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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
A DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2006/075956
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device (1 ) shaped to be connected with an object (9) intended to be moved on the ground, the de- vice (1 ) being shaped for transferring of a pulling force to the object (9) from a being pulling the device.

Inventors:
KARLSSON ANNIE (SE)
Application Number:
PCT/SE2006/000043
Publication Date:
July 20, 2006
Filing Date:
January 12, 2006
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
KARLSSON ANNIE (SE)
International Classes:
A45C13/26; A45F5/10
Foreign References:
US20030006111A12003-01-09
FR2786074A12000-05-26
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Reyier, Ann-mari (Box 128, Västerås, SE)
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Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A device shaped to be connected with an object (9) intended to be moved on the ground, the device (1 ) is shaped for transferring of a pulling force to the object (9) from a being pulling the device, characterized in that the device comprises an elastic member (3) arranged to dampen vibrations and to level out changes in a force, which comes from the movement of the object (9) on the ground and which is transferred to the being through the device (1 ).
2. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the elastic member (3) is elongated and that the device is shaped to be connected with the object in such a way that at least one elongated portion (13a, 13b) of the elastic member (3) is arranged in the direction of the pulling force in order to dampen said vibrations or changes in the force.
3. A device according to any of the previous claims, character ized in that the device (1 ) is shaped so that it easily is detachable from and attachable onto the object (9).
4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that said object (9) comprises a handle (11 ) adapted to be gripped by the being with a hand, wherein the device is adapted to be connected with the handle (11 ) of the object.
5. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the elastic member (3) is elongated, flexible and comprises an elastic material.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that said elongated, flexible, elastic member (3) forms a circle.
7. A device according to claim 4 and 6, characterized in that the circle shaped member (3) is adapted to be connected with the handle of the object by pulling a first end (15) of the circle shaped member around the handle (11 ) and slipping it through an opening formed between the handle (1 1 ) of the object and a loop formed by a second end (17) of the member (3).
8. A device according to any of the claims 27, characterized in. that the device is shaped in such a way that two elongated portions (13a, 13b) of the elastic member are arranged in the direction of the pulling force when connecting the device to the object, wherein the device comprises a distancing member (7) arranged to hold said two elongate portions (13a, 13b) of the elastic member at a smallest distance from each other.
9. A device according to claim 8 and any of the claims 57, characterized in that the distancing member (7) comprises a first end (19) arranged to hold the first elongate portion (13a), a second end (21 ) arranged to hold the second elongate portion (13b), and a hollow space (25) through the distancing member from the first to the second end, wherein said elastic member runs through the hollow space (25).
10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that the distancing member (7) comprises, in each end respectively, a groove (23) shaped to receive and hold each elongated portion of the elastic member, respectively.
11. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the device comprises a handle (5) adapted to be gripped by the being with a hand for achieving said pulling force.
12. A device according to claim 6 and 11 , characterized in that the handle (5) of the device comprises a casing (27) and a substantially cylindrical core (29) arranged inside the casing, wherein said elongated, flexible, elastic member (3) comprises a first and a second end head, which are connected with each other via the handle (5) of the device.
13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the core (29) comprises at least one hollow space (25) having at least a first opening (33) arranged at an end surface of the core, which hollow space is arranged to receive at least one end of the elongated, flexible, elastic member (3).
14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the core comprises a second opening (35) to the hollow space, arranged at the mantel surface on the core, which opening is shaped for allowing passage of a stopping member (37) arranged on said end of the element (3).
15. A device according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the device is adapted to become connected with a suitcase (9) provided with wheels.
Description:
A DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device shaped to be con- nected with an object intended to be moved on the ground. The device is shaped for transferring of a pulling force to the object from a being pulling the device.

PRIOR ART

When moving an object, such as a suitcase, a cart, a wagon, a golf bag, or a sleigh on the ground, vibrations emerges in the object due to the unevenness of the ground. These vibrations are transferred to the being pulling the object. If the object col- lides with an obstacle in its path, such as stones or bumps, changes in the force are created which are transferred to the being via the device. These vibrations and changes in force will in time lead to that the being becomes disturbed and/or weary. Protracted exposure to such vibrations and changes in force may damage tendons and joints, in particular for elders or for previously sick or injured beings.

It is previously known to design devices to facilitate pulling suitcases provided with wheels. One example of such a device is shown in the document US 2002/01 16790 A1 showing a handle, which is attached on an already existing handle of the suitcase, so that the being pulling the suitcase do not need to turn his wrist in order to grip the handle. US 5,878,853, US 6,578,231 B1 , and US 4,696,505 also show such devices intended to be attached on the handle of a suitcase, so that the being pulling the suitcase does not need to turn his wrist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to decrease the stress experienced by a being when the being moves an object on the ground through pulling.

This object is achieved with a device according to claim 1. The elastic member thus dampens the vibrations and the changes in force, which emerge during the pulling, which decreases the stress on the being. By the device decreasing vibrations and changes in force, which emerges during the movement of the object on the ground and which are transferred to the being, the being becomes less disturbed, less annoyed and thus may have the strength to pull the object during a longer time. Furthermore the risk for wear injuries decreases since the being is exposed to less vibrations and changes in force during the time, in which the being pulls the object. In the device being arranged between the being and the object instead of, for example, between the object and the ground, the device does not need to carry the weight of the object, which make a higher elasticity or softer dampening possible to use for the elastic member, so that vibrations are dampened more efficiently.

An elastic member may for example comprise a spring member, such as a spiral spring, or a member shaped in an elastic material. The elastic member absorbs vibrational energy by deforming the elastic member and storing the energy as potential en- ergy. The elastic member may in this way level out changes in the force created during the movement of the object.

According to one embodiment the elastic member is elongate and the device is shaped to be connected with an object in such a way that at least one elongated portion of the elastic member is arranged in the direction of the pulling force in order to

dampen said vibrations or changes in force. Thus a long portion is obtained, in which length direction the elastic member is deformed. Thus the elastic member is more suited for absorbing larger vibrations and changes in force. Advantageously the elongated portion transfers at least some of said pulling force in the form of a linear force in the length direction of the portion.

According to one embodiment the device is shaped so that it easily is detachable from and attachable onto the object. Thus the same device may be used for different objects at different occasions. Further, the device may be stored and transported separately from the object during those occasions when the device is not used.

According to one embodiment the elastic member is elongated, flexible and comprises an elastic material. Such a flexible, elongated member is simple to use in different situations and for different kinds of objects. The elongated, flexible, elastic member may be tied or twisted around an item and may also be folded or winded without obstacles. Furthermore the risk for pinching during use is decreased. Also, the being's experience of the changes in the height of the object is decreased, since the flexible elastic member is soft and allows that the point of connection of the device with the being substantially occupies the same height irrespective of the height of the object. Thus better ergonomics is achieved for the being pulling the object. Advantageously the elongated, flexible elastic member is also arranged to form a circle. Such a circle is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

According to one embodiment the circle shaped member is adapted to be connected with the handle of the object by pulling a first and of the circle shaped member around the handle and slipping it through an opening formed between the handle of the object and a loop formed by a second end of the member. Thus the device may easily be connected to handles of different size.

According to one embodiment the device is shaped in such a way that two elongated portions of the elastic member are arranged in the direction of the pulling force when connecting the device with the object. By the device comprising two such dampening portions the dampening becomes more efficient and smoother. Preferably said portions are also shaped to transfer said pulling force from the being to the object. Preferably the portions are arranged separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the pulling force. Hence, two points of action are obtained for the pulling force, wherein it is possible to also transfer a torque to the object. Thus it is much easier to control the movement of the object. According to one embodiment the device also comprises a distancing member ar- ranged to hold said two elongated portions of the elastic member at a smallest distance from each other. Thus it is ensured that the two elongated, elastic portions do not glide together, ensuring that the torque can be transferred and can facilitate the guiding.

According to one embodiment the distancing member comprises a first end arranged to hold the first elongated portion, and a second end arranged to hold the second elongated portion. Furthermore the distancing member is shaped so that the length of said elongated portions is adjustable. Thus the dampening ability and elasticity of the device is also adjustable and adaptable, for example, depending on the weight of the object and/or on the ground. Advantageously the distancing member comprises a hollow space through the distancing member from the first to the second end, wherein said elastic member runs through the hollow space. Thus the distancing member is in a simple way connected with the elastic member. In one embodiment the distancing member is arranged to run along the elastic member, wherein the position of the distancing member on the elastic member is adjustable.

According to one embodiment the distancing member comprises, in each end respectively, a groove shaped to receive and hold each of the elongated portions of the elastic member, respectively. Thus the elastic member is held fast in said groves when the device is connected with the object, wherein the device is securely attached onto the object.

According to one embodiment said device comprises a handle adapted to be gripped by the being for achieving said pulling force. Advantageously the handle of the device comprises a casing and a substantially cylindrical core arranged inside the casing. Advantageously said elongated, flexible elastic member comprises a first and a second end head, which are connected with each other via the handle of the device. Thus the elastic member forms a circle together with the handle of the device.

According to one embodiment said core comprises a hollow space having at least a first opening arranged on an end surface of the core, which hollow space is arranged to receive at least one end head of the elongated, flexible, elastic member. Thus the end heads of the elastic member are arranged and secured inside the handle. Advantageously the core comprises a second opening to the hollow space arranged on the mantle surface of the core, which opening is shaped to allow passage of a stop- ping member arranged on said end head of the elastic member. The stopping member is shaped with a size larger than the diameter of the hollow space, wherein the end heads of the elastic member are secured inside the handle with the help of the stopping member.

According to one preferred embodiment the device is adapted to be connected with a bag provided with wheels, preferably a suitcase. A suitcase is often packed heavily and has small wheels generating a lot of vibrations already for small unevenness. Fur- thermore, older people often pull suitcases as well. Thus the device is well suited for being connected with a suitcase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 a-c show one embodiment of the device adapted to be connected with a suitcase provided with wheels.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a handle of the device in fig.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In fig. 1 a device 1 is shown shaped to be connected with an object intended to be moved on the ground. The device comprises an elastic member 3 which, when the device 1 is connected with the object, is arranged to dampen vibrations and to level out changes in force emerging from the movement of the object on the ground and being transferred to the being via the device. In this example the elastic member 3 comprises an elastic material and is elongated and flexible. The elastic member may, for example, be formed by an elastic line, an elastic wire, a rope, or a cord. The elastic material is in this example natural rubber plaited with nylon. Furthermore the elastic member is elastic along its entire length.

The device further comprises a handle 5 adapted to be gripped by a being with a hand. The device also comprises a distancing plate 7, the function of which will be described later. The elastic member 3 is further adapted to form a circle. The handle 5 of the device is connected with the circle shaped, elastic member 3 in a first end of the circle shaped elastic member 3 and the dis- tancing member 7 is connected with the second end of the circle shaped, elastic member 3.

The device 1 is shaped in such a way that it easily is detachable from and attachable onto the object. In this case the device 1 is adapted to be connected with an object 9 comprising a handle

11. Advantageously the device 1 is adapted to be connected

with an object shaped for storing items and for movement on the ground, for example a wagon or a sleigh. In this example the device 1 is adapted to be connected with a suitcase 9.

In fig.1 b it is shown how the device 1 is attached onto a handle 11 of a suitcase 9. In a first step the second end of the circle shaped, elastic member 3 of the device 1 , which end is connected with the distancing plate 7, is slipped through the opening between the suitcase 9 and the handle 11 of the suitcase. The distancing member 7, together with the second end of the elastic member 3, thus forms a loop together with the handle 1 1 defining yet another opening. In a second step the first end of the elastic member 3, which end is connected with the handle 5, is slipped through the opening between the handle 11 of the suitcase and the loop. Then the device is tightened by pulling in the handle 5, which is indicated with arrows in fig. 1 b, wherein the device 1 is attached onto the handle, which is shown in fig. 1 c. The elastic member 3 is thus secured onto the handle 9 by the second end of the elastic member 3 strapping the middle part of the member 3 against the handle 1 1.

The handle 5 of the device may therefore be used to transfer a pulling force to the suitcase 9. The elastic member 3 of the device 1 dampens vibrations and levels out changes in force emerging from the movement of the object on the ground and which are transferred to the being via the device. Thus the risk for wear injuries and exhaustion for the being pulling the object is decreased. Such changes in force may for example be created if the object is moved over a small stone or a bump. During the pulling of the object up on the stone a higher force is demanded and during the downward ride from the stone a smaller force is demanded. By the help of the device the pulling force experienced by the being is increased and decreased slower than if the object had been pulled without the device. Further- more, vibrations generated due to the unevenness of the ground are dampened.

In fig. 1 c it is further shown that the device 1 is shaped to be connected with the object 9 so that at least an elongated portion 13 of the elastic member 3 is arranged in the direction of the pulling force in order to dampen said vibrations or changes in force. In this example two such portions 13 are arranged in the direction of the pulling force. The elastic portion dampens vibrations and changes in force by the portion elastically absorbing and yielding the energy coming from the vibrations and changes in force. The portion absorbs the energy by temporarily storing it as potential energy in the elastic material. The portions 13 are further shaped to transfer said pulling force from the being to the object, in this case the suitcase 9.

The device 1 is shaped so that the elasticity of the elastic member 3 in said elastic portions is less than 7% of elongation/kg, preferably less than 5%/kg and most preferably less than 3%/kg. In this example the device 1 is further shaped so that the length of the elongated portions 13 when they are not deformed is maximally 10 cm, preferably maximally 7 cm and most preferably maximally 5 cm. Thus it is avoided that the elastic member 3 slackens. Furthermore the device 1 is shaped so that the length and elasticity of the elongated portions 13 are such that the maximum length elongation of the portions 13 is 3 cm. Accord- ing to a preferred embodiment the length and elasticity are such that the maximum length elongation is 2 cm, most preferably 1 cm. Thus a too long elongation of the elastic member 3 is avoided. Otherwise it may happen that, if the suitcase collides with a larger obstacle, the suitcase 9 gets stuck on the obstacle, wherein the elastic member 3 is pulled out and stores potential energy. When the pulling force thereafter overcomes the obstacle and the suitcase 9 comes loose, the potential energy may be released, which leads to that the suitcase 9 receives a too high speed so that the being experiences discomfort. Furthermore the creation of self-oscillations in the elastic member 3 is avoided.

The elastic portion 3 is further shaped so that the elasticity is larger than 0,5%/kg, wherein the elastic portion 13 is sufficiently soft to dampen said vibrations and changes in force. Further- more the elastic portion is adapted so that said elongated portion 13 has length larger than 2 cm. Thus it is ensured partly that the being may grip the handle 5 without the hand being obstructed by the handle 11. Furthermore the portions 13 of the elongated, elastic member 3 have a length allowing the hand of the being gripping the handle of the device 5 to reach the handle 11 of the suitcase without having to let go of the handle 5 of the device. Thus the being may decelerate the transport of the suitcase 9, for example downhill, or when the suitcase 9 has too high speed.

The distancing member 7 is arranged to hold the two elongated portions 13 of the elastic member 3 at a smallest distance from each other. Furthermore the elastic portions 13 are kept at a distance from each other, which is perpendicular to the direction of the pulling force, i.e. perpendicular to the length direction of the portions 13. Thus it is possible to transfer a torque to the object 9 through the device 1 , making it easier to control the movement of the suitcase 9.

The distancing member 7 is substantially flat and elongated and comprises a first end 19 and a second end 21. The distancing member further comprises a hollow space 25 through the distancing member 7 from the first end 19 to the second end 21. The hollow space 25 is terminated in each end by an opening into the hollow space 25. The elastic member 3 is also arranged to run through the hollow space 25. The distancing member 7 is thus connected with the elastic member 3 in such a way that the distancing member is displaceable along the elastic member 3. In this example the distancing member is manufactured by plas- tic, but it can also be manufactured in wood, cardboard or metal.

The first 19 and the second end 21 are shaped to hold each respective elongated portion 13 of the elastic member 3. Thus the distancing member 7 counteracts sliding of the elongated, elastic portions 13 onto the handle 11 in a direction towards each other. Each end 19, 21 of the distancing member 7 comprises a groove 23 shaped to receive and hold the elongated portions 13 of the elastic member 3 respectively. The elongated portion 13 is thus moved into the groove 23, which is terminated with an enlargement, in which the elongated portion 13 is secured. The distance between the two elongated portions 13 is thus constituted by the distance between the enlargements of the grooves 23.

Furthermore, the distancing member 7 is shaped to allow ad- justment of the position of the elastic member 3 in said grooves 23, wherein the device is shaped in such a way that the lengths of said elongated portions 13 are adjustable. The device 1 and the elastic member 3 are thus adaptable according to the weight of the object or according to the condition of the ground. In an- other example the elongated portions 13 may be adjustable through some other arrangement, for example by screwing, if the elastic member is a metallic spring member. In another example the device 1 may comprise another form of adjustment member arranged to allow adjustment of the length or elasticity of the elastic member 3.

In fig. 2 a detailed view of a cross section of the handle 5 of the device is shown. The handle 5 comprises a casing 27 slid over a substantially cylindrical core 29. The casing 27 is in this exam- pie shaped in a first, softer material, for example a polymeric foam material or cloth, in order to improve the ergonomics for the being holding the handle 5. The cylindrical core 29 is manufactured in a second, harder material, in this example wood, which gives support for the handle 5. The harder material can also be plastic or metal.

/

Further, said elongated, flexible elastic member 3 comprises a first and a second end head 30, which end heads 30 are connected with the handle 5 of the device and thus to each other. Thus the elastic member 3 forms a circle together with the han- die 5. The core 29 comprises at least one hollow space 31 having at least one opening 33 arranged on an end surface of the core 29. The hollow space 31 is arranged to receive and secure at least one end head of the elongated flexible elastic member 3.

In this example the hollow space 33 goes through the core 29 and is terminated on its second end surface with a similar opening. Thus the hollow space 33 receives both end heads 30 of the elastic member. In another example the core comprises two similar hollow spaces each arranged with an opening on the first and second end surface of the core for receiving and holding one end head respectively.

Furthermore the core 29 comprises a second opening 35 to the hollow space 33, which is arranged on the mantel surface of the core 29. The opening 35 is shaped to allow passage of a stopping member 37. When securing the end heads 30 of the elastic member 3 in the core 29 one end head 30 is slid through the first opening 33, is slid through the hollow space 31 and out from the opening 35. Thereafter the stopping member 37 is secured, which may be constituted by a plastic member or a knot, after which the stopping member 37 is entered in the opening 35. The stopping member 37 has a dimension, which is larger than the diameter of the hollow space 31 , wherein the stopping member is stopped from passage through the hollow space 31. Thus the stopping member 37 is secured inside the core 29 and the end head 30 of the elastic member 3 is secured inside the handle 5. In a similar way the second end head 30 of the elastic member 3 is connected to the second end of the handle 5.

The embodiment described herein shall only be considered as an non limiting example of the invention, which may be varied freely within the framework of the following claims.

For example the device according to the invention may be adapted for pulling wagons, such as baby carriages, trolleys or carts. The device can also be adapted for pulling all sorts of bags, such as golf bags, suitcases or other storage and transportation devices. The device can also be adapted for pulling tables provided with wheels, sleighs, sledges, or similar. The device does not need to comprise a handle, but may comprise a harness for strapping the being to the device. Preferably the device is adapted for use by a human being, but the device can also be adapted for use by an animal, such as a horse or a dog.

The elastic member does not need to be circle shaped but may also be constituted by a simple linear member, for example an elastic pulling strap. The elastic member does not need to comprise an elastic material making the elastic member elastic in a strict sense, but may instead comprise a spring member, such as a spiral spring in metal. Such a spring member may be arranged in connection to a pulling rod, in which the being pulls in order to transport the object. This rod may for example be telescopic in its connection with the device. Furthermore the elastic member does not need to be flexible but may be limited to deformation in one or two dimensions.

The device may further be either detachable or integrated with an already existing pulling device of the object. Furthermore it is not necessary that it is the elastic member that connects the device to the object, but the device may comprise separate fastening members shaped to connect the device to the object.

The device may also be provided with limiting members ar- ranged to limit the change in length of the elastic member.

These limiting members may for example be shaped as stiff por-

tions preventing displacements of the parts of the rod mentioned above past a certain limit. The limitation may be obtained both in a compressing and an extensible direction of the elastic member. Thus the device becomes stiff when a certain maximum pressure force or pulling force has been applied. This may be advantageous for example when the object is to be brought over very large obstacles or if the object needs to be lifted.