EP2152539A1

EP2152539A1 - Transport device for a small child

Info

Publication number: EP2152539A1
Application number: EP08758590A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Labik Janusz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-18
Filing date: 2008-05-16
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Also published as: DE102007023509B4; WO2008141778A1; DE102007023509A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device for a small child, having a receptacle shell (12) for receiving the small child, and a chassis which is fixed in a chassis housing (14) underneath the receptacle shell (12), and which has at least three elongate wheel supports (26, 28; 26a-b,28a-b) on each of which at least one rotatably mounted wheel (34, 36; 34a-b, 36a-b) is arranged. The chassis can pivot between a driving position in which the receptacle shell (12), resting on the wheel supports (26, 28; 26a-b,28a-b), can be driven on the wheels (34, 36; 34a-b, 36a-b), and a collapsed position in which the wheel supports (26, 28; 26a-b,28a-b) with the wheels (34, 36; 34a-b, 36a-b) are collapsed toward the upper part of the lower outer contours of the chassis housing (14). A guiding and supporting bracket (16) spans the receptacle shell (12) in the area of a center of gravity plane situated transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shell, and is pivotably attached to side walls of the receptacle shell (12) and can be be fixed in a position in which it extends in or parallel to the center of gravity plane. The chassis can be fixed in its collapsed position, wherein for fixing the chassis in the collapsed position, friction-locking or form-locking means (60a, 60b) are arranged on walls of the chassis housing (14) and work together with corresponding friction-locking or form-locking means on at least one wheel support (26, 28; 26a-b, 28a-b), such that their interaction causes a wheel (36; 36a-b) with a caster (58; 58a-b) to pivot through a prespecified angle range.

Description

Transport device for a toddler

description

The invention relates to a transport device for a toddler with a receiving tray for receiving the toddler and a chassis which is mounted in a chassis housing below the receiving tray and has at least three elongated wheel carrier, on each of which at least one rotatably mounted wheel is arranged, wherein the chassis is pivotable is between a driving position in which the receiving tray on the wheel carriers resting on the wheels is movable, and a folding position in which the wheel carrier are folded with the wheels to above the lower outer contours of the chassis housing, and wherein a guide and mounting bracket, the receiving tray in Spanning area of a transverse to their longitudinal alignment center of gravity spans and pivotally attached to side walls of the receiving tray and can be fixed in a position in which it extends in or parallel to the focal plane, and wherein the chassis in its folding position fix is possible.

Such transport devices are known from WO 03/008228 Al.

EP 0 466 492 B1 discloses a car seat for children, which is below the seat-shaped receiving tray Has housing from which, if necessary, a chassis is folded out. Together with the chassis a parallel to the backrest of the seat arranged guide bracket is telescopically extendable. The known transport device can be used with folded chassis and inserted guide bracket as a conventional car seat for children. In particular, special slots for carrying seat belts in the wall of the receiving tray are provided for this purpose. Outside the car, the known transport device can be used with unfolded chassis and extended guide bracket as a stroller, especially as a so-called sports car or stroller.

A disadvantage of the known transport device is that, as in a conventional, folding children's sports car, the child must leave the receiving tray during the conversion. This is particularly problematic for very young children under one year.

Other known devices, which are constructed according to the same principle and correspondingly have the same disadvantages, are disclosed in EP 0 278 385, DE 150 57 66, EP 0 639 490 A1 and US 4,679,804.

US 5,133,567 discloses a mobile pedestal for a toddler car seat. Although the chassis of the pedestal can be combined by means of a folding mechanism to save space. When using the device as a car seat but the pedestal must still be removed and stowed separately. This is impractical and space consuming. From US 7,090,291 B2 a child car seat with integrated chassis is known. The chassis comprises two parallel rows of successively arranged wheels, wherein the rows of wheels are mounted on short, pivotally mounted about parallel to the direction of pivot axes mounted supports. As a result, the wheels can be pivoted when using the device as a car seat under the bottom of the seat, so that it rests on its side walls. The disadvantage is that the seat floats only a few inches above the ground when unfolded for use as a stroller wheels. This is impractical for the driver of the stroller and dangerous for the child, which on the one hand can easily be overlooked and on the other hand in the area of the largest, ground-level exhaust concentration and moves on or below the snout height of medium and large dogs.

The generic WO 03/008228 discloses a transport device having the features of the preamble of claim 1. In the folded position, the wheels are fully retracted behind the lower outer contour of the chassis housing. However, an unfortunate compromise has to be found here. On the one hand, the largest possible wheel diameter is desirable in terms of ride comfort and stability. On the other hand, the overall height of the chassis housing, which must correspond to at least the wheel diameter in the known device, should be kept as small as possible. It is the object of the present invention to solve this dilemma and in particular to allow a large wheel diameter with low height of the chassis housing.

This object is achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that for fixing the chassis in the folded position frictional or positive locking means are arranged on walls of the chassis housing, which cooperate with corresponding frictional or positive locking means on at least one wheel, so by the interaction of the frictional or positive locking means with a wheel mounted with a caster experiences a pivoting about a predetermined angular range.

This invention has the following background. Typically, at least one wheel will be pivotable and stored with a trailer to allow steerability of the device. When the chassis is folded in, this wheel will follow the direction of gravity. If, for example, a gear arranged on the pivot axis of the caster, which cooperates with a rack on the wall of the chassis housing, the gear will mesh with the rack when folding the wheel carrier and cause a pivoting of the wheel, so that this with a favorable interpretation of the dimensions in the folded position comes to lie horizontally under the receiving tray. This reduces the required of the chassis housing. In addition to the frictional or positive locking means, a fixation of the chassis in the folded position can also be done by hooks, locking elements or magnets. In the context of this application, the term center of gravity designates a level which leads through the center of gravity of the overall device (preferably together with the child).

In the invention, preferably no separate and in particular extendable guide bracket is provided, as it extends parallel to the backrest of a seat as in conventional stroller. Rather, a mounting bracket is provided, which allows to carry the entire transport device in the manner of a handle basket. The pivoting of the support bracket allows him to fold down when using the device as a car seat parallel to the longitudinal extent of the receiving tray to ensure a secure fixation in the car. To get out of the car, the bracket can be folded up into or parallel to the focal plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the shell and the receiving tray together with the child are easily removed. The conversion into a stroller can then be done by unfolding the chassis with one hand, while the other hand holds the entire device on the carrying handle. Finally, the detectability of the carrying handle in or parallel to the center of gravity allows its use as a guide bracket for the now built stroller. It should be noted that the guiding of the transport device according to the invention as a carriage does not take place as in known prams from a position behind the child. Rather, the car can be performed in addition to the leading person, the height of the chassis and the bracket are preferably coordinated so that the bracket extends to about the waist height of an average tall person, so that the car with relaxed, slightly bent Arm posture can be performed next to the leading person. This type of carriage guide is particularly advantageous in terms of maneuverability.

Due to the double function of the bracket as a guide and support bracket obstacles such as curbs or stairs can be easily overcome by one-handed lifting of the entire device. In addition, the separate construction of the chassis on the one hand and the guide and support bracket on the other hand allows a significant material and thus weight savings, since both units connecting and possibly interacting elements can be saved.

Conveniently, the chassis housing is integrally connected to the receiving tray. This is particularly useful when, as is preferably provided, the receiving tray is designed as an injection molded part made of plastic. Alternatively, the chassis housing can also be designed as an attachment or retrofit part, which is reversibly connectable to the receiving tray. For example, it is conceivable that the receiving tray is offered with a mounting bracket as a base model to which, for example, via latching or other connecting means the chassis housing, which may be acquired as an accessory, together with the chassis is mountable.

Note that in this context, the term "housing" does not necessarily mean a closed box for receiving the entire chassis. Rather, even partially open embodiments should be subsumed under the term. In extreme cases, it is sufficient if the chassis housing of two below the Mounted tray mounted upright and parallel to the longitudinal extent of the receiving tray oriented planks, on the one hand have articulation points for the wheel and on the other hand extend outer contours of the overall device down so that in the folded state, the wheels and wheel are retractable behind these contours. When used as a car seat, the transport device is thus in the folded state on the lower edges of the planks, so that the wheels can not pollute as a seat.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that outside of the chassis housing a connected to the wheel carriers actuating lever is arranged, which allows a one-handed operation of the input and / or unfolding of the entire chassis. In principle, it is sufficient if the wheel carriers of the chassis are individually or in groups folded out with one hand. It is cheaper, however, if with the operation of a single lever, which protrudes from the chassis housing, the entire chassis can be folded out at once. In this way, namely the time is shortened during which the transport device must be held with muscle power.

To simplify in particular the unfolding can be provided that the chassis by means of a spring mechanism folds out and the spring mechanism in the folding position can be locked and released for transfer to the driving position. As a result, an automatic unfolding is achieved. To fold in preferably the above-mentioned operating lever is used. Alternatively, the chassis can also be designed by electric motor on and folded out. When using modern electric motor and battery technology, this can be realized without too much weight penalty.

Preferably, the chassis is also fixable in its driving position. A fixability in the driving position increases the safety, since an unintentional collapse is avoided.

In order to keep the size of the entire device as low as possible, it is preferably provided that the chassis comprises two counter-rotating wheel carrier groups. These are in the folded position preferably nested below the receiving tray. It should be noted that each wheel carrier group preferably comprises two wheel carriers, but that, for example, three-wheeled variants are also conceivable in which one wheel carrier group has two wheel carriers and a further wheel carrier group has only one wheel carrier. Other groupings are possible as long as the stability in the driving position is guaranteed.

For safety reasons, it is favorable if at least one of the wheels is lockable by means of a brake. It is preferably provided that the brake is configured as a cable brake, which is actuated via an actuating device arranged on the mounting bracket, wherein the cable is preferably guided in the mounting bracket and in one of the wheel carrier. In particular, in retrofit variants of the invention, the train but can also be laid outside. Preferably, the brake in the unactuated state of the actuator determines the wheel and it is the wheel only in a force-loaded state of

Actuator released. This makes it possible to park the transport device in the driving position even in sloping terrain.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following, specific description and the drawings.

Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a transport device according to the invention in the folded position,

FIG. 2 shows a transport device according to the invention in the driving position,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the operation of the transport device according to the invention in the driving position,

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the chassis,

Figure 5: a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the chassis in the folded position. Figure 1 shows a transport device 10 according to the invention in its folded position. The transport device 10 has a receiving tray 12 for receiving a preferably lying toddler. Below the receiving tray 12, a chassis housing 14 is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the chassis housing is designed as a separate component, which is preferably reversibly attached to the underside of the receiving tray 12. In other embodiments, the receiving tray 12 and the chassis housing 14 may also be integrally formed, preferably as an injection molded part made of plastic. In the transverse to the longitudinal axis of the receiving tray 12 aligned focal plane, ie the plane in which the center of gravity of the overall device 10 is located on the outer walls of the receiving tray 12, a mounting bracket 16 is attached. The attachment of the support bracket 16 on the outer walls of the receiving tray 12 is realized by means of lockable hinges 18. The mounting bracket 16 is, as indicated by the arrow 20, about its pivot points 18 pivotally. In particular, when using the transport device 10 as a car seat, which is preferably strapped with seat belts on the seat of a motor vehicle, it is advantageous to fold the support bracket 16 approximately parallel to the longitudinal extent of the receiving tray 12. When removing the device 10 from the car, the support bracket 16, as shown in Figure 1, be transferred in the manner of a handle basket in an upright position.

In the folding position shown in Figure 1, the lower edge 22 of the chassis housing 14 serves as a base or edge. Preferably, the edge 22 is curved, to allow a calming rocking of the transport device 10. In order to prevent rocking in favor of a safe state, if necessary, a flap 24 is provided which is hinged so that the upright by the curvature of the edge 22 between the bottom on which the device stands, and its edge 22 of the base and its edge 22nd existing space can be bridged.

The main task of the chassis housing 14 is the accommodation and attachment of a folding chassis, which will be described in more detail below in connection with the figures 2, 4 and 5 below.

Figure 2 shows the transport device according to the invention in its driving position, i. with unfolded chassis. Elements hidden in the chassis housing 14 are shown by dashed lines in FIG. The chassis has two groups of wheel carriers 26 and 28. As can be seen in FIG. 5, each group has two wheel carriers, but only one of them is shown in FIG. The wheel carriers are articulated at articulation points 30 and 32 on the wall of the chassis housing 14. Each wheel carrier carries at its lower end a wheel 34 and 36, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the wheels are attached to the wheel carriers 28 by means of pivotable casters 58. Note that in other embodiments it is possible for one of the wheel carrier groups to have only one wheel carrier. With regard to the number of wheels, unlike the embodiment shown, it is also possible to provide double wheels or pairs of double wheels.

- II - In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the wheel carriers 26, 28 are coupled together via a hinge mechanism 38, so that they are simultaneously movable. This movement is caused by actuation of an actuating lever 40 and will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5 in more detail.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the handling of the transport device 10 according to the invention in the driving position. On both sides of the transport device 10 symmetrically formed elements are marked using the previously introduced reference numerals with the additions "a" and "b". The bracket 16 is fixed at its pivot points 18a and 18b in its upright position. With more favorable dimensioning of the individual elements of the device 10, the bracket 16 is at a height in which a standing next to the transport device 10 or walking leader 42 grab the bracket with slightly bent arm without bending down and the transport device as a car next to him can.

Figure 4 shows details of a preferred embodiment of the folding mechanism of the chassis. Points 30 and 32, in which the wheel carriers 26, 28 are articulated on the wall of the chassis housing 14, not shown in FIG. 4, are marked with an "X". The driving position is shown in Figure 4 with solid lines, while an intermediate position between the driving and folding position is shown in dashed lines. The wheel carrier 26 and 28 are connected to a connecting rod 44 hinged together. In this case, the connecting rod 44 on the wheel carrier 26 in a point of articulation Hinged 46, which is above the fixing point 30. In contrast, the connecting rod 44 is articulated on the wheel carrier 28 in a pivot point 50 which lies below the fixing point 32. In this way, it is achieved that the wheel carrier 26, 28 simultaneously but in opposite directions pivot. The actuating lever 40 is secured in the embodiment shown in the region of the fixing point 30 of the wheel carrier 26 to the latter.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the chassis in the folded position. In the embodiment shown, the chassis housing consists essentially only of two parallel planks, which are defined under the receiving tray 12 at this. In the illustrated embodiment, each wheel carrier group 26, 28 has two wheel carriers 26a, 26b and 28a, 28b, respectively. The wheel carriers of the group 26 are coupled together via a connecting rail 54. The same applies to the wheel carriers of the group 28, which are coupled by means of the connecting rail 56. The connecting rod 44, which is embodied twice in the embodiment of FIG. 5 as connecting rod 44 a and 44 b, attaches to the connecting rails 54 and 56.

In the illustrated embodiment, only the wheel carrier 28a and 28b of the Radträgergruppe 28 are in the folded position within the walls of the chassis housing 14. The wheel 26a and 26b of Radträgergruppe 26, however, lie in the folded position outside of the chassis housing 14. This arrangement is in terms of floor plan and Saving of space particularly favorable. For the invention, however, this division is not mandatory. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels 36a, 36b are secured to the wheel carriers 28a, 28b by means of a pivotable caster 58a, 58b. This allows a steerability of the transport device according to the invention in the driving position. When folding the chassis, the caster tracks 58a and 58b will fold down due to the dead weight of the wheels 36a, 36b. This is disadvantageous in view of the required height of the chassis housing. It is therefore preferably provided on the walls of the chassis housing 14 frictional or positive locking means 60a, 60b, which cooperate with corresponding elements on the trailing sections 58a, 58b. For example, the caster tracks 58a, 58b may be provided with external teeth, which engage in the teeth of a toothed rail on the walls of the chassis housing. When folding the chassis then the trailers 58a, 58b and with them the wheels 36a and 36b are sunk in a horizontal, bauhöhensparende position. In this position, the wheels can be additionally fixed with magnets, hooks, locking elements, etc. As an alternative to positive-locking elements, such as gearwheel / rack-and-pinion pairs, frictional engagement means can also be used for the same purpose. For example, the trailers 58a, 58b may be encased externally with a soft plastic which interacts with a roughened or also soft plastic-coated surface on the walls of the chassis housing 14 in a manner analogous to that described above.

Of course, those discussed in the specific description and illustrated in the figures Embodiments are merely illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be aware of a broad spectrum in light of the disclosure herein

Possible variations based on. In particular, the choice of materials and the dimensioning can be adapted to the specific individual case.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

transport device

receiving dish

chassis housing

Yoke, a, b linkage of 16

Panning arrow

Lower edge of 14

Flap, a, b first wheel carrier, a, b second wheel carrier, a, b pivot point of 26, a, b pivot point of 28, a, b wheel on 26, a, b wheel on 28th

linkage

actuating lever

Guide person a, b connecting rod a, b first articulation point of 44a, b second articulation point of 44th

Connecting rail, a, b Caster a, b Frictional or positive locking element

Claims

claims

A toddler transport device comprising a baby cradle (12) and a chassis mounted in a chassis housing (14) below the cradle (12) and having at least three elongated wheel carriers (26, 28; 26a-b, 28a-b) At least one rotatably mounted wheel (34, 36, 34a-b, 36a-b) is arranged, wherein the chassis is pivotable between a driving position, in which the receiving tray (12) on the wheel carriers (26, 28 26a-b, 28a-b) being mobile on the wheels (34, 36; 34a-b, 36a-b), and a folding position in which the wheel carriers (26, 28; 26a-b, 28a-b) are movable. with the wheels (34, 36, 34a-b, 36a-b) are folded to above the lower outer contours of the chassis housing (14), and wherein a guide and support bracket (16) the receiving tray (12) in the region of a transverse to her Spanning longitudinal alignment stationary focal plane and pivotally attached to side walls of the receiving tray (12) and in e iner position can be fixed, in which it extends in or parallel to the focal plane, and wherein the chassis is fixed in its folded position, characterized in that for fixing the chassis in the folding position friction or positive locking means (60a, 60b) on walls of Chassis housing (14) are arranged, which with corresponding frictional or positive locking means on at least one wheel carrier (26, 28; 26a-b, 28a-b) cooperate, so that by the interaction of the frictional or positive locking means (60a, 60b) with a trailer (58; 58a-b) mounted wheel (36; 36a-b) undergoes a pivoting by a predetermined angular range.

2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis housing (14) is integrally connected to the receiving tray (12).

3. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis housing (14) reversibly with the receiving tray (12) is connectable.

4. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving tray (12) as an injection molded part

Plastic is formed.

5. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that outside of the chassis housing (14) with a

Wheel carriers (26, 28, 26a-b, 28a-b) connected

Operating lever (40) is arranged, the one-handed

Activation of folding in and / or unfolding of the chassis allowed.

6. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis by means of a spring mechanism can be folded and the spring mechanism in the folded position lockable and releasable for transfer to the driving position.

7. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis by means of an electromotive

Drive is foldable.

8. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis is fixable in its driving position.

9. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis can be pivoted in two opposite directions

Wheel carrier groups (26, 28).

10. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the wheels is detectable by means of a brake.

11. Transport device according to claim 10, characterized in that the brake is designed as a cable brake, which is actuated via a control device arranged on the mounting bracket.

12. Transport device according to claim 11, characterized in that the brake in the unactuated state of the actuator detects the wheel and releases the wheel only in a force-loaded state of the actuator.