US 5,076,599 AGranted

Convertible stroller and trailer combination

AssigneeHLR, Inc.

InventorsDennis Lockett, James T. Hruby, John G. Roth

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Abstract

A convertible combined stroller and trailer which can be changed from a stroller mode to a trailer mode and vice versa. When the vehicle is in either the stroller mode or trailer mode it includes a flexible seat for one or more passenger. When used in a stroller mode, rear wheels are attached to the opposite sides of the rear of the frame at a position called "Position S" and front wheels are attached to the opposite sides of the front of the frame. At this position the load on the frame is distributed evenly on the rear wheels and on the front wheel. When the vehicle is in a trailer mode the front wheels are removed, the rear wheels are moved from the "Position S" to a position forward and upward on the sides of the frame called "Position T", and one end of a tow bar is attached to the front of the vehicle frame. Another end of the tow bar is attached to the rear of a towing vehicle, such as a bicycle frame. In the trailer mode the load on the frame is evenly distributed on the rear tires, while the front of the frame and tow bar carry very little load. This is due to the face that the center of gravity of the trailer is closer to a ground surface for improved stability when operating in various types of terrain and during sharp turns.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A combination vehicle having a plurality of movable and removable wheels, which vehicle is capable of being used in a stroller mode and which is capable of being converted to a trailer mode and back again to a stroller mode, the combination comprising:

a frame, said frame including;
a. a pair of sides;
b. means for rigidly connecting said pair of sides in substantially parallel, spaced apart opposed relation to one another;
c. each said opposed side having;
i. a front end;
ii. a rear end;
iii. a top member running substantially between said front end and said rear end;
iv. a bottom member running substantially between said front end and said rear end;
v. an intermediary member located between said top member and said bottom member, and including a portion located forwardly and upwardly from said rear end and said bottom member;
vi. a front end mounting location proximate said front end for mounting a front wheel to said frame when said frame is being utilized as a portion of a stroller, and for receiving a tow bar when said frame is being utilized as a trailer;
vii. a first rear wheel mounting location proximate said bottom member and said rear end for mounting a wheel is thereon, and which, when a wheel is thereon, and on said front end mounting and receiving location, provides a stable center of gravity to the frame and any occupants when said frame is being utilized as a portion of a stroller;
and
viii. a second rear wheel mounting location carried by said intermediary and located forwardly and upwardly from said first wheel mounting location, which, when a wheel is mounting thereon, and a tow bar is received by said front end mounting and receiving location, provides a stable center of gravity to said frame and any occupants when said frame is being utilized as a portion of a trailer;
whereby said frame may be utilized as a component in a vehicle which is capable of being used in a stroller mode and which is also capable of being converted to a trailer mode for connection with a trailer bar, and back again to a stroller mode.

11 more elements

A converible stroller and trailer combination, which can be changed from a stroller mode to a trailer mode, the combination comprising:

a flexible seat for holding at least one child therein;
a frame supporting said seat, said frame including a pair of parallel side bars, each said side bar having a first means for receving a wheel thereon in a first position, and a second means for receiving a wheel thereon in a second position, having a forward horizontal portion, a bend portion, and an angled portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the bend portion, said side bars further including a semi-circular seat support bar with one end attached to said horizontal portion and another end of said seat support bar attached to said angled portion, said side bars also including a semi-circular trailer bushing support bar with one end attached to said horizontal portion and another end attached to said angled portion of said side bars, said seat attached to and suspended from the cross-support bar and seat support bars;
a foot rest plate having opposite sides attached to said horizontal portion of said side bars;
a pair of rear wheels attached to said first means for receiving a wheel in a first position at said bend portion of said side bars when the combination vehicle is in a stroller mode, to thereby provide a stable center of gravity to the vehicle and any occupants;
and
a front wheel attached to a forward end of said horizontal portion of said side bars when the combination vehicle is in a stroller mode.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.