US5076599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Convertible stroller and trailer combination
Assignee: HLR Inc A CORP OF CO
•
Filing: 1990-09-28
•
Granted: 1991-12-31
•
Expires: 2010-09-28
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis Lockett
- 👤 James T. Hruby
- 👤 John G. Roth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:21
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62K; B62K27/00; B62K27/003; B62B; B62B7/00; B62B7/04; B62B7/12; B62B7/126; B62K27/02; B62B7/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
364 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
364 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 1 further including a pair of rear wheels, said rear wheels mounted at said first rear wheel mounting location on each said side of said frame, and a front wheel mounted at said front end mounting and receiving location when said combination vehicle is being utilized as a stroller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 2 further including a handle attached to the vehicle proximate said top member and said rear of said frame for pushing the combination vehicle when said frame is being utilized as a portion of a stroller.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 1 further including a pair of rear wheels, said rear wheels mounted at said second rear wheel mounting location carried by said intermediary member and located forwardly and upwardly from said first rear wheel mounting location, which, when 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 combination vehicle is utilized as a trailer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 1 further including means connected to said frame for supporting a seat for holding at least one passenger therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 5 wherein said frame includes a foot rest plate carried by said bottom member to thereby provide a rest for the feet of a passenger riding in said seat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 5 wherein the seat is composed of flexible material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 1 further including means connected to said frame for supporting a seat for holding two passengers, one behind the other from said front end of said frame to said rear end of said frame, therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
189 words
A convertible stroller and trailer combination vehicle which can be converted from a stroller mode to a trailer mode for use with a tow bar, said combination vehicle comprising: a seat for holding at least one child therein; a frame, said frame including means for supporting said seat, said frame having a pair of opposed sides, a front end and rear end, and a top side and a bottom side, each said opposed side having two positions for mounting wheels thereon, a first position near the rear end and bottom side of the frame and a second position forward and upward from said first position and in a lower center position on said frame; a pair of rear wheels mounted at said second position on said frame when said combination vehicle is used in a trailer mode, to thereby provide a stable center of gravity to the vehicle and any occupants; and means for attaching a tow bar to said front of said frame when said combination vehicle is used in a trailer mode, and for attaching a wheel when said combination vehicle is used in a stroller mode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
189 words
A convertible stroller and trailer combination vehicle which can be converted from a stroller mode to a trailer mode for use with a tow bar, said combination vehicle comprising: a seat for holding at least one child therein; a frame, said frame including means for supporting said seat, said frame having a pair of opposed sides, a front end and rear end, and a top side and a bottom side, each said opposed side having two positions for mounting wheels thereon, a first position near the rear end and bottom side of the frame and a second position forward and upward from said first position and in a lower center position on said frame; a pair of rear wheels mounted at said second position on said frame when said combination vehicle is used in a trailer mode, to thereby provide a stable center of gravity to the vehicle and any occupants; and means for attaching a tow bar to said front of said frame when said combination vehicle is used in a trailer mode, and for attaching a wheel when said combination vehicle is used in a stroller mode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 9 wherein said frame includes a foot rest plate mounted at said bottom side of frame and attached to said opposite sides of said frame.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 9 wherein said seat is composed of flexible material for holding at least one child therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
262 words
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.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
262 words
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.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 12 further including adjustable handles mounted on an upper end of said angled portion of said side bars, said handles used for pushing the vehicle in the stroller mode.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 12 wherein said flexible seat has two compartments therein for holding two children with one of the compartments having leg holes therein so that the legs of a child can be inserted therethrough and rest on said foot rest plate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 12 wherein said flexible seat has an upper portion which is folded over said cross-support bar and seat support bars and snapped together with snaps for suspending said seat therefrom.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 12 further including a fender attached to said horizontal portion of said side bars and disposed around a portion of said front wheel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
273 words
A convertible stroller and trailer vehicle combination which can be changed from a stroller mode to a trailer mode, the combination vehicle comprising: a flexible seat for holding at least one child therein; a tubular frame including a pair of parallel side bars, said side bars having a forward horizontal portion, said side bar having a first means for receiving a wheel thereon in a first position, and a second means for receiving a wheel thereon in a second position, said second means for receiving a wheel thereon at a bend portion, and an angled portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from said bend portion, said side bars further including a semi-circular seat support bar with one end attached to said horizontal portion and another end 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 and having a bushing thereon, a cross-support bar having opposite ends attached to said angled portion of said side bars, said seat attached to and suspended from said cross-support bar and seat support bars, and a foot rest plate having opposite sides attached to said horizontal portion of said side bars; a pair of rear wheels attached to said second means for receiving wheels in a second position on said trailer bushing support bars of said side bars, when the combination vehicle is in a trailer mode; and a tow bar attached to a foward end of said horizontal portion of said side bars, thereby allowing said combination vehicle to be utilized in a trailer mode.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
273 words
A convertible stroller and trailer vehicle combination which can be changed from a stroller mode to a trailer mode, the combination vehicle comprising: a flexible seat for holding at least one child therein; a tubular frame including a pair of parallel side bars, said side bars having a forward horizontal portion, said side bar having a first means for receiving a wheel thereon in a first position, and a second means for receiving a wheel thereon in a second position, said second means for receiving a wheel thereon at a bend portion, and an angled portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from said bend portion, said side bars further including a semi-circular seat support bar with one end attached to said horizontal portion and another end 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 and having a bushing thereon, a cross-support bar having opposite ends attached to said angled portion of said side bars, said seat attached to and suspended from said cross-support bar and seat support bars, and a foot rest plate having opposite sides attached to said horizontal portion of said side bars; a pair of rear wheels attached to said second means for receiving wheels in a second position on said trailer bushing support bars of said side bars, when the combination vehicle is in a trailer mode; and a tow bar attached to a foward end of said horizontal portion of said side bars, thereby allowing said combination vehicle to be utilized in a trailer mode.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination vehicle as described in claim 17 wherein said flexible seat has two compartments therein for holding two children with one of said compartments having leg holes therein so that the legs of a child can be inserted therethrough and rest on said foot rest plate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US241148A
Cited
FR967288A
Cited
US2798727A
Cited
US3887208A
Cited
US4729574A
Cited
US4848780A
Cited
US4953880A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-12-30 | 1995-07-01 | 1995-12-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-07-01 | 1999-12-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-12-30 | 2003-07-01 | 2003-12-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |