Abstract:
A portable, collapsible rickshaw like carrier has a collapsing main base which allows the rickshaw to be easily stored or transported.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a utility application of provisional application No. 60/497,039, filed Aug. 22, 2003, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     This invention relates to a rickshaw-like carrier that is easily collapsed to a small size for transportation or storage.  
         [0004]     The art described in this section is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention, unless specifically designated as such. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. § 1.56(a) exists.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The invention provides a lightweight, portable carrier that may be used to move light cargo or transport people. The carrier, or rickshaw, may be propelled by a walking person or may be attached to another source such as a person on a bike or even a motorized vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle.  
         [0006]     The rickshaw has a base formed by adaptor blocks and poles which are pinned together to allow rapid assembly and disassembly as well as to allow the unit to be folded into a compact unit for storage or transporting.  
         [0007]     The adaptor blocks include spaced apertures to which the support poles may be attached as well as attaching pull poles, legs, wheels, arms, backs or shades, to name a few of the variations possible.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings in which:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the carrier, depicting both rider and human source of propulsion;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the carrier, without rider and no back or seat cushion;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an adaptor block;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary sectional detail of the side of adaptor block, taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an adaptor block, taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary sectional detail of a member with an engagement mechanism, taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the locomotion mechanism engaged to the adaptor block;  
         [0016]      FIG. 8  is a fragmentary sectional detail taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 ; and  
         [0017]      FIG. 9  is top view of the carrier, shown in a collapsed state. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]     The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle that enables a person to transport cargo easily on hard or soft surfaces, by pulling or pushing. This cargo may be either people or items. It is made to move easily over paved or unpaved surfaces, such as grass or wood chipped trails. The power needed to move this vehicle is supplied by, but not limited to, human power or a tool such as a bicycle. ( FIG. 1 ). The power can be delivered via a pulling mechanism. The pulling mechanism could be several members coupled together to form a U-shaped element. The U-shaped element could be adapted for engagement with the power source. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a number of other configurations of pulling mechanisms are possible.  
         [0019]     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the carrier is shown and indicated generally at  10 .  FIG. 1  depicts the carrier as the handles are initially lifted off ground; it is desirable, however, to pull the carrier with the handles at waist height or slightly lower.  FIG. 1  shows adaptor block  15  releasably engaged to locomotion mechanism  20  by engagement mechanism  25 . It is understood that locomotion mechanism  20  can be a wheel, a skid, or any other embodiment that would reduce friction between a surface and carrier  10 .  FIG. 1  also shows first and second back poles  30  and  35 , releasably engaged to adaptor block  15 . A material  40  extends between the first and second back poles, providing support for the cargo being transported. Although shown in an upright position, it may be desirable to build the back support such that the back poles are angled toward the back of the carrier, thereby allowing a rider to sit in a more reclined position. First handle assembly  45  with first end  46 , and second handle assemblies  50  with first end  51  are shown releasably engaged to adaptor blocks  15  and  16 . A material extends between the first and second handle assemblies, providing a cross brace  55  to further support the cargo or create a footrest during the carrier&#39;s motion or in a stationary position. It is not meant to be a step. When transporting non-human cargo, the cross brace can be slid to meet the bed, extending the platform&#39;s base to accommodate lightweight items. Additionally, the cross brace can be used as a bicycle splashguard by sliding it in the opposite direction to its desired position. Umbrella  60  is shown coupled to member  65  which is adapted to be releasably engaged to an adaptor block. It is understood that a variety of protective screens could be used as an alternative to umbrella  60 . Umbrella  60  could be attached to a spreader by connecting back poles  30  and  35  if additional rigidity is desired.  FIG. 1  shows a person seated on a seat above the support poles.  
         [0020]     In some embodiments of the invention, umbrella  60  may be replaced by an awning. Awning poles may be coupled to the first and second back poles. A material could then be extended between the awning poles, thereby providing protection from direct sunlight or rain. The awning can be retracted.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  shows another view of the present invention. First end  75  of support pole  70  is shown releasably engaged to adaptor block  16  and second end  80  of support pole  70  is shown releasably engaged to adaptor block  15 . A cushion or some other covering can be placed on the seat. The handle assemblies  45  and  50  can be in either an upright position  53  or downward position  54 . In the upright position, the handle assemblies create a plane for either pushing or pulling. In the downward position, the handle assemblies create a pair of front legs to stabilize the carrier while in a stationary state. Although not shown, the handles can also be turned 90° from the downward position. Furthermore, the handle ends shown at positions  53  and  54  can take on a variety of shapes other than the “L” shown. For instance, they could take on a more ergonomic “S”-type shape or may be joined to form a “U” shape. Side handles  85  and  90  are releasably engaged to adaptor block  16  and  15 , respectively, for safety supports. Material may be sewn on these handles to shield items from the motion of the tires. Holder  95  is shown coupled to side handle  85 . It is understood that holder  95  may be coupled to side handle  90 , or any member of the carrier. The rear stabilizing bar  100  has first end  105  releasably engaged to adaptor block  16 , and second end  110  coupled to a locomotion mechanism  115 . Rear stabilizing bars prevent the carrier from tipping over backward. For simplicity  FIG. 2  shows only one rear stabilizing bar  100 . However, it may be desirable to have a rear stabilizing bar attached to each of the rear-most adaptor blocks. Although  FIG. 2  depicts locomotion mechanism  115  as a wheel, it will be appreciated that other locomotion mechanisms, such as skids, may be used. Although not shown, a cargo platform could be releasably engaged to the adaptor blocks, above the rear stabilizing bars.  
         [0022]     In some embodiments of the invention, adaptor blocks may be releasably secured together, resulting in a daisychain of adaptor blocks. For example, connecting members could be releasably engaged to an end of a first adaptor block and then releasably engaged to an end of a second adaptor block. Such a configuration of adaptor blocks could be used together with additional support poles  75  to increase the carrying capacity of the carrier. Of course, cushions or other coverings can be placed over the support poles.  
         [0023]     In some embodiments of the invention, entire carriers may be daisychained together to make a train of carriers. In such an embodiment, a joint assembly, such as a swivel joint, could be used to releasably secure a rear pair of adaptor blocks of a first carrier with a front pair of adaptor blocks of a second carrier. A swivel joint assembly would join the carriers, but would allow each carrier some freedom of motion as they moved over uneven terrain. It is understood that additional carriers could be secured together. Also, when two carriers are joined together, people can be transported facing each other. This is accomplished by transferring the back and awning poles to the front position of the first pulled carrier&#39;s adaptor blocks and reversing their direction so that the person is facing the back trailing carrier.  
         [0024]     In some embodiments of the invention, the carrier can be configured as a moveable chair for indoor and outdoor use. Such an embodiment might include legs with rollers and a flip down footrest, engaged to the adaptor blocks. In an alternative embodiment, the carrier can be configured as a wheelchair to assist people with limited mobility.  
         [0025]     In some embodiments of the invention, the carrier can be configured to create a moveable platform by removing both tires and releasably engaging four legs to the ends of the adaptor blocks.  
         [0026]     In some embodiments of the invention, the carrier can be configured to create a “walker,” that is, a device to help people who need some assistance in maintaining their balance while walking. In this embodiment, the carrier could be easily and quickly converted into a walker by removing handles  45  and  50 , back poles, awning poles, safety handles, etc. Then front and rear stabilizing bars can be engaged to the adaptor bars, thus preventing the carrier from tipping forward or backward. Also, a handle can be releasably engaged to the adaptor blocks such that the handle is positioned parallel to the ground and about at waist level of the person needing assistance. Therefore, the carrier, which may have just been used as a rickshaw to transport a person from the beach to the car, can be easily configured as a walker to allow the person to walk without human assistance.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  depicts an adaptor block, shown generally at  15 , with a plurality of engagable apertures  120  and  121  constructed on the top and end, respectively, of adaptor block  15 . An engagement mechanism for releasably engaging a member  126  to an adaptor block  15  is shown by  125 . A locating notch  122  is used to help guide engagement member  125  into securement aperture  130 . A force can be applied to engagement mechanism  125 , allowing it to recede into member  126 . While engagement mechanism  125  is at least partially compressed, member  126  may be fitted into an aperture  120 . Upon alignment with securement aperture  130 , engagement mechanism  125  at least partially returns to its uncompressed position. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a number of additional engagement mechanisms exist that are not depicted for releasably engaging a member to an adaptor block. Also, notches such as  131  and  132  may be routed into the adaptor block to decrease weight.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  depicts a fragmentary sectional detail of the side of adaptor block  15 , taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 . Securement apertures  130  are shown to intersect top apertures  120  and end apertures  121 . Locating notch  122  is also shown in order to guide engagement mechanism  125  into securement aperture  130 . Adaptor block  15  can be designed to include numerous top and end apertures  120  and  121  thereby allowing multiple members to be engaged to the adaptor block, either along the top, along the end, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the members can be moved along the top or side of the adaptor block as desired in order to change the balance or alter the dimensions of the carrier.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of an adaptor block, shown generally at  15 , taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 3 . A plurality of top apertures  120  are shown spaced across the top of adaptor block  15 , thereby providing member  126  with multiple positioning possibilities. Securement aperture  130  is shown intersecting top aperture  120  as well as end aperture  121 . Locating notch  122  is routed into the adaptor block to help guide engagement mechanism  125  into securement aperture  130 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  depicts a fragmentary sectional detail of a member  126  with engagement mechanism  125 , taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 . As a force is applied to engagement mechanism  125 , compression member  127  compresses, thereby at least partially reducing the profile of the engagement mechanism  125  relative to the exterior surface of member  126 . Although a compression-style engagement mechanism is shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of other engagement mechanisms, such as insertion of detent pins after member alignment, may be used instead.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  depicts adaptor block  15  releasably engaged to wheel  20  by engagement mechanism  25 . Wheel axle  26  is secured to engagement mechanism  25  by locking mechanism  27 . The versatility of the carrier is clearly depicted: multiple support poles  70 , rear stabilizing bar  100 , side handle  90 , back support pole  35 , handle assembly  45 , and wheel  20  are all simultaneously releasably engaged to adaptor block  15 . Furthermore, numerous other apertures are available to allow additional members to be engaged to the adaptor block or alternative placement of existing members.  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a fragmentary sectional detail taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . Wheel  20  is releasably engaged to adaptor block  15  by engagement mechanism  25 . Detent pin  135  secures engagement  25  to adaptor block  15 . Engagement mechanism  25  can be engaged to adaptor block  15  at various securement apertures  130  in order to change its center of balance to better distribute the cargo&#39;s weight. By selecting different securement apertures  130 , the fulcrum point of the carrier can be transferred from the centerline of the main block to the new desired position. Furthermore, it is possible to add additional wheels to the carrier. By reducing the diameter of the wheels, multiple wheels can be releasably engaged to adaptor block  15 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  shows the carrier in a collapsed state. By compressing engagement mechanism  125  of support member  70  sufficiently enough so as to disengage engagement mechanism  125  from securement aperture  130 , support members  70 , while still engaged with adaptor block  15  and  16 , can be rotated so as to collapse the carrier as shown in  FIG. 9 . By providing a collapsibility feature, either partially or completely, the carrier becomes easy to transport or store. For instance, if used as a wheelchair, the carrier could transport a person to and from their destination, then the carrier can be easily collapsed in order to fit in the trunk of an automobile.  
         [0034]     The multi use of the invention is only limited to a person&#39;s imagination. A single carrier or daisychaining them together can transport one or more people at the same time. Because it moves easily over grass surfaces and wood chip trails, individuals can be easily transported through parks, cemeteries, and yards. Additionally, it may be used as a carriage to move lovers throughout a scenic outdoor area. An angler can transport fishing gear to the shore or pier and then use it as a seat to sit upon. It would also make canoe portaging very easy. A hunter may use it to move hunting gear into the field and to carry out any game. Hunters and birdwatchers can use it as a portable blind. It can be used to push or pull cargo for one&#39;s personal use around the home, job site, or in the field.  
         [0035]     While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.  
         [0036]     The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein and such equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.  
         [0037]     This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.