Patent Description:
Multipurpose carriers, such as a reconfigurable bike trailer that can also be configured for use as a stroller and/or for towing when skiing etc., are becoming more increasingly more common items to facilitate a healthy, comfortable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Such carriers can serve a multitude of purposes, allowing transportation of children, pets and miscellaneous cargo during the daily commute and/or for recreation.

Multipurpose carriers are often collapsible, for instance for facilitating storing or for transportation of the carrier. Carriers are thus commonly provided with a chassis that is foldable, the chassis typically being a metal frame construction to which a textile and/or plastic cover is attached for forming seat bases and/or a passenger cabin. Similarly, one or several wheels of the carrier are usually removable not only for reducing the size of the carrier during storage but also as it may be required for a certain configuration of the carrier. For instance, when towing by bike it is under most circumstances required to remove the front wheel(s) of the carrier.

Manufacturers of multipurpose carriers constantly strive to improve usability and user friendliness of their products, especially during reconfiguration between the different uses of the multipurpose carrier.

<CIT> relates to a wheel assembly mounted upon the tongue of a bicycle trailer which allows conversion of the bicycle trailer into a stroller.

<CIT> relates to a baby carriage which has a dual purpose, it can be used either as a stroller or as a trailer attached to a bicycle.

<CIT> relates to a child transport vehicle intended to be convertible between different transport modes and in particular to connectors that allow for the conversion between different transport modes.

<CIT> relates to a child transport vehicle intended to be convertible between different transport modes and in particular to connectors which permit removable vehicle attachments to be secured to the transport vehicle.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved multipurpose carrier which alleviates at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. For example, an object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose carrier where reconfiguration is facilitated between the different purposes of the multipurpose carrier. Further, it is an object of the teachings herein to provide a multipurpose carrier with improved user safety and improved user friendliness. Additionally, it is an object of the teachings herein to provide a multipurpose carrier having improved reliability and durability.

In a first aspect is a multipurpose carrier provided being configured for transporting one or more passengers and/or cargo by pushing or pulling the carrier, the carrier comprising:.

The first orientation and the second orientation of the wheel assembly may be separated angularly by between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably approximately <NUM>°. Naturally, it is conceivable that the first and second orientation may be separated with an angle outside of the aforementioned interval as well, however having a larger angular separation reduces the risk of improper arrangement of the wheel assembly in the first orientation. For instance, a small angular separation could generate a risk of a user arranging the wheel assembly incorrectly near the second orientation under the belief that it is in the first orientation such that it later unintentionally becomes detached from the carrier.

The third orientation of the wheel assembly may be angularly separated from the first position by approximately <NUM>°. The wheel of the wheel assembly will thus be arranged in a stowed position and such that the risk of it ending up being in the way during use of the carrier is minimized.

The wheel assembly may be configured to be rotated from the first position to the second position and/or to the third position with the wheel of the wheel assembly moving along an arc only in an upwardly vertical direction. Accordingly, no part of the carrier needs to raised from the ground for changing the orientation of the wheel assembly. This is particularly beneficial when the carrier is used as a bike trailer as the carrier can be connected to the bike while being reconfigured such that the wheel assembly is reoriented for instance from the first orientation to the third orientation or vice versa. The need for the user to support the carrier during this process is also reduced.

The wheel assembly may comprise a tensioning element, the tensioning element being configured to provide a pretensioning force between the base and a corresponding wheel assembly attachment on the multipurpose carrier in a direction pressing the base against the wheel assembly attachment. The tensioning element may further support the wheel assembly as it is being rotated around the wheel assembly rotation axis. The tensioning element facilitates locking and unlocking the wheel assembly for reorientation thereof.

The wheel assembly may comprise a securing member configured to be moveable through a corresponding first opening in a wheel assembly attachment on the multipurpose carrier in at least the second orientation of the wheel assembly, and wherein the securing member in at least the first orientation of the wheel assembly is configured to be engageable against an abutment surface on the multipurpose carrier.

The securing member may be arranged on the tensioning element, thus rotating therewith during reorientation of the wheel assembly.

The abutment surface may be arranged on a resilient member being configured to be resiliently deformed by the engagement of the securing member upon provision of the pre-tensioning force by the tensioning element. The pretensioning force for attaching the wheel assembly and securing the wheel assembly in at least the first orientation and the second orientation may thus be controlled, in order to provide a secure attachment while avoiding unnecessarily high material stresses. The durability of the carrier is thus improved.

The first opening may be arranged in the resilient member and a second opening be provided in the wheel assembly attachment through which the first opening is accessible.

The securing member may be moveable through the second opening in any orientation of the wheel assembly around the wheel assembly rotation axis, thus facilitating securing that the wheel assembly is attached to the resilient member and not incorrectly against any other surface in the second opening. The second opening being arranged exteriorly of the first opening.

The wheel of the wheel assembly may be arranged in a castor configuration such that the wheel can rotate around a second wheel rotation axis in relation to the base. The multipurpose carrier may further comprise a rotation locking mechanism, the rotation locking mechanism comprising a locking member engageable in a corresponding first locking recess such that rotation of the wheel around the second wheel rotation axis is prevented, wherein the locking member is configured to be automatically engaged in the first locking recess at least when the wheel assembly is in a third orientation being angularly separated from the first position by approximately <NUM>° and automatically disengaged from the first locking recess at least when the wheel assembly is in the first orientation. Accordingly, the wheel will be automatically locked and unlocked for rotation around the second wheel rotation axis by reorienting the wheel assembly. The wheel not rotating around the second wheel rotation axis while the wheel assembly is in the third orientation, i.e. stowed, reduces the risk of the wheel ending up in the way and obstructing the use of the carrier.

The locking member may be configured to be automatically engaged in and disengaged from the first locking recess by the force of gravity.

The locking member may comprise a plurality of friction reducing elements and/or wherein the locking member is manufactured from a material having a material density of between <NUM>/cm<NUM> and <NUM>/cm<NUM>, preferably between <NUM>/cm<NUM> and <NUM>/cm<NUM>, thus improving the automatic locking functionality of the rotation locking mechanism. The locking member being provided with friction reducing elements reduces the risk of detrimental effect from for instance dirt, which could for instance cause the locking member to become stuck.

In a second aspect is a method for reconfiguring a multipurpose carrier of the first aspect provided, the method comprising:.

The teachings herein will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments are shown.

<FIG> discloses a perspective view of a multipurpose carrier <NUM> with a wheel assembly <NUM> in first orientation and in a second orientation respectively. A carrier <NUM> according to teachings herein is to be interpreted for instance as a bike trailer that can be towed by a bicycle and which can be converted for use as a stroller and/or for towing by a person wearing a harness. As such, the multipurpose carrier <NUM> allows reconfiguration of at least one of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> of the carrier <NUM>. For instance, at least one of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> may be removable from the carrier <NUM> as may be required for instance when using the carrier <NUM> as a bike trailer. In some embodiments, all of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> can be removed from the carrier <NUM>. The carrier <NUM> is illustrated as a four wheeled carrier <NUM> having two front wheels <NUM> and two rear wheels <NUM>, the rear wheels <NUM> being larger than the front wheels <NUM>. It is however to be realized that the teachings here could also be applied to three wheeled carriers, for instance being provided with only one front wheel.

The multipurpose carrier <NUM> may as is shown in comprise a chassis <NUM>, the chassis <NUM> forming the load bearing structure of the carrier <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may be manufactured from a metal material such as aluminum and/or a plastic material and allow collapsing of the carrier <NUM> into a folded and less space consuming state. The carrier <NUM> may further be provided with a cover <NUM> forming a cabin for holding one or more passengers and/or cargo/pets etc. The cover <NUM> may be formed from one or more portions of textile and/or plastic material and may be removably attached to the chassis <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, at least one wheel <NUM> of the multipurpose carrier <NUM> forms part of a wheel assembly <NUM>. The wheel assembly <NUM> is to be interpreted as a separate unit that is removably connectable by reorientation in relation to the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. The multipurpose carrier <NUM> may in a preferred embodiment comprise two wheel assemblies <NUM> forming the front wheel pair of a four wheeled multipurpose carrier <NUM>.

Each wheel assembly comprises a base <NUM> in relation to which the wheel <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> can rotate around at least a first wheel rotation axis A1. The first wheel rotation axis A1 of each wheel assembly <NUM> forming the axis around which the associated wheel <NUM> rotates when the multipurpose carrier <NUM> is under movement, i.e. it is the center axis of the wheel <NUM>.

Each wheel assembly <NUM> is configured to be arranged in relation to the multipurpose carrier <NUM> in at least a first orientation in relation to a wheel assembly rotation axis A3 in which the wheel <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> is arranged in a use state as illustrated in <FIG>. Use state is to be interpreted as oriented with the wheel <NUM> of the multipurpose carrier <NUM> arranged such that it is configured to carry at least a part of the load of the carrier <NUM>. The wheel assembly rotation axis A3 is the axis around which the wheel assembly can be reoriented for reconfiguration of the multipurpose carrier <NUM> for suiting the different purposes thereof.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, each wheel assembly <NUM> may be configured to be oriented in a second orientation in relation to the wheel assembly rotation axis A3. The wheel assembly <NUM> in the second orientation thereof can be released and connected from/to the multipurpose carrier <NUM>, as is illustrated in <FIG>. The first orientation, shown in <FIG>, being separated from the second orientation by a second orientation angular separation of the wheel assembly <NUM> around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second orientation may be separated from the first orientation by between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably approximately <NUM>°. When in the second orientation, the wheel assembly <NUM> can be removed and attached to the multipurpose carrier <NUM>.

As is illustrated in <FIG>, each wheel assembly <NUM> may be configured to arranged in a third orientation around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3. The third orientation being separated from the first orientation by a third orientation angular separation of the wheel assembly <NUM> around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3. In the third orientation, the wheel assembly <NUM> is arranged in a stowed state. A stowed state is to interpreted as an orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> in which the wheel <NUM> thereof is not configured to carry a load of the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the third orientation may be separated angularly by approximately <NUM>° from the first orientation. The wheel assembly <NUM> is configured to be secured in the third orientation such that the orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> cannot be unintentionally altered.

The wheel assembly <NUM> may further be configured to be arranged in a first orientation, a second orientation as defined herein and in a third orientation as defined herein. It is further to be realized that the second orientation is defined as an orientation in which the wheel assembly can be released from the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. As such, more than one second orientation may be provided in a <NUM>° rotation of the wheel assembly <NUM> around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3. Similarly, it is to be realized that the third orientation is defined as an orientation in which the wheel assembly <NUM> is stowed. Thus, more than one third orientation may be provided in a <NUM>° rotation of the wheel assembly <NUM> around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3.

Further still, in an embodiment comprising a first orientation, a second orientation and a third orientation of the wheel assembly, each second orientation angular separation from the first orientation around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 is different from each third orientation angular separation from the first orientation around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3.

The wheel assembly <NUM> may be configured to be attached to a wheel assembly attachment <NUM> formed on the carrier <NUM>. The wheel assembly attachment <NUM> may be formed as an integral part of the chassis <NUM> and/or as a separate part connected thereto such that it allows transmission of the weight of the carrier <NUM> via the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> to the wheel assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses a perspective view of a wheel assembly <NUM>. As mentioned, each wheel assembly comprises a base <NUM>. The base <NUM> forms the portion of the wheel assembly <NUM> that is configured for connection to the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be formed from a plastic and/or metallic material as realized by a person skilled in the art.

The wheel <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> may be connected to the base <NUM> in a castor configuration, the wheel assembly <NUM> further comprising a wheel fork <NUM> to which the wheel <NUM> is mounted. The wheel fork <NUM> preferably being rotatably mounted to the base <NUM> such that the wheel fork <NUM> and the associated wheel <NUM> can rotate around a second wheel rotation axis A2 in relation to the base <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of a wheel assembly <NUM>, where it is illustrated how the wheel fork <NUM> may be connected to the base <NUM>. As illustrated, a shaft <NUM> may be provided which is connected to the wheel fork <NUM> and further connected to a bearing <NUM> arranged in a corresponding opening <NUM> in the base <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> provides reduced friction as the wheel fork <NUM> is rotated around the second wheel rotation axis A2 in relation to the base <NUM>. The bearing may be a radial ball bearing or another type of bearing suitable for the purpose, as realized by a person skilled in the art. The shaft <NUM> may be rotationally fixed in relation to the wheel fork <NUM>, such that the rotation is provided by the bearing <NUM> in the base <NUM>. Alternatively, a bearing (not shown) may also be provided between the shaft <NUM> and the wheel fork <NUM> thus providing relative rotation also between the shaft <NUM> and the wheel fork <NUM>. In one embodiment, the bearing <NUM> is provided in the wheel fork <NUM> while the shaft <NUM> is arranged rotationally fixed in relation to the base <NUM>. As the entire wheel assembly <NUM> can be reoriented in relation to the multipurpose carrier <NUM> and/or removed therefrom, it is under normal use not necessary to remove the wheel fork <NUM> from the base <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> will thus be subjected less to the surroundings and thus less to dirt or debris, which reduces the wear of the bearing <NUM> and improves durability.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a wheel assembly <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the wheel assembly <NUM> may comprise a tensioning element <NUM> which may be connected to a lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> being configured to achieve axial movement of the tensioning element <NUM>. The tensioning element <NUM> may in addition to the foregoing be considered a reorientation locking mechanism <NUM>, locking the wheel assembly in each orientation and unlocking the wheel assembly <NUM> such the orientation thereof can be changed.

The axial extension of the tensioning element <NUM> defines the wheel assembly rotation axis A3, as the wheel assembly <NUM> may be configured to rotate around the tensioning element <NUM>. Further, the tensioning element <NUM> is configured to be reciprocally moveable axially along the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 by means of a corresponding movement of the lever <NUM>. The tensioning element <NUM> is configured to provide a pretensioning force between the base <NUM> and the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> on the multipurpose carrier <NUM> in a direction pressing the base <NUM> against the wheel assembly attachment <NUM>. The tensioning element <NUM> thus has a retracted state and an extended state, as will be elaborated further on below.

Moreover, as is further illustrated in <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be provided with at least one protrusion <NUM> being arranged protruding towards the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. Preferably are two protrusions <NUM> provided, one on each side of the tensioning element <NUM>. Each protrusion <NUM> is configured to cooperate and engage with a corresponding recess <NUM> in the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), thus forming a locking effect for preventing relative rotation between the base <NUM> and the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> when the tensioning element <NUM> is in the retracted state. The mutual engagement of each protrusion <NUM> and each recess <NUM> reduces the strain on the tensioning element <NUM> as any rotational force exerted on the wheel assembly <NUM> will be taken up or at least reduced by the protrusion <NUM> and the corresponding recess <NUM>.

Further shown in <FIG> is that the wheel assembly <NUM> may comprise a securing member <NUM>. The securing member <NUM> is preferably arranged on the tensioning element <NUM> and protruding therefrom. The securing member <NUM> may in a preferred embodiment be arranged such that it is rotationally fixed in relation to the base <NUM>, thus rotating therewith as the wheel assembly <NUM> is reoriented from the first to the second and/or third orientation or vice versa.

The securing member <NUM> may as is shown be arranged and configured such that it protrudes outside of the circumference of the adjacent peripheral surface of the tensioning element <NUM>, the securing member <NUM> being configured to be arranged in engagement against an abutment surface <NUM> whereby the tensioning element <NUM> provides the pretensioning force in at least the first orientation and optionally in the third orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM>.

The securing member <NUM> is shown being essentially rectangular in shape, it is however to be realized that the securing member <NUM> may be provided with other shapes as well. The securing member <NUM> is configured to be moveable through a corresponding first opening <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) in the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> on the multipurpose carrier <NUM> in at least the second orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the first opening <NUM> corresponding to the securing member <NUM> is to be interpreted as that the first opening <NUM> and the securing member <NUM> are mutually formed such that the wheel assembly <NUM> can be secured in the first orientation thereof and released in the second orientation and/or secured in the third orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, a plurality of shapes of the first opening <NUM> as well as of the securing member <NUM> is possible within the scope of this disclosure.

The securing member <NUM> is in at least the first orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> configured to be engageable against an abutment surface <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, on the multipurpose carrier. The abutment surface <NUM> is arranged facing away from the base <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> and is preferably arranged interiorly of the wheel assembly attachment <NUM>.

As is illustrated in <FIG>, the abutment surface <NUM> may be arranged on a resilient member <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> may be formed by a spring element such as a blade spring. In <FIG>, the resilient member <NUM> is isolated from the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> for illustrating the function thereof and the engagement of the securing member <NUM>. It is also conceivable that the resilient member is formed from an elastic plastic and/or polymeric material. The resilient member <NUM> will, by resiliently deforming when exerted to the securing member <NUM> engagement, provide reliable pretensioning force while reducing the risk that any undesired material strain forms due to the contact between the securing member <NUM> and the abutment surface <NUM>.

As mentioned, the resilient member <NUM> is configured to be resiliently deformed by the engagement of the securing member <NUM> upon provision of the pre-tensioning force by the tensioning element <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> may further be integrally formed with the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> or, as illustrated in <FIG>, be formed separately.

Further illustrated in <FIG> is that the first opening <NUM> may be arranged in the resilient member <NUM>, the first opening <NUM> being configured to receive the tensioning element <NUM> comprising the securing member <NUM>.

Additionally, it is in <FIG> illustrated how a second opening <NUM> may be provided in the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> through which the first opening <NUM> is accessible. In <FIG>, the resilient member <NUM> is omitted for clarity. The securing member <NUM> may be moveable through the second opening <NUM> in any orientation around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 of the wheel assembly <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may be formed in the wheel assembly attachment <NUM>, as an integral part thereof. The wheel assembly attachment <NUM> may be formed from a plastic and/or metallic material. The second opening <NUM> being configured to allow passage of the securing member <NUM> in any orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 facilitates attachment of the wheel assembly <NUM> to the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. Further, the risk of incorrect attachment of the wheel assembly <NUM> to the multipurpose carrier <NUM> is reduced, for instance in an orientation where the securing member <NUM> is not in contact with the abutment surface <NUM> on the resilient member <NUM> but instead abuts directly against the wheel assembly attachment <NUM>.

Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> may comprise a bottom cavity <NUM> arranged behind the resilient member <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is configured to allow rotation of the securing member <NUM> therein.

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tensioning element <NUM> may be provided with a support <NUM>. The support <NUM> is preferably arranged protruding coaxially with the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 on the side of the tensioning element <NUM> intended to be facing towards the wheel assembly attachment <NUM>. The support <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a support recess <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, such that rotation of the wheel assembly <NUM> around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 is facilitated. This aids the user in the reorientation of the wheel assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, the securing member <NUM> can only be rotated in relation to the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> when the support <NUM> is arranged in the support recess <NUM>. More particularly, unless the support <NUM> is aligned with the support recess <NUM>, the securing member <NUM> cannot be moved entirely through the first opening <NUM> in the resilient member <NUM> and will thus make contact with the first opening <NUM> upon rotation of the wheel assembly <NUM>. Moreover, contact between the resilient member <NUM> abutment surface <NUM> and the securing member <NUM> may prevent removal of the support <NUM> from the support recess <NUM> when the wheel assembly <NUM> is not arranged in the second orientation. Accordingly, the support <NUM> and the support recess <NUM> along with the securing member <NUM> and the resilient member <NUM> guides the rotation of the wheel assembly <NUM> around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 and keeps the wheel assembly <NUM> correctly aligned with wheel assembly attachment <NUM> as it is being rotated between the first and third orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM>. Upon rotation of the wheel assembly <NUM> with the support <NUM> in the support recess <NUM>, the securing member <NUM> rotates unrestricted in the bottom cavity <NUM> of the wheel assembly attachment <NUM> preferably without making contact with the walls along the periphery of the bottom cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> show a top view of the wheel assembly <NUM>. In <FIG>, the wheel assembly <NUM> is shown with the tensioning element <NUM> in the retracted state as controlled by the lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is pivotable around a lever rotation axis A4 for setting the tensioning element <NUM> in the retracted state or in the extended state as illustrated in <FIG>. The lever <NUM> is pivotably connected to the tensioning element <NUM> in the lever rotation axis A4. The lever <NUM> comprises a first contact surface <NUM>, the perpendicular distance therefrom to the lever rotation axis A4 defining the retracted state of the tensioning element <NUM>. The first contact surface <NUM> is arranged in contact with a lever abutment surface <NUM> on the base <NUM> when the tensioning element <NUM> is in the retracted state. Furthermore, the lever <NUM> comprises a second contact surface <NUM> angularly offset from the first contact surface <NUM> around the lever rotation axis A4, the perpendicular distance from the second contact surface <NUM> to the lever rotation axis A4 defining the extended state of the tensioning element <NUM> and is thus shorter than the corresponding distance between the first contact surface <NUM> and the lever rotation axis A4. The second contact surface <NUM> is arranged in contact with the lever abutment surface <NUM> on the base <NUM> when the tensioning element <NUM> is in the retracted state.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, a biasing member <NUM> may be provided between the tensioning element <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM>, which may be formed by a coil spring or another element of similar function, is configured to bias the tensioning element <NUM> towards the extended position. The biasing member <NUM> thus facilitates keeping the lever <NUM> in contact with the lever abutment surface <NUM> during the movement of the lever <NUM>, thus facilitating controlling the movement of the lever <NUM>. Further, the biasing member <NUM> facilitates attachment and release of the wheel assembly <NUM> to/from the multipurpose carrier <NUM> as it keeps the tensioning element <NUM> in the extended state without user interaction when the lever <NUM> is the corresponding position with the second contact surface <NUM> in contact with the lever abutment surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of a wheel assembly <NUM> from the side intended to face the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. It is illustrated how by rotation around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3, the wheel assembly <NUM> is configured to be rotated from the first orientation illustrated in <FIG> to the second orientation as shown in <FIG> and/or to the third orientation as shown in <FIG> with the wheel <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> moving along an arc, illustrated by the arrow in <FIG>, only in an upwardly vertical direction. As such, the wheel assembly <NUM> can be brought from the first orientation to the second and/or third orientation and vice versa without having to lift the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. This is of special importance when the multipurpose carrier <NUM> is connected to a bicycle by means of a tow bar, as lifting of the multipurpose carrier <NUM> under such circumstances may result in that the bicycle falls over. Consequently, providing a wheel assembly <NUM> according to the foregoing facilitates connection of the multipurpose carrier <NUM> to a bicycle as the wheel assembly <NUM> can be removed or stowed after the connection is established between the bicycle and the multipurpose carrier <NUM>. The user as a result does not have to support the weight of the multipurpose carrier <NUM> in the process of connecting or releasing the carrier <NUM> to/from the bicycle as the wheel assembly <NUM> can be removed/connected and stowed without having to lift any part of the carrier <NUM>.

In the following will simultaneous reference be made to <FIG>, of which <FIG> shows a perspective view of the wheel fork <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM>, <FIG> shows a detail bottom view of the base <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> and <FIG> shows a perspective view of a locking member <NUM>. The wheel assembly <NUM> may be provided with a rotation locking mechanism <NUM>. The rotation locking mechanism <NUM> is configured to prevent relative rotation between the wheel <NUM>, more particularly between the wheel fork <NUM>, and the base <NUM> around the second wheel rotation axis A2 at least when the wheel assembly <NUM> is in the third orientation which is angularly separated from the first orientation by approximately <NUM>°. Accordingly, the rotation of the wheel <NUM> and/or the wheel fork <NUM> around the second wheel rotation axis A2 may be automatically locked when the wheel assembly <NUM> is in or near the third position. This facilitates placing the wheel assembly <NUM> in the stowed position and reduces the risk of the wheel <NUM> protruding outside of the periphery of the carrier <NUM>.

The rotation locking mechanism <NUM> is further configured to be automatically disengaged when the wheel assembly <NUM> is arranged at least in the first orientation, thus allowing turning and rotation of the wheel <NUM> and the wheel fork <NUM> around the second wheel rotation axis A2.

The rotation locking mechanism <NUM> may comprise a locking member <NUM> engageable in a corresponding first locking recess <NUM> such that rotation of the wheel <NUM> and/or the wheel fork <NUM> around the second wheel rotation axis A2 is prevented. The locking member <NUM> is configured to be automatically engaged in the first locking recess <NUM> at least when the wheel assembly is in the third orientation and automatically disengaged from the first locking recess <NUM> at least when the wheel assembly <NUM> is in the first orientation.

The locking member <NUM> may as is illustrated be formed extending around the second wheel rotation axis A2. The locking member <NUM> is provided with a shape and/or arrangement thereof which by cooperation with the first locking recess <NUM> prevents rotation of the wheel fork <NUM>. For instance, the locking member <NUM> and the corresponding first locking recess <NUM> may be circular but arranged radially offset in relation to the second wheel rotation axis A2. Further, the locking member <NUM> and the corresponding first locking recess <NUM> may be provided with a non-circular shape as illustrated in <FIG> such that the locking member <NUM> only can be arranged in the first locking recess <NUM> in one relative orientation of the wheel <NUM> / wheel fork <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

The locking member <NUM> is configured to rotate with the wheel <NUM> and/or with the wheel fork <NUM> around the second wheel rotation axis A2. The locking member <NUM> may as is illustrated in <FIG> be arranged in a second locking recess <NUM>, the second locking recess <NUM> being arranged in the wheel fork <NUM>. The second locking recess <NUM> is configured to accommodate the locking member <NUM> such that it does not engage with the first locking recess <NUM> when the wheel assembly <NUM> is at least in the first orientation. The second locking recess <NUM> may be configured to have a depth essentially corresponding to or be larger than the height of the locking member <NUM> such that the locking member <NUM> does not protrude outside of the second locking recess <NUM> when fully inserted therein.

The first locking recess <NUM> is configured to partially accommodate the locking member <NUM> such that the locking member <NUM> is configured to be arrangeable in simultaneous engagement with both the first locking recess <NUM> and the second locking recess <NUM> at least when the wheel assembly <NUM> is in the third orientation. Preferably, the depth of the first locking recess <NUM> is less than the height of the locking member <NUM> as measured along the second wheel rotation axis A2. Accordingly, the locking member <NUM> will not be moved out of engagement from the second locking recess <NUM> even if the locking member <NUM> is fully inserted into the first locking recess <NUM>.

Preferably, the locking member <NUM> is configured to be automatically engaged in and disengaged from the first locking recess <NUM> by the force of gravity. The locking member <NUM> thus moving out of the second locking recess <NUM> when the force of gravity overcomes the friction force between the locking member <NUM> and the second locking recess <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> is moved into the first locking recess <NUM> when the relative orientation around the second wheel rotation axis A2 of the wheel <NUM> and/or the wheel fork <NUM> and the base <NUM> is such that the first and second locking recesses <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned.

To facilitate the gravity induced movement of the locking member <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> may be provided with a plurality of friction reducing elements <NUM>. The friction reducing elements <NUM> may be distributed around the interior and/or exterior periphery of the locking member <NUM>. Each friction reducing element <NUM> is formed by a protrusion preferably having an extension in the insertion direction of the locking member <NUM> into each of the first and second locking recess <NUM>, <NUM>. The friction reducing elements <NUM> reduces the contact surface between the locking member <NUM> and the first and second locking recesses <NUM>, <NUM> respectively, thus reducing the retaining force due to friction between locking member <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The friction reducing elements <NUM> further reduces the risk of dirt becoming wedged between the locking member <NUM> and the first and second locking recesses <NUM>, <NUM> respectively.

The locking member <NUM> may be manufactured from a material having a material density of between <NUM>/cm<NUM> and <NUM>/cm<NUM>, preferably between <NUM>/cm<NUM> and <NUM>/cm<NUM>. The locking member <NUM> may be manufactured from a metallic material such as zinc. Other materials are naturally also considered, such as plastic and/or composite materials.

<FIG> along with <FIG> illustrate a method <NUM> for reconfiguring a multipurpose carrier <NUM> according to the teachings herein. The method <NUM> comprises adjusting <NUM> a wheel assembly locking mechanism <NUM>, such as the tensioning element <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM>, arranging <NUM> the wheel assembly <NUM> in a first orientation in relation to a wheel assembly rotation axis A3 corresponding to a use state, arranging <NUM> the wheel assembly <NUM> in a second orientation corresponding to a releasable state of the wheel assembly <NUM> from the multipurpose carrier <NUM> and/or arranging <NUM> the wheel assembly <NUM> in a third orientation corresponding to a stowed state of the wheel assembly <NUM>. The first orientation being separated from the second orientation and the third orientation by an angular separation of the wheel assembly around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3.

The first orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and is the orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> which is the use state of the carrier <NUM>, i.e. when the carrier <NUM> is to be used for carrying a load at least partially supported by means of the wheel assembly <NUM>.

The second orientation in which the wheel assembly <NUM> is releasable from the multipurpose carrier <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> in which the wheel assembly <NUM> is rotated around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3 between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, preferably approximately <NUM>° from the first orientation. It is to realized that the second orientation may per definition also be arranged rotated approximately <NUM>° from the orientation illustrated in <FIG>, i.e. such that the wheel <NUM> is arranged forwardly of the base <NUM>. In other words, more that one second orientation may be provided. As is illustrated in <FIG>, the arranging <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> in the second orientation may further comprise releasing/connecting 1006a the wheel assembly <NUM> from the carrier <NUM>. When arranged in the second orientation, the wheel assembly <NUM> is releasable/connectable to the carrier <NUM> by a lateral movement as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the wheel assembly being arranged <NUM> in the third orientation, the third orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> being angularly separated from the first position by approximately <NUM>°. In the third orientation, the wheel assembly <NUM> is in a stowed position as described in the foregoing.

Arranging <NUM> the wheel assembly in the third orientation may further comprise locking 1008a the wheel <NUM> from rotation around a second wheel rotation axis A2 as is illustrated in <FIG>. Locking 1008a the wheel <NUM> from rotation may comprise arranging the wheel <NUM> in a predetermined orientation around the second wheel rotation axis A2 such that a rotation locking mechanism <NUM> is engaged, as outlined in the foregoing in conjunction with the description of <FIG>, and thus prevents further rotation of the wheel <NUM> and/or the wheel fork <NUM> around the second wheel rotation axis A2. Correspondingly, the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> may be configured to disengage automatically once the wheel assembly <NUM> is oriented near or in the first orientation thus allowing rotation of the wheel <NUM> / wheel fork <NUM> around the second wheel rotation axis A2.

The adjusting <NUM> of the reorientation locking mechanism <NUM> of the wheel assembly <NUM> may be performed before/during/after each change of orientation as described in relation to <FIG> in the foregoing. More particularly, the adjusting <NUM> the reorientation locking mechanism <NUM> may comprise setting the tensioning element <NUM> in an extracted state before changing from the first orientation to the second and/or third orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM> and from the third orientation to the second and/or first orientation of the wheel assembly <NUM>. The adjusting <NUM> the reorientation locking mechanism <NUM> may further comprise setting the tensioning element <NUM> in a retracted state when the wheel assembly <NUM> has reached either of the first and third orientation thus preventing the wheel assembly <NUM> from unintentionally changing its orientation around the wheel assembly rotation axis A3.

Claim 1:
A multipurpose carrier (<NUM>) configured for transporting one or more passengers and/or cargo by pushing or pulling the carrier (<NUM>), the multipurpose carrier (<NUM>) comprising:
- a chassis (<NUM>) forming the load bearing structure of the carrier (<NUM>),
- at least three wheels (<NUM>, <NUM>) associated with the chassis (<NUM>), wherein at least one wheel (<NUM>) forms part of a wheel assembly (<NUM>) comprising a base (<NUM>) in relation to which the wheel (<NUM>) can rotate around at least a first wheel rotation axis (A1), wherein the wheel assembly (<NUM>) is configured to be arranged in relation to the multipurpose carrier (<NUM>) in at least a first orientation in relation to a wheel assembly rotation axis (A3) in which the wheel (<NUM>) of the wheel assembly (<NUM>) is arranged in a use state and in a second orientation and a third orientation around the wheel assembly rotation axis (A3), the first orientation being separated from the second orientation by an angular separation of the wheel assembly (<NUM>) around the wheel assembly rotation axis (A3) and the first orientation being separated from the third orientation by an angular separation of the wheel assembly (<NUM>) around the wheel assembly rotation axis (A3), and wherein the wheel assembly (<NUM>) in the second orientation thereof is releasable from the multipurpose carrier (<NUM>) and wherein the wheel assembly (<NUM>) in the third orientation thereof is in a stowed state.