WO2009035320A1

WO2009035320A1 - Element for operating a mechanism on a transporting device for a child

Info

Publication number: WO2009035320A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/000201
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lukas Petrus Franciscus Wubben; Sander Van Holland
Original assignee: Mutsy B.V.
Priority date: 2007-09-13
Filing date: 2008-09-15
Publication date: 2009-03-19

Abstract

According to the invention a transporting device for a child is provided, comprising: a frame, a mechanism (7) which can be operated by means of translating movement and which is connected to or received in the frame, operating means (13, 22) for operating the mechanism, wherein the operating means and the mechanism are coupled by means of a transmission (29) received in the frame. The operating means comprise an operating element (13) which is rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the operating means are further provided with a movement converter (22) for converting a rotating movement of the operating element (13) into a translating movement, and wherein the movement converter (22) is coupled to the transmission (29) for the purpose of transmitting the translating movement. The invention also provides operating means for a mechanism which can be operated by means of translating movement and which is incorporated in a transporting device for a child.

Description

ELEMENT FOR OPERATING A MECHANISM ON A TRANSPORTING

DEVICE FOR A CHILD

The present invention relates to a transporting device for a child which is provided with a mechanism which can be operated by translating movement. The invention further relates to operating means for operating such a mechanism.

Transporting devices for a child are known in the prior art. Examples of such a device are pushchairs, buggies, carts, but also child seats and the like. These devices are usually provided with different mechanisms. A good example hereof is a pushchair which comprises various mechanisms, for instance for the purpose of collapsing the pushchair- for easy transport, and mechanisms for adjusting the frame of the pushchair, for instance for changing the height or angular position of the push bar.

In the prior art these mechanisms can usually be operated by means of a translating movement. The mechanisms themselves are usually received in or connected to the frame of the device. Situated between the operating means and the mechanism is a transmission. This transmission can form part of the operating means and/or the mechanism. It is also possible for the transmission to be an integral part of the operating means and/or the mechanism. For safety reasons the transmission itself is received in the frame, which usually consists of a construction manufactured with substantially hollow tubes.

The operating means for the mechanisms or the mechanism are usually situated in the immediate vicinity of the mechanism itself . For the purpose of operating the operating means a translating movement is moreover required which corresponds to the translating movement required to operate the mechanism. The translating movement of the operating means is transmitted by means of the transmission to the mechanism.

A drawback of the known transporting devices and the operating means used therein is on the one hand the force needed to activate a mechanism and on the other the net force exerted on the device during operation of the operating means . Figures IA and IB show an example of such a device having the above stated drawbacks. Figure IA shows a cross-section of a part of a push bar 1 of a pushchair 2 indicated in figure IB by circle I. An overview of the placement of push bar 1 is shown in figure IB. Push bar 1 is connected to coupling means 3, which are for instance connected to an undercarriage 4 of pushchair 2. In this example push bar 1 is rotatable relative to a shaft 5 in coupling means 3. According to figure IA, push bar 1 can take up three positions which correspond to the shown recesses 6-6' ' . Fixing of push bar 1 takes place by means of a mechanism which comprises locking means 7, which are received in push bar 1. Locking means 7 are connected by means of a rivet 8 to a slidable sleeve 9. A slotted hole (not shown) is incorporated for this purpose in push bar 1. Sleeve 9 is slidable in this slotted hole.

Figure IA shows a locked situation. Push bar 1 can be unlocked by sliding sleeve 9 upward. The locking means are moved upward due to the connection via rivet 8. As a result hereof push bar 1 can be rotated. A spring 10, which is connected to push bar 1 by a rivet 11, provides a spring tension on locking means

7. A slot 12 in locking means 7 makes sliding thereof possible. If sleeve 9 is released, it will shoot back due to the spring tension and, if push bar 1 and a recess 6-6' ' are aligned, push bar 1 will once again be locked. In this example sleeve 9 can be seen as an operating element which forms part of operating means, and locking means 7 as the mechanism operated by this element. This example shows clearly that it is very difficult to separate the location of the operating element and the mechanism which is controlled thereby. This is caused by rivet 8, which mutually connects the two. It is thus very difficult as a result to place the operating element higher on push bar 1, away from for instance the locking means operated thereby, without making the latter unnecessarily long.

In respect of safety the above rotatable coupling takes a dual form. Rotation of push bar 1 relative to undercarriage 4 can hereby only be achieved with simultaneous operation of sleeves 9. Because a tensile force must be exerted on sleeves 9, there is a net force on undercarriage 4. This creates a danger of undercarriage 4 starting to move.

A further drawback is that the force required to overcome the spring force largely corresponds to the force which must be exerted on the operating element. In mechanisms requiring a high spring tension operation thereof is therefore difficult.

Another drawback is that it is not possible in the known operating means, or hardly so, to incorporate other functionalities at the position where the operating means are embodied. The operating means of figure 2 thus take up the whole diameter of the tube .

An object of the present invention is to provide a transporting device for a child and operating means in which the above stated drawbacks do not occur, or at least do so to lesser extent.

This object is achieved by the transporting device as defined in claim 1 and the operating means as defined in claim 15.

The transporting device according to the invention is distinguished relative to the known device in that the operating means comprise an operating element which is rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the operating means are further provided with a movement converter for converting a rotating movement of the operating element into a translating movement, and wherein the movement converter is coupled to the transmission for the purpose of transmitting the translating movement.

The movement converter and the operating element can form one integral component. An example hereof is a sleeve which is provided with a screw thread on a side directed toward the frame, wherein the frame is provided with a complementary screw thread.

Rotation of the sleeve will in this case also result in a translation of the sleeve. The screw thread serves here as element which converts the rotation of the sleeve into translation. It must be noted here that the use of the term 'convert' does not imply that the rotating movement itself disappears during the conversion.

It is advantageous if the transmission is placed in the frame close to a wall of the frame. In substantially hollow structures, such as a tubular element, this provides the advantage that other functionalities can also be incorporated in such structures.

A further space- saving can be obtained if the movement converter is placed on an outer side of the frame.

In order to enable easy operation of the mechanism it is advantageous if the operating means and the mechanism are placed at a mutual distance and the transmission comprises a cable, pin or chain. It hereby becomes possible for instance to operate the mechanism of figure 1 at hand height, whereby it is no longer necessary to bend down.

It is possible for the operating means to be provided with a sliding part, movement of which is limited to translation relative to the frame, wherein the sliding part and the rotatable operating element are provided with mutually engaging profiles, whereby the sliding part translates when the operating element is rotated. These profiles are preferably arranged on a side of the operating element directed toward the frame. This prevents a user or a child hurting him/herself on these profiles. Because the sliding part translates, it is not necessary for the operating element itself to also translate. It is thus advantageous if the operating element is confined such that only a rotating movement is possible.

For further shielding the sliding part can be movably confined between the operating element and the frame. An example hereof is a sleeve which is confined on its top and bottom side by means of confining rings, wherein the sleeve also covers the sliding part. A user or child cannot therefore hurt him/herself on the sliding part or profiles. The only thing which can be touched from outside is the outer side of the sleeve, which usually has a smooth structure, and/or the confining rings.

A particularly advantageous device is obtained if the frame is provided with a recess through which the operating means engage the transmission. An example of such a recess is a slot running in a longitudinal direction of the frame. The sliding part can here engage the recess, for instance by means of a protrusion, whereby the movement of the sliding part is limited to movement in longitudinal direction of the slot. This direction then corresponds to the direction of the translating movement of the transmission.

In order to reduce the danger of a child placing a finger in the recess and thus being hurt, the operating means can completely cover the recess. A particularly favourable configuration is that wherein the operating means, or in particular the operating element such as a sleeve, simultaneously cover the sliding part and the recess. The dimension of the recess in longitudinal direction then correspond to the range in translating movement of the transmission necessary for the operation of the mechanism.

The mechanisms in a transporting device for a child are usually such that they must move to a determined position without operation of the operating means. An example hereof is the mechanism of figure 1. Retraction of the locking means allows the user to rotate the push bar. When the user releases the operating means, a spring will push the locking means into a recess which may be present. Apart from the fact that a recess must be aligned, there is therefore no separate operation required from the user to lock the mechanism. Such an advantage can also be achieved with the transporting device and operating means according to the invention by placing the transmission under spring tension.

It is also possible that the transmission comes under spring tension only when the operating means are operated. An example hereof is the use of a torsion spring. Such a spring can be connected to the rotatable operating element, such as the sleeve, whereby it is moved to a determined position without operation. A spring can also be connected or coupled to the transmission. In this case the spring force will engage directly on the transmission, but likewise have the result that the rotatable operating element is moved without operation to a determined position.

The invention is particularly suitable when the frame comprises a first and second frame part which are coupled rotatably by means of coupling means, wherein the mechanism comprises locking means for locking a mutual angular position of the first and second frame parts, wherein the operating means and the locking means are connected to or received in the second frame part. Not precluded however is that the operating means and the locking means are placed on or in different frame parts . An example of a first frame part is an undercarriage of a pushchair. An example of a second frame part is a push bar.

In most transporting devices the frame will comprise a tube part. A flexible device is obtained when the second frame part comprises a first tube part in which a second tube part is slidably received. If the transmission is received in a space between the first and second tube parts, it is possible to slide the second tube part without this detracting from the functionality of the operation of the mechanism. An eccentric placing is usually advantageous here . For mutual fixing of the first and second tube parts the first tube part can be provided on an inner side with a profiling and the second tube part with engaging means for engaging the profiling. The inner side of the first tube part can for instance be provided with a strip with recesses . The second tube part can be provided on a side, for instance the underside, with engaging means, for instance a ratchet which can protrude. Fixing then comprises of the ratchet protruding into a recess .

Second operating means can be received in the second tube part for operating the engaging means by means of a cable received in the second tube part, wherein the engaging means are adapted to release the profiling when the second operating means are operated. This release preferably takes place only when the second operating means are operated. In the above stated example of the ratchet which can protrude this can for instance be realized by placing the ratchet under spring tension. The spring tension provides for a permanent force which causes the ratchet to protrude provided a recess is aligned. The spring tension can be overcome by exerting a force by means of the operating means on the cable connected to the engaging means. A transmission other than a cable is also possible.

The safety of the transporting device can be increased if it is provided with two mutually connected second frame parts, as is for instance the case with the push bar of figure IB, wherein rotation of the first frame part relative to the second frame parts is possible when both individual locking means are unlocked, and wherein the rotation for unlocking the corresponding individual operating elements is in opposite direction. Because preferably simultaneous operation of two operating elements is necessary for rotation, chance rotation can be prevented. The rotation in opposite direction ensures that no, or very little, net force is exerted on the device. No or hardly any counterforce need therefore be exerted on the device during operation in order for instance to hold it in place. According to a further aspect, the invention provides operating means for a mechanism, which can be operated by means of translating movement and which is received in a transporting device for a child as defined above. It is advantageous if the operating means are adapted to operate the mechanism remotely, for instance by means of a transmission. It must be noted here that this transmission can also form part of the operating means.

An embodiment of the invention will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, wherein: Figure IA shows a cross-section of a known rotation mechanism forming part of a pushchair as shown in figure IB;

Figure 2 shows a push bar for the pushchair of figure IB, in which the operating means are embodied according to the invention; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the most important components of the operating means of figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a cross -section of the view of figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a cross -section of a part of the push bar of figure 2; and Figure 6 shows a detail view of the push bar of figure 5.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 2. This figure once again shows a push bar 1, although the position of sleeve 13 is now shifted upward, away from coupling means 3. Push bar 1 consists here of two parts, a lower bar 14 and an upper bar 15 partially received therein. Upper bar 15 is slidable in lower bar 14. Push bar 1 comprises two operating elements and two devices which are operated by these elements. The first operating element 16 with associated device is for sliding and fixing of upper bar 15. The second operating element, sleeve 13, is for rotating push bar 1 according to arrow 17 relative to coupling means 3.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that, if the second operating element 13 were to be embodied as in figure IA, it would not be possible for upper bar 15 to slide into lower bar 14, or at least would do so only to a limited extent, due to the obstruction by rivet 8. Locking means 7 could further become very long, whereby inefficient use would be made of the space inside lower bar 14.

Another drawback of the known art is related to the forces necessary to unlock push bar 1. Firstly, a counterforce on push bar 1 is required to prevent pushchair 2 being lifted upward. Secondly, the force required to bring about unlocking is substantially equal to the spring force which must be overcome. The operating means according to the present invention do not have these drawbacks, or at least do so to lesser extent.

Figures 3 and 4 show an exploded view at the position of sleeve 13 according to the present invention. Sleeve 13 is rotatable relative to lower bar 14. Incorporated in lower bar

14 is a slot 18, in this figure use being made of two slots, in which a confining ring 19 is placed, which comprises structures 20, 20' which, in co-action with slot 18, ensure that confining ring 19 cannot rotate. The rotatable sleeve 13 is placed on confining ring 19. Sleeve 13 has on the underside recesses 21 which correspond to structures 20, 20' of confining ring 19, for instance for the purpose of limiting the maximum angular rotation. A sliding part 22 is then placed in sleeve 13. Sliding part 22 comprises structures 23, 23 ' which ensure on the one hand that sliding part 22 engages on slot 18 and can therefore only translate, and on the other that a cable 29 can be connected to sliding part 22. This cable forms part of the transmission between operating means and mechanism. The inner side of sleeve 13 is further provided with turned inclining profiles 24. Profiles 24 engage on an edge 25 of sliding part 22, which has the same type of form. A second confining ring 26 is then placed, which is fixedly connected to lower bar 14, for instance by means of a rivet (not shown) through an opening 27. Confining ring 19 can optionally be fixed by choosing suitable dimensions of slot 18.

The operation of the operating means will now be explained with reference to figures 3, 4, 5 and 6. It is important to note here that the operating means can be seen in assembled form in figures 5 and 6. The operating means according to the present invention take up a very limited amount of space however, whereby it becomes possible to apply other devices and/or operating elements at the position of operating element 13 according to the present invention. This is illustrated in figures 5 and 6 by the inclusion, in the tube part at the position of operating element 13, of engaging means 28 for locking upper bar 15 on lower bar 14. Engaging means 28 need not however be taken into consideration in the discussion of the operation of the operating means according to the present invention.

In figures 5 and 6 the operating means according to the present invention operate locking means 7 by means of a cable 29. Cable 29 has taken over the function of slidable sleeve 9 of figure 1. Push bar 1 is thus rotatable when cable 29 is pulled. Spring 10 further provides tension on cable 29. Cable 29 is connected to sliding part 22. When sleeve 13 is rotated in a given direction, profiles 24 on the inner side of sleeve 13 and edge 25 of sliding part 22 ensure that sliding part 22 slides upward. Which rotation direction corresponds to an upward movement of sliding part 22 is determined by the form of profiles 24 on the inner side of sleeve 13 and edge 25 of sliding part 22. Sleeve 13 itself is clamped by confining ring 19 and confining ring 26. There is however a space available in sleeve 13 inside which sliding part 22 can displace. Because sliding part 22 moves upward, cable 29 is pulled, whereby push bar 1 is unlocked. If sleeve 13 is released, the spring tension on cable 29 and sliding part 22 ensures that sleeve 13 rotates back and sliding part 22 moves downward.

A conversion from a rotating movement to a translating movement is obtained through sleeve 13 and sliding part 22. A favourable force conversion can further be obtained, and less counterforce is required to hold pushchair 2 in place. If such operating means are also arranged on the corresponding other lower bar, wherein the rotation is in the opposite direction, the required counterforce is reduced to a minimum. Known techniques such as rivets can be used to fix confining ring 26. Openings which facilitate manufacture are arranged for this purpose in sleeve 13 and confining ring 27. A covering tongue 30 can be used to close off the whole.

Figures 5 and 6 further show an unlocked upper bar 15 which is received in lower bar 14. Drawn in addition to upper bar 15 and lower bar 14 is a strip 31 which is provided with recesses 32. These correspond to the possible positions of upper bar 15. Due to strip 31 the upper bar 15 is placed non- symmetrically (eccentrically) relative to lower bar 14. The drawn engaging means 28 serve to lock the position of upper bar 15 in lower bar 14. For this purpose a beam-like structure 33 is incorporated which is under spring tension caused by a spring 34. Connected to the top side of engaging means 28 is a cable (not drawn) which is connected to operating element 16 of figure 2. When this element is operated, the tension of the cable on beam- like structure 33 changes, and this structure will move as a result. A T-shaped structure 35, which co-acts with beam- like structure

33 and whose movement is limited to a direction perpendicularly of the cable, will hereby move out of a recess 32 of strip 31, whereby upper bar 15 becomes displaceable relative to lower bar 14. It is for instance possible to provide T-shaped structure 35 with protrusions which engage in a slot in beam-like structure 33 (not drawn) . By applying force to the cable the beam-like structure 33 will move in the direction of the cable. The slot hereby also displaces. T-shaped structure 35 can remain engaging in this slot only by moving perpendicularly of the cable, and in this case therefore out of the recess.

The operation of these engaging means shows that it is possible to place them at the position of the operating means according to the present invention. A further advantage of the present invention is that the upper bar can be embodied without slot because the tube does not have to be intersected by a rivet. There is hereby less danger of for instance fingers being trapped. The fact that the operating element shields all dangerous components also contributes to the safety of the invention.

The above discussed embodiment demonstrates several advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to the skilled person that other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims .

The invention can also relate to an assembly of a push bar and coupling means, wherein the push bar is provided with the operating means according to the present invention. The invention can likewise relate only to the push bar.

Claims

1. Transporting device for a child, comprising:

• a frame; • a mechanism which can be operated by means of translating movement and which is connected to or received in the frame;

• operating means for operating the mechanism, wherein the operating means and the mechanism are coupled by means of a transmission received in the frame; characterized in that the operating means comprise an operating element which is rotatable relative to the frame, wherein the operating means are further provided with a movement converter for converting a rotating movement of the operating element into a translating movement, and wherein the movement converter is coupled to the transmission for the purpose of transmitting the translating movement.

2. Transporting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement converter is placed on an outer side of the frame.

3. Transporting device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein operating means and mechanism are placed at a mutual distance and the transmission comprises a cable, pin or chain.

4. Transporting device as claimed in any of the claims 1-3, wherein the operating means are provided with a sliding part, movement of which is limited to translation relative to the frame, wherein the sliding part and the rotatable operating element are provided with mutually engaging profiles, whereby the sliding part translates when the operating element is rotated.

5. Transporting device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sliding part is movably confined between the operating element and the frame.

6. Transporting device as claimed in any of the claims 1-5, wherein the frame is provided with a recess through which the operating means engage the transmission.

7. Transporting device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the operating means completely cover the recess.

8. Transporting device as claimed in any of the claims 1-7, wherein the transmission is under spring tension.

9. Transporting device as claimed in any of the claims 1-8, wherein the frame comprises a first and second frame part which are coupled rotatably by means of coupling means, wherein the mechanism comprises locking means for locking a mutual angular position of the first and second frame parts, wherein the operating means and the locking means are connected to or received in the second frame part .

10. Transporting device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second frame part comprises a first tube part in which a second tube part is slidably received.

11. Transporting device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the transmission is received in a space between the first and the second tube part.

12. Transporting device as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein for mutual fixing of the first and second tube parts the first tube part is provided on an inner side with a profiling and the second tube part is provided with engaging means for engaging the profiling.

13. Transporting device as claimed in claim 12, further comprising second operating means received in the second tube part for operating the engaging means by means of a cable received in the second tube part, wherein the engaging means are adapted to release the profiling only when the second operating means are operated.

14. Transporting device as claimed in any of the claims 9-13, wherein the transporting device is provided with two mutually connected second frame parts, wherein rotation of the first frame part relative to the second frame parts is possible only when both individual locking means are unlocked, and wherein the rotation for unlocking the corresponding individual operating elements is in opposite direction.

15. Operating means for a mechanism which can be operated by means of translating movement and which is received in a transporting device for a child as defined in any of the claims 1-14.