FR2797617A1 - Folding frame for child push chair has pivot point defining parallelogram linkage for foldable chair frame - Google Patents

Abstract

The folding frame for a child push chair has a front frame leg (13) and a rear frame leg (12) on each side. A cross brace (14) connects the front and rear legs and a push handle (15) which extends as an elongation of the front legs when the chair is deployed. The frame has four pivot points (161-4) which define a parallelogram linkage to allow folding and deployment.

Description

Folding frame for child car, and corresponding child car.

The field of the invention is that of childcare. More specifically, the invention relates to child carriages, and in particular folding frames for such child carriages.

There are already many techniques of folding stroller frame. In general, one seeks in particular to reconcile at least some of the following objectives - efficiency of folding, the size of the folded stroller to be as small as possible, so as to facilitate its storage, and its transport, for example in a motor vehicle; - Simplicity of folding and unfolding manipulations, the user having to be able to perform these operations with a reduced number of operations, and each of these operations must be as easy as possible; - solidity and safety of the transported child; - simplicity and low cost of manufacture.

Among the various types of known chassis, there is a category called broken folding. According to this technique, the push arms are, in unfolded position, substantially in the extension of the front legs, and tilt relative to the latter during folding. Most often, the tilting of the push arm is downward, the upper end of the push arm approaching the rear wheels.

Techniques are also known in which the push arms swing upward so that the upper end of the push arm moves closer to the front wheels. Such a technique has been developed especially for strollers called "all terrain", which are equipped with large wheels (compared to conventional strollers), usually equipped with inflatable tires. The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to this type of stroller.

In known systems of this type, the folding is based on complex means, and often involves disassembly operations, for example wheels. The kinematics of the means ensuring the folding and unfolding is based on combined movements of rotation and translation, which imply the implementation of complex means, and often fragile.

In addition, the locking / unlocking means of the chassis in the unfolded position are complex, or at least not easy to handle.

The invention particularly aims to overcome these prior technical disadvantages.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a folding frame for a child's car, and a corresponding child car, which has simple and effective folding kinematics, both for folding and unfolding.

In particular, a particular object of the invention is to provide a frame, intended for strollers with large wheels, and which does not require disassembly or complex handling.

The invention also aims to provide such a frame, which offers good compactness in the folded position, including easy transport and storage.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a frame, which is ergonomic and easy to use, both in unfolded position as during folding and unfolding operations.

Yet another object of the invention is, of course, to provide such a frame, which ensures a very good safety of the child transported.

The invention also aims to provide such a folding frame, which is simple and inexpensive to build and assemble.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a stroller frame, which can be easily equipped with different child transport devices.

These objectives, as well as others that will appear more clearly later, are achieved with the aid of a folding frame for a child's car, of the type having, on each of its lateral faces, a front base, a base rear, a crossbar connecting said front base and said base arnere, and a push arm extending, in unfolded position, in the extension of said front base.

According to the invention, the kinematics of folding / unfolding of said frame rests on the implementation, on each of said lateral faces, of a deformable parallelogram defined by four axes of rotation, namely - a first axis of rotation connecting said arm pusher, in the vicinity of its lower end, at the upper end of said rear base; a second axis of rotation connecting said front frame, in the vicinity of its upper end, to an intermediate portion of said push arm; a third axis of rotation connecting said cross member, in the vicinity of a first of its ends, to an intermediate portion of said front frame; - A fourth axis of rotation connecting said cross member in the vicinity of the second of its ends, to an intermediate portion of said rear base, the folding being obtained by bringing said push arm to the front base by tilting about said second axis of rotation.

This results in a folding kinematics and unfolding particularly simple and effective.

Advantageously, said frame is such that - in unfolded position, said first, second and third axes of rotation are substantially aligned; - In an intermediate position of folding or unfolding, said first, second and fourth axes of rotation are aligned - in the folded position, said first, second, third and fourth axes of rotation are aligned.

 Preferably, the parallelogram complies with the following rule: the sum of the distance between said first axis of rotation and said second axis of rotation and the distance between said second axis of rotation and said third axis of rotation is equal to the sum of the distance between said third axis of rotation and said fourth axis of rotation and the distance between said fourth axis of rotation and said first axis of rotation.

This rule allows in particular to guarantee a folding "flat".

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are thus the following indicative dimensions - the distance between said first axis of rotation and said second axis of rotation is of the order of 10 to 15 cm; the distance between said second axis of rotation and said third axis of rotation is of the order of 20 to 30 cm; the distance between said third axis of rotation and said fourth axis of rotation is of the order of 15 to 25 cm; the distance between said fourth axis of rotation and said first axis of rotation is of the order of 15 to 25 cm.

Note that these distances are relatively small, compared to the dimensions of the frame. The deformable parallelogram is thus in a limited space.

Advantageously, said frame is equipped with locking means unfolded position, preventing inadvertent folding. Preferably, said locking means comprise, in the vicinity of said first rotation axis, means for securing said push arm and said front stand.

These locking means can be operated directly, by hand or from a remote control provided for this purpose on the upper arm-pushers. In the latter case, the control acts on the locking means via one or more rods, or similar elements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said frame comprises removable securing means with a device for receiving a child, said securing means cooperating with complementary securing means provided for this purpose on said device.

Advantageously, said removable securing means are designed such that said device intended to receive a child can in particular be - adjustable in inclination; and / or - invertible, so that the child can be rotated either towards the front or towards the rear of said car.

Said frame can thus be equipped with at least one of the devices belonging to the group comprising - the hammocks; - the craddles ; - the nacelles; - car seats; - Child carrying devices in supine and / or sitting position.

The securing means may be provided directly on these devices, or on an intermediate support element.

The invention also relates to child carriages comprising a folding frame as described above.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, among which - Figure 1 illustrates, seen from the side, a child car chassis according to the invention, in unfolded position; - Figure 2 illustrates the frame of Figure 1, being folding or unfolding; - Figure 3 illustrates the frame of Figures 1 and 2, in the folded position; - Figures 4a to 4c show three examples of child transport devices that can be mounted on the frame of Figures 1 to 3, namely - Figure 4a: a hammock; - Figure 4b: a nacelle; - Figure 4c: a car seat; - Figure 4d: a nacelle mounted on an intermediate support.

As already mentioned, the invention therefore relates to a new folding technique of a child car chassis. This folding is ensured by the implementation of four axes of rotation, on each of the two sides of the frame. These four axes of rotation define a deformable parallelogram. No other movement, such as translation or sliding, is necessary.

The embodiment described by way of example, and illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, relates to a frame for child car type called "all terrain", equipped with wheels 11, and 112 large size, advantageously equipped with tires and / or inflatable tubes.

In this example, it is a three-wheeled stroller, equipped with a single front wheel, central position. Of course, it can be provided, without departing from the scope of the invention to equip the front legs of two wheels, either grouped in central position or distributed, conventionally on either side of the chassis, as well as the rear wheels.

In Figures 1 to 3, the frame is shown from the side. It is understood, of course, that the other side of the frame is designed and made symmetrically. The folding and unfolding kinematics are therefore only described on one side, knowing that in reality both sides operate simultaneously and identically.

Seen from the side, chassis therefore essentially comprises a rear base 12, a front base 13, a cross member 14 connecting the rear legs 12 and 13 before, and a push arm 15.

The lower extremities of the rear legs 12 and before 13 respectively carry the wheels 111 and 112.

The push arms 15 may be indifferently independent or connected in their upper part by a handlebar element. The deformable parallelogram allowing the folding and unfolding of the frame is defined by the four axes of rotation <B> 16, </ B> to <B> 16, </ B> which each connect two of the elements belonging to the group comprising the base rear 12, front base 13, the cross member 14, and the push arm 15. Thus - a first axis 16, (A) connects the upper end of the rear base 12 to the lower end of the push arm 15, or near this end; a second axis of rotation 162 (AZ) connects the upper front end 13 to an intermediate portion (that is to say substantially shifted upwards relative to the axis of rotation 16) of the arm pusher 15; - A third axis of rotation <B> 163 </ B> (A3) connects an intermediate portion of the base 13 at one end, or near one end, of the cross member 14; - A fourth axis of rotation 164 (A4) connects the other end of the cross member 14 to an intermediate portion of the rear base 12.

It will be noted that the terminology used (in particular: "end" and "intermediate part") is simplifying, to explain, generally and generally, the principle of the invention. They should not be taken in a strict sense.

In particular, the term "end" means either the real end (see example the upper end of the rear base 12) or simply the "vicinity of the end" (thus, in the case of the push arm, the latter extends slightly beyond the axis of rotation 16, the same is true for the crossbar 14, beyond the axis of rotation 163).

Similarly, the axis of rotation may be slightly offset relative to the element concerned, as is the case for the axis of rotation 162, which does not pass directly through the push arm 15, but is slightly offset from the latter by the element 17 forming a hinge, these aspects do not alter the principle of the invention, and in particular the kinematics used. The same is also true of the curved lines of the rear legs 12 and 13, and the push arm 15, which do not change the principle of the deformable parallelogram implemented, although it is not, mathematically speaking, d a real parallelogram, defined by segments of the line.

Parallelogram is thus formed of four edges 18, 184, whose indicative lengths are - edge A, A 18, (connecting the axes 16, and 162): about 5 cm (more generally 10 to 15 cm); - AA3 edge 182 (connecting the axes of rotation 162 and 163): about 25 cm (more generally 20 to 30 cm); - edge A3A4 183 (connecting the axes of rotation 163 and 164): about 20 cm (more generally 15 to 25 cm); edge A4A, <B> 18, </ B> (connecting the axes of rotation 164 and 16,): about 17.5 cm (more generally 15 to 25 cm).

advantageous rule of definition of these dimensions is A, A + AA = A3A4 + A4A, in the case described above, one checks this rule <B> 1 </ B> 2,5 + 25 = 20 + 17,5 = 37.5 Note that the parallelogram thus defined is of a relatively small size, relative to the entire chassis of the stroller. It is located in a central zone, in which one will find, as is indicated later, also the locking means and the means for fixing the child's support device.

To obtain folding, it acts on the push arm 15, so as to bring it forward (arrow 19), after of course having actuated the unlocking means.

As shown in FIG. 2, this operation tends to bring the rear base 12 towards the front base 13. In the intermediate position illustrated in FIG. 2, the push arm 15 is substantially vertical. At this time, the axes of rotation 162, 16, and 164 are substantially aligned.

continuing the folding, still according to the arrow 19, the push arm 15 is placed substantially parallel to the front base, as shown in Figure 3 (in this figure, the folding is substantially completed). Simultaneously, the rear base 12 is also substantially parallel to the front base 14.

In the final folding position, the overall size of the unit is very small, and its storage, both in a closet and in the trunk of a vehicle, is easy.

The unfolding is done symmetrically to folding. It suffices to actuate push-arm 15 along the arrow 31 to return to the position of FIG. 1, passing through the intermediate position of FIG.

locking the frame, in the unfolded position, is advantageously provided by a 'element 110 solidarisant the front base 13 to the push arm 15. Preferably, this locking element 110 is placed to maintain the lower end of the push arm 15 to near the axis of rotation 16 ,. In this, the unlocking is easy, since it is sufficient to shift slightly downward, the locking member 110 to release the push arm 15, which can then rotate about the axis 162 (arrow 19).

note that, even when the locking element <B> 110 </ B> is unlocked, the chassis remains stable, in the unfolded position as shown in Figure 1, as long as it is not acting on the arm- button. Unintentional unlocking of these means 110 does not question the safety of a child in the stroller. In order for the stroller to fold back, a deliberate action is required on the push arm 15.

The locking means 110 can be actuated directly, by hand, on each side of the frame. According to a variant of the invention, decentralized control means are provided placed in the vicinity of the upper part of the push arm 15. The actuation of these control means makes it possible to obtain the unlocking, for example by means of one or more rods circulating inside the push arm, and a tip (not represents not to overload the figure) sliding at the lower end of the push arm, and interacting with the locking means 110.

According to yet another variant, there is provided a single unlocking control button, for example placed centrally on the handlebar connecting the push arms, and simultaneously actuating the two locking means, via rods or cables.

The chassis of the invention can be equipped, conventionally, with a hammock, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4A. Advantageously, it can also be provided that it can receive other child transport devices, such as a nacelle (Figures 4B or 4D) or a car seat (Figure 4C), or any other arrangement for porting the child. child lying down and / or sitting.

For this purpose, it is possible in particular to equip the frame with means 112 for receiving and fast fixing of a child transport device of any kind, provided that it is equipped with complementary fixing means. It may for example be the system known under the name of "modulo clip" (registered trademark) distributed by the holder of this patent application.

The female part 112 of this system is mounted on the cross member 14 of the frame (Figure 1). The male part 45 is mounted directly on the carrying device (FIGS. 4A and 4B), or on an intermediate element. The latter may be in the form of a simple adaptation kit 42, for securing a car seat to the frame (Figure 4C), or in the form of a nacelle support for receiving a nacelle 44 (Figure 4D) .

Advantageously, these attachment means are designed so that the child transport device can be indifferently mounted in one direction in the other.

Provision is also preferably made for means to control the inclination 46 of this device. These inclination control means may be integral with the frame or the child transport device.

In summary, the invention proposes a new bending kinematics of child car chassis, both particularly simple and effective. It is based solely on the implementation of four axes of rotation (on each side, or side face of the car).

These four axes of rotation define a deformable parallelogram of reduced size (the parallelogram sides can be approximately between 10 and 30 cm). This kinematics makes it very easy to fold and unfold simply by actuating the push arms.

This chassis is particularly well suited to child carriages equipped with large wheels, and having either two wheels in the front. It can, however, be adapted to many other types of child carriages.

Claims (10)

1. Folding frame for a child's car, of the type having, on each of its lateral faces, a front base (13), a rear base (12), a crossbar (14) connecting said front base (13) and said base rear (17), and a push arm (15) extending, in unfolded position, in the extension of said front base (13), characterized in that the folding / unfolding kinematics is based on the implementation, on each said lateral faces, a deformable parallelogram defined by four axes of rotation, namely - a first axis of rotation (16) connecting said push arm (15), in the vicinity of its lower end, to the upper end of said base rear (12); - A second axis of rotation (16Z) connecting said front frame (13), in the vicinity of its upper end, to an intermediate portion of said pusher arm; - A third axis of rotation (163) connecting said cross member (14), in the vicinity of a first end thereof, to an intermediate portion of said front frame (13); - A fourth axis of rotation (164) connecting said cross member (14) in the vicinity of the second of its ends, intermediate portion of said rear base (12), the folding being obtained by bringing said push arm (1 to the front base (13), by tilting about said second axis of rotation 16Z). Folding frame according to claim 1, characterized in that in the unfolded position, said first (16,), second (16Z) and third (163) axes of rotation are substantially aligned; in an intermediate position of folding or unfolding, said first (16,), second (162) and fourth (164) axes of rotation are aligned; in the folded position, said first (161), second (162), third (163) and fourth (164) axes of rotation are aligned. Folding frame according to one or both of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the sum of the distance between said first axis of rotation (14) and said second axis of rotation (162) and the distance between said second axis of rotation (14) and said second axis of rotation (162). axis of rotation (162) and said third axis of rotation (163) is equal to the sum of the distance between said third axis of rotation and said fourth axis of rotation (164) and of distance between said fourth axis of rotation and said first rotation axis (161). 4. folding frame according to one or two of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that - distance between said first axis of rotation (161) and said second rotation (162) is of the order of 10 to 15 cm; distance between said second axis of rotation (162) and said third rotation (163) is of the order of 20 to 30 cm; distance between said third axis of rotation (163) and said fourth rotation (164) is of the order of 15 to 25 cm; distance between said fourth axis of rotation (164) and said first rotation (16 1) is of the order of 15 to <B> 25 </ B> cm. 5. Folding frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that is equipped with locking means (110) in the unfolded position, preventing inadvertent folding. 6. Folding frame according to claim 5, characterized in that said locking means comprise, in the vicinity of said first axis of rotation (1 securing means (110) of said pusher arm (15) and said front base (13). 7. Folding frame according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means (112; 42) for removable connection with a device for receiving a child, said means 112; 42) cooperating with complementary securing means (45) provided for this purpose on said device. 8. Folding frame according to claim 7, characterized in that said means (112; 42) for removable attachment are designed so that said device for receiving a child can be - adjustable in inclination; and / or - invertible, so that the child can be rotated either towards the front or towards the rear of said car. 9. Folding frame according to any one of claims to 8, characterized in that it can be equipped with at least one of the devices belonging to the group comprising - the hammocks; - the craddles ; - the nacelles; - car seats; - Child carrying devices in supine and / or sitting position. 10. A child car comprising a folding frame, of the type having, on each of its lateral faces, a front base, a rear base, a cross member connecting said front frame and said rear base and push arm extending in position. unfolded, in the extension of said front base, characterized in that the folding / unfolding kinematics is based on the implementation on each of said lateral faces, on the implementation, on each of said lateral faces, of a defined deformable parallelogram by four axes of rotation, namely - a first axis of rotation (16) connecting said push arm (15), in the vicinity of its lower end, to the upper end of said rear base (12); - A second axis of rotation (162) connecting said front frame (13), in the vicinity of its upper end, to an intermediate portion of said pusher arm; - a third axis of rotation <B> 163) </ B> connecting said cross member (14), in the vicinity of a first end, to an intermediate portion of said front frame (13); a fourth axis of rotation (164) connecting said cross member (14) in the vicinity of the second of its ends, to an intermediate portion of said rear base (12), the folding being obtained by bringing said push arm (15) towards the front base (13), by tilting around said second axis of rotation (16J.