Foldable frame assembly and stroller

Abstract

A stroller and foldable frame assembly for a stroller includes a locking mechanism adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the foldable frame assembly in its use configuration and/or storage configuration by releasably and internally locking at least one of a respective swivel joint assembly of the frame assembly. The locking mechanism includes an actuation element configured to adjust the locking mechanism between the unlocked and the locked position that is arranged spaced apart transversely to a swivel axis of the respective at least one internally lockable swivel joint.

Claims

1. A foldable frame assembly for a stroller, the frame assembly comprising: a first forward lower frame component with a first end configured for attachment of at least one forward wheel and with an opposite second end attached to a first swivel joint assembly; a second rearward frame component with a first end attached to the first swivel joint assembly and with an opposite second end configured for arrangement of a handle assembly; a third rearward lower frame component with a first end attached to a second swivel joint assembly arranged on the first frame component between the first end and the second end of the first frame component and with an opposite second end configured for attachment of at least one rearward wheel; a rearward fourth link frame component with a first end attached to a third swivel joint assembly arranged on the second frame component between the first end and the second end of the second frame component and with an opposite second end attached to a fourth swivel joint assembly arranged on the third frame component between the first end and the second end of the third frame component; and a locking mechanism adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the foldable frame assembly in a use configuration or storage configuration by releasably and internally locking at least one of the respective swivel joint assemblies, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an actuation element configured to adjust the locking mechanism between the unlocked and the locked position wherein the actuation element is arranged at a distance from a swivel axis of at least one internally lockable swivel joint of the respective swivel joint assembly.

2. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuation element is a handle.

3. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuation element is arranged transversely between two frame members of a frame component.

4. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured for remote actuation by the actuation element.

5. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame assembly is configured to self-collapse from the use configuration to the storage configuration in response to the actuation of the actuation element.

6. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the respective lockable swivel joint comprises two hinge elements that define an interior space in which a locking device of the locking mechanism is arranged, wherein the two hinge elements are configured to be rotated relatively to each other about a common swivel axis.

7. The frame assembly according to claim 6, wherein the locking device comprises a locking element moveable between a first position and a second position along the swivel axis in the interior space of the swivel joint, wherein in the first position the locking element locks the two hinge elements in their relative rotational positions to each other and wherein in the second position the locking element releases rotational movement of the two hinge elements.

8. The frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein the frame assembly is configured so that an adjustment of the locking mechanism causes a rotation of a displacement element of the locking mechanism around the swivel axis, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an inclined ramp arranged on a surface facing the locking element, so that rotation of the displacement element causes it to glide along the inclined ramp and moves the locking element transversely between the first position and the second position along the swivel axis.

9. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first frame component comprises a cross-bar member, wherein the third frame component is attached to the cross-bar member via the second swivel joint assembly, and wherein the actuation element is arranged on the cross-bar member.

10. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein in the storage configuration, the frame components are arranged adjacent to each other.

11. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein in the use configuration, the first frame component extends upwardly from its first end to its second end and the second frame component extends upwardly from its first end to its second end.

12. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is arranged inside a swivel joint of the first swivel joint assembly.

13. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wheels or respective ends of the frame components configured for the attachment of the wheels move towards each other when folding the frame assembly from the use configuration into the storage configuration.

14. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein one swivel joint assembly comprises two internally lockable swivel joints and the actuation element is configured to simultaneously unlock both lockable swivel joints.

15. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame assembly is configured to self-collapse from the use configuration to the storage configuration in response to an upward pulling motion on the actuation element.

16. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein in the storage configuration, the frame components extend in essentially the same direction.

17. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein in the use configuration, the second frame component extends in essentially the same direction as the first frame component.

18. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein in the use configuration, any swivel axis of the first, third, or fourth swivel joint assembly extends essentially horizontally.

19. The frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein in the use configuration, any swivel axis of the second swivel joint assembly is tilted downwardly towards a center of the frame assembly.

20. A stroller, comprising: three or four wheels; a baby or child carriage component; and a foldable frame assembly comprising: a first forward lower frame component with a first end configured for attachment of at least one forward wheel and with an opposite second end attached to a first swivel joint assembly; a second rearward frame component with a first end attached to the first swivel joint assembly and with an opposite second end configured for arrangement of a handle assembly; a third rearward lower frame component with a first end attached to a second swivel joint assembly arranged on the first frame component between the first end and the second end of the first frame component and with an opposite second end configured for attachment of at least one rearward wheel, wherein a swivel axis of the second swivel joint assembly intersects a longitudinal middle plane of the frame assembly at an oblique angle; a rearward fourth link frame component with a first end attached to a third swivel joint assembly arranged on the second frame component between the first end and the second end of the second frame component and with an opposite second end attached to a fourth swivel joint assembly arranged on the third frame component; and a locking mechanism adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the foldable frame assembly in a use configuration or storage configuration by releasably and internally locking at least one of the respective swivel joint assemblies, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an actuation element configured to adjust the locking mechanism between the unlocked and the locked position wherein the actuation element is arranged at a distance from a swivel axis of at least one internally lockable swivel joint of the respective swivel joint assembly.

21. The stroller according to claim 20, wherein the second end of the third frame component moves inward towards the longitudinal middle plane of the frame assembly when folding the frame assembly from the use configuration to the storage configuration.

22. The stroller according to claim 20, wherein the second swivel joint assembly comprises a first swivel joint having a first swivel axis and a second swivel joint having a second swivel axis, and wherein the first swivel axis and the second swivel axis intersect.

23. The stroller according to claim 20, wherein a width of the frame assembly in the storage configuration is smaller than a width of the frame assembly in the use configuration.

24. The stroller according to claim 20, wherein a left frame member and a right frame member of the third frame component are each angled towards the longitudinal middle plane of the frame assembly when the frame assembly is in the storage configuration.

25. The stroller according to claim 20, wherein the frame assembly is configured to self-collapse from the use configuration to the storage configuration in response to an upward pulling motion on the actuation element.

26. A stroller, comprising: a first forward lower frame component with a first end attached to a forward wheel and with an opposite second end attached to a first swivel joint assembly; a second rearward frame component with a first end attached to the first swivel joint assembly and with an opposite second end configured for arrangement of a handle assembly; a third rearward lower frame component with a first end attached to a second swivel joint assembly arranged on the first frame component between the first end and the second end of the first frame component and with an opposite second end attached to a first rearward wheel and a second rearward wheel; and a rearward fourth link frame component with a first end attached to a third swivel joint assembly arranged on the second frame component between the first end and the second end of the second frame component and with an opposite second end attached to a fourth swivel joint assembly arranged on the third frame component; wherein the first rearward wheel and the second rearward wheel move towards the forward wheel when folding the frame assembly from a use configuration to a storage configuration, and wherein the first rearward wheel and second rearward wheel move laterally towards each other when folding the frame assembly from the use configuration to the storage configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows in a schematic perspective view a stroller with a foldable frame assembly in its use configuration.

(2) FIG. 2 shows the stroller according to FIG. 1 in a schematic side view.

(3) FIG. 3 shows the stroller according to FIG. 1 in a schematic front view.

(4) FIG. 4 shows the stroller according to FIG. 1 in a schematic top view.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a corresponding view to FIG. 2 with the foldable frame assembly in its storage configuration.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a corresponding view to FIG. 3 with the foldable frame assembly in its storage configuration.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a corresponding view to FIG. 4 with the foldable frame assembly in its storage configuration.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a lockable swivel joint of the foldable frame assembly in a perspective view.

(9) FIG. 9 shows the swivel joint according to FIG. 8 in an exploded view.

(10) FIG. 10 shows the swivel joint according to FIG. 8 in another exploded view from a different perspective.

(11) FIG. 11 shows an actuation element of the stroller according to FIG. 1 in a sectional view.

(12) FIG. 12 shows in another sectional view the swivel joint according to FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) FIG. 1 shows a stroller 10 in perspective view. The stroller 10 comprises a foldable frame assembly 12 to which a child carriage component (not shown), such as a seat or basket, may be attached, preferably removably. Such a component may also be referred to as child carrying element. Further, the stroller 10 comprises a canopy of which a canopy frame 14 is shown in FIG. 1. A cover, such as a textile, may be attached to the canopy frame 14 to protect a child seated in the stroller 10 from sun and/or rain. The canopy may be folded out of the way to let a child enjoy good weather and may be deployed in the position as shown in FIG. 1 for protection.

(14) Further, the stroller 10 comprises a front wheel 16 and two rear wheels 18. The rear wheels 18 are equipped with a brake that may be actuated by a foot pedal 20 to arrest the stroller 10 in place. The front wheel 16 may rotate about an essentially vertical axis to facilitate steering of the stroller 10.

(15) During normal use the stroller 10 is standing on its wheels 16, 18. Accordingly, a direction upwards and downwards in the paper plane of, for example, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 corresponds to an upward and downward direction of the stroller 10. Similar, a direction left and right in the paper plane of, for example, FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 corresponds to the left and right direction of the stroller 10. Usually, the stroller 10 is pushed forward with the front wheel 16 and child facing in the forward direction. Accordingly, the left-right direction in the paper plane of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the direction from and into the paper plane in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 and the upward-downward direction in the paper plane of FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 corresponds to the forward and backward direction of the stroller 10.

(16) As can be seen in the figures, the stroller 10 is symmetric with regard to its left-right direction. A plane of symmetry S is indicated in FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 with a dashed line. The plane of symmetry lies on the center of the stroller 10. As can be seen, the forward wheel 16 lies on the plane of symmetry, in particular when facing straight forward. Accordingly, the single front wheel 16 is still following a symmetric design. Nevertheless, slight deviations from the symmetry may be allowable. However, also two front wheels may be provided spaced apart in the left-right direction of the stroller 10, similar to the rear wheels 18. For example, additional and in particular non-load bearing parts may not be provided symmetrically, such as a single hook for holding a handbag or purse.

(17) The frame assembly 12 provides the structural load bearing capabilities of the stroller 10. The frame assembly 12 comprises a first forward lower frame component 22, which comprises two symmetrically frame members 24 in the form of hollow bars having an essentially rectangular cross section. The frame members 24 and overall the frame component 22 extend from a lower forward end of the stroller 10 upwards and backwards. At their first lower forward end the two frame members 24 are connected with a transversal member 26, which is presently C-shaped and constitutes a hollow elongation of the frame members 24. The transversal member 26 may be understood as forming the lower forward end of the first frame component 22. The transversal member 26 may also be formed from two parts and/or be integral to the frame members 24. Both frame members 24 and the transversal member 26 may be a unitary one-piece construction, although shown as separate parts in the figures. The forward wheel 16 is swiveably attached at the forward end of the first frame component 22, for example at the transversal member 26.

(18) Further, there is a cross member 28 arranged at the lower ends of the frame member 24 connecting them in the left-right direction. This cross member 28 may reinforce the first frame component 22 and/or serve to attach further items, such as the carrying element.

(19) At the second upper end, the frame component 22 of the frame assembly 12 is attached to a first swivel joint assembly 30. Specifically, the first swivel joint assembly 30 comprises two symmetrically arranged swivel joints 32, each connected to the upper rearward end of a respective one of the frame members 24. Further, a second rearward frame component 34 of the frame assembly 12 is connected to the swivel joint assembly 30 with its first lower forward end. Specifically, the second frame component 34 comprises two symmetrically arranged frame members 36, which are similar in design to frame members 24 and are each connected to a respective one of the swivel joints 32. Each swivel joint 32 allows the respective frame members 24 and 32 connected thereto to swivel relatively to each other. Correspondingly, the first frame component 22 and the second frame component 34 may swivel relatively to each other. Accordingly, each swivel joint 32 has a central axis of rotation, which are coaxially arranged to each other. Further details of the first swivel joint assembly 30 and the swivel joints 32 will be explained below.

(20) Attached at a rearward upper second end of each of the frame members 36 of the second frame component 34 is a common C-shaped handle element 38 that is configured for pushing and pulling the stroller 10. The handle 38 may also structurally reinforce the stroller 10 and/or be detachably connected for storage and replacement. The canopy frame 14 is attached to each of the frame members 36 between the first and second end of the frame component 34, respectively the frame members 36, in a middle region.

(21) A third rearward lower frame component 40 is attached with an upper forward first end to a second swivel joint assembly 41. The rearward wheels 18 are attached at the rearward lower second end of the frame component 40. Specifically, the third frame component 40 comprises two symmetrically arranged frame members 42 that are similarly designed to the frame members 34 and 36. Each rear wheel 18 is attached to a respective one of the frame members 41, which may also be referred to as legs of the stroller 10.

(22) The frame members 41 are not directly attached to each other but spaced apart in the left-right direction. Instead, they are each only attached to a respective swivel joint 44 of the second swivel joint assembly 41. In the present case, the swivel joints 44 are attached to a cross-bar 58, which is arranged in the left-right direction between the frame members 24 of the first frame component 22 in a middle area between the first end and second end of the frame component 22. The cross-bar 58 may be understood as part of the frame component 22 or as a separate part of the frame assembly 12. However, the respective swivel joints 44 may also be directly attached to one of the frame members 24 of the first frame component 22. The swivel joint assembly 41, respectively the swivel joints 44, allow the third frame component 40 and respectively the legs with the rear wheels 18 to rotate relatively to the first frame component 22. The cross-bar 58 may also serve to attach the child carrying element at a position at least very close to or at the center of gravity of the stroller, increasing its stability.

(23) The frame assembly 12 further comprises a rearward fourth link frame component 46. Again, the link frame component 46 is designed symmetrically, albeit its parts are not similar in design to the other frame components. In particular, each side of the fourth frame component 46 is attached with its upper first end to a respective swivel joint 48 of a third swivel joint assembly 51. Each swivel joint 48 is arranged on a frame member 36 between the first and second end of the second frame component 34. In particular, the fourth frame component 46 comprises a hinged link with a rod 55 attached at its upper end to a respective one of the swivel joints 48 on each side of the stroller 10. Somewhat below the middle, the hinged link has a hinge 52. Further, the hinged link comprises a plate-like part 56 rigidly attached to a respective one of the legs of the stroller 10 respectively of the frame member 42. The hinges 52 may also be understood as being part of a fourth swivel joint assembly and the plate-like parts 56 being part of the third frame component 40. The main purpose of the link frame component 46 is to link the movement of the legs of the stroller 10 to the folding, e.g. swiveling, of the first frame component 22 and the second frame component 34. Accordingly, a user does not need to actuate the different frame components separately. Instead, their movement is linked, e.g. synchronized. The hinge 52 compensates for a distance change between the attachment of the fourth frame component to the third frame component 40 and the second frame component 34 during folding. Additionally, the link frame component 46 may increase the load bearing capabilities of the stroller 10.

(24) The stroller 10 and its frame assembly 12 may be adjusted between a use configuration and a storage configuration, in particular by folding. The use configuration is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the storage configuration in corresponding views in FIGS. 5 to 7. In the use configuration, the stroller 10 may be used to transport a child or infant while being pushed around on its wheels 16, 18. The storage configuration is intended for storing the stroller 10, for example in car. Both storage and handling, e.g. carrying, of the stroller 10 is facilitated in the storage configuration due to the reduced size. Preferably, the child carrying element is configured to fold together with the frame assembly 12. For that purpose, the child carrying element may also comprise a foldable frame and/or flexible parts, such as textiles. The use configuration may also be referred to as the deployed or unfolded configuration and the storage configuration as the folded or transport configuration.

(25) As can be seen in, for example, FIG. 5, for folding the frame assembly 12 and the stroller 10 from the use configuration into the storage configuration, the second frame component 34 is swiveled downwards towards the first frame component 22. Due to the link component 46, the legs, respectively the third frame component 40 is also folded, e.g. swiveled towards the front wheel 16 respectively the first frame component 22. During that movement, the hinged link will slightly kink to account for length discrepancies. Accordingly, the rearward wheels 18 are moved adjacent the front wheel 16, being essentially arranged at the same position in the forward-backward direction. The movements are enabled by the different swivel joint assemblies.

(26) As can be taken from a comparison of FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the third swivel joint assembly 42 is configured to guide the legs with the rear wheels 18 inwardly in the left-right direction towards the plane of symmetry S when folding the stroller 10 into the storage configuration. In other words, a width W defined by the rear wheels 18 may be reduced to a width which is smaller than the width of other stroller components like the frame component 34. For that purpose, the swivel axis of the respective joints 44 may be slightly tilted, their axis of rotation not being coaxial but rather intersecting at the plane of symmetry S. This tilt can be seen, for example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7. Further, the swivel joints 44 each comprise a bracket 72 that guides the frame members 42 appropriately during configuration change. To account for this inward movement, the hinges 52 and/or the joints 48 may allow inward tilting of parts of the fourth frame component 46. Such a design may provide a stroller 10 that is very resistant to tilting over due to its wide wheelbase of defined width W while simultaneously being collapsible into a very small folded configuration with a smaller width W. Furthermore, frame members 42 and wheels as well as the third swivel joint assembly 42 may be configured such that an inward folding positions the wheels 18 within an accommodating space defined by an imaginary translatory movement of the second rearward frame component 34 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a main extension plane of the frame component 34.

(27) As can be taken from FIG. 5, the storage configuration is preferably such that the stroller may still stand on its wheels 16, 18. The stroller 10 may thus be easily stored upright. Collapsing of the stroller 10 into the storage configuration may preferably be gravity assisted. For example, lifting the stroller 10 at or close to its center of gravity, for example close at or directly at the cross-bar 58, may cause the stroller 10 to fold into the storage configuration. Alternatively or additionally, unfolding from the storage configuration may simply be caused by pushing downwardly onto the stroller, in particular when standing upright, as shown in FIG. 5. Preferably, the stroller 10 is pushed for that purpose at a similar or the same position as it is lifted during folding into the storage configuration.

(28) Such an adjustment of the configuration may thus be easily performed with one hand. This is very comfortable, in particular when the user is still carrying its infant in the other hand. However, to prevent unwanted folding, at least one of the joints and/or joint assemblies is preferably lockable, thus preventing accidental relative rotation of the lockable parts.

(29) Presently, the stroller 10 therefore comprises a locking mechanism for the first joint assembly 30, which comprises two lockable joints 32. The locking mechanism comprises an actuation element 60, which is configured as a swiveable carrying handle graspable by a user and attached close to or preferably at the center of gravity of the stroller at the cross-bar 58. When lifting the stroller 10 at the actuation element 60, thus possibly automatically unlocking the locking mechanism, the first frame component 22 and the second frame component 34 will rotate downwards at opposite sides to the actuation element. The actuation element 60 is arranged at a position below a seat portion of the stroller, for example below a fabric defining a bottom portion of a seat. Accordingly, a child seated in the stroller has to be taken out of the seat to access the handle. In this way, the handle is not accessible when a child sits in the stroller thereby preventing an erroneous or unintended operation of the handle which enhances child safety.

(30) As can be taken, for example, by a comparison of FIG. 2 with FIG. 5, the actuation element 60, e.g. handle 60, is lifted upwards to unlock the joints 32 to allow folding of the stroller in the storage configuration. Additionally or alternatively the stroller 10 may also be locked against folding in the storage configuration, thus requiring actuation of the handle before being able to unfold the stroller 10 into the use configuration. Preferably, the actuation element 60 is arranged to be accessible with the child carrying element still attached to the frame assembly 12.

(31) The actuation element 60 may comprise a lock to prevent its unwanted actuation. For example, the actuation element 60 may comprise sliding knobs 62 that must be actuated before swiveling the actuation element 60 is possible for folding of the stroller 10. Such knobs are illustrated in FIG. 11 and may simply slide a rod into and out of a corresponding opening, thus preventing actuation element movement. Both this lock and the locking of the joints 32 may be biased towards a locked position, thus resulting in a self-securing mechanism. For example, a spring may provide this bias.

(32) FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate further details of the locking mechanism and the joints 32. Each joint 32 comprises two hinge elements 64, at which a respective frame member 24 or 36 is attached. The hinge elements 64 may rotate about the axis of rotation R, thus resulting in relative swiveling of the frame members 24 and 36. Accordingly, said axis may also be referred to as swivel axis R or axis of rotation R. Joints 32 were chosen as lockable joints since they are centrally located and connect two of the most load bearing frame components 22 and 34 with each other. Accordingly, locking joints 32 may result in a very rigid frame assembly 12 in the use configuration. Further, joints 32 already need to be sized according to those large loads, thus providing sufficient space for a reliable locking mechanism without requiring enlargement of the respective joints.

(33) The hinge elements 64 form an internal space and may thus be considered as casing and/or housing elements, albeit load bearing casing elements. Within the interior space, a locking element 66 and a displacement element 68 are located. The locking element 66 may be translatory moved along the axis of rotation R, thus engaging or disengaging the two hinge elements 64 with each other. The engagement is form-fitting in the present example, although other engagement forms are possible. When the two hinge elements 64 are engaged with each other, the joint 32 is locked and relative movement of the respective frame components 22 and 34 is blocked. Due to the internal placing of these parts of the locking mechanism they are protected from the environment and the mechanism may thus be more reliable. Further, no moveable parts close to the child are accessible, thus preventing possible injuries.

(34) As discussed before, the actuation element 60 is swiveled for actuating the locking mechanism. Swiveling is beneficial since it may relate to a pickup motion of the stroller 10 at the carrying handle, thus being very intuitive. However, the swiveling motion has to be transformed into a translatory movement of the locking element 66.

(35) For that purpose, the displacement element 68 is connected to the actuation element 60 and arranged on inclined surfaces, which may also be referred to as inclined ramps 74. When the actuation element 60 is swiveled, the displacement element 68 is caused to rotate as well, for example by a mechanical connection. Due to that rotation and mounting on the inclined surfaces, the displacement element 68 is caused to slide along the axis of rotation R, thus pushing the locking element 66 into and/or out of engagement with one of the hinge elements 64. Preferably, the locking element is biased towards an engaged position, for example, with a spring. Accordingly, even in the case of failure, unwanted folding may be avoided. Further, for increased reliability and rigidity of the frame assembly 12, both joints 32 may be lockable. Alternatively, only one of the two joints 32 may be lockable for a very cost-effective frame assembly 12.

(36) As can be taken from the figures, the actuation element 60, in particular its axis of movement, e.g. its swivel axis A, is spaced apart from the axis of rotation R of the joints 32 respectively the locking mechanism. Accordingly, the swivel axis A of the actuation element 60 is arranged at a distance D from the axis of rotation R as is shown in FIG. 12. The actuation element 60 is linked to the displacement element 68 with a wire 70. For example, the wire 70 is shown in the more detailed illustration of the actuation element 60 in FIG. 11 and the section view of the joint 32 in FIG. 12. As can be seen, the wire 70 is also at least partially routed through the interior of the frame member 24. The wire 70 is thus protected and the mechanism more reliable. Further, pinching a finger with the wire 70 may thus be avoided. For that purpose, part of the wire 70 may also be routed on the underside of the cross-bar 58 and/or the actuation element 60. A wire is a cost-effective, light-weight and reliable means for remote actuation, e.g. force transmission between spaced-apart parts. Although FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show only one wire for actuating a displacement element 68 of one joint 32, it is to be noted that according to the embodiment a further wire (not shown) is coupled to another displacement element of the other joint 32 in a similar manner so that the displacement elements of both joints 32 are simultaneously operable by means of a single actuation element 60. In general, the operating element 60 may be operatively coupled to all locking mechanisms of joints so that all locking mechanisms may be operated remotely, simultaneously and by means of a single operating element 60.

(37) Such remote actuation of the locking mechanism is also beneficial since the placement of actuation element 60 may be more freely chosen. If the actuation element 60 would instead be arranged on the axis of rotation R of the joints 32, the frame assembly may possibly require another cross-bar or unfavorable attachment of the rear legs to the rest of the frame assembly 12. Further, such an arrangement could limit the space for placement of the child carrying element. The actuation element 60 might be placed at a location that is easy to reach due to the remote operation of the locking mechanism. In addition, the actuation element 60 may thus be easily placed at a location where lifting of the stroller 10 causes a comfortable self-collapsing of the stroller 10, such as close at or on the center of gravity of the stroller 10, while also avoiding the risk of pinching limbs of a user with any parts of the frame.

(38) In the embodiments shown in the figures, the frame members are essentially straight. However, the frame members may also have a curved or kinked shape.