Abstract
The disclosure relates to a transport device, in particular for transporting luggage, which comprises a support structure, a coupling element or a handle and a rolling body in addition to a transport container for receiving objects, in particular luggage. The rolling body has a rotational symmetry and is configured such that it tapers in diameter towards the ends along the axis of symmetry. Because of the arrangement and design of the transport container, the transport device is self-stabilizing in operative use.
Claims
1. A transport device (1), in particular for transporting luggage, the transport device (1) comprising: a support structure (2); a coupling element (3); a rolling body (4) with an axis of symmetry (S), wherein the rolling body (4) has a rotational symmetry, and a diameter of the rolling body (4) is less than or equal to its extent along the axis of symmetry (S); and a transport container (5) for receiving objects, in particular luggage, wherein the transport container is releasably or fixedly connected to the support structure (2); wherein the support structure (2) interconnects the coupling element (3) and the rolling body (4), and more than half the a volume of the transport container (5) is arranged on a first side of a plane (E) facing a ground surface (U) in operative use, wherein the plane (E) is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry (S) and a center point of the coupling element (3), and wherein the transport container (5) is arranged between the coupling element (3) and the rolling body (4).
2. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (2) comprises an arrangement of rods and/or adjoins the transport container (5).
3. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (1) is configured so as to be flexible in at least a part region.
4. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (2) is configured so as to be angled between the coupling element (3) and the transport container (5) and/or between the rolling body (4) and the transport container (5).
5. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) is configured such that it tapers in diameter towards its ends along the axis of symmetry, in particular in the form of a rotational ellipsoid or a double cone.
6. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) is divided into two symmetrical halves.
7. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (2), on a side opposite the coupling element (3), is configured for receiving the rolling body (4) such that the rolling body (4) is connected to the support structure (2) so as to be rotatable about its rotational axis.
8. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) is releasably connected to the support structure (2).
9. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) comprises at least one inflatable segment and at least one valve.
10. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) comprises at least one flexible and tear-resistant material, in particular plastic.
11. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the coupling element (3) is foldable and/or retractable in a direction towards the underside or top side of the transport container (5).
12. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) and/or the coupling element (3) are each arranged suspended in relation to the transport container (5).
13. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) is movable in relation to the transport container (5) about an axis transversely to the axis of symmetry (S).
14. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling element (3) allows rolling and/or pitching and/or yawing movements about a longitudinal and/or transverse and/or vertical axis.
15. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolling body (4) is foldable and/or retractable in a direction towards the underside or top side of the transport container (5).
16. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transport device (1) comprises at least two wheels (9) which are arranged on the transport device (1) so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis.
17. The transport device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport device (1) comprises a pull strap (7) which is releasably connected to the coupling element (3), wherein the releasable connection is rotatable, rotatable with damping or rigid.
18. A method for use of a transport device (1) for transporting a load (5), in particular luggage, comprising the following steps: providing a transport device (1) comprising: a support structure (2); a coupling element (3); a rolling body (4) with an axis of symmetry (S), wherein the rolling body (4) has a rotational symmetry and a diameter of the rolling body (4) is less than or equal to its extent along the axis of symmetry (S); wherein the support structure (2) interconnects the coupling element (3) and the rolling body (4); loading the transport device (1) by placing the load (5) on the support structure (2), wherein in the applied state, the load (5) is arranged on a first side of a plane (E) facing a ground surface (U) in an operative state, wherein the plane (E) is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry (S) and a center point of the coupling element (3), and wherein the load (5) is arranged between the coupling element (3) and the rolling body (4), and moving the transport device (1) forward, wherein the rolling body (4) rolls over the ground surface (U) and the load (5) is arranged on the first side of the plane (E).
19. The method for use of a transport device (1) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the transport device (1) comprises a transport container (5) for receiving objects, wherein the transport container is releasably or fixedly connected to the support structure (2) between the coupling element (3) and the rolling body (4), for example by a connecting mechanism, straps, a net, a tarpaulin, a bag or similar.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] Aspects of the disclosure are now explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the appended figures, and the associated description. The drawings show:
[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a further transport device according to the disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 3a is a transport means arrangement known from the prior art, with axle and wheels for a transport device for transporting luggage on a ground surface with obstacle;
[0067] FIG. 3b is a schematic side view of the rolling body of a transport device according to the disclosure on a ground surface with obstacle;
[0068] FIG. 3c is a schematic side view of the rolling body of a transport device according to the disclosure on a ground surface with obstacle;
[0069] FIG. 4a is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure on a ground surface with obstacle;
[0070] FIG. 4b is a further schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure on a ground surface with obstacle;
[0071] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a cross-section of a rolling body connected to the support structure;
[0072] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a cross-section of a two-piece rolling body connected to the support structure;
[0073] FIG. 7a is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure with foldable support structure;
[0074] FIG. 7b is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure with folded support structure portion;
[0075] FIG. 7c is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure with folded support structure portion;
[0076] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure with pull strap;
[0077] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure with wheels or rollers;
[0078] FIG. 10 a is an extract from a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure;
[0079] FIG. 10b is an enlarged extract from FIG. 10a showing the coupling element;
[0080] FIG. 10c is an enlarged extract from FIG. 10a showing the coupling element;
[0081] FIG. 10d is an enlarged extract from FIG. 10a showing the coupling element;
[0082] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a transport device according to the disclosure with pull strap;
[0083] FIG. 12 a is a schematic side view of a further transport device according to the disclosure with flexible support structure;
[0084] FIG. 12b is a schematic side view of a further transport device according to the disclosure with flexible support structure;
[0085] FIG. 12c is a schematic side view of a further transport device according to the disclosure with suspended support structure;
[0086] FIG. 12d is a schematic side view of a further transport device according to the disclosure with suspended support structure;
[0087] FIG. 12e is a schematic side view of a further transport device according to the disclosure with suspended support structure; and
[0088] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view and top view of a further transport device according to the disclosure with a net as part of the support structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0089] FIGS. 1, 2, 4a, 4b, 7a, 8, 9, 10a, 11, 12a-e and 13 show in a side view the transport device 1 which is pulled by a user over a ground surface U. The transport device here comprises a support structure 2 which interconnects the rolling body 4 to the coupling element, which is here configured for example as a handle 3. The transport container 5 is arranged on the support structure 2 between the rolling body 4 and the handle 3. The rolling body 4 is in direct contact with the ground surface. The handle 3 couples the transport device 1 to the user. The length of the support structure 2 is typically between 50 cm and 250 cm, in particular between 80 cm and 140 cm. The width of the support structure 2 is usually between 10 cm and 120 cm, in particular between 40 cm and 80 cm.
[0090] The volume of the transport container 5 is typically between 10 liters and 200 liters, in particular between 35 litres and 90 liters.
[0091] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the transport device with a support structure 2 which consists of an arrangement of rods. This gives the transport device 1 the necessary bending strength to minimize bending of the transport device 1 between the coupling element or the handle 3 and the rolling body 4 in the direction of the ground surface U. It is furthermore evident that the user carries at hip height a pull strap 7 which is configured as a belt looped around his body. The coupling element 3 is coupled to this pull strap 7 and thus interconnects the transport device 1 to the pull strap 7. A carrying strap can furthermore be seen on the transport device 1 and is here formed for example as two shoulder straps 8. The shoulder straps 8 each have two contact points at which they are fixedly or releasably connected to the transport device 1. Advantageously, these contact points lie respectively on the side of the transport container 5 facing the handle 3, and on the side of the transport container 5 facing the rolling body 4, i.e., the opposite side. The transport container 5 is arranged with more than half its volume (and hence, with typical or even loading, also the center of gravity of the transport device) on the side of the plane E facing the ground surface U. The plane E is defined by two points on an axis of symmetry S of the rolling body 4 and the center point of the coupling element or handle 3.
[0092] FIG. 2 furthermore shows a further embodiment of the support structure 2 which comprises an arrangement of rods and is formed integrally with intrinsically flexible portions. The transport container 5 is arranged with more than half its volume (and hence, with typical or even loading, also the center of gravity of the transport device) on the side of the plane E facing the ground surface U. The plane E is defined by two points on an axis of symmetry S of the rolling body 4 and the center point of the coupling element or handle 3. The rolling body 4 is fixedly or releasably connected to the support structure 2 so as to be rotatable about the axis of symmetry S.
[0093] To clarify the disclosure, FIG. 3a shows a transport means arrangement from the prior art in which two wheels are arranged at the ends of an axle. In side view, the arrangement is shown rolling over a ground surface U with an obstacle H. It illustrates the limitation of this arrangement for overcoming obstacles H, since the axle is blocked by an obstacle H if the ground clearance is not sufficient to pass over the obstacle H without contact.
[0094] FIGS. 3b, 3c show in comparison a rolling body 4 of a transport device 1 according to the disclosure when overcoming an obstacle H on the ground surface U. FIG. 3c in particular shows the advantageous design of the rolling body 4 as a rotational ellipsoid. In this form, the rolling body 4 can be tilted by rotation about an axis running through its volume center point and perpendicularly to its axis of symmetry S, such that it can pass or roll over the obstacles H.
[0095] Because of the design of the rolling body 4 tapering towards the ends, only a slight additional torque is exerted on the center of gravity of the transport container 5, i.e., a slight additional torque compared with the rolling body 4 configured as a cylinder.
[0096] FIG. 4a shows the tilted passing of obstacles H by the rolling body 4 as illustrated in FIG. 3c, here in a side view of the transport device 1. It also shows an embodiment of the support structure 2 which allows separation of the tilt movement of the rolling body 4 from the movement of the transport container 5 for overcoming the obstacle H. On a rotation of the rolling body 4 about the axis running through its volume center point and perpendicularly to its axis of symmetry S, this rotation of the support structure 2 is not transmitted to the transport container 5.
[0097] FIG. 4b shows the passing of obstacles H by the rolling body 4 in an embodiment of the support structure 2 which does not allow separation of the tilt movement of the rolling body 4 from the movement of the transport container 5 for overcoming the obstacle H.
[0098] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an extract of the support structure 2 in which the rolling body 4 is arranged. The axis of symmetry S runs through the center point of the rolling body 4. The diameter of the rolling body 4 is here less than or equal to the length or width of the rolling body 4. The rolling body 4 furthermore has a rotational symmetry and is configured such that it tapers in diameter towards the ends along the axis of symmetry S. The length of the rolling body 4 may for example lie between 5 cm and 90 cm, in particular between 20 cm and 50 cm. The maximum diameter of the rolling body 4 is for example between 3 cm and 40 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 20 cm.
[0099] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the rolling body 4 in the form of a rotational ellipsoid, comprising an axle 6 for laterally receiving the support structure end pieces 10, and for mounting the rolling body 4 so as to be rotatable about the axis of symmetry S. FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the rolling body 4 as a double cone. Here, the rolling body 4 is divided into two conical symmetrical halves. In this embodiment of the rolling body 4, the two halves of the rolling body are connected on the inside of the respective half to the support structure end pieces 10 and are rotatable about the axis of symmetry.
[0100] FIG. 7a-c show various states of the transport device 1 in an embodiment in which the support structure 2 is configured so as to be foldable between the transport container 5 and the rolling body 4 in a direction towards the transport container 5. In FIG. 7a, the support structure 2 is shown in an unfolded or extended state. The possible positions of the rolling body 4 lie between the illustrated extended position and the folded position shown in FIGS. 7b-c, i.e., the transport device 1 may also be used or maneuvered in a slightly angled position (in particular between the coupling element and transport container, and/or between the rolling body and transport container, as shown in FIG. 11). FIG. 7b shows the rolling body 4 in folded state, at least partially embedded in a recess provided for this in the transport container 5. In FIG. 7c, the rolling body 4 is arranged on the transport container 5 in the folded state of the support structure 2.
[0101] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the transport device 1 with a pull strap 7, in which the transport device 1 is releasably or fixedly connected to the pull strap 7 via the coupling element 3 at shoulder height of the user.
[0102] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the foldable support structure 2. Here, at least two additional wheels or rollers 9 are arranged at the lower end of the transport container 5 in the plane E, which is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry S of the rolling body 4, in unfolded position, and the center point of the coupling element 3. These wheels or rollers 9 allow an alternative rolling-pulling or sliding of the transport device at the coupling element or handle 3, in a similar fashion to a conventional roller suitcase. The center of gravity of the transport device is here located as centered as possible above the rotational axis of the wheels or rollers 9.
[0103] FIG. 10a shows a user pulling the transport device and wearing a belt-like pull strap 7. The coupling element 3 is coupled to the pull strap 7.
[0104] FIGS. 10b-d show an extract from FIG. 10a in various deflection states of the coupling element 3. The three degrees of freedom achieved by the coupling element, for example by a ball joint arranged in the coupling element, allow a flexible orientation of the transport device 1 relative to the pull strap 7 and hence to the user. This is advantageous since, for example, height differences in the ground surface between the position of the user and the position of the transport means 1 can be compensated. Furthermore, the user can bend relative to the transport device 1 since the coupling element 3 can ensure such kinking.
[0105] FIG. 11 furthermore shows a transport device 1 in an angled position (in particular between the coupling element 3 and the transport container 5, and between the rolling body 4 and the transport container 5).
[0106] FIGS. 12a and 12b show further embodiments of the support structure 2 which is configured so as to be flexible throughout.
[0107] FIGS. 12c to 12e show further embodiments of the transport device 1 according to the disclosure, with a support structure 2 which is configured so as to be suspended and arch-shaped at least in regions. FIGS. 12a and 12b show an arch-shaped support structure 2 which is oriented in the direction of the ground surface U, while FIGS. 12c to 12e show an arch-shaped support structure 2 which is oriented against the direction of the ground surface U. The support structure 2 shown in FIG. 12e is configured so as to be arch-shaped only in the region between the rolling body 4 and the end of the transport container 5 on the coupling element side.
[0108] FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of the support structure 2 which is configured so as to be flexible in at least one portion and integrally equipped with a net, wherein the portion of the support structure 5 between the rolling body 4 and transport container 5 or net has the necessary strength to prevent a sagging of the transport device 1 with direct contact of the transport container 5 on the ground surface U in operative use. The support structure 2 may here be configured so as to be foldable and/or collapsible.
