WO2018112483A1

WO2018112483A1 - Vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2018112483A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2017/050086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacobus Johannes PALM
Original assignee: Palm Jacobus Johannes
Priority date: 2016-12-14
Filing date: 2017-12-11
Publication date: 2018-06-21

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle (10), more particularly, it relates to a vehicle (10) including a plurality of hingedly connected shells (32, 72) for transporting articles while in a closed condition and displaying such articles when in an opened condition. The vehicle (10) includes first and a second bodies (20, 60), with first ends (22, 62) thereof hingedly connected to one another thereby to enable the bodies (20, 60) to angularly displace relative to one another between open and closed conditions. The vehicle (10) further includes first and second wheels (26, 66) rotatably connected to the first and second bodies (20, 60) respectively, the wheels (26, 66) being rotatable relative to the respective body (20, 60) to which it is connected about respective first and second rolling axes (A-A, C-C) about which the wheel (26, 66) rolls. Furthermore, the first and second wheels (26, 66) are rotatable relative to the body to which it is connected about a swivel axis (B-B) thereby to act as a swivel wheel, the swivel axis (B-B) being transverse the first and/or second rolling axes (A-A, C-C). The vehicle (10) also includes a swivel lock (30, 70) for releasably locking the swivel wheel between locked and unlocked conditions such that: (i) in the unlocked condition, the swivel wheel jointly with the hinged ends (22, 62) of the bodies (20, 60) enable angular displacement between the first and the second bodies (20, 60); and (ii) in the locked condition, the swivel wheel restricts angular displacement between such bodies (20, 60).

Description

VEHICLE

BACKGOUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle, more particularly, it relates to a vehicle including a plurality of hingedly connected shells for transporting articles while in a closed condition and displaying such articles when in an opened condition. Vehicles used for the transport of articles are well known, and typically in the form of powered vehicles, towed vehicles and hand-pulled carts. Such vehicles commonly include a compartment wherein articles to be transported are received. These compartments are, however, not well suited for displaying the articles contained therein, or for securing such articles during movement of the vehicle. This poses an obstacle for vendors who transport articles to and from various locations day-to-day, as the articles have to be inserted into and removed from the vehicle every time the articles are to be displayed or transported.

Display devices are also known in the art, particularly collapsible display devices consisting of a series of panels hingedly connected to one another, such that in an expanded condition each of the panels may serve as a display panel, while in a collapsed condition the device forms a compact bundle of panels that is more convenient to transport. Such devices have been taught by A. Traver in U.S. patent no. 194,938 and D.A. Sejzer in U.S. patent no. 5,291 ,990. These devices are not suited for the transport of large articles, as the devices require the operator to carry the devices between destinations and/or to load the devices into or onto a vehicle for transport.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to address the limitations posed by the prior art by providing a vehicle that can transport articles conveniently between destinations and display the articles without having to remove the articles from the vehicle, specifically for transportation thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a vehicle including: first and a second bodies, each comprising a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first ends of each of the bodies are hingedly connected to one another thereby to enable the bodies to angularly displace relative to one another about the hinged ends between a closed condition, wherein the second ends of the bodies are located proximate to and/or in abutment with one another, and an open condition, wherein the second ends are splayed apart from one another; a first wheel rotatably connected to the first body, the first wheel being rotatable relative to the first body about a first rolling axis about which the wheel rolls; a second wheel rotatably connected to the second body, the second wheel being rotatable relative to the second body about a second rolling axis about which the wheel rolls; at least one of the first and second wheels further being rotatable relative to the body to which it is connected about a swivel axis, thereby to act as a swivel wheel, the swivel axis being transverse the first and/or second rolling axes; and a swivel lock for releasably locking the swivel wheel between a locked condition, wherein the swivel wheel is locked against rotation about the swivel axis and in a position relative to the other wheel such that the first and second rolling axes are parallel or collinear with one another; and an unlocked condition, wherein the swivel wheel is free to rotate about the swivel axis; such that:

(i) in the unlocked condition, the swivel wheel jointly with the hinged ends of the bodies enable angular displacement between the first and the second bodies; and

(ii) in the locked condition, the swivel wheel restricts angular displacement between such bodies.

Preferably, the at least one swivel is a pair of first and second swivels, each for further connecting the respective first and second wheels to the respective first and second bodies such that each of the first and the second wheels acts as swivel wheels rotatable respectively about first and second swivel axes.

In a first embodiment, the vehicle includes a draw handle by which the vehicle may be controlled and/or drawn by an operator.

In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle includes a means for powering the vehicle, thereby to drive: (i) the vehicle along a surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first and/or second rolling axes of the wheels while operatively locked in the locked condition; and/or (ii) the bodies between the open and closed conditions while the swivel lock is in the unlocked condition.

In a further alternative embodiment, the vehicle includes a coupler for coupling the vehicle to a towing vehicle.

It is envisaged that the hinged ends of the bodies may be hingedly connected to one another by a common hinge, or by a pair of hinges spaced from one another by an interposing spacing member. Preferably, the vehicle includes a guide wheel for, operatively, steering the vehicle during movement, the guide wheel being rotatable relative to the bodies about: (i) a rolling axis about which the wheel rotates; and (ii) a steering axis substantially parallel to the first and/or second swivel axes defined by the one or more swivel wheels. It is preferred that the vehicle further includes a means for braking the vehicle, thereby to retain it in a substantially stationary condition.

The braking means may optionally be a jack associated with at least one of the wheels, thereby to displace such wheel from contact with the surface.

The jack may take the form of a prop pivotally connected to one of the bodies or wheels, such that the prop is pivotable between a brake disengaged condition, wherein the prop is spaced from the surface such that the respective wheel remains in contact with the surface, and a brake engaged condition, wherein the prop is in contact with the surface and lifts the associated wheel into a spaced condition relative to the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle includes a swivel arm, extending from the respective swivel wheel or body, on which a pulling/pushing force can be applied for operatively steering the swivel wheel about the swivel axis and/or moving the respective bodies relative to one another about the hinged ends of the bodies. The swivel lock is generally a means for releasably locking the swivel arm relative to the body to which the swivel wheel is connected, thereby to restrict relative swivel movement therebetween.

Preferably, each of the first and second bodies is a container for holding articles therein.

It is further preferred that the container-like first and second bodies are a pair of primary shells each having a base and sidewalls extending from the base jointly to define an access opening through which articles are receivable in the primary shells. Furthermore, the first ends of the primary shells may be hingedly connected, while one or both of their respective opposing second ends are: (i) free; or (ii) hingedly connected to one or a series of secondary shells, resembling substantially in form the primary shells; such that the hingedly connected primary and secondary shells jointly form an articulated shell arm, the shells making up each of the articulated shell arms being: in the closed condition, collapsed about their respective hinges such that the base or access opening of one of the shells lies close to or against the base or access opening of an adjacently connected shell; and in the open condition, angularly displaced about their respective hinges thereby to space the base or access opening of one of the shells with the base or access opening of the adjacently connected shell such that the shells extend substantially end-to-end with respect to one another.

One or more of the shells can optionally include a cover connected to at least one of the sidewalls of the shell, the cover being movable between a closed condition, wherein the cover is disposed across the access opening of the shell to render the access opening inaccessible, and an open condition, wherein the access opening is at least partially exposed to render access therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the shells includes a plurality of article support surfaces, cupboards and/or draws for storing and/or displaying the articles.

In general, the hinges enable angular displacement of the shells about respective hinge axes, which hinge axes are substantially parallel with the swivel axes defined by the one or more swivel wheels.

The vehicle can optionally include a support stand mounted to one or more of the bodies, with a free end of the support stand being movable between: (i) an inoperative condition, wherein the free end of the support stand is spaced from the surface; and (ii) an operative condition, wherein the free end of the support stand is in contact with the surface, thereby to support and stabilize the respective body.

Preferably, the vehicle further includes a securing lock for releasably securing the first and second bodies in the closed condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 a first perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention closed condition;

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a third perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1 in a partially open condition;

Figure 4 is a fourth perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1 in a further partially open condition; and

Figure 5 is a fifth perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1 in an open condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is designated generally in Figure 1 by reference numeral 10. The vehicle 10 includes first and second bodies 20,60 having respective first ends 22, 62 and opposing second ends 24, 64.

The first ends 22, 62 of the bodies 20, 60 are hingedly connected to one another, such that the first and second bodies 20, 60 can be angularly displaced from one another about the hinged first ends 22, 62 between a closed condition, as illustrated in Figure 1 , and an open condition, as illustrated in Figure 3. In the closed condition the respective second ends 24, 64 of the bodies 20, 60 are located proximate and/or in abutment with one another, while in the open condition, the respective second ends 24, 64 of the bodies 20, 60 are splayed apart from one another.

As can best be seen in Figure 1 , a first wheel 26 is connected to the first body 20 The first wheel 26 is rotatable about a first rolling axis A-A for enabling movement of the vehicle 10, as well as about a first swivel axis B-B that is transverse to the rolling axis A-A. Through rotation of the first wheel 26 about the swivel axis B-B the orientation of the rolling axis A-A can be altered. A corresponding second wheel 66 is connected to the second body 60 for rotation about corresponding second rolling axis C-C and transverse second swivel axis D-D. In this manner, each of the first and second wheels 26, 66 constitute swivel wheels.

The first and second wheels 26, 66 have first and second swivel arms 28, 68 extending therefrom. The swivel arms 28, 68 enable an operator to steer the first and second wheels 26, 66 independently about respective first and second swivel axes B-B, D-D through manipulation of the first and second swivel arms 28, 68. The first and second swivel arms 28, 68 respectively include first and second swivel locks 30, 70, for releasably locking the swivel arms 28, 68 against rotation about the swivel axes B-B, D-D while in a locked condition, as illustrated in Figure 1 , wherein the first and second rolling axes A-A, C-C are collinear, thereby to enable movement of the vehicle 10 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rolling axes A-A, C-C. Further, in the locked condition, the wheels 26, 66 restrict angular displacement between the bodies 20, 60 through friction existing between the wheels 26, 66 and the surface on which they rest due to the direction of displacement of the wheels 26, 66 required for angular displacement between the bodies 20, 60 being misaligned with the preferred direction of movement of the wheels 26, 66. It will be appreciated that although the swivel locks 30, 70 are shown located on the swivel arms 28, 68, they can alternatively be located on the wheels 26, 66 directly, or be separate members that are connected onto the wheels 26, 66 and/or swivel arms 28, 68. With the swivel locks 30, 70 in an unlocked condition, the wheels 26, 66 may be rotated about the swivel axes B-B, D-D through manipulation of the swivel arms 28, 68, thereby to angularly displace the rolling axes A-A, C-C from one another as illustrated in Figure 2. Referring now to Figure 3, and with the rolling axes A-A, C-C angularly displaced from one another, the wheels 26, 66 and the hinged first ends 22, 62 jointly enable the bodies 20, 60 to be angularly displaced relative to one another about hinged first ends 22, 62.

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the vehicle 10 also includes a draw handle 12, whereby the vehicle may be controlled and/or drawn by an operator to displace the vehicle 10 while the swivel locks 30, 70 are in the locked condition. It is envisaged that the vehicle 10 may alternatively or additionally include a means for coupling the vehicle 10 to another vehicle, such that the vehicle 10 may be towed by another vehicle. Further, in another embodiment, the vehicle 10 may alternatively or additionally include a means for powering the vehicle 10, such that the vehicle 10 may be driven under its own power along a surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rolling axes A-A, C-C while the swivel locks 30, 70 are in the locked condition. Further yet, the bodies 20, 60 may be driven under the power of the vehicle between the open and closed conditions while the swivel locks 30, 70 are in the unlocked condition.

It will be appreciated that while the bodies 20, 60 are illustrated to be hingedly connected to one another through a single common hinge the bodies may instead be connected by a pair of hinges spaced from one another by an interposing member.

As can be seen from the accompanying figures, the vehicle 10 further includes a guide wheel 14, for operatively steering the vehicle 10 during movement thereof along a surface. The guide wheel 14 is rotatable relative to the bodies 20, 60 about a third rolling axis E-E and a steering axis F-F, with the steering axis being substantially parallel to the swivel axes B-B, D-D.

As can best be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the guide wheel 14 has a braking means for retaining the vehicle 10 in a stationary condition. The braking means is in the form of a pivotable prop 16 associated therewith. The prop 16 acts as a jack, being pivotable between a brake disengaged condition (as shown in Figure 1 ), wherein the prop 16 is spaced from the surface such that the guide wheel 14 remains in contact with the surface, and a brake engaged condition, wherein the prop 16 is in contact with the surface and lifts the guide wheel 14 into a spaced condition relative to the surface, as shown in Figure 2, through pivoting of the prop 16 relative to the guide wheel 14 by forcing the draw handle 12 towards the support surface. It will be appreciated that an alternative braking mechanism may be employed, particularly in the embodiments wherein the vehicle 10 includes a means for powering the vehicle 10 and/or where the vehicle 10 includes a coupler for connecting the vehicle 10 to a towing vehicle. Alternatively, a pivotable prop 16 similar to the illustrations may be coupled to any one or more of the other wheels 26, 66.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, each of the first and second bodies 20, 60 is a container for receiving articles to be transported and displayed therein. Each of the container-like first and second bodies 20, 60 comprises a pair of primary shells 32, 72, each having a base 34, 74 and sidewalls 36, 76 extending outwardly therefrom. The sidewalls 36, 76 of each of the containers jointly define an access opening through which articles are receivable within each of the primary shells 32, 72. The first ends 22, 62 of the primary shells 32, 72 are hingedly connected to one another, while opposing second ends 24, 64 of the primary shells 32, 72 are hingedly connected to first and second secondary shells 38, 78 respectively. Each of the secondary shells 38, 78 substantially resembles the primary shells 32, 72 in form, having respective bases 40, 80 and sidewalls 42, 82 extending outwardly therefrom.

The first pair of primary and secondary shells 32, 38 constitutes a first articulated shell arm while the second pair of primary and secondary shells 72, 78 constitutes a second articulated shell arm. The actions of each such shell arm will hereafter be described with reference to the first shell arm, but is equally applicable to the second shell arm. The first shell arm is movable between a closed condition, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, and an open condition, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In the closed condition the primary and secondary shells 32, 38 are collapsed about their respective hinged ends, such that their access openings lie close to or against one another. In the open condition the access openings of the primary and secondary shells 32, 38 are spaced from one another through angular displacement of the shells 32, 38 relative to one another about their hinged ends, such that the shells 32,38 extend substantially end-to-end with respect to one another.

It will be appreciated that additional shells of substantially similar form may be connected to the secondary shells 38, 78, such that the hingedly connected primary shells 32, 72, secondary shells 38, 78 and any additional shells jointly form an articulated shell arm. Each such articulated shell arm, whether consisting only of primary and secondary shells or more, are movable between closed and open conditions. In the closed condition, the shells are collapsed about their respective hinged ends such that the base or access opening of one of the shells lies close to or against the base or access opening of the adjacently connected shell. In the open condition, the base or access opening of one shell is spaced from the base or access opening of the adjacently connected shell through angular displacement of the shells relative to one another about their hinged ends, such that the shells extend substantially end-to-end with respect to one another.

Each of the primary shells 32, 72 and secondary shells 38, 78 include a cover 44, 84 connected to at least one of the sidewalls 36, 76, 42, 82. Each of the covers 44, 84 are movable between a closed condition, as can best be seen in Figures 3 and 4, and an open condition, as best visible on the primary shells 32, 72 of Figure 5. In the closed condition, the respective covers 44, 84 are disposed across the access openings of the respective shells to render the access openings inaccessible. In the open condition, the respective access openings are at least partially exposed to render access to the interior of the respective shells therethrough. Each of the covers 44, 84 are hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls and supportable in the open condition by telescopic supports 46, 86.

Referring now to Figure 5 once more, in the interior of each of the primary shells 32, 72 is a plurality of article support surfaces 48, 88 for storing and/or displaying the articles within the respective shells. Each of the secondary shells 38, 78 may also include similar article support surfaces, alternatively or additionally, any of the shells may also include cupboards and/or draws for the same purposes.

Each of the hinged connections define a hinge axis about which the angular displacement of the bodies 20, 40 and/or shells occurs, which hinge axes are substantially parallel to the swivel axes B-B, D-D and substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the vehicle 10 while the swivel arms are in the locked condition.

As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, each of the primary shells also include a support stand 50, 90, with the free end of the support stand being movable through a pivoting motion between an inoperative condition, wherein the free end of the support stand 50, 90 is spaced from the surface, and an operative condition, wherein the free end of the support stand is in contact with the surface, thereby to support and stabilize the respective shell. Similarly, each of the secondary shells 32, 72 includes a support roller 52, 92, wherein the free end of the support roller is linearly displaceable between similar inoperative and operative conditions, thereby to support and stabilize the respective shell while enabling convenient adjustment of the angular displacement between adjacent primary and secondary shells in each articulated shell arm.

With reference particularly to Figure 3, it can be seen that the vehicle 10 further includes a pair of securing locks 18 for releasably securing the first and second bodies 20, 40 in the closed condition.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications or variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

A vehicle including: first and a second bodies, each comprising a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first ends of each of the bodies are hingedly connected to one another thereby to enable the bodies to angularly displace relative to one another about the hinged ends between a closed condition, wherein the second ends of the bodies are located proximate to and/or in abutment with one another, and an open condition, wherein the second ends are splayed apart from one another; a first wheel rotatably connected to the first body, the first wheel being rotatable relative to the first body about a first rolling axis about which the wheel rolls; a second wheel rotatably connected to the second body, the second wheel being rotatable relative to the second body about a second rolling axis about which the wheel rolls; at least one of the first and second wheels further being rotatable relative to the body to which it is connected about a swivel axis thereby to act as a swivel wheel, the swivel axis being transverse the first and/or second rolling axes; and a swivel lock for releasably locking the swivel wheel between a locked condition, wherein the swivel wheel is locked against rotation about the swivel axis and in a position relative to the other wheel such that the first and second rolling axes are parallel or collinear with one another; and an unlocked condition, wherein the swivel wheel is free to rotate about the swivel axis; such that:

A vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one swivel is a pair of first and second swivels, each for further connecting the respective first and second wheels to the respective first and second bodies such that each of the first and the second wheels acts as swivel wheels rotatable respectively about first and second swivel axes.

3. A vehicle according to claim 2 including a draw handle by which the vehicle may be controlled and/or drawn by an operator.

A vehicle according to claim 2 including a means for powering the vehicle thereby to drive: (i) the vehicle along a surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first and/or second rolling axes of the wheels while operatively locked in the locked condition; and/or (ii) the bodies between the open and closed conditions while the swivel lock is in the unlocked condition.

A vehicle according to claim 2, including a coupler for coupling the vehicle to a towing vehicle.

A vehicle in according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the hinged ends of the bodies are hingedly connected to one another by a common hinge, or by a pair of hinges spaced from one another by an interposing spacing member.

A vehicle according to claim 6 including a guide wheel for, operatively, steering the vehicle during movement, the guide wheel being rotatable relative to the bodies about: (i) a rolling axis about which the wheel rotates; and (ii) a steering axis substantially parallel to the first and/or second swivel axes defined by the one or more swivel wheels.

A vehicle according to claim 7 including a means for braking the vehicle thereby to retain it in a substantially stationary condition.

A vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the braking means is a jack associated with at least one of the wheels, thereby to displace such wheel from contact with the surface.

10. A vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the jack is in the form of a prop pivotally connected to one of the bodies or wheels, such that the prop is pivotable between a brake disengaged condition, wherein the prop is spaced from the surface such that the respective wheel remains in contact with the surface, and a brake engaged condition, wherein the prop is in contact with the surface and lifts the associated wheel into a spaced condition relative to the surface.

1 1. A vehicle according to claim 10 including a swivel arm, extending from the respective swivel wheel or body, on which a pulling/pushing force can be applied for operatively steering the swivel wheel about the swivel axis and/or moving the respective bodies relative to one another about the hinged ends of the bodies, wherein the swivel lock is a means for releasably locking the swivel arm relative to the body to which the swivel wheel is connected, thereby to restrict relative swivel movement therebetween.

12. A vehicle according to claim 1 1 , wherein each of the first and second bodies is a container for holding articles therein.

13. A vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the container-like first and second bodies are a pair of primary shells each having a base and sidewalls extending from the base jointly to define an access opening through which articles are receivable in the primary shells, and further wherein the first ends of the primary shells are hingedly connected, while one or both of their respective opposing second ends are: (i) free; or (ii) hingedly connected to one or a series of secondary shells, resembling substantially in form the primary shells; such that the hingedly connected primary and secondary shells jointly form an articulated shell arm, the shells making up each of the articulated shell arms being: in the closed condition, collapsed about their respective hinges such that the base or access opening of one of the shells lies close to or against the base or access opening of an adjacently connected shell; and in the open condition, angularly displaced about their respective hinges thereby to space the base or access opening of one of the shells with the base or access opening of the adjacently connected shell such that the shells extend substantially end-to-end with respect to one another.

14. A vehicle according to claim 13, wherein one or more of the shells further includes a cover connected to at least the base and/or one of the sidewalls of the shell, the cover being movable between a closed condition, wherein the cover is disposed across the access opening of the shell to render the access opening inaccessible, and an open condition, wherein the access opening is at least partially exposed to render access therethrough.

15. A vehicle according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the shells includes a plurality of article support surfaces, cupboards and/or draws for storing and/or displaying the articles.

16. A vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the hinges enable angular displacement of the shells about respective hinge axes, which hinge axes are substantially parallel with the swivel axes defined by the one or more swivel wheels.

17. A vehicle according to claim 16 including at least one support stand mounted to one or more of the bodies, with a free end of the support stand being movable between: (i) an inoperative condition, wherein the free end of the support stand is spaced from the surface; and (ii) an operative condition, wherein the free end of the support stand is in contact with the surface, thereby to support and stabilize the respective body.

18. A vehicle according to claim 17, including a securing lock for releasably securing the first and second bodies in the closed condition.