Patent ID: 12214819

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Generally described, the present invention relates to wagons that are at least partially collapsible by having at least one wall that is repositionable between a folded storage position and an unfolded use position. In typical commercial embodiments, the wagons are consumer-use wagons of the type commonly used for holding and carrying household cargo such as children, toys, beach items (e.g., chairs, towels, and sand buckets/shovels), sports equipment (e.g., balls, bats, and helmets), gardening/yard items (e.g., flowers, sod, trowels, and shovels), and do-it-yourself project items (e.g., for crafts, yard use, and home repairs). In other embodiments, the wagons are other types of wheeled transport containers that a caretaker of a child would consider using to carry the child.

Turning now to the drawings,FIGS.1-21show a consumer-use wagon10according to a first example embodiment of the present invention. The wagon10of this embodiment is detailed herein primarily to disclose an example wagon that can be adapted and used with the child-seating feature described below.

Referring particularly toFIGS.1-4, the wagon10includes a base12, two opposing upright sidewalls14, two opposing upright endwalls16, a pull handle18, and wheels20. The sidewalls14and the endwalls16extend upward (including bowed outward and not necessarily vertical) from the base12to cooperatively form an open-topped container for the cargo. The sidewalls14are typically longer than the endwalls16so that the resulting container is generally rectangular (in plan view). It should be noted that the sidewalls14and the endwalls16are sometimes referred to collectively herein as the peripheral walls14/16for convenience.

In the depicted embodiment, the base12, the sidewalls14, and the endwalls16are all generally rectangular and made of lightweight and strong plastic and metal, though in other embodiments they are provided in other shapes and/or made of composite or other materials, as is well-known in the art. The pull handle18is pivotally coupled to the base12at its front end so that it pivots between a folded storage position and an unfolded use position for pulling the wagon10. And the wheels20are rotationally mounted to the base at its bottom surface, for example four wheels can be provided for supporting and rolling the wagon10as depicted. These aspects of the basic underlying design of the wagon10are conventional and well-known, so further details are not provided for brevity and clarity.

The base12of this embodiment includes a peripheral frame22that supports front and rear seat-pan panels24, a footrest panel26between the seat-pans, and front and rear seatback panels28. The seat-pans24, the footrest26, and the seatbacks28cooperatively form seats for children to sit in when riding in the wagon10. The base frame22can be made of generally rectangular tubular metal (as depicted), solid rectangular bars or cylindrical rods, or other conventional structural members. The footrest26can be supported by and suspended from the seat-pans24by support members (e.g., similar structural members)30. In other embodiments, the wagon is provided without the seats, or the seats are removable.

The depicted seatbacks28are pivotally mounted to the base12, for example by conventional hinges to the seat-pans24as depicted, so that they pivot between a folded storage position generally flat against the seat-pans for compact storage and an unfolded use position generally upright for supporting a child's back when seated on the respective seat-pan. In some embodiments, the seatbacks28are also coupled to the endwalls16so that they pivot together, and in such embodiments the pivotal mounting to the base12can be eliminated. Details of the pivoting of the endwalls16are described below.

In the depicted embodiment, the base12has fixed peripheral dimensions, that is, it does not fold or otherwise collapse into a smaller footprint, that is, length and/or width (in plan views), or into a shorter height (in elevation views). In particular, the base frame22typically is rigid for structural strength (it has fixed dimensions of length and width as well as height) and does not include any hinges, pivots, swivels, or other joints that permit it to fold or otherwise collapse into a smaller arrangement. In other embodiments, the base frame includes such joints to permit folding into a compact arrangement for storage.

In addition, the sidewalls14and the endwalls16of the depicted embodiment each include a respective support frame32and34. The sidewall frames32each include one or more (e.g., the depicted two) upper frame members36and the endwall frames34each include one or more (e.g., the depicted one) upper frame member38, with these upper frame members cooperating to define a peripheral frame extending continuously about the wagon10. And the sidewall frames32each include one or more (e.g., the depicted two) connecting frame members40and the endwall frames34each include one or more (e.g., the depicted two) connecting frame members42, with these connecting frame members extending between the base frame22and their respective upper frame members36and38. As such, the connecting frame members40and42extend generally upright, though not necessarily vertical, as can be seen by the steeply-sloped sidewall connecting frame members and the gently-sloped endwall connecting frame members of the depicted embodiment. The sidewall and endwall support frames32and34can be made of generally rectangular tubular metal (as depicted), solid rectangular bars or cylindrical rods, or other conventional structural members.

The sidewall connecting frame members42can be connected to the respective sidewall upper frame members36by a frame connector44. In the depicted embodiment, with each sidewall frame32including two upper frame members36and two connecting frame members42, the frame members are positioned in a generally X-shaped arrangement. And the frame connector44includes four connections arranged so that a front one of the sidewall upper frame members36is generally aligned with a rear one of the sidewall connecting frame members42, and a rear one of the sidewall upper frame members is generally aligned with a front one of the sidewall connecting frame members.

In other embodiments, a single continuous sidewall upper frame member is provided and a single continuous sidewall connecting frame member is provided, with bends for example in their middle portions, and with the frame connector connecting the two frame members together in the same generally X-shaped and aligned arrangement. And in still other embodiments, the sidewall and/or endwall frames are provided in other forms, for example each can be provided by a single frame member that extends along and defines the wagon top and that bends downward at the corners, thereby forming an inverted and wide U. It will be understood that other configurations of sidewall and/or endwall frames (e.g., O-frames, H-frames, W-frames, M-frames, T-frames, V-frames, and the like) can be selected by persons of ordinary skill in the art to provide the functionality described herein, and such other configurations are contemplated by and within the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the sidewalls14and the endwalls16of the depicted embodiment each include a respective cover46and48(seeFIG.13) mounted to and supported by their respective support frames32and34. The covers46and48are typically not mounted to each other (or to other of the frame members) to permit them to pivot with their respective frame members, as described below. The covers46and48are typically provided by sheets of a flexible material such as woven or non-woven plastic, cotton, or a blend thereof. In other embodiments, the peripheral sidewalls and/or the endwalls include the frames but not the covers, they include rigid wall panels without structural frame members, or they are provided by other conventional peripheral structural wall elements. It will be understood that the term “wall’ as used herein is intended to be broadly construed to include the depicted frames32and34, as well as other similar structures, with or without covers, and not just solid one-piece panels. In addition, in some embodiments the base12includes footrest side covers47for the areas under the base frame and above the footrest (seeFIG.13).

Referring additionally toFIGS.5-12, the wagon10includes features that permit the peripheral walls14/16to be pivotally repositioned between their unfolded use positions (FIGS.1-4) and their folded storage positions (FIGS.5-7and12). In particular, the wagon10includes pivotal couplings50and52that pivotally mount the peripheral sidewalls14and endwalls16, respectively, to the base12, and a gang-operated latch system54including latches56and actuators58for releasably locking the peripheral walls in the use position. For example, the pivotal couplings50and52can be mounted to the frame22of the base12, as depicted, or to another part of the base such as the seat-pans24. The pivotal couplings50and52and the latch system54can be provided by conventional components known in the art (e.g., pivot-pin couplings and snap-fit latches), or they can be provided by innovative components described below.

The general operation of the pivotal couplings50and52and the latch system54to reposition the wagon10between the unfolded use position and the folded storage position is shown inFIGS.8-12. With the wagon10in the use position ofFIG.1, one of the latch actuators58(e.g., the depicted front one) is operated to actuate the respective latches56from their locked positions to their unlocked positions in which the respective endwall16is released from securement in its use position. Then that endwall16is pivoted, about its pivotal coupling52, downward and inward to its storage position adjacent (against or almost against) the base12, as shown inFIG.8. Then the other latch actuator58(e.g., the depicted rear one) is operated to actuate its latches56from their locked positions to their unlocked positions, and that endwall16is then pivoted, about its pivotal coupling52, downward and inward to its storage position adjacent the base12, as shown inFIG.9. Of course, both latch actuators58can be operated at the same time and/or both endwalls16can be pivoted at the same time, if desired. And of course the sequence can be performed in the opposite order, first releasing the rear endwall then the front one, if desired. In other embodiments, each latch includes a dedicated actuator or all latches are operated by a single actuator.

Next, one of the released sidewalls14is pivoted, about its pivotal coupling downward and inward to its storage position adjacent the base12, as shown in FIG.10. Then the other released sidewalls14is pivoted, about its pivotal coupling50, downward and inward to its storage position adjacent the base12, as shown inFIG.11. In the depicted embodiment, the latches56releasably secure the sidewalls14and the endwalls together in the use position, so operating the latch actuators58releases the sidewalls to pivot and not just the endwalls. In other embodiments, the latches secure the sidewalls and the endwalls to the base, so separate actuators are operated to release the sidewalls. And in yet other embodiments, the actuators are mounted on the sidewalls instead of the endwalls, for example at the front or rear ends thereof for ease of joint operation.

Finally, the handle18is pivoted down to its storage position, as shown in ofFIG.12. The wagon10is now in a much more compact arrangement for storage and transport, with its height (excluding the handle) reduced by about half in the embodiment shown. In some embodiments, a handle-storage latch is provided to releasably secure the handle in its storage position, thereby also retaining the endwalls16and the sidewalls14(underneath the retained handled) in their storage positions. And in some embodiments, the wheels20and/or the footrest26are removable or foldable relative to the base12for further compactness, though details of such features are not provided herein for brevity.

It should be noted that in the depicted embodiment the endwall pivotal couplings152have pivot axes153positioned lower than (e.g., subjacent) pivot axes151of the sidewall pivotal couplings150(seeFIGS.1-2). This enables the endwalls16to be folded down generally flat and the sidewalls14to then be folded down on top of them and still be arranged generally flat for a compact configuration in the storage position (seeFIGS.5-6). In other embodiments, this is reversed, with the sidewall pivots lower than the endwall pivots so the endwalls can fold generally flat over the sidewalls.

The pivotal couplings50and52can be of a conventional type or a new type. For example the pivotal couplings50can be the “pinchless” type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/444,380, filed Jul. 28, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Typically, two of the pivotal couplings50or52are provided for each corresponding sidewall14and endwall16, though more or fewer can be used as may be desired.

The pivotal couplings50each include an anchor60and a pivot62that pivots relative to the anchor (see, e.g.,FIG.2). The anchor60is fixedly mounted to the base12, for example it can be mounted to the base frame member22by a bracket, or it can be mounted by a weld, a strap, bolts, pins, or another conventional mounting or fastener. The pivot62is fixedly mounted to the respective sidewall14, for example it can be mounted to the sidewall connecting frame member40by a weld, or it can be mounted by a strap, a bracket, bolts, pins, or another conventional mounting or fastener.

Referring additionally toFIGS.14-21, details of the latch system54of the depicted embodiment will now be provided. The latch system54is innovative in that it provides for quickly and easily releasing the peripheral walls14/16for folding to the storage position and it provides for robustness and minimized loose play when the peripheral walls are secured in the use position. In some embodiments, the basic latch design is used without also including the minimized-play design. And in other embodiments, the minimized-play design is included with a different latch design.

In the depicted embodiment, the wagon10includes two latch systems54, each including two latches56controlled by one actuator58, and each releasably securing the ends of its respective endwall16to the corresponding ends of the two sidewalls14in the use position. The latches56are typically located at upper portions104and106of the sidewalls14and endwalls16, respectively, for example at the upper frame members36and38, to provide strength to the peripheral walls when secured together in the use position. As such, the latches56are generally located at the four upper corners of the wagon10in the unfolded use position, in which each of the endwalls16is adjacent to the two sidewalls14with the respective endwall upper portions106adjacent the sidewall upper portions104. Because the latches56couple the sidewalls14to the adjacent endwalls16, they each include two parts, one latch component on the sidewall and the other cooperating latch component on the adjacent endwall.

As shown inFIGS.14-16, the latches56each include a receiver latch component106formed on one of the sidewalls14and a plunger latch component108movably mounted to a corresponding one of the endwalls16. For example, the receivers106can be located at opposite ends of each of the endwall upper frame members38, and the plungers108can be located at opposite ends of each of the sidewall upper frame members36. The plungers108move between a locked position (seeFIGS.14-15) and an unlocked position (seeFIG.16). In the locked position, with the peripheral walls14/16in their unfolded use position, the tips110of the plungers108are extended from their endwalls16and received in their respective receivers106in a blocking-type retention fit. And in the unlocked position, the plunger tips110are retracted relative to their endwall16and thereby retracted from their respective receivers106to release the peripheral walls14/16to fold to their storage position. The endwalls16typically include an internal bore (e.g., when provided by tubular frame members) within which the plungers16are retracted to the unlocked position.

The plungers108are biased toward the locked position by springs112. For example, the plunger springs112can each be provided by a compression coil spring retained between a bearing surface114of the plunger108and a bearing surface116of the endwall16. In other embodiments, other types of spring elements can be used, such as torsion, tension, or leaf springs, or other resiliently deformable elements.

In the depicted embodiment, the plunger latch components108are in the form of linearly reciprocating fingers and the receiver latch components106are in the form of recesses that receive the tips of the fingers. In other embodiments, the plunger latch components are in the form of pivoting hooks and the receiver latch components are in the form of transverse pins about which the hooks can pivotally lock. And in still other embodiments, the two cooperating latch components are of other conventional latch designs known and understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to provide the releasable securement functionality described herein.

The actuators58are operable to retract the respective plungers108to their unlocked positions. The actuators58typically include one or more (e.g., the depicted two) bodies118each having a contact surface120where the user contacts and applies a force to move the actuator body from a locked position (seeFIGS.14-15) to an unlocked position (seeFIG.16), one or more (e.g., the depicted two) springs122that bias the actuator bodies to the locked position, and a housing124for the actuator bodies. A connection126interconnects the actuator body118to the plunger108, so that applying an operating force to the actuator body to move it from the locked position to the unlocked position causes the plunger108to move from its locked position to its unlocked position.

In the depicted embodiment, the actuator bodies118are pivotally mounted, for example to the actuator housing124(or to the endwall14), so that they pivot between the locked and unlocked positions. In other embodiments, the actuator bodies slide, rotate, or otherwise move between the locked and unlocked positions. In the depicted embodiment, the connection126between the actuator body118and the plunger108is a cable, for example a wire, cord, string, or other flexible elongated element. In other embodiments, the connection is in the form of a rigid rod, a mechanical linkage, or a gear-set. In the depicted embodiment, pivoting the actuator body118from the locked to the unlocked position generates a pulling force on the connection126. In other embodiments, moving the actuator body from the locked to the unlocked position generates a pushing, rotary, or other force on the connection. In the depicted embodiment, the actuator springs122are each provided by a compression coil spring retained between a bearing surface128of the actuator body118and a bearing surface130of the actuator housing124. In other embodiments, other types of spring elements can be used, such as torsion, tension, or leaf springs, or other resiliently deformable elements. In the depicted embodiment, the actuator58includes two actuator bodies118and two actuator springs122, one set for each respective one of the plungers108. In other embodiments, the actuator includes one actuator body and one actuator spring for unlocking both plungers.

In use, as shown inFIG.16, operating forces can be applied (as indicated by the two inner directional arrows) to the actuator bodies118to pivot them from their locked to their unlocked positions, which causes the plungers108to retract (as indicated by the two outer directional arrows) from their locked to their unlocked positions. In this way, each of the actuators58can be operated by one hand of a user (e.g., by wrapping a hand around the actuator housing124, with the thumb on one actuator body and one or more of the other fingers on the other actuator body, then squeezing) to release its endwall16from its sidewall14in the use position so the walls can then be folded down to the storage position.

Referring additionally toFIGS.17-21, details of the minimized-play feature of the latch system54of the depicted embodiment will now be provided. The latch end132of a sidewall14and the latch end134of an adjacent endwall16have interfering positions (in conflict because of their physical inability to occupy the same space) when the peripheral walls are in the unfolded use position. But at least one of the peripheral walls includes a ramped surface136along which the other peripheral wall rides immediately before it reaches the unfolded use position, and at least one of the peripheral walls resiliently displaces outward (out of its interfering position) under outward forces generated by the ramp being ridden across, thereby providing clearance for the pivoting wall to reach its use position.

In the depicted embodiment, there are cooperating ramped surfaces136on both the sidewall latch end132and the endwall latch end134. In other embodiments, only the sidewall latch end or the endwall latch end includes a displacement ramp. In the depicted embodiment, the sidewall upper frame member36deflects outward, and as such has a sufficient length (between its latch end132and the frame connector44) and is made of a material (e.g., with sufficient elastic deformation properties) selected to permit this resilient displacement. In other embodiments, the sidewall includes a spring-biased joint that permits this resilient displacement and a stop member to prevent over-displacement. In the depicted embodiment, the sidewall latch end132displaces slightly, typically less than about 1/10 inch, though in other embodiments the peripheral wall displacement can be greater or lesser.

In use,FIG.17shows the endwall16pivoting up and approaching its upright use position (as indicated by the directional arrow).FIG.18shows the endwall16further pivoting (as indicated by the corresponding directional arrow) to where it comes into contact with the sidewall14(in its neutral interfering position), causing the cam-like ramps136of the two walls to ride along each other, which in turn pushes outward on and thereby causes the sidewall to displace outward (as indicated by the corresponding directional arrow) for clearance (see alsoFIG.20). At the same time, the sidewall ramp136pushes (as indicated by the corresponding directional arrow ofFIG.18) the plunger108into the unlocked position for clearance. Now the sidewall latch end132and the endwall latch end134are no longer in interfering positions, andFIG.19shows the endwall16further pivoted (as indicated by the corresponding directional arrow) into its use position, with the plunger108resiliently returning to its locked position (as indicated by the corresponding directional arrow) (see alsoFIG.21).

Because in the use position the sidewall14is under a slight shear stress from and deflected slightly outward by the endwall16, it stores a charge such that its latch end132applies a compression force on the endwall. In this way, there is no “play” in the system, that is, the sidewall14and adjacent endwall16are connected by a fit that is pressured tight (not loose, no slack or excess space between them) so the sidewall and endwall are held tightly together and cannot wiggle relative to each other.

After use of the wagon10, the actuator58can be operated to release the endwall16, then the endwall can be folded down out of its use position. The reverse displacement process then occurs, with the sidewall14resiliently returning to its neutral inward interfering position.

In addition, the sidewall latch end132can include a stop member138that limits the adjacent endwall latch end134from pivoting past its use position (seeFIG.32). In the depicted embodiment, for example, the sidewall latch end132includes a stop member138in the form of a laterally extending wall against which the adjacent endwall latch end134abuts in its use position to limit further travel. In other embodiments, the stop member138can be in the form of a laterally extending pin or other protrusion.

Furthermore, the sidewall latch end132and the endwall latch end134can include lateral retainers140and142, respectively. The lateral retainers140and142hold the sidewall14and the endwall16from lateral outward displacement from their use positions (the latch system54holds them from pivoting beyond their use positions). In the depicted embodiment, for example, the sidewall retainer140is in the form of at least one retainer wall extending transversely from the sidewall latch end132(e.g., extending transversely from the outer-positioned sidewall stop member138), thereby defining a retainer opening144. The sidewall retainer can additionally or alternatively include one or more retainer walls extending from the top and/or bottom of the sidewall latch end132, as depicted. And the endwall retainer142is in the form of at least one retainer wall extending transversely from a neck146that extends longitudinally from the endwall latch end134, thereby defining a retainer opening148. In other embodiments, the retainers140and142are in the form of transversely extending pins or other protrusions.

With the sidewall14and the endwall16in their use positions, the endwall retainer142is positioned behind the sidewall retainer140and thus received in the sidewall retainer opening144(seeFIG.32). And the sidewall retainer140is positioned behind the endwall retainer142and thus received in the endwall retainer opening148. In this way, the lateral retainers140and142hold the sidewall14and the endwall16from lateral displacement outward in their use positions, as the respective mechanical stops prevent further pivoting but not necessary deflection.

Referring now toFIGS.22-31, there is shown a wagon1010with an innovative child-seating feature according to a second example embodiment of the invention. This child-seating feature can be included in a wagon10with four walls14/16that all collapse down, as depicted inFIGS.1-22, or in a wagon with only one peripheral wall that folds downs, typically (but not necessarily) the rear endwall for stability overall and for seat clearance from the wagon handle. Similarly, this child-seating feature can be included in a wagon10with a gang-operated latch system54, as depicted inFIGS.1-22, with or without a minimized-play feature, or in a wagon with wall latches that are individually-operated (not group-operated) and/or that include another design such as rotary latches, pivot latches, twist/screw latches, slide latches, or other conventional latch systems known in the art. As such, the wagon can be for example of any of the types disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/444,380, filed Jul. 28, 2014, which has been incorporated herein by reference.

Before getting into details of the child-seating feature, some context will be provided to highlight some of its advantages. Children develop in three primary sequential phases: infant, toddler, and child. Conventional wagons generally serve the larger “child” phase well in that the child can climb in and out easily with little restriction, but they typically don't have restraints (e.g., belts or harnesses) of any type. Strollers generally handle the smaller “infant” and “toddler” phases well as they typically include a stroller seat (removable or non-removable) for a toddler and/or connections for interchangeably mounting an infant carrier (of a car-seat system), with such strollers with interchangeable seats known as “travel systems”.

The innovative design of the wagon1010in preferred embodiments allows caretakers to cover all three phases of a child's growth by allowing them to mount a seat adapter1160to the wagon (e.g., to the base frame1022and/or sidewall frame1032), into which they can mount an upright car seat1162or an infant carrier seat (aka a car seat). Also, the caretaker can detach and remove a stroller child seat from a stroller/travel system (not shown) and mount it to the seat adapter1160mounted to the wagon1010, which serves the toddler age well (they aren't infants, but still aren't quite capable of sitting up as effectively as needed in a traditional wagon). Thus, the seat adapter1160enables interchangeable use of the infant carrier seat, the upright child seat, and the stroller seat with the wagon1010. And of course the wagon1010(e.g., with built-in seats) can be used as normal for carrying a child older/larger than an infant or toddler. In some embodiments, the wagon can be reconfigured for mounting only one of these types of child seats, not multiple of them interchangeably. (Note that as used elsewhere herein, the term “child” is intended to be broadly construed to include infants and toddlers.)

In addition, the wagon1010and the seat adapter1160are designed so that the entire seat-pan1161(and typically the center of gravity) of the child seat (upright car seat, infant-carrier seat, or stroller seat) is positioned below the top of the two adjacent peripheral walls1014/1016. As depicted, the bottom surface of the child seat1162is positioned atop (suspended just above, or supported/resting on) the base1012of the wagon1010, with the top surface of the seat-pan1161positioned well below the tops of the sidewall upper frame members1036of the two adjacent peripheral sidewalls1014. This lowers the center of gravity (relative to positioning the child seat on top of the peripheral walls) and thereby improves the stability and safety of the child-seat mounting. And with the car seat1162securely mounted to the seat adapter1160, it is much more stable than if it were simply placed into the wagon1010resting on the base1012(e.g., resting on the rear surface of the corresponding built-in seatback1028that is folded down to generally horizontal in the storage position, as depicted inFIGS.22-23). It should be noted that in some alternative embodiments of the invention the seat adapter positions and mounts the child seat above the peripheral walls of the wagon, as may be desired.

Furthermore, the wagon1010and the seat adapter1160are preferably designed so that the child seat1162is mounted securely in place at least partially over the base1012of the wagon and at least partially extending beyond the wagon base (e.g., at its front or rear). That is, a portion of the child seat1162extends laterally beyond the footprint of the wagon base1012and peripheral walls1014/1016(i.e., beyond the outer boundaries of the container defined by the base and peripheral walls) in an outboard configuration. As depicted inFIG.22, for example, the upright seatback1163of the child seat1162extends rearward off the wagon base1012(although the seatback is inclined upward, it's also inclined rearward). This is accomplished in part by displacing (e.g., folding down or removing, collapsing (accordion-like, rolling, etc.), or otherwise displacing) one of the peripheral walls (e.g., the depicted rear endwall1016) and in the vacated space placing the child seat1162. In this way, the child seat1162is securely mounted in place but in such a way as to minimize/reduce the space it occupies inside the wagon1010, thereby permitting more cargo to be carried by the wagon. This also permits the opposite (e.g., front) built-in seat of so-equipped wagons1010to be used (e.g., for a larger child) at the same time as the car seat1162(if the car seat were merely resting atop the built-in rear seat-pan within the base/wall boundary of a conventionally-sized wagon, the built-in front seat would be generally blocked from use). It should be noted that in some alternative embodiments of the invention the seat adapter positions and mounts the child seat entirely within the base/wall boundary of the wagon, for example still using the wall-to-wall latches that the displaced wall was attached to, as may be desired.

Moreover, the wagon1010and the seat adapter1160are preferably designed so that with the designated wall (e.g., the depicted rear endwall1016) displaced (e.g., folded down, or removed, collapsed, or otherwise displaced for so-equipped wagons) from its upright use position and the seat adapter in its vacated place, the seat adapter mounts to the two existing wall-to-wall latch components of the two adjacent walls (e.g., the depicted sidewalls1014). This maintains the structural integrity of the wagon1010so that the strength and stability of the wagon are not compromised when the seat adapter1160and child seat1162are being used. This also minimizes the additional number of latching elements needed, and by engaging the existing latch components prevents them from rattling during use of the wagon. It should be noted that in some alternative embodiments of the invention, at least one of the seat-adapter latch components is a “dummy” latch with no latching capability but that simply abuts the respective sidewall latch component to provide the structural integrity. Similarly, in other alternative embodiments, at least one of the child-seat latch components is a “dummy” latch with no latching capability but that simply abuts the respective sidewall latch component to provide the structural integrity.

Turning now to the details,FIGS.22-31show the wagon1010and the seat adapter1160in use with the child seat1162. The wagon1010of this embodiment is substantially the same as the wagon10of the previous embodiment, with some minor modifications, and with the child-seating feature added. It should be noted that the depicted wagon1010is representative and disclosed for illustrating the child-seating feature. In fact, the innovative child-seating feature can be implemented in wagons of other types and designs than that disclosed. So the scope of the child-seating feature is not limited to any particular style of wagon, other than the basic base-and-wall structural arrangement with at least one of the walls displaceable as defined in the claims.

The depicted child seat1162is an upright seat that attaches to a support base (not shown) of a car-seat system for carrying a child safely and securely in a motor vehicle. The support base mounts onto the rear seat of the vehicle car and can be left there indefinitely, and the car seat1162removably mounts onto the support base in the vehicle. So the car seat1162can be removed from the support base, and thus from the vehicle, and used in a portable fashion as an infant carrier. And when desired, the car seat1162can be mounted to the seat adapter1160, which is mounted to the wagon1010, for carrying the child in the wagon.

The seat adapter1160includes elements of at least one latch system1170for connecting it to the wagon1010and at least one latch system1180for connecting it to the child seat1162. The adapter-to-wagon latch system1170includes at least one latching component1172that moves between locked and unlocked positions and an actuator1174for manipulating the latch component between the locked and unlocked positions. In the depicted embodiment, there are two latching components1172each in the form of a plunger that engages and disengages (extends into and retracts from) a respective one of the receiver latching components1106of the two adjacent sidewalls1014. The actuator1174is operable to gang-operate both latch components1172from their locked positions to their unlocked positions, for example against the force of a spring that biases the latch components toward their locked positions, and for example by way of a connector1176extending between the actuator and the latch components and routed through or along a connecting member1190extending between the two adjacent walls1014, to which the actuator1174is mounted, and relative to which the latching components1172extend and retract.

As such, the adapter/wagon latch system1170of the depicted embodiment is of the same basic design, construction, and operation as the wall-to-wall latch system54of the previous embodiment. Details of the components and operation of the adapter/wagon latch system1170, in this implementation, are shown inFIGS.26-29. So for the sake of brevity, further details are not repeated. The adapter/wagon latch system1170disclosed is representative for illustration purposes only, and persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many other latch systems, having other designs, construction, and operation, can be readily substituted into the seat adapter1160and wagon1010. Such alternative latch systems can include, for example, conventional pivotal, rotary, hooking, multi-prong, and other latches. Other example latch systems that can be used include those disclosed by U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. US2011/0170948, US2012/0056452, and US2012/0261961, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A nice feature of the adapter/wagon latch system1170of the depicted embodiment is that the seat adapter1160connects to the wagon1010using the existing receiver latching components1106of the existing the wall latch system54. In this way, additional components are not needed to provide the functionality described herein. And because the position and design of the existing receiver latching components1106of the existing the wall latch system54provide for structural strength of the wagon peripheral walls1014/1016when latched together, mounting the seat adapter1160to them and between the two adjacent walls maintains the structural integrity of the wagon1010when the wall is displaced and the seat adapter is installed in its place.

The adapter-to-seat latch system1180of the seat adapter1160includes at least one latching component1182that moves between locked and unlocked positions and an actuator1184for manipulating the latch component between the locked and unlocked positions. In the depicted embodiment, there are two latching components1182each in the form of a plunger that engages and disengages (extends into and retracts) from a respective one of two receiver latching components1164on the seat back1163(e.g., on the two outwardly facing sides of the shell of the seatback) of the child seat1162. The actuator1184is operable to gang-operate both latch components1182from their locked positions to their unlocked positions, for example against the force of a spring that biases the latch components toward their locked positions, and for example by way of a connector1186extending between the actuator and the latch components and routed through or along the connecting member1190extending between the two adjacent walls1014, to which the actuator1184is mounted, and relative to which the latching components1182extend and retract.

As such, the adapter/seat latch system1180of the depicted embodiment is of the same basic design, construction, and operation as the wall latch system54of the previous embodiment. Details of the components and operation of the adapter/seat latch system1180(including the cooperating latch components1164of the child seat1162), in this implementation, are shown inFIGS.26-27and30-31. So for the sake of brevity, further details are not repeated. The adapter/seat latch system1180disclosed is representative for illustration purposes only, and persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many other latch systems (including the cooperating latch components of the child seat), having other designs, construction, and operation, can be readily substituted into the seat adapter1160and wagon1010. Such alternative latch systems can include, for example, conventional pivotal, rotary, hooking, multi-prong, and other latches. Other example latch systems that can be used include those disclosed by U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. US2011/0170948, US2012/0056452, and US2012/0261961, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The adapter/seat latch system1180of the seat adapter1160can be configured to secure the child seat1162to the seat adapter1160by engaging existing (for engaging the car-seat support base) or specially-added latch components1164of the child seat. In embodiments with specially-added child-seat latch components1164, in particular, the child seat1162can be provided together with the seat adapter1160and/or the wagon1010as a system.

The connecting member1190extends between the two adjacent walls1014, can have the actuators1174and1184mounted to it, and has the latching components1172and1182extend from and retract into it at hubs1192of the connecting member. The connecting member1190can be in the form of a frame member (e.g., a rod, as depicted), a panel, a cage or latticework, or another structure that provides structural strength when connected between the two adjacent walls1014of the wagon1010.

In addition, the connecting member1190typically includes two extension segments1190athat extend longitudinally outward (e.g., rearward) to beyond the peripheral walls1014/1016and base1012of the wagon1010, and an outer (e.g., rear) retaining cross segment1190bextending transversely between the extension segments. The retaining cross segment1190bis thus positioned outwardly beyond (e.g., behind) the footprint/boundary of the wagon1010and outwardly beyond (e.g., behind) the child seat1162, thus providing an outer safety mechanical stop against which the child-seat seatback1163prevented from sliding past to retain the child seat on the wagon, while enabling the child seat to extend beyond the wall-and-base boundary of the wagon to minimize the space within the wagon that the child seat occupies. This arrangement also positions the actuators1174and1184behind the child seat1162when it is installed facing forward and where the displaced rear endwall1016was, so the child cannot reach the actuators and unlock either corresponding latch system1170or1180.

As an additional safety element, the seat adapter1160can include an inner (e.g., front) transverse bumper1194in a position inward (e.g., forward) of the outer connecting member1190to cooperatively frame the child seat1162thereby assisting in retaining it on the wagon1010. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the bumper1194is in the form of a rod that extends between the hubs1192and is configured so that it's positioned inward (e.g., in front) of the child seat1162when the child seat is mounted in place for use, spaced-apart from and cooperating with the connecting member1190to form a closed loop. In this way, the bumper1194helps retain the child in the child seat1162and also provides added structural strength to the seat adapter1160and wagon1010. In other embodiments, the bumper extends from only one side (it does not extend all the way across the wagon between the walls), it's pivotal for ease of getting the child into and out of the installed child seat1162, it's padded for comfort and safety, it includes a tray for holding children's items, and/or it has another form such as a bar, plate, or other conventional bumper or retaining member.

And as a further safety element, the seat adapter1160can include two upright supports1196extending downward from the connecting member1190, for example at the laterally-spaced hubs1192, for mounting to the base1012of the wagon1010for increased structural strength. The upright supports1196can be in the form of legs (e.g., the depicted bars), walls, frameworks, or other conventional structural elements selected to support the weight of the seat adapter1160, the child seat1162, and a child. The upright supports1196each include an upper portion that is conventionally attached to or integrally formed with the respective hub1192.

The upright supports1196can be removably mounted to the wagon base1012by conventional connections. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the connections1210are provided by the two pivot pins1200for the pivotally folding seatback1028each being extended laterally longer than what is needed for only the respective pivot-pin housing1202of the seatback (i.e., relative to the previous embodiment), with one of the pivot mounts1204and1206for each pivot pin positioned wider to expose the added pivot-pin length for use. And the upright supports1196each include a slot1198formed in a lower portion that receives the respective pivot pin1200. In this way, to install the seat adapter1160for use, the slots1198of the upright supports1196are slid onto the pivot pins1200, then the top of the seat adapter is pivoted forward about the pivot pins until the latch components1172of the seat adapter engage the latch components1106of the sidewalls1014. In other embodiments, the upright supports1196are removably mounted to the wagon base1012by other conventional connections such as those disclosed herein as other embodiments.

In addition, the connection slot1198is preferably oriented so that it's not aligned along an arc defined by a fixation point of the adapter/wagon latch system1170. In this way, with the seat adapter1160latched to the wagon1010by the adapter/wagon latch system1170, even if the adapter/wagon latch system does not strictly prohibit pivotal movement, the slot1198cannot travel off of the pivot pin1200. So this connection1210passively locks the upright support1196to the wagon1010, that is, it does not have an active latching component that moves between locked and unlocked positions, but instead prevents disconnection by being held in place by the adapter/wagon latch system1170being in its locked position (and providing for active locking of the seat adapter to the wagon. With this design, only one set of attachments—the adapter/wagon latch system1170—needs to be operated to remove the seat adapter1160from the wagon1010, while still providing two sets of attachments for added stability and safety.

In other embodiments, instead of two pivot pins, one on each side of the wagon base, a single longer pivot pin extends across the wagon long enough for mounting both upright supports. And in other embodiments, the pin-and-slot arrangement is reversed (vice versa), with the upright support including the pin and the wagon (typically, the base) including the slot.

In still other embodiments, the seat adapter includes different latches (not the wall-to-wall latches) for removably mounting the seat adapter to the peripheral wall, which is left unfolded, to mount the child seat within the wagon (within the boundary of the base-and-wall-defined container). In such embodiments, the adapter/wagon seat-adapter latches can be provided by hooks, straps, clamps, or other conventional connectors, the seat adapter need not include any upright supports, and the seat adapter still includes the adapter/seat latches for removably mounting the child seat to it. In other embodiments, the seat adapter connection/latching points can be at the corners, or in the center, of an end or side of the wagon, whether the base, the peripheral wall(s), or both. In addition, the seat adapter can also be used (as is, or with conventional modifications) for holding storage bags, canopies, and other items in the wagon for general-purpose use.

FIGS.32-34show a wagon2010and a seat adapter2160according to a third example embodiment in use with a child seat2162. The wagon2010, seat adapter2160, and child seat2162of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In particular, in this embodiment, the seat adapter2160does not include an adapter/seat latch system for mounting the child seat2162to it. Instead of mounting to the seat adapter2160, the child seat2162mounts to the wagon2010. For example, the wagon can include latch components2212(e.g., the depicted recessed pins in the rear surface of the folded-down rear-seat backrest) that are selectively engaged by existing or specially-added latch components2214(e.g., the depicted pivot hooks) of the child seat2162. The depicted latches are representative for illustration purposes only, and other conventional latch systems known in the art can be readily incorporated into the wagon (and the child seat).

In some embodiments, the wagon is provided with multiple sets of latch components for latching to multiple different styles and brands of child seats. In some embodiments, the wagon (e.g., the base) includes an actuator operably connected to the latch components to move them from a locked position to an unlocked position relative to the latch components of the child seat. And in some embodiments, the wagon is provided without any latch components for locking the child seat to it, so the child seat simply rests on the wagon base (e.g., atop the folded down endwall and seatback) and is retained there by being framed between the connecting member and the bumper. Of course, in some embodiments without the child seat being latched to the wagon or a set adapter, a strap or other retaining element can also be included to help secure the child seat on the wagon.

FIG.35shows a wagon3010and a seat adapter3160according to a fourth example embodiment in use with a child seat3162. The wagon3010, seat adapter3160, and child seat3162of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In particular, in this embodiment, the child seat3162is of a different style but still used with the seat adapter3160to provide the functionality described herein.

FIGS.36-38show a wagon4010and a seat adapter4160according to a fifth example embodiment for use with a child seat (not shown). The wagon4010, seat adapter4160, and child seat of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In this embodiment, the lower connections4210between the seat-adapter upright supports4196and the wagon4010are of a different design. In particular, the connections4210each include a female element (e.g., the depicted socket)4200in the wagon4010(typically in the base4012) that receives a male element (e.g., the depicted extension portion below the base)4198of the upright support4196. The female element4200can be positioned in a base floorboard, a base frame member, the rear surface of the folded-down rear-seat seatback of the base, the top surface of the rear-seat seat-pan of the base, a frame member of the folded-down rear sidewall, or elsewhere on the wagon4010. The male and female elements4198and4200can include a retaining mechanism4214such as a detent or a VALCO button that helps hold it in place but that does not require an additional action to separate them when removing the seat adapter4160.

FIGS.39-41show a wagon5010and a seat adapter5160according to a sixth example embodiment for use with a child seat (not shown). The wagon5010, seat adapter5160, and child seat of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In this embodiment, the lower connections5210between the seat-adapter upright supports5196and the wagon5010are essentially reversed (vice versa) from those of the fifth embodiment. In particular, the connections5210each include a male element (e.g., the depicted post)5200on the wagon5010(typically extending upward from the base5012) that is received by a male element (e.g., the depicted bore of the lower portion)5198of the upright support5196. The male element5200can be positioned on a base floorboard, a base frame member, the rear surface of the folded-down rear-seat seatback of the base, the top surface of the rear-seat seat-pan of the base, a frame member of the folded-down rear sidewall, or elsewhere on the wagon5010. The female and male elements5198and5200can include a retaining mechanism5214such as a detent or a snap-finger that helps hold it in place but that does not require an additional action to separate them when removing the seat adapter5160.

FIGS.42-43show a wagon6010and a seat adapter6160according to a seventh example embodiment in use with a child seat (not shown). The wagon6010, seat adapter6160, and child seat of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In particular, in this embodiment, the lower connections6210between the seat-adapter upright supports6196and the wagon6010are of a different design. In particular, the connections6210each include a clamp element (e.g., the depicted C-shaped snap-on clip)6198of the upright support6196that snap-clips onto a base frame6022of the wagon6010. The clamp elements6198can include a retaining mechanism such as a set screw or clasp to help hold it on the wagon6010.

FIG.44shows a wagon7010according to an eighth example embodiment in use with a child seat7162, without a seat adapter. The wagon7010and child seat7162of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In particular, in this embodiment, the child seat7162is a stroller seat that mounts directly to the wagon7010, without the need for a seat adapter. The child seat7162mounts directly to the wagon7010, instead of indirectly to the wagon via a seat adapter, so the child seat functions as the structural element in place of the displaced endwall to maintain the structural integrity of the wagon7010(instead of a seat adapter doing so, as described above). Thus, the child seat7162and the wagon7010include at least one latch system for mutual attachment. For example, the child seat7162and the wagon7010can include an upper seat-to-wagon latch system7170(for attachment of the child seat to the adjacent walls of the wagon) having cooperating latch components of the same or a similar type as the adapter-to-wagon latch system1170of the embodiment ofFIGS.22-31. Additionally (or alternatively), the child seat7162and the wagon7010can include a lower seat-to-wagon latch system (for attachment of the child seat to the base of the wagon) having cooperating latch components of the same or a similar type as the seat-to-wagon latch system of the embodiment ofFIGS.32-34or as the adapter-to-wagon connections ofFIGS.24-25and36-43. It will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that other latch systems and positions thereof can be implemented to provide the functionality described herein. The stroller seat7162can be mounted in place facing outward (e.g., rearward) as depicted, which can enable positioning the seat as low as possible for stability (with the leg-rest extending below the wagon base), or in other embodiments it can be mounted facing inward (e.g., forward).

In some embodiments (such as those without the lower latch system, or with it but when it's not engaged), the child seat7162can pivot about a pivot point defined by the upper latch system7120to provide a recline feature (as indicated by the angular directional arrow). And in some such embodiments, there can additionally be provided stops and/or fixed-position elements for securing the child seat in multiple positions (e.g., upright and reclined).

FIG.45shows a wagon8010and a seat adapter8160according to a ninth example embodiment in use with a child seat8162. The wagon8010, seat adapter8160, and child seat8162of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiments, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In particular, in this embodiment, the child seat8162is an infant carrier seat that attaches to a support base (not shown) of a car-seat system for carrying a child safely and securely in a motor vehicle. The child seat8162rests upon the seat adapter8160, with peripheral seat portions supported by outer and inner spaced transverse members (e.g., the outer connecting member and the inner bumper forming a closed loop), and with the central seat portions extending downward through the space formed between the outer and inner members. Instead of a latch system holding the child seat8162in place, it can be snapped, strapped, tied, or otherwise secured by conventional fasteners to the seat adapter8160and/or the wagon8010.

FIG.46shows a wagon9010according to a tenth example embodiment in use with a portable carrier9162. The wagon9010and portable carrier9162of this embodiment are substantially the same as the wagon and child seat of the previous embodiments, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In particular, in this embodiment, the portable carrier is mounted to the wagon where the displaced wall was for increasing the effective storage capacity of the wagon (by providing storage space beyond where the disclosed wall was). So the portable carrier includes latch components that engage the wall latch components of the adjacent walls. And the portable carrier functions as the structural element in place of the displaced endwall to maintain the structural integrity of the wagon9010(instead of an adapter doing so, as described above). The portable carrier can be a basket, bin, box, or other container for holding cargo, and in some embodiments can even be used to carry a child. As used herein, the term “portable carrier” is intended to be broadly construed to include child seats such as those described herein.

FIGS.47-50show a seat adapter10160, according to an eleventh example embodiment, for mounting a child seat10162to a wagon10010. The seat adapter10160, wagon10010, and child seat10162of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of some of the previous embodiments, for example the second example embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. As such, the wagon10010has a base10022and an upstanding wall arrangement, for example including two opposing upright walls (e.g., sidewalls10014) and a displaceable (e.g., pivotal) upright wall (e.g., rear wall10016) positioned between and connecting the opposing walls. And the child seat10162can be an infant carrier seat (ISC), a car seat, a stroller seat, a combination thereof, or another type seat for a child.

In particular, in this embodiment, the seat adapter10160includes an adapter/wagon latch system10170for mounting the seat adapter to the wagon10010at other than the displaceable wall10016, for example to opposing walls of the wagon. As depicted, the adapter/wagon latch system10170includes two latch components10172that removably mount the seat adapter10160to the wagon's two opposing sidewalls10014in their upright/use position. In other embodiments, the seat adapter is designed to mount to opposing end walls (e.g., front and rear), with the interconnecting displaceable wall being a left or right sidewall.

The adapter/wagon latch components10172are manipulable (at least one part moves relative to another part) between locked and unlocked positions, with the latches secured to the wagon10010in the locked position (depicted) and released for detachment from the wagon in the unlocked position. One or more actuators10174are operable to manipulate the latch components10172between the locked and unlocked positions. In the depicted embodiment, the latch components10172are clamps of a conventional design that releasably engage the frame members10032(e.g., the upper frame members10036) of the wagon sidewalls10014. In other embodiments, the latch components are of another type such as linearly moving plungers, pivotal hooks, straps, or other conventional connectors, that mount to the depicted wall elements/portions or to other portions or types of wagon walls such as below the wall tops (e.g., on their inside or outside surfaces), solid/frameless plastic or metal walls, or otherwise. And in the depicted embodiment, the actuators10174include spring-biased cam-shaped clamp arms, with two actuators provided (one for each respective latch component10172). In other embodiments, the actuators are of another type such as rotary, sliding, pushbutton, pull/trigger, or other conventional actuators that operate to manipulate the latch components10172, with one gang-operated actuator or with respective actuators provided for the two latch components. In addition, the adapter of some embodiments includes two latch components that mount to the two opposing wagon walls and a cross-member extending between the adapter latch components that provides structural integrity to the wagon, such as when the rear wall is displaced from its upright use position.

In addition, the depicted seat adapter10160includes an adapter/seat latch system10180having two latch components10182that removably attach the seat adapter10160to the corresponding latch components10164of the child seat10162and that extend from or are attached to the two adapter/wagon latch components10172. The adapter/seat latch components10182are manipulable between locked and unlocked positions, with the latches secured to the child seat10162in the locked position (depicted) and released for detachment from the child seat in the unlocked position. One or more actuators10184are operable to manipulate the latch components10182between the locked and unlocked positions. In the depicted embodiment, the child-seat latch components10164are of a conventional design determined by the child seat manufacturer, and the seat-adapter latch components1182are of a conventional design selected for mating with the child-seat latch components (and thus typically conform to the design of the mating latch of the product the child seat is designed to be mounted to and used with). In other embodiments, the latch components are reversed with the actuator on the child seat and the adapter/seat latch component being passive. Details of such child seat latch components (e.g., catch-pins)10164, and designs of mating latch components (e.g., pivotal hooks)10182and their actuators (e.g., spring-biased pushbuttons)10184, are well-known in the art and thus not repeated for brevity's sake.

Furthermore, the seat adapters10160can include features that provide for use with multiple different designs (e.g., type, manufacturer, or model) of child seats10162. For example, the seat adapters10160can include latch interfaces (e.g., sets of two)10171that removably mount between the adapter/wagon latch components10172and the seat latch components10164. Such latch interfaces10171each include (e.g., on one end) the adapter/seat latch component10182, each having a different design selected for removably attaching to a different design of the seat latch component10164of the particular child seat10162to be used. And such latch interfaces10171each include (e.g., on the other end) a common coupling part10169that removably mounts to a cooperating coupling part10173of the adapter/wagon latch component10172, such that the latch interfaces are universal in their ability to be interchangeably mounted to the seat adapter10160. In this way, the seat adapter10160can be packaged and sold with a plurality of different latch interfaces10171, each having a same/standard design of the coupling part10169and a different design of the adapter/seat latch component10182to enable use of the seat adapter with a number of different designs of child seats10162.

Furthermore, the seat adapter10160includes a connecting or cross-member10190extending between the adapter/wagon latch components10172. The cross-member10190extends transversely all the way across the wagon10010and is made of a structural load-bearing material (e.g., steel tube) and configured to function as a structural element. In this way, if the connecting wall10016is displaced from its upright use position, and thus no longer able to function as a structural member braced between the two adjacent upright walls10014, the cross-member10190of the seat adapter10160substitutes for the displaced wall to provide structural integrity to the wagon10010(i.e., to maintain the structural shape and strength of the wagon) for safety during use.

In typical embodiments such as that depicted, the cross-member10190extends from a lower side of the adapter/wagon latch components10172downward into and across the wagon10010to provide clearance for the child seat10162to be mounted above it. In addition, the cross-member10190can have obstruction elements10191extending from it, for example the two depicted downward-extending arms, to sufficiently block off the area bounded by the cross-member, the wagon base10022, and the wagon sidewalls10014in order to meet safety requirements. In particular, the depicted obstruction elements10191are configured for compliance with ASTM F833-15 (Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Carriages and Strollers), Section 6.10, which essentially requires that the torso probe (3 inches×5.5 inches) shall not pass through an opening, and if it does, then an 8-inch ball shall also pass through the opening (intended to prevent children from sliding only part-way out and strangulating themselves). A sheet of material (e.g., fabric or plastic) can be mounted to or extend from the obstruction elements10191, if desired. In some embodiments, this blocking functionality is provided at least in part by the cross-member having a larger vertical dimension (being taller/thicker), extending downward more into the wagon10010(closer to the base10022), and/or having a non-linear shape (e.g., zigzagged), by another number or shaped of the obstruction elements10191being provided, or by a combination thereof.

As in previous embodiments, the seat adapter10160can be mounted to the wagon10010with a wall segment (e.g.,10016) displaced (e.g., folded down) from its upright use position, thereby enabling the child seat10162to be mounted (via the adapter) to the wagon in a low-profile and stable arrangement (with the child-seat bottom below the wagon sidewalls' tops) and/or with the child seat in an outboard arrangement (occupying at least some of the space vacated by the displaced wall and thus extending laterally at least partially out of the wagon, including the slightly outboard position depicted for this particular child seat) to minimize occupied space in the wagon. Thus, there is no mechanical interference between any part of the wagon10010(including the displaced wall10016) and any part of the seat adapter10160or the child seat10162mounted to it. When using the seat adapter10160for some smaller child seats10162(e.g., for an infant instead of a toddler), however, the adapter can be mounted to the wagon10010and used with the child seat without displacing a wall (seeFIG.48). In such scenarios, two seat adapters10160can be mounted to the same wagon10010for carrying two child seats10162.

FIGS.51-53show a seat adapter11160, according to a twelfth example embodiment, for mounting a child seat11162to a wagon11010. The seat adapter11160, wagon11010, and child seat11162of this embodiment are substantially the same as in the eleventh embodiment, with some exceptions primarily those noted. In particular, in this embodiment, the seat adapter11160includes vertical extension members11193positioned and extending between each of the adapter/wagon latch components11172and the adapter/seat latch components11182. The vertical extension members11193are configured with a length (i.e., vertical dimension between the latch components11172and11182) selected to position the adapter/seat latch components, and thus the child seat11162, in an elevated position. In particular, the length of the vertical extension members11193positions the child seat11162higher than the displaceable connecting wall11016, such that this wall does not need to be displaced from its upright use position in order to mount the child seat11162to the wagon11010, as depicted. Thus, there is no mechanical interference between any part of the wagon11010(including the upright wall10016) and any part of the seat adapter11160or the child seat11162mounted to it. And the seat adapter11160can be mounted to the wagon11010in a relatively rearward position for mounting the child seat in an outboard position (including the slightly outboard position depicted for this particular child seat) or in a relatively forward position for mounting the child seat in an inboard position (completely forward of the rear wall). Of course, in such embodiments the seat adapter11160can be mounted to the wagon11010with the connecting wall11016upright or displaced, including use with wagons having all fixed walls (i.e., without a displaceable wall).

For any of the embodiments of the invention, with either direct or indirect (including a seat adapter) seat mounting, the wagon can have a base and a folding endwall, with the endwall doubling as the backrest of a built-in seat. In other embodiments, the wagon has no sidewall, only the folding endwall(s), and the child seat or seat adapter mounts only to the wagon base, without latching to any sidewall latches. And in yet other embodiments, the wagon sidewalls are fixed and only the endwalls fold down.

In other aspects, the invention relates to a wagon that is adapted for use with a seat adapter, a seat adapter that is adapted for use with a wagon, and a child seat that is adapted for use with a wagon and/or a seat adapter. The wagon, seat adapter, and child seat can be of the type of any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

And in other aspects, the invention relates to a method of seating a child in a wagon. The method includes the steps of displacing a wall of the wagon and then installing in its place a child seat mounted to the wagon either directly or indirectly using a seat adapter. The step of displacing the wall can include pivotally folding the wall down to a storage position against a base of the wagon in a generally horizontal orientation, detaching and removing the wall from the base, or otherwise moving the wall from its use position (where it helps form the wagon container) and out of the way vacating that space so that the child seat can be positioned in its place. The step of installing the child seat in place of the displaced wall can include mounting the seat adapter to the wagon, for example using the same wall latches that the displaced wall was latched to, and mounting the child seat to the seat adapter (or to the wagon, or to both the seat adapter and the wagon). And the step of installing the child seat in place of the displaced wall can include mounting the child seat directly to the wagon, without using any seat adapter. The wagon, seat adapter, and child seat used in the method can be of the type of any of the embodiments disclosed herein, variations thereof including conventional modifications known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, or other designs have equivalent structures for enabling the functionality disclosed herein.

It is to be understood that the various features described herein can be combined in various ways to form various embodiments not specifically detailed herein but still contemplated by the inventors. As such, this invention expressly includes each individual feature disclosed herein as well as every combination of those features.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, and/or parameters of the example embodiments described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting of the claimed invention. For example, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, the term “or” means “and/or,” and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

While the claimed invention has been shown and described in example forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.