US20220001908A1 - Strollers with removable seats and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Strollers with removable seats and related methods are disclosed herein. An example stroller includes a wheeled frame, a receiver coupled to the frame, and a seat. The seat includes a hub, a mount, and a lock disposed in the mount. The lock is to move from a first positon to a second position when the mount is disposed in the receiver to removably couple the seat to the frame. The seat includes a handle and a pin disposed between the handle and the hub. The handle is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position when the pin is in a third position relative to the handle and the lock is to move from the second position to the first position when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/320,914, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,059,510, which was filed on Jan. 25, 2019. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/320,914 is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/044190, which was filed on Jul. 27, 2017. International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/044190 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/367,421, which was filed on Jul. 27, 2016. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/320,914, International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/044190, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/367,421 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/320,914, International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/044190, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/367,421 is hereby claimed.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
• This disclosure relates generally to strollers and, more particularly, to strollers with removable seats and related methods.
BACKGROUND
• Known strollers include a frame to support one or more seats and/or accessories (e.g., a basket).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a right, front perspective view of an example stroller having two seats coupled to a frame of the stroller in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
• FIG. 2 is a right, front perspective view of an example seat including a seat mount that may be coupled to the example stroller frame ofFIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
• FIG. 3 is a partial, right, front perspective view of the example stroller ofFIG. 1 including a mount bar having a plurality of mount receivers to receive the seat mount of the example seat ofFIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the example seat mount taken along the A-A line ofFIG. 2 and a mount receiver of the example mount bar taken along the B-B line ofFIG. 3, the seat mount locked to the mount receiver.
• FIG. 5 is a left, rear perspective view of the example seat mount and a partial view of an example seat connection hub, napper bar, and a backrest arm of the example seat ofFIG. 2.
• FIGS. 6-8 are left, rear perspective views of the example seat mount and seat connection hub ofFIG. 5, showing the backrest arm and napper bar in different angular positions.
• FIG. 9 is a right, perspective view of the example seat ofFIG. 2, including the backrest arm and the napper bar in folded positions.
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the example seat mount taken along the A-A line ofFIG. 2 and a mount receiver of the example mount bar taken along the B-B line ofFIG. 3, the seat mount in a partially unlocked position relative to the mount receiver.
• FIG. 11 a cross-section view of the example seat mount and the example mount bar ofFIG. 10, the seat mount unlocked from the mount receiver.
• FIG. 12 is a flowchart representative of an example method disclosed herein for removably coupling a seat to a foldable stroller frame.
• The figures are not to scale. Instead, to clarify multiple layers and regions, the thickness of the layers may be enlarged in the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Strollers typically include a frame and a seat supported by the frame to receive a child occupant. In some examples, an accessory, such as a basket, is also supported by the frame. However, some known strollers are limited with respect to a number of seats provided. For example, some strollers include only one seat for one child. If a user wishes to carry a second child in the stroller, the user has to purchase a different stroller that includes two seats (e.g., a double stroller). However, a double stroller having two identical seats may not be appropriate if, for example, one child is capable of sitting upright but the other child cannot sit upright because of the child's age. Also, a double stroller may be difficult to push if there is only one child in the stroller because of the extra unoccupied seat and/or uneven loading of the stroller. Thus, some known strollers do not provide for flexibility in accommodating different numbers of occupants and/or occupants of different ages.
• To provide for flexibility in the number of occupants, some known strollers include an expandable stroller frame which allows a user to move the stroller frame from a first width to a second width greater than the first width. In the non-expanded position having the first width, the stroller may have one seat coupled to the stroller frame. In the expanded position having the second width, two seats may be coupled to the stroller frame. To return the stroller to the non-expanded position, the user compresses the frame. However, such strollers are difficult for the user to manipulate, as these strollers require the user to reconfigure the stroller frame, including expanding the stroller frame before attaching the second seat. If the stroller frame is not properly secured in the expanded position or the non-expanded position, the stability of the stroller frame and, thus, the support provided by the stroller frame for one or more occupants seated in the seat(s) attached to the stroller frame may be compromised.
• Disclosed herein are example strollers for removably coupling one or more seats and/or accessories (e.g., baskets) to the stroller frame. In the disclosed examples, the one or more seats and/or accessories are removably coupled to the stroller frame without changing a size of the stroller frame. Rather, one seat, two seats, or one seat and an accessory can be selectively coupled to the stroller frame without any adjustments to the frame itself.
• Example strollers frames disclosed herein selectively move between supporting one seat or accessory, one seat and an accessory, or two seats or accessories via a coupling mechanism between the stroller frame and the seat(s) and/or the accessory/accessories. Example stroller frames disclosed herein include a mount bar for supporting one or more seats and/or accessories coupled to the stroller frame. The mount bar includes a plurality of mount receivers. Each mount receiver receives a corresponding part of a seat or an accessory to removably secure the seat or the accessory to the stroller frame at one or more positions relative to the stroller frame (e.g., left, right, or middle).
• In some disclosed examples, the seat or accessory includes a coupling mechanism that is controlled by a user (e.g., a child caretaker) to selectively lock or unlock the seat or the accessory to a mount receiver of the mount bar of the stroller frame. In some such examples, the mount bar of the stroller frame is a passive mechanical part that receives the coupling mechanism, thereby reducing the number of moving mechanical parts on the stroller frame. In some disclosed examples, the coupling mechanism between the stroller frame and the seat(s) and accessories are same or substantially the same for each seat or accessory to provide for easy installation and removal of the seat or accessory by the user.
• Some example seats disclosed herein include a napper bar and backrest portion that can be selectively adjusted to release a lock that enables a handle of the seat to be pulled by the user. In such examples, the pulling of the handle releases a coupling between the seat and a mount receiver to which the seat mount is coupled and allows the seat to be removed from the mount receiver. Thus, example seats disclosed herein include multiple locking mechanisms to prevent instances of unintended disengagement between the seat and the stroller (e.g., by a child, by mechanical failure), which could result in injury to the child occupant. Example seats disclosed herein provide for ease of access for the user to removably attach the seat to the stroller frame while providing for a secure coupling between the stroller frame and the seat to protect the child occupant.
• Further, a position of the one or more seats or accessories coupled to the example stroller frames can be varied with respect to (1) placement relative to a left side, a center, and/or a right side of the stroller and/or (2) orientation including forward- or rearward-facing or sideways relative to a direction of travel of the stroller. The placement and/or orientation of the one or more seats or accessories can be varied without modification to the stroller frame or the coupling mechanism between the seats or accessories and the stroller frame. Additionally, the disclosed example strollers can receive different types of seats, such as an upright seat, a car seat, and/or a bassinet. In some disclosed examples, an upright seat and a bassinet can each be coupled to the stroller frame to accommodate differently aged children. One of the seats can be removed from the frame to reduce the occupancy of the stroller. The stroller can be used as a single-seat stroller. In other examples, a basket accessory can be coupled to the stroller frame in place of the second seat to provide storage space. Also, in some examples, the seat(s) may be removed and only an accessory may be coupled to the frame such as, for example, one or more basket(s), and the frame may be used to transport items (e.g., groceries).
• An example stroller includes a wheeled frame, a receiver coupled to the frame, and a seat. The seat includes a hub; a mount; a lock disposed in the mount, the lock to move from a first positon to a second position when the mount is disposed in the receiver to removably couple the seat to the frame; a handle; and a pin disposed between the handle and the hub. The handle is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position when the pin is in a third position relative to the handle and the lock to move from the second position to the first position when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position.
• In some examples, the hub includes a cam. The cam is to cause the pin to selectively engage a pocket of the handle. In some such examples, in the third position, the pin is spaced apart from the pocket.
• In some examples, the stroller further includes an actuator disposed in the mount. The actuator is to rotate to cause the lock to move to the second position when the handle moves to the extended position. In some such examples, the stroller further includes a plate slidably coupled to the handle. The actuator is to rotate via sliding of the plate.
• In some examples, the stroller further includes a plate slidably coupled to the handle. The actuator is to rotate via sliding of the plate.
• In some examples, in the second position, the lock is disposed in an opening of the receiver and in the first position, the lock is retracted relative to the opening.
• In some examples, the receiver is a first receiver and the stroller further includes a second receiver coupled to the frame. The seat is to be removably coupled to the first receiver or the second receiver.
• Another example stroller disclosed herein includes a wheeled frame; a mount bar coupled to the frame, the mount bar including a plurality of receivers; and a seat. The seat includes a hub, a mount, and a handle. The hub is to selectively enable the handle to move between an extended position and a retracted position to removably couple the mount to one of the plurality of receivers.
• In some examples, the mount includes a lock and each of the receivers includes an opening. The handle is to cause the lock to move relative to the opening to removably couple the mount to the one of the plurality of receivers.
• In some examples, each of the plurality of receivers includes a substantially frustoconical portion and the mount includes a substantially frustoconical portion.
• In some examples, the seat further includes a pin disposed between the hub and the handle, the hub to selectively cause the pin to engage a pocket of the handle to lock the handle.
• In some examples, the hub includes a cam to engage the pin when the handle is in the retracted position. In some such examples, the cam is spaced apart from the pin when the handle is in the extended position.
• In some examples, the seat includes a backrest arm coupled to the hub and movement of the backrest arm from a first position to a second position is to cause the hub to rotate to enable the handle to move from the retracted position to the extended position.
• An example seat to be coupled to a frame of a stroller is disclosed herein. The example seat includes a hub, a mount, and a lock disposed in the mount. The lock is to move from a first position to a second position to removably couple the seat to the frame. The example seat includes a pin disposed between the handle and the hub. The handle is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position when the pin is in a third position relative to the handle and the lock is to move from the second position to the first position when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position.
• In some examples, the seat further includes a backrest arm to be rotatably coupled to the hub. In such examples, when the backrest arm is in a first position, the seat is in an unfolded position and when the backrest arm is in the second position, the seat is in a folded position. In some such examples, the handle includes a pocket. The pin is to be disposed in the pocket when the seat is in the unfolded position In some such examples, the pin is to move relative to the pocket during movement of the backrest arm from the first position to the second position.
• In some examples, the seat further includes a napper bar rotabably coupled to the hub, wherein rotation of the napper bar is to enable the handle to move between the retracted position and the extended position.
• In some examples, the mount includes an actuator and the lock is to operatively coupled to the actuator. The handle is to cause the actuator to rotate when the handle moves from the retracted position to the extended position. The lock is to move relative to the frame based on the rotation of the actuator.
• Turning to the figures,FIG. 1 is a right, front perspective view of anexample stroller100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. Theexample stroller100 illustrated inFIG. 1 includes aframe102 having afirst side104 and asecond side106. Thefirst side104 and thesecond side106 of thestroller frame102 include a plurality of frame members and wheels attached to the frame members. The frame members and wheels of thefirst side104 of thestroller frame102 will be described herein with the understanding that thesecond side106 is a mirror image of thefirst side104. Thus, thesecond side106 includes substantially identical frame members and wheels as thefirst side104 and, in the interest of brevity, will not be repeatedly detailed herein.
• In the illustratedexample stroller100, thefirst side104 includes anarm108 extending from aparent handle110. The parent handle110 is disposed between thefirst side104 and thesecond side106 of thestroller frame102. In some examples, thearm108 and the parent handle110 are integrally formed from a unit such as, for example, a tube. In some examples, a height of the parent handle110 is adjustable via adjustment of height of thearm108.
• Thefirst side104 of thestroller frame102 also includes afront leg112 and arear leg114. Afront wheel116 is rotatably coupled to thefront leg112. In some examples, thefront wheel116 is rotatably coupled to afront bar118 that extends between thefirst side104 and thesecond side106. Arear wheel120 is coupled to therear leg114. In some examples, arear wheel120 is coupled to arear bar122 that extends between thefirst side104 and thesecond side106. Although theexample stroller100 ofFIG. 1 includes four wheels (e.g., twofront wheels116 and tworear wheels120 coupled to the first andsecond sides104,106 of the stroller frame102), different numbers of front and/or rear wheels are used in other examples (e.g., a single front wheel).
• In the illustrated example, thefront leg112 and therear leg114 are coupled via a joint124. Therear leg114 and thearm108 are coupled via a hub126 (e.g., a second joint). The joint124 and thehub126 facilitate folding of the stroller such thatfront leg112 and thearm108 and, thus, the parent handle110 are free to rotate relative to therear leg114.
• Theexample stroller100 ofFIG. 1 includes afirst seat128 disposed between thefirst side104 and thesecond side106 and asecond seat130 disposed between thefirst side104 and thesecond side106. In some examples, thestroller100 only includes oneseat128,130. In some examples, the seat(s)128,130 are arranged in different forward- or rearward-facing orientation(s) than illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, bothseats128,130 can face forward or rearward relative to a direction of travel of thestroller100 or can face in different directions (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1). Each of the first andsecond seats128,130 includes aseat frame132 mounted to thestroller frame102. Theseat frame132 defines abackrest portion133 of the seat128 (e.g., a portion against which an occupant of the seat rests his or back when sitting in theseat128,130) and a support portion135 (e.g., a portion that supports a body of the seat occupant). The seat(s)128,130 can include accessories attached to the respective seat frames132, such as soft goods, a canopy, a footrest, etc. In some examples, thesecond seat130 is substantially the same as thefirst seat128.
• In theexample stroller100 ofFIG. 1, thefirst seat128 and thesecond seat130 are removably coupled to thestroller frame102 via respective seat mounts of the seat frames132. The seat mount(s) of the seat(s)128,130 are coupled to a mount bar of thestroller frame102. For example purposes, the removable coupling of a seat to thestroller frame102 will be discussed in connection with thefirst example seat128 ofFIG. 1, with the understanding thesecond example seat130 can be coupled to thestroller frame102 in the same or substantially the same manner as disclosed in connection with thefirst seat128.
• FIG. 2 is a right, front perspective view of thefirst example seat128 ofFIG. 1. Theexample seat200 includes means for coupling theseat128 to a mount bar of the stroller frame. As shown inFIG. 2, thefirst example seat128 includes aseat mount200 coupled to theseat frame132. In operation, theseat mount200 is coupled to a ground-facing surface of thesupport portion135 of theseat frame132, or side of theseat frame132 opposite a side on which a child sits. As also shown inFIG. 2, thefirst example seat128 includes anapper bar202 extending between afirst side204 and asecond side206 of theseat frame132. Thenapper bar202 is coupled to theseat frame132 via respectiveseat connection hubs208 disposed at the first side204 (shown inFIG. 2) and thesecond side206 of theseat frame132. Theseat connection hubs208 enable rotation of thenapper bar202 relative to theseat frame132 when a user exerts a force on the napper bar202 (e.g. presses down on the napper bar202).
• Theexample seat frame132 also includesbackrest arms203 at the first andsecond sides204,206 of theseat128 that define thebackrest portion133 of theseat128. Thebackrest arms203 are rotatably coupled to the respectiveseat connection hubs208. In some examples, thebackrest arms203 rotate substantially simultaneously via thehubs208. Thebackrest arm203 can rotate toward the napper bar202 (e.g., to fold the seat128) or away from the napper bar202 (e.g., to adjust a recline angle of thebackrest portion133 of the seat128). As disclosed below in connection withFIGS. 3-8, theexample napper bar202 and thebackrest arms203 can be selectively rotated by a user via theseat connection hubs208 to releaseseat mount200 from thestroller frame102 such that thefirst example seat128 can be removed or detached from thestroller frame102. In some examples, thenapper bar202 and thebackrest arms203 are selectively rotated via theseat connection hubs208 to couple theseat128 to thestroller frame102.
• FIG. 3 is a partial, right, front perspective view of the example stroller ofFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 3, theexample stroller frame102 includes amount bar300. Themount bar300 extends between the first andsecond sides104,106 of thestroller frame102. In the example ofFIG. 3, themount bar300 is disposed proximate to the joint124 between thefront leg112 and therear leg114 of thestroller frame102. In some examples, themount bar300 ofFIG. 3 is a cast part coupled to theexample stroller frame102. In some examples, themount bar300 is integral with thestroller frame102.
• Theexample mount bar300 ofFIG. 3 includes means for receiving a seat mount of a seat, such as theexample seat mount200 of thefirst seat128 ofFIG. 2. For example, theexample mount bar300 ofFIG. 3 includes afirst mount receiver302, asecond mount receiver304, and athird mount receiver306. The first, second, and third mount receiver(s)302,304,306 can include cavities oropenings310 formed in themount bar300. In some examples, themount bar300 and the first, second, andthird mount receivers302,304,306 are formed from a single mold. In other examples, the first, second, and third mount receiver(s)302,304,306 are formed separately from themount bar300 and coupled to the mount bar300 (e.g., via fastener(s) such as screw(s)). Theexample mount bar300 and the first, second, and thirdexample mount receivers302,304,306 can be formed via one or more manufacturing methods including, for example, injection molding, arrangement of multiple pieces, laser etching, and/or three-dimensional printing. Theexample mount bar300 can include additional or fewer mount receivers than illustrated inFIG. 3. Also, although the first, second, andthird mount receivers302,304,306 are arranged linearly along themount bar300, the receivers can be arranged in other patterns such as, for example, a triangular pattern.
• In the example ofFIG. 3, the each of the first, second, and thirdexample mount receivers302,304,306 are substantially identical with respect to shape and size. For example, the first, second, andthird mount receivers302,304,306 include ashell308 having a substantially frustoconical or funnel-shape. The first, second, andthird mount receivers302,304,306 can have other shapes, such as substantially circular shapes, substantially square shapes, and/or can include portions having different shapes. The interior of theshell308 of each of themount receivers302,304,306 defines a cavity oropening310. As disclosed herein, the shapes of the first, second, andthird mount receivers302,304,306 complements a shape of a mount of a seat (e.g., theseat mount200 ofFIG. 2) or an accessory to be coupled to thestroller frame102.
• In the example ofFIG. 3, thefirst mount receiver302 is disposed proximate to thesecond side106 of thestroller frame102, thethird mount receiver306 is disposed proximate to thefirst side104 of the stroller frame, and thesecond mount receiver304 is disposed between thefirst mount receiver302 and the second mount receiver306 (e.g., proximate to a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the mount bar300). Thus, one or more seats and/or accessories can be coupled to thestroller frame102 at different positions. Theexample stroller frame102 ofFIGS. 1 and 3 can support a single seat or accessory and/or two more seats or accessories in any of the mount receivers without the risk thestroller frame102 becomes unstable.
• For example, thefirst seat128 can be mounted to thestroller frame102 via thesecond mount receiver304 such that a longitudinal axis extending through a center of thefirst seat128 is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis extending through a center of themount bar300. In other examples, a center of thefirst seat128 is positioned right or left relative to the center of themount bar300 via thefirst mount receiver302 or thethird mount receiver306. Put another way, the center of thefirst seat128 can be disposed closer to thefirst side104 or thesecond side106 of theexample stroller100. In some examples, thefirst seat128 is coupled to thefirst mount receiver302 and thesecond seat130 is coupled to the third mount receiver306 (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1). In some such examples, a portion of theseat frame132 may overhang in thestroller frame102 when thefirst seat128 and/or thesecond seat130 is coupled proximate to the first orsecond sides104,106 of thestroller frame102 via the first and/orthird mount receivers302,306. In some examples, the seat(s) and/or accessories can be coupled to the first, second, and/orthird mount receivers302,304,306 in a forward-facing direction or a rearward-facing direction relative to a direction of travel of thestroller100. In some examples, the seat(s) and/or accessories can be coupled to thestroller frame102 sideways relative to the direction of travel (e.g., via thefirst mount receiver302 and/or the third mount receiver306).
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of theexample seat mount200 of thefirst example seat128 taken along the A-A line ofFIG. 2 and the secondexample mount receiver304 of theexample mount bar300 taken along the B-B line ofFIG. 3. In the example ofFIG. 4, theseat mount200 is locked to thesecond mount receiver304 and, thus, thefirst example seat128 is coupled to thestroller frame102. AlthoughFIG. 4 is discussed in connection with thefirst example seat128, another seat (e.g., thesecond example seat130 ofFIG. 1) and/or accessory (e.g., a basket) can be coupled to thestroller frame102 in a substantially similar manner as disclosed herein. Also, althoughFIG. 4 is discussed in connection with the second (e.g., middle)mount receiver304 of themount bar300 ofFIG. 3, theseat mount200 of the example seat128 (or another seat and/or accessory) can be coupled to thestroller frame102 via thefirst mount receiver302 and/or thethird mount receiver306 in substantially the same manner as disclosed herein in connection with thesecond mount receiver304.
• As illustrated inFIG. 4, thesecond mount receiver304 of theexample mount bar300 and theseat mount200 of thefirst example seat128 have complementary shapes. In the example ofFIG. 4, theshell308 of thesecond mount receiver304 has a substantiallyfrustoconical portion400 and a substantiallysquare portion402. In some examples, the substantiallysquare portion402 includes a surface on which theseat mount200 rests when disposed in the second mount receiver304 (e.g., thecavity310 is close-ended). In other examples, the substantiallysquare portion402 does not include such a surface (e.g., thecavity310 is open-ended). Also, theseat mount200 has a substantiallyfrustoconical portion404 and a substantiallysquare portion406 such that theseat mount200 can be inserted into thecavity310 of thesecond mount receiver304. In operation, the complementary shapes of thesecond mount receiver304 of thestroller frame102 and theseat mount200 of theseat128 provide for coupling of theseat128 to thestroller frame102 without requiring exact alignment between theseat mount200 and thecavity310 of thesecond mount receiver304 when the user is inserting theseat mount200 into thecavity310. In particular, because of thefrustoconical portion400 of the secondexample mount receiver304, theseat mount200 is guided into thesecond mount receiver304 without requiring precise alignment of theseat mount200 and thesecond mount receiver304 by the user. For example, to insert theseat mount200 in thesecond mount receiver304, the user positions theseat mount200 of theseat128 over thesecond mount receiver304 and lowers theseat128 onto thestroller frame102 such that theseat mount200 is received in thecavity310 of thesecond mount receiver304. In some examples, the user may not have aligned (e.g., exactly aligned) the respectivesquare end portions402,406 of thesecond mount receiver304 and theseat mount200. As a result, thesquare end portion406 of theseat mount200 enters thesecond mount receiver304 at an angle or offset relative to thesquare end portion402 of thesecond mount receiver304. In such examples, thefrustoconical portion400 of thesecond mount receiver304 facilities placement of thesquare end portion406 of theseat mount200 into thesquare end portion402 of thesecond mount receiver304. In particular, the curved or sloped surface of thefrustoconical portion400 allows thesquare end portion406 of theseat mount200 to slide into thesquare end portion402 of thesecond mount receiver304 to couple theexample seat128 to theexample stroller frame102. Thus, the secondexample mount receiver304 provides for self-alignment of theseat mount200, thereby reducing potential user difficulties in coupling theseat128 to thestroller frame102 and any risks that theseat128 is not securely coupled to thestroller frame102.
• Referring theexample seat mount200 of thefirst example seat128, theseat mount200 includes abase408 and means for coupling theseat mount200 to themount bar300, or acoupler410 extending from thebase408. Thecoupler410 can include a protrusion extending from thebase408. As illustrated inFIG. 4, when theseat mount200 is coupled to themount bar300, thecoupler410 is disposed in thecavity310 of thesecond mount receiver304 and thebase408 is disposed on (e.g., sits on) asurface412 of themount bar300. The base408 can be coupled to a surface of the seat128 (e.g., the ground-facing surface of thesupport portion135 of the stroller frame132) or an accessory via one or more mechanical or chemical fasteners.
• Theexample seat mount200 includes means for releasing theseat mount200 from one of themount receivers302,304,306 of themount bar300. For example, theseat mount200 includes arelease handle414. Afirst end416 of the example release handle414 includes agrip portion418 that can be accessed by a user. Asecond end420 of therelease handle414 is disposed in aslot422 defined by thebase408 of theseat mount200. In the example ofFIG. 4, thegrip portion418 of therelease handle414 is disposed proximate to thebackrest portion133 of the seat128 (e.g.,FIGS. 1, 2). Such a location of thegrip portion418 of therelease handle414 prevents unintended access to the release handle414 by the occupant of theseat128 during use of thestroller100.
• In the example ofFIG. 4, afirst plate424 is coupled to thesecond end420 of therelease handle414. Asecond plate426 is disposed between thefirst plate424 and thesecond end420 of therelease handle414. Thesecond plate426 is slidably coupled to therelease handle414. As disclosed herein, when the release handle414 moves from a locked positon to an unlocked position, thesecond plate426 slides relative to thecoupler410 to unlock theseat mount200 from themount bar300. Therelease handle414 and thesecond plate426 are slidably coupled to thebase408 viafasteners428 that extend throughopenings429 in thefirst plate424, openings in thesecond plate426, and openings in therelease handle414.
• Theexample seat mount200 includes means for driving the locking of theseat mount200 to thesecond mount receiver304. For example, theseat mount200 ofFIG. 4 includes anactuator430 disposed in thecoupler410. Theactuator430 includes apinion432. As illustrated inFIG. 4, thepinion432 extends through afirst opening434 formed in therelease handle414 andsecond opening436 formed in thesecond plate426. As disclosed herein, thepinion432 selectively engages arack506 of the second plate426 (FIG. 5). Theactuator430 is coupled to the first plate424 (e.g., via an interference fit between a portion of thefirst plate424 and theactuator430 via a mechanical fastener, etc.).
• Theexample seat mount200 includes means for locking theseat mount200 to thesecond mount receiver304. For example, theseat mount200 ofFIG. 4 includes afirst lock438 and asecond lock440. The first andsecond locks438,440 are disposed inrespective openings442 formed in thecoupler410. Each of the first andsecond locks438,440 includesteeth444. Thepinion432 of theactuator430 selectively engages theteeth444 of the first andsecond locks438,440. In some examples, the first andsecond locks438,440 are mirror images of one another.
• Theexample seat mount200 includes means for driving the means for locking theseat mount200 to thesecond mount receiver304. For example, afirst spring446 is disposed between thefirst lock438 and theactuator430. Asecond spring448 is disposed between thesecond lock440 and theactuator430. As illustrated inFIG. 4, thefirst spring446 is disposed between awall450 of thefirst lock438 and afirst projection452 formed in thecoupler410 proximate to theactuator430 and thesecond spring448 is disposed awall454 between thesecond lock440 and asecond projection455 formed in thecoupler410 proximate to theactuator430. The first andsecond locks438,440 move between extended and retracted positions via compression and extension of the first andsecond springs446,448 during locking of theseat mount200 to and unlocking of theseat mount200 from the secondexample mount receiver304. When thecoupler410 is disposed in the secondexample mount receiver304, the first andsecond springs446,448 are in extended positions. In particular, forces exerted by the first andsecond springs446,448 push the respective first andsecond locks438,440 outward relative to theactuator430, through theopenings442 of thecoupler410 and intorespective notches456 formed in thesecond mount receiver304 to couple theseat mount200 to themount receiver304.
• The retraction and expansion of the first andsecond locks438,440 is controlled by the sliding of therelease handle414 into and partially out of theslot422 of thebase408, as represented by thearrow458 ofFIG. 4. For example, a user can grasp thegrip portion418 to pull the release handle414 outward relative to theseat mount200. As disclosed herein, when the user pulls thegrip portion418 of the release handle414 outward relative to theseat mount200, thesecond plate426 slides with therelease handle414, and therack506 of thesecond plate426 causes thepinion432 of theactuator430 to rotate and the first andsecond locks438,440 to move from the expanded position shown inFIG. 4 to a retracted position.
• Theexample seat mount200 includes means for controlling therelease handle414. In the example ofFIG. 4, the ability of the user to pull therelease handle414 is controlled by alock pin460 disposed between therelease handle414 and theseat connection hub208 of thefirst example seat128 ofFIG. 4. In the example ofFIG. 4, afirst end462 of thelock pin460 is disposed in apocket464 of therelease handle414. Asecond end466 of thelock pin460 selectively engages means for positioning thelock pin460 relative to thepocket464. For example, thesecond end466 of thelock pin460 engages acam468 disposed in ahousing469 of theseat connection hub208. Although inFIG. 4 thelock pin460 is shown as engaging theseat connection hub208 located at thesecond side206 of thefirst example seat128, thelock pin460 could alternatively engage theseat connection hub208 located at thefirst side204 of the first example seat (FIG. 2). In some examples, theseat mount200 includes twolock pins460 that engage the respectiveseat connection hubs208 located at the first andsecond sides204,206 of thefirst example seat128. In such examples, therelease handle414 includes twopockets464 to receive the respective lock pins460.
• Theexample lock pin460 includes means for driving thelock pin460. In the example ofFIG. 4, thelock pin460 includes aspring470. In the example ofFIG. 4, when thelock pin460 engages thecam468 and thespring470 is compressed, the spring-loadedlock pin460 is disposed in thepocket464 of therelease handle414. In such examples, thelock pin460 prevents sliding of the release handle414 (e.g., the user cannot pull thegrip portion418 outward relative to the seat mount200) due to the presence of thelock pin460 in thepocket464. As disclosed in greater detail below, rotation of the backrest arm(s)203 and the napper bar202 (FIG. 2) via theseat connection hub208 causes thelock pin460 to move out of thepocket464 of therelease handle414. In examples including twolock pins460, rotation of theseat connection hubs208 can cause the lock pins460 to move out of thepockets464 at substantially the same time. The release of the lock pin(s)460 from the pocket(s)464 enables thegrip portion418 of therelease handle414 to be pulled by the user, which causes the first andsecond locks438,440 to retract and theseat mount200 to be removed from thesecond mount receiver304.
• FIG. 5 is a left, rear perspective view of theexample seat mount200 and a partial view of one of theseat connection hub208, thenapper bar202 and one of thebackrest arms203 of thefirst example seat128 ofFIG. 2. In some examples ofFIG. 5, theseat mount200 is coupled to first, second, orthird mount receivers302,304,306 of theexample mount bar300 of thestroller100 ofFIGS. 1 and 3. However, for illustrative purposes, themount bar300 and themount receivers302,304,306 are not shown inFIG. 5. In other examples ofFIG. 5, theseat mount200 is not coupled (or not yet coupled) to themount bar300.
• As shown inFIG. 5, thelock pin460 is disposed in thepocket464 of therelease handle414. As disclosed above, although thelock pin460 is shown proximate to thefirst side204 of theseat128 inFIG. 5, thelock pin460 could be disposed proximate to thesecond side206 of the seat128 (e.g., as inFIG. 4). In some examples, afirst lock pin460 is disposed proximate to thesecond side206 of theseat128 and asecond lock pin460 is disposed proximate to thefirst side204 of theseat128.
• As also shown inFIG. 5, thebackrest arm203 is coupled to theseat connection hub208 via afirst connector500. Thefirst connector500 is at least partially disposed in thehousing469 of thehub208. Thefirst connector500 is pivotably coupled to thehousing469 to enable thebackrest arm203 to move between one or more angular positions relative to thehousing469. Also, thenapper bar202 is coupled to theseat connection hub208 via asecond connector502. Thesecond connector502 is pivotably coupled to thehousing469 to enable the napper bar to move between one or more angular positions relative to thehousing469. In the example ofFIG. 5, thebackrest arm203 is in a first angular position and thenapper bar202 is in a second angular position spaced apart from thebackrest arm203. In some examples, the first angular position of thebackrest arm203 corresponds to a position in which thebackrest portion133 of theseat128 is in a substantially upright position (e.g., substantially perpendicular relative to thesupport portion135 ofFIG. 1, at a recline relative to the support portion135) such that an occupant of theseat128 could rest his or her back against thebackrest portion133.
• For illustrative purposes, thefirst plate424 is shown as transparent relative to thesecond plate426 inFIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 5, thesecond plate426 includesopenings504 through which thefasteners428 extend to couple the first andsecond plates424,426 and therelease handle414 to thebase408. As also shown inFIG. 5, thesecond plate426 includes therack506 having a plurality of teeth at least partially extending in theopening436 of thesecond plate426. Thepinion432 of theactuator430 selectively engages therack506, as disclosed above. As also shown inFIG. 5, thesecond lock440 is in an expanded position (and thefirst lock438 is in an expanded position as shown inFIG. 4).
• In some examples, the user may wish to retract thelocks438,440 of theseat mount200 to enable theseat128 to be removed from thestroller frame102. In other examples, the user may wish to retract thelocks438,440 to facilitate insertion of theseat mount200 into the first, second, orthird mount receivers302,304,306 of themount bar300.FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the unlocking of therelease handle414 via thelocking pin460, which enables the user to pull therelease handle414 to retract thelocks438,440 of theseat mount200.
• FIGS. 6-8 are left, rear perspective views of the example seat mount and seat connection hub ofFIG. 5, showing the backrest arm and napper bar in different angular positions. For illustrative purposes, a portion of therelease handle414 is shown in a cutaway view with respect to thepocket464 for receiving thelock pin460 inFIGS. 6 and 7. AlthoughFIGS. 6-8 illustrate one lock pin and seat connection hub, the release oflock pin460 shown inFIGS. 6-8 can apply to examples including twolock pins460 associated with theseat connection hubs208 at each side of theseat128.
• As illustrated inFIG. 6, thesecond end466 of thelock pin460 engages thecam468 of theseat connection hub208. In the example ofFIG. 6, thecam468 is coupled to thefirst connector500 of theseat connection hub208, or the connector to which thebackrest arm203 is coupled. In some examples, thefirst connector500 and thecam468 are formed from one or more molds, from two or more separate pieces mechanically or chemically coupled together, etc. Also, inFIG. 6, thespring470 is in a compressed position. As shown inFIG. 6, thespring470 is disposed between acollar600 of thelock pin460 and thepocket464. Thus,first end462 of thelock pin460 is held in thepocket464 of the release handle414 by the engagement of thesecond end466 of thelock pin460 withcam468, which acts on thespring470.
• To release thelock pin460 from thepocket464 of therelease handle414, the user rotates thebackrest arm203 toward the napper bar202 (e.g., pushes thebackrest arm203 toward thesupport portion135 of the seat128), as represented by thearrow602 ofFIG. 6. Thefirst connector500 rotates via theseat connection hub208, which enables thebackrest arm203 coupled thereto to move toward thenapper bar202. As thebackrest arm203 pivots toward thenapper bar202, thecam468 moves away from thesecond end466 of thelock pin460 due to the movement (e.g., rotation) of thefirst connector500, as represented by thearrow604 ofFIG. 6. Put another way, during rotation of thebackrest arm203 and thefirst connector500, thecam468 becomes spaced apart from thesecond end466 of thelock pin460 such that thecam468 no longer engages thesecond end466 of thelock pin460.
• As thebackrest arm203 rotates toward thenapper bar202 via thefirst connector500 and theseat connection hub208, thesecond end466 of thelock pin460 no longer engages thecam468. Thus, the tension of thespring470 is released and thespring470 moves from a compressed position to an extended position. As a result of the release of thespring470, thefirst end462 of thelock pin460 moves out of thepocket464 and no longer engages the pocket464 (e.g., thefirst end462 is moved a distance from the pocket464), as represented by thearrow700 ofFIG. 7. Put another way, thelock pin460 is sprung back relative to thepocket464.
• In some examples, as the user rotates thebackrest arm203, thebackrest arm203 engages thenapper bar202, which causes thenapper bar202 to move toward thesupport portion135 of theseat128. Thus, in some examples, theseat128 folds or substantially folds as a result of the rotation of the backrest arm(s)203 and thenapper bar202 such that thebackrest portion133 is disposed proximate to thesupport portion135, which is disclosed below inFIG. 9.
• As shown inFIG. 8, when thebackrest arm203 and thenapper bar202 are rotated such that thebackrest arm203 andnapper bar202 are substantially collapsed, thelock pin460 is no longer disposed in thepocket464 of therelease handle414. Thus, therelease handle414 is free to slide relative to theslot422 of thebase408. As represented by thearrow800 inFIG. 8, a user can grasp thegrip portion418 of therelease handle414 and pull the release handle414 outward relative to thecoupler410 of theseat mount200. As a result of the pulling of therelease handle414, anedge802 of thesecond end420 of the release handle414 moves a distance x away from anedge804 of theslot422.
• When the user pulls the release handle414 outward, thesecond plate426 of theseat mount200 slides with therelease handle414. For example, theopenings504 of thesecond plate426 move (e.g., slide) relative to thefasteners428 extending through theopenings504 from thefirst plate424, as represented by thearrows806 ofFIG. 8. The sliding of thesecond plate426 causes thepinion432 of theactuator430 to rotate as a result of the engagement of thepinion432 with therack506, as represented by thearrow808 ofFIG. 8. In some examples, the amount by which thesecond plate426 slides and, thus, the distance x by which the release handle414 slides relative to theedge804 of theslot422 is defined by a size and/or a number of teeth of therack506, a length of theopenings436,504 of the second plate426 (e.g., a length of the major axes of theopenings436,504 in examples where the openings are elliptical shape), etc. As disclosed above, the rotation of thepinion432 causes thelocks438,440 of theseat mount200 to retract.
• FIG. 9 is a right, perspective view of theexample seat128 in a substantially folded position, or a position in which the backrest arm(s)203 and thenapper bar202 are substantially collapsed and, thus, thebackrest portion133 is disposed proximate to thesupport portion135. For example, a user may rotate the backrest arm(s)203 and thenapper bar202 via theseat connection hub208 to the positions shown inFIG. 9 to unlocklock pin460 from the release handle414 as disclosed above in connection withFIGS. 5-8. In addition to releasing thelock pin460 to enable the user to pull the release handle414 of theseat mount200, the folded position of theseat128 shown inFIG. 9 provides for increase ease of access to the release handle414 as compared to if the user had to reach around and under thebackrest portion133 of theseat128 while thebackrest portion133 was substantially upright. In some examples, a degree to which thebackrest arm203 and thenapper bar202 rotate and theseat128 folds is defined by the seat connection hub208 (e.g., one or more stops disposed in thehousing469 of the seat connection hub208).
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of theexample seat mount200 of thefirst example seat128 taken along the A-A line ofFIG. 2 and the secondexample mount receiver304 of theexample mount bar300 taken along the B-B line ofFIG. 3, with theseat mount200 assembled in thesecond mount receiver304. In the example ofFIG. 10, theseat mount200 is partially unlocked to the second mount receiver304 (i.e., as compared to the example ofFIG. 4 in which theseat mount200 is locked to the second mount receiver304).
• As shown inFIG. 10, thelock pin460 is disengaged from the cam468 (e.g., as a result of rotation of thebackrest arm203 and the napper bar202) and thefirst end462 of thelock pin460 is removed from thepocket464 of therelease handle414. Thus, the release handle is free to be pulled outward relative to the coupler410 (e.g., via the grip portion418), as represented by thearrow1000 ofFIG. 10.
• As disclosed above, when therelease handle414 is pulled outward relative to thecoupler410, thesecond plate426 slides with therelease handle414. The sliding of thesecond plate426 causes thepinion432 of theactuator430 to rotate via therack506 of the second plate426 (FIGS. 5, 8). As thepinion432 rotates as a result of the sliding of thesecond plate426 in the direction of the movement of therelease handle414, thepinion432 engages theteeth444 of the first andsecond locks438,440. The rotation of thepinion432 and the engagement of thepinion432 with theteeth444 of the first andsecond locks438,440 causes the first andsecond locks438,440 to be pulled inward toward theactuator430 and the first andsecond springs446,448 to move to compressed position. As a result, the first andsecond locks438,440 retract from thenotches456 of thesecond mount receiver304, as represented by thearrows1002,1004 ofFIG. 10. In examples, the first andsecond locks438,440 are at least partially retracted relative to therespective openings442 of thecoupler410.
• FIG. 11 shows theexample seat mount200 removed from thesecond mount receiver304. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the retraction of thelocks438,440 from thenotches456 of thesecond mount receiver304 enables theseat mount200 to be removed from the second mount receiver304 (and, thus, the seat or accessory to which theseat mount200 is coupled from the stroller100). For example, a user may lift theseat128 out of thesecond mount receiver304 while grasping, for example, thegrip portion418 of therelease handle414 and one or more portions of theseat128, such as thesupport portion135.
• If the user wishes to re-attach thefirst example seat128 including theseat mount200 or to couple another seat or accessory having theseat mount200 to themount bar300, the user inserts theseat mount200 into the second mount receiver304 (or the first orthird mount receivers302,306) by aligning or substantially aligning thecoupler410 of theseat mount200 with the substantiallysquare portion402 of theshell308 of thesecond mount receiver304. In some examples, therelease handle414 is in an unlocked position when theseat mount200 is inserted into the mount receiver340 (e.g., as a result of a user folding thebackrest arm203 so as to release thelock pin460 and holding and/or pulling thegrip portion418 of the release handle414 while inserting theseat mount200 into the second mount receiver304). Thus, the first andsecond locks438,440 are in the retracted positions. When thecoupler410 is inserted into the mount receiver304 (e.g., thebase408 of theseat mount200 engages thesurface412 of the mount bar300), the user may lock the release handle414 by pushing the release handle414 inward relative to thecoupler410. In other examples, the release handle414 automatically moves inward or retracts when the user releases thegrip portion418 of therelease handle414.
• As the release handle414 moves to the retracted position, thesecond plate426 slides in the direction of the movement of therelease handle414, or toward theedge804 of the slot422 (e.g., such that the distance x between theedge802 of therelease handle414 and theedge804 of theslot422 decreases as compared to the example ofFIG. 8). The sliding of thesecond plate426 as a result of the movement of the release handle414 causes thepinion432 of theactuator430 to rotate due to the engagement of thepinion432 with therack506 of thesecond plate426. When thesecond plate426 slides toward theedge804 of theslot422 due to the movement of therelease handle414, thepinion432 rotates in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of thepinion432 when thesecond plate426 moves away from theedge804 of theslot422 and the release handle414 moves the extended position. The rotation of thepinion432 during movement of therelease handle414 to the retracted position causes the first andsecond locks438,440 to move outward relative to theactuator430 via the engagement of theteeth444 of the first andsecond locks438,440 with thepinion432. The first andsecond locks438,440 extend into therespective notches456 of, for example, thesecond mount receiver304 to lock theseat mount200 to thesecond mount receiver304. In some examples, therespective springs446,448 of the first andsecond locks438,440 facilitate the extension of thelocks438,440 by moving from compressed positions to extended positions.
• In some such examples, after the user has released the release handle414 (e.g., after pushing the handle inward) and thelocks438,440 have moved into thenotches456 of thesecond mount receiver304, the user moves the backrest arm(s)203 away from thesupport portion135 of theseat128 to move theseat128 from the folded position shown inFIG. 9 to the unfolded position shown inFIG. 2. In such examples, thefirst connector500 of theseat connection hub208 rotates such that thecam468 re-engages or pushes on thesecond end466 of thelock pin460 and causes thefirst end462 of thelock pin460 to move into thepocket464 of therelease handle414, thereby locking therelease handle414. In some examples, the user further moves the backrest arm(s)203 to adjust a recline angle of thebackrest portion133 of theseat128. In some examples, the user moves thenapper bar202 from the folded position to a desired height relative to thesupport portion135 of theseat128.
• Thus,FIGS. 4-11 illustrate the removably secure coupling of theexample seat mount200 ofFIGS. 2 and 9 to theexample stroller frame102 ofFIGS. 1 and 3. As illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4, 10, and 11 the mount receiver(s)302,304,306 are passive mechanical parts that do not include moving parts. Rather, theexample seat128 includes components that provide for locking of theseat mount200 to one of themount receivers302,304,306. In particular, theexample seat mount200 includes at least two locking mechanisms including (1) the lock pin(s)460 which prevents unintended movement of therelease handle414 and (2) thelocks438,440 that removably secure thecoupler410 of theseat mount200 to one of themount receivers302,304,306 via the rack-and-pinion of theactuator430 and thesecond plate426. Providing the locking mechanism(s) via theseat mount200 reduces the number of components on thestroller frame102 and, thus, reduces the potential for components on thestroller frame102 and theseat128 to fail or to improperly engage. Providing the locking mechanism(s) via theseat mount200 also increases user control over the locking of theseat128 to thestroller frame102, as the operation of theseat mount200 is controlled by the user via the backrest arm(s)203, thenapper bar202, and therelease handle414. Because the mount receiver(s)302,304,306 are mechanically passive components, once the user releases therelease handle414 after inserting theseat mount200 into one of themount receivers302,304,306, the user can determine that theseat128 is locked to theframe102 via activation of thelocks438,440 of theseat mount200 without wondering if any components in thestroller frame102 have properly reacted to the insertion of theseat mount200. Further, the seats and/or accessories can be coupled to the mount receiver(s)302,304,306 in different orientations (e.g., forward-facing or rearward-facing relative to the direction of travel of the stroller100) without the user having to make any adjustments to the stroller frame.
• FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating anexample process1200 for removably coupling a seat or accessory (e.g., theseat128,130 or an accessory such as a basket) to a frame (e.g., the frame102) of a stroller (e.g., the stroller100). Although theexample process1200 is disclosed with respect to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 12, many other methods of operating theexample seat128,130 (or an accessory) and/or theexample stroller frame102 may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.
• Theexample process1200 ofFIG. 12 includes positioning the seat or accessory relative to a receiver on a stroller frame (block1202). For example, a user can position theseat128 over one of themount receivers302,304,306 of theframe102 such that theseat mount200 of theseat128 is substantially aligned over an opening orcavity310 of the one of themount receivers302,304,306.
• Theexample process1200 includes removably coupling the seat or the accessory to the receiver (block1204). For example, the user can insert theseat mount200 of theseat128 in one of themount receivers302,304,306. When theseat mount200 engages the one of themount receivers302,304,306, thelocks438,440 of thecoupler410 of theseat mount200 engage with the openings ornotches456 of the one of themount receivers302,304,306 to lock theseat128 to theframe102.
• Theexample process1200 includes a decision whether to remove the seat or accessory from the stroller frame (block1206). For example, the user may decide to remove the seat or accessory from the frame because the stroller is no longer being used and the user wishes to fold stroller. Or the user may wish to replace the seat or accessory with a different type of seat or accessory. For example, the user may wish to replace an upright seat for a toddler with a bassinet to accommodate an infant.
• If a decision is made not to remove a seat or accessory from the stroller frame (block1206), theexample process1200 continues atblock1214, as disclosed below. However, if a decision is made to remove the seat or accessory from the stroller frame (block1206), theexample process1200 includes unlocking a handle on the seat or accessory (block1208). For example, the user may move the backrest arm(s)203 of theseat128 toward thenapper bar202 such that thebackrest portion133 of theseat128 folds toward thesupport portion135 of theseat128. As the user moves thebackrest arms203 and, in some examples, thenapper bar202 to fold theseat128, the cam(s)468 of the seat connection hub(s)208 of theseat128 move away from thesecond end466 of respective lock pin(s)460, which releases thefirst end462 of the spring-loaded lock pin(s)460 from the pocket(s)464 of therelease handle414. The release of the lock pin(s)460 from the pocket(s)464 of therelease handle414 via the rotation of theseat connection hub208 enables a user to pull therelease handle414.
• Theexample process1200 includes releasing a handle on the seat or accessory to unlock the seat or accessory from the receiver (block1210). For example, the user may pull the release handle414 outward relative to themount receiver302,304,306 to which theseat mount200 is coupled, which causes thesecond plate426 to slide with therelease handle414 and rotate theactuator430 of theseat mount200. Rotation of theactuator430 causes thelocks438,440 to retract from the openings ornotches456 of themount receiver302,304,306.
• When unlocked, the user can lift the seat or accessory out of the receiver (block1212). For example, when theseat128 or accessory is unlocked from themount receiver302,304,306 via the pulling of therelease handle414 and the resulting disengagement of theseat mount200 from themount receiver302,304,306 via the retraction of thelocks438,440, the seat or accessory can be lifted out of themount receiver302,304,306 by the user.
• Theexample process1200 includes a decision whether to attach another seat or accessory to the stroller frame (block1214). For example, the user may wish to replace the seat (e.g., an upright seat) or accessory removed from the frame with another type of seat (e.g., a bassinet) or accessory. Also, if the user previously in theexample process1200 decided not to remove the seat or accessory from the stroller frame (e.g., block1206), the decision atblock1214 would be whether to attach another seat or accessory to the frame via a different receiver than the receiver to which the seat or accessory is coupled. If the user wishes to attach another seat or accessory to the stroller frame (block1214), the example process1100 returns to the user positioning a seat or accessory over a receiver on the stroller frame to removably couple the seat or accessory to the frame (blocks1202,1204). The type of seat or accessory can differ from the seat or accessory currently attached to the stroller frame to provide for combinations such as one seat and one accessory, one upright seat and one bassinet, etc. Also, the orientation of the seat or accessory can differ from the seat or accessory currently attached to the stroller frame to include, for example, one forward-facing seat and one rearward-facing seat.
• If the user does not wish to attach another seat or accessory to the stroller frame (block1214), theexample process1200 ends.
• From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that methods and apparatus have been disclosed to provide for removable coupling of one or more seats or accessories to a stroller frame. Disclosed example stroller frames provide for attachment of the one or more seats and/or accessories to the frame in different combinations with respect to type of seat (e.g., upright seat, bassinet), placement of the seat relative to the stroller frame (e.g., left, middle, or right side), and orientation (e.g., forward- or rearward-facing or sideways) without requiring the user to adjust the stroller frame or consider factors such as stability of the frame. Rather, the user attaches the one or more seats or accessories to the frame without modifying the frame and/or the seats or accessories, which provides for flexibility in coupling different seats and/or accessories to the stroller frame.
• In disclosed examples, a seat mount of a seat or accessory is inserted into a receiver on the frame to couple the seat or accessory to the frame. In some disclosed examples, the seat mount includes locks that are engage with openings in the receiver to couple the seat mount to the receiver. In some such examples, the locks are operated via rotation of an actuator, which is activated by extension or retraction of a handle. In such examples, the rotation of the actuator causes the locks to extend and retract to mount the seat to the frame. The control of the locks via the handle of the seat mount increases user control over the coupling of the seat to the stroller frame and reduces the number of movable parts on the stroller frame, thereby simplifying the attachment of the seat and the frame while providing for secure coupling of the seat to the frame.
• Further, in some disclosed examples, removal of the seat from the stroller via the slidable handle is controlled by a lock pin, which prevents unintended movement of the handle. Instead, a user selectively adjusts a positon of the backrest arm(s) and/or napper bar of the seat (e.g., to substantially fold the seat), which releases the lock pin disposed between a rotatable joint of the seat and the seat mount release handle. Thus, examples disclosed herein provide for secure coupling of a seat or accessory to the stroller to protect stroller occupants while also facilitating ease of access for the user (e.g., a caregiver).
• Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims (21)

1. (canceled)

2. A seat frame for a stroller, the seat frame comprising:

a mount;

a first lock carried by the mount;

a second lock carried by the mount;

a moveable handle; and

a plate slidably coupled to the handle, the sliding of the plate to cause the first lock and the second lock to move between an expanded position and a retracted position to removably couple the mount to a frame of the stroller.

3. The seat frame ofclaim 2, further including an actuator, the actuator operatively coupled to the plate, the first lock, and the second lock.

4. The seat frame ofclaim 3, wherein a first portion of the actuator is engage a portion of the plate and a second portion of the actuator is to engage a portion of the first lock, the first portion of the actuator spaced part from the second portion of the actuator.

5. The seat frame ofclaim 3, wherein the actuator is to rotate in response to sliding of the plate.

6. The seat frame ofclaim 2, further including a first spring coupled to the first lock and a second spring coupled to the second lock.

7. The seat frame ofclaim 2, wherein at least a portion of the handle surrounds the plate.

8. A seat frame to be coupled to a frame of a stroller, the frame seat comprising:

a housing defining an opening;

a lock disposed in the housing;

an actuator disposed in the housing; and

a handle operatively coupled to the actuator, the actuator to rotate in response to movement of the handle from a first position to a second position, the rotation of the actuator to cause the lock to move relative to the opening to removably couple the housing to the frame of the stroller.

9. The seat frame ofclaim 8, wherein the lock includes teeth to engage a portion of the actuator.

10. The seat frame ofclaim 9, wherein the actuator includes a pinion.

11. The seat frame ofclaim 8, further including a plate supported by the handle, the plate defining a first aperture to receive a portion of the actuator, the plate to slide when the handle moves from the first position to the second position to cause the actuator to rotate.

12. The seat frame ofclaim 11, wherein a portion of the plate defining the first aperture includes teeth to engage with the portion of the actuator.

13. The seat frame ofclaim 11, wherein the plate defines a second aperture to receive a fastener to couple the handle to the housing, the plate to slide relative to the fastener.

14. The seat frame ofclaim 11, wherein the plate is a first plate and further including a second plate, the actuator coupled to the second plate.

15. A stroller comprising:

a frame;

a receiver carried by the frame; and

a seat frame including:

means for locking the seat frame to the receiver;

means for driving the locking means; and

means for releasing the seat frame from the receiver, the releasing means to move from a retracted position to an expanded position to cause the driving means to move, the movement of the driving means to cause the locking means to move relative to receiver.

16. The stroller ofclaim 15, wherein a portion of the driving means engages a corresponding portion of the locking means to cause the locking means to move.

17. The stroller ofclaim 16, wherein the releasing means is to cause the driving means to rotate.

18. The stroller ofclaim 15, wherein the locking means is first locking means and further including second locking means, the driving means to cause the second locking means to move in response to movement of the releasing means.

19. The stroller ofclaim 18, wherein the driving means is to cause the first locking means and the second locking means to move simultaneously.

20. The stroller ofclaim 15, wherein the receiver defines an opening, the locking means to move relative to the opening of the receiver.

21. The stroller ofclaim 20, wherein at least a portion of the locking means is to protrude from the opening when the seat is locked to the receiver.

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