WO2004075804A1 - Dispositif servant a porter un petit vehicule destine a la livraison du courrier - Google Patents

Dispositif servant a porter un petit vehicule destine a la livraison du courrier Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004075804A1
WO2004075804A1 PCT/US2003/005398 US0305398W WO2004075804A1 WO 2004075804 A1 WO2004075804 A1 WO 2004075804A1 US 0305398 W US0305398 W US 0305398W WO 2004075804 A1 WO2004075804 A1 WO 2004075804A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
storage rack
human transporter
locking
pair
attached
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/005398
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard W. Fraer
Original Assignee
United States Postal Service
Suchy, Brad
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by United States Postal Service, Suchy, Brad filed Critical United States Postal Service
Priority to AU2003217656A priority Critical patent/AU2003217656A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2003/005398 priority patent/WO2004075804A1/fr
Publication of WO2004075804A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004075804A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/12—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles
    • B60P3/122—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles by supporting the whole vehicle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/0209—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles with storage means for unused wheelchair or stretcher
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/06—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles
    • B60P3/07—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles for carrying road vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/04—Carriers associated with vehicle roof
    • B60R9/042—Carriers characterised by means to facilitate loading or unloading of the load, e.g. rollers, tracks, or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D63/00—Motor vehicles or trailers not otherwise provided for
    • B62D63/06—Trailers

Definitions

  • the invention was made by an agency of the United States government or under a contract with an agency of the United States government, the United States Postal Service ("USPS" or "Postal Service”), an independent establishment of the executive branch of the U.S. government.
  • USPS United States Postal Service
  • Postal Service an independent establishment of the executive branch of the U.S. government.
  • the present invention relates to storing and carrying a human transporter device. More particularly the present invention relates to a storage rack for carrying a human transporter device where the storage rack is attached to a vehicle. Further the invention relates to a storage rack for a human transporter that allows the human transporter to be easily loaded and unloaded from the storage rack.
  • USPS mail carriers deliver mail to homes and businesses. Some carriers use a vehicle, referred to in the Postal Service as a Carrier Route Vehicle, to transport mail along their designated route.
  • a vehicle referred to in the Postal Service as a Carrier Route Vehicle
  • a common practice is for a mail carrier to load presorted mail into a satchel and walk to each address along the route while dropping off mail at those addresses.
  • the mail is sorted in a sequence so that the carrier typically walks from the carrier route vehicle and loops around returning to the vehicle while delivering mail.
  • the mail carrier will reload the satchel and repeat the delivery process until the mail for the area surrounding the vehicle has been delivered. This is referred to as a park and loop route.
  • New technology has recently been developed which may allow greater efficiency and flexibility with the park and loop delivery system.
  • a human transporter that can transport humans in areas typically used for pedestrian traffic.
  • the human transporter also can carry its human passenger over uneven terrain.
  • Such a human transporter is generally described as being a self-balancing scooter.
  • the human transporter is motorized so that its human passenger is carried under the energy of the transporter.
  • the human transporter accepts control commands by its human operator so that it can follow curves and changes in direction.
  • SEGWAY also called the SEGWAY human transporter.
  • US Patents have been issued related to the SEGWAY human transporter. These include: No. 6,367,817; No. 6,357,544; No. 6,302,230; and No. 5,971,091. [0005]
  • the use of such a human transporter provides several advantages over the traditional method of walking a park and loop route. In the first instance a human transporter lessens the degree of fatigue experienced by a mail ca ⁇ ier.
  • the human transporter can assist the mail carrier to continue working at a desired speed of delivery.
  • the human transporter allows the mail carrier to increase his or her carrying capacity, thereby increasing the loop size. Carrying capacity can be improved by saddling the mailpouch or satchel on the human transporter. Such an increase in carrying capacity and loop size will require fewer return trips by the mail carrier to the vehicle.
  • the human transporter allows a mail carrier to make diversions from the loop at a quicker and more efficient pace.
  • the use of a human transporter in the park and loop mail delivery system offers increased efficiency to the Postal Service. [0006] Given the efficiencies to be gained through the use of the SEGWAY human transporter, the US Postal Service is purchasing several such devices. Segway human transporters are now in use by the Postal Service.
  • a human transporter such as the SEGWAY device will itself be transported by the mail carrier's carrier route vehicle. In this way the human transporter will accompany the mail carrier as he or she makes various stops for deliveries along a given route.
  • the carrier route vehicle was not previously designed for the function of carrying the SEGWAY human transporter. Thus it is necessary to modify the carrier route vehicle to enable it to transport a SEGWAY human transporter.
  • a SEGWAY human transporter is itself a heavy device; and it is not easily lifted or carried by a human being.
  • the Segway human transporter was listed as weighing 83 lbs.
  • the storage rack should also provide a means whereby a human transporter can be loaded onto and unloaded from the carrier route vehicle.
  • no such storage rack system is available.
  • the loading rack will be affixed to a carrier route vehicle, it would be desired to provide a means to retrofit the carrier route vehicle to easily accept a human transporter storage rack. It would further be advantageous to provide a means for attaching the storage rack to the ca ⁇ ier route vehicle design that is now in use.
  • a human transporter such as the SEGWAY HT is an expensive piece of machinery. It is expected that a human transporter may present an inviting target for thieves. Thus, it is strongly desired that a storage rack ca ⁇ ying an HT into various public locations, on a daily basis, should have some method or means of locking and securing the HT in place.
  • the locking mechanism and storage rack itself should be strong and robust in order to deter attempts at theft.
  • the present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art by providing a human transporter storage rack.
  • the storage rack attaches to a vehicle and may be transported from place to place by the vehicle.
  • the storage rack includes ramps by which a human transporter may be driven from the ground, up the ramps, and on to a base area of the storage rack.
  • the human transporter may also be unloaded from the storage rack by driving the human transporter down the ramps.
  • the storage rack base includes cut aways that firmly hold the human transporter in place during transport. Further, the storage rack ramps lock into place around the center pole of the human transporter so as to provide an additional means to secure the human transporter to the storage rack.
  • the storage rack of the present invention is easily fitted to existing carrier route vehicles of the USPS. Additionally the storage rack is easily adapted for attachment to other kinds of vehicles such as delivery trucks and vans. [0016]
  • the storage rack is designed such that a single human operator can lift the ramp module of the storage rack from an open to a closed position. A single human operator can also open the storage rack by moving the ramp module from a closed or locked position to an open position.
  • the storage rack holds a human transporter securely in place both for transportation and so as to deter theft.
  • the storage rack may be locked in the closed or locked position with either a single or double lock. When locked the storage rack cannot be opened (until unlocked); and therefore the human transporter cargo is secure.
  • the present invention comprises a combination of features, steps, and advantages which enable it to overcome various deficiencies of the prior art.
  • the various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the human transporter storage rack
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the human transporter storage rack showing the ramp module in unloading position.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the human transporter storage rack.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the platform module and vertical support column module.
  • Figure 5 is a close up perspective view of the human transporter storage rack showing the ramp module in stored position and the locking arm in engaged, closed, or locked position.
  • Figure 6 is a close up perspective view of the human transporter storage rack showing the locking arm and locking bar in a disengaged or unlocked position.
  • FIG. 7 is a close up perspective view showing the locking bar used on the vertical support column module.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0027]
  • a SEGWAY-type human transporter is useful for understanding the storage rack for such a device, as it is the storage rack that is the focus of the present invention.
  • the HT rides on 2 wheels which are connected at a given distance.
  • a control bar rises from a position in the center of the wheels.
  • a set of handle bars are affixed to the upper end of the control bar.
  • the HT may include brackets which may be employed for carrying mail bags and/or mail satchels.
  • a step is located between the wheels where a human operator may stand when operating the HT. More information related to the SEGWAY HT is available at www.se.gway.eom.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 show two perspective views of storage rack 10 attached to a vehicle with an HT positioned on storage rack 10.
  • FIG. 1 shows storage rack 10 in the closed or locked position (also refe ⁇ ed to as the engaged position) where tracks 110, 112 are raised in a substantially vertical position. This is the position for transporting an HT as the HT is secured to storage rack 10 in this position.
  • FIG. 2 shows storage rack 10 in the open or unloading position.
  • tracks 110, 112 have been lowered such that in this instance they rest on the ground or some other unloading surface. In this open position the HT may be unloaded or removed from storage rack 10 for service by moving the HT down tracks 110, 112.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a perspective view of storage rack
  • a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of storage rack 10 comprises ramp module 100, vertical support column 200, platform module 300, and attachment means 400.
  • ramp module 100 consists generally of two parallel channels or tracks 110, 112.
  • the tracks may take any configuration satisfactory to provide a support on which the wheels of the HT can travel.
  • the wheels of the HT ride on a surface of tracks 110, 112.
  • tracks 110, 112 are positioned so that the distance between the center lines of each track 110, 112 approximates the distance between the wheels of the human transporter that is to be associated with storage rack 10.
  • tracks 110, 112 comprise extruded aluminum channels.
  • the ramps may be constructed from a variety of strips.
  • the width of an individual track 110, 112 is a width sufficient to provide support for the individual wheels of an HT.
  • individual tracks 110, 112 are between about 4 and about 6 inches in width.
  • individual tracks 110, 112 are further provided with lip 115 running along either length of track 110, 112. Lip 115 acts to keep an HT wheel from running off track 110, 112 when the HT is traveling along the tracks.
  • Ramp module 100 may be provided with cross members 120 to provide structural integrity to the ramp module. While said cross members are shown in the prefe ⁇ ed embodiment, running substantially perpendicular between opposing tracks 110, 112, other configurations are possible. Cross members 120 may run at angles or diagonals between tracks. Preferably cross members 120 are attached to the underside of tracks 110, 112 so as not to impede travel of an HT on the upper surface of tracks 110, 112.
  • Ramp module 100 is secured to platform module at pivot point 130. Pivot
  • pivot point 130 may comprise a hinge.
  • pivot point 130 comprises hinges placed at the end of each track 110, 112.
  • One edge of a hinge is secured to one end of a track 110, 112 and the other edge of a hinge is secured to platform module 300.
  • Pivot 130 allows ramp module 100 to rotate at pivot point 130 while staying secured to platform module 300.
  • Pivot point 130 may also take other embodiments that allow the rotating motion while staying attached such as a dowel, pin, hook, slot, or ball joint.
  • ramp module 100 also includes locking arm 140. Locking arm 140 is secured at one end to ramp module 100.
  • locking arm 140 is secured to ramp module 100 but is free to rotate at ramp module 100.
  • locking arm 140 is preferably secured to cross member 120.
  • a pair of brace plates 160 serves to prevent locking arm 140 from having excessive lateral motion.
  • Brace plates 160 are attached to cross-member 120 in a position that each brace plate is substantially parallel to the other. Brace plates 160 are spaced apart such that locking arm 140 may be positioned between brace plates 160. The space between brace plates 160 generally restricts locking arm 140 to a desired plane of movement.
  • a stop (not shown) on locking arm 140 rests against cross member 130 so as to prevent locking arm 140 from moving beyond a desired point. This is the point of movement that generally co ⁇ esponds to the position of locking arm 140 when in the closed position.
  • locking arm's 140 movement when put in the unlocking position is stopped when locking arm 140 comes to rest against a cross member 120, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • locking arm 140 Referring to FIG. 6 at the opposing end of locking arm 140, locking arm
  • each forked section 170, 172 contains a recess 174.
  • recess 174 of each forked section 170, 172 engages locking pin 230 on center support 210 as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the space defined between forked sections 170, 172 su ⁇ ounds the center pole of the HT.
  • Platform module 300 is shown in FIG. 4.
  • Platform module 300 comprises a framework 310 where an HT is lodged and secured.
  • framework 310 includes runner supports 320 and one or more beams 330.
  • runners 340 may be an integral part of framework 310.
  • Vertical support column 200 is attached to platform module 300.
  • Ramp module 100 is also attached to platform module 300.
  • platform framework 310 is in the shape of an "H" frame with runners 340 affixed to the opposing arms of the "H" frame.
  • platform module 300 includes a pair of runners 340.
  • Runners 340 are similar in cross-dimension to tracks 110, 112 used in ramp module 100 in that both sets of tracks and runners have a similar width. Additionally, in a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment, runners 340 include lip 345 to keep the wheels of an HT on runners 340. It is desirable that runners 340 and ramp module tracks 110, 112 have similar width and be attached in a manner such that runners and tracks align substantially. In this way the HT will have free movement as it transitions from ramp module 100 and onto platform module 300 and vice versa.
  • Runners 340 include cutouts 350. Cutouts 350 are shaped to receive a portion of the wheel on a desired HT. When an HT is positioned on platform module 300 such that its wheels lodge in the space provided by cutouts 350, the HT is held by platform module 300. An HT is further held to storage rack 10 by locking arm 140 and vertical support column 210.
  • Vertical support column 200 shown in FIGs. 3 and 4 is a member extending in substantially orthogonal direction from the plane of platform module 300.
  • pin block 220 At the upper end of vertical support column 200 is pin block 220.
  • Locking pins 230 are located on either side of pin block 220.
  • a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment includes two such pins although an embodiment with one pin is possible.
  • Locking pins 230 are generally cylindrical in shape.
  • locking pins 230 include end cap 231 shown in FIG 6.
  • End cap 231 has a greater diameter than the cylindrical portion of the locking pin body. End cap 231 thus serves to hold forked sections 170, 172 from locking arm 140 in place on locking pins 230.
  • locking pins 230 extend outwardly from pin block, although they may be located within.
  • locking bars 240 are also located on either side of pin block 220.
  • locking bars 240 are also located on either side of pin block 220.
  • locking bars 240 are also located on either side of pin block 220.
  • plunger lock 250 located on at least one locking bar 240 holds the locking bar securely to pin block 220.
  • plunger lock 250 includes a plunger, dowel, or pin that moves inwardly into pin block 220 when in locked position.
  • a receiving hole in pin block 220 receives the locking plunger, pin, or dowel thereby locking locking bar 240 to pin block 220 in a nonmoving position.
  • a pair of locking bars 240 is made to swing in tandem. This is achieved in one embodiment by having rod 280 mounted on pin block 220 such that rod 280 is allowed to rotate in pin block. Locking bars 240 are attached to ends of rod 280. Locking bars 240 may be attached to rod 280 in a manner such that locking bars 240 will swing in tandem. This may be achieved by having locking bars 240 press fitted to rod 280. Alternatively, and preferably, locking bars 240 are attached to rod 280 by means of a dowel where the dowel links locking bars 240 to rod 280 thus ensuring that there is no slippage of locking bars 240 on rod 280 when locking bars swing. FIGs.
  • Locking bar 240 is configured so as to hold locking arm 140 in place when locking bar 240 is in the locked position. Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a view of locking bar 240 with a lap joint recess 260. Lap joint recess 260 defines a lap surface 265. Lap joint recess 260 is configured so that the co ⁇ esponding area of forked sections 170, 172 fits within the area of defined by lap joint recess 260.
  • locking bars 240 can also move into locking position and rest on pins 230.
  • the space defined by lap joint recess 260 allows locking bar 240 to move over forked sections 170, 172.
  • lap surface 265 acts to secure forked sections 170, 172 in place.
  • an attempt to pull up on locking arm 140 would encounter resistance as forked sections 170, 172 are forced against lap surface 265.
  • Further locking bars 240 are held in place against such a force because locking bars 240 are themselves engaged with pins 230.
  • vertical support column 200 of storage rack 10 may include a control bar latch 270.
  • Control bar latch 270 is designed to receive the control bar of an HT when the HT is placed on storage rack 10.
  • Control bar latch 270 is preferably located on the upper end of pin block 220.
  • control bar latch 270 includes arms 272, 274 and closure piece 276. Together arms 272, 274 and closure piece 276 define a space where the HT control bar would fall when the HT is in the stored position.
  • arms 272, 274 and/or closure piece 276 may include an elasticized or rubberized material. Such a material provides a shock resistance that stabilizes the HT control bar when the vehicle is in motion.
  • attachment means 400 may be secured to one of arms 272, 274 thereby firmly enclosing an HT control bar.
  • control bar latch 270 may be locked when in the closed position.
  • attachment means 400 comprises brackets 410, 420 and bumper plates 430, 440. Brackets 410, 420 attach to platform frame 300. Bumper plates 430, 440 attach to brackets 410, 420.
  • the storage rack 10 is affixed to a vehicle when bumper plates 430, 440 are secured to an appropriate portion of a vehicle, such as the rear bumper of the vehicle.
  • Bumper plates 430, 440 in the prefe ⁇ ed embodiment are substantially planar as this is the kind of mating surface to which it is attached on the intended USPS vehicle. Bumper plates 430, 440 may take an alternative shape such as curved or angular in order to properly mate with other kinds of surfaces. While the above configuration is appropriate for one intended vehicle, a carrier route vehicle of the US Postal Service, it may not be appropriate for other kinds of vehicles. Nevertheless there are alternative methods of attaching structures such as a storage rack to the rear of a vehicle, including clamps, tensioners, and hitches. These alternative forms of attachment are also attachment means 400 in the present invention.
  • ramp module 100 opens to the unloading position by swinging to the right hand side of the vehicle to which storage rack 10 is attached. In this manner the human transporter can be offloaded down tracks 110, 112 in a direction that is away from traffic, assuming that the vehicle is parked on the right hand side of a road.
  • ramp module 100 may open in other directions including to the rear of the vehicle or to the left of the vehicle.
  • Storage rack 10 may be constructed of several suitable materials.
  • storage rack 10 is made substantially of extruded aluminum. Reasons for making this material selection include strength, ease of handling, co ⁇ osion properties, cost, and availability. Certain specific parts such as locking mechanisms are preferably fabricated from stainless steel. Attachment means 400 may also be constructed from steel for added strength. Storage rack 10 may be constructed of other materials that provide the needed strength to cany a human transporter. Acceptable materials include wood, plastics, metal, and metal alloys.
  • the individual pieces that assemble storage rack 10 may be joined by any of several methods.
  • Prefe ⁇ ed connectors include bolts, screws, rivets, pins, and welds. Other methods are know to persons skilled in the art and are included in the scope of the invention.
  • an HT is loaded onto storage rack 10 in the following manner.
  • Ramp module 100 is first opened into the unloading position.
  • the act of opening ramp module 100 comprises disengaging ramp module 100 from the locked position, if so locked.
  • the act of unlocking may necessitate unlocking plunger lock 250, pulling back locking bar 240 off pin 230 so as to allow forked sections 170, 172 to be lifted off pin 230.
  • Ramp module 100 may then be moved at pivot 130 until lowered so that the unattached end of tracks 110, 112 rest on the ground or other desired object.
  • the HT is positioned so that its wheels align with tracks 110, 112.
  • the HT may be pushed, or driven under its own power, so as to ascend tracks 110, 112 until reaching platform module 300.
  • the HT will pass from tracks 110, 112 to runners 340.
  • the HT is further driven forward over runners 340, manually or self-powered, until each wheel of the HT falls into cutouts 350 provided in runners 340.
  • Each pair of tracks 110, 112, runners 340, and cut outs 350 are spaced apart so as to match the spacing between the wheels of the desired model of HT.
  • the wheels of the HT fit on the pairs of tracks 110, 112, runners 340, and cutouts 350.
  • ramp module 100 may be raised to the upright position, also a closed, locked, or engaged position. This is done by pivoting ramp module 100 at pivot point 130 until raised to a closed position.
  • a prefe ⁇ ed feature of locking bar 140, attached to ramp module 100, is the ease with which it can be made to engage locking pins 230. Locking bar 140 rotates where it is attached to ramp module 100; and consequently, as ramp module 100 is raised, locking bar 140 tends to fall. However, a stop (not shown) that is preferably an integral part of locking bar 140 prevents locking bar 140 from falling below a certain desired point.
  • This stopping point is selected so that locking arm 140 falls by gravity and is then held in a position such that forked sections 170, 172 easily engage pins 230.
  • forked sections 170, 172 of locking bar 140 gradually move toward pin block 220.
  • forked sections 170, 172 approach pin block 220 they encounter locking bars 240.
  • hanging freely locking bars 240 are in a generally vertical position such that locking bar recesses are over pins 230.
  • forked sections 170, 172 move toward pin block 220 the tip of forked sections 170, 172 push on co ⁇ esponding locking bars 240.
  • ramp module 100 is held in place and cannot, for example, fall back to the ground unexpectedly. In effect the human operator's single action of raising ramp module 100 completes the engaging movement. To complete the desired locking and securing of the HT, the human operator now can engage plunger lock 250. [0053] At various points in this specification, it has been stated that the HT is driven, moved, transported, or passed onto the storage rack or off the storage rack. In such an operation, it is strongly prefe ⁇ ed that the human operator not ride the HT itself onto or off the storage rack. It is prefe ⁇ ed instead that the human operator control the HT from another position, such as standing on the ground while adjacent to the HT with hands controlling the HT. This preference exists for safety reasons. However, any operation, regardless of the human operator's position on or off the HT (riding or not riding) is deemed within the meaning of the specification where it calls for a driving, moving, transporting, or passing of the HT onto or off the storage rack.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (10) pouvant charger, fixer et décharger un petit véhicule de transport, tel qu'un SEGWAY HT. Ce dispositif de portage est fixé à un véhicule, tel qu'un véhicule postal. Ce dernier peut ainsi transporter un petit véhicule de livraison utilisable par le facteur et fixé lui-même au dispositif de portage. Celui-ci comprend une rampe (100). Le petit véhicule de livraison peut être chargé sur le dispositif de portage sous sa propre énergie par déplacement de la rampe vers le haut et déchargé également sous l'effet de sa propre énergie par déplacement de la rampe vers le bas. La rampe est fixée au dispositif de portage en position verticale quant le véhicule postal se déplace.
PCT/US2003/005398 2003-02-21 2003-02-21 Dispositif servant a porter un petit vehicule destine a la livraison du courrier WO2004075804A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003217656A AU2003217656A1 (en) 2003-02-21 2003-02-21 Storage rack for human transporter
PCT/US2003/005398 WO2004075804A1 (fr) 2003-02-21 2003-02-21 Dispositif servant a porter un petit vehicule destine a la livraison du courrier

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2003/005398 WO2004075804A1 (fr) 2003-02-21 2003-02-21 Dispositif servant a porter un petit vehicule destine a la livraison du courrier

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Cited By (1)

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US7341417B1 (en) * 2004-10-07 2008-03-11 Saris Cycling Group, Inc. Vehicle-mounted carrier for a personal transporter

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US3834565A (en) * 1971-07-22 1974-09-10 Goodman R Co Hydraulic loading ramp
US3896946A (en) * 1972-10-02 1975-07-29 Robert W Forsyth Transportation apparatus
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AU2003217656A1 (en) 2004-09-17

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