Abstract:
A personal vehicle transportation device to protect, secure, and transport a personal vehicle. The personal vehicle transportation device reduces the load placed on the towing vehicle and the personal vehicle transportation device is mechanically operable. The device includes a frame with a platform, a ramp and protective shell attached to opposite sides of the frame. The ramp and protective shell operate substantially simultaneously via a mechanized action. The protective shell includes inflatable bladders to secure the interior cargo.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to mobile transportation, and more particularly to a device to safely store a personal mobility device, wherein the device can be attached to and towed behind an automobile. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    An unfortunate side to the human condition is the loss of personal mobility due to age, injury or illness. However, the desire to keep moving has led to the creation of personal mobility devices, from the traditional push-wheelchair to the technologically-advanced electric scooter. With improved personal mobility, further comes the need to travel greater distances with the mobility device. Although traditional push-wheelchairs are designed to fold up and store in an automobile&#39;s trunk or backseat, many new designs and especially electric scooters cannot assume a more compact and portable shape. 
         [0005]    Designs for transporting mobility devices external to an automobile have evolved to solve many of the transportation problems. One general design is a simple pull-behind trailer attachable to a trailer hitch, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,651. Although this design can carry a mobility device, the mobility device is not protected from the elements nor is it secured to the trailer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,020 has a more suitable design for wheelchairs and scooters and includes a protective outer cover. However, this design directs the full weight of the trailer and the mobility device on the hitch and frame of the towing vehicle. 
         [0006]    A method for distributing the weight of the trailer and mobility device is addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,373 by strapping the assembly to a point closer to the towing vehicle&#39;s axle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,509 added a caster-wheel to the underside of the trailer to assume a portion of the load, but it is only utilized when the towing vehicle traverses an uneven surface, which risks damaging the underside of the trailer. The caster-wheel is neither road-worthy nor durable. 
         [0007]    None of the above inventions provide for both the proper protection of delicate and expensive mobility devices, from weather or debris, and reduce the stress on the towing vehicle. Furthermore, because protective covers and ramps are often heavy and cumbersome to manipulate, many elderly or infirm users cannot safely operate the transporter or trailer. If a user cannot physically operate the trailer, there is little chance he will be able to enjoy the freedoms associated with the personal mobility device. Thus, there is a need for an improved personal mobility device trailer that is easy to operate, protects the mobility device, and does not overload the towing vehicle. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to one aspect of the invention, a personal vehicle transportation device includes a frame comprising a substantially horizontal platform, a shell attached to the frame and movable between a first lowered position and a second raised position, the shell substantially covers the horizontal platform when in the first lowered position, a ramp attached to the frame and movable between a first raised position substantially perpendicular to the frame and a second lowered position, a translation mechanism attached to the frame and operationally linked to the shell and the ramp, the translation mechanism may be configured to translate the shell from the first lowered position to the second raised position and translate the ramp from the first raised position to the second lowered position, and a mounting arm attached to the frame and dimensioned and configured to matingly engage a towing vehicle. 
         [0009]    The shell may include an opening defined therein and the opening may be substantially covered by the ramp when the ramp is in the first raised position. 
         [0010]    The personal vehicle transportation device may include at least one bladder and the at least one bladder may be variably inflatable between a first non-inflated position and a second inflated position and when in the second inflated position the at least one bladder may be configured to secure a cargo within the shell. The at least one bladder may be attached to the frame. The at least one bladder may be attached to the shell. 
         [0011]    The translation mechanism may rotationally translate the ramp and the shell. The translation mechanism may be operationally linked to a first cog set attached to the ramp and a second cog set attached to the shell. The translation mechanism may translate the ramp from the first raised position to the second lowered position and the shell from the first lowered position to the second raised position substantially simultaneously. The translation mechanism may include an electric motor operationally linked to the translation mechanism. The translation mechanism may include a manual crank operationally linked to the translation mechanism. 
         [0012]    The ramp may be monolithic. The ramp may include at least two linked sections. The at least two linked sections may be connected by a hinge and the at least two sections fold together when the ramp is in the first raised position. 
         [0013]    The device may include at least one wheel attached to the frame. The mounting arm may include a hinged joint dimensioned and configured to allow the frame to pivot upwards in relation to the towing vehicle, and further comprising a tension spring urging the hinged joint to remain in a position parallel to the frame. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the invention, a personal vehicle transportation device includes a frame comprising a substantially horizontal platform, a shell attached to the frame and movable between a first lowered position and a second raised position and the shell substantially covers the horizontal platform when in the first lowered position, and the shell further comprises at least one inflatable bladder to secure a cargo between the frame and the shell, a ramp attached to the frame and movable between a first raised position and a second lowered position, a translation mechanism attached to the frame and operationally linked to the shell and the ramp by a first cog set attached to the ramp and a second cog set attached to the shell, and the translation mechanism may be configured to translate the shell from the first lowered position to the second raised position and translate the ramp from the first raised position to the second lowered position substantially simultaneously, the translation mechanism may be operationally linked to a manual crank, a mounting arm attached to the frame and configured to matingly engage a towing vehicle and the mounting arm further comprises a hinged joint configured to allow the frame to translate upwards in relation to the towing vehicle, and further includes a tension spring urging the hinged joint to remain in a position parallel to the frame. 
         [0015]    The shell may include an opening defined therein and the opening may be substantially covered by the ramp when the ramp is in the first raised position. The device may include at least one bladder attached to the frame. The device may include an electric motor operationally linked to the translation mechanism. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the invention, a personal vehicle transportation device includes a frame comprising a substantially horizontal platform, a shell attached to the frame and rotationally movable between a first lowered position and a second raised position and the shell substantially covers the horizontal platform when in the first lowered position, the shell has an opening defined therein, and the shell further comprises at least one inflatable bladder to secure a cargo between the frame and the shell, the at least one bladder may be mechanically or pneumatically inflated, a ramp attached to the frame and rotationally movable between a first raised position and a second lowered position, the ramp substantially may cover the opening defined in the shell when the ramp is in the first raised position, a translation mechanism attached to the frame and operationally linked to the shell and the ramp, the translation mechanism may be configured to translate the shell from the first lowered position to the second raised position and translate the ramp from the first raised position to the second lowered position substantially simultaneously, and a mounting arm attached to the frame and configured to matingly engage a towing vehicle and the mounting arm further comprises a hinged joint configured to allow the frame to translate upwards in relation to the towing vehicle, and further comprising a tension spring urging the hinged joint to remain in a position parallel to the frame. 
         [0017]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may be practiced. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a personal vehicle transportation device with a ramp in a raised closed position and a shell in a lower closed position constructed according to principles of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective illustration of the personal vehicle transportation device with a two-section ramp of  FIG. 1  in a partially lowered position and the shell in a partially raised position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective illustration of the personal vehicle transportation device with a two-section ramp of  FIG. 1  in a lowered open position and the shell in a raised open position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a schematic of the personal vehicle transportation device of  FIG. 1  and a means for attachment to a towing vehicle. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of the personal vehicle transportation device in  FIG. 1  with additional accessories constructed according to principles of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective illustration of a personal vehicle transportation device with a monolithic ramp in a lowered open position and a shell in a raised open position constructed according to principles of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a schematic of a hinge mechanism connecting the personal vehicle transportation device to a towing vehicle constructed according to principles of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of the interior of a personal vehicle transportation device showing inflatable bladders surrounding a wheelchair constructed according to principles of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. 
         [0028]    The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
         [0029]    The term “personal vehicle” as used herein relates generally to any device that can be used to transport a single individual either seated or standing. Examples of a personal vehicle include, include but are not limited to, a traditional manually operated wheelchair or a motorized scooter. 
         [0030]    The term “tow vehicle” as used herein means any automotive vehicle that is suitably equipped to tow behind it another object. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective illustration of a personal vehicle transportation device  100  is illustrated. The device  100  may be employed for the protection and transportation of a personal vehicle, such as, for example, a wheelchair. The device may be made of any durable and rigid material suitable for over-road transportation. The device  100  may include a rigid frame  102  suitable to support the weight of the wheelchair and endure the stresses of over-road travel. The frame  102 , as illustrated, is made of a tubular and welded metal. The frame may be made of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, or other non-metallic materials such as carbon fiber, plastic, or fiberglass. As shown in  FIG. 2 , frame  102  may include a horizontal platform  103 . The horizontal platform is sized appropriately to support a wheelchair and be made of the same material as frame  102  or another suitable material. A ramp  104  may be movably attached to the frame  102  by hinge  106  and connector rods  108 . A shell  110  may be attached to the frame  102  on the opposite side from the ramp  104 . The shell  110  may be movably attached to the frame  102  by linked connector rods  112 . The device may include a wheel unit  114  connected to the frame  102  via an adjustable connector  120 , which may be adjustable both horizontally and vertically in relation to frame  102 . The wheel unit  114  may include a road-worthy wheel and tire  116 , which may be partially covered by a fender  118 . A road-worthy tire  116  is capable of withstanding interstate highway speeds and distances. The operation of device  100  including ramp  104  and shell  110  may be remotely controlled by a remote control unit  122 , which may be operationally connected to motor  405 , shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the device  100  is shown in a partially operational state. Ramp  104  is illustrated between a first raised position and a second lowered position. Ramp  104  pivots around an axis along an edge of the frame  102 , which may include a hinge  106 . The ramp  104  is actuated by the ramp connector rods  108  positioned on at least one side of the ramp  104  and frame  102 . Ramp  104  may include a second section  105  connected to the ramp  104  at joint  107 . As the ramp  104  is translated into the lowered position, section  105  swings outward to contact the ground. Section  105  may be actuated by means such as cables, chains, or other similar mechanisms operationally linked to ramp  104 . Section  105  thereby extends the length of the ramp  104  and may create a decreased angle of slope between the horizontal platform  103  and the ground. The second section  105  may be the same size and shape as ramp  104 , however it may be a different size or shape. Section  105  may also connect to the ramp  104  by other means, such as a telescoping extension. As illustrated, ramp  104  and section  105  are constructed of a “diamond plate” metal for increased traction. However, ramp  104  and section  105  may be made of any material suitable for a road-worthy device. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the shell  110  is movably attached to the frame  102  opposite the ramp  104 . In  FIG. 2 , the shell is illustrated in a position between a first closed position and second open position. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the shell  110  is in the second open position. In an embodiment, the shell  110  is disposed with an opening  111 . When the shell  110  is in the first closed position, the opening  111  is sufficiently covered by the ramp  104  when the ramp  104  is in the first raised position. In another embodiment, the shell has no opening. The shell  110  is moved from the first closed position to the second open position by actuation of the shell connector rod  112 , which is attached to the frame  102  and the shell  110 . When the shell  110  is in the second open position as shown in  FIG. 3 , the horizontal platform  103  is fully accessible. When the ramp  104  and section  105  are in the full second lowered position and the shell is in the second open position, a wheelchair may be rolled up the ramp  104  onto horizontal platform  103 . The placement of the wheelchair on the horizontal platform  103  may be secured by wheel chocks  109  integral with the horizontal platform  103 , thereby preventing the wheelchair from rolling back onto the ramp  104 . The device  100  and horizontal platform  103  may also include other restraining devices such as hooks, cables, chains, or bungee cords to immobilize the wheelchair once it is in position. The shell  110  may include an interior space  210  sufficient to completely surround the wheelchair. In an embodiment, the shell  110  may be made of plastic, light-weight metal, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or any other suitable material for a road-worthy vehicle. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a schematic of the power train in an embodiment of the device  100 . The orientation of  FIG. 4  is of the underside of the device  100  showing the underside  400  of the horizontal platform  103  and surrounded by the frame  102 . In an embodiment, an electric motor  405  operates the opening and closing of the shell  110  and the raising and lowering of the ramp  104 . In another embodiment, a manual crank  404  performs this operation. A rotational mechanism  402  is attached to the frame  102  underneath the underside  400  of the horizontal platform  103 . On one side of the rotational mechanism  402 , the ramp connector rod  108  is attached to shaft  410  at linkage  412 . The ramp connector rod  108  and shaft  410  are operationally linked so that when shaft  410  rotates, ramp connector rod  108  also rotates. A cog  407  is attached to shaft  410 . A chain  406  is wrapped around cog  407  and rotational mechanism  402 . When the rotational mechanism  402  turns in a clockwise direction, chain  406  translates the rotational movement to cog  407 , which turns shaft  410 , which subsequently rotates ramp connector rod  108  in the same clockwise direction. This rotational movement causes the ramp  104  to raise or lower. Attached to the frame  102  on the other side of rotational mechanism  402  is shaft  411 . Shaft  411  may be attached to shell connector rod  112  at linkage  413 , which is attached to the frame  102 . Cog  409  is attached to shaft  411 . Belt  408  connects cog  409  with rotational mechanism  402 . In an embodiment, belt  408  spans between cog  409  and rotational mechanism  402  in a figure-8 orientation. In a figure-8 orientation, belt  408  crosses itself at a point represented by point  420 . Due to the figure-8 orientation, when rotational mechanism  402  turns in a clockwise direction, cog  409  turns in a counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of shaft  411  causes the shell to move between an open and a closed position. In combination, when shaft  411  and shaft  410  are both connected to the rotational mechanism  402 , the shafts will move substantially simultaneously, yet in opposite directions. In an embodiment, this configuration allows the ramp  104  to be lowered simultaneously while the shell  110  is being opened, and vice versa. A belt tensioner  414  may be used. Shaft stabilizers  430  may be attached to the frame  102  and positioned at a midpoint along the shafts  410 ,  411  to stabilize rotational movement and vibration. Shafts  410 ,  411  may be connected to cogs  108 ,  112  on a single side of the frame  102 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , or on an additional opposite side of the frame  102 . In an embodiment, the rotational mechanism  402  is operated by an electric motor  405  controlled by a remote control  122 . The rotational mechanism  402  may also be operated by a manual crank  404 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment where the device  100  is attached to a tow vehicle  500 . The device may have a standard male trailer hitch  503  and redundant safety chains  505  attached to the frame  102 . The male trailer hitch  503  is conventionally inserted into a female trailer hitch  502  attached to the tow vehicle  500 . A bolt or pin  504  connects the female  502  and male  503  trailer hitches. The redundant safety chains  505  may be attached to hooks or other structures on the tow vehicle  500 . In an embodiment with an electric motor  405 , the device  100  may acquire electrical power from an electrical socket  506  on the tow vehicle  500 . The device  100  connects to the electrical socket  506  with an electric plug  507 . In  FIG. 5 , the device  100  is shown with the ramp  104  in the lowered position and shell  110  in the open position, however the ramp  104  and shell  110  may be in any position when the device  100  is connected to the tow vehicle. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates additional accessories that may be used with the device  100 . A license plate, or other identification, bracket  600  may be attached to the shell  110  or another surface visible to another vehicle. To comply with various state and federal traffic laws, the device  100  may include various safety lights  610 . The lights  610  may include brake lights, back-up lights, marker lights or other required signals. Lights  610 , or any other electrical component on the device  100 , may acquire power from the electrical plug  507  connecting to the electrical socket  506 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the device  100  with a monolithic ramp  700 . The monolithic ramp  700  may not have a secondary or additional attachment. The monolithic ramp  700  may attach to the frame  102  and the horizontal platform  103  in the same way as ramp  104 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of an embodiment of the device  100  with a hinged male trailer hitch  804 . The hinged hitch  804  includes a section  806  proximal to the frame  102  and a distal section  807 . Distal section  807  may be inserted into a female trailer hitch  502  and thus secured with a bolt or pin  504 . Proximal section  806  and distal section  807  form a joint  808  and are connected by a hinge  812 . The hinge  812  is located on the side of the hinged hitch  804 , which is opposite the road. Spanning over the hinge  812  and connected to both the proximal  806  and the distal  807  sections is a leaf spring  810 . The leaf spring  810  urges the sections  806 ,  807  together at joint  808 . The hinged hitch  804  allows the device  100  to move vertically in relation to the tow vehicle  500 . The hinged hitch  804  may be actuated when the tow vehicle  500  and device  100  travel over bumpy or uneven roads and surfaces. The wheel unit  114  rides over bumps and, in turn, pushes the entire device  100  upwards causing the hinged hitch  804  to flex at hinge  812 . The leaf spring  810  urges the device  100  back down. 
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is a top down view of the device  100  with the top portion of the shell  110  removed. A representative wheelchair  930  is resting on the horizontal platform  103 . Walls of the shell  110  and the ramp  104  are visible. In an embodiment, the device  100  may include at least one inflatable bladder  900  attached on the interior  210  of the shell  110 . The at least one inflatable bladder  900  may be any type of inflatable cushion or balloon made of a robust and substantially impenetrable material, such as rubber, latex, or any woven material. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the at least one bladder  900  may be secured to the inner walls of the shell  110  in a deflated position  910 . In the deflated position  910 , the at least one bladder  900  do not take up much space of the interior  210  of the shell  110  and do not touch the wheelchair  930  or other cargo. The at least one bladder  900  may be inflated to an inflated position  920  so that they come into contact with the wheelchair  930 . With sufficient pressure in the at least one bladder  900  pressing against various sides of the wheelchair  930 , the wheelchair is therefore stabilized inside of the device  100 . When the need for security is no longer needed, the at least one bladders  900  may be deflated away from the wheelchair  930 . Although not shown in the cutaway of  FIG. 9 , the interior top of the shell  110  may also have at least one inflatable bladder  900 . In one embodiment the at least one inflatable bladder  900  may be attached to the frame  102 . A specific orientation of the at least one bladder  900  is not imperative to the function, as long as at least one bladder  900  applies enough stabilizing force onto the wheelchair  930 . The at least one inflatable bladder  900  may be pneumatically or hydraulically inflated. In an embodiment, the electric motor  405  may operate an air compressor, which may inflate the bladders via any commercially known series of manifolds and hoses. The at least one bladder  900  may be deflated by manual release of an airlock or via the electric motor  405 . 
         [0040]    The description and examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, implementations, modifications, and uses of the invention. For example, while described herein as useful to carry a wheelchair, the invention may be suitable for carrying other cargo such as, but not limited to, all-terrain vehicles and bicycles. Furthermore, the invention may carry other cargo such as groceries or luggage. Moreover, features described in connections with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above. 
         [0041]    While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention.