GB2110996A

GB2110996A - Hard-propelled load-carrying vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2110996A
Application number: GB08129785A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John David Lambourn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-10-02
Filing date: 1981-10-02
Publication date: 1983-06-29

Abstract

The vehicle (e.g. for use on difficult terrain) comprises a tubular frame having spaced arms (1, 2), a handle portion (3) and skids (5, 6). A load carrier (7) e.g. of steel rod mesh is pivotably supported between the arms (1, 2) so that it remains horizontal whether the vehicle is in motion (with the handle raised) or at rest (with the handle on the ground). A latch may be provided to retain the carrier (7) in one position. The vehicle may have a movable ground contact member e.g. wheel, roller or endless track. The frame may be collapsible. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Skid vehicle According to the present invention, a vehicle comprises: at least one skid means suitable for sliding over land; at least one frame means for supporting at least one said skid means; and at least one carrier means for carrying at least one load, said carrier means and/or load support surface thereof being disposable in at least two predetermined dispositions (preferably angular dispositions provided by e.g. pivoting of said at least one carrier means), relative to at least one said skid means and/or relative to at least one said frame means.

Load support surface of a said carrier means can be disposed in any of a plurality of predetermined angles according to the angular dispositions of that carrier means. One preferred angular disposition is for at least a portion of said load support surface to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle is in motion, thereby giving more control of stability than with a towed sledge on rough ground. Another preferred angular disposition of at least a portion of said load support surface is to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle is at rest, especially when at least a portion of said at least one frame means (e.g. a handle portion) has been lowered to the ground.A further prefered angular dispostion is for at least a portion of said load support surface to be substantially vertical when at least a portion of a said frame means is substantially vertical, e.g. when hung from a wall or standing.

The vehicle can be adapted to be pulled, e.g. by at least one hand and/or by at least one animal (e.g. a horse), and/or by at least one further vehicle.

Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle can be adapted to be pushed, e.g. by at least one hand and/or by at last one animal and/or by at least one further vehicle.

The skid means can be embodied in any suitable way. At least two skid means can be the same or different. At least two skid means can be spaced apart or touch each other, and can be fastened together. A skid means can be constituted by any suitable surface(s). Surface of a skid means can have any profile in at least one direction thereof, e.g.

convex in at least one plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the skid means, and/or convex in at least one plane containing that longitudinal direction. It will be appreciated that at least a portion of surface of a skid means can be flat or have any other shape, e.g. be ridged. Preferably, said skid means has at least one free end that will be a leading or trailing end during motion of the vehicle. The terminal of a said free end can be offset from a direction of travel of the vehicle, this offset being directed in at least one angle relative to that direction of travel, e.g. the terminal can be curved upwards.

Any skid can be at least partly rigid and/or at least partly resilient, as such and/or relative to at least one said frame. A skid means can be cantilevered from at least one said frame. Preferably, there are first and second skid means, preferably spaced apart transversely of a direction of travel of the vehicle, e.g.

substantially parallel to each other in at least one plane.

A said frame means can be embodied in any suitable way. Any frame means can be at least partly rigid and/or at least partly resilient, for instance provide a resilient suspension for a carrier. At least a portion of a frame means can be collapsible or non-collapsible. A non-collapsible frame means can comprise rod or tubing that is suitably rigid. Collapsible frame means can comprise folding (e.g. pivoted) framework and/or telescopic members. At least a portion of a frame means can comprise at least one straight portion and/or at least one curved portion thereof. At least a portion of a frame means can be angularly directed in any suitable way, especially in any upward direction if the centre of gravity of the total mass of the vehicle (with or without load) is relatively close to land suface.

Preferably, at least one frame means has a configuration to enable load support surface of a said carrier means to be horizontal in at least one said angular disposition of that carrier means. In one preferred embodiment, there are first and second said frame means, said first frame means supporting said first skid means, said second frame means supporting said second skid means. The first and second frame means (e.g. first and second arms, which could serve as stabilisers of steering) are preferably spaced apart transversely to a direction of travel of the vehicle, and preferably substantially parallel to each other in at least one plane. Aframe means can comprise at least one axis of rotation (e.g. a hub) for a said carrier means, or at least one seat for an axis of rotation when that axis is comprised by a said carrier means.

Preferably, a said seat comprises a guide way having an open portion for receiving an axis of rotation comprised by a carrier means, this guide way preferably having a portion thereof offset relative to said open portion, said offset portion having an abutment surface against which said received axis will abut. A said guide way can be a slot in a plate e.g. welded to a said frame means. In one preferred embodiment, said first frame means comprises a first said seat; and said second frame means comprises a second said seat, a said carrier means being seatable between said first and second seats.

At least one said frame means can comprise at least one handle means for enabling the vehicle to be pulled and/or or pushed by hand. Such a handle means could be a portion of at least one frame means. Preferably, a said handle means bridges said first and second frame means, and is preferably integral with them as when a tube constitutes the first and second frame means, and a said bridging handle means. It will be appreciated that said bridging handle means can brace the first and second frame means apart. Alternative or additional bracing apart of at least two said frame means can be provided by means of at least one brace means, e.g. a cross piece between the first and second frames, preferably above the mounting of at least one said carrier means to those frame means.

The nature of a said carrier means and its mounting to at least one said frame means will depend on the intended application(s) of the vehicle. Preferably, the carrier means is removably mounted to at least one said frame means. Preferably, the centre of gravity of the total mass of a said carrier means (with or without load) is within an area whose boundary comprises a plurality of said skid means. Any carrier means can be embodied in any suitable way. Any carrier means can be at least partly rigid and/or at least partly resilient, as such and/or relative to at least one said frame means. A carrier means can have at least one configuration, e.g. a base optionally having at least one surrounding wall (optionally with at least one door), and optionally at least one cover.In one embodiment, a carrier means comprises basket work (e.g. comprising natural and/or synthetic elements), woven work, or openwork (e.g.

mesh comprising rods), or any combination chosen from those options. In another embodiment, a carrier can be a vessel, e.g. a gas cylinder or a water container. A carrier means can be mounted in any suitable way to at least one frame means. A carrier means can comprise at least one axis of rotation (e.g. a hub), or at least one seat for an axis of rotation when that axis is comprised by at least one frame means. Such an axis or seat can be embodied as described above in the preceding paragraph describing the frame means. Preferably, a carrier means comprises first and second axes of rotation with the carrier means therebetween, so that this carrier means can be supported between said first and second frame means, e.g. by means of said first and second seats.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises at least one latch means releasably latching at least one said carrier means in at least one of a plurality of said predetermined angular dispositions for the carrier means.

Preferably, a said latch means is permanently fixed to a carrier means, e.g. be an extension (e.g. a rod) suitably directed from that carrier means. Preferably, a latch means has a configuration that will releasably engage with at least one portion of at least one said frame means. A latch means can have a terminal grip or other handle means, if suitable.

The vehicle can comprise at least one prop means for propping the vehicle. A prop means can be mounted to at least one said frame (e.g. to a said bridging handle means). At least a portion of a prop means can be collapsible or non-collapsible. A non-collapsible prop means can comprise a rod or tubing that is suitably rigid. A collapsible prop means can comprise at least one folding (e.g.

pivoted) member and/or telescopic members.

At least one material can be used in making the vehicle. Preferably, steel or other metal or plastics, e.g. tubing is utilised. Another preferred material is wood, e.g. for at least one said frame means. Land contacting surface(s) of a said skid means can be provided with antifrictional properties, e.g. by a coating comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene or any other suitable material. The vehicle can be embodied so that the vehicle can be readily stored, and be e.g.

sufficiently light as to enable it to be hung on a wall or door.

The vehicle can be used where ordinary wheeled vehicles would not be suitable, or where Caterpillar (Registered Trade Mark) tracked vehicles might be thought desirable. However, the vehicle can also be provided with at least one movable ground contact member, e.g. a wheel, roller, disc, or Caterpillar (RTM) track, for instance any two of those members (e.g. two wheels) each at a respective opposite side of an end portion of the vehicle. Examples of different terrains on which the vehicle can be used are: rough land (e.g. a ploughed field); wet land; loose land (e.g. rocks or sand); sloping land; crops on land (e.g. grass or wheat).The vehicle may be of especial interest to hillside farmers. However, the vehicle can be adapted for various uses, e.g. horticulture, garden centres, fruit farms, sport activities (e.g. golf), etc., or e.g. conveying plants, fruit vegetables, gas cylinders, or tools. One especially, preferred embodiment of the vehicle is when it is adapted to carry injured, disabled, or newly born small animals, e.g. lambs born on hillsides. The carrier can serve as a cradle for a lamb while the lamb is relatively immobile, and the ewe is giving birth to another lamb. The vehicle enables the cradled lamb to be readily moved from almost any site of birth.

When the carrier comprises openwork, the ewe can see through and over the carrier to observe the cradled lamb, and then lick the lamb, and follow the cradled lamb when the carrier is moved. It will be appreciated that a vehicle according to the present invention could be embodied as a toy, and material(s) can be chosen accordingly.

In the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example of one embodiment of a vehicle for carrying a lamb, in accordance with the present invention: Figure 1 shows a carrier in one horizontal disposition; Figure 2 shows the carrier in another horizontal disposition; Figure 3 shows means for mounting the carrier to framework of the vehicle; and Figure 4 shows a latch for latching the carrier to the framework.

Frame work of the vehicle comprises a steel tube bent to provide first and second arms 1, 2 respectively spaced apart and integral with a handle 3. A steel tube forms a brace 4 bridging the arms 1, 2. The arms 1, 2 are provided with free end portions 5,6 respectively each constituting a respective skid. A steel rod mesh carrier 7 has at opposite side thereof respective hubs 8, 9 that project outwardly to be removably seated in corresponding seats 11, in respectively constituted by guide ways in steel plates 12, 13 welded respectively to arms 1,2. The guideways each are provided by means of a slot having an open outer portion 14, and an offset portion 15 as shown in Figure 3. The offset portion provides an abutment surface against which a received hub 8 or 9 will abut. A cranked rod 16 is welded to the carrier so as to serve as a latch that can releasably engage with the brace 4. A steel rod 17 removably engaged with handle 3 is a prop for the vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS (filed on 29 September 1982)

1. Avehicle, comprising: at least one skid means for sliding over land; at least one frame means for supporting at least one skid means; and at least one carrier means for carrying at least one load, said carrier means and/or load support surface thereof being disposable in at least two predetermined dispositions, relative to at least one said skid means and/or relative to at least one said frame means.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two said predetermined dispositions are angular dispositions.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one said carrier means is pivotable for at least one said angular disposition.

4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein load support surface of a said carrier means is disposable in any of a plurality of predetermined angles according to the angular dispositions of that carrier means.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one said angular disposition is for at least a portion of a said load support surface to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle is in motion.

6. Avehicle as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one said angular disposition is for at least a portion of a said load support surface to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle is at rest.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one said angular disposition is for at least a portion of a said load support surface to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle is both at rest and when at least a portion of at least one said frame means has been lowered.

8. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein at least one said angular disposition is for at least a portion of a said load support surface to be substantially vertical when at least a portion of at least one said frame means is substantially vertical.

9. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one said skid means is cantilevered from at least one said frame means.

10. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherninthere are first and second said skid means.

11. A vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first and second skid means are spaced apart transversely of a direction of travel of said vehicle.

12. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein said spaced apart first and second skid means are substantially parallel to each other in at least one plane.

13. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one said frame means provides a resilient suspension for at least one said carrier means.

14. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least a portion of at least one said frame means comprises at least one straight portion and/or at least one curved portion thereof.

15. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least a portion of at least one said frame means is angularly directed.

16. A vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least a portion of at least one said frame means is adapted to be upwardly directed when the centre of gravity of the total mass of the vehicle (with or without load) is relatively close to land surface.

17. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one said frame means has a configuration to enable load support surface of a said carrier means to be substantially horizontal in at least one said angular disposition of that carrier means.

18. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein there are first and second said frame means, said first frame means supporting first said skid means, said second frame means supporting second said skid means.

19. A vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein said first and second frame means are spaced apart transversely of a direction of travel of the vehicle.

20. A vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein said spaced apart first and second frame means are substantially parallel to each other in at least one plane.

21. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein at least one said frame means comprises arm means.

22. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least one said frame means comprises at least one axis of rotation for a said carrier means.

23. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein at least one said frame means comprises at least one seat for an axis of rotation when that axis is comprised by a said carrier means.

24. A vehicle as claimed in claim 23, wherein a said seat comprises a guide way having an open portion for receiving an axis of rotation comprised by a carrier means.

25. A vehicle as claimed in claim 24, wherein said guide way has a portion thereof offset relative to said open portion, said offset portion having an abutment surface against which said received axis will abut.

26. A vehicle as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein at least one said guide way is a slot in a plate.

27. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein a first said frame means comprises a first said seat; and a second said frame means comprises a second said seat, a said carrier means being seated or seatable between said first and second seat.

28. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein at least one said frame means comprises at least one handle means.

29. Avehicle as claimed in claim 28, wherein said handle means is a portion of at least one said frame means.

30. A vehicle as claimed in claim 28 or 29, wherein said handle means bridges first and second said frame means.

31. A vehicle as claimed in claim 30, wherein said bridging handle means is integral with said first and second frame means.

32. A vehicle as claimed in claim 31, wherein a tube constitutes said first and second frame means and said bridging handle means.

33. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 32, comprising at least one brace means for bracing apart at least two said frame means.

34. A vehicle as claimed in claim 33, wherein there is a cross piece between first and second said first means.

35. A vehicle as claimed in claim 34, wherein said cross piece is above the mounting of at least one said carrier means to at least two said frame means.

36. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the centre of gravity of the total mass of a said carrier means (with or without load) is within an area whose boundary comprises a plurality of said skid means.

37. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein a said carrier means comprises a base optionally having at least one surrounding wall (optionally with at least one door), and optionally at least one cover.

38. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein said carrier means is adapted to provide cradling.

39. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein said carrier means comprises basket work, woven work, or openwork, or any combination chosen therefrom.

40. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein said carrier is a vessel.

41. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 40, comprising at least one latch means for releasably latching at least one said carrier means in at least one of a plurality of predetermined angular dispositions for said carrier means.

42. A vehicle as claimed in claim 41, wherein a said latch means is permanently fixed to a said carrier means.

43. A vehicle as claimed in claim 42, wherein a said latch means is an extension directed from a said carrier means.

44. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein a said latch means has a configuration that will releasably engage with at least one portion of at least one said frame means.

45. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 44, comprising at least one prop means for propping the vehicle.

46. A vehicle as claimed in claim 45, wherein a said prop means is mounted to at least one said frame means.

47. A vehicle as claimed in claim 46, wherein a said prop means is mounted to a said bridging handle means.

48. Avehicle as claimed in any one one of claims 1 to 47, comprising at least one movable ground contact member.

49. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.