Freight accommodation on freight carrier – Particular article accommodation – Wheeled vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-15
2001-05-15
Gordon, Stephen T. (Department: 3612)
Freight accommodation on freight carrier
Particular article accommodation
Wheeled vehicle
C410S007000, C410S008000, C410S019000, C296S065040
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231283
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a mechanism for anchoring a wheeled vehicle such as a small electrically driven three-wheeled “scooter,” and more particularly to an apparatus which can be used to anchor a vehicle by maneuvering the vehicle into a desired position on and over a baseplate and, thereafter, actuating a power system to draw left and right clamping assemblies into engagement with the outside surfaces of one or more wheels of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many persons with limited ambulatory capabilities dramatically increase their range of motion and personal convenience through the use of small electrically driven three-wheeled vehicles known as “scooters.” The typical scooter comprises a frame carrying a passenger seat, a steering bar attached to a dirigible front wheel and a pair of spaced-apart, coaxial rear wheels. The dirigible front wheel is typically the driven wheel and is at least partially shrouded by the drive mechanism.
It is common to load the scooter into a larger transport vehicle such as a van which is equipped with an hydraulic lift. After loading the scooter into the transport vehicle, it is highly desirable to provide an apparatus for anchoring and restraining movement of the scooter in three dimensional space during subsequent operation of the transport vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus by which it is possible to simply and easily anchor and restrain the movement of a wheeled vehicle such as a scooter by maneuvering one or more wheels of the vehicle onto a base and thereafter causing a pair of oppositely disposed wheel clamp assemblies to travel toward one another into clamping relationship with one or more wheels of the vehicle and to hold the vehicle in place for as long as is desirable.
In general this is accomplished by providing an apparatus having, in the preferred form, a simple baseplate providing slideways for a pair of left and right wheel clamp assemblies, each of which comprises a carrier assembly slidably mounted on the baseplate for linear translation thereover. A power means, preferably in the form of a variable length cable loop, is operable to pull the left and right wheel clamp assemblies toward one another against the resilient restraint of springs or the like, until the wheel clamp assemblies are in clamping engagement with the outside surfaces of, for example, the spaced rear wheels of a three-wheeled scooter. By means of a simple toggle circuit the motor can be reversed to open the clamping assemblies and permit the vehicle to be removed.
A feature of the invention is that it does not require the vehicle to be centered or otherwise precisely located between the clamping assemblies. This is achieved by means of the aforementioned cable loop wherein the cable is anchored at both ends to one of the carrier assemblies and passes over a simple pulley on the other of the carrier assemblies such that shortening the length of the cable can produce either simultaneous movement of both carriers or, if one of the carriers is stalled against a wheel surface, independent movement of the other carrier until both carriers are in clamping engagement with a wheel surface.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of a positive locator for the restrained vehicle wheel or wheels. In general this is accomplished by and through the combination of a hat-section baseplate, the parallel outer portions of which provide wheel clamp slideways and the recessed center portion of which provides a well into which the rear wheels, for example, of a scooter vehicle can rest to indicate that the scooter is in the proper location to be clamped. This function can be enhanced through the provision of small adjustable bumpers attached to one side of the baseplate.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of an emergency release which allows a restrained vehicle to be removed from the restrained apparatus in the event of a power or circuit failure in the restraining apparatus. In general, this is accomplished by means of a simple mechanical arrangement which detaches the cable loop from one end and permits the springs which resiliently urge the carrier assemblies to the outboard positions to release the restrained vehicle.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of means for overall adjustability in effective width such that vehicles of various dimensions can be accommodated in a single apparatus. In the preferred form, this is accomplished by providing both fixed and variable position stop plates on the baseplate, the stop plates serving not only to provide positive stops for the outward movement of the carrier assemblies, but also to provide locations for spring anchors which mechanically pull the carrier assemblies toward the open position.
These and other features and advantages of the invention are provided in a simple, easily installed and easily operated apparatus which can, for example, be secured to the floor of a van or any other suitable foundation, the details of which are hereinafter described and shown in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1780277 (1930-11-01), Seeley et al.
patent: 4973022 (1990-11-01), Mayland
patent: 5037255 (1991-08-01), Bullock et al.
patent: 5173018 (1992-12-01), Kissel et al.
patent: 5186585 (1993-02-01), Sousa et al.
patent: 5388937 (1995-02-01), Farsai
patent: 5713704 (1998-02-01), Pommier et al.
patent: 5795115 (1998-08-01), Collins
patent: 6000255 (1999-12-01), Lester
patent: 918330 (1963-02-01), None
Gordon Stephen T.
Young & Basile
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