Pillbug

Abstract

The Pillbug″ is a transport and cooler container utility that carries cargo in an upright manner. There are three version shapes: a sphere, a sausage and drum, all operating on the same principle. All three versions will be referred to as “spheres.” The end-user can open them like a suitcase. The outer shell rolls along the ground while the inner shell rests inside the outer shell. There are ball bearings between the inner and outer shells. Two axles, at both axes, connect the inner and outer shells. The inner shell has a weighted bottom that causes it to stay upright as it is rolling. A seal at the equator makes it watertight. An external horseshoe-shaped harness connects both axis of the Pillbug sphere. A telescoping handle connects to the harness apex so the user can pull it.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

APPLICATION NUMBER OR INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION NUMBER AND INTERNATIONAL FILING DATE

None

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a container which can be transported easily by a person. The container rolls along the ground by means of someone pulling a telescoping handle. The contents always remain upright because there is an outer container, known as an “outer shell” moving around an inner container, known as an “inner shell.” The outer concentric container circumnavigates around the inner concentric container, which remains upright.

This invention is a transport and container utility which is shaped like a sphere in one version, shaped like a drum in another version and a hybrid shape that looks like a fat sausage. The container carries cargo on the inside of the apparatus while the cargo remains level to the ground. The external container rolls along the ground as it is pulled by a handle attached to the axis of the container. The Pillbug could be shaped like anything that can roll smoothly, a sphere, a drum, or even like a fat sausage. Henceforth, the word “Pillbug” will include the shape of a sphere, a drum and a sausage. In all three versions, the outer concentric container, that is comprised of the top and bottom halves, rolls along the ground will be referred to as the “outer shell.” The inside, stationary and level, container will be known and referred to as the “inner shell.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention, called “the Pillbug” is a transportable container utility which is shaped like a sphere or drum or fat sausage that carries cargo on the inside of the apparatus while the cargo remains upright within the inner shell and the outside rolls along the ground as it is being pulled by a telescoping handle. The word “Pillbug” collectively refers to the sphere, drum and sausage shape versions. The contents always remain upright because there is an outer shell container moving around an inner shell container. The cargo weight plus the weighted bottom directs the inner sphere to stay stationary. The outer shell container circumnavigates around the inner shell container. The outer container rolls along the ground and the inner shell container which does not spin, stays upright and stationary. The inner shell container remains stationary and does not roll, thus enabling the cargo to stay upright and avoid being jostled and tumbled within the container. The Pillbug is designed to ease the transport of heavy or delicate loads which cannot afford to be tussled around. The Pillbug can be used to easily take supplies on picnics, construction sites, and military operations.

Traditional methods of moving goods from point A to point B have consisted of dragging them behind pack animals or humans, carrying them on one's head or in a back-pack, shipping by boat, flying by airplane or placing them on wheels in trucks or trains. Each method has advantages and disadvantages depending on the distance to be covered, the terrain to be navigated, and the weight and bulk of the items to be transported.

Most terrains have already had appropriate methods invented to transport goods over them. The most obvious one is the invention of boats to transport goods over water. The other is the invention of wheels to transport goods over a reasonably flat or inclined surface on trucks or trains.

Therein lies the problem that the Pillbug seeks to overcome: the use of wheels require a pre-made flat surface or some kind of track. It is neither cost-effective nor desirable to construct flat pathways or rails over a major share of the earth's surface. No one would want to have paved paths on most mountain trails or construct concrete paths on most of the world's beaches so that people could tote their picnic supplies in wheeled coolers over these areas. It would seriously despoil the environment and the cost would be prohibitive.

Another serious problem with traditional picnic cooler containers arises when people attempt to transport picnic container coolers over beach sand. Although most coolers now have wheels, the wheels are too narrow for the terrain and the weight of the cooler sinks the wheels into the sand. As a consequence, the cooler either has to be dragged over the sand or picked up and carried. If it is carried, it puts a great strain on the back of the person carrying it. Often, lifting and carrying heavy coolers requires two persons.

A similar problem happens on construction sites where the terrain is uneven. There are ditches, holes, mounds of dirt, and piles of debris to navigate. Cargo currently has to be moved by means doilies which require planks to be laid across construction site grounds.

A major transportation problem also occurs in warfare and military applications. Soldiers are burdened by heavy backpacks. They need more supplies than they can carry in those packs. They also need to navigate over rough terrain where motorized vehicles cannot travel with the supplies the soldiers need. Also, in military applications, it would benefit the soldiers if the same transportation device which can haul goods over rough terrain could also haul them over water.

Clearly, then, there is a need for a transportation device which can haul goods over unpaved, irregular, soft, muddy, sandy, rough terrain, plus bodies of water. Such a device would allow people to take more goods than they can carry on their backs. Such a device would solve the problem of other devices which have wheels, but where the wheels sink into the terrain. Such a device would also be able to float on water when water is encountered.

Further, such a device would be able to be manufactured from plastics, composites or metals if heavy-duty use is required. The Pillbug invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a sphere, drum or sausage shaped shell that revolves around another concentric sphere, drum or sausage shaped shell while the concentric inner shell remains stationary. Goods can be transported without damage or breakage. The Pillbug moves goods from one place to another while the goods inside of it stay upright. There are two spheres in one version, two drums in another version and two sausage shapes in the third version. The Pillbug Sphere version has an outer concentric sphere shell, which rolls along the ground and the other sphere shell or half-sphere rests inside the outer sphere shell. The Pillbug Drum version has a concentric outer drum shell, which rolls along the ground and the inner concentric drum shell or half-drum rests inside the outer drum. The Pillbug Fat Sausage version has a concentric outer sausage shape, which rolls along the ground and the inner concentric sausage shape or half-sausage rests inside the outer sausage shape. All three versions will be collectively referred to as the “Pillbug.”

In all three versions, the outer Pillbug concentric shell has ball bearings inside of it on which the inner concentric Pillbug shell can glide. The inner shell has a weighted bottom which causes it to always stay upright. The cargo also serves as a weight which helps keep the inner concentric shell level and stationary.

A telescoping double tow-bar, like that used on luggage, is attached to the two poles of the axle protruding from the Pillbug. The tow-bar can be pulled, like one pulls luggage, or it can be attached to the back of a belt, on a clip, going around the user's waist. An extremely large version can be attached to a vehicle using a trailer hitch.

In comparison to a typical ice-chest cooler, which usually has wheels, the wheels on an ice-chest sink in the sand or earth and the user just ends up literally dragging it. Wheels have no useful function when traveling over sand. They give the consumer an illusion of functionality. The wheels work fine on pavement or compacted earth, but fail the user's expectations when being pulled over soft earth, such as sand.

The Pillbug does not become mired in most terrain because, instead of depending on wheels for its locomotion, it is shaped like a sphere or drum or fat sausage and, thus, the weight is not forcing it down into the terrain as wheels would be impaled into soft ground due to the weight being focused into the wheels.

The Pillbug has a water-tight rubber seal at the equator of the outer shell which would allow it to be towed over water as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration showing the Pillbug spherical apparatus for hauling goods from one point to another. This Pillbug has two concentric spheres or shells. One is the outer shell sphere, which rolls along the ground. The inner shell sphere or partial sphere, holds the cargo in a level stationary position. The inner shell is referred to as a “partial” or “full” sphere because it does not necessarily have be fully enclosed. It can look like a round flower vase with an open top. The bottom of the inner shell sphere is flat so that cargo can sit in it. The Pillbug is towed much like luggage is pulled by a double tow bar. The double tow bar has a grip handle. It also has a loop clip which allows it to be clipped to a loop clip on the back end of a belt worn by the user so that it can be pulled while leaving the user's hands free.

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of all three versions: the sphere, drum, and sausage. It depicts a cut-away view of the Pillbug. All versions have this cut-away view in common. The Pillbug has two concentric shells in every version. The top of the illustration shows the top of the outer concentric shell, which rolls along the ground, when it is joined with the bottom half, and it shows the other hemi-shell which rests inside the outer shell. The inner shell or partial shell is suspended by the axle and/or by inner facing ball bearings.

FIG. 3 is an angled top plan view of the Pillbug when the top half is opened, thus allowing the viewer to see the inside of the device. The Pillbug has two shells. One is the outer shell, which rolls along the ground and the other shell rests inside the outer shell. The inner shell or partial shell is suspended by the axle and or glides over inward facing bearings.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the Pillbug-drum version. This version is identical in concept to the spherical version except that it is in the shape of a drum. It has two shell drums which operate on the same principle as the sphere. One is the outer concentric shell drum, which rolls along the ground and the other concentric shell drum which rests inside the outer shell drum. They are held in place by the axle and/or by ball bearings.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the Pillbug-drum version as it lays open with the top shell lying to the left. The inner partial drum shell, which actually holds the goods, can be seen on the bottom.

FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration showing the Pillbug drum apparatus for hauling goods from one point to another. The Pillbug-drum has two concentric drum shells. One is the outer concentric drum shell, which rolls along the ground. The inner concentric shell drum or partial shell drum, holds the cargo in a stationary position. The Pillbug drum is towed much like luggage is pulled by a double tow bar. The tow bar has a handle. It also has a loop clip which allows it to be clipped to a loop clip on the back of a belt worn by the user so that it can be pulled while leaving the user's hands free.

FIG. 7 shows the Pillbug in the open position. It shows some cargo represented by soft drinks and grapes so that the viewer can readily see where and how the cargo is contained.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the Pillbug sausage-shape version. This version is identical in concept to the spherical and drum versions except that it is in the shape of a fat sausage. It has two concentric shells which operate on the same principle as the sphere. One is the outer concentric shell, which rolls along the ground and the inner concentric shell which rests inside the outer shell. They are held in place by the axle and/or by inward facing ball bearings.

FIG. 9. Black and White Photograph of the Pillbug Sphere, mini working model, being towed. This photo was included solely for visual clarification purposes so that the Patent Examiner can have an easier time visualizing the device.

FIG. 10. Black and White Photograph of the Pillbug Sphere, mini working model, in open position with sample cargo sitting in container portion. This photo was included solely for visual clarification purposes so that the Patent Examiner can have an easier time visualizing the device.

NUMBERED PARTS CITED IN FIGURES

Part 1A is the top half of the Pillbug Shell for all versions.

Part 1B is the bottom half of the Pillbug Shell for all versions.

Part 2 represents all the inward facing ball bearings attached to the inside of the outer shell comprised of 1A & 1B.

Part 3 is the inner shell of all three versions.

Part 4 is the axel located closest to the release hatch 6.

Part 5 is the water tight seal located at the equator of all three Pillbug versions.

Part 6 is the release latch joining the top shell 1A and bottom shell 1B in all three versions 10, 17, & 19.

Part 7 is the axel located closest to the hinge connecting the top shell 1A and bottom shell 1B in all three versions.

Part 8 refers to the axel ball bearings located at both polar axis 4 & 7. The bearings reduce friction and drag on the polar axles 4 & 7.

Part 9 is the axel cap which holds the axel in place in all three versions 10,17, & 19.

Part 10 is the Pillbug Sphere version.

Part 11 is the harness which connects to the axles 4 & 7 of the Pillbug in all three versions 10, 17, & 19.

Part 12 is the telescoping handle which connects to the harness in all three versions 10, 17, & 19. The harness then connects to the Pillbug in all three versions 10, 17, & 19.

Part 13 is the handle grip that the end-user grasps when pulling the Pillbug. The handle grip connects to the top of the telescoping handle 12.

Part 14 is a clip loop which is at the top of the grip 13 so it can connect to a clip loop 15 worn at the back of a belt worn by the user so the user's hands can be freed from pulling it.

Part 15 is a clip loop at the back of a belt 16 worn by the user that can connect to the clip loop on the Pillbug's grip 13 so the user's hands can be freed from pulling it.

Part 16 is the belt which has a clip loop 15 at the back end so that the user's hands can be free for other purposes.

Part 17 is the Pillbug Drum version.

Part 18 shows cargo 18 held into the Pillbug. The cargo is represented by two beverage containers and some grapes.

Part 19 is the Pillbug Sausage Shaped version.

Part 20 is the flat floor of the inner shell. This gives cargo a flat area on which to sit in the inner shell sphere 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the Pillbug-sphere apparatus 10 which is used for transporting goods from one location to another. The figure includes a model who is shown pulling the apparatus by a telescoping double tow-bar, like that used on luggage, 12 at a beach. A horseshoe-shaped harness 11 connects both polar axes of the Pillbug 10 and connects to the telescoping tow-bar 12 at the apex. The model's hand can grasp the tow-bar handle 13. It is towed in much the same way as someone would tow luggage that has a telescoping handle. In this case, the person's hand can be freed from pulling the Pillbug 10 by snapping a clip loop 14, which is on top of the handle 13 and connecting it to a clip loop 15 on the back of the person's belt 16.

FIG. 6 shows the Pillbug drum apparatus 17, which functions identically as the Pillbug sphere, except for the difference in shape. FIG. 6 shows the Pillbug-drum apparatus 17 which is used for transporting cargo from one location to another. The figure includes a model who is shown pulling the apparatus by a telescoping double tow-bar 12 at the beach. A horseshoe-shaped harness 11 connects both axes of the Pillbug 10 and connects to the telescoping tow-bar, like that used on luggage, 12 at the apex. The model's hand can grasp the tow-bar handle 13. It is towed in much the same way as someone would tow luggage that has a telescoping handle. In this case, the person's hand can be freed from pulling the Pillbug 10 by snapping a spring-loaded clip 14, which is on top of the handle 13 and connecting it to a clip loop 15 on the back of the person's adjustable belt 16.

The telescoping tow-bar 12 and handle 13 are the same type as found on standard luggage, which can be extended for towing or contracted for easy storage. It is made of a metal material for durability and to endure the stress of pulling a heavy payload. The tow-bar snaps onto the horseshoe shaped harness 11 at the apex. The reason for this design is so that the whole apparatus can be easily disassembled and compacted and stored in a trunk of a standard sedan or on the back seat. The apparatus can be carried by the harness 11 alone if the user desires to do so. This might be done while lifting it from the trunk of a car and moving it to the ground. The user would have the option of leaving the tow-bar 12 snapped to the harness 11 or unsnapping it.

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of the Pillbug sphere 10 and Pillbug drum 17 and Pillbug Sausage 19. The shell has a bottom hemi-shell 1A and a top hemi-shell 1B. The two hemi-shells snap together slightly above the equator 5. A rubber seal 5 ensures that the apparatus would be water tight and float. Both concentric hemi-shells have ball bearings 2 on the inside facing the center. The ball bearings 2 allow the inner shell 3 to glide over them as the concentric outer shell (comprised of 1A and 1B snapped together) spins around it.

FIG. 2 is also a cut-away view of the Pillbug for all three versions 10, 17, & 19. The inner concentric half-shell 3 acts as the container which actually holds the goods 18 that the end-user transports. The concentric inner half-shell 3 has a flat bottom 20 to accommodate the goods 18 and help them to remain upright by having a flat floor while being transported FIG. 7.

Two features help reduce frictional drag so that the concentric inner shell 3 remains stationary: the polar ball bearings 8 and the axles 4 & 7. The concentric inner facing ball bearings 2 are located in multi-locations on the inside of the outer shell 1A & 1B facing the center. The concentric inner half-shell 3 is suspended by two axles 4 & 7 which are placed at both sides of the equator of the apparatus. In order to make sure that the outer two half-shells stay together and do not open while being rolled, two latches 6 secure them together. The latches are wide enough for a set of average-sized human fingers to reach under them and lift them up. The two axles 4& 7 at the polar caps have ball bearings 8 to reduce drag and friction on the axles.

FIG. 3 shows the Pillbug sphere version in the open position. It is open in much the same way that a set of luggage would be shown in the open position. The concentric top hemi-shell 1A is shown at the top of the page. The bottom concentric hemi-shell 1B is shown at the bottom of the page. The two axise 4 & 7 can be seen in the tiny spaces separating the two shells. The two latches 6 which open the Pillbug are located at the same places where the axles 4 & 7 are located. The inward facing ball bearings 2 can be seen mounted on the inside of the outer shell 1A & 1B facing the center. The concentric inner shell 3 rests inside the concentric bottom outer shell 1B. The inner shell 3 has a flat floor 20 so that cargo can rest upright on that floor. The axle cap 9 is shown on the inside of the bottom inner shell. The axle does not extend all the way through the device in order to maximize optimum room for the goods to be transported. That is why there are two axles 4 & 7 at both ends instead of one long continuous axle that goes from pole to pole. The place where the two hemi-shells meet 5 has a rubber seal 5 so that the Pillbug is water-tight.

FIG. 4 shows the Pillbug drum in the closed position. The concentric top hemi-shell 1A is shown at the top half of the page. The concentric bottom hemi-shell 1B is shown at the bottom half of the page.

FIG. 5 shows the Pillbug drum in the open position. It is open in much the same way that a set of luggage would be shown in the open position. The top hemisphere 1A is shown at the top of the page. The bottom hemi-shell 1B is shown towards the bottom of the page. The two axles 7 can be seen in the tiny space separating the two spheres. The latch 6 to open the Pillbug drum is located at the same place where the axles 4 & 7 are located. The ball bearings 2 can be seen mounted on the inside of the outer shell facing the center. The concentric inner shell 3 rests inside the bottom outer shell 1B. The axle cap 9 is shown on the inside of the bottom inner sphere. The axle does not extend all the way through the Pillbug to maximize optimum room for the goods to be transported. That is why there are axles 4 & 7 at both ends. The place where the two hemi-shell meet 5 has a rubber seal 5 so that the Pillbug drum is water-tight.

FIG. 7 shows two beverages and a bunch of grapes 18 inside the open Pillbug 10. It is shown open like a luggage set. The top half of the shell 1A is at the top of the page and the bottom half of the shell 1B is at the bottom half of the page.

The Pillbug invention, consisting of the sphere version, the drum version, and the sausage shape version, is a novel method for moving goods from point A to point B. Traditional methods of hauling goods have consisted of dragging them behind animals or humans, carrying them on one's head or in a back-pack, half-tracks, shipping by boat, flying by airplane or placing them on wheels in trucks or trains. Each method has advantages and disadvantages depending on the distance to be covered, the terrain to be navigated, and the weight and bulk of the items to be transported.

Most terrains have already had appropriate methods invented to transport goods over them. The most obvious one is the invention of boats to transport goods over water. The other is the invention of wheels to transport goods over a reasonably flat surface on trucks or trains.

The Pillbug is unique because, instead of having wheels, it functions as the wheel itself. In the grand scope of the invention, it can be used for recreation, military, and construction purposes. Its chief feature is its shape which makes it resistant to sinking into soft terrain such as sand, mud or water.

Claims

1. This invention, called “the Pillbug,” is a transport and container utility which is shaped like a sphere in one version, shaped like a fat sausage in another version, and shaped like a drum in another version that carries cargo on the inside of the apparatus while the cargo remains upright and level and the outside rolls along the ground as it is being pulled by a handle like a piece of luggage. This invention is a container which can be transported easily by a person. The container rolls along the ground by means of someone pulling a telescoping handle. The contents always remain upright because there is an outer container, known as an “outer shell” moving around an inner container, known as an “inner shell.” The outer concentric container circumnavigates around the inner concentric container, which remains upright. This invention is a transport and container utility which is shaped like a sphere in one version, shaped like a drum in another version and a hybrid shape that looks like a fat sausage. The container carries cargo on the inside of the apparatus while the cargo remains level to the ground. The external container rolls along the ground as it is pulled by a handle attached to the axis of the container. The Pillbug can be shaped like anything that can roll smoothly, a sphere, a drum, or even like a fat sausage. The definition of the word “Pillbug” includes the shape of a sphere, a drum and a sausage. In all three versions, the outer concentric container, that is comprised of the top and bottom halves, rolls along the ground and is referred to as the “outer shell.” The inside, stationary and level, container is known and referred to as the “inner shell.”