivot connections P1, P2 and P3 are centered on a same line substantially coaxial to an axis of the spring <NUM> (which may correspond to the lengthwise axis Y). As the actuator <NUM> travels toward the second position shown in <FIG>, the two pivot connections P2 and P3 respectively move relative to the frame portion <NUM>, and the linkage <NUM> is displaced so as to urge the frame portion <NUM> to slide rearward relative to the frame portion <NUM> for expanding the base <NUM>.

Once the actuator <NUM> reaches the second position shown in <FIG> with the gripping part <NUM> positioned in another opening 118C formed on the sidewall 118A of the footrest <NUM>, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is in an expanded configuration where the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart from each other by a distance D2 greater than the distance D1, and the three pivot connections P1, P2 and P3 can define three distinct apexes of a triangle. Likewise, the spring <NUM> can apply a biasing force for keeping the apex of the pivot connection P2 offset from a line joining the respective apexes of the two other pivot connections P1 and P3, which can help to maintain the triangular geometry formed by the three pivot connections P1, P2 and P3 and keep the child stroller apparatus <NUM> in the expanded configuration. This expanded configuration can correspond to the state shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> allowing the installation of the seat <NUM> on the seat mounts <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>, in addition to the seat <NUM> installed on the seat mounts <NUM>.

For setting the shortened configuration, the seat <NUM> is first removed, and the actuator <NUM> then can be rotated reversely from the second position shown in <FIG> to the first position shown in <FIG>, which can displace the linkage <NUM> and urge the frame portion <NUM> to slide forward relative to the frame portion <NUM> for shortening the base <NUM>.

In the aforementioned construction, the handle <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> is operated for converting the child stroller apparatus <NUM> between the shortened and expanded configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that other operating interfaces may be applicable. <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a variant construction in which the actuator <NUM> may include a rotary knob <NUM> that substitutes for the handle <NUM> and gripping part <NUM> described previously. The rotary knob <NUM> can be exposed on an upper surface 118D of the footrest <NUM>, and can be fixedly connected with the tubular segment <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> described previously. A caregiver can rotate the rotary knob <NUM> (e.g., about the pivot connection P1 shown in <FIG>) to cause rotation of the actuator <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM> for converting the child stroller apparatus <NUM> between the shortened and expanded configuration, like previously described.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic views illustrating a variant construction of the child stroller apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment provided with an expandable storage basket <NUM> that can substitute for the storage basket <NUM> described previously. Like previously described, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> has a base <NUM> comprised of the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> slidable relative to each other for shortening or expanding the base <NUM>. A difference lies in the construction of the expandable storage basket <NUM>, which includes two basket frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, two elastic members <NUM> and a softgoods material <NUM>. The basket frame portion <NUM> can exemplary include a rigid panel and/or rods disposed at one end of the storage basket <NUM>. The basket frame portion <NUM> can exemplary include elongated rod segments for defining an upper rim of the storage basket <NUM>. The basket frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively attached to the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, so that the basket frame portion <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM> can move in unison relative to the basket frame portion <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM>. The two elastic members <NUM> can be springs, and can be respectively disposed at a left and a right side of the storage basket <NUM>. Each elastic member <NUM> has two ends respectively anchored with the basket frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The softgoods material <NUM> is attached to the basket frame portion <NUM> for defining at least partially an enclosure of the storage basket <NUM>. The spring force applied by the elastic members <NUM> can assist in holding the basket frame portion <NUM> in position. Moreover, two flexible panels <NUM> may further be respectively disposed at the left and right sides of the storage basket <NUM>, each flexible panel <NUM> respectively connecting with the basket frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The flexible panels <NUM> can be made of a softgoods material, and can respectively cover the two side regions of the storage basket <NUM> where the elastic members <NUM> are assembled.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the storage basket <NUM> spans across the two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the base <NUM>. A sliding displacement of the frame portion <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM> for increasing a distance between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM> (i.e., for expanding the base <NUM>) moves the basket frame portion <NUM> away from the basket frame portion <NUM>, which expands the storage basket <NUM> and stretches the elastic members <NUM>, as schematically shown in <FIG>. Conversely, a sliding displacement of the frame portion <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM> for reducing a distance between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM> (i.e., for shortening the base <NUM>) moves the basket frame portion <NUM> toward the basket frame portion <NUM>, which reduces the storage basket <NUM> and causes contraction of the elastic members <NUM>, as schematically shown in <FIG>. When no seat is installed on the seat mounts <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is thus adjustable to expand the storage basket <NUM> so that it can offer a greater volume for storage.

It will be appreciated that the expandable storage basket <NUM> may be implemented separately from the control mechanism <NUM> described previously. For example, some child stroller apparatus may implement the expandable storage basket <NUM> without the control mechanism <NUM>, and some other child stroller apparatus may incorporate both the control mechanism <NUM> and the expandable storage basket <NUM>.

<FIG>, which do not show all the features of the claimed invention, are schematic views illustrating an expandable base <NUM> provided with another construction of a control mechanism <NUM>, which may substitute for the base <NUM> in the child stroller apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. For clarity, the upper frame portion of the child stroller apparatus is not represented in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the base <NUM> can have an expandable structure including two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> slidably assembled with each other, the frame portion <NUM> being exemplary a front frame portion, and the frame portion <NUM> being exemplary a rear frame portion.

The frame portion <NUM> can include two tube portions <NUM> and a transversal segment <NUM>. The transversal segment <NUM> can be fixedly connected with the two tube portions <NUM> at a front of the frame portion <NUM>, and the two tube portions <NUM> can extend at least partially parallel to each other at a left and a right side of the base <NUM>. Moreover, the frame portion <NUM> can be provided with two wheel assemblies <NUM>. For example, two wheel assemblies <NUM> can be respectively assembled with the frame portion <NUM> at the left and right sides of the transversal segment <NUM>.

The frame portion <NUM> can include two tube portions <NUM>, a stand platform <NUM> and two wheel assemblies <NUM>. The stand platform <NUM> can be made of a rigid material, and can provide support for a child standing thereon. The two tube portions <NUM> can extend generally parallel to each other at the left and right sides of the base <NUM>, and can be fixedly attached to the stand platform <NUM>. The two wheel assemblies <NUM> may be respectively assembled with the frame portion <NUM> adjacent to a left and a right side of the stand platform <NUM>. For example, each tube portion <NUM> can be fixedly attached to a wheel mount <NUM> projecting downward, and each wheel assembly <NUM> can be respectively connected with the corresponding wheel mount <NUM>. The two tube portions <NUM> can be slidably assembled with the two tube portions <NUM>, so that the frame portion <NUM> (including the tube portions <NUM>, the stand platform <NUM> and the wheel assemblies <NUM>) can slide generally horizontally along the lengthwise axis Y relative to the frame portion <NUM> for expanding or contracting the base <NUM>. According to an example of implementation, a sliding connection between the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be accomplished by telescopically assembling the tube portions <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g., by slidably assembling each tube portion <NUM> through an interior of the corresponding tube portion <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the frame portion <NUM> can further include two seat mounts <NUM> configured to detachably engage with a seat, which may be a stroller seat or an infant car seat installed in a forward or rearward facing position. The two seat mounts <NUM> can be respectively attached to the two tube portions <NUM> at the left and right sides of the frame portion <NUM> adjacent to the frame portion <NUM>, e.g., close to the stand platform <NUM>. According to some example of implementation, each seat mount <NUM> can be attached to the corresponding tube portion <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> via a bracket <NUM>, which can be slidably disposed through an elongate slot <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>) provided in the corresponding tube portion <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>. Moreover, each seat mount <NUM> can have a construction allowing movement of the seat mount <NUM> relative to the bracket <NUM> between a deployed configuration where it projects upward above the stand platform <NUM> for receiving the installation of a detachable seat, and a stowed configuration where the seat mount <NUM> lies down generally horizontally to facilitate storage. As the frame portion <NUM> slides along the lengthwise axis Y relative to the frame portion <NUM>, the seat mounts <NUM> in the horizontally stowed configuration can be moved relative to the frame portion <NUM> to an underside of the stand platform <NUM> or to a forward position relative to the stand platform <NUM> exposed for use. In particular, the seat mounts <NUM> may be positioned at the underside of the stand platform <NUM> when the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are in a contracted state (i.e., corresponding to a distance D1 between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>), whereby the stand platform <NUM> can cover and provide protection for the unused seat mounts <NUM>. When the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are in an expanded state (i.e., corresponding to a distance D2 between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> that is greater than the distance D1), the seat mounts <NUM> can be positioned in front of the stand platform <NUM> and can be switched to the deployed configuration for installation of a seat thereon.

It will be appreciated that the seat mounts <NUM> are not limited to the aforementioned placement. For example, <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating another possible placement wherein the seat mount <NUM> is attached to the stand platform <NUM> at a side thereof and can be at least partially received in a recess <NUM> provided in the stand platform <NUM> in the stowed position. In the example shown in <FIG>, which does not show all the features of the claimed invention, the seat mount <NUM> thus is movable along with the stand platform <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM>.

In conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> are schematic views illustrating the construction of the control mechanism <NUM> assembled with the frame portion <NUM>. More specifically, <FIG> is a bottom perspective view of the base <NUM>, <FIG> is an enlarged view of portion A shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the control mechanism <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating another portion of the control mechanism <NUM>. For clarity, the wheel assemblies <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> are omitted in <FIG>, and the stand platform <NUM> is not represented in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the control mechanism <NUM> can include two latches <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>), an actuator <NUM>, two linking assemblies <NUM> and two springs <NUM>. The two latches <NUM>, linking assemblies <NUM> and springs <NUM> can be similarly assembled with the frame portion <NUM> in a symmetric manner at the left and right sides thereof. Accordingly, <FIG> only illustrates the assembly at one side of the frame portion <NUM>, the other one being identical. More specifically, the two latches <NUM> can be connected slidably with the frame portion <NUM> respectively adjacent to the two tube portions <NUM>, and can respectively have protruding pins <NUM>. For example, each latch <NUM> can be slidably assembled with one corresponding wheel mount <NUM>, and can slide generally vertically through a hole <NUM> provided on the tube portion <NUM> to engage with or disengage from the tube portion <NUM> in the interior of the tube portion <NUM>. Each latch <NUM> can thereby slide relative to the frame portion <NUM> for engaging with the tube portion <NUM> so as to lock the frame portion <NUM> in position relative to the frame portion <NUM>, and can disengage from the tube portion <NUM> for sliding movement of the frame portion <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM>. According to an implementation, the latch <NUM> may exemplary engage with an opening <NUM> provided on the tube portion <NUM> for locking the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the contracted state (i.e., corresponding to a distance D1 between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>), and with an end edge of the tube portion <NUM> for locking the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the expanded state (i.e., corresponding to a distance D2 between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> that is greater than the distance D1).

Referring to <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is assembled with the frame portion <NUM> adjacent to the stand platform <NUM>, and is respectively connected operatively with the two latches <NUM> via the two linking assemblies <NUM>. According to an implementation, the actuator <NUM> may be slidably connected with the stand platform <NUM> adjacent to a central region thereof for sliding movement along the lengthwise axis Y relative to the frame portion <NUM>. For example, the stand platform <NUM> may include two parallel sidewalls <NUM> that sideways delimit a cavity in which is slidably disposed the actuator <NUM>, and a left and a right side edge of the actuator <NUM> respectively have protrusions <NUM> that are respectively received slidably through elongated slots <NUM> formed in the sidewalls <NUM>. The elongated slots <NUM> can limit the travel of the protrusions <NUM>, which thereby delimits the course of the actuator <NUM> relative to the stand platform <NUM>.

The two linking assemblies <NUM> respectively coupling the actuator <NUM> with the two latches <NUM> can have a similar construction. According to one example of implementation, each linking assembly <NUM> can include a driving member <NUM> and a cable <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> is assembled with the frame portion <NUM> for back and forth sliding movement, e.g., it may be slidably connected with the wheel mount <NUM> adjacent to the latch <NUM> associated therewith. Moreover, the driving member <NUM> can have a guide slot <NUM> of an elongated shape that is inclined an angle relative to the direction of sliding movement of the driving member <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may be connected with the driving member <NUM> with the protruding pin <NUM> of the latch <NUM> slidably received through the guide slot <NUM> of the driving member <NUM>. The driving member <NUM> and the latch <NUM> thereby can be movably coupled with each other, the latch <NUM> sliding along an axis generally perpendicular to a sliding axis of the driving member <NUM>. For example, a sliding displacement of the driving member <NUM> in a first direction can drive the latch <NUM> to slide for engaging with the tube portion <NUM>, and a sliding displacement of the driving member <NUM> in a second direction opposite to the first direction can drive the latch <NUM> to slide for disengaging from the tube portion <NUM>.

Each of the two springs <NUM> can be assembled so as to respectively bias the corresponding latch <NUM> toward a locking state for engaging with the tube portion <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>. According to an example of implementation, each spring <NUM> can be respectively connected with the driving member <NUM> associated therewith and the frame portion <NUM>. More specifically, each spring <NUM> can be a compression spring having a first end connected with the driving member <NUM>, and a second end connected with the wheel mount <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>. Each spring <NUM> can thereby urge the driving member <NUM> to slide in a direction for causing the latch <NUM> to engage with the tube portion <NUM>.

The two cables <NUM> can respectively connect the actuator <NUM> with the two driving members <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each cable <NUM> can include a wire <NUM> that is slidably placed through the interior of an outer sheath <NUM>. The wire <NUM> can have two ends 262A and 262B that respectively extend outside two ends 264A and 264B of the outer sheath <NUM>. The end 262A of the wire <NUM> can be attached to the driving member <NUM> associated therewith, and the opposite end 262B can be fixedly anchored to the stand platform <NUM>. The end 264A of the outer sheath <NUM> can be fixedly anchored to the frame portion <NUM> at a location near the driving member <NUM> (e.g., on the wheel mount <NUM>), and the opposite end 264B can be attached to the actuator <NUM> at a rearward location relative to the end 262B of the wire <NUM>. Each cable <NUM> can have at least one bend, and can be disposed such that a movement of the actuator <NUM> can displace a portion of the cable <NUM> (e.g., the outer sheath <NUM> can move relative to the wire <NUM>) and modify a tension in the wire <NUM>, which can thereby pull on the driving member <NUM>. Accordingly, a sliding displacement of the actuator <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM> can pull on the two cables <NUM> and cause the two driving members <NUM> to slide against the biasing force of the springs <NUM>, whereby the two latches <NUM> are respectively urged by the two driving members <NUM> to concurrently move for disengaging from the tube portions <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> and thereby unlock the frame portion <NUM>.

In the control mechanism <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> may be operable to cause the two latches <NUM> to move concurrently for unlocking the frame portion <NUM>. Once the frame portion <NUM> is unlocked, the actuator <NUM> may be further used to drive and urge the frame portion <NUM> in sliding movement relative to the frame portion <NUM> for modifying a distance between the wheel assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, once the two latches <NUM> are switched to the unlocking state by an initial sliding of the actuator <NUM>, further sliding of the actuator <NUM> can bring a portion of the actuator <NUM> in engaging contact against a predetermined location on the frame portion <NUM> (e.g., one or more protrusion <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> can be brought in contact with an end 257A of the corresponding elongated slot <NUM> provided on the sidewall <NUM> of the stand platform <NUM>), such that the actuator <NUM> and the frame portion <NUM> can then slide in unison relative to the frame portion <NUM>. Accordingly, a caregiver can continuously grasp and operate the actuator <NUM> for unlocking the frame portion <NUM> and then adjusting its position relative to the frame portion <NUM>.

<FIG>, which does not show all the features of the claimed invention, are schematic views illustrating a variant construction of a control mechanism <NUM>' operable to unlock the frame portion <NUM> and adjust its position relative to the frame portion <NUM>. The control mechanism <NUM>' can include two latches <NUM>, two springs <NUM>, and two linking assemblies comprised of the cables <NUM> described previously. The latches <NUM>, springs <NUM> and cables <NUM> are assembled with the frame portion <NUM> in a symmetric manner at the left and right sides thereof. Accordingly, <FIG> only illustrates the assembly at one side of the frame portion <NUM>, the other one being identical.

Referring to <FIG>, each latch <NUM> can be pivotally connected with the frame portion <NUM> respectively adjacent to one corresponding tube portion <NUM>. For example, each latch <NUM> can be pivotally assembled with one corresponding wheel mount <NUM>, and can rotate to extend through a hole <NUM> provided on the tube portion <NUM> for engaging with or disengaging from the tube portion <NUM> in the interior of the tube portion <NUM>. Each latch <NUM> can thereby rotate relative to the frame portion <NUM> for engaging with the tube portion <NUM> so as to lock the frame portion <NUM> in position relative to the frame portion <NUM>, and can disengage from the tube portion <NUM> for sliding movement of the frame portion <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM>. Like previously described, the latch <NUM> may exemplary engage with an opening provided on the tube portion <NUM> for locking the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the shortened or contracted state, and with an end edge of the tube portion <NUM> for locking the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the expanded state.

Each spring <NUM> can be assembled so as to respectively bias one corresponding latch <NUM> toward a locking state for engaging with the tube portion <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>. According to an example of implementation, each spring <NUM> can have a first end connected with the corresponding latch <NUM>, and a second end connected with the wheel mount <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>. Each spring <NUM> can thereby urge the latch <NUM> coupled thereto to rotate for engaging with the corresponding tube portion <NUM>.

Moreover, the control mechanism <NUM>' may further include the same actuator <NUM> previously described and illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Each of the two cables <NUM> can respectively connect the actuator <NUM> with one corresponding latch <NUM> (e.g., the end 262A of the wire <NUM> can be attached to the latch <NUM>, the other end of the wire <NUM> and the two ends of the outer sheath <NUM> being connected like previously described). Accordingly, a sliding displacement of the actuator <NUM> relative to the frame portion <NUM> can pull on the two cables <NUM> and cause the two latches <NUM> to rotate against the biasing force of the springs <NUM>, whereby the two latches <NUM> can concurrently move for disengaging from the tube portions <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> and thereby unlock the frame portion <NUM>.

Like previously described, the actuator <NUM> of the control mechanism <NUM>' may be operable to urge the two latches <NUM> to move concurrently for unlocking the frame portion <NUM>. Once the frame portion <NUM> is unlocked, the actuator <NUM> may be further movable to drive the frame portion <NUM> in sliding movement relative to the frame portion <NUM> for shortening or expanding the base <NUM> in a same manner as described previously.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating another construction of a child stroller apparatus <NUM> having an expandable frame, not showing all the features of the claimed invention. The stroller frame <NUM> can include a base <NUM>, and an upper frame portion <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM> with the upper frame portion <NUM> being comprised of two front or first leg portions <NUM>, two rear or second leg portions <NUM> and a handle frame <NUM>. The base <NUM> can include two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The frame portion <NUM> can be exemplary a front frame portion, and the frame portion <NUM> can be exemplary a rear frame portion. Like previously described, the two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are slidably assembled with each other so that the frame portion <NUM> can slide generally horizontally relative to the frame portion <NUM> along a lengthwise axis extending from a front to a rear of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>.

The frame portion <NUM> can include two tube portions <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>) extending generally parallel to each other at a left and a right side, and two front wheel assemblies <NUM> respectively assembled with the two tube portions <NUM>. The frame portion <NUM> can include two first tube portions <NUM>, two second tube portions <NUM> and two rear wheel assemblies <NUM>. The two tube portions <NUM> can extend generally parallel to each other at the left and right sides, and can be telescopically assembled with the two tube portions <NUM>, so that the frame portion <NUM> can slide relative to the frame portion <NUM> along the lengthwise axis Y. The two tube portions <NUM> are respectively attached to the tube portions <NUM>, and extend rearward with the two rear wheel assemblies <NUM> respectively mounted near the rear ends of the two tube portions <NUM>.

The leg portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be respectively disposed symmetrically at a left and a right side of the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. The two leg portions <NUM> can be respectively connected pivotally with the frame portion <NUM> at the left and right side thereof. For example, each leg portion <NUM> can have a lower end pivotally connected with one corresponding tube portion <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM>, whereby the leg portions <NUM> are rotatable relative to the frame portion <NUM> about a pivot axis extending transversally from a left to a right side. According to one example of construction, the pivot connection that couples each leg portion <NUM> with the frame portion <NUM> can be disposed at an intermediate location on the frame portion <NUM> that is closer to the rear wheel assemblies <NUM> than the front wheel assemblies <NUM>.

The two leg portions <NUM> can be respectively connected pivotally with the frame portion <NUM> and the handle frame <NUM>. For example, each leg portion <NUM> can have a lower end that is pivotally connected with one corresponding tube portion <NUM> of the frame portion <NUM> between the rear wheel assembly <NUM> and the pivot connection of the leg portion <NUM> with the tube portion <NUM>, and an upper end pivotally connected with the handle frame <NUM>. The leg portions <NUM> are thereby rotatable relative to the frame portion <NUM> and the handle frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the handle frame <NUM> can include two side segments 308A and a transversal segment 308B connected with each other, like previously described. At each of the left and right sides, the side segment 308A of the handle frame <NUM> can be respectively connected pivotally with one leg portion <NUM> and one leg portion <NUM> about different pivot axes. For example, the side segment 308A can have a lower end pivotally connected with the upper end of the leg portion <NUM> about a first pivot axis, and can be fixedly connected with a linking arm <NUM> that is pivotally connected with the upper end of the leg portion <NUM> about a second pivot axis offset from the first pivot axis.

Moreover, each side segment 308A of the handle frame <NUM> can be respectively assembled with a seat mount <NUM> configured to detachably engage with a seat <NUM>, which may be a stroller seat or an infant car seat. The two seat mounts <NUM> can be assembled symmetrically with the two side segments 308A of the handle frame <NUM>, and may be further movably adjusted along the two side segments 308A as desired.

In the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, the frame portion <NUM> can slide relative to the frame portion <NUM> to increase or reduce a lengthwise distance between the front wheel assemblies <NUM> and the rear wheel assemblies <NUM>, according to the needs. For example, when the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is used for transporting only one child on the seat <NUM> installed on the seat mounts <NUM>, the frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be adjusted to set a distance D1 between the front wheel assemblies <NUM> and the rear wheel assemblies <NUM> for shortening the base <NUM> (better shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). When the child stroller apparatus <NUM> is used for transporting two children, the frame portion <NUM> can slide rearward relative to the frame portion <NUM> to set a distance D2 between the front wheel assemblies <NUM> and the rear wheel assemblies <NUM> (better shown in <FIG>) that is greater than the distance D1, thereby providing more room for the installation of another seat <NUM> on the frame portion <NUM> in addition to the seat <NUM>.

In conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> are schematic views further illustrating exemplary operation for collapsing the child stroller apparatus <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the child stroller apparatus <NUM> may be collapsed with the seat <NUM> installed on the seat mounts <NUM>. According to an example of construction, the seat <NUM> may be a stroller seat, and can have an upper and a lower frame portion <NUM> and <NUM> pivotally connected with each other about two pivot joints <NUM>. Moreover, the seat <NUM> can include a canopy frame <NUM> that is assembled with the upper frame portion <NUM>. For collapsing the child stroller apparatus <NUM>, the lower frame portion <NUM> can be folded over the upper frame portion <NUM> by rotation about the pivot joints <NUM> so as to reduce the size of the seat <NUM>, and the canopy frame <NUM> can also be collapsed close to the upper frame portion <NUM>, whereby the collapsed seat <NUM> can have a compact size. Moreover, the seat mounts <NUM> with the collapsed seat <NUM> thereon can be adjusted to an upward position along the side segments 308A of the handle frame <NUM>. This configuration is shown in <FIG>. Then the handle frame <NUM> can be collapsed forward until it lies adjacent to the base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Advantages of the child stroller apparatuses described herein include the ability to provide a stroller frame that can be expanded and shortened during use according to the needs. For example, the expanded stroller frame can offer a greater volume for the installation of multiple seats, or for a larger storage basket. In other words, the child stroller apparatus can be converted to different configurations of use according to the caregiver's needs. Moreover, the child stroller apparatus can include a control mechanism that is easy to operate for adjusting the child stroller apparatus between the expanded state the shortened state.

Claim 1:
A child stroller apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a first frame portion (<NUM>) provided with a first wheel assembly (<NUM>);
a second frame portion (<NUM>) provided with a second wheel assembly (<NUM>), the second frame portion (<NUM>) being assembled with the first frame portion (<NUM>) for sliding movement along a lengthwise axis (Y) extending from a front to a rear of the child stroller apparatus (<NUM>); and
an expandable storage basket (<NUM>) spanning across the first and second frame portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the storage basket (<NUM>) includes a first and a second basket frame portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively attached to the first and second frame portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a softgoods material (<NUM>) attached to the second basket frame portion (<NUM>) for defining at least partially an enclosure of the storage basket (<NUM>), the first and second basket frame portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) being movable away or toward each other for expanding or contracting the storage basket (<NUM>) as the second frame portion (<NUM>) slides relative to the first frame portion (<NUM>) for increasing or reducing a distance between the first and second wheel assemblies (<NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized in that:
the storage basket (<NUM>) further includes two elastic members (<NUM>) each being respectively connected with the first and second basket frame portions (<NUM>, <NUM>).