Abstract:
An apparatus for the portage of a cargo includes an articulated frame assembly, one half of which supports a wheel and the remaining half of which is yoked to a control handlebar and waist belt assembly that is worn around the waist of a user. A table, saddlebags, and pouches attach to the apparatus for containing the cargo as does a bench type of a seat. The control handlebar pivots about an axis that is generally parallel with a surface. The two frame halves articulate as needed about a pivot axis disposed in a pivot assembly. The pivot axis is generally disposed in a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the surface when the user is making turns. The pivot axis assembly includes a pivot brake and it can be allowed to pivot or it can be locked in position as a rigid non-articulating frame assembly. The control handlebar pivots into a second position that places the ends in contact with the surface and is useful for the stationary storage of the apparatus. The user may sit on the seat and use the table in this position. A variety of accessory items are anticipated for use and subsequent attachment to the apparatus in order to satisfy particular adaptation requirements.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention, in general relates to wheeled portage devices and, more particularly, to a portage device having a single wheel that is attached to the waist of a user. 
     The need to portage supplies and equipment is well known. No one device is suited for all applications. As an example, self-propelled portage devices include motor vehicles of all types. Accordingly, a large dump truck is suited for the portage of certain items, such as gravel, whereas a motorcycle is better suited for the transport of its rider and a very limited cargo. 
     However, there are situations that call for the portage of items that do not permit the use of a motor powered self-propelled vehicle. For example, the use of motor vehicles is prohibited in certain wilderness back-country areas. Backpackers who wish to visit and perhaps camp in these areas have before been required to transport the necessary items on a backpack. This has limited the amount of cargo to a weight that they can easily transport. 
     Those hikers with back-related problems are in many instances prohibited from access to such remote areas to the extent that they are unable to carry items on their backs. Even healthy individuals are limited as to the weight that can be carried in a backpack. 
     This is due both to human carrying capacity and also to reasons of physics as they relate to considerations regarding stability. Ideally, a heavy item should be disposed as close to the surface (ground) as is possible for maximum stability. Backpackers who know this put heavier items in the bottom of their packs and lighter items at the top. 
     Heavy items disposed high on the human frame make the person top heavy and prone to falling, especially if he or she should lean forward or backwards too far. As it is, backpackers must compensate for the weight that is in their backpacks by leaning forward an increased amount. This puts their torsos into an attitude that is unfamiliar and, because it tilts the head forward, uncomfortable at best. It may also compromise safety in that forward (and overhead) visibility is further restricted as a result of the increased forward lean angle. 
     There is a need for those hiking trails and wilderness areas to be able to transport heavier, and also bulkier, cargo items than can readily be transported in a backpack. There is also a need to be able to more easily and with greater comfort transport items that could otherwise be carried in a backpack. There is a further need to improve access to these types of remote areas to individuals who, for whatever reason of infirmity, would be disadvantaged to use a backpack or any of the known means of transporting items into wilderness areas. 
     Also, the need to transport heavier, bulkier, or simply more items easier and safer is not limited solely to those who backpack. Many situations could benefit from such a device, too innumerable to recite all but a few here. Postal mail carriers in particular, who walk door to door delivering the mail, stand to benefit both in terms of carrying capacity and also in terms of safety and efficiency if they are able to carry heavier loads in an easier manner. 
     Street vendors have similar needs. Those who peddle foodstuff, such as hot dogs and pretzels would welcome such a device as would those who sell trinkets and other miscellaneous items. Vendors who work in shopping malls or at fairs and shows also have similar needs. 
     And, aside from the need to transport cargo items, there is also a need to provide a resting place for the user, such as a chair. Some innovative types of folding chairs have been created for this purpose, but they must either be carried separately or they add significantly to the complexity of the device itself. 
     Accordingly there exists today a need for a wheeled portage device that permits placing cargo items close to the surface of the ground and which facilitates their transport under a variety of situations. 
     Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Wheeled portage device are, in general, known. For example, motor powered devices such as motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks are known. Operator powered devices such as bicycles, carts, and wheelbarrows are known. 
     While the structural arrangements of the above named devices, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved portage device that is easy to use. 
     It is also an important object of the invention to provide an improved portage device that can be used to transport a cargo. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an improved portage device that is powered by a human. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved portage device that includes one wheel, a frame assembly, and is attached to the waist of a user and is pulled by him when he or she is walking or hiking. 
     Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved portage device that includes an articulated frame. 
     Yet another important object of the invention is to provide an improved portage device that is versatile. 
     Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide an improved portage device that is adaptable to provide a seat to sit on and a table. 
     Briefly, an improved portage device that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a single wheel and surrounding frame assembly to which a cargo may be attached. The frame assembly includes a waist belt assembly that is adapted for securing the frame about the waist of a user for portage wherein the frame and wheel are generally disposed behind the user. Intermediate the waist belt assembly and the wheel a pivot about an axis is provided that divides the frame assembly into two halves, each of the two halves being disposed on opposite sides of the axis. The axis is disposed in a more vertical than horizontal orientation. The pivot can be regulated by the user to allow the frame assembly halves to articulate about the axis to provide improved maneuvering around corners or to maintain rigidity for improved travel over straight areas or uneven surfaces and when parking the device. A variety of load carrying devices, such as saddlebags, flat surfaces, and pouches, each of which is designed to best satisfy the requirements for a particular use, are attached to either of the frame assembly halves. Other accessory devices, such as a tent fly, are also attached to the frame assembly and are intended to improve the versatility of the portage device when it is parked. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an improved portage device showing two halves of a frame assembly, a wheel assembly, and portions of a waist belt assembly. 
     FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the basic frame assembly. 
     FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of the waist belt assembly. 
     FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of a cloth saddlebag attached to a portion of the frame assembly. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the portage device in a stationary position adapted for use as a table and bench. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to FIG.  1  and on occasion to all of the FIGURE drawings is shown, an improved portage device, identified in general by the reference numeral  10 . 
     The portage device  10  consists of two primary assemblies, a frame assembly, identified in general by the reference numeral  12  in FIG. 2, and a waist-belt assembly, identified in general by the reference numeral  14  in FIG.  3 . 
     Various component parts of the portage device  10  are described hereinafter as being “attached” to other component parts. The method that is used to attach one part to another is a variable that is influenced by many factors, including conventional practice, cost, ease of assembly and disassembly, and maintenance. When appropriate, fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, threaded fasteners, and the like are relied upon to attach one part to another. When appropriate component parts are welded to each other. When appropriate, certain parts may be detachably attachable, such as by the use of a hook and loop type of fastener marketed under the tradename, “VELCRO”. Accordingly, the words “attach”, “attachable”, and “attached” are intended to include any of the above as well as other known methods. 
     A wheel  16  and a tire  18  are attached to the frame assembly  12  and adapted to rotate about an axle  20 . The frame assembly  12  supports the wheel  16  and the tire  18  and provides a support platform that is adapted for the attachment of a variety of load carrying devices, depending upon the particular use intended for the portage device  10 . 
     The load carrying devices are designed for the specific application in mind and are discussed in greater detail hereinafter. For example, the needs of a street vendor will differ from those of a mail delivery person, and both will differ from those of a wilderness camper. Other applications also have their specific requirements for carrying cargo items. These needs are satisfied by the design of specific load carrying devices that are in turn attached to the frame assembly  12 . 
     A first half  22  (FIG. 2) of the frame assembly  12  includes a pair of rear members  24   a ,  24   b , a first end of each being attached to an axle support  26  on each side of the axle  20 . The rear members  24   a ,  24   b  generally extent toward the rear of portage device with a second end of each generally being disposed further behind and above the axle  20  than are the first ends. 
     Intermediate the second end of the rear members  24   a ,  24   b  is a carrying handle  28 . The carrying handle  28  is useful for picking up the rear of the portage device  10  and for lifting the wheel  16  and tire  18  over obstacles, such as logs, rocks, and water (not shown). 
     A first end of each of a pair of front members  30   a ,  30   b  are also attached to the axle support  26  on each side of the axle  20  and generally extend toward to front of the portage device  10  so that a second end of each is disposed higher and more forward of the axle  20  than the first end. Intermediate the second end of each of the front members  30   a ,  30   b  an upper cross member  31  is attached. 
     A first end of each of a pair of lower frame members  32   a ,  32   b  are similarly attached to the axle support  26  and extend generally toward the front of the portage device  10  maintaining the second end of each at an elevation proximate that of the axle  20 . In use, the attitude of the frame assembly  12  is changed, as is discussed in greater detail hereinafter, and so the second end of each of the lower frame members  32   a ,  32   b  are raised somewhat more than is shown in the FIG. 2 drawing. 
     Intermediate the second ends of the lower frame members  32   a ,  32   b  a lower cross member  34  is attached. Intermediate the second ends of the front members  30   a ,  30   b  and the second ends of the lower frame members  32   a ,  32   b , a pair of forward members  36   a ,  36   b  are attached. 
     Intermediate the second ends of the front members  30   a ,  30   b  and the second ends of the rear members  24   a ,  24   b , a pair of upper members  38   a ,  38   b  are attached. 
     A front tube  40  is generally attached at a first end to the lower cross member  34  and extends therefrom at a perpendicular angle to a first half of a frame pivot  42  where it attached. The first half of a frame pivot  42  cooperates with a second half of a frame pivot  44  and a pivot brake  46  to form in general a frame pivot assembly, identified in general by the reference numeral  48 . 
     Together, the axle support  26  disposed on both sides of the axle  20 , along with the rear members  24   a ,  24   b , the front members  30   a ,  30   b , the lower frame members  32   a ,  32   b , the forward members  36   a ,  36   b , the upper members  38   a ,  38   b , the carrying handle  28 , the upper cross member  31 , and the lower cross member  34 , the front tube  40 , and the first half of the frame pivot  42  form the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12 . 
     A second half  50  of the frame assembly  12  includes the second half of a frame pivot  44  attached thereto. A first main member  52  is attached to the second half of the frame pivot  44  at a first main member first end  52   a . The first main member  52  extends, generally, in a forward direction generally away from the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12 . 
     The first main member  52  includes a first main member second end  52   b  that is distally disposed with respect to the first main member first end  52   a.    
     A second main member  53  includes a second main member first end  53   a  and a second main member second end  53   b  that is also distally disposed with respect thereto. 
     Both the first main member  52  and the second main member  53  are substantially longitudinal members and are preferably tubular in construction. 
     The first main member second end  52   b  includes outside dimensions that are less than the inside dimensions of the second main member first end  53   a . If the first and second main members  52  and  53  are tubular, then the outside diameter of the first main member second end  52   b  is less than the inside diameter of the second main member first end  53   a.    
     This permits the first main member second end  52   b  to enter into the second main member first end  53   a  and to telescope in and out thereof. A clamp  53   c  is attached to the second main member first end  53   a  and it may be tightened to secure the first main member second end  52   b  in position with respect to the second main member first end  53   a . The clamp  53   c  may be loosened to permit the first main member  52  to extend further away from the second main member  53  or conversely, to enter further into the second main member  53 , as desired. Once the ideal position is established, the clamp  53   c  is tightened to maintain it. 
     The purpose is to provide a method to vary the combined lengths of the first and second main members  52 ,  53 . Those who use the portage device  10  will be of various heights. As is described in greater detail hereinafter, when the waist belt assembly  14  (FIG. 3) is attached to the user, adjustment of the combined length of the first and second main members  52 ,  53  maintains the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  at the same preferred distance behind the user and it keeps the first and second main members  52 ,  53  at the same preferred angle of inclination during portage of the portage device  10 . 
     The manner by which the first main member  52  is adapted to telescope in and out of the second main member  53  and is clamped in position is similar to that as is found on conventional bicycles (not shown) in the well known way by which the height of the seat is adjusted. On conventional bicycles, the post to which the seat is attached telescopes in and out of a seat post that is attached to a bicycle frame. The position of the post is maintained by clamping a portion of the seat post tightly around the post that suspends the seat. 
     A cross tube  54  is attached at the second end of the second main member  53  so as to be substantially perpendicular with respect thereto. 
     The pivot brake  46  is designed to either permit or prevent rotation of the first half of the frame pivot  42  about a pivot axis, indicated by dashed line  56 , with respect to the second half of the frame pivot  44 . Because the first half of the frame pivot  42  is attached to the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  and the second half of the frame pivot  44  is attached to the second half  50  of the frame assembly  12 , both halves  22 ,  50  articulate (with respect to each other) about the pivot axis  56 . 
     The motion that the brake pivot  46  is intended to regulate is relative between the first half of the frame pivot  42  and the second half of the frame pivot  44 . Accordingly, the pivot brake  46  itself may either be attached to the first half of the frame pivot  42  or it may be attached to the second half of the frame pivot  44 . 
     A pivot brake cable  58  connects to a pivot brake control  60  that is disposed on a control handlebar  62 . The control handlebar  62  are somewhat like the handlebars of a bicycle (not shown), however they are designed to have a size and shape that allows for their positioning around the waist of a user (not shown). 
     The pivot brake control  60  is a lever similar to or identical with that used on bicycles providing that it also includes a device to maintain it in the locked or full-on position without requiring the user to maintain constant hand pressure against the pivot brake control  60 . Such devices are known in the bicycling arts and they include the use of a pivot brake locking lever (not shown), however in FIG. 3 an identical type of a device is shown as a part of a rear brake control  70  and it is referred to as a rear brake locking lever  63 . The rear brake locking lever  63  is identical to the pivot brake locking lever and it is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     The reason for including the pivot brake locking lever is that there are times when it is desirable to prevent any rotation of the first half of the frame pivot  42  with respect to second half of the frame pivot  44  from occurring. One such time is when the portage device  10  is being used over straight smooth stretches. 
     To use the pivot brake locking lever, the pivot brake control  60  is squeezed by the user to fully apply (or lock) the pivot brake  46 . The pivot brake locking lever is then rotated so as to maintain the pivot brake control  60  in the fully applied position as is described in greater detail hereinbelow. No further hand pressure is required. As shown, the pivot brake control  60  is operated by the left hand of the user. 
     If the frame assembly  12  can be locked into a rigid assembly, there is no tendency for the wheel  16  to oscillate from side to side. This, in turn, helps to make the portage device  10  feel stronger and more stable during use. When the portage device  10  is parked, it is also desirable to be able to lock the frame assembly  12 , thereby improving stationary use of the portage device  10  by making it more stable. 
     The pivot brake  46  mechanism has a “free” position and an “applied” or locked position. In the free position the first half of the frame pivot  42  is able to freely pivot with respect to the second half of the frame pivot  44  about the pivot axis  56 . In the free position, the frame assembly  12  is able to articulate about the pivot axis  56 . 
     In the applied or locked position, the first half of the frame pivot  42  is held in its relative position with respect to the second half of the frame pivot  44 . Usually, the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  is aligned with the second half  50  of the frame assembly  12  so as to form a straight line, however if it is desired, the pivot brake  46  may be applied (locked) with the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  forming some angle with respect to the second half  50  of the frame assembly  12 . 
     If the portage device  10  is stationary and resting on an incline, the ability to secure the two frame assembly halves  22 ,  50  at some angle with respect to each other is useful in increasing the stability of the device  10 . 
     If the user anticipates alternating between having the pivot brake  48  locked and free, the pivot locking lever is not used to maintain the pivot brake control  60  in the fully applied position, but rather the pivot brake control  60  is squeezed by the user as desired to lock the pivot brake  48  and it is released by the user when articulation between the two frame halves  22 ,  50  is desired. 
     The actual design of the pivot brake  46  mechanism must provide, minimally, a locked position and a free position. If desired, an intermediate position where some resistance to pivoting about the axis  56  is useful to stabilize the portage device  10  over certain irregular types of terrain. As such, various braking designs are candidates for the pivot brake  46 . 
     For example, a caliper brake  72  (FIG. 1, the use of which is discussed hereinafter) such as is well known in the bicycling arts can be used to form the pivot brake  46  mechanism as well. A modified coaster brake assembly, also well known in the bicycling arts, has proven itself to be effective for use as the pivot brake  46  because it provides a more rigid locking between the frame halves  22 ,  50  that would the caliper brake  72  which would still permit a noticeable amount of slack or hysteresis to occur. 
     The actuation of the coaster brake assembly is determined by the pressure that is applied to the pivot brake control  60  which is transmitted to the pivot brake  46  through the pivot brake cable  58 , thereby moving the coaster brake (or any other type of brake) from the free position progressively toward the locked position. 
     There is significant benefit in both stability and in maneuverability that is provided by the above described configuration. When the pivot brake  46  is in the free position, the portage device  10  permits turning about a much tighter radius. 
     The use of the portage device  10  is described in greater detail hereinafter, however, in general it is attached to the waist of the user at an end opposite where the wheel  16  is disposed and is pulled by the user. When the user wishes to turn, and especially when the user wishes to accomplish a tight radius turn, the pivot brake  46  is left in the free position and the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  is allowed to pivot about the axis  56  with respect to the second half  50  of the frame assembly  12 . 
     The first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  will lag behind the second half  50  of the frame assembly  12  as the user turns and continues to move forward thereby forming an angle intermediate the two frame assembly halves  22 ,  50 . 
     The ability for the two frame assembly halves  22 ,  50  to articulate greatly reduces the resistance that is encountered by the user in negotiating a tight radius turn. 
     Otherwise, with a rigid non-articulating type of a frame (not shown), whenever the user turns, a force is exerted on the wheel  16  urging it to stay in linear alignment directly behind the user. For it to do so, it would have to literally skid over the surface of the ground whenever the user turned sharply. This, in turn, would be experienced by the user as a force that is uncomfortably applied to his or her waist whenever he or she tried to change direction. 
     Consequently, the present design provides comfort even when the user is making a tight radius turn. This is useful in wilderness hiking when trails change direction abruptly. Such changes are known as “switchbacks”. Also, street vendors must routinely make right angle turns on sidewalks. Mail delivery personnel must also make frequent tight radius turns and are sometimes required to reverse direction. 
     A first half of a yoke  64   a  and a second half of a yoke  64   b  are attached to the center of the control handlebar  62  and are disposed around both ends of the cross tube  54  so as to allow pivoting of the control handlebar  62  around an upper axis  66  that passes through a longitudinal centerline of the cross tube  54 . 
     It is important that the control handlebar  62  be able to pivot about the cross tube  54  to permit maximum comfort when using the portage device  10  and also to allow moving the control handlebar  62  from a first position (as shown in FIG.  1  and FIG. 3) that is adapted for portage and into a second position that is adapted for the stationary use of the portage device  10 . 
     FIG. 1 shows the portage device, absent certain component parts of the waist belt assembly  14 , in an attitude close to that experienced when it is being pulled by the user. It is noted that the pivot axis  56  is disposed nearly vertical with respect to a surface  68  of the ground. If the pivot axis  56  is vertical and the pivot brake  46  is in the “free” position, the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  can articulate back and forth as well as stay in line with maximum ease. 
     This attitude is preferred for certain applications of the portage device where frequent turns are anticipated. However, there a slight tendency, as mentioned hereinbefore, for the wheel  16  and the supporting first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  to oscillate back and forth that can develop under certain conditions if the pivot brake  46  is left in the unlocked (free) position. This oscillation, if it occurs, is perceived as a “wobble” by the user. If the pivot brake  46  is applied, then the tendency to wobble is either eliminated or it is greatly reduced. 
     Another way to affect the tendency to wobble is achieved by changing the angle given to pivot axis  56 . 
     The pivot axis  56  can be designed so as to include either a forward or a rearward tilt during normal use or it may be vertical. These angles refer to the angle that is exhibited by the pivot axis  56  with respect to the surface  68  when the portage device  10  is affixed about the waist of the user and is properly adjusted for portage. 
     The angle of the pivot axis  56  with respect to the surface  68  is a design variable that is determined by the primary intended use which is anticipated for the portage device  10 . A number of factors, including the angle of incline that the portage device  10  is expected to be used on and the features of the surface  68  help determine the angle of the pivot axis  56 . 
     If the pivot axis  56  is designed so as to include a slight forward tilt with respect to the surface  68 , a tendency to wobble when the surface  68  is level may be reduced. This is because a slight forward inclination of the pivot axis  56  sets up the mechanical geometry so that frame pivot assembly  48  is disposed at its lowest position when the wheel  16  (and the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12 ) is disposed directly behind the second half  50  of the frame assembly  12 . 
     Therefore, as the wheel  16  moves away from this alignment when turning, the frame pivot assembly  48  rises slightly. As such, the natural tendency is to seek the lowest position thereby helping to maintain the wheel  16  centered. This attitude for the pivot axis  56  may be used if preferred and when the portage device  10  is used predominantly on straight stretches as mentioned hereinabove. 
     However, if the portage device  10  is going to be used going down steep inclines and especially when going down steps, a forward tilt angle of the pivot axis  56  may be detrimental. In particular if the pivot axis  56  included a substantial forward tilt and if it was free to rotate, when going down such steps, there is a tendency for the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  to pivot about the pivot axis  56  and basically to lay on its side. Under such conditions a slight rearward angle of the pivot axis  56  is anticipated and is shown by a dashed line as a modified pivot axis  57  (FIG.  1 ). 
     Of course, when the pivot brake  48  is in the applied or locked position, the position of the wheel  16  and the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  as compared to that of the second half  50  of the frame assembly  12  is maintained. 
     The caliper brake  72  is attached where desired to the first half  22  of the frame assembly so that, when actuated, it bears upon the wheel  16  thereby applying a braking force to the portage device  10 . The rear brake control  70  as shown is disposed on the right hand side of the control handlebar  62  and it is squeezed as desired to apply braking to the caliper brake  72  through a brake cable  74 . 
     By first squeezing the rear brake control  70  sufficiently to fully engage the caliper brake  72  and then twisting the rear brake locking lever  63 , the caliper brake  72  is maintained in the locked position. This position is intended to function as a parking brake that is useful in securing the portage device  10  in a stationary position. This is useful also when attaching or detaching the portage device  10  about the waist of the user, because it helps to prevent it from inadvertently moving. 
     Referring now primarily to FIG. 3, a waist belt  76  is attached to the control handlebar  62  by a first set of load bearing straps  78   a ,  78   b  that are attached to the control handlebar  62  and are secured to the waist belt  76 , such as by stitching. 
     A pin  80  is included that passes through the control handlebar  62  and through an aperture in each of the first set of load bearing straps  78   a ,  78   b  which in turn are secured in position around the pin  80  by a clevis  82 . Only the first set of load bearing straps  78   a ,  78   b  that are on the right side of the control handlebar  62  are visible. A second set of load bearing straps (not shown) provides identical symmetrical support on the left side of the control handlebar  62 . 
     A set of retainer straps  84 ,  86  that loop around the control handlebar  62  and which are attached to the waist belt  76  help to keep the waist belt  76  in a position of cooperation with the control handlebar  62 . 
     In use the waist belt  76  is placed around the waist of the user and a belt and buckle portion  88  are secured together snugly around the user&#39;s waist. The waist belt  76  is padded for comfort and is similar or identical in design to the types of belts that backpacks (not shown) rely upon. The advantages for the use of an identical design for the waist belt  76  and that used by backpacks is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     As the user moves forward, the waist belt  76  naturally also moves forward. The waist belt  76 , in turn, transfers force through the first set of load bearing straps  78   a ,  78   b  and the second set of load bearing straps as well as through the retainer straps  84 ,  86  to the control handlebar  62  pulling it and the rest of the portage device  10  along behind the user. 
     As the user and the portage device encounter variations in the surface  68  they both move up and down with respect to each other. The control handlebar  62  rotates about the upper axis  66  slightly in either direction to adapt for relative changes in attitude between the portage device  10  and the user. This helps improve comfort when the user is moving pulling the portage device  10 . 
     The use of a great variety of load carrying devices and other accessory devices are anticipated to maximize the utility of the portage device  10 . Only a few are mentioned herein to illustrate the possible versatility of the portage device  10 . 
     A table  90  is shown in FIG.  1  and is attached to the pair of upper members  38   a ,  38   b . The table  90  is adapted to receive a cargo item thereon. As the table  90  is disposed above the axle  20 , any substantial weight that is placed there tends to make the portage device  10  top heavy and is therefore not a preferred location for heavy cargo items. Rather lighter items such as a pillow, or the like are preferably attached to the table  90 . 
     It is also possible to attach items, such as a sleeping bag, to the table  90  if they are suspended underneath the table  90 . Such items, if suspended under the table  90 , must be disposed in front of the wheel  16  to ensure that they do not interfere with its ability to rotate. 
     Referring now primarily to FIG. 4, a cloth saddlebag  92  includes a reinforcing member  94  along one side thereof. The reinforcing member  94  is attached to the  24   b  and to the  30   b  by the use of a second set of fasteners  96 . A first zipper  98  allows access into the cloth saddlebag  92 . Fiberglass or plastic saddlebags may, of course, be used as desired. Cloth has certain advantages in that it is inexpensive and light in weight. However, plastic and fiberglass are more durable and can provide protection from impact to their contents. 
     Also, although only the one cloth saddlebag  92  is shown, it is anticipated that they will often be used in tandem disposed on both sides of the portage device  10 . 
     Referring primarily to FIG. 5, the portage device  10  is shown disposed in a stationary position. The control handlebar  62  has been pivoted downward into a second position where each end is in contact with the surface  68  thereby providing a secure tripod mount type of self-leveling capability to the portage device  10 . 
     A handlebar stop  99  is attached to the second main member  53  perpendicular with respect thereto so as to generally be in parallel alignment with respect to the cross tube  54 . A first upright member  99   a  is attached at one end of the handlebar stop  99  and is perpendicular with respect thereto and extends generally in an upward direction. 
     A second upright member  99   b  is attached at the remaining end of the handlebar stop  99  and is parallel with respect to the first upright member  99   a.    
     When the control handlebar  62  has been pivoted downward into the second position where each end is in contact with the surface  68 , the handlebar stop  99  prevents it from rotating further around the upper axis  66 . 
     A seat  100  is attached to the second main member  53  and is supported by the first and second upright members  99   a ,  99   b  so as to prevent it from rotating around a longitudinal axis of the second main member  53 . 
     If the user wishes, he may sit upon the seat facing toward the table  90 . The table  90  is useful when camping and may be used as a picnic table, for writing, or as a general utility surface. Street vendors can use the table  90  as a surface upon which to display their wares. 
     The seat  100  generally provides a place to sit and is itself useful whenever the user wishes to rest. 
     A cloth pouch  102  is attached to the second main member  53  and is suspended therefrom. A second zipper  104  allows access to the pouch  102 . Objects that the user may wish to access when he is using the portage device  10  such as a jacket or water bottle are typically placed in the pouch  102 . 
     As the weight of objects placed in the pouch  102  are transferred to the user through the waist belt  76 , they are kept as light as possible. It is noted that objects on the table  90  or in the cloth saddlebag  92  transfer virtually all of their weight through the wheel  16  to the surface. Accordingly, the actual carrying weight of objects placed in these locations is not experienced by the user. This allows for the easy portage of relatively heavy cargo items without strain to the user. 
     When the portage device  10  is disposed as shown in FIG. 5 in a stationary position, the pivot brake control  60  and the rear brake control  70  are normally locked in the active positions to improve rigidity and to prevent movement of the wheel  16 . If desired, the pivot brake control  60  can be locked with the frame halves  22 ,  50  at a slight angle. This is useful to level the seat  100  and the table  90  when the portage device is on a slight incline. 
     Many modifications to the portage device  10  are possible. For example, two or more of the portage devices (not shown) may be attached together to form a convoy as can a second user (not shown) be attached to the rear of the portage device that is in front of him. Similarly, the wheel  16  can be removed and a ski (not shown) can be used instead for portage over snow and ice. Similarly, the ski could be attached to the wheel  16  at the bottom. 
     Similarly, a rain fly (not shown), such as is a common device used over tents to divert the rain, is anticipated for attachment to the portage device  10 . As such, the portage device  10  can be used by the wilderness hiker to transport his cargo and also to provide shelter. It is anticipated that the portage device could be adapted to provide at least a partial base for the attachment of an umbrella (not shown) or tent (not shown) directly thereto. 
     Other optional accessories or modifications can improve performance as well. A trip odometer  106  is useful for determining how far one has traveled. The odometer  106  is of the conventional type used with bicycles (not shown) and counts revolutions of the wheel  16  to determine distance traveled. 
     Also, the first set of load bearing straps  78   a ,  78   b  and the second set of load bearing straps each contain a snap connector  108  that is useful when the waist belt  76  is to be separated apart from the control handlebar  62 . The set of retainer straps  84 ,  86  also each include an adjustable buckle  110  for detachment apart from the control handlebar  62 . 
     It is noted that the waist belt  76  is substantially the same as that which is used on a conventional backpack (not shown), the type that a hiker would normally use. A significant advantage is realized when the portage device  10  is used in a hiking or camping application and the waist belt  76  is adaptable for use with either the backpack or with the portage device  10 . 
     The user is able to detach the waist belt  76  apart from the backpack and then attach it to the portage device  10 . The remainder of the backpack (absent the waist belt  76 ) is then attached where desired to the portage device  10 . A likely place would be to place it on the table  90 . Then, when the user wishes to hike in a more severe area, he is able to detach the waist belt  76  from the portage device  10  and use it with the backpack. The result is maximum utility accomplished at minimum weight. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, an optional fender  112  is attached to the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12  and extends around the wheel  16  as much as is desired. The fender  112  is useful in preventing the tire  18  from splashing rain, mud, or debris (not shown) onto the portage device  10  or onto the user. 
     If desired, a mud flap  114  is attached to the fender  112  or wherever it is desired on the first half  22  of the frame assembly  12 . 
     The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.