Patent Document

PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/114,324, entitled “Stroller with a Secondary Attachment” filed Feb. 10, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/207,703 entitled “Basket Attachment for Stroller” filed Aug. 20, 2015, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to strollers, and more particularly strollers with a secondary attachment configured to hold passengers and/or goods. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Strollers have been known and used for a number of years to provide a comfortable device to move a passenger such as a baby or a small child. There is a need for a stroller to provide means for transporting a second passenger (such as an infant) and/or goods. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A first exemplary embodiment of the stroller may have a base having a first, front end, a second, rear end and a one or more elongated portions extending therebetween. A first frame member having a first, lower end and a second, upper end is connected to the base proximate the first, front end of the base and a generally elongated portion extends between the first, lower end and the second, upper end of the first frame member. The second, upper end of the first, front frame member may have at least one structural member configured to provide support for a secondary attachment. A second, rear frame member having a first, lower end and a second, upper end is also connected to the base proximate the second, rear end of the base. The second, rear frame member has a generally elongated portion which extends between the first, lower end and the second, upper end of the second, rear frame member. The second, upper end of the second, rear frame member may have at least one structural member also configured to provide support for the secondary attachment. The secondary attachment may have a first segment with at least one attachment end laterally spaced apart from a second segment with another attachment end. At least one receptacle is located within each of the structural members of the first, front frame member and the second, rear frame member. Each receptacle is capable of receiving at least one of the attachment ends of the secondary attachment. In a first configuration the secondary attachment is attached to the first, front frame member and the second, rear frame member by way of the one or more attachment ends of the secondary attachment being engaged with the receptacles. In a second configuration the secondary attachment is detached from both the first, front frame member and the second, rear frame member. 
         [0005]    In a further exemplary embodiment, the secondary attachment attaches to a stroller by aligning each of at least one attachment end of the secondary attachment with a receptacle located on the stroller, engaging each of the at least one attachment end and the receptacle by lowering each of the at least one attachment end of the secondary attachment into the receptacle in a substantially downwards motion, and locking each of the at least one the attachment end of the secondary attachment in the receptacle such that the secondary attachment cannot be moved with respect to the stroller. 
         [0006]    In a further exemplary embodiment, the secondary attachment detaches from a stroller by unlocking at least one attachment end of the secondary attachment from its respective receptacle(s) located on the stroller and removing the secondary attachment from the stroller by lifting the at least one attachment end out of its respective receptacle(s) in a substantially upwards motion. 
         [0007]    In a further exemplary embodiment, the secondary attachment may comprise a basket. The basket may have a first end having at least one attachment mechanism configured to attach to a first frame of a stroller, a second end may have at least one attachment mechanism configured to attach to a second frame of a stroller, a primary compartment, and at least one expandable compartment. Adjacent expandable compartments of the at least one expandable compartments are connected via at least one cable routing system and a common panel, and one of the at least one expandable compartment may be adjacent to the primary compartment. In an embodiment with an expandable stroller, the at least one expandable compartment is in a first expanded state when the expandable stroller is in an expanded state and the at least one expandable compartment is in a second non-expanded state when the expandable stroller is in a non-expanded state. In such an embodiment, each of the at least cable routing systems is configured to expand and retract the length of the expandable compartment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0008]    The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  illustrates a rear side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  illustrates a rear view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  illustrates a bottom view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  illustrates a rear side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  illustrates a top plan view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 24  illustrates a rear side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 25  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 26  illustrates a rear side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment (basket). 
           [0035]      FIG. 27  illustrates a top plan view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 28  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 29  illustrates a rear side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 30  illustrates a top view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 31  illustrates a front view of a basket. 
           [0040]      FIG. 32  illustrates a front top perspective view of the basket of  FIG. 31  with an open flap. 
           [0041]      FIG. 33  illustrates a top view of the basket of  FIG. 31  with the open flap. 
           [0042]      FIG. 34  illustrates a side perspective view of the basket of  FIG. 31  with a closed flap in a partially expanded state. 
           [0043]      FIG. 35  illustrates a side view of the basket of  FIG. 31  with the open flap in the non-expanded state. 
           [0044]      FIG. 36  illustrates a side view of the partially expanded basket of  FIG. 31 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 37  illustrates a side perspective view of the basket of  FIG. 31  with the closed flap in a fully expanded state. 
           [0046]      FIG. 38  illustrates a side view of the basket of  FIG. 31  with the closed flap in the fully expanded state. 
           [0047]      FIG. 39  illustrates a top view of the interior of a single expandable compartment of the basket of  FIG. 31 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 40  illustrates a side perspective view of an expandable compartment of the basket of  FIG. 31  with a cable routing system. 
           [0049]      FIG. 41  illustrates a side view of the common panel between two adjacent expandable compartments with the cable routing system associated the basket of  FIG. 31 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 42  illustrates a top view of adjacent expandable compartments of the basket of  FIG. 31 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 43  illustrates a top perspective view of the expandable compartment of the basket located near one end of the basket of  FIG. 31 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 44  illustrates a side perspective view of the basket of  FIG. 31  in a non-expanded state. 
           [0053]      FIG. 45  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 46  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment and attachment means therefor. 
           [0055]      FIG. 47  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 46 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 48  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment and attachment means therefor. 
           [0057]      FIG. 49  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment and attachment means therefor. 
           [0058]      FIG. 50  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 49 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 51  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment and attachment means therefor. 
           [0060]      FIG. 52  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment and attachment means therefor. 
           [0061]      FIG. 53  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 52 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 54  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment and attachment means therefor. 
           [0063]      FIG. 55  illustrates a side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment and attachment means therefor. 
           [0064]      FIG. 56  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 55 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 57  illustrates a side perspective view of the secondary attachment and the second rear frame member. 
           [0066]      FIG. 58  illustrates a second side perspective view of the secondary attachment and the second rear frame member. 
           [0067]      FIG. 59  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the secondary attachment and the second rear frame member. 
           [0068]      FIG. 60  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the secondary attachment and the second rear frame member. 
           [0069]      FIG. 61  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the secondary attachment and the second rear frame member. 
           [0070]      FIG. 62  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism used in connection with the secondary attachment. 
           [0071]      FIG. 63  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism used in connection with the secondary attachment. 
           [0072]      FIG. 64  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism used in connection with the secondary attachment. 
           [0073]      FIG. 65  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism used in connection with the secondary attachment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0074]    Disclosed herein is a stroller with a secondary attachment structure. Although the secondary attachment may form any structure suitable for use with a stroller, the secondary attachment and mechanisms for attaching it to the stroller are discussed within the context of specific embodiments. In one embodiment the secondary attachment may comprise an infant car seat adapter. In another embodiment the secondary attachment comprises a basket. These embodiments are not intended to limit the invention or the claims, but instead to provide context and examples of the secondary attachment. 
         [0075]    In general, the stroller system of the present disclosure comprises two generally mirror-imaged structural frames connected to each other by cross members. As the cross members may be placed in any suitable position to connect the opposing sides of the stroller, and since the structural frame members are generally mirror images, the discussion of the structure of the present disclosure will focus on a single frame, or side portion of the stroller. One skilled in the art will recognize that the description will apply equally to the mirrored frame, and the present disclosure is intended to apply equally to opposing frame members of the stroller. 
         [0076]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a stroller  100  has a base  105  having a first (front) end  105 A, a second (rear) end  105 B and an elongated portion  105 C extending therebetween. A first (front) frame member  101  having a first lower end  101 A and a second upper end  101 B is connected to the base  105  proximate the first end  105 A of the base  105 . A generally elongated portion extends between the first lower end  101 A and the second upper end  101 B of the first front frame member  101 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the second upper end  101 B of the first front frame member  101  has at least one structural member configured to provide support for a secondary attachment. As depicted, in one embodiment the secondary attachment is a basket  137 . A second rear frame member  103  having a first lower end  103 A and a second upper end  103 B is also connected to the base  105  proximate the second end  105 B of the base  105 . The second frame member  103  has a generally elongated portion which extends between the first lower end  103 A and the second upper end  103 B of the second rear frame member  103 B. The second upper end  103 B of the second rear frame member  103  has at least one structural member  111  also configured to provide support for the secondary attachment  137 . A handle  109  may be attached to the second upper end  103 B of the second rear frame member  103 B. 
         [0077]      FIG. 2  presents a side perspective view of the second portion  103 B of the second frame member  103  taken from the interior of the stroller.  FIG. 2  illustrates a structural member  111  adapted to receive a portion of a secondary attachment  123  located at the connection between the second upper end  103 B of the second rear frame member  103  and handle  109 . The structural member  111  has a receptacle unit  113  with two receptacles  115 . Each receptacle  115  is capable of receiving at least one of the attachment ends  117  of the secondary attachment (which, in the embodiments shown is an infant car seat adapter)  123 , and has an opening generally oriented towards the top surface of the receptacle  115 . In one embodiment, the secondary attachment  123  may form a substantially rectangular frame. The perpendicular corners of the frame may be connected by a connector piece  119 , with a protruding attachment end  117 . Alternatively, the secondary attachment  123  may be of unitary construction or have some other configuration. In  FIG. 2  the secondary attachment  123  is detached from the second rear frame member. The connector piece  119  may be configured to allow rotation of the perpendicular elements of the rectangular frame with respect to the other. The receptacles  115  are generally semi-circular in nature; however, each receptacle may have one or more rounded tabs  116  or other protrusions located proximate the open end of the semicircle to facilitate snapping of the attachment ends into the receptacle. 
         [0078]      FIG. 3  illustrates the secondary attachment  123  of  FIG. 2 , in a second configuration where the secondary attachment  123  is attached to the stroller, with the attachment ends  117  of the secondary attachment engaged with their respective receptacles  115 . The attachment ends  117  may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In one embodiment, the attachment ends  117  may engage with their respective receptacles  115  and be held in place by a primary locking mechanism. The primary locking mechanism may include the rounded tabs  116 , a spring loaded pin (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) or some other locking means. In one embodiment, a one-step, two-handed method may be used to position and lock the secondary attachment  123  into the frame members. The secondary attachment  123  may be aligned with the openings of the receptacles  115  and it may lock into place once the secondary attachment is lowered into the receptacle  117 . The secondary attachment  123  may be attached to the stroller using spring loaded pins which are biased to deploy, and are retracted by an actuator such that the attachment ends  117  can engage with the receptacles. 
         [0079]      FIG. 4  illustrates a secondary attachment  123  in a first position, disengaged from the stroller. The secondary attachment  123  of  FIG. 4  has a secondary locking mechanism that includes a casing  121  attached to the secondary attachment  123 . The casing  121  is positioned and shaped with a generally rounded shape to which facilitates rotation of the secondary attachment  123  about the opening or the receptacle  115  or the frame member, when the attachment end  117  is disposed in the receptacle, such that the casing  121  rotates about the receptacle  115 , thereby locating the receptacle  115  at least partially between the attachment end  117  and the casing  121 . As a result, the secondary attachment  123  can no longer be detached from the stroller by lifting it upwards. In one embodiment the casing  121  may be attached to the frame member, with other engaging protrusions located on the secondary attachment.  FIG. 5  illustrates a secondary attachment  123  in a second position, engaged with the receptacle  117  buy prior to a rotating the secondary attachment to a position where the casing  121  prevents the secondary attachment  123  from being removed from the stroller. 
         [0080]      FIG. 6  illustrates the secondary attachment  123  in a first position, similar to that of  FIG. 5 , where the secondary attachment  123  is attached to the stroller at the upper portion of the rear frame member  103 B by placing the attachment end  117  in the receptacle  115 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the secondary attachment  123  with an exemplary infant car seat adapter in a second position where the secondary attachment  123  is rotated downwards about the attachment end  117  and receptacle  115 , such that the attachment ends  118  may be aligned with the receptacles  125  on upper portion of the first frame member  101 B. 
         [0081]      FIG. 8  illustrates the secondary attachment  123  engaged with both the first front frame member  101 B and the second rear frame member  103 B. The secondary attachment  123  may have an infant car seat adapter further comprising at least one locking protrusion  127  configured to receive and engage with an infant car seat. The positioning of the locking protrusions  127  along the secondary attachment  123  may depend on the orientation and structure of the infant car seat intended for use with the secondary attachment. In one embodiment the locking protrusions  127  are biased to rotate upwards and towards the interior of the stroller to a position generally parallel to the frame of the secondary attachment  123  using spring-loaded pins or similar mechanisms. In a first position, when an infant car seat is not attached to the secondary attachment  123 , the locking protrusions  127  may be generally parallel to the frame of the secondary attachment  123 . When an infant car seat is attached to the secondary attachment  123 , the locking protrusions  127  may be pushed in a generally downwards direction until they are generally perpendicular to the frame of the secondary attachment. Then the locking protrusions  127  may attach to one or more surfaces or attachment mechanisms of an infant car seat. In one embodiment, the secondary attachment  123  may have one or more sides with an elevated locking protrusion  131 , the elevated locking protrusion may be configured to engage with the back of an infant car seat.  FIG. 9  illustrates a closer view of the secondary attachment  123  engaged with the first front frame member  101 B of the stroller, as discussed in regards to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0082]    An alternatively configured secondary attachment  123  is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The secondary attachment  123  in  FIG. 10  has two parallel portions with locking protrusions  127 , and the parallel portions are specially shaped to receive a particular infant car seat. As depicted, the secondary attachment  123  may be custom configured in any number of configurations to conform with a particular infant car seat. Alternatively, the secondary attachment  123  may be configured to be compatible with multiple infant car seats. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the first front frame member  101 B may have additional attachment adapters  129 , such as receptacles, for securing the secondary attachment  123  or infant car seat to the first front frame member.  FIG. 11  illustrates the secondary attachment  123  depicted in  FIG. 10  engaged with both the first front frame member  101 B and the second rear frame member  103 B.  FIG. 12  illustrates the secondary attachment  123  engaged with the first front frame member  101 B of the stroller, as discussed in regards to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0083]    Although a primary and secondary locking mechanism have been described above in view of a secondary attachment having an infant car seat adapter, it is envisioned that the primary and secondary locking mechanisms described above may also be used in connection with a basket and other secondary attachments for the stroller. 
         [0084]    In one embodiment of the stroller, the first, front and second, rear frame members of the stroller may each have double receptacles. In such an embodiment, the secondary attachment (such as a basket) may be stowed in a closed position using the adjacent receptacles on either frame member. Additionally, the receptacles on the stroller may be interchangeable. Similarly, the attachment ends of the secondary attachment may be interchangeable. In such a configuration, the secondary attachment (such as an infant car seat adapter) may be attached in either a forward or reverse facing configuration. 
         [0085]      FIG. 13  illustrates handle portions  133 A and  133 B of a secondary attachment, such as a basket (with soft portions of the basket not shown) having attachment ends  117 ,  118  engaged with receptacles  125 ,  125  present on the upper portion of the second frame member  101 A and the upper portion of the first frame member  103 A, respectively. Although the basket is not shown it is envisioned that the basket would extend between the rear handle  133 A and the front handle  133 B. 
         [0086]      FIG. 14  illustrates the engagement of the front handle  133 B with the upper portion of the first front frame member  101 B via the attachment ends  118  engaging with the receptacles  125 .  FIG. 15  illustrates the engagement of the rear handle  133 A with the upper portion of the second rear frame member  103 B via the attachment ends  117  engaging with the receptacle  115 . As depicted the structural member  111  attached to the upper portion of the second rear frame member  103 B may comprise a double receptacle structure  113  with two receptacles  115 . In such an embodiment, the two handles of the secondary attachment, such as a basket, may be stored alongside each other (as depicted in  FIG. 16 ), thus holding the secondary attachment in a stowed position. 
         [0087]      FIG. 17  illustrates a rear top perspective view of the stroller with a secondary attachment (basket). Illustrated are the attachment ends  117 ,  118 , front receptacles  125  and rear receptacles  115 , handles  133 A and  133 B, and the like. As illustrated the basket  137  may have one or more compartments  135 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 18  illustrates a rear view of a stroller with a secondary attachment  137 .  FIG. 19  illustrates a bottom view of the stroller with a secondary attachment  137 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 20  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment  137 , such as a basket. In this view, the basket  137  is illustrated in a partially non-expanded state.  FIG. 21  illustrates the rear side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment  137  in correspondence with  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 22  illustrates a top view of a stroller with a secondary attachment  137  in correspondence with  FIG. 20 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 23  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment (basket)  137 , where the secondary attachment  137  is stowed on the second rear frame member  103 . As depicted, the attachment ends  117  of both the front handle  133 B and the rear handle  133 A of the secondary attachment  137  are engaged with receptacles  115  on the upper portion of the second rear frame member  103 B. As illustrated, in such a configuration, the receptacles  125  on the first frame member are not engaged with the secondary attachment  137 .  FIG. 24  illustrates a rear side perspective view of the stroller in the configuration discussed in regards to  FIG. 23 . 
         [0091]    In one embodiment, the base  105  of the stroller may be expandable. In such an embodiment the secondary attachment  137  may be expandable/contractible in accordance with the configuration of the base  105 . Such an embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 25 .  FIG. 25  illustrates a front side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment  137 , where the base  105  is expanded to a partially-expanded state. The secondary attachment  137  is also expanded in accordance with the configuration of the base  105 . In one embodiment, one or more compartments  135 , such as basket compartments, of the secondary attachment  137  may become expanded and thereby available for use by the user as the secondary attachment  137  is expanded.  FIG. 26  illustrates a rear side perspective view of a stroller with a secondary attachment  137  in correspondence with the partially-expanded state depicted in  FIG. 25 .  FIG. 27  illustrates a top view of a stroller with a secondary attachment  137  in correspondence with the partially-expanded state depicted in  FIG. 25 . 
         [0092]    A fully expanded base  105  and fully expanded secondary attachment (basket)  137  is illustrated in a front side perspective view ( FIG. 28 ), rear side perspective view ( FIG. 29 ) and top view ( FIG. 30 ). 
         [0093]    The secondary attachment may comprise additional supports positioned between the first and second ends of the secondary attachment. Although the basket example  137  is depicted herein with soft supports between the front and rear end  133 A,  133 B, the secondary attachment  137  may include rigid or semi rigid members as well. These additional supports may be configured to provide attachment points for a basket  137  such that the basket  137  may grow with the expandable stroller base  105 . Additionally, the additional support members may be modular in nature and added to the secondary attachment such that the secondary attachment may adjust with the varying distance between the first, front and second, rear frame members of the stroller. In an embodiment of the stroller with a basket secondary attachment, adjustable interior panels may be utilized to create taut and usable states of the basket at different interval lengths. These interior panels may use cords, zippers, snaps and the like in order to create various basket sizes. 
         [0094]    Additional attachment mechanisms may be located along the first and second frame members in order to store the secondary attachment  137  when it is not in use or provide additional support to the secondary attachment when it is in use. For example, a secondary attachment comprising a basket may include a deep basket which can attach to both the upper handles or receptacles of the stroller and the lower frame members (including the front seat, seat support, seat recline, rear frame, etc.) using hooks, loops, snaps, Velcro, and the like. Additionally, the secondary attachment may comprise size-reducing elements. For example, magnets can be placed at the outer seams of the basket such that the basket is stowed is a substantially compact state. The secondary attachment comprising the basket may also include divided compartments. The basket may be divided using, for example, plastic panels located at intermediate locations. The divided compartments may aid in distributing the load move evenly across the first and second frame members of the stroller. 
         [0095]    An exemplary embodiment of the secondary attachment, in the form of a basket, is illustrated in  FIGS. 31-44 .  FIG. 31  illustrates a front view of a basket  137 . As depicted in  FIG. 31 , a primary compartment  139  is located at a first end  141  of the basket  137 . The primary compartment  139  may be constituted of fabric panels defining a void of generally fixed length and width. In an alternative embodiment, the primary compartment  139  may be expandable or collapsible in a manner similar to the other compartments discussed below. The exterior of the primary compartment  139  comprises one or more exterior compartments  143  configured to hold goods such as keys, cellphones, wallets, credit cards, pacifiers, washcloths, and the like. The exterior compartments  143  may be netted, padded, transparent and/or opaque. The primary compartment  139  is covered with a first flap  145  configured to cover the top opening of the primary compartment  139 . In one embodiment, the first flap  145  may be magnetically attached to the exterior compartments  143 . Optionally, the magnetic components may be contained within the one or more fabric layers of the flap and/or exterior compartments. Alternatively, the flap  145  may attach to the exterior compartments  143  by a zipper, button, clasp, or alternative attachment means. The first end  141  of the basket  137  also comprises a handle  133 A with laterally spaced attachment ends  117  configured to attach to a frame of a stroller. In one embodiment the attachment ends  117  are substantially cylindrical and configured to be placed within one or more receptacles  125 ,  113  located on an expandable stroller. Additionally, rotation of the handle  133 A may cause rotation in the attachment ends  117 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 32  illustrates a front top perspective view of the basket  137  with an open flap  145 . As depicted in  FIG. 32 , the interior of the primary compartment  139  comprises one or more interior compartments  147  configured as beverage cup holders, bottle holders, folder holders, silicone compartments, mesh/netted compartments and the like. In  FIG. 33  a top view of the basket  137  with an open flap  145  is provided such that the interior of the primary compartment  139  including the interior compartments  147  is visible. 
         [0097]      FIG. 34  illustrates a side perspective view of the basket  137  with the closed flap  145  in a partially-expanded state. As depicted in  FIG. 34  the basket  137  comprises the primary compartment  139  and one or more expandable compartments  149 . The expandable compartments  149  may be of generally fixed width and expandable length, such that the distance between the first end  141  and second end  151  of the basket varies with the expansion/retraction of the expandable compartments  149 . The basket  137  may be partially expanded when at least one of the one or more expandable compartments  149  are partially or fully expanded. As depicted in  FIG. 34  the expandable compartment  149 A is expanded. Alternatively, expandable  149 B may be expanded. Either of these configurations may correspond to a stroller in a partially expanded state. The expandable compartments  149  may be located adjacent to each other such that the adjacent expandable compartments  149  share a common panel  153 . In one embodiment the panel  153  comprises double layer fabric covering an inflexible solid structure. 
         [0098]      FIG. 35  illustrates a side view of the basket  137  with the open flap in the non-expanded state. Note that the expandable compartments  149  fold substantially inwards. 
         [0099]      FIG. 36  illustrates a side view of the partially expanded basket  137 . As depicted the expandable compartments  149  have netted side panels  161 , allowing a user to view the contents of the expandable compartment from the side. Alternatively, the side panels  161  may be opaque. 
         [0100]      FIG. 37  illustrates a side perspective view of the basket  137  with the closed flap  145  in a fully expanded state. As depicted, both expandable compartments  149 A and  149 B are fully expanded. A corresponding side view is presented in  FIG. 38 . Components of the cable routing systems  155  used to expand and retract each expandable compartment  149  is visible. 
         [0101]      FIG. 39  illustrates a top view of adjacent expandable compartments  149  of the basket  137 . As depicted, a side panel  161  facing the exterior of the basket contains a transparent mesh panel. The base  157  of the expandable compartment  149  may be gusseted  159  to allow for the expandable compartment  149  to fold substantially inwards when the expandable compartment  149  is retracted by the cable routing system  155  (not shown). Details of the cable routing system  155  are described further below. 
         [0102]    Each cable routing system  155  independently manages the expansion and retraction of each expandable compartment  149  and is depicted in  FIGS. 40 and 41 .  FIG. 40  is a diagrammatic representation of the cable routing system  155  taken from a side perspective view of the basket  137 .  FIG. 41  is also a diagrammatic representation of the cable routing system  155  in a side view from the interior of an adjacent expandable compartment  149 . The cable routing system  155  comprises a top cable  163  and a lower cable  165  each comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of the top cable  167  is fixedly attached to a point  169  near the top portion of the side of the expandable compartment. The top cable  163  is routed through two holes  171 ,  173  in the top portion of the side of the expandable compartment and then through at least one hole  175  facing the expandable compartment located on the common panel  153  between adjacent expandable compartments  149 . Similarly, the first end of the lower cable  177  is fixedly attached to a point  179  near the bottom portion of the side of the expandable compartment. The lower cable  165  is routed through two holes  181 ,  183  in the bottom portion of the side of the expandable compartment, then through at least one hole  185  facing the expandable compartment located on the common panel  153  between adjacent expandable compartments  149 . The cables  163 ,  165  are each routed through at least one hole  187  also located on the common panel  153  between adjacent expandable compartments and facing the interior of the adjacent expandable compartment. Once in the adjacent expandable compartment, the top and lower cables  163 ,  165  are then routed through at least one toggle  189  such that the movement of the top cable is coupled to movement of the lower cable. Moving the toggle in the direction substantially towards the direction of the incoming cables (and expandable compartment) substantially retracts the expandable compartment. Moving the toggle in the direction opposite the direction of the incoming cable (and expandable compartment) allows expansion of the expandable compartment. Additionally the second end of the top cable  191  may be attached to the second end of the lower cable  193 . Alternatively, the lower cable and the top cable may comprise parts of a single cable. Notably, the retraction and expansion of a single expandable compartment is independent of that of adjacent expandable compartments. A cable routing system  155  is present on both sides of each expandable compartment; in the embodiment shown, each side of the cable routing system must be operated independently to fully expand or collapse a particular expandable compartment. The points at which the first ends of the lower cable and the top cable attach to the side of the expandable compartment may be located within the two or more layers of fabric and other material comprising the side of the expandable compartment, such that the attachment points  169  and  179  are not visible. 
         [0103]    As an alternative to the cable routing system  155  discussed herein, expansion and retraction of the expandable compartments may also be facilitated or restricted by other means, such as zippers, snaps, toggles, buttons, Velcro, magnets or other known means. 
         [0104]      FIG. 42  illustrates a top view of adjacent expandable compartments of the basket. 
         [0105]      FIG. 43  illustrates a top perspective view of the expandable compartment of the basket  137  located near the second end  151  of the basket. Similar to the first end  141 , the second end  151  of the basket  137  also comprises a handle  133 B with laterally spaced attachment ends  17  configured to attach to a frame of a stroller. 
         [0106]      FIG. 44  illustrates a side perspective view of the basket  137  in a non-expanded state. As depicted, the basket  137  may be used as a handbag separately from the expandable stroller. 
         [0107]      FIG. 45  illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the secondary attachment, such as an infant car seat adapter, for a stroller system. Depicted is a first frame member  201  with front receptacles  229  located within a receiving element  227  located at the top portion of the first front frame member  201 . Also illustrated is the top portion of the second rear frame member  203  which may have a handle  209 . The top portion of the second rear frame member  203  may have receiving elements  211  containing rear receptacles  213 . In one embodiment, the rear receptacles  213  may be dual receptacles (as depicted, the receiving elements  211  each contain two u-shaped openings forming the receptacles). In an alternative embodiment, the receptacles may be semi-circular or any other open shape. A secondary attachment  221  is depicted. The secondary attachment  221  forms a generally rectangular frame with opposing first end  223  and second end  224 . The secondary attachment  221  may contain one or more locking protrusions  219  configured to engage with an infant car seat or other device to be mounted thereon. The first end  223  of the secondary attachment  221  further comprises attachment ends  225  (each mirror images of the other), configured to engage with the receiving element  227 . The second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  further comprises second attachment ends  215  (each mirror images of each the other), configured to engage with the receiving elements  211 . The attachment ends  215  on the second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  may include a locking mechanism with a actuator  217  operable to releasably secure the second end to the receiving elements  211 .  FIG. 45  illustrates a first state where the secondary attachment  221  is disengaged from the stroller. 
         [0108]      FIG. 46  depicts the attachment ends  225  of the secondary attachment  221  and the front frame member  201  of the stroller in a disengaged state. As depicted, the secondary attachment  221  further comprises an attachment end  225  configured to engage with the receiving element  227  located on the first front frame member  201 . The attachment end  225  may further comprise a slot  231  adapted to receive all or a portion of the receiving element  227  therein. The slot  231  is located on the an outer surface of the attachment end  225  and is configured to substantially enclose the receiving element  227 , once engaged thereto. 
         [0109]      FIG. 47  provides a partial cross-sectional view of the elements discussed in  FIG. 46 . The interior of the attachment end  225  may comprise a protruding attachment element  233  configured to engage a receptacle  235 , depicted here as a u-shaped receptacle, located within the receiving element  227 . 
         [0110]    The secondary attachment  221  may be attached to the stroller by way of the attachment ends  225  of the secondary attachment  221  aligning the slot  231  and protruding element  233  with the receiving element  227  located on the first front frame member  201  so that the receiving element  227  may slide into the slot  231  when the secondary attachment  221  is engaged with the stroller. When the receiving element  227  slides into the slot  231 , the u-shaped receptacle  235  may surround the protruding attachment element  233  ( FIGS. 48-50  further depict secondary attachment  221  partially attached to the stroller in further detail). 
         [0111]      FIG. 51  illustrates the secondary attachment (infant car seat adapter)  221  partially secured to the first front frame member  201  of the stroller. In the configuration of  FIG. 51 , the protruding element  233  has engaged in the receptacle, and the secondary attachment  221  has been rotated about the axis of the protruding element (or in other configurations any axis formed by the attachment end of the secondary attachment  221 ), such that the second attachment ends  215  are brought closer to the rear frame member  203  and corresponding receiving elements  211 . As depicted in  FIG. 52  the receiving element  227  slides into the slot  231  of the attachment end  225 .  FIG. 53  provides a cross-sectional view of the elements discussed in  FIG. 51 . As depicted the receptacle  235  surrounds the protruding attachment element  233 . The secondary attachment  221  is then restricted from disengaging from the first front frame member  201  of the stroller by rotating the secondary attachment  221  in the direction of arrow A. Receiving element  227  has a generally round outer surface,  228  and the receptacle  235  is disposed at a location spaced away from the center of receiving element,  227 . Located on an inner surface of the attachment end  225 , adjacent the slot  231  is a raised portion  232 , adapted to engage the outer surface of the receiving element  227 . Due to the off center location of the receptacle  235 , and therefore the axis of rotation of the secondary attachment about the receiving element  227 , as the receiving element is rotated in the direction of arrow A, the raised portion engages the outer surface  228  in a snug fit, thereby further restricting movement of the secondary attachment  221  with respect to the front frame member  201 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that although this attachment mechanism is being discussed with respect to the first frame member  201 , other embodiments of the stroller may use this attachment mechanism on the second frame member  203 , as well as switching the other attachment means discussed herein between first and second frame members of the stroller. 
         [0112]    When the secondary attachment  221  is engaged with or attached to the first front frame member  201  the secondary attachment  221  is able to rotate with respect to the first front frame member  201  (see arrow A). To further secure the secondary attachment  221  to the stroller the second upper end  224  of the secondary attachment is rotated towards the second rear frame member  203  while the first lower end  223  of the secondary attachment is attached to the first front frame member  201 . 
         [0113]    As depicted in  FIG. 54  the secondary attachment  221  is attached to the stroller at both the first lower  223  of the secondary attachment and the second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221 . The configuration of the first lower end  223  of the secondary attachment  221  and the first front frame member  201  in such a configuration is depicted in  FIG. 55  and a cross-sectional view is presented in  FIG. 56 . As depicted in  FIG. 56 , due to rotation of the secondary attachment  221  about the axis of protruding element  233  in the direction of arrow A, the raised surface  232  located inside attachment end  225  snuggly engages outer surface  228  of the receiving element  227 . 
         [0114]    The configuration of the second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  is illustrated in  FIG. 57 . Also illustrated in  FIG. 57  is the configuration of the top portion of the second, rear, frame member  203 , which has receiving elements  211  containing rear dual receptacles  213 . The secondary attachment  221  is viewed from the interior of the secondary attachment looking outwards. Similarly, the receiving element  211  is viewed from the interior of the stroller looking outwards.  FIG. 58  also depicts the elements present in  FIG. 57 ; however  FIG. 58  provides an alternative view from an opposite direction. In  FIG. 58  the secondary attachment  221  is viewed from the exterior of the infant car seat adapter  221 . The second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  further comprises attachment ends  215  configured to engage with the receiving elements  211 . The attachment members  215  on the second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  may include a spring loaded locking mechanism comprising an actuator  217  and a locking element  243  and protruding alignment elements  241 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 59  provides a partial cross-sectional view of the second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  engaging with the receiving elements  211  of the second, frame member  203 , by moving the second end  224  in the direction of arrow B. As depicted, the second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  may align with and slide in a generally downwards direction into the receiving elements  211 , such that the dual alignment elements  241  align with the receptacles  213  (those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less than two alignment elements and receptacles may be utilized). The actuator  217  and locking element  243  are both shown in an expanded or non-depressed state and may be spring loaded in such a configuration. As the secondary attachment  221  engages with the second frame member  203 , by movement in the direction of arrow B, a bridge  245  between the two receptacles  213  in the receiving element  211  engages compresses the locking element  243  as the locking element  243 . The locking element  243  has a diagonal engagement surface  244 , which facilitates compression of the locking element  243  in the direction of arrow C as the locking element engages the bridge  245 . In embodiments where the locking element  243  is spring loaded in an expanded state, a spring mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 59 , but discussed below) within the second end  224  is compressed. The partial compression of the spring along with a compressed state of the locking element  243  is depicted in  FIG. 60  and corresponds to the partial attachment of the secondary attachment (infant car seat adapter)  221  with the second, rear frame member  203 . As can be seen, as the locking element  243  is compressed, the actuator  217  also moves inwardly to the second end  224 . 
         [0116]    As secondary attachment  221  moves in a generally downwards motion (when viewed in  FIG. 60 , see arrow B), the bridge  245  moves relatively upwards to a position between the two protruding attachment elements  241 . The central axis of the receiving element  211  contains a generally hollow aperture  247  sized just larger than the locking element  243 . As depicted in  FIG. 61 , further movement of the second end  224  with respect to the receiving element  211  will ultimately align the aperture and locking element, such that the locking element will be permitted to expand within the aperture  247 . As the locking element  243  expands within the aperture  247 , the actuator  217  also returns to its non-depressed state, placing the secondary attachment  221  into a locked state with respect to the second frame member  203 . In a locked state, the secondary attachment  221  cannot be removed from the stroller without actuation of the actuator  217 . 
         [0117]    To remove the secondary attachment  221  from the stroller, the actuator  217  may be compressed in the direction of arrow D by a user thereby forcing the locking element  243  to retract within the second end  224 , thereby disengaging the aperture  247 , so as to allow the secondary attachment  221  to be disengaged from the stroller. 
         [0118]    Partial cross-sectional views of the attachment ends  215  on the second end  224  of the secondary attachment  221  are presented in  FIGS. 62-65 . In  FIGS. 62 and 63  the locking element  243  is in an expanded state. As illustrated, the locking element  243  is biased to remain in the expanded state by a spring  251  contained within a carriage  249  that is attached to locking element  243  and adapted to move therewith. The top surface of the carriage  249  has a diagonal surface (hidden) on which a lower end  253  of the actuator  217 , having a diagonal profile with respect to the movement of both the actuator  217  and locking element  243  rests. The interior of the locking element  243  forms a first stop surface for the spring. A stop  253 , disposed on an interior surface of the attachment end  215  forms a second stop surface for the spring  251 , thereby forming a spring seat. 
         [0119]    Referring now to  FIGS. 64 and 65 , when the locking element  243  is moved in the direction of arrow E, the spring  251  is compressed and the carriage  249  moves towards the interior surface of the attachment end  215 . As the carriage  249  moves, a different region of the top diagonal surface of the carriage  249  engages with the lower diagonal shaped end  253  of the actuator  217 , resulting in the movement of the actuator  217  in the direction of arrow F. Applying pressure to actuator  217  to force movement of the actuator  217  in the direction of arrow F will result in corresponding movement of the locking element  243  in the direction of arrow E, thereby compressing spring  251 . Likewise, when the spring  251  is permitted to expand, the locking element  243  moves back to its expanded state and the actuator  217  returns to its non-depressed state. The actuator  217  may be permitted to move in the direction of arrow F as a result of placing pressure on the locking element  243  in the direction of arrow E or engaging the diagonal engagement surface  244  with pressure sufficient pressure to force the locking element  243  to move in the direction of arrow E. It will be understood that the secondary attachments mentioned herein may have two of each of the engagement mechanisms disclosed herein, with each needing to be individually actuated or engaged, or having a single release or engagement system. 
         [0120]    Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the invention which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.

Technology Category: 7