Multi-function mobility device

• US 9,889,872 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2016
• Issued: 02/13/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ignio, LLC
• Original Assignee: Ignio, LLC
• Inventors: Somerset, Darren W., Lall, Sunil
• Primary Examiner(s): Shriver, II, James A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cassidy, Brian L
• Application Number:
  US15/082,173
• Publication Number:
  US 20170274919A1
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 280685
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 2205/006 dismountable
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 2205/04 box-shaped in folded position
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 2205/10 Detachable wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 2205/104 Detachable wheel units, e.g. together with the wheel shaft
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 2206/006 Convertible hand-propelled vehicles or sledges
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 7/008 for two or more children
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 7/02 having only a single wheel axis
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 7/046 with interchangeable front wheel unit
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 7/12 convertible, e.g. into children's furniture or toy children's chairs convertible to pushchairs A47D1/06
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 7/123 from seat to bed B62B7/147, B62B9/104 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 7/126 into a trailer, e.g. bicycle trailer
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 7/145 the body being a rigid seat, e.g. a shell
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 9/102 characterized by details of the seat
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 9/12 involving parts that are adjustable, attachable or detachable B62B9/102, B62B9/14 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 9/14 Equipment protecting from environmental influences, e.g. Hoods; Weather screens; Cat nets
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 9/20 Handle bars; Handles

Abstract

A multi-function stroller may comprise a lower chassis shell and an upper occupant shell connected by a quick release pivot joint that provides occupant accommodation that is secure and comfortable. In addition, the structural architecture is designed to allow safe adaptations to the axle configuration. Through flexible suspension arm mounting the suspension-hub-wheel/tire assembly can be quickly assembled/disassembled to provide alternative usage axle layouts. An ergonomic handle assembly may be coupled with the structure for pushing, pulling, towing, carrying, etc. When disassembled, the multi-function stroller can be folded into a compact storage mode. Thus, non-compromised performance, versatility, and usage functionality can be readily achieved and accomplished in a safe manner.

Claims

1. A mobility device capable of being configured in a plurality of configurations, comprising:

a lower structure including a chassis shell having lower floor and rear closing transverse areas connecting opposed sidewalls and a front suspension arm mount assembly and a rear suspension arm mount assembly;

each of said suspension arm mount assemblies having a suspension arm mount for receiving a suspension arm;

said suspension arm having a connecting portion and a wheel coupling portion, said connecting portion adapted to be connectable and removable with one of said suspension arm mounts and said wheel coupling portion configured to be coupled with a wheel/tire assembly;

an upper occupant shell structure assembly; and

a pivot connector for coupling/decoupling said upper occupant shell structure assembly with/from said chassis shell, said pivot connector allowing for position adjustment of at least one of said shells about an axis of rotation such that said shells can be positioned in the desired configuration.

2. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein said mobility device is configurable in at least two of:

a one-wheeled configuration, a two-wheeled configuration, a three-wheeled configuration, or a four-wheeled configuration.

3. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein said front suspension arm mount assembly comprises at least three suspension arm mounts.

4. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein said rear suspension arm mount assembly comprises at least four suspension arm mounts, including at least two outboard suspension arm mounts and at least two inboard suspension arm mounts.

5. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein said rear suspension arm mount assembly is adjustable about a pivot axis such that the ride height of said mobility device can be varied.

6. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein said upper occupant shell structure assembly further comprises an upper suspension mount assembly, said upper suspension arm mount assembly provided with an upper suspension arm mount.

7. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein a handle pivot point is disposed on at least one of said shells, said handle pivot point for receiving a handle assembly, said handle assembly being telescopically adjustable.

8. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein said mobility device is configurable in at least two of:

a four-wheeled short wheelbase front facing occupant stroller, a three-wheeled long wheelbase front facing occupant jogging stroller, a three-wheeled short wheelbase front facing occupant stroller, a two-wheeled front facing occupant bicycle trailer carriage, a one-wheeled front facing occupant bicycle trailer carriage, a four-wheeled child wagon, four-wheeled short wheelbase rear facing occupant pram, or a four-wheeled short wheelbase multiple occupant stroller with a plurality of occupant facing configurations.

9. A mobility device, comprising:

a chassis shell having a front portion and a rear portion;

said chassis shell having lower floor and rear closing transverse areas connecting opposed sidewalls;

a plurality of mounts each adapted to be coupled with a connecting portion of a suspension arm, said suspension arm having a wheel coupling portion opposite said connecting portion, said wheel coupling portion adapted to be coupled with a wheel/tire assembly; and

at least two mounts being disposed about each of said front portion and said rear portion of said chassis shell such that said mobility device is configurable in at least two of;

a four-wheeled configuration, a three-wheeled configuration, a two-wheeled configuration, or a one-wheeled configuration,

wherein said chassis shell is coupled with an occupant shell by a pivot connector, said pivot connector allowing for adjustment of at least one of said occupant shell and said chassis shell about an axis of rotation.

10. The mobility device of claim 9, wherein said occupant shell further comprises an upper mount.

11. The mobility device of claim 9, wherein a handle assembly is coupled with at least one of said occupant shell and said chassis shell for pushing, pulling, towing, and carrying said chassis, said handle assembly being telescopically adjustable.

12. The mobility device of claim 9, wherein said mounts disposed about said rear portion are adjustable about a pivot axis such that the ride height of said mobility device can be varied.

13. The mobility device of claim 11, wherein the lateral thickness and vertical thickness of said suspension arm gradually decreases from said connecting portion to said wheel coupling portion.

14. A mobility device, comprising:

a chassis shell having lower floor and rear closing transverse areas connecting opposed sidewalls and a plurality of mounts, each of said mounts adapted to be coupled with a connecting portion of a suspension arm, said suspension arm adapted to be coupled with a wheel/tire assembly at its end opposite said connecting portion; and

said suspension arm mounts disposed about said chassis shell such that said mobility device is convertible between at least two of;

a four-wheeled configuration, a three-wheeled configuration, a two-wheeled configuration, or a one-wheeled configuration,

wherein said chassis shell is coupled with an upper occupant shell structure assembly by a shell pivot connector, said shell pivot connector configured to couple/decouple said chassis shell with said upper occupant shell structure assembly and to allow for adjustment of said upper occupant shell structure assembly relative to said chassis shell such that said upper occupant shell structure assembly may be repositioned about a pivot axis.

15. The mobility device of claim 14, wherein said chassis shell comprises a front suspension mount assembly and a rear suspension mount assembly, each suspension mount assembly configured to house said mounts.

17. The mobility device of claim 15, wherein said rear suspension mount assembly is adjustable to vary the ride height of said mobility device.

18. The mobility device of claim 14, wherein a handle assembly is coupled with at least one of said upper occupant shell structure assembly and said chassis shell, said handle assembly being configured to be telescopically adjustable.

16. A mobility device, comprising:

a chassis shell having lower floor and rear closing transverse areas connecting opposed sidewalls and a plurality of mounts, each of said mounts adapted to be coupled with a connecting portion of a suspension arm, said suspension arm adapted to be coupled with a wheel/tire assembly at its end opposite said connecting portion; and

said suspension arm mounts disposed about said chassis shell such that said mobility device is convertible between at least two of;

a four-wheeled configuration, a three-wheeled configuration, a two-wheeled configuration, or a one-wheeled configuration,

wherein said chassis shell comprises a front suspension mount assembly and a rear suspension mount assembly, each suspension mount assembly configured to house said mounts

wherein said front suspension mount assembly comprises a center mount and two side mounts.