Abstract:
Disclosed is an animal transportation hand truck for travelers. The device features wheels on one end so that it can be rolled when tilted. The container in which the animal is to be carried depends from a support mechanism so that, being pulled in one direction by gravity, the container remains level when the rest of the device is tilted. Portions of the device can be removed or collapsed for greater mobility and convenience. A luggage compartment, retractable cover, a mount for pre-existing pet containers, shock absorbers, heater/air-conditioning unit, and other enhancements to the device are also disclosed. The device can be used to transport items other than pets that a user wishes to keep level during transportation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    None.  
         STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    None.  
         REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX  
         [0003]    None.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0005]    The present invention relates to wheeled luggage, hand trucks, and animal transportation devices.  
           [0006]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0007]    Luggage with wheels, hand trucks, and wheeled pet-carrying devices are known. Wheeled luggage that includes two wheels on one corner so that the unit can be rolled only when tilted is known; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,953 to Royet. Collapsible frames for use in rolling luggage, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,695 to Shourek et al, are known.  
           [0008]    Suitcases with four wheels are not often used by modern travelers because such “boxes-on-wheels” fall over easily when rolled across an uneven surface. In recent years, the international popularity of the two-wheeled luggage approach has exploded. This approach is superior to the four-wheeled approach from the traveler&#39;s perspective because (1) the two-wheeled unit rests more stably when not being rolled, since weight is distributed evenly between the wheels and the side of the luggage that does not have wheels, and (2) when the two-wheeled unit is tilted so as to be rollable, the user&#39;s own hand stabilizes the unit while he or she is pulling the unit so that it is less likely to fall over.  
           [0009]    Four-wheeled pet carriers, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,843 to Lazides and U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,090 to Burns et al., have not gained market acceptance for the same reasons why four-wheeled luggage is unpopular: they fall over too easily, frustrating the user and terrorizing the pet. Most pet owners, therefore, simply carry their pets in cages by hand, which approach becomes tiresome quickly. What is needed is a two-wheeled pet carrying device for travelers, preferably one which can also serve as luggage to carry the user&#39;s personal items.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention provides travelers a wheeled pet transportation device that is easier to use than prior devices. A pet chamber is suspended on a hand truck frame so that the pet chamber remains level even though the orientation of the frame relative to the ground changes once the user tilts the unit in order to roll it. The same approach can be used to transport any object which a user wishes to keep level.  
           [0011]    Additional features of the invention are disclosed. Portions of the frame can be collapsed, retracted, or removed for convenient stowage. A suitcase can be attached to the frame for added convenience, and the pet chamber can include any number of comforts, such as a battery-operated fan or radio. The pet chamber and the support mechanism by which the pet chamber is attached to the frame can be removed. A kickstand can be provided to enhance the stability of the unit when not in motion. The unit can also be attached to the human body for hands-free towing. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 presents a side view of the invention resting on the ground.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 presents a side view of the invention once the handle has been lifted so that the unit rests on its wheels.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 presents a top view of the invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 presents a top view of the invention after the pet chamber has been removed and the frame partially collapsed.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 presents a side view of a particular embodiment of the invention suitable for transporting three animals.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 presents a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the pet chamber is positioned on the handle side of the suitcase.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 presents a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 6 after the pet chamber has been removed and the pet chamber suspension mechanism collapsed.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 presents a side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 after the frame has been partially collapsed.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 presents a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein only one suspension post rather than two suspension posts is used.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 presents an embodiment of the invention suitable for carrying a pre-existing piece of pet luggage.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 11 presents a perspective view of the frame which carries the pet chamber and suitcase.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 12 presents a side view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the pet chamber can be enclosed by a cover.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 13 presents a side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 after the cover has been closed.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 14 presents a perspective view of a trunk which can be used in place of the suitcase depicted in other figures.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of the trunk depicted in FIG. 14 after it has been opened and expanded.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 16 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the invention that includes a kickstand to increase the stability of the unit when it is at rest.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 17 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the invention that includes a spring-loaded stabilizer mechanism.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of elements of the basic suspension mechanism whereby the pet chamber is supported.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 19A depicts a side view of a clip can be used to attach the pet chamber to the suspension mechanism.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 19B depicts a side view of the clip depicted in FIG. 19A after the clip has been bent inward to create a space.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 19C depicts a perspective view of the clip attached to a support bar.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a removable suspension post.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 21 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the invention which includes a deployable handle that can be attached to a user&#39;s belt for hands-free towing of the unit. FIG. 22 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the invention which includes a ski for use in snow or sand. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.  
         [0036]    Disclosed in FIG. 1 is a side view of a device  10  that includes a frame  11  with a wheel  12  attached to one end; a second wheel, not visible in FIG. 1, is attached to the frame behind the depicted wheel (see FIG. 11 for view of the second wheel). Mounted upon the frame  11  is a suspension post  13 ; a second suspension post, not visible in FIG. 1, is attached to the frame behind the depicted suspension post (see FIG. 11 for view of the second suspension post).  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 1, the suspension posts  13  support a round support bar  15  from which is suspended a pet chamber  14  that is movably attached to the support bar  15 . The pet chamber  14  hangs from and can revolve around the bar  15 . The frame also bears an attached suitcase  16 , a handle  17  for pulling the frame, and a small pedestal  18  which supports the frame  11  when it is resting upon a surface  19  such as the ground.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the same unit  10  after it has been moved into position by the user (not shown) so as to be rollable. When a user wishes to move the frame  11 , she grabs the handle  17  and lifts the frame  11  up in the direction of the depicted motion arrow so that the frame can be rolled on its wheels  12 . Since the pet chamber  14  is suspended so as to be able to revolve around the bar  15  and gravity pulls the pet chamber  14  toward the ground  19 , the pet chamber  14  remains level when the unit is in the depicted position, even though the frame  11  in FIG. 2 is now oriented at an angle relative to the ground  19  that is different from the angle depicted in FIG. 1.  
         [0039]    Thus, the flat floor of the pet chamber  14  remains basically parallel to the earth&#39;s horizon, allowing a pet inside the pet chamber to feel as though it stands or lies upon level ground.  
         [0040]    The pet chamber&#39;s retention of the same basic spatial orientation relative to the horizon, i.e., the flat floor of the pet chamber lying in a plane which is perpendicular to the line described by the earth&#39;s center of gravity and the pet chamber&#39;s center of gravity, is made possible by the fact that the center of gravity of the pet chamber lies below the bar from which it is suspended. The earth&#39;s gravitational pull causes the center of gravity of the pet chamber to move toward the earth&#39;s center of gravity as far as it can. Revolving motion is allowed by the movable nature of the pet chamber&#39;s attachment to the support bar. But, of course, this attachment does not allow the distance between the pet chamber and the support bar to increase; the pet chamber can only revolve around the axis described by the round support bar, the flat floor of the pet chamber never exceeding a certain radial distance from the support bar.  
         [0041]    Thus, since the unit is constructed so that the lowest point the pet chamber&#39;s center of gravity can reach corresponds to the position in which the floor of the pet chamber is level with the horizon, the pet chamber constantly moves to whatever position results in a level floor.  
         [0042]    The unit as a whole is essentially a hand truck similar to those commonly used to move heavy objects, except that this hand truck is specially equipped with a self-leveling surface. As such, the present invention can be used not only to transport animals but to transport any number of other objects that a user would prefer to keep level. For instance, the depicted “pet chamber” can carry more than pets—bottles, food, delicate electronics, or other objects that should not be turned on their sides.  
         [0043]    The suspension posts can be hinged to the frame so that they can fold down as depicted in FIGS. 6, 7, and  8 . Alternately, the suspension posts can be welded or otherwise permanently and immovably fixed to the frame. Alternately, the suspension posts can be removably clamped to the frame so that a single suspension post can be used with multiple frames; a removable suspension post is depicted in FIG. 20. The entire suspension mechanism and pet chamber can also be manufactured separately and sold as an accessory that can be used with and attached to pre-existing hand trucks. In this way, people who already own a handtruck can gain the benefits of the present invention by simply adding an accessory onto their existing hand truck.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 3 presents a top view of an embodiment  30  of the invention. From this angle, both wheels  12  and both suspension posts  13  can be viewed, and the bar  15  from which the pet chamber  14  is suspended can be seen better. In this embodiment, the frame  32  can be collapsed by retraction of the telescoping member  31  that holds the wheels  12 . First, the suspension posts  13  and pet chamber  14  must be removed. FIG. 4 shows the unit  30  after it has been collapsed. In the collapsed state, the unit  30  is appropriate for carrying on a plane, as is the separated pet chamber  14 .  
         [0045]    The pet chamber may include several features. Windows with bars or Plexiglas and ventilation holes can be included so that the pet occupant can see out of the chamber and have access to fresh air without the pet being allowed to escape from the chamber. Padding of the chamber will make it more comfortable. A battery-operated radio or other sound producing machine can be included in the pet chamber to calm the pet; similarly, an electronic fan, heater, air conditioner, air purifier, or flat-panel display can also be included in the pet chamber to comfort or distract the pet. The floor of the pet chamber can be mounted on springs so as to make the ride smoother. Shock absorbers can alternately be included in the suspension posts or in the frame.  
         [0046]    The suitcase can be constructed as conventional suitcases, in materials ranging from canvas to leather or other material. The suitcase can be glued or riveted to the frame or attached to the frame with Velcro, snaps or zippers so that it is easily removable and can be constructed so as to fold out into a hanging back. The pet chamber can be covered in the same material used for the suitcase but should have a sturdy internal frame for the protection of the pet occupant. The frame, suspension posts, and support bar can be made of metal, plastic, wood, or other material strong enough to support the suitcase and pet chamber. The suspension posts can be covered with durable twine so that they can double as scratching posts. The wheels can be solid or inflatable.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment  50  of the invention that dispenses with the suitcase in favor of providing two additional pet chambers  14 . Each chamber  14  is independently suspended so as to remain level when the frame  11  is tilted.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment  60  of the invention wherein the pet chamber  14  is mounted toward the handle end of the frame, which is constructed to be collapsible by function of telescoping action, whereby the handle side portion  62  of the frame retracts into the wheel side portion of the frame  63 . When the pet chamber  14  is removed, the suspension posts  13 , which are hinged  61  to the frame, can fold down as depicted in FIG. 7. Once the suspension posts  13  are thereby collapsed, the frame can also partially collapse as depicted in FIG. 8. This collapsing of the frame is similar to the approach commonly used in conventional wheeled luggage and collapsible hand trucks.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment  90  of the invention wherein, instead of a suspension post appearing on either side of the pet chamber, only one suspension post  91  appears. This suspension post  91  reaches over the pet chamber  14  to hold the support bar  15  from either end, thereby serving as a cantilever support for the support bar  15  and the pet chamber  14  it supports. This embodiment allows a window  92  or door to appear on the side of the pet chamber  14  without being partially obscured by a second suspension post as in other embodiments. In FIG. 9, a window  92  with bars  93  to keep the pet inside the pet chamber  14  appears. A battery-operated radio  95  can be attached to the pet chamber  14 . Instead of a suitcase, a heater/air-conditioner/fan  96  and a flat-panel display  97  can be mounted on the unit  90  for the comfort or distraction of the pet once travel is finished.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 10 presents another embodiment  100 , which does not include a suitcase. This unit includes a rigid housing  101  that includes a flat bottom held by rigid bars that are movably attached to the support bar  15 . This housing  101  is open on the sides so that a pre-existing pet carrier  102  can be set upon the housing  101  and strapped to it with straps  103 . In this way, users who already own luggage for carrying pets can still use such pre-existing luggage while enjoying the benefits of the present invention. The housing  101  can be made of metal, plastic or other rigid material. The suspension posts  13  are mounted on shock absorbers  104 . The essential features of the frame  11  and most of the structural elements mounted upon it appear in FIG. 11, a perspective view. Notice that the pet chamber and the suitcase are not included in this illustration so that the frame, the support bar  15 , and other elements can be seen better. From this angle, we can see two crossbars  111  perpendicular to and connecting the two sides of the frame  11  to stabilize the unit as a whole.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment  120 , which includes rails  121  upon which a covering  122  is movably and removably mounted. This cover can be fabric, such as cotton or canvas, or some other material, such as plastic or vinyl. This cover  122  slides along the rails  121  so that it can enclose the pet chamber  14  as depicted in FIG. 13. This ability to enclose the pet chamber makes it possible for the unit to be used to transport animals in harsh environments, such as rain or extreme cold. It also allows creation of a relatively closed environment so that an air-conditioner, heater or air purifier, as depicted in FIG. 9, can be used to create and maintain a more favorable environment underneath the cover for the comfort and safety of the pet being transported. The cover  122  can include air ventilation holes and can include a clear plastic window.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 14 depicts a trunk  150  that can be mounted on the frame of a given embodiment instead of a suitcase. This trunk  150  includes a box-like container  148  with a lid  143  which covers part of the box  148 . Also included is a pet playhouse  141  movably attached to a telescoping, collapsible post  142 . When the trunk  150  is resting on a flat surface, the lid  143  can be opened on its hinges  146  to create a space  147 , for pet toys or bedding, as depicted in FIG. 15. Meanwhile, the collapsible post  142  can be expanded so that the pet playhouse  141  is held above the rest of the unit  150 . This playhouse  141  contains an opening  144  for pets. The post  142  also contains peg holes  145  so that additional pet playhouses or other entertainment accessories can be attached to the post  142 .  
         [0053]    In this way, a “cat tree” or “cat furniture,” which usually includes several different levels and chambers of carpet-lined floors and walls, can be made collapsible and easily portable. For instance, when such a trunk  150  is used in conjunction with the remainder of the invention, a user can easily transport her cat, and then, upon arrival to her destination, open the trunk  150  to create a space for the cat to live in and entertain itself. The pet entertainment center can also include a retractable clothesline for suspending cat toys and other features.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of the invention which includes telescoping kickstands  161  and a pedestal  162  attached to the bottom of the suitcase  16 . These additional features can be used to provide additional stability to the unit when it is standing upright as shown. A hanging loop  163  is mounted on top of the pet chamber  14  for use with the clip depicted in FIG. 19A as an alternative way of attaching the pet chamber to the support bar.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of the invention which includes a pedestal  171  and two spring-loaded stabilizer bars  172 . When pressure is exerted on the pedestal  171 , as in the case of standing the unit upright and letting it rest on the wheels and the pedestal, the pedestal  171  serves as a button to release the spring-loaded stabilizer bars  172 . Once they are released, the bars  172  must be manually collapsed back into the unit.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of some of the basic elements of the suspension mechanism: a suspension post  13 , the support bar  15 , and the pet chamber  14 , which fit together along the depicted arrow line. The round support bar  15  passes through the round holes of the pet chamber  14  so that the pet chamber  14  can revolve around the bar  15 . The bar  15  an be coated with Teflon to reduce friction between the bar  15  and the pet chamber  14 .  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 19A depicts a side view of a clip used to attach the pet chamber to the support bar. The pet chamber is attached to the bottom of the clip  191 , which is made of metal or plastic or another flexible material so that it can bend as depicted in FIG. 19B to create a space. The support bar is inserted through this space, and then the clip  191  returns to its original shape, as shown in FIG. 19C.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a removable suspension post  201 , which features a bottom cover  202  which is attached to the remainder of the unit by hinge  203 . This cover  202  partly encloses a space  204  into which a frame can be inserted so that the unit can be attached to a hand truck frame.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 21 depicts a top view of an embodiment  210  of the invention which includes a deployable/retractable handle  211 . This extension contains a number of rings  212  that can be attached to a user&#39;s belt for hands-free towing of the unit. A clip such as that depicted in FIG. 19A can be used to clip a user&#39;s belt loop to one of the depicted rings, or the users belt can be fed directly through one of the rings. This retractable handle with belt-attachment mechanism can be manufactured and sold separately so as to be used with pre-existing luggage and hand trucks.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 22 depicts a side view of an embodiment  220  of the invention in which a ski  222  is attached to the frame by hinge  221 , the ski taking the place of wheels so that the invention can be used in snow and sand.  
         [0061]    It should also be noted that the invention can be used to transport a human baby instead of a pet. In such application, the pet chamber is replaced with a baby seat or crib.  
         [0062]    Licensing information can be obtained through www.epoet.com.