Separable wheel pack assembly

A wheel pack assembly includes a pack portion wearable by a user and a wheeled portion removably coupled to the pack portion. The pack portion includes a support frame coupled to a rear surface thereof. The support frame includes articulating arms and stabilizing elements. The wheel portion includes a frame and a first wheel set coupled to the frame and disposed at a location spaced apart from a rear end of the wheeled portion. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined together at a bend and such that the second portion defines a transport bed of the assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wheel pack assembly, and, in particular, a wheel pack assembly including a pack portion being removably attached to a wheeled portion

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Hunters, hikers, foot soldiers, and rescue workers routinely traverse through the woods and over rough terrain while carrying gear, game, or other loads. Such loads usually require the assistance of equipment to assist in carrying the loads for long ranges and over a long period of time without exhausting the user. Known pack assembly solutions are rigid structures that do not compensate or adjust to the rough terrain usually encountered through such environments. As such, the user is subjected to every bump and bounce of the rough terrain, which can lead to premature exhaustion of the user over time. In addition, when traversing rough terrain through the woods, a user may need to maneuver or turn around in tight spaces.

As a result, there is a need in the art for a wheel pack assembly that reduces the stresses on the user to limit fatigue while the user carries a load over rough terrain and/or over longer distances. In addition, there is need in the art for a wheel pack assembly having stabilizing elements that compensate for the rough terrain in order to ease the stresses on the user as the load is carried over rough terrain for a period of time.

Further still, there is a need in the art for a wheel pack assembly having a carrier that is easily detachable from the pack. By allowing the carrier to easily detach from the pack, the maneuverability of the user and the carrier can be improved. In addition, when not traveling, the carrier can be easily detached from the pack and set on the ground to completely relieve the user of the load without having to remove the pack. Such considerations further improve the ease with the user may subsequently reassociate the pack and the carrier for operative association with one another when use of the assembly is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a wheel pack assembly including a pack portion being removably attached to a wheeled portion.

In accordance with one aspect of the application, a wheel pack assembly includes a pack portion that is wearable by a user and a wheeled portion that is removably coupled to the pack portion. The pack portion includes a support frame coupled to a rear surface thereof. Further, the support frame includes articulating arms and stabilizing elements. The wheel portion includes a frame and a first wheel set coupled to the frame and disposed at a location spaced apart from a rear end of the wheeled portion. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a bend and/or flexible joint. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the second portion includes a bed that is configured to provide a support for game or gear intended to be transported by user energy or power.

According to another aspect of the invention, the pack portion includes a hitch coupled to the support frame and the wheeled portion includes a coupler at a forward end of the wheeled portion. The hitch and the coupler are configured to interfit. The coupler may include a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to transition between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the hitch is not removable from the coupler. Conversely, when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, the hitch is removable from the coupler.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the articulating arms of the support frame allow the hitch to transition in response to movement of the wheeled portion. Further, the stabilizing elements of the support frame are configured to maintain the hitch in a neutral position. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the wheeled portion may include a second set of wheels disposed forward of the first set of wheels. Additionally, the wheeled portion may include a third set of wheels disposed rearward of the first set of wheels.

According to another aspect of the invention, the wheeled portion may include handlebars extending from an angled portion of the frame. At least one of the handlebars may include a lever. Further, each handlebar may include a dipped portion extending downward from the handlebar.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a wheel pack assembly includes a pack portion that is wearable by a user and a wheeled portion removably coupled to the pack portion. The pack portion includes a support frame having at least one articulating arm, at least one stabilizing element, and a first interfit element. The wheeled portion includes a frame having a first frame portion and a second frame portion, a second interfit element coupled to frame and configured to removably couple with the first interfit element, and a first wheel or wheel set that is coupled to the frame and disposed at a location spaced apart from a rear end of the wheeled portion.

According to another aspect of the invention, the articulating arms of the support frame allow the first interfit element to transition in response to movement of the wheeled portion. Meanwhile, the stabilizing elements of the support frame are configured to preferably maintain the hitch in a neutral position. Further, the first interfit element includes a locking mechanism having a locked position and an unlocked position. The first and second interfit elements are removable from each other in the unlocked position, and the first and second interfit elements are not removably from each other in the locked position.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first portion of the frame of the wheeled portion includes a first leg extending forward from the bend and a second leg extending rearward from the bend. Similarly, the second portion of the frame of the wheeled portion includes a first leg extending forward from the bend and a second leg extending rearward from the bend. The first portion of the frame is pivotably coupled to the second portion of the frame at the bend about a pivot axis. The first and second portions of the frame pivot with respect to each other about the pivot axis to transition the wheeled portion between an operation orientation and a storage orientation.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, in the operation orientation, the first leg of the first portion of the frame extends from the pivot axis upward and forward at an angle, the second leg of the first portion of the frame extends from the pivot axis rearward, the first leg of the second portion of the frame extends from the pivot axis forward, and the second leg of the second portion of the frame extends from the pivot axis upward and rearward at an angle. Conversely, in the storage orientation, the first leg of the first portion of the frame and the first leg of the second portion of the frame are oriented along the same plane and the second leg of the first portion of the frame and the second leg of the second portion of the frame are oriented along the same plane.

According to another aspect of the invention, the wheeled portion may also include handlebars disposed at a distal end of the first leg of the second portion of the frame such that the same are oriented proximate and available for use by the user during use of the pack system. In addition, a bed is disposed along a length of the second leg of the second portion of the frame. Further yet, the wheeled portion may include a strap extending from the first leg of the first portion of the frame to the second leg of the second portion of the frame.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the primary wheel set is coupled to the second leg of the first portion of the frame. In addition, a secondary wheel set may be disposed forward of the primary wheel set, while a tertiary wheel set may be disposed rearward of the primary wheel set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

FIG.1depicts a side elevation view of a wheel pack assembly10according to the present invention. The wheel pack assembly10includes a pack portion12and a wheeled portion14that are removably coupled with each other by way of a ball and hitch connection16. The wheel portion14will be further described with respect toFIGS.6-10. The pack portion12of the wheel pack assembly10is configured to be worn by a user18and will be descripted in further detail below.

FIGS.2-5depict respective perspective, front, rear, side, top, and bottom side views of the pack portion12of the wheel pack assembly10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The pack portion12includes a main body20that acts as a back support for the pack portion12. In use, i.e. when a wearer or user18wears the pack portion12, back support20is placed in contact with the back of user18. At least one strap22is coupled to the back support20. Similar to a backpack, each strap22includes a first end24coupled to an upper portion26of the back support20and a second end28coupled to a lower portion28of the back support20. Each strap22is then spaced apart from the back support20to create an opening30configured to receive a respective arm and subsequently shoulder area of the user18.

While the straps22are coupled to a front surface32of the back support20, a support frame34is coupled to a rear surface36of the back support20. The support frame34includes a number of articulating arms38extending from the back support20to a hitch plate40. The support frame34may also include a pack frame42coupled to and oriented along the rear surface36of the back support20. Each articulating arm38includes a first end44rotatably connected to the pack frame42and a second end46rotatably connected to the hitch plate40.

In the representative embodiment of the invention, the support frame34includes two (2) articulating arms38. The lower articulating arm38aincludes a left first end44aand a right first end44b. The left first end44ais coupled to the pack frame42at a lower left corner46of the pack frame42, while the right first end44bis coupled to the pack frame42at a lower right corner48of the pack frame42. A left second end50ais coupled to a lower end52of the hitch plate40, and a right second end50bis also coupled to the lower end52of the hitch plate40. As shown inFIG.5, the left and right first ends44a,44bof the lower articulating arm38are oriented along the same horizontal axis54, which allows the lower articulating arm38to rotate about the horizontal axis54. In addition, the left and right second ends50a,50bare oriented along the same horizontal axis56, which allows the lower articulating arm38ato also rotate about the horizontal axis56. In turn, the lower articulating arm38aand the hitch plate40are able to both rotate about the horizontal axis56, while remaining coupled to each other.

Similarly, the upper articulating arm38bincludes a left first end58aand a right first end58baligned with each other along a horizontal axis60. The left first end58ais coupled to the pack frame42at a left side location62of the pack frame42, while the right first end58bis coupled to the pack frame42at a right side location64of the pack frame42. As stated above, the left and right first ends58a,58bof the upper articulating arm38bare oriented along the same horizontal axis60to allow rotation of the upper articulating arm38babout the horizontal axis60. The upper articulating arm38balso includes a second end66coupled to an upper end68of the hitch plate40. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the upper end68of the hitch plate40includes a left upper end58band a right upper end68b. The second end66of the upper articulating arm38band the upper end68of the hitch plate40are aligned with each other along a horizontal axis70, which allows the upper articulating arm38band hitch plate40to rotate about the horizontal axis70, while remaining coupled to each other.

While the representative embodiment of the invention depicts the lower articulating arm38ahaving respective left and right first ends44a,44band respective left and right second ends50a,50b, other embodiments of the invention may include any number of first and second ends44,50. Similarly, varying embodiments of the invention may have the upper articulating arm38bwith any number of first or second ends58,68. Further yet, the hitch plate40of varying embodiments of the invention may include any number of upper and lower ends68,52.

As shown inFIGS.1-5, a hitch72extends from an outer surface74of the hitch plate40. In some instances, the hitch72may be cantilevered from the hitch plate40. The arrangement of horizontal axes54,56,60,70described above, allows for the hitch72, to move in the vertical and horizontal planes in response to the terrain intended to be traversed by the pack assembly10and user18. The pack portion12may further include a stabilizing assembly76to maintain the hitch72in a neutral position when no forces are exerted on the support frame34. The stabilizing assembly76includes at least one stabilizing element78, such as, but not limited to, a shock absorber or spring, and at least one stabilizing arm80. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the stabilizing assembly76includes a first stabilizing element78a, a second stabilizing element78b, and a stabilizing arm80. The stabilizing arm80extends from the pack frame42to the hitch plate40. The first stabilizing arm78aextends from the pack frame42to a location82of the stabilizing arm80spaced apart from the pack frame42. While the stabilizing arm80is depicted as having a v-shaped geometry, other embodiments of the invention may include any shaped stabilizing arm80. In addition, the second stabilizing element78bextends from the pack frame42to the upper articulating arm38b. As stated above, the stabilizing elements78a,78bwork in conjunction with the articulating arms38to maintain the hitch72in a neutral position and stabilize the hitch72during operation of the pack assembly10.

In other embodiments of the invention, the first stabilizing element78amay be coupled to the lower articulating arm38aand the second stabilizing element78bmay be coupled to the stabilizing arm80. While the representative embodiment of the invention depicts the stabilizing arm80as being coupled to the hitch plate40at a location82below the upper end68of the hitch plate40, it is contemplated that the stabilizing arm80may be coupled to the hitch plate40at any location at or between the upper and lower ends68,52of the hitch plate40. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the stabilizing system76may include one or more stabilizing elements78without the inclusion of a stabilizing arm80. In such instances, each stabilizing element78would extend from the pack frame42to an articulating arm38.

Referring now toFIGS.9and10, the pack portion12is shown attached to a forward end84of the wheeled portion14. The forward end84of the wheeled portion14includes a coupler86configured to receive the ball88of the hitch72. The coupler86and hitch72are configured to interfit with each other to removably couple the pack portion12to the wheeled portion14.FIGS.8and9further depict the interfit of the hitch72and the coupler86. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the coupler86may include a locking mechanism90disposed within an interior92of the coupler86. The locking mechanism90is configured to at least partially surround a neck94of the hitch72, which has a smaller diameter than that of the ball88of the hitch72. The locking mechanism90transitions between a locked position96(FIG.8) and an unlocked position98(FIG.9). In the locked position96, the locking mechanism90is brought adjacent the neck94of the hitch72and sized to be smaller than the diameter of the ball88of the hitch72. As a result, the locking mechanism90prevents disengagement between the ball88and coupler86when in the locked position96. It should be appreciated that, when locked or unlocked, the cooperation between ball88and couple86is configured to allow relative rotation therebetween. Conversely, in the unlocked position98, the locking mechanism90is spaced apart from the neck94of the hitch and sized to be larger than the diameter of the ball88of the hitch72. When unlocked, hitch72may be disengaged from ball88via relative vertical translation therebetween. As a result, the coupler86and ball88are easily separated from each other when the locking mechanism90is in the unlocked position98.

FIGS.6and7further illustrate handle bars100extending from a forward shaft102of a frame104of the wheeled portion14. The frame104may comprise hollow tubes to reduce the weight of the wheeled portion14. The handle bars100extend forward from the forward shaft102of the frame104and toward respective sides of the user18, as shown inFIG.1. As such, the handle bars100include a left handle bar100aextending to a left side of the user18and a right handle bar100bextending to a right side of the user18. Each handle bar100includes a dipped portion106extending downward, the benefits of which will be described later. Further, each handle bar100includes a distal end108, which may have a hand grip110and a lever112. In one embodiment of the invention, the lever112aleft handle bar110amay be a hand brake to assist in controlling the speed of the assembly10, while the lever112bof the second handle bar110bmay be used to transition the locking mechanism90between the locked and unlocked positions96,98. In other embodiments of the invention, the levers112a,112bmay be switched. In yet other embodiments of the invention, one of the left and right handle bar110amay include one or more levers112, while the other includes no levers112. Whether provided for left hand or right hand operational orientation, it is appreciated that operation of a braking assembly that is operatively associated with a respective brake lever is operable to provide greater resistance to the travel of assembly10relative to ground surfaces. Such considerations mitigate potential of the user succumbing to the translational forces associated with use of assembly10and attributable to conditions of the terrain; such as grade, moisture, or footing; and/or the mass and evenness of the load being transported.

The dipped portion106is configured to act as a stand for the wheeled portion14. That is, upon removal of the wheeled portion14from the pack portion12, a user18is able to set wheeled portion14on the ground. The dipped portion106extends toward the ground in order to space the hand grips110from the ground. This allows a user18to easily grab the hand grips110in order to resume use without bending all the way to the ground.

Referring now toFIG.10, the wheeled portion14of the assembly10is shown separate from the pack portion12. As mentioned above, the wheeled portion14includes a frame104. The frame104extends from the forward end84of the wheeled portion14to a rear end114of the wheeled portion14. The frame104includes a first, lateral portion116extending from the rear end114to a bend location118. The frame104may also include a second, angled portion120extending from the bend location118to the forward end84and forming the above-mentioned forward shaft102of the frame104. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the angled portion120extends upward at an angle from lateral portion116at the bend location118. It is contemplated that the angled portion120may extend from the lateral portion116at any angle between 0° and 180° and, more preferably, any angle between 90° and 180°.

As shown inFIG.10, the frame104includes a left portion104aand a right portion104b. While the left and right portions104a,104bare depicted as merging at the coupler86and the rear end114, it is contemplated that the left and right portions104a,104bof the frame104may join together at a variety of locations between the forward and rear ends84,114of the wheeled portion14. In addition, at least one crossbar121may extend between the left and right portions104a,104bof the frame104to provide additional rigidity and mitigate twisting or racking of the frame104. The representative embodiment of the invention, depicts a crossbar121extending between the left and right portions104a,104bof the frame at the bend location118. However, other embodiments of the invention may include one or more crossbars121at various locations along the frame104.

The wheeled portion14may also include a bed122extending along the lateral portion116of the frame104. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the bed122includes a number of straps extending from the left portion104aof the frame104to the right portion104bof the frame. The straps provide a bed122upon which a load124may be placed and/or otherwise supported or secured. In other embodiments of the invention, the bed122may be a single piece of fabric extending between the left and right portions104bof the frame from all of or a portion of the distance between the rear end114and the bend portion118.

A wheel set126may be coupled to the frame104, so as to allow the wheeled portion14, and the assembly10as a whole, to roll over a ground surface128. As shown inFIGS.1and10, the wheel set126is disposed along the lateral portion118of the frame104at a location130that preferably provides a balanced configuration of assembly10relative to the user. More preferably, location130and the load associated with assembly10only slightly loads toward the forward facing portion of assembly10such that the same preferably neither overloads the user nor produces an appreciable upwardly directed force associated with the ball and hitch engagement. Understandably, such loading will depend largely on the weigh associated with discrete loads and placement of the same relative to location130. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the location130is between and spaced apart from the bend118and the rear end114of the wheeled portion14. As a result, the weight of the load124is better centered over the wheel set126to reduce stress on the user18. As shown inFIG.1, the wheel set126may be coupled to the frame104via a wheel bar132. The wheel bar132extends from the lateral portion114of the frame114to the previously discussed location130. WhileFIG.1shows the wheel bar132as being coupled to the frame104at a location adjacent the bend118, it is contemplated that the wheel bar132may be coupled to the frame104at any location.

In addition, the wheeled portion14may include a secondary wheel set134disposed forward of the wheel set126. The secondary wheel set134is coupled to the frame104and sized smaller than the wheel set126. The secondary wheel set134is configured to mitigate damage to frame104of assembly14should it engage an obstacle, such as a rock, tree trunk, or the like, during use. Additionally, the wheeled portion14may also include a tertiary wheel set136disposed rearward of the wheel set126. The tertiary wheel set136is located beyond the rear end114and configured to engage an obstacle to prevent the obstacle from damaging the rear end114. As shown inFIG.1, the tertiary wheel set136may be coupled to the first wheel set126by a support bar138. In other embodiments of the invention, the support bar138may alternatively couple the tertiary wheel set136to the laterally oriented portion116of the frame104. The support bar138may be configured to have a requisite stiffness to assist in slowly and smoothly lowering the wheeled portion14from a higher elevation to a lower elevation over an obstacle.

Further yet, a stabilizing element140may be coupled to the wheel set126to provide stabilization for the load124during transportation. The stabilizing element140may be in the form of a shock absorber, a spring, or the like extending between the frame104and an axle127of the wheel set126. The combination of stabilizing elements78,140and articulating arms38provide for a smooth transition of the wheeled portion14across variable or uneven terrain128and/or obstacles. As stated above, the ability of the articulating arms38and hinge plate40to rotate about horizontal axis54,56,60,70, allows the wheeled portion14to transition with the variable terrain128without providing additional stress on the pack portion12and thereby the user18. That is, the wheeled portion14and elements of the frame support34are able to transition with the variable terrain128without causing movement of the back support20of the pack portion12.

It is contemplated that in at least one embodiment of the invention, the wheeled portion14of the assembly10may include a power assist motor and power braking. In such an instance, the ball88may include a forward sensor and a rear sensor. The forward sensor is disposed on a forward side of the ball88and configured to sense when the coupler86is pulling on the ball88. Upon such an indication, the power assist motor may provide power to the wheel set128and assist the user18in moving forward. The rear sensor is disposed on a rear side of the ball88and configured to sense when the coupler86is pushing on the ball88. Upon such an indication, the power braking may provide brake assistance to assist the user18in slowing down. It is contemplated that such systems may be powered by a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. Further, the assembly10may include a solar panel to charge the battery. It is further appreciated that the relative forward and rearward indicating sensors could alternatively be positioned rearward or forward of ball88. It is further appreciated that the functionality associated with the respective sensors could be provided by a single sensor having a neutral configuration, i.e. neither braking or driving, disposed between a range of operation of the respective sensor.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the frame104of the wheeled portion14may be comprised to be easily collapsible to reduce the size of the assembly10for transportation. For example, the wheeled portion14may be foldable at the bend118of the frame104. In addition, the handlebars100may be removable or foldable back on to the frame104. An embodiment of the invention depicting the collapsibility of the assembly10is disclosed further below with respect to the orientation shown inFIGS.11and12.

FIGS.11and12depict such a collapsible wheeled portion1014. The wheeled portion1014is constructed mostly similar to the wheeled portion14shown inFIGS.1-10, as reflected by the numbering similarities between the respective figures. InFIGS.11and12, a hinge1119is disposed at each bend118of the frame1104in order to allow the frame1104to be collapsible and reduce the size of the wheeled portion1014during storage and transportation.

The hinge1119divides the frame1104into a first portion1120and a second portion1116, which are able to pivot about a pivot axis1123. The pivot axis1123extends between each of the hinges1119that transverse the frame1104. In turn, the first portion1120and the second portion1116of the frame1104are able to pivot with respect to each other about the pivot axis1123. While the representative embodiment of the invention illustrates the use of two (2) hinges1119, alternative embodiments of the invention may use any number of hinges1119disposed along the pivot axis1123.

FIG.11depicts the frame1104in a use or an operation orientation. In the operation orientation, the first portion1120of the frame1104extends upward at an angle from second portion1116at the hinge1119. It is contemplated that the angle may any angle between 0° and 180° and, more preferably, any angle between 90° and 180°. Meanwhile,FIG.12depicts the frame1104in a stowed or storage orientation. In the storage orientation, the first portion1120of the frame1104is folded toward the second portion1116about the pivot axis1123. As shown, the first portion1120is preferably folded about the pivot axis1123to be virtually parallel to the second portion1116. In varying embodiments of the invention, the first portion1120may be oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° with respect to the second portion1116and, more particularly at an angle between 0° and 15°.

Now referring toFIGS.13-15, another embodiment of a wheeled portion2014of an assembly2010is shown. Similar to the previously described wheeled portions, the wheeled portion2014ofFIGS.13-15includes a coupler2086disposed at a forward end2084of the wheeled portion2014. The coupler2086is configured to interfit with the previously described hitch72to removably couple the wheeled portion2014to the pack portion12.

The wheeled portion2014includes a frame2104divided into a first frame portion2140and a second frame portion2142that are pivotably connected to each other at at least one point along a pivot axis2123. The first and second frame portions2140,2142are configured to pivot with respect to each other about the pivot axis2123to transition between an operation orientation (FIGS.13and14) and a storage orientation (FIG.15). As previously mentioned, the frame2104may comprise hollow tubes to reduce the weight of the wheeled portion2014. The first frame portion2140includes a first leg2144extending from a first end2146to a second end2148disposed at the pivot axis2123. In the operation orientation shown inFIGS.13and14, the first leg2144extends from the pivot axis2123upward and forward at an angle. The previously described coupler2086is coupled to the first end2146of the first leg2144. The first frame portion2140also includes a second leg2150extend from a first end2152at the pivot axis2123to a second end2154. In the operation orientation shown inFIGS.13and14, the second leg2150extends rearward from the pivot axis2123generally parallel to the ground surface2128. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the first frame portion2140transitions from the first leg2144to the second leg2150at a bend location2118disposed at the pivot axis2123. In other embodiments of the invention, the first and second legs2144,2150may be separate elements joined together at the bend location2118and pivot axis2123. It is contemplated that the first frame portion2140may extend from the second leg portion2150at any angle between 0° and 180°, preferably, any angle between 90° and 180°.

As shown, the first frame portion2140includes a left portion2140aand a right portion2140b. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the left and right portions2140a,2140bare depicted as merging at the coupler2086and the second end2154. In other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that the left and right portions2140a,2140bof the frame2104may join together at a variety of locations between the coupler2084and the second end2154of the second leg2150. The first frame portion2140may also include at least one crossbar2121extending between the left and right portions2140a,2140bof the first frame portion2140to provide additional rigidity and mitigate twisting or racking of the first frame portion2140. The representative embodiment of the invention depicts a crossbar2121extending between the left and right portions21400a,2140bat a location along the second leg2150adjacent to the bend location2118. However, other embodiments of the invention may include one or more crossbars2121at various locations along the first frame portion2140.

In addition, a wheel set126is coupled to the first frame portion2140. As shown inFIGS.13-15, the wheel set126is disposed along the second leg2150of the first frame portion2140at a location between the first and second ends2152,2154of the second leg2150. As shown, the wheel set2126may be coupled to the frame first frame portion2140by way of a wheel bar2132, which extends from the second leg2150of the first frame portion2140to the previously discussed location2130. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the wheel bar2132extends from the crossbar2121. In varying embodiments of the invention, the wheel bar2132may be coupled to the second leg2150of the first frame portion2140at any location.FIGS.13-15depict the wheel set126as being disposed between the left and right portions2140a,2140b. Disposing the wheel set2126between the left and right portions2140a,2140b, renders the wheeled portion2014able to transition between the operation orientation and the storage orientation without the wheel set2126interfering with the movement of the frame portions2140,2142.

The wheeled portion2014may also include a secondary wheel set2134disposed forward of the wheel set2126. The secondary wheel set2134is coupled to the frame2104, sized smaller than the primary wheel set2126, and is configured to mitigate damage to frame2104of wheeled portion2104should it engage an obstacle, such as a rock, tree trunk, or the like, during use. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the secondary wheel set2134is disposed at the same location as the crossbar2121. In other embodiments of the invention, the secondary wheel set2134and the crossbar2121may be disposed at different locations along the length of the second leg2150of the first frame portion2140.

Further, the wheeled portion2014may include a tertiary wheel set2136disposed rearward of the primary wheel set2126. The tertiary wheel set2136is located beyond the second end2154of the second leg2150and configured to engage an obstacle to prevent the obstacle from damaging a rear end2114of the wheeled portion2014and so as to guide the assembly thereabout. As shown inFIG.13, the tertiary wheel set2136is coupled to the first wheel set2126by a support bar2138. In other embodiments of the invention, the support bar2138may alternatively couple the tertiary wheel set2136to the first frame portion2140. It is contemplated that the support bar2138may be configured to have a requisite stiffness to assist in slowly and smoothly lowering the wheeled portion2014from a higher elevation to a lower elevation over an obstacle.

Further yet, a stabilizing element2141may be coupled to the primary wheel set2126to provide stabilization for the wheeled portion2014and the load2124thereon during transportation across variable or uneven terrain128and/or obstacles. The stabilizing element2141may be in the form of a shock absorber, a spring, or the like extending between the first frame portion2140and an axle2127of the primary wheel set2126.

Similar to the first frame portion2140, the second frame portion2142includes a first leg2156and a second leg2158. The first leg2156extends from a first end2160to a second end2162disposed at the pivot axis2123. In the operation orientation, the first leg2156extends forward from the pivot axis2123generally parallel to the ground surface2128. Similarly, the second leg2158extends from a first end2164disposed at the pivot axis2123to a second end2166. In the operation orientation, the second leg2158extends from the pivot axis2164upward and rearward at an angle. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the second frame portion2142transitions from the first leg2156to the second leg2158at the bend location2118, which is aligned with the pivot axis2123. In other embodiments of the invention, the first and second legs2156,2158may be separate elements joined together at the bend location2118and pivot axis2123. It is contemplated that the second leg2158may extend from the first leg2156at any angle between 0° and 180°, preferably, any angle between 90° and 180°. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the angle at which the second leg2158extends from the first leg2156is the same as the angle at which the first leg2144extends from the second leg2150. However, these angles may be the same or different in varying embodiments of the invention and/or provided in an adjustable form factor to satisfy discrete user preferences.

Similar to the first frame portion2140, the second frame portion2142includes a left portion2142aand a right portion2142b. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the left and right portions2142a,2142bare depicted as merging at the second end2166of the second leg2158and remaining spaced apart at the first end2160of the first leg2156. In other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that the left and right portions2142a,2142bmay join together at a variety of locations along the length of the first and second legs2156,2158.

The second frame portion2142of the wheeled portion2014also includes a bed2122extending along the second leg2158. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the bed2122includes a number of straps extending between the left portion2142ato the right portion2142balong the length of the second leg2158. The straps provide a bed2122upon which the load2124may be laid. In addition, the first leg2144of the first frame portion2140may also include straps extending between the left and right portions2140a,2140bat a location adjacent the second end2148of the first leg2144to expand the bed2122of the wheeled portion2014.

In other embodiments of the invention, the bed2122may be a single piece of fabric extending between the left and right portions2142a,2142bfor all of or a portion of the length of the second leg2158. Further yet, the bed2122may include a piece of fabric extending between left and right portions2140a,2140bfor a portion of the first leg2140of the first frame portion2140to expand the bed2122.

The wheeled portion2014may also include handle bars2100coupled to the first leg2156of the second frame portion2142. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the handle bars2100are disposed at or adjacent the first end2160of the first leg2156. In other embodiments of the invention, the handle bars2100may be disposed at any location along the length of the first leg2156. The handle bars2100include a left handle bar2100aand a right handle bar2100bdisposed on either side of the user. Each handle bar2100includes a hand grip2110and preferably a lever2112. In one embodiment of the invention, the lever2112aassociated with left handle bar2110amay be a hand brake to assist in controlling the speed of travel of the underlying assembly, while the lever2112bof the second handle bar2110bmay be used to transition the locking mechanism90between the locked and unlocked positions96,98. In other embodiments of the invention, the levers2112a,2112bmay be switched. In yet other embodiments of the invention, one of the left and right handle bar2110amay include one or more levers2112, while the other includes no levers2112.

FIGS.13and14further illustrate the use of a strap2168extending from the first end2146of the first leg2144of the first frame portion2140to the second end2166of the second leg2158of the second frame portion2142. The strap2158is able to be removably coupled from one or both of the above-mentioned first end2146and second end2166. In turn, the strap2158is able to distribute weight between the second frame portion2142, which is felt by the user on the handle bars2100, and the first frame portion2140, which is felt by the user on the pack portion12.

Referring now toFIG.15, the wheeled portion2014is shown in the storage orientation, which reduces the overall space required to storage or transport the wheeled portion2014in a non-use configuration. In the storage orientation, the first and second frame portions2140,2142are pivoted with respect to each other about the pivot axis2123so that the second legs2150,2158are oriented parallel or generally parallel to each other, while the first legs2144,2156are oriented parallel or generally parallel to each other. In the representative embodiment of the invention, the width of the first frame portion2140is less than the width of the second frame portion2142so that the first legs2144,2156are along a similar plane, while the second legs2150,2158are also oriented along their own similar plane. However, in other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that the width of the first frame portion2140may be greater than the width of the second frame portion2142.

Further yet, whileFIGS.13-15depict the wheel set2126as being disposed between the left and right portions2140a,2140b, other embodiments of the invention may have the wheel set2126disposed outside of the left and right portions2140a,2140. In turn, whileFIGS.13-15depict the width of the second leg2150of the first frame portion2140as being less than the width of the second leg2158of the second frame portion2142, other embodiments of the invention may have the width of the of the second leg2150of the first frame portion2140being greater than the width of the second leg2158of the second frame portion2142.

It should be understood that the above description, while indicating representative embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. Various additions, modifications, and rearrangements are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarding as the invention, and it is intended that the following claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements.