WO2018101879A1

WO2018101879A1 - A child carrier and docking assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018101879A1
Application number: PCT/SE2017/051187
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lycke VON SCHANTZ
Original assignee: Pahoj AB
Current assignee: Pahoj AB
Priority date: 2016-11-29
Filing date: 2017-11-29
Publication date: 2018-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-29

Abstract

The present invention describes a child carrier and docking assembly adapted to be removably mounted to a bicycle, said assembly comprising a child carrier unit which is in the form of a bike stroller possible to connect to a docking unit of the assembly, said docking unit comprising two units, one first unit (1) arranged to be fixated to the bicycle and one second unit (2) arranged to be fixated to the bike stroller, wherein the second unit (2) is lockable into and releasable from the first unit (1) so that the child carrier is locked to and released from the bicycle, respectively, wherein the locking and releasing function between the first and second units is arranged by the second unit (2) comprising a tongue (3) arranged to be fitted into a groove (4) of the first unit (1), and also by the secondunit (2) comprising a security lock (5) which is arranged to lock the second unit (2) to the first unit (1).

Description

A CHILD CARRIER AND DOCKING ASSEMBLY

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a child carrier and docking assembly, which provides a stroller as well as a child carrier for bicycles in one and the same solution.

Background to the invention

There are existing systems comprising both a stroller and a child carrier in the same system. One such is disclosed in WO2016/003359, which describes child carrier assembly adapted to be removably mounted to a bicycle, said carrier assembly comprising a seat, a backrest portion, a footrest portion, two side portions, means for seating a child and means for supporting a child while seated, a docking assembly for connecting the child carrier assembly to said bicycle, where said child carrier assembly is adapted to function as a convertible stroller by means of comprising a wheel assembly and a handle bar. The docking assembly comprises one part being fixed to said bicycle and one part being fixed to said child carrier assembly. The connection parts are releaseably mountable to one another, and the docking assembly comprises a spring loaded mechanism which controls the

releasable docking assembly so that an upper docking assembly unit fixed to said carrier assembly is lockable and undockable to a lower docking assembly unit fixed to said bicycle, and where the upper docking assembly unit comprises two separate unlocking handles to enable the unlocking.

The present invention is directed to providing an improved child carrier and docking assembly, which provides both a stroller and a child carrier for bicycles in one and the same solution, which assembly is improved in terms of simplicity to use and lock and unlock.

Summary of the invention

The purpose above is obtained by a child carrier and docking assembly adapted to be removably mounted to a bicycle, said assembly comprising a child carrier unit which is in the form of a bike stroller possible to connect to a docking unit of the assembly, said docking unit comprising two units, one first unit arranged to be fixated to the bicycle and one second unit arranged to be fixated to the bike stroller, wherein the second unit is lockable into and releasable from the first unit so that the child carrier is locked to and released from the bicycle, respectively, wherein the locking and releasing function between the first and second units is arranged by the second unit comprising a tongue arranged to be fitted into a groove of the first unit, and also by the second unit comprising a security lock which is arranged to lock the second unit to the first unit.

As notable from above, the locking and releasing function between the first and second units is achieved by the second unit having a tongue arranged to be fitted into a groove of the first unit. Moreover, it is further obtained by the second unit comprising a security lock which is arranged to lock the second unit to the first unit. As such the locking/releasing function is simplified, but still is highly secure. The security lock functionality according to the present invention in fact has dual locking functions, which functions are independent of each other, thereby increasing the locking safety property as well as maintaining a simple usage.

Detailed description

Below specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed and discussed.

According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a child carrier and docking assembly adapted to be removably mounted to a bicycle, said assembly comprising a child carrier unit which is in the form of a bike stroller possible to connect to a docking unit of the assembly, said docking unit comprising two units, one first unit arranged to be fixated to the bicycle and one second unit arranged to be fixated to the bike stroller, wherein the second unit is lockable into and releasable from the first unit so that the child carrier is locked to and released from the bicycle, respectively, wherein the locking and releasing function between the first and second units is arranged by the second unit comprising a tongue arranged to be fitted around one end of the first unit, and also by the second unit comprising a security lock which is arranged to lock the second unit to the first unit. Also this specific embodiment of the present invention has dual locking functions. One example of this embodiment is shown in fig. 4. As notable, in this case the second unit is arranged by the second unit comprising a tongue arranged to be fitted around one end of the first unit. This may be compared to the embodiment where the locking and releasing function between the first and second units is arranged by the second unit comprising a tongue arranged to be fitted into a groove of the first unit. One example of this alternative is shown in fig. 3.

Moreover, in the case of an embodiment where the second unit comprises a tongue arranged to be fitted around one end of the first unit, this suitably is arranged at an end being the front end of the first unit, as seen as in the moving direction of a bicycle. In this case, this is the preferable alternative, but also a configuration engaging the back end may be possible.

Furthermore, according to yet another specific embodiment of the present invention, the locking and releasing function between the first and second units also comprises a spring loaded mechanism arranged in the first unit. This spring loaded mechanism provides a safe and suitable flexing and feedback and extra power to a user as it ensures the device to snap to be fixated and locked when it is in the right position.

Moreover, according to yet another specific embodiment, the tongue is arranged in one end of the second unit and wherein the security lock is arranged in the opposite end of the second unit. This embodiment is one alternative for a set-up according to the present invention where the present invention provides a two locking functionality.

As notable in the figures and as disclosed below, the security lock and locking functionality may have several different directions. According to one embodiment, the security lock is a pivotably arranged hook which is provided to be locked to and released from the first unit. Such an alternative is shown in figs. 1 and 2.

Moreover, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the security lock comprises two independent units. Also this feature may provide for additional safety in the arrangement. According to yet another specific embodiment, the security lock comprises a pivotably arranged hook which is provided to be locked to and released from the first unit and wherein the security lock also comprises a security button which functions as a second security lock. This alternative provides one solution to an

arrangement according to the present invention where increased safety functionality is provided.

Furthermore, there are other possible extra safety features. According to one embodiment, the security lock comprises two hooks. One alternative thereof is shown in fig. 5.

Moreover, according to yet another embodiment, the first unit comprises two bent arms which are joint together at a fixation point and at an engaging point. One example is provided in the embodiment shown in fig. 5.

Furthermore, also the security lock function may vary according to the present invention. According to one embodiment, the security lock comprises two parts with hooks which fixates around a tube of the first unit. Such an alternative is also shown in fig. 5. As shown in fig. 5, this may also be a spring loaded function.

Moreover, according to yet another embodiment, the security lock comprises two parts of which one has a hook to fixate around a tube of the first unit and the second one enable releasing and locking of the part with the hook. Also in this case, the version shown in fig. 5 is one alternative.

Moreover, the meaning of the expression "a tube" may be understood from fig. 3 (right down corner of the figure), where on such alternative is shown.

According to yet another specific embodiment, the security lock comprises two parts of which one has a hook to fixate around a tube of the first unit and the second one enable releasing and locking of the part with the hook. One such alternative is shown in fig. 6 of the drawings. As notable, there is further information given for one alternative of this embodiment.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment, the security lock (5) has an eccentric locking mechanism. Two possible alternatives thereof are shown in figs. 7 and 8. In fig. 7 the mentioned functionality is provided in the back and in fig 8 it is in the front. Both are possible according to the present invention. Also the actual security lock may have a two-step function according to the present invention. To give one example, according to one specific embodiment, the security lock has a two-step function by the security lock having a button which is twisted for locking or which comprises two pins which locks the security lock in position. Examples of some possible alternatives are shown in fig. 9. Again, also one of the hook configurations according to the present invention is totally possible.

Moreover, there are also other ways of adding further locking mechanisms according to the present invention. One alternative is to add another additional different locking option. To give one example, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the child carrier and docking assembly is arranged to be placed in position by a vertical plus horizontal movement, and locked firstly by such movement, and is further locked securely by a perpendicular movement. This is one such example of extra locking features which are independent of each other. In this case, the child carrier is locked as according to a motion shown in fig. 3 or 4, but is then added with another perpendicular motion as an extra locking safety.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the child carrier and docking assembly also comprises a lock indicator. According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the said lock indicator is arranged to be moved when the second unit is locked into the first unit. As an example, and as shown in fig. 3, a lock indicator in the form of a pivotable flag may be arranged to be moved when the tongue is brought into contact with it. Moreover, this may further imply that the colour is changed from red to green to show that the child carrier is placed securely into the receiving unit when it is locked in a secure position.

Drawings

In fig. 1 and 2 there is shown a releasing sequence and a locking sequence, respectively, of a child carrier and docking assembly according to one specific embodiment of the present invention.

In figs. 3 and 4 there are shown two different engagement mechanism alternatives according to the present invention, which are further discussed above. As notable, in fig. 3 the tongue 3 is arranged into the grove 4 and then an indicator 7 in the form of a flag is moved. Suitably also a colour indicator shows a green colour to a user or changes colour, e.g. from red to green, when the full motion is completed. Moreover, the security lock 5 in the form of a hook is locked around a back tube 8.

To lock a child seat, the seat is rotated around a front tube until the tongue 3 engages with the front tube. Then the backside is rotated

downwards. The security lock 5 will automatically engage the back tube 8, suitable by using a spring. The movement spins the flag around the front tube, which flag may work as a visual indicator of a correct locking of the seat.

In fig. 4 a different embodiment is shown. In this case the tongue 3 is arranged to be fitted around one end 6, suitably a front tube 6, of the first unit 1 . In this case, the child seat is to be placed on the tube frame. The seat is then pulled back over the tube structure until the tongue 3 engages with the font tube 6. Then the backside should be rotated downwards. The security lock will then automatically engage on the tube structures, e.g. by using a spring. The seat may be released by pulling the hook 5 backwards and push the seat forward.

In figs. 5 - 8 there are shown some different security lock

embodiments. Also these are further discussed above. In fig. 5, the

arrangement comprises a two-parted spring loaded security lock 5 which engages around a back tube 8. The releasing of the hooks is made by pushing both hooks apart.

In fig. 6, there is shown a security lock 5 which is paced eccentric onto an arm. When the seat is mounted onto the bracket, one of the transverse tubes will push up the lock and arm. When the arm is pushed up, the lock can pass by the transverse tube and engage with it. The arm is then pushed down and locks in itself.

Furthermore, in fig. 7 there is also shown an eccentric locking mechanism. In this case, the seat will not end up in the correct position unless the eccentric unit is unfolded during mounting.

Moreover, in fig. 8, yet another eccentric locking mechanism is shown. In this case, this is placed in the front. The seat is rotated backwards during mounting and the lock engages with a transverse tube. The lock is manually folded down to secure the seat.

Moreover, in fig. 9, there is shown two embodiments of extra security locks according to the present invention. First of all, different combinations, such as also of the ones shown, are totally possible.

In the first one shown, a small button is twisted which releases two pins in transverse direction, locking it in position. This configuration ensures that the seat is locked in both directions.

In the second one shown, a small button locks a hook in position with two pins. By pushing the button, the pins are retracted and the hook is released.

Claims

1 . A child carrier and docking assembly adapted to be removably mounted to a bicycle, said assembly comprising a child carrier unit which is in the form of a bike stroller possible to connect to a docking unit of the assembly, said docking unit comprising two units, one first unit (1 ) arranged to be fixated to the bicycle and one second unit (2) arranged to be fixated to the bike stroller, wherein the second unit (2) is lockable into and releasable from the first unit (1 ) so that the child carrier is locked to and released from the bicycle, respectively, wherein the locking and releasing function between the first and second units is arranged by the second unit (2) comprising a tongue (3) arranged to be fitted into a groove (4) of the first unit (1 ), and also by the second unit (2) comprising a security lock (5) which is arranged to lock the second unit (2) to the first unit (1 ).

2. A child carrier and docking assembly adapted to be removably mounted to a bicycle, said assembly comprising a child carrier unit which is in the form of a bike stroller possible to connect to a docking unit of the assembly, said docking unit comprising two units, one first unit (1 ) arranged to be fixated to the bicycle and one second unit (2) arranged to be fixated to the bike stroller, wherein the second unit (2) is lockable into and releasable from the first unit (1 ) so that the child carrier is locked to and released from the bicycle, respectively, wherein the locking and releasing function between the first and second units is arranged by the second unit (2) comprising a tongue (3) arranged to be fitted around one end (6) of the first unit (1 ), and also by the second unit (2) comprising a security lock (5) which is arranged to lock the second unit (2) to the first unit (1 ).

3. A child carrier and docking assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking and releasing function between the first and second units also comprises a spring loaded mechanism arranged in the first unit.

4. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein the tongue (3) is arranged in one end of the second unit (2) and wherein the security lock (5) is arranged in the opposite end of the second unit (2).

5. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the security lock (5) is a pivotably arranged hook which is provided to be locked to and released from the first unit (1 ).

6. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of claims 1 -5, wherein the security lock (5) comprises two independent units.

7. A child carrier and docking assembly according to claim 6, wherein the security lock (5) comprises a pivotably arranged hook which is provided to be locked to and released from the first unit (1 ) and wherein the security lock (5) also comprises a security button which functions as a second security lock.

8. A child carrier and docking assembly according to claim 6, wherein the security lock (5) comprises two hooks.

9. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first unit (1 ) comprises two bent arms which are joint together at a fixation point and at an engaging point.

10. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the security lock (5) comprises two parts with hooks which fixates around a tube (8) of the first unit (1 ).

1 1 . A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the security lock (5) comprises two parts of which one has a hook to fixate around a tube (8) of the first unit (1 ) and the second one enable releasing and locking of the part with the hook.

12. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the security lock (5) has an eccentric locking mechanism.

13. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the security lock (5) has a two-step function.

14. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the security lock (5) has a two-step function by the security lock (5) having a button which is twisted for locking or which comprises two pins which locks the security lock in position.

15. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the child carrier and docking assembly is arranged to be placed in position by a vertical plus horizontal movement, and locked firstly by such movement, and is further locked securely by a perpendicular movement.

16. A child carrier and docking assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the child carrier and docking assembly also comprises a lock indicator (7).