AU2003255228A1 - Mal pal - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

SPECIFICATION

PATENT APPLICATION STANDARD THE INVENTION

BEING

A WHEELED VEHICLE WITH ADAPTABLE APPLICATIONS FOR MOVING MATERIALS, LONG LOADS AND CARGO The following statement is a preliminary description of this invention, including examples of the best methods of operating the invention known to me: 23/10 '03 THU 17:49 FAX 61 2 49743193 CHARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP THE NEED FOR THE INVENTION Transporting and maneuvering long loads or weighty cargo by oneself can be difficult, :time consuming and dangerous.

Equipment such as wheelbarrows, hand trucks, carts and buggies are 'ot fully capable of tte task or are limited in the variety of their applications.

The majority are purposely built to suit particular applications, making them restrictive in their adaptability to other applications o they are heavy, bulky and need to be operated in a way that makes them impractical for movirg long narrow loads and cargo on job sites, awkwird terrain, confined passages, tracks and pathways, as well as, restrictive in their capacity to secure and move long narrow loads and cargo.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 TIHUT 17:49 FAX 61 2 49743193 CHARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP 1005 2 SLOSSARY OF TERMS AND DEFINITIONS NOTE:- There are t.erms and words used in this description that specifically relate to the invention, for example the word "invention these words and terms will be denoted with an To reduce clut-:e in the text the relative words and terms will be identified by an only the first time that they occur on each page.

arm/arms rail like extensions that secure the load by forming the sides of the load cradle Refer page 9.

cargo see 'lo.d' coupling a fittirg used to enable the invention to be attached to aid propelled by non-human means. Refer page 6 harness a webbi.g unit worn by the operator and is attached Lo the inventi:n to enhance the operator's ability to propel the unit. Rfer page 6.

invention -a universal description of all the respective components and design options assembled in their intended operating form.

load any three dimensional form that can be adequately acconodated by the invention in its intended form.

load cradle the volume of space contained between the arms and the slings. This space contains the load when the invention is in operational form.

pivot joint a uni: that dampens and restricts sideways movements.

Refer page 6.

plane of movement any surface that the invention is required to nsgotiate.

short load tray a platform that forms a rigid base between the slings.

RFfer page 6.

slings fittings sLtug between arms used to suppor underside of the load and fora the base of the load cradle. Refer page strap/strapping lashing used to secure the load into the load cradle.

Refer page 11.

strap/sling housings; points where straps and slings are secured to the invention's structure.

wheel any rotatabJe shape or design. Refer page 7.

wheel assembly grcup description of wheel, axle and wheel frame.

wheel frame assemuly to house axle and wheel. Top of frame is also the fixing point for the next component i.e. the arms or a pivot joint. Refer page 8.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THU 17:49 FAX 61 2 49743193 CHARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP Z006 3 SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention* addresses the problem in that it is lightweight, maneuverable, port.ble and adaptive in its applications.

The invention can be partially dismantled.

The invention can te wholly dismantled.

The invention can :he collapsed into a compact form with the individuacomponents remaining in their assembly position.

The invention alloas for solo operation of loads* that would have been previously logistically impractical when using other machines by oneself.

The load being transported can be secured.

The invention inco:rporates the load as part of itself.

The invention can b. customised to specific job and user requirements..

The invention can transported by animal(s) or machine(s), or individual(s), be t:iey men, woman and children of any height and size.

The invention can b. replicated in a variety of sizes and scales.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THU 17:50 FAX 61 2 49743193 _CHARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP 11007 4 SU.MMRY OF OPERATION OF THE INVENTION A load cradle* is fcrmed by the two upward rising ars*embracing the Outsides of the load* whilst slings* linked between the arms support the under side of the load.

The arms rise up f no a wheel asse bly*, with associated interpretive! mechanics (they beLn; an wheel frame*, axlek wheel*).

The arms cross the sides of the load at angles ranging from 1 to degrees above the horizontal.

The load transported in a load cradle is embraced by the arms.

At the same time the load is supported on its underside by the slings! slung between the erms underneath the load.

The load is then strapped between and to the arms to provide a rigid melding of load an". invention.

The wheel engages the plane of movement*.

An individual(s) i;s able to transport, steer and maneuver the load by: wrapping one or two cf their upper limbs around the load and/or arms (this would be enacted at the end of the anurs furthest from the wheel assembly), depending on suitability, and pushing or pulling in the desired direction.

hen not in use the invention* can be stored or transported in several compact forms.

The invention can be completely broken down into its various componentS.

The invention can E:.s be partially broken down.

The invention can a*so be compacted by the incorporation of a telescopic section on the latter half of the arms.

The invention can be hinged at numerous locations on the invention. The hinges wonid allow ;ections of the invention to be folded onto itself .br the adjoining component.

The invention could be fitted with any combination of the above compaction features or alternatively the invention's components could be constructed in a static and rigid form when assembled together.

Loading cargo* onto the invention could be achieved by several means.

The invention could be loaded from above or from the sides. The invention can be manipulated onto the cargo. The cargo can be COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THUt 17:50 FAX 01 2 49743193 H LETW RTALSO OO QUOLLSTOWN RETAIL SHOP 16008 manipulated onto the invention. The preferred loading technique would be determined by the wti~ht and dimensions off the cargo.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by 1P Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THU 17:50 FAX 61 2 49743193 CBARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP Q009 6 s give urther isght into the invention's* adaptive qualities some Possible accessories may include:- A HARNESS* To aid in thg taling of the load a harness* can be worn by the operator and atta.:hed by a line to the invention. This allows the operator to draw -he load via the harness. This will allow the operator's embracing arm a greater freedom to Concentrate on supportfn and steering the !Dad. This will aid when dealing with heavy loads or! when transporting the load over a long distance.

A COUPLING* This could be fi:tad to the carry end of the arms*. This coupling cn then be used as a lhaadle or it can be attached to a machine or pack animal which would taen be able to propel the invention and the load.

A SHORT LOAD TRAY* Loads shorter than the load cradle* (ie: a load that is unable to be embray b etween they b.y te operator) can be transported by placing a tray between the slings*. The ends ot the tray secure to the slings and/or to to arms. The tray then becomes the platform for the load t sit n. Loads woul include items uch as bricks, blocks, eakies and PIVOT JOINT* Because of the Probability that individuals will operate the inventio from the Side of tha load* some uses may be better suited to having a pivot joint that woild located located between the wheel and the arm t (at assemblage pinta 6,7,8, on diagram 4) to allow upright transportation of rte load by absorbing, counteracting and lessening the effects of tilting ni sideways movements under load and operational forces. The pivot Joiat could also aid in the maneuvering and steering: of the invention. The pivot joint may be a separate component or be fcomed when the top o. the wheel frame* and the bottom of the arm plate* come together, In this instance each component would have its half of the pivot joint molded into the conon edges.

MATERIALS- metal, plastic.

Use of the above examples of accessories would require little or no modification to the invention.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THU 17:50 FAX 61 2 49743193 CHALES~TOWN RETAIL SHOP 1010 7 COMPONENT

BREAKDOWN

THE WHEEL* (diagi-iu 4; item 1) The wheel itselZ raY be constructed of any material with the hardiness andctor suitch asbility t :he intended siurpose. The purpose may involve many actors such as ty ofrain, load size, load weight, accessibility and the lift capacity of c:arrier. The wheel will come fitted with the appropriate ale fori the wheel in terms of specifications and construction matedial. The invention* could be equipped with a standard or custfromised whesl which could be inter-changeable. The axle can b6 removed from the 'heel to enable interchanging with other wheels. Thi hubs of the axle faen to a pair of vertical forks which unite above.

the wheel to form a wheel frame. The top of this wheel frame is the fixing point for the next component, that is, the pivot Joint*.

WEEL TYPES- Pne tc, solid, spoked, spherical, roller, ball or combined feature(si of any rotating device.

MATERIALS- The whe.)l's construction material will depend on the wheel type.

Tyres could be rubber or plastic.

Frames and spokes could be made of metal, plastic or a combination of both.

Rollers could be mado of robber, plastic or high density foa. Balls could be madt of leather, plastic or rubber. The ball could be solid, hollow, pnecmatic or bladder filled.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THU 17:51 FAX 61 2 49T43193 CHARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP [moll COMPONENT BREAKDOWN WHEEL FRAME* The wheel* is centrally located on an axle. Each end of the axle is theured to a fork. The forks extend downwards from the junction poin of MATERIALS- metal plastic.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THU 17:51 FAX 61 2 49743193 CHARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP @012 9 COMPONENT

BREAKDOWN

THE ARMS* (diagrart 4; items 9,10) The ars attach via locking pins* to the forks. The arms extend up nd away from the whOee, at the desired angle to tot the sides to the lad Cradle*. The constLcLtion material would need the capacity to supporad the load* and ale: flex with memory when cinched to the load under p p r strapping*. The arms can be retractable, telescopic, collapsible, hiAged or one continuous length. The arms can be pre-formed to the load shape.

The arms are linked together by slings* running between the armsh underneath the load. Strapping secures the load to the arms. Anchor points for the sl:.ngs would be incorporated into the arms design.

Examples of arm design options include:- RETRACTABLE- the 1lading section of the arms would be able to be inserted into hollow base section.

TELESCOPIC- all or asctions of arms would compact telescopically HINGED- hinges at :.nervals along the arms would allow the arms to be folded into a collaipsged form.

MATERIALS- metal, plastic, wood: when using metals the gauge will change daratically between different alloys. Hinges and pins would be made of metal or plastic.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THIT 17:51 FAX 61 2 49743193 CHARLESIQTfN RETAIL SHOP @013 COMPONENT

BREAKDOWN

THE SLINGS* (diagram 4; item 12) Slings attach to ard run between the arms* and act as a base support for the load*. The sli fontorm a load cradle* with the arms. A fastening system incorporate, onto the ends of the slings is used to secure the.

slings to the arms which are manufactured with sling husin e d t o s e the beings can be move ut adjusted for tension and length. Two slings woil required.be the norm but slings canoul be added or subtracted if modification is required. The slings Could be constructed of a durable general purposei material or be made to order. The load weight on the slings helps the arms to come together. This will aid in Securing the load prior to the! strapping process the la prir t the MATERIALS- resilien: material such as rubber, elastic or neoprene or of a fabric material slc as canvass, rope, nylon, shade cloth. Non- resilient materials suich as wood, metal and plastic can be used to construct the sling syif a firm, rigid base is required for the load. The appropriate fastenig system would depend on the material used to construct the sling. Some examples of fastening systems would include velcro, clips, buckles, knotting, hook and eye.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23 23/10 '03 THU 17:51 FAX 61 2 49743193 CHARLESTOWN RETAIL SHOP [014 1) COMPONENT BREAKDOWN THE STRAPPING* (di.gram 4; item 12) The load* Securing strap attaches to housings on the arms*. Possibly the same hous:Lngs Jsed for the slings*, although others can be provideid.

The strap wraps ar'-ur.d both the load and the arms to secure the two into one entity. The strapping could be one single continuous length which.

would run through -he anchor points on the arms. Alternatively two straps one at each er.d of the load, each attached to an arm could secure the load before fastening to each other. A fastening system would fitted to each end of the strapping so as it could be fastened to itself or anchor points on tha arms.

NOTE: The slings alni the strapping or be combined into one continuous may be separate lengths of material length MATERIALS- nylon, r.ope.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00465444 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:56 Date 2003-10-23