GB2482476A

GB2482476A - Rolling container for flowable substances

Info

Publication number: GB2482476A
Application number: GB1012910.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ran Livyatan; Pablo Ocampo; Michael Levi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-02
Filing date: 2010-08-02
Publication date: 2012-02-08
Also published as: GB201012910D0

Abstract

An apparatus useable for in-person carrying of flowable substances is provided. The apparatus includes: a container 100 having a round cross section; two shafts 120a/b affixed each onto an outer surface of the container, wherein the shafts are located along a common axis, wherein the common axis is perpendicular to the round cross section; and a rein 130 having two ends each configured to accommodate a respective shaft, wherein the container comprises at least two inlets 140a/b configured for inletting and outletting flowable substances to and from the container respectively, wherein the container is configured to roll around the common axis when the reins are pulled. The inlets may be retractable into the container, and the container may be spherical, cylindrical and may be deflatable.

Description

ROLLING CONTAINER CONFIGURED FOR PEDESTRIAN CARRYING OF

FLOWABLE SUBSTANCES

BACKGROUND

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to containers for personal use and more particularly, to such containers exhibiting high traversability level.

2. DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART [0002] Carrying heavy goods in-person, from one place to another has a variety of solutions in the existing art. A healthy human being may carry approximately 15Kg packed ergonomically as a back pack. Higher weights usually necessitate a wheeled container such as a suitcase or carry bag. However, wheeled containers are usually designed for very smooth and even surfaces such as the floor in airports, train stations and the like.

[0003] Flowable substances and goods such as fluids and grains are still being carried in-person around the world, especially in developing countries by hand or on the back.

Thus, the amounts of goods to be carried are limited. It would be therefore advantageous to provide a manner to carry higher amounts of good over uneven grounds such as outdoor foot paths, agricultural fields and the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus that includes a container having a round cross section; two shafts affixed each onto an outer surface of the container, wherein the shafts are located along a common axis, wherein the common axis is perpendicular to the round cross section; and a rein having two ends each configured to accommodate a respective shaft, wherein the container comprises at least two inlets configured for inletting and outletting flowable substances to and from the container respectively, wherein the container is configured to roll around the common axis when the reins is pulled, and wherein the apparatus is useable for in-person carrying of the flowable substances in the container.

[0005] These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate conesponding elements or sections throughout.

[0007] In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an aspect of the apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of the apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an aspect of the apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a cross section illustrating an aspect of the apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a cross section diagram illustrating an aspect relating to some embodiments of the invention.

The drawings together with the following detailed description make apparent to those skilled in the art, how the invention may be embodied in practice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus 100 useable for in-person carrying of flowable substances. Apparatus 100 may be pulled by a human user over any type of ground, including rough and uneven surfaces. Apparatus 100 may include: a container 110 having a round cross section. On the outer surface of container two shafts 120A and 120B (not shown) are affixed. These shafts, slightly protruding from the surface of the container may be shaped as round rods and are located along a common axis running through container 110. Consistent with one embodiment of the invention, the common axis is perpendicular to the round cross section such that container 110 may roll over a surface while shafts 120A and 120B are parallel to the ground. Apparatus 100 may further include a rein 130 having two ends 132A and 132B each configured to accommodate shafts 120A and 120B respectively. In addition, container 110 may further include at least two inlets 140A-C configured for inletting and outletting flowable substances to and from container 110 respectively.

[0009] In operation, container 110 is filled with any flowable substance such as fluids or grains through rein 130 is pulled over by human user 10 such that container 110 is forced to roll over the ground around the common axis. The aforementioned structure contributes to an increase level of traversability by which the human user may carry large amounts of goods over long distances.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect consistent with an embodiment of the invention. Rein 130 is shown as a strip of a flexible material. The rein ends 132A and 132B may include each a hole shaped as an asymmetric figure "8" having a smaller and a larger rounds slightly overlapping in which the larger round is configured to enable mounting of shafts 120 (not shown).

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an aspect of the apparatus consistent with an embodiment of the invention. Apparatus 100 is shown here with the container shaped as a ball (it is understood that other shapes are possible such as: cylinders, ellipsoids, tyre-like containers and the like). It is easily shown that the main features in which the shafts are parallel to the ground and generally perpendicular to a round cross section of the container are maintained in this embodiment. Consistent with embodiment of the invention, any container having a round cross section may fit for the apparatus, such as a tyre-shaped container, as long as the shafts are along a common axis that is generally perpendicular to the round cross section.

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross section illustrating an aspect of a method consistent with an embodiment of the invention. A shaft, 122 is shown in a cross section along the shaft.

Circular grove is easily shown as 124. Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, shaft 122 may be affixed to surface of the container 110 using coupler to such container. The coupling means may be in the form of cold welding or any type of glue. The hole in the rein end (as shown above in Figure 2) 132 is shaped to accommodate circular grove 124 to form a rotatable shaft around which container 110 rolls.

[0013] Figure 5 is a cross section diagram illustrating an aspect relating to some embodiments of the invention. Container 110 is shown together with inlets 140A-C.

Consistent with some embodiments, the inlets may be protruding from the surface of the container or alternatively, the inlets may be inserted, after use, into the surface of container 110 such that a smooth surface of container 110 is maintained. Consistent with some embodiments, inlets 140A-C may be configured for either inletting or outletting of fluids or grains and/or air. They may also be used to deflate container 110 In order to reduce the volume of apparatus 100 in a storage configuration. Container may be made from a flexible material, strong enough to maintain the amount of goods therein.

[0014] The inventors have found out, during experimentations, that a combination of container 110 having diameter of 40cm and reins 130 having a length of 2m may be optimal for an average human user, taking into consideration cost effective constraints.

It is understood however, that these figures are merely examples and may be changed in order to fit a specific design.

[0015] Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, the container is spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoid and the like.

[0016] Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, the reins may be detachable. Additionally, the reins has a length selected such that it minimizes a tendency of the container to roll sideways when the apparatus is pulled by the reins.

[0017] Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, the inlets are retractable into the container.

[0018] Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, the container is arranged for carrying fluids or grains and wherein the inlets are shaped to enable flow of fluids and grains.

[0019] Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, the container has a center of gravity along a plane perpendicular to the shafts defining a rolling axis and equally spaces between the shafts such that rolling sideways of the container is minimized. The reins are detachable and wherein with the reins detached, the container is arranged to roll along its center of gravity.

[0020] Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, the container is deflatable using the inlets. It is thus can be stored in a deflated position.

[0021] Consistent with some embodiments of the invention, the inlets are located on the container such that inletting and outletting flowable materials is enabled at any orientation of the container.

[0022] Iii the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment", "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.

[0023] Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0024] Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment, one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

[0025] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

[0026] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples.

[0027] It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention.

[0028] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be canied out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0029] It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0030] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

[0031] The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

[0032] Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

[0033] While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for in-person canying of flowable substances comprising: a container having a round cross section; two shafts affixed each onto an outer surface of the container, wherein the shafts are located allong a common axis, wherein the common axis is perpendicullar to the round cross section; and a rein having two ends each configured to accommodate a respective shaft, wherein the container comprises at least two inlets configured for inletting and outletting flowable substances to and from the container respectively, and wherein the apparatus is useable for in-person carrying of the flowable substances in the container.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is spherical.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is cylindrical.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reins is detachable.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reins has a length selected such that it minimizes a tendency of the container to roll sideways when the apparatus is pulled by the reins.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlets are retractable into the container.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is ananged for canying fluids or grains and wherein the inlets are shaped to enable flow of fluids and grains.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container has a center of gravity along a plane perpendicular to the shafts defining a rolling axis and equally spaces between the shafts such that rolling sideways of the container is minimized.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the reins are detachable and wherein with the reins detached, the container is arranged to roll along its center of gravity.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container's radius is between 35cm to 60cm and wherein the reins' length is between 150cm to 220 cm.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shafts are connected to the container via at least one of: cold welding, hot welding, and gluing.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reins is elastic.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is deflatable using the inlets.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlets are located on the container such that inletting and outletting flowable materials is enable at any orientation of the container.