Trailered recreation cart
20210316804 · 2021-10-14
Inventors
Cpc classification
B62B7/126
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62D21/183
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B5/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B3/12
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B5/0079
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60J7/1291
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62D59/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B9/14
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60D1/249
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B5/067
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B2206/006
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62D63/061
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62D63/08
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60K1/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B60D1/24
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60J7/12
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60K1/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B60P3/34
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B3/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B3/12
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B5/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62B5/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B62D59/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A cart assembly adapted for manual, bicycle and/or motorized vehicle towing. Multiple frame sections are coupled to pivot between completely collapsed, partially open and completely open positions to facilitate, travel, storage and sleeping. A pair of axle plates support primary wheels to the framework and a drive axle between adjacent cross-brace arms. A handle frame section, saddle arms, truss arms, resilient spreader arms, auxiliary caster wheel, battery powered electric drive motor(s), fabric cover and/or hard cover mount to the framework. A resilient, reciprocating shock absorbing tow bar or tongue arm assembly provides flexibly resilient pieces to absorb travel shock between the cart and tow vehicle.
Claims
1. A travel cart framework comprising: a) first and second frame sections, each of said first and second frame sections comprised of a plurality of interconnected members arranged in a planar configuration; b) first and second axle support members coupled to said first and second frame sections, wherein at least one of said first and second frame sections is coupled to pivot at said first and second axle support members between multiple predetermined relative angular orientations to each other, including a first position whereat said first frame section is collapsed onto and overlie said second frame section in parallel relation, a second position wherein the first frame section is pivoted in the range of 110° to 145° relative to the second frame section, and a third position whereat said first frame section is pivoted 180° to align co-planar with said second frame section; c) an axle mounted to said first and second axle plates and to first and second wheels mounted to rotate about opposite ends of said axle; and d) a tow bar secured to one of said first and second frame sections and including a coupler adapted to mount to a tow vehicle.
2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tow bar is mounted to extend and retract and including resilient means for resiliently biasing the tow bar to resist reciprocating tow bar movements and absorb towing movement shock between said cart and tow vehicle.
3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 including a rigid member mounted to the second frame section, wherein said tow bar is mounted to permit reciprocating movement relative to said rigid member, and wherein said resilient means resiliently resists reciprocating movement of the tow bar.
4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said resilient member is coaxially mounted to said tow bar and interacts with said rigid member.
5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said resilient member comprises first and second springs mounted on opposite sides of said rigid member such that reciprocating movement of said tow bar is expansively and compressively resisted.
6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said resilient member comprises first and second elastomer bushings.
7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including first and second cross members interconnected to said axle plates on opposite sides of and in parallel with said axle.
8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said resilient means comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder and piston.
9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 including, a) first and second U-shaped saddle arms mounted to pivot at said first and second axle plates independently of said first and second frame sections; and b) a brace arm adapted to fasten to said first and second frame sections and one of said first and second saddle arms to retain said first and second frame sections and first and second saddle arms in a predetermined fixed angular displacement at the second position.
10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 including a cover comprised of a plurality of panels fastened to one another and to said saddle arms and further secured in overlying relation to said to first and second frame sections and further including first and second platforms mounted to cover said first and second frame sections, whereby an interior space is defined beneath said cover and above said first and second platforms.
11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said cover comprises a plurality of fabric panels attached to one another and including a resiliently flexible stay arm mounted between said first and second saddle arms to displace said saddle arms and maintain a taught condition at the panels of said fabric cover.
12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said cover includes a door panel and a fastener secured to said cover to selectively expose and permit access to the interior space beneath said cover for storing cargo or permit sleeping in said third position.
13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 including a handle frame mounted to the first frame section and an auxiliary wheel mounted to said second frame section opposite the first and second.
14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including at least one battery powered electric motor and a control linkage coupled thereto and operative to rotate said first and second wheels.
15. A travel cart framework comprising: a) first and second frame sections, each of said first and second frame sections comprised of a plurality of interconnected members arranged in a planar configuration; b) first and second axle support members coupled to said first and second frame sections, wherein at least one of said first and second frame sections is coupled to pivot at said first and second axle support members between multiple predetermined relative angular orientations to each other, including a first position whereat said first frame section is collapsed onto and overlies said second frame section in parallel relation and a second position whereat said first frame section is pivoted 180° to align co-planar with said second frame section; c) an axle mounted to said first and second axle support members and to first and second wheels mounted to rotate about opposite ends of said axle; d) a cover adapted to maintain a taught, tent-like condition when said first and second frame sections are deployed to said second position whereat said cover shelters an interior space overlying said first and second frame sections; and e) a tow arm secured for reciprocating movement relative to one of said first and second frame sections and including a coupler adapted to mount to a tow vehicle and further including a resilient member coupled to said tow arm to resiliently resist relative motion between said tow arm and the one of said first and second frame sections, whereby shock is absorbed and not transferred to said cart during towing.
16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said resilient member comprises at least one spring or elastomer member colinearly mounted to said tow arm.
17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said cover comprises ,wherein the first frame section is pivoted in the range of 110° to 145° relative to the second frame section, wherein a handle frame section is mounted to said first frame section and including at least one battery powered electric motor and linkage mounted to rotate said first and second wheels.
18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said cover comprises a convex cover secured to said first frame section to overlie and shelter said second frame section in said second position and to rest on the terrain and support said first frame section in said second position.
19. A travel cart framework comprising: a) first and second frame sections, each of said first and second frame sections comprised of a plurality of interconnected members arranged in a planar configuration; b) first and second axle support members coupled to said first and second frame sections, wherein said first frame section is coupled to pivot between multiple predetermined relative angular orientations, including a first position whereat said first frame section is collapsed onto and overlies said second frame section in parallel relation and a second position whereat said first frame section is pivoted 180° to align co-planar with said second frame section; c) an axle mounted to said first and second axle support members and to first and second wheels mounted to rotate about opposite ends of said axle and including first and second cross members secured to said first and second axle support members in parallel with and on opposite sides of said axle; d) a cover secured to said first and second frame sections and adapted to deploy and overlie and shelter said first and second frame sections in said second position and define an interior storage or sleeping space; and e) a tow arm secured for reciprocating movement relative to one of said first and second frame sections and including a coupler adapted to mount to a tow vehicle and further including a resilient member coupled to said tow arm to resiliently resist relative motion between said tow arm and the one of said first and second frame sections, whereby shock is absorbed and not transferred to said cart during towing.
20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said resilient member comprises a spring, an elastomeric member or a cylinder and piston.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
[0039]
[0040]
[0041]
[0042]
[0043]
[0044]
[0045]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] With attention to the perspective view of
[0047]
[0048]
[0049]
[0050] Firearm racks 44 and/or a variety of other support or storage structures, pockets or the like are shown fitted to the exterior surfaces of the cart 20. The firearm racks 44 or other hook or Velcro® hangers are provided to support equipment storage bags and/or other relatively heavy equipment from the saddle and brace arms 30 and 32. Pockets 46 or other tie or fastener straps 48 are shown that can be sewn or fastened (e.g. Velcro®, snaps, grommets, plastic/metal buckles etc.) to the fabric cover 36 to further augment the utility of the cart 20.
[0051] Manual travel is facilitated with the manual push/pull handle 40 that detachably mounts to the forward folding frame section 26. When the push/pull handle 40 is attached to the frame work 22, the auxiliary caster wheel 38 (shown in dashed line) is also typically attached. The handle frame 40 in combination with the primary travel wheels 24 and caster wheel 38 provide a tricycle type wheeled cart suspension. The cart 20 can thereby be manually pushed or pulled over the terrain or about a camp site via the supporting wheels 24 and 38.
[0052]
[0053] Also shown at
[0054] The cart 20 is also adapted to be towed by a variety of vehicles. For example, and with continuing attention to
[0055] Alternatively, and with additional attention to
[0056] The forward folding frame section 26 may also be partially elevated relative to the horizontal frame section 28 (e.g. 110° to 145°) in the fashion of
[0057] Cart travel in any of the towed travel positions of
[0058] Support fasteners secure the tow bar assembly 42 to the framework 22 in a fashion that permits reciprocating or telescoping movement of the moveable arm relative to the framework 22. Intervening resilient members (e.g. springs, elastomer bushings, or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders and pistons) absorb travel shock and stresses that otherwise might be transmitted through a conventional rigid tow bar or tongue arm.
[0059]
[0060] An L-shaped bracket piece 58 is also secured to the frame section 28 via a threaded stem 60. A pair of springs 62 are mounted on opposite sides of an upright flange 57 of the bracket 58. Stops or limit members 64 (e.g. welded washers) are mounted to the tow bar or tongue arm 50 and capture the springs 62 on either side of the flange 57 to the tow bar or tongue arm 50. The springs are secured to the flange 57 and the limit members 64. Reciprocating, to-and-fro movement of the tow bar or tongue arm 50 is restricted to the sleeve 54 and bracket 58 and is resisted by the springs 62 to provide shock absorption relative to the tow vehicle. An end stop 65 is secured to the end of the tow bar 50 to define the maximum range of movement of the tow bar 50.
[0061] Cart movement is thereby smoothed as the cart 20 travels over rough terrain. Supported cargo and the framework 22 are also spared from undue jostling and/or damage to the cargo. Although resilient springs 62 are shown, the tow or tongue arm 50 can be secured to cooperate with elastomer members 63, see
[0062] With attention to
[0063] Similarly, another alternative tow bar or tongue arm assembly 42 is shown in dashed line at
[0064] Relative rotational movement of the frame sections 26 and 28 and saddle arms 30 are determined by axle or pivot plates 70 that are mounted on opposed sides of the framework 22.
[0065] The frame section 26 rotates about the fasteners 76 relative to the axle plate 70 and frame section 28. The previously described stationery and travel positions of the frame sections 26 and 28 and saddle arms 30 is determined at the axle plates 70 via an outer set of bores 78. Spring pins or bolts and wing nuts mount through the outer bores 78 and the frame sections 26 and 28 and saddle arms 30 to fix the mounting positions of one to the other as discussed above.
[0066] The cross-brace arms 72 extend between the ends of the axle plates 70 and span the width of the cart 20. Axle bushing sleeves 80 project from the axle plates 70 and concentrically support a through axle 82 to the axle plates 70 in parallel with the cross-brace arms 72. The axle plates 70 and attached cross-brace arms 80 thereby rotate with the pivoting/folding movements of the frame sections 26 and 28. Collectively the axle plates 70 and cross-brace arms 72 provide a durable support for the wheels 24. The cross-brace arms 72 not only stabilize the axle plates 70 but also advantageously protect the axle 82 from rocks and other terrain irregularities that can damage or bend the axle 82. That is, when the cart 20 is folded for towed travel in the fashion of
[0067] Returning attention to
[0068] The fabric cover 36 is secured to the framework 22 at a number of tubular sleeves 100 that are sewn to seams between panels of the cover 36. Associated Velcro® loops and tabs 102 arrayed about the cover 36 assure retention of the cover 36 to the framework 22 and door 90 and/or window flaps 96 to the cover 36. The fabric panels secured to the frame sections 26 and 28 and saddle arms 30 are held taught by placing the resilient stay arms 34 between the saddle arms 30. The stay arms 34 mount in a bowed condition to stretch the fabric. The brace arms 32 are secured with threaded fasteners and wing nuts to maintain the angular orientations of the frame sections 26, 28 and saddle arms 30 once fixed to the saddle arms 30 and support frame section 28.
[0069] With additional attention to
[0070] To further accommodate towing of the cart 20 at highway speeds, such as via a motorcycle,
[0071] While the invention has been described with respect to a presently preferred assembly and considered improvements, modifications and/or alternatives thereto, still other assemblies and arrangements may be suggested to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be appreciated that the features of the foregoing cart assembly can be arranged in different combinations to accommodate a variety of differing constructions. The physical size of the cart can also be modified to accommodate multiple sleepers. The foregoing description should therefore be construed to include all those embodiments within the spirit and scope of the following claims.