GB2508286A

GB2508286A - A combination of a wheeled platform and carrying bag

Info

Publication number: GB2508286A
Application number: GB201317776A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Digory
Original assignee: RUCKY Ltd
Current assignee: RUCKY Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-08
Filing date: 2013-10-08
Publication date: 2014-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2033-10-08
Also published as: GB2508286B; GB201317776D0

Abstract

A kart-bag is disclosed comprising: a bag (10, figure 1) having an opening (50); a platform (30) hingedly mounted relative to the bag such that in a first configuration the platform may be folded into the bag through the opening, and in a second configuration the platform may be unfolded from within the bag through the opening; at least three wheels (40) arrangable such that in the second configuration the platform can be wheeled along the ground; and at least one rope or cord handle 72 for pulling the kart-bag when in the second configuration; or a telescopic handle 74 extending at an angle from the bag or platform for pulling or pushing the kart-bag in the second configuration. The platform may be sat upon by a child, and a back plate may be provided in the bag for the child to lean against. The bag may comprise a rucksack, the carrying straps of which may also serve as a seatbelt for the child sat on the platform. The invention is intended to provide a wheeled device upon which a child can sit when she/he becomes tired from walking.

Description

KART-BAG

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Parents or carers of young children often find that after walking a short distance the child has become tired of walking and the parent then must carry the child for the rest of the journey. This can be very tiring. Some parents take a scooter or bike out on such journeys but then end up carrying the scooter or bike as well as the child.

It is desired to provide an improved apparatus, such as a kart for carrying children.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

From a first aspect the present invention provides a kart-bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a platform hingedly mounted relative to the bag such that in a first configuration the platform may be folded into the bag through the opening, and in a second configuration the platform may be unfolded from within the bag through the opening; and at least three wheels arrangable such that in the second configuration the platform can be wheeled along the ground.

The present invention provides a karl-bag which can be worn as a normal bag or rucksack and which can also be converted into a kart and then ridden on.

This renders the karl-bag easy to carry when not in use as a karl.

As the karl can be hidden in the form of a bag, the present invention also enables the karl to be taken to locations where it would otherwise not be allowed, due to restrictions.

The kart-bag is primarily a bag or rucksack that can be transformed into a go-karl, preferably for use by a child. In the first configuration the bag may function as a normal bag and can hold children's jumpers, snacks, drinks, sun cream etc. and also has the additional functionality that it can be converted into a go-kart.

The bag of the present invention preferably has at least one strap for carrying the bag. Most preferably, the bag is a rucksack having two shoulder straps. In this arrangement, the opening is preferably in the back side of the rucksack, i.e. the side that sits adjacent the users back when it is being carried on the shoulders.

It will be appreciated that said "opening" need not be permanently open, and that it may be an openable opening that can be opened and closed as desired. For example, the opening may be closed by a flap of material. The flap may be opened and closed by a refastenable mechanism, such as a zip, hook and loop material, mechanical poppers, or other means. The flap may comprise a padded material so as to make the bag more comfortable to the user, both when the bag is being carried and also when the user is sitting on the kart.

Preferably, the platform is hingedly connected to a back plate that is fixed within the bag. This maintains the structural stability of the apparatus when the kart-bag is in the kart configuration and it allows the user to lean back against the back plate. When the kart-bag is in the first configuration, the platform may be folded into the back so as to reside parallel and adjacent to the back plate. The back-plate and platform may be fastened together by a refastenable member so as to retain the platform against the back plate until it is desired to convert the apparatus into a kart. The back plate is preferably rigid.

The kart-bag preferably comprises at least two straps, such as in a rucksack. The straps may be on the back side of the bag, from which the platform unfolds. This enable the straps to be used as one or more seatbelts when user is sitting on the platform. The straps are preferably adjacent to the opening that the platform unfolds from. A strap is preferably provided on either side of the opening.

The straps are preferably attachable to each other. For example, the straps may run parallel to each other and may be releasably interconnected at a location between the ends of the straps. This is particularly useful for securing around a person sitting on the platform so as to hold them on the platform.

The kart-bag preferably further comprises one or more lockable member for fixing the unfolded platform at an angle relative to the bag, in the second configuration. As mentioned above, the kart-bag may have a back plate and the lockable member(s) preferably secure the platform at an angle relative to the back-plate. The lockable members may secure the platform at any angle, but preferably secure the platform at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the back-plate or bag.

The kart-bag may comprise at least one handle for pulling or pushing the kart-bag when in the second configuration. The handle may extend from the bag telescopically. Alternatively, the handle may be a rope or cord.

Preferably, the platform has a first end that remains mounted in the bag in both the first and second configurations and a second, opposite end. The kart-bag preferably further comprises a panel mounted to the second end of the platform.

The panel is preferably hingedly mounted to the second end of the platform. This hinge connection allows the panel to be folded into a more compact configuration when the platform is folded into the bag and for the panel to be unfolded in the second configuration. The panel may be unfolded in the second configuration so as to be substantially coplanar with the platform, e.g. for increasing the length of the platform. Alternatively, the panel may be unfolded to be at an angle relative to the platform, e.g. for use as a foot plate.

Locking means may be provided for locking the panel at an angle or coplanar with the platform. For example, the panel may be locked substantially perpendicular to the platform for use as a foot plate.

The kart-bag may comprise at least one handle on the platform or on the bag for holding by a person on the platform As described above, the opening may be releasably closable in said first and/or second configuration. The bag may comprise a flap of material for closing the opening. The flap of material may be padded for the comfort of the user.

Accordingly, when the flap is closed in the first configuration the padded flap may protect the back of the person carrying the bag. In the second configuration a user may sit on the unfolded platform and the flap may be closed over the opening through which the platform was unfolded. The padded flap is then able to protect the back of the person sifting on the platform. The karl-bag may further comprise one or more struts for connecting the flap to the platform in the second configuration so as to form a canopy over the platform for protecting a karl passenger from the sun or rain.

At least some of the wheels may be mounted to the plafform and/or bag.

When mounted to the platform the wheel(s) are preferably mounted on the underside of the platform for contacting the ground in the second configuration. It will be appreciated that when the platform is folded into the bag, i.e. in the first configuration, the wheels on the underside of the platform will protrude from the platform in a direction towards the back of the bag. This may be uncomfortable for user when the bag is being work, as these wheels may dig into the user's back. In order to avoid this, the apparatus may be configured such that at least some of the wheels are foldable between a first position in which the wheels extend away from the underside of the platform to a position for use in wheeling the platform along the ground, and a second retracted position. The axis of each wheel in the first position is preferably substantially parallel to the main body of the platform, and the axis of each wheel in the second position is preferably substantially perpendicular to the main body of the platform. The wheels may be releasably lockable in the tirst position so as to support a person on the platform when the platform has been unfolded from within the bag. The wheels may or may not be releasably lockable in the second, retracted position.

The wheels may be located on legs that extend from the platform. These legs may be foldable such that the wheels fold between the first and second positions mentioned above. Alternatively, the portion of the platform on which the wheel is mounted may be foldable relative to the main body of the platform so that when that portion of the platform is folded the wheel can be folded between the first and second positions. Said portion of the platform may be hingedly mounted to the main body of the platform such that it is foldable to perform the above-described function. In this arrangement, the plane of the foldable portion of the platform is preferably foldable to a position so as to be substantially co-planar with the plane of the main body of the platform, for arranging the wheel in the first position. The foldable portion of the platform is preferably also foldable in a direction from the underside to the top side of the platform, for arranging the wheels in the second retracted position. The foldable portion may be folded to a position so that the plane of the foldable portion is substantially perpendicular with the plane of the main body of the platform, for arranging the wheel in the second, retracted position.

In order to mount one or more wheels to the bag, one or more axle may be provided in the bag for mounting said one or more wheels thereon. Preferably, an axle is provided which extends through the bag and provides an end of the axle on either side of the bag. The ends of the axle may be hidden in the bag in pockets on the sides of the bag. The pockets may be opened and closed by refastenable means, e.g. via zips etc. The wheels may be permanently mounted to the ends of the axle and the pockets may be opened so as to expose the wheels. Alternatively, the wheels may be releasably mountable on the axle. In this manner the wheels can be mounted on the axle ends when the kart-bag is in the second configuration and may be removed when the kart-bag is in the first configuration. The wheels and axles are arranged and configured so as to extend below the bottom of the bag when the apparatus is in said second, unfolded configuration.

The kart-bag comprises at least one front wheel mounted to the underside of the platform. The kart-bag may comprise two front wheels. This may be in addition, or as an alternative, to wheels mounted on axles in the bag portion. The kart-bag preferably comprises at least one back wheel mounted to the underside of the platform. The karl-bag may comprise two back wheels. Preferably, the platform has at least three wheels on the underside. Two wheels may be mounted at the front of the platform and two wheels may be mounted at the back of the platform. The front wheels may be smaller than the back wheels.

At least some of the wheels may be removably mountable or mounted to the platform such that they can be removed when the platform is folded into the bag.

However, preferably, at least some of the wheels are permanenlty fixed to the platform.

The present invention is particularly useful for children who no longer need a buggy but do not have the strength to walk long distances (for example, children aged 2-5). However, larger karl-bags can also be used by children aged 6+.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1A-1E show an embodiment of the present invention at various stages of unfolding; Figure 2A shows an embodiment of the present invention with back wheels removed, and Figure 2B shows the apparatus of Figure 2A with the back wheels connected; Figure 3A shows an embodiment of the invention having a telescopic handle and a rope for pulling the kart, and Figure 3B shows an alternative embodiment of the invention having a telescopic handle for pulling the kart; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention having a foot rest; Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention having a steering wheel; Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention having a seat belt; Figure? shows an embodiment of the present invention having handles; Figure 8 shows a karl having a canopy; Figures 9A and 9B are perspective and side views of the kart platform and back plate inside the bag; and Figures 1 OA-1 OF show perspective views of further embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures lA-i E show perspective views of a kart-bag according to the present invention at various stages during transformation of the kart-bag into a kart.

In Figure lAthe kart-bag is in a first configuration, in which the karl platform is arranged inside of the bag. The apparatus includes a rucksack 10, having a front side 12, a back side 14 and two straps 20 on the back side 14 of the bag 10 for carrying the bag on a person's shoulders. The bag may have a front opening (not shown) in which the wearer can carry items such as clothing, books, food and drink etc. The bag 10 has a back opening 50 at the back of the bag containing a fold-down kart platform, as will be described in more detail in relation to Figures 1C to 1 E. The back opening 50 comprises a flap 52 with a zip fastener to close the opening 50 when the karl is not in use. The flap 52 may comprise padding to protect a user's back and thus improve comfort when the kart-bag is being worn as a rucksack.

Figure 1 B shows the karl-bag with the zip fastener undone and the flap 52 lifted to reveal the karl through the opening in the back side 14. As shown in figures ic-i F, the back opening 50 contains a platform 30 which forms the seat of the karl for transporting a passenger. The platform 30 is sized such that a person, e.g. a child, can comfortably sit on the platform when the karl is being pulled along by another person. The platform 30 is attached to the back i4 of the bag 10 by a hinge 60 such that the platform 30 can be folded down from being generally parallel to the back of the bag (a first, folded configuration) to being generally perpendicular to the back of the bag 10 (a second, unfolded configuration), as shown in Figures 1 D and 1 E. As shown in Figure 1 E the zippable flap 52 can also be closed when the platform is unfolded. The passenger may then lean against the padding in the flap 52, resulting in a more comfortable ride on the kart.

This embodiment further includes four wheels 40 mounted to the underside of the platform 30 such that the karl-bag can be wheeled along the ground when the platform 30 is unfolded. A telescopic handle 70 is stored in the bag 10 and can be extended from the top of the bag 10 in order to pull or push the karl along the ground more easily. Two lockable members 32 connect either side of the platform to the back side of the bag. The lockable members 32 are attached to a side edge of the platform between the platform's hinged end 34 and the opposite free end 36.

Once the platform 30 is unfolded to a desired position, relative to the bag 10, the lockable members 32 can be locked into position thereby securing the position of the platform 30 relative to the bag 10. The user may then sit on the karl, tor example, with their back against the back side of the rucksack. The user may put their arms through the rucksack straps so as to use these straps like seatbelts to hold them on to the kart.

Figures 2A and 2B show a modification in which two further wheels 42 are able to be mounted to the main body of the bag. An axle (not shown) runs through the main body of the bag 10, along the bottom portion. The free ends of the axle are concealed within the bag by zip fasteners 44 on the sides of the bag 10. The zip fasteners 44 are openable to expose the ends of the axle and then wheels 42 may be attached to the axle. The wheels 42 are large enough that they extend below the bottom of the bag 10 when they are attached to the axle (as shown in Figure 2B).

These wheels 42 are therefore preferably larger than the wheels 40 mounted to the platform 30. The larger wheels 42 are releasably enagagable with the axle such that they may be removed from the axle. When these wheels 42 are removed they may be stored in the bag or elsewhere, e.g. either in the front opening or back opening 50 of the bag.

Figures 3A and 3B show alternative handles that could be used to pull or push the kart-bag when the kart platform is in an unfolded configuration. Figure 3A shows a telescopic handle 70 (as described in relation to Figures lA-i E) in an extended position to facilitate pulling or pushing of the karl. Figure 3A also shows a strap 72 attached to the karl-bag at a first end and having a loop 73 at a second free end, which also may be used to pull the kart. Figure 3B shows a telescopic handle 74 which is extendable and may be attached to the platform 30 or the back of the bag 10 and stored in the back opening 50 when the kart is not in use. The handle 74 is attached to the platform 30 or bag 10 via a flexible joint or hinge (not shown) such that the pulling angle can be adjusted.

Figures 4 to 7 show various additional features that may be incorporated, alone or in combination, in any of the embodiments described herein.

Figure 4 shows an extension plate 34 hinged to platform 30. The extension plate 34 is shown to be mounted at an angle relative to the platform 30 such that it can act as a foot rest for the kart passenger. However, it is also envisaged that the extension plate 34 may be further unfolded to be coplanar with the platform 30, thus increasing the length of the platform so that larger children or adults may be able to sit more comfortably on the platform 30. The extension plate 34 may be lockable in the angled foot-rest position and/or the coplanar position. The extension plate may be foldable such that the upper side can be folded against the upper side of the platform when it is desired to fold the platform back into the bag. One or more wheels may be arranged on the underside of the extension plate for contacting the ground during use as a kart.

Figure 5 shows a platform 30 with a toy steering wheel 36 attached thereto.

The toy steering wheel may act as a handle or help secure the child on the platform as well as provide entertainment for a child as they are being pulled or pushed along in the kart. The steering wheel may alternatively be a functional steering wheel, wherein it has a mechanical connection to turn one or more of the wheels of the karl-bag so as to steer the karl-bag in use.

Figure 6 shows a karl-bag having shoulder straps 20 which may be secured to one another via a releasably engagable belt or clip 22 such that the straps 20 can act as a seat belt to secure a person to the karl. The embodiment of Figure 6 further comprises a lap belt 24 which may be secured around the waist of a karl passenger.

Figure 7 shows a karl in which the platform 30 comprises passenger handles 37 on the platform 30 such that a passenger can hold on to the handles when being transported. The handles 37 may be fixed or hingedly attached to the platform or bag portion.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment comprising a canopy 38 supported by struts 39, when in the second, unfolded configuration. The canopy 38 may protect the karl passenger from the sun or rain when being transported. The canopy may be formed, at least in part, from the flap 52 material in the back side of the bag 10.

Figures 9A and 9B show the karl-bag in its first configuration, wherein the karl platform 30 is within the bag 10. The bag part is shown in phantom to reveal the karl structure stored inside. The karl comprises a rigid back plate 31 which is attached to the bag 10 and remains inside of the opening 50 when the kart platform is in the second, unfolded configuration. The rigid back plate 31 may act as a back rest for the karl passenger in order to make the karl more comfortable and stable.

The platform 30 may be attached to the back plate 31 via a hinge. As shown in Figure 9A, the platform may have a width Wp of about 28 cm and a length Lp of about 40 cm. A platform of this length and width creates a comfortable seat for a small child and can be contained in a regular sized rucksack. The bag 10 may have a length Lb of about 50 cm and a depth Db (as shown in Figure 9B) of about cm. The kart structure occupies less than half of the internal space of the bag 10 (i.e. depth of the bag) to allow sufficient room inside the bag to carry additional items.

Figures 1OA-1OF show an alternative karl-bag of the present invention. As with previously described embodiments, the karl-bag comprises a bag 10 having straps 20 and a padded flap 52 which can be unzipped in order to convert the karl-bag into its second, unfolded configuration. As shown in Figure bC, the kart-bag of this embodiment also comprises a platform 30 having one front wheel 40 mounted thereto. The wheel 40 is mounted within the platform 30 such that it extends below the platform 30 when in the second, unfolded configuration to allow the karl-bag to be wheeled along the ground. The karl-bag further comprises two larger wheels 42 which may be temporarily mounted underneath the platform 30, e.g. by clips, when not in use and mounted onto the bag 10 as described above in relation to Figures 2A and 2B when desired to be used.

The kart-bag may further comprises side panels 80 which can be clipped or otherwise removably secured to the platform 30 when the karl is in use in order to make the riding in the karl safer for a passenger. Alternatively, the side panels 80 may be hingedly mounted to the bag or platform and folded out for use. The side panels 80 may be made of a mesh material in order to improve passenger comfort and visibility. One or more plates 34 may be provided on the platform to act as an extension to the platform, or to act as one or more foot plates, as described above in relation to Fig. 4.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

For example, a miniature version of the karl-bag would enable a child to carry it on his or her back, which they could transtorm into a small go-karl in order to pull along their toys such as dolls or teddies.

Claims

Claims: 1. A karl-bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a platform hingedly mounted relative to the bag such that in a first configuration the platform may be folded into the bag through the opening, and in a second configuration the platform may be unfolded from within the bag through the opening; and at least three wheels arrangable such that in the second configuration the platform can be wheeled along the ground.
2. The karl-bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is a rucksack.
3. The karl-bag of claim 1 or 2, wherein the platform is hingedly connected to a rigid back plate fixed within the bag.
4. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, wherein the bag comprises at least two straps, and wherein the straps are attachable to each other for securing around a person on the platform.
5. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, furlher comprising lockable members for securing the platform at an angle relative to the bag in the second configuration.
6. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one handle for pulling or pushing the karl-bag when in the second configuration.
7. The karl-bag of claim 6, wherein the handle extends from the bag telescopically 8. The karl-bag of claim 6, wherein the handle is a rope or cord.9. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, wherein the platform has a first end mounted in the bag and second, opposite end; the karl-bag further comprising an extension plate mounted to second end of the platform.10. The karl-bag of claim 9, wherein the extension plate is hingedly mounted to the second end of the platform such that the extension plate can be folded away so as to be adjacent to the platform.11. The kart-bag of claim 9 or 10, wherein the extension plate is hingedly mounted to the second end of the platform such that the extension plate may be unfolded so as to be coplanar with the platform for increasing the length of the platform.12. The kart-bag of claim 9, 10 or 11, further comprising locking means for locking the extension plate at an angle or coplanar with the platform.13. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, comprising at least one handle on the platform or on the bag for holding by a person on the platform 14. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, wherein said opening is releasably closable in the first and/or second configuration.15. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, wherein the bag comprises a flap of material for closing the opening and wherein the flap is padded.16. The kart-bag of claim 15, further comprising one or more struts for connecting said flap to said platform so that the flap forms a canopy for protecting a kart passenger from the sun or rain.17. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more axle in the bag for mounting one or more wheels to the bag, 18. The kart-bag of claim 17, wherein the end(s) of said one or more axle are provided in closable pockets of the bag.19. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, comprising at least three wheels mounted to the underside of the platform.20. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the wheels are removably mountable to the bag and/or platform.21. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, wherein one or more wheels is mounted to the underside of the platform, and wherein at least some of the wheels are foldable between a first position in which the wheels extend away from the underside of the platform to a position for use in wheeling the platform along the ground, and a second retracted position.22. The Kart-bag of claim 22, wherein said at least some of the wheels are releasably lockable in the first position.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims: 1. A karl-bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a platform hingedly mounted relative to the bag such that in a first configuration the platform may be folded into the bag through the opening, and in a second configuration the platform may be unfolded from within the bag through the opening; at least three wheels arrangable such that in the second configuration the platform can be wheeled along the ground; and at least one rope or cord handle for pulling the kart-bag when in the second configuration.2. The kart-bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is a rucksack.3. The karl-bag of claim 1 or 2, wherein the platform is hingedly connected to a rigid back plate fixed within the bag.O 4. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, wherein the bag comprises at least two straps, and wherein the straps are attachable to each other for securing around a person on the platform.5. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, further comprising lockable members for securing the platform at an angle relative to the bag in the second configuration.6. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, wherein the platform has a first end mounted in the bag and second, opposite end; the karl-bag further comprising an extension plate mounted to the second end of the platform.7. The karl-bag of claim 6, wherein the extension plate is hingedly mounted to the second end of the platform such that the extension plate can be folded away so as to be adjacent to the platform.
8. The karl-bag of claim 6 or 7, wherein the extension plate is hingedly mounted to the second end of the platform such that the extension plate may be unfolded so as to be coplanar with the platform for increasing the length of the platform.
9. The karl-bag of claim 6, 7 or 8, further comprising locking means for locking the extension plate at an angle to or coplanar with the platform.
10. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, comprising at least one handle on the platform or on the bag for holding by a person on the platform.
11. The kart-bag of any preceding claim, wherein said opening is releasably closable in the first and/or second configuration.
12. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, wherein the bag comprises a flap of material for closing the opening and wherein the flap is padded.
13. The karl-bag of claim 12, further comprising one or more struts for connecting said flap to said platform so that the flap forms a canopy for protecting a karl passenger from the sun or rain.
14. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more axles in the bag for mounting one or more wheels to the bag.
15. The karl-bag of claim 14, wherein an end of each of said one or more axles O is provided in a closable pocket of the bag.
16. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, comprising at least three wheels mounted to the underside of the platform.
17. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the wheels are removably mountable to the bag and/or platform.
18. The karl-bag of any preceding claim, wherein one or more wheels is mounted to the underside of the platform, and wherein at least some of the wheels are foldable between a first position in which the wheels extend away from the underside of the platform to a position for use in wheeling the platform aiong the ground, and a second retracted position.
19. The Karl-bag of claim 18, wherein said at least some of the wheels are releasably lockable in the first position.