CONVERTIBLE CARGO CONTAINER
An apparatus which is convertible from a portable cargo container to a wheeled vehicle. In particular, the present invention is a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle. The present invention is particularly useful for transporting relatively heavy loads along with a human operator, quickly and with minimal effort.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/515,828, filed Aug. 5, 2011 and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/769,187 filed Apr. 28, 2010 titled CONVERTIBLE CARGO CONTAINER, the entireties of these contents hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to an apparatus which is convertible from a portable cargo container to a wheeled vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle. Some embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful for transporting relatively heavy loads along with a human operator, quickly and with minimal effort.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.
Backpacks and articles of luggage combining wheels and retractable pull handles are well known in the art. Although these devices aid in transporting cargo, they do not aid in transporting a human operator.
Likewise, foldable scooters and bicycles as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,879 are also well known in the art. These devices provide a convenient means of transporting a bike or scooter, but do not provide an operator the ability to carry any cargo.
Other portable wheeled devices known in the art are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,579 which discloses a foldable child stroller and U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,670 which discloses an article carrying device. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,609,278, 5,984,154, 5,483,495, 6,179,176, 4,036,336, 5,749,503, 5,881,932, and 5,743,447 all disclose wheeled carrying devices with alternative carrying devices.
Convertible backpacks that also function as rideable scooters can be susceptible to folding and loading that sometimes pose physical risks to users. Some physical risks include folding and scissoring components that, without attention, may lead to pinching risks as a user transitions between the various modes.
Further, many deck transition/attachment systems can lead to unstable connections when the deck is open. It can be the case that the coupling that enables the end of the deck to fold for storage, also means that the attachment can be a point of failure during riding. Failure modes include instability or premature folding, particularly when a rider pushes forward, or pulls back, on a steering mechanism.
In some implementations having a backpack and a folding deck engaging a back of the backpack, the deck and folding hardware can add a significant distance between the backpack pack and the wearer. This distance can degrade the quality of the backpack function of being worn on the back and carrying items because the items extend too far away from the user.
An important consideration for some users is the ease by which a deck is transitioned between a closed mode and an open mode. For these users, a simple one-handed operable latching mechanism is superior. Unfortunately, for any latching solutions attempting to address other concerns identified herein, it can be a challenge to also maintain desired simplicity.
What is needed is a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle, preferably while reducing the drawbacks identified herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of technical features related to a backpack including a deployable wheeled riding platform, and is not intended to be a full description of the present invention. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. The present invention is applicable to other types of luggage and other deployable wheeled platforms.
Overcoming these problems by providing a convertible cargo container with a deployable wheeled platform is a primary objective of the present invention. Other objects of the invention will become apparent in light of the following disclosure and related claims.
A combination scooter, pull-pack, backpack with three user transportation modes: riding, pulling, and carrying. The Product design incorporates the following combination of unique characteristics and components: An integrated three-wheeled scooter where, in ride mode, one wheel is located at the front end of the cargo carrier, and the other two wheels are located at the rear of a deployable riding platform so as to be functional in both ride mode with the platform deployed, and in pull mode with the platform retracted; an integrated cargo carrier component; a fully deployable and retractable riding platform with an integrated linkage between the cargo carrier and platform such that all three wheels remain in contact with the ground allowing the cargo carrier to remain standing upright while transforming between open and closed positions, as well as through the transition between these positions; an integrated roller(s) mechanism on the end of the platform that allows the platform to easily roll up and down between open and closed positions; a latching mechanism(s) integrated into the platform that allows the platform to be secured in both open and closed positions; an offset steering mechanism with a linkage to the front wheel chassis allowing the rider to turn the scooter's front wheel free of the cargo payload weight resistance in order to achieve the desired turn; integrated strap(s) for carrying the entire unit when riding and pulling aren't convenient; an integrated and vertically adjustable handlebar component; and an integrated friction brake pedal on the rear of the platform that slows both rear wheels when depressed in ride mode.
Embodiments of the present invention is generally comprised of three main components, a cargo container 1, a handle 4, and a retractable platform 7 having wheels 10, which can be converted to three basic modes, a backpack, wheeled luggage, and a scooter type vehicle. The first backpack mode is suitable for carrying light loads or loads over rough terrain. The second wheeled luggage mode is most suited to carrying cargo in medium traffic areas with generally flat terrain, such as an airport. The third scooter type vehicle mode is well suited to transporting a load as well as the operator great distances over low traffic areas with generally flat terrain. The third scooter type mode is also particularly advantageous when time is of the essence. The invention thus overcomes several problems associated with manually hauling cargo efficiently, while also providing a means to transport an operator along with the payload.
A mobility cargo platform includes a vertically extending central main support having a longitudinal channel extending from a bottom end to a top end and a track assembly disposed along an outside of the vertically extending main support extending upwardly from a first location proximate the bottom end to a second location toward the top end; a steering handle rotatably disposed inside the longitudinal channel and extending from the bottom end above the top end controlling a direction; a steerage linkage coupled to the steering handle at the bottom end and extending in a first direction away from the vertically extending central main support; a steering wheel assembly, coupled to the steerage linkage; a stowable rider deck having a proximal end including a track engagement assembly coupled to the track assembly and a distal end coupled to a rear wheel assembly, the stowable rider deck repeatably transitionable between a closed mode in which the proximal end is proximate the second location with the rider deck generally vertical and an open mode in which the proximal end is proximate the first location with the rider deck generally horizontal; a cargo container coupled to the vertically extending central main support; and a latching assembly, coupled to the stowable rider deck, securing the stowable rider deck in the closed mode.
Any of the embodiments described herein may be used alone or together with one another in any combination. Inventions encompassed within this specification may also include embodiments that are only partially mentioned or alluded to or are not mentioned or alluded to at all in this brief summary or in the abstract. Although various embodiments of the invention may have been motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification, the embodiments of the invention do not necessarily address any of these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments of the invention may address different deficiencies that may be discussed in the specification. Some embodiments may only partially address some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussed in the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of these deficiencies.
Other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon a review of the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings, and claims.
The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The forgoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description contained herein below, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
34.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for a backpack or article of luggage that includes a deployable wheeled platform so that the backpack or luggage is convertible to a scooter type vehicle, preferably while reducing the drawbacks identified herein. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.
Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
Embodiments of the present invention include a cargo container which can be converted into a scooter type vehicle for transporting a person and his cargo. Embodiments generally include three main components, a cargo container 1, a handle 4, and a retractable platform 7 having wheels 10. The invention has three use positions including riding, as shown in
Referring specifically to
Telescoping tube 13 is rotatably mounted in the cargo container 1 as is distal end, and is connected to steering assembly 28 as shown in
As can best be seen in
Operation of the device will now be described. When an operator wants to transport himself and cargo in scooter mode, the handles 4 are fully deployed as handle bar 16, and the platform 7 is fully deployed at a substantially perpendicular angle to the cargo container 1. The operator stands on platform 7 and steers the device with telescoping tube 13 and the attached steering assembly 28. When a high traffic area is encountered, the operator would step off the platform and pivot the handles to their closed position as shown in
The second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first, having a cargo container 46, a telescoping tube 58, a platform 52 and wheels 55 as shown in
In some cases and for some embodiments and applications, there may be a need or desire to latch rider deck 2315 into the open position. Some designs can produce undesirable flexing/pivoting about connection points between rider deck 2315 and track assembly 2345. For example there can be a forward rotation of handle 2310 while rider deck 2315 is open/extended and a rider is aboard.
Other improvements include structures making platform 2300 less bulky, and lighter, and reducing costs of goods. The figures herein represent prototypes and initial visualizations of the product and in some ways are sturdier than required for manufacturing. Some of the designs reflect prototypes built from 1″-thick solid aluminum stock, which is unnecessary for manufactured products, but appropriate for wanting to withstand extended testing and potential failure analysis. Alternatives suitable for manufacture may include designs inspired from folding ironing tables (which employ very inexpensive yet reliable fold-and-slide mechanism) and drawer rail hardware. The latter are made out of punched and formed steel and are rated to support considerable load. Also, they roll on inexpensive nylon rollers which could help the platform deploy smoothly. These two points of departure or inspiration alone would help reduce complexity, bulk, weight and expense considerably.
Specifics of shoulder/carrying straps have not been shown as they may implemented in many different ways. A preferred implementation includes straps mounted to a side of cargo container 2305 supporting rider deck 2315. A pair of straps are provided on lateral sides of rider deck 2315, connected at a top and at a bottom of cargo container 2305. For straps disposed on that side of cargo container 2305, it is advantageous to provide for a strap management system to inhibit having straps interfere with use during ride and pull modes. Strap management may be fairly basic, including a retaining system for the straps and cargo container such as hook-and-loop mating patches that removeably attach the straps to the cargo container and reduce interference. More exotic systems of buckles and retainers may be used to more securely and aesthetically retain the straps when not needed or desired, such as for carrying platform 2300.
As described herein, platform 5405 is moveably engaged with a main tube 5415 that extends generally vertically from support/shroud 5410 (some embodiments may provide a strictly vertical arrangement while other arrangements may configure main tube with a slope). Platform 5405 includes a coupling that enables a proximal end 5420 (via a lateral linkage) to travel along a track assembly (in this embodiment one or more (preferably a pair of opposing) lateral rails), herein referred to as lateral rails 5425 when transitioning platform 5405 between the open mode and the closed mode. A latching mechanism 5430 locks platform 5405 into the open mode. Latching mechanism 5430 operates by use of a simple latch handle 5435 to unlock platform 5405. This enables single-handed manipulation and operation to transition platform 5405 between the modes. The coupling may include one or more sliders, rollers and the like. Additionally, the track assembly may include a wide-range of different rails, channels, guides, and the like, in addition to or in lieu of the particular implementation shown and described herein.
Platform 5405 includes one or more (preferably a pair) of wheels 5440 at a distal end 5445. One or more (preferably one) steering wheel 5450 is coupled to main tube 5415 by a steerage linkage to enable safe steering by virtue of a steering handlebar 5455 rotatably coupled to the steerage linkage through main tube 5415. A preferred implementation includes provision of the three wheels as described which enables a user to maintain all three wheels in contact with the ground in either the open mode or the closed mode.
Representative attachment points, for example a plate 5460, are shown to support repeatable (de)attachment of a backpack to backpack framework 5400. (Other attachment points may be disposed on other parts, for example, along a perimeter of support/shroud 5410.)
In
Support/shroud 5410 serves a dual purpose in supporting a backpack as mentioned, and surrounding and inhibiting access to the steerage linkage. The steering linkage could be an additional pinching hazard. There are other potential hazards that may be shielded with a shroud. For example, a roller/linkage slider 5810 that engages lateral rail(s) 5425 and rolls/slides may in some implementations be considered to produce a pinch hazard. Use of a shroud 5815 can reduce such pinch hazards and improves the safety of such devices.
Also as seen in
During operation, unlocking latching mechanism 5430 by lifting latch handle 5435 simultaneous unlocks the platform and provides the user with a handle to continue the motion and in a single action lift and close the platform. Lifting latch handle 5435 causes latch handle lever 7010 to withdraw latch 7005 and move it against compression spring 7015, thereby disengaging the lock mode.
Optionally, the cargo container of any embodiment can be made of a suitably durable synthetic or natural fabric shell or it can be formed of a synthetic or natural fabric shell mounted over a rigid frame. Additionally, either embodiment can have a power source such as an electric or gas motor mounted in the platform or cargo container.
In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Thus, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A mobility cargo platform, comprising:
- a vertically extending central main support having a longitudinal channel extending from a bottom end to a top end and a track assembly disposed along an outside of said vertically extending main support extending upwardly from a first location proximate said bottom end to a second location toward said top end;
- a steering handle rotatably disposed inside said longitudinal channel and extending from said bottom end above said top end controlling a direction;
- a steerage linkage coupled to said steering handle at said bottom end and extending in a first direction away from said vertically extending central main support;
- a steering wheel assembly, coupled to said steerage linkage;
- a stowable rider deck having a proximal end including a track engagement assembly coupled to said track assembly and a distal end coupled to a rear wheel assembly, said stowable rider deck repeatably transitionable between a closed mode in which said proximal end is proximate said second location with said rider deck generally vertical and an open mode in which said proximal end is proximate said first location with said rider deck generally horizontal;
- a cargo container coupled to said vertically extending central main support; and
- a latching assembly, coupled to said stowable rider deck, securing said stowable rider deck in said closed mode.
2. The mobility cargo platform of claim 1 further comprising a braking assembly coupled to said rear wheel assembly.
3. The mobility cargo platform of claim 2 said braking assembly includes a brake pad coupled to said rear wheel assembly and a pedal actuator coupled to said distal end and to said brake pad with actuation of said pedal actuator initiating contact between said brake pad and said rear wheel assembly.
4. The mobility cargo platform of claim 1 wherein said rear wheel assembly includes a pair of rear wheels.
5. The mobility cargo platform of claim 4 further comprising a rear fender disposed proximate an outer perimeter of each rear wheel of said pair of rear wheels, each said rear fender configured for a partial arc about said outer perimeter enabling a rearward tilting of said cargo container in said closed mode and supported by said pair of rear wheels over a support surface, wherein said rearward tilting does not engage said support surface with either of said rear fenders.
6. The mobility cargo platform of claim 1 wherein said track assembly includes a pair of vertically extending opposed channels coupled to an outer surface of said vertically extending central main support and wherein said track engagement assembly includes a roller assembly coupled to said track assembly, said roller assembly including a first roller coupled to a first channel of said track assembly and a second roller coupled to a second channel of said track assembly.
7. The mobility cargo platform of claim 1 wherein said latching assembly further latches said stowable rider deck in said open mode.
8. The mobility cargo platform of claim 7 wherein said latching assembly is configured to inhibit a forward pitching of said steering handle about said track engagement assembly when said stowable rider deck is in said open mode and is being ridden.
9. The mobility cargo platform of claim 8 wherein said latching assembly includes a sliding bolt including a biased pin for engagement with, and disengagement from, said track assembly.
10. The mobility cargo platform of claim 1 wherein said track assembly includes a pair of vertically extending lateral rails coupled to opposing outer surfaces of said vertically extending central main support and wherein said track engagement assembly includes a roller assembly coupled to said track assembly, said roller assembly including a first roller coupled to a first rail of said track assembly and a second roller coupled to a second rail of said track assembly.
11. The mobility cargo platform of claim 1 wherein said cargo container is an independent container configured to be repeatedly attached to and detached from said vertically extending central main support.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 6, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 7, 2013
Inventors: Hamid Arjomand (Tigard, OR), Phillip H. Neal (San Rafael, CA)
Application Number: 13/568,031