Abstract:
This invention relates to a multi-purpose article carrier for a personal mobility vehicle, such as a motorized mobility scooter or other powered mobility vehicle, of the type used to transport a disabled person. The present invention provides a light weight, easily installed and removable means whereby the user can easily and temporarily expand the carrying capacity of the personal mobility vehicle. The present invention does not appreciably add to the wind resistance, does not damage the vehicle, and is easy to drive and maneuver, since no portion of the device touches the ground while the vehicle is moving, and is easy to store when not in use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a multi-purpose article carrier for a personal mobility vehicle, such as a mobility scooter or other powered mobility vehicle, of the type used to transport a disabled person. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Personal mobility vehicles, including but not limited to motorized mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, have become common place for people with slight or severe disablements to move about independently. With the increased use of these vehicles, there is a demand for vehicles that may be modified to assist the user with transporting articles. 
     Personal mobility vehicles in and of themselves, have minimal means for transporting goods. Although devices for expanding the cargo capacity for personal mobility vehicles have been known in the art for quite some time, they are typically designed only for a single or dual purpose and have to be detached from the vehicle and a different device attached to carry out another purpose. For example, there are holder systems that are designed to hold walking aids such as crutches, canes, and walkers, which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,112. U.S. Publication No. 2012/0187265 also describes a carrier that is attached to a mobility vehicle, but it is limited to transporting minimal items that can fit into the base support of the carrier. There are other carriers that have been designed to attach to the back of the motorized vehicles in order to tow large quantities of goods, but these carriers are large, bulky, and decrease the maneuverability of the vehicle because they are in contact with the ground and are merely towed behind the vehicle. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2006/0220346 describes a trailer that can be attached to the rear of a motorized vehicle and U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,029 describes a luggage carrier that can be attached to the rear of a wheelchair. U.S. Pat. No. 7,967,174 describes a basket that can be secured to the back of a motorized vehicle to carry large quantities of goods, but this carrier is bulky and may tip the carrier over if there are heavy goods placed in the basket. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for providing a multi-purpose article carrier for a personal mobility vehicle or other powered mobility vehicle that is compact and light weight so as to not interfere with the maneuverability of the vehicle. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved removable attachable multi-purpose carrier that is light weight and easy to install. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose article carrier for carrying an assortment of goods, which can be detachably connected to the back of a personal mobility vehicle or other motorized personal mobility device. Because the frame is suspended from the towed vehicle and does not come into contact with the road, it is no more difficult to drive a vehicle with this attachment than an ordinary personal mobility vehicle. Further, this device is light weight, easy to install, remove, and store. 
     The present invention can be used to carry various combinations of goods, including but not limited to, a cane, an oxygen tank, a walker, shopping bags, tote bags, lawn chairs, hangers while clothes shopping, small hand grocery baskets, or a custom storage bag that can be detachably connected to the article carrier. The present invention also includes the attachment of a safety flag, or the like, to the frame. It being understood that not all combinations of goods can be accommodated at the same time, e.g., an oxygen tank and a walker cannot be transported at the same time. The weight of the article carrier and its contents, combined with the weight of the rider, should not exceed the recommended weight capacity of the personal mobility vehicle. 
     The device anticipates the utilization of a female receiver that typically comes mounted under the seat of personal mobility vehicles. The receiver may also be mounted in other locations on the rear of the personal mobility vehicle in other embodiments. A mounting bar is provided at the bottom of the vertical strength member of this article carrier that just fits within the female receiver and is secured in place. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the isometric view of the invention mounted to a personal mobility vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the rear elevation view of the invention mounted to a personal mobility vehicle. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the side elevation view of the invention mounted to a personal mobility vehicle. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the top plan views of several embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 4(   a ) shows the top plan view of the embodiments without an oxygen tank holder and  FIG. 4(   b ) shows the top plan view of the embodiments that include an oxygen tank holder. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the invention showing the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the invention illustrating the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of the first embodiment of the invention illustrating the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the first embodiment of the invention illustrating the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrating the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrating the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevation view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrating the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrating the frame joined together utilizing friction connectors and assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of the third embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevation view of the third embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of the third embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled with an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 19  is a rear elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of the fourth embodiment of the invention illustrating a welded frame assembled without an oxygen tank holder assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are four embodiments of the invention that are described. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings herein. 
     One of the preferred embodiments of the device includes a frame, which is constructed of square hollow tube aluminum, or any other strong light weight material. However, the frame may be of any given shape and either hollow or solid depending on the need or the desire. The connectors are made of nylon, nylon composite, or other material having similar characteristics. Appropriate adhesive shall be used to insure a secure connection of the connectors to the tubing. Fasteners ( 39 ) such as thru-bolt with washers and lock nuts, screw post bolts or rivets or other fastening means known in the art, shall be used at locations indicated on  FIGS. 6 and 10 . The color and finish of the present invention can vary depending on the need and desire. The preferred overall dimensions of the frame is about thirteen inches wide by about twenty-eight inches high, by about sixteen inches deep. 
     The first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment the frame members are joined together by friction connectors and assembled with the oxygen tank holder assembly. 
     The base of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) is secured to the mounting bar ( 1 ) utilizing a three-way flat tee connector ( 2 ) and the tank support bar ( 3 ) is secured to the remaining horizontal leg of the three-way flat tee connector ( 2 ), extending towards the rear of the frame. A standard end cap ( 4 ) is inserted into the open end of the tank support bar ( 3 ). Across the top of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) the cross members ( 7 ,  15 ) are secured in opposite positions, perpendicular to either side of the vertical strength member ( 5 ), utilizing a three-way flat tee connector ( 6 ) so that the cross members ( 7 ,  15 ) are also in a perpendicular alignment to the mounting bar ( 1 ). Two horizontal arms ( 9 ,  17 ) are secured at right angles to the ends of the cross members ( 7 ,  15 ), mirroring about the vertical strength member ( 5 ) by using three-way corner connectors ( 8 ,  16 ). The horizontal arms ( 9 ,  17 ) extend towards the rear of the frame. Front posts ( 13 ,  21 ) are secured to the vertical leg of the three-way corner connectors ( 8 ,  16 ). Rear posts ( 11 ,  19 ) are secured to the rear end of the horizontal arms ( 9 ,  17 ) using two-way right angle connectors ( 10 ,  18 ). Standard end caps ( 12 ,  20 ) are inserted into the tops of the two rear posts ( 11 ,  19 ) and a standard end cap ( 22 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 21 ). Threaded end cap ( 14 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 13 ). 
     A safety flag ( 29 ) is attached to the frame using a rod ( 28 ) and a threaded rod base ( 27 ), which is attached to a female threaded end cap ( 14 ), which is attached to a front post ( 13 ). The rod ( 28 ) is secured to the threaded rod base ( 27 ) using adhesive. The safety flag ( 29 ) can be a flag, pennant, or something of the sort and is secured to the top of the rod ( 28 ) using hog rings or any other convenient means known in the art. The safety flag assembly can easily be removed by unscrewing the rod base ( 27 ) from the female threaded end cap ( 14 ). 
     Two gripper clips ( 25 ,  26 ) are attached by screws, rivets, or any other convenient means known in the art to the back of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) in order to transport a cane. Two cylindrical bands ( 23 ,  24 ) are attached by screws, rivets, bolts, or any other convenient means known in the art to the rear of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) for means for use in transporting an oxygen tank. Two thumb screws are attached to each of the cylindrical bands ( 23 ,  24 ) to tighten against and stabilize the oxygen tank. 
     This first embodiment of the frame is attached to the mobility vehicle by inserting a threaded bolt with knob, set screw, or other fastening means known in the art, using the threaded hold weldment, as typically found as part of the female receiver located on the personal mobility vehicle. After the mounting bar ( 1 ) has been inserted into the female receiver, it is secured by tightening the threaded bolt, through the two drilled holes ( 38 ) provided in the mounting bar portion of the frame, and against the opposite inside wall of the female receiver. A female receiver is well known in the art and is not disclosed or discussed further herein. When it is desired to remove the frame away from the personal mobility vehicle, the set screw or threaded bolt with knob is loosened and the frame is removed. The mounting bar portion of the frame may also be retained within the female receiver by any other means known in the art for securing a mounting bar. 
     The second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 9  through  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment the frame members are joined together by friction connectors and assembled without the oxygen tank holder assembly. 
     The base of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) is secured to the mounting bar ( 1 ) using a two-way right angle connector ( 30 ). Across the top of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) there are two cross members ( 7 ,  15 ) that are secured in opposite positions, perpendicular to either side of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) using a three way flat tee connector ( 6 ) so that the cross members ( 7 ,  15 ) are also in a perpendicular alignment to the mounting bar ( 1 ). Two horizontal arms ( 9 ,  17 ) are secured at right angles to the ends of the cross members ( 7 ,  15 ) mirroring about the vertical strength member ( 5 ) using the three-way corner connectors ( 8 ,  16 ). The horizontal arms ( 9 ,  17 ) extend towards the rear of the frame. Two front posts ( 13 ,  21 ) are secured to the vertical leg of the three-way corner connectors ( 8 ,  16 ). Two rear posts ( 11 ,  19 ) are secured to the rear end of the horizontal arms ( 9 ,  17 ) using two-way right angle connectors ( 10 ,  18 ). Standard end caps ( 12 ,  20 ) are inserted into the tops of the two rear posts ( 11 ,  19 ) and a standard end cap ( 22 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 21 ). A threaded end cap ( 14 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 13 ). 
     A safety flag ( 29 ) is attached to the frame using a rod ( 28 ) and a threaded rod base ( 27 ), which is attached to a female threaded end cap ( 14 ), which is attached to a front post ( 13 ). The rod ( 28 ) is secured to the threaded rod base ( 27 ) using adhesive. The safety flag ( 29 ) can be a flag, pennant, or something of the sort and is secured to the top of the rod ( 28 ) using hog rings or any other convenient means known in the art. The safety flag assembly can easily be removed by unscrewing the rod base ( 27 ) from the female threaded end cap ( 14 ). 
     Two gripper clips ( 25 ,  26 ) are attached by screws, rivets, or any other convenient means known in the art to the back of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) in order to transport a cane. 
     This second embodiment of the frame is attached to the mobility vehicle by inserting a threaded bolt with knob, set screw, or other fastening means known in the art, using the threaded hold weldment, as typically found as part of the female receiver located on the personal mobility vehicle, and securing it by tightening it against the mounting bar ( 1 ) of the frame that has been inserted into the female receiver. A female receiver is well known in the art and is not disclosed or discussed further herein. When it is desired to remove the frame away from the personal mobility vehicle, the set screw or threaded bolt with knob is loosened and the frame is removed. The mounting bar portion of the frame may also be retained within the female receiver by any other means known in the art for securing a mounting bar. 
     The third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 13  through  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment the frame members are welded together and assembled with the oxygen tank holder assembly. 
     The base of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) is welded at a set distance from the end of the mounting/tank support bar ( 36 ). A standard end cap ( 4 ) is inserted into the open end at the rear of the mounting/tank support bar ( 36 ). The cross member ( 31 ) is centered across the top of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) and welded so that the cross member ( 31 ) is in a perpendicular alignment to the mounting/tank support bar ( 36 ). Two horizontal arms ( 32 ,  34 ) are welded at right angles to each end of the cross member ( 31 ) mirroring about the vertical strength member ( 5 ) extending towards the rear of the frame. Two front posts ( 13 ,  21 ) are welded to the top of the corners where the cross-member ( 31 ) and horizontal arms ( 32 ,  34 ) intersect. Two rear posts ( 33 ,  35 ) are joined and welded to the rear ends of the horizontal arms ( 32 ,  34 ). Standard end caps ( 12 ,  20 ) are inserted into the tops of the two rear posts ( 33 ,  35 ) and a standard end cap ( 22 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 21 ). A threaded end cap ( 14 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 13 ). 
     A safety flag ( 29 ) is attached to the frame using a rod ( 28 ) and a threaded rod base ( 27 ), which is attached to a female threaded end cap ( 14 ), which is attached to a front post ( 13 ). The rod ( 28 ) is secured to the threaded rod base ( 27 ) using adhesive. The safety flag ( 29 ) can be a flag, pennant, or something of the sort and is secured to the top of the rod ( 28 ) using hog rings or any other convenient means known in the art. The safety flag assembly can easily be removed by unscrewing the rod base ( 27 ) from the female threaded end cap ( 14 ). 
     Two gripper clips ( 25 ,  26 ) are attached by screws, rivets, or any other convenient means known in the art to the back of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) in order to transport a cane. Two cylindrical bands ( 23 ,  24 ) are attached by screws, rivets, bolts, or any other convenient means known in the art to the rear of the vertical strength member ( 5 ) for means for use in transporting an oxygen tank. Two thumb screws are attached to each of the cylindrical bands ( 23 ,  24 ) to tighten against and stabilize the oxygen tank. 
     This third embodiment of the frame is attached to the mobility vehicle by inserting a threaded bolt with knob, set screw, or other fastening means known in the art, using the threaded hold weldment, as typically provided as part of the female receiver located on the personal mobility vehicle. After the mounting/tank support bar ( 36 ) has been inserted into the female receiver, it is secured by tightening the threaded bolt through the two drilled holes ( 38 ), provided in the mounting/tank support bar portion of the frame, and against the opposite inside wall of the female receiver. A female receiver is well known in the art and is not disclosed or discussed further herein. When it is desired to remove the frame away from the personal mobility vehicle, the set screw or threaded bolt with knob is loosened and the frame is removed. The mounting/tank support bar portion of the frame may also be retained within the female receiver by any other means known in the art for securing a mounting bar. 
     The fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 17  through  FIG. 20 . In this embodiment the frame members are welded together and assembled without the oxygen tank holder assembly. 
     In this embodiment the vertical strength member and the mounting bar is a single bent piece known as the one piece mounting bar and vertical strength member ( 37 ). This piece has approximately a 90 degree bend. The cross member ( 31 ) is centered across the top of the vertical portion of the one piece mounting bar and vertical strength member ( 37 ) and welded so that the cross member ( 31 ) is in a perpendicular alignment to the mounting bar portion of the one piece mounting bar and vertical strength member ( 37 ). Two horizontal arms ( 32 ,  34 ) are welded at right angles to each end of the cross member ( 31 ) mirroring about the vertical portion of the one piece mounting bar and vertical strength member ( 37 ) extending towards the rear of the frame. Two front posts ( 13 ,  21 ) are welded to the top of the corners where the cross member ( 31 ) and the horizontal arms ( 32 ,  34 ) intersect. Two rear posts ( 33 ,  35 ) are welded to the rear ends of the horizontal arms ( 32 ,  34 ). Standard end caps ( 12 ,  20 ) are inserted into the tops of the two rear posts ( 33 ,  35 ) and a standard end cap ( 22 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 21 ). A threaded end cap ( 14 ) is inserted into the top of the front post ( 13 ). 
     A safety flag ( 29 ) is attached to the frame using a rod ( 28 ) and a threaded rod base ( 27 ), which is attached to a female threaded end cap ( 14 ), which is attached to a front post ( 13 ). The rod ( 28 ) is secured to the threaded rod base ( 27 ) using adhesive. The safety flag ( 29 ) can be a flag, pennant, or something of the sort and is secured to the top of the rod ( 28 ) using hog rings or any other convenient means known in the art. The safety flag assembly can easily be removed by unscrewing the rod base ( 27 ) from the female threaded end cap ( 14 ). 
     This fourth embodiment of the frame is attached to the mobility vehicle by inserting a threaded bolt with knob, set screw, or other fastening means known in the art, using the threaded hold weldment, as typically provided as part of the female receiver located on the personal mobility vehicle, and securing it by tightening it against the portion of the one piece mounting bar and vertical strength member ( 37 ) of the frame that has been inserted into the female receiver. A female receiver is well known in the art and is not disclosed or discussed further herein. When it is desired to remove the frame away from the personal mobility vehicle, the set screw or threaded bolt with knob is loosened and the frame is removed. The portion of the one piece mounting bar and vertical strength member of the frame may also be retained within the female receiver by any other means known in the art for securing a mounting bar.