Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a foldable joint for the frame of a child's stroller comprising a connecting member and a folding member, the connecting member defining at least one receiving slot and the folding member having an end received in the slot.

<CIT> discloses a foldable push chair having two side frames, each side frame having a forward strut means comprising an upper section and a lower section pivotally connected by connection means. The connection means allow the upper section and lower section to pivot between a folded state and an unfolded state.

The hinge includes an outer non-circular hub element comprising a first side and second side, wherein the first side and second side define a groove. An inner non-circular hub element is coupled to the outer non-circular hub element and configured to fit at least partially within the groove of the outer non-circular hub element. A width of the groove is less than about <NUM> millimeters.

In some embodiments, the width of the groove is between about <NUM> and about <NUM> millimeters.

In some embodiments, the outer non-circular hub element is coupled to the inner non-circular hub element at a point off-centered from a center line or centroid of the outer non-circular hub element.

In some embodiments, the hinge further comprises a first leg coupled to the outer non-circular hub element, a second leg coupled to the inner non-circular hub element, and a locking mechanism including a carriage biased toward the inner non-circular hub element and configured to engage a notch in the inner non-circular hub element, engagement of the carriage with the notch locking the first leg and the second leg in a position relative to one another. The carriage and a mechanism for biasing the carriage toward the inner non-circular hub element may be disposed in the first leg.

Some aspects are directed toward a child conveyance device including a frame assembly including the hinge.

Some aspects are directed toward a hinge including an outer non-circular hub element and an inner non-circular hub element coupled to the outer non-circular hub element and configured to rotate within the outer non-circular hub element, the inner non-circular hub element including a rounded edge defined by a surface between a planar surface of the inner non-circular hub element and a rim surface of the inner non-circular element.

In some embodiments, the inner non-circular hub element comprises a notch configured to engage with a carriage to lock the hinge. In some embodiments, the notch comprises one or more surfaces angled and angles greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to an adjacent surface of the notch. The notch may include a first side wall sloped at an angle greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to an adjacent second side wall of the notch. The carriage may include ramped external surfaces configured to engage the first side wall of the notch and the second side wall of the notch when the hinge is in a locked position.

This disclosure is directed toward a hinge including an outer non-circular hub element including a groove and an inner non-circular hub element coupled to the outer non-circular hub element and configured to rotate within the groove of the outer non-circular hub element, wherein a surface of the inner non-circular hub element is sloped at an angle greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to a planar surface of the inner non-circular hub element.

In some embodiments, the surface is sloped at an angle of greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to the planar surface of the inner non-circular hub element. In some embodiments, a second surface of the outer non-circular hub element is sloped at an angle greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to a planar surface of the outer non-circular hub element. In some embodiments, the second surface is sloped at an angle of greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to the planar surface of the outer non-circular hub element.

In some embodiments, the hinge further includes a first inset element disposed between a first surface of the inner non-circular hub element and a first surface of the outer non-circular hub element.

In some embodiments, the hinge further includes a second inset element disposed between a second surface of the inner non-circular hub element and a second surface of the outer non-circular hub element.

In some embodiments, the first and second inset elements each include a plate made of a low-friction material.

In some embodiments, the first and second inset elements each comprise a pad made of a low-friction material.

This invention is directed toward a hinge for a child conveyance device including a means for coupling two non-circular elements that rotate with respect to one another, wherein the two non-circular elements are configured to avoid the pinching of fingers during rotation.

This invention is directed toward a hinge for a child conveyance device including an outer non-circular hub element comprising a first side and second side, wherein in the first side and second side define a groove, an inner non-circular hub element configured to fit at least partially within the groove of the outer non-circular hub element, and a means for coupling the outer non-circular hub element and the inner non-circular hub element.

This disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

Parents or caregivers of young children or babies may transport a child in child conveyance devices, such as car seats and strollers. Such devices are more convenient to transport or store if the devices can collapse or otherwise be configured to take up less space when the child is not in the device. The devices can be configured to collapse by coupling components of a frame of the devices with hinges, in a manner which would allow the frame to fold.

Generally, operation of a hinge can result in pinching of fingers or skin within the hinge. Such pinching can be particularly problematic on a child conveyance device, as children and babies' fingers can be smaller and more delicate, thus more susceptible to pinching and with greater consequence.

Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a hinge for use on child conveyance devices. As used herein the term "child conveyance device" includes any apparatus, mobile or stationary, in which a child may be placed wherein it may be desirable to include elements that fold or move by coupling with a hinge. For example, a child conveyance device may be any of a stroller, a car seat, or a child swing.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a hinge <NUM> includes a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> are coupled at a pivot point <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> includes an outer hub <NUM>. The second leg <NUM> includes a relatively planar surface forming an inner hub <NUM>. The inner hub <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> is designed to fit in the outer hub <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> so that the inner hub <NUM> can rotate within the outer hub <NUM> about the pivot point <NUM>. The pivot point <NUM> may be off centered from a centroid or center line of the outer hub <NUM> and/or inner hub <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> may be coupled to additional components to constitute a frame assembly or a portion of a frame assembly for a child conveyance device.

The inner hub <NUM> and/or the outer hub <NUM> are non-circular elements which may be partially circular or curved in shape. In some embodiments, the inner hub <NUM> and/or the outer hub <NUM> do not include curved portions.

In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> is designed to lock into a position when the hinge <NUM> is extended. Locking of the hinge <NUM> may include releasably retaining the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> at a fixed angle or position relative to one another or releasably securing the first leg <NUM> to the second leg <NUM> at a fixed angle or position relative to one another. The locking mechanism is described further below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> may lock when the hinge is in a fully extended position, such as when the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> are substantially aligned at a <NUM>-degree angle. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> may lock when the hinge <NUM> is not fully extended or when the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> are approximately parallel. In various embodiments, the hinge <NUM> may lock with the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> disposed at any angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees relative to each other, for example, at angles of <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees relative to each other. Embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to any particular angle between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> at which the hinge may lock. In some embodiments, an angle between the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> at which the hinge may lock may be adjustable and/or the hinge may be configured to lock at with the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> disposed at any of a plurality of different angles relative to one another.

<FIG> shows the hinge <NUM> in a flexed position. In some embodiments, the non-hub portions of the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> may have an elliptical cross-sections. In other embodiments, the non-hub portions of the first leg <NUM> and/or the second leg <NUM> may have circular cross-sections, rectangular cross-sections, or cross-sections of any desired geometric shape. The-cross sections of the non-hub portions of the first leg <NUM> and/or the second leg <NUM> may change in shape or size along the length of the first leg <NUM> and/or the second leg <NUM>. The cross-section of at least a portion of the non-hub portion of the first leg <NUM> may differ from the cross-section of at least a portion of the non-hub portion of the second leg <NUM>.

The second leg <NUM> tapers so that the inner hub <NUM> is flatter than the remainder of the second leg <NUM> so that the inner hub <NUM> can fit into a groove <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM>. A tapered section <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> is configured to direct fingers and other flesh away from the hubs <NUM>, <NUM> as the hubs <NUM>, <NUM> rotate. The tapered section <NUM> is be disposed between and couple the inner hub <NUM> to the non-hub portion of the second leg <NUM>. The tapered section <NUM> may be chamfered or sloped on one or both of a first and a second surface so that when the inner hub <NUM> rotates into the outer hub <NUM>, fingers will slide up the slope of the tapered section <NUM> away from the rotating hubs <NUM>, <NUM>, rather than getting caught in between the hubs <NUM>, <NUM> and the remainder of the second leg <NUM>. For example, one or both of the first and second surfaces of the tapered section <NUM> is sloped at an obtuse angle of greater than about <NUM> degrees, greater than about <NUM> degrees, greater than about <NUM> degrees, or greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to a flat surface of the inner hub <NUM> and/or relative to a flat outer surface of the outer hub <NUM>. The tapered section <NUM> includes curved first and the second surfaces. The first and second surfaces may taper at the same or different angles relative to a planar surface of the inner hub <NUM> or may curve in a similar or different manner relative to a planar surface of the inner hub <NUM>.

The outer hub <NUM> has a corresponding outer tapered section <NUM>, which may be designed to direct fingers away from the rotating hubs <NUM>, <NUM>. The tapered section <NUM> may include surfaces which are chamfered, sloped, or curved relative to a planar surface of the outer hub <NUM> in a similar manner as the tapered section <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> is chamfered, sloped, or curved relative to a planar surface of the inner hub <NUM>. The tapered section <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> will force fingers and other flesh to slide away from an interface between the hubs <NUM>, <NUM> upon the closing of the hubs <NUM>, <NUM> as the inner hub <NUM> rotates into the outer hub <NUM>. The degree of slope, curvature, and the/or the shapes of the tapered sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> and of the second leg <NUM>, respectively, may be substantially the same or may be different.

The groove <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> is configured to prevent pinching of fingers and flesh. The groove <NUM> of the outer hub <NUM> may have a width which is small enough so that fingers of a child and/or an adult would not be able to fit into the groove <NUM>. For example, the width of the groove <NUM> may be less than about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or about <NUM> or less. The width of the inner hub <NUM> may be correspondingly sized to fit into a smaller-width groove.

In some embodiments, the inner hub <NUM> is configured to prevent scissoring, which can pinch fingers and flesh. The edges of the inner hub <NUM> may be configured to be blunted or rounded and not sharp. At least one edge of the inner hub <NUM> may be shaped or may include an additional surface <NUM> such that a planar surface 108a of the inner hub <NUM> and a rim 108b of the inner hub <NUM> do not meet at a perpendicular angle. The additional surface <NUM> may provide an extra step between the planar surface 108a and rim surface 108b, allowing for a larger angle at an adjoining border between the planar surface 108a and rim surface 108b of the inner hub <NUM>.

The inner hub <NUM> may also include a notch <NUM>, which may be a part of a locking mechanism for the hinge, described further below. In some embodiments, the notch <NUM> may be configured to prevent pinching and scissoring of flesh. For example, the notch <NUM> may be sloped with obtuse angles that displace fingers or other body parts placed in the notch <NUM> in a direction outward from the outer hub <NUM> as the inner hub <NUM> rotates into the outer hub <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may include a first side wall sloped at an obtuse angle greater than about <NUM> degrees relative to an adjacent second side wall of the notch in a plane defined by a planar surface of the inner hub. As the obtuse angle of the notch <NUM> directs away from the outer hub <NUM>, as the hubs <NUM>, <NUM> rotate a finger or other flesh present in the notch <NUM> would be directed out of the notch <NUM> instead of into a position pinched between the two hubs <NUM>, <NUM>. Other appropriate edges and components of the hubs <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> may be similarly configured to prevent pinching. For example, other components can also be sloped, use obtuse angles, and/or be configured to eliminate sharp edges.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> may be configured to lock in a certain position. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> locks when the first leg <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> are positioned substantially at a <NUM>-degree angle relative to one another. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> is locked into place by a carriage <NUM> in the first leg <NUM> which is pushed into the notch <NUM> of the inner hub <NUM> when the notch <NUM> is aligned with the carriage <NUM>, for example, by rotating the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> into positions at a substantially <NUM>-degree angle relative to one another. The carriage <NUM> may be pushed into the notch <NUM> by a spring <NUM> to lock the hinge <NUM> into place. The spring <NUM> may be disposed within the first leg <NUM> and may be attached to a spring retainer 122a. The spring <NUM> may exert a force on the carriage <NUM> which pushes the carriage <NUM> away from the spring retainer 122a and toward the inner hub <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> may be shaped so that the rotation of the inner hub <NUM> forces the carriage <NUM> against the spring until the notch <NUM> of the inner hub <NUM> rotates past the carriage <NUM>. Additionally, the carriage <NUM> may include a ramped end surface <NUM> designed to engage a ramped surface of the notch <NUM>. The ramped surfaces of the carriage <NUM> and complementary ramped internal surfaces of the notch <NUM> may provide for a more obtuse angle of the notch <NUM> to prevent pinching, and also may provide for the carriage <NUM> to wedge into the notch to minimize rotational play in the hinge <NUM> when the hinge <NUM> is in a locked position. The carriage <NUM> may be released from the notch <NUM> using a pull cable <NUM>, a switch, a lever, or other appropriate mechanism to allow the hinge to unlock and flex. While the hinge <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> show the locked position to be one where the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> are disposed in positions substantially <NUM> degrees apart, the hinge <NUM> may also or alternatively be locked in other positions. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> may have multiple locking positions. For example, the inner hub <NUM> may have more than one notch <NUM> at different locations on the inner hub <NUM> configured to engage the carriage <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a hinge <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may include similar components as those described above, such as a first leg 202a, 202b with an outer hub and a second leg <NUM> with an inner hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first leg may be made of two pieces 202a, 202b, which are coupled together around a portion of the second leg <NUM> and/or the inner hub <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may also include inset plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The inset plates <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of or coated with a low-friction polymer such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The inset plates <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned between the inner hub <NUM> and the two sections of the outer hub 204a, 204b. The inset plates <NUM>, <NUM> may minimize sliding friction between the plates of the inner hub <NUM> and outer hub to reduce wear on the hinge <NUM>. The inner hub <NUM> and outer hub of the hinge <NUM> may be made of metal. For example, the inner and/or outer hubs may be forged or die-cast out of aluminum, magnesium zinc, or titanium. In other embodiments, the inner and/or outer hubs may be formed of a plastic material, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. Embodiments of the hinge are not limited to any particular material of construction of the inner and/or outer hubs or of other components of the hinge.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of hinge <NUM> with an inset pad <NUM> present between a surface of the inner hub <NUM> and the side piece 302a of the first leg of the hinge <NUM>. The inset pad <NUM> may be fixed in place on the inner hub <NUM> by a protrusion 330a disposed in an aperture 308a in the inner hub <NUM>. An additional inset pad may be present between the opposite surface of the inner hub <NUM> and a second side piece of the first leg of the hinge <NUM>. The second side piece of the first leg of the hinge <NUM> has been omitted from <FIG> to illustrate the internal features of the hinge <NUM>. The inset pad <NUM> and the additional inset pad present between the inner hub <NUM> and the second side piece of the first leg of the hinge <NUM> may serve a similar function as the inset plates <NUM>, <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the inset pads <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of or coated with a low-friction polymer to minimize sliding friction between the metal plates of an inner hub <NUM> and an outer hub <NUM>. The inset pads may be positioned on the inner hub <NUM>, the outer hub <NUM>, or trapped in between the hubs <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more inset pads may be positioned around a pivot point <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A hinge for a child conveyance device, the hinge comprising:
a first leg (<NUM>) coupled to an outer non-circular hub element (<NUM>) including a first side (204a) and second side (204b), wherein the first side and second side define a groove (<NUM>)
an inner non-circular hub element (<NUM>) coupled to the outer non-circular hub element (<NUM>) and configured to fit at least partially within the groove of the outer non-circular hub element; and
a second leg (<NUM>) including a tapered section (<NUM>) coupling the inner non-circular hub element to a non-hub portion of the second leg, the tapered section (<NUM>) including a first surface sloped at an obtuse angle relative to a flat surface of the inner non-circular hub element (<NUM>) and curved relative to the flat surface of the inner non-circular hub element (<NUM>), the tapered (<NUM>) section including a second surface sloped at an obtuse angle relative to the flat surface of the inner non-circular hub element (<NUM>) and curved relative to the flat surface of the inner non-circular hub element (<NUM>), the outer non-circular hub element (<NUM>) including an outer tapered section (<NUM>) including first and second surfaces, each of which is sloped at an obtuse angle relative to a planar surface of the outer non-circular hub element (<NUM>) such that the tapered section and the outer tapered section are configured to cause a user's fingers to slide up the respective tapered section and outer tapered section in a direction away from the rotating hub elements (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the interface between the hubs as the inner non-circular hub element rotates into the outer non-circular hub element.