Transportable enclosure with revolving door

Abstract

A transportable enclosure includes a sheet of flexible material defining a closed loop, wherein the sheet defines an opening through the sheet. The closed loop of the sheet is configured to be rotated by an actuator to selectively align the opening with an access position for loading or unloading cargo from an internal space, such as a port in a side panel of a housing. A drive pulley is coupled to the actuator to rotate the sheet, and a belt extends along the closed loop to engage the drive pulley. The actuator may be located inside or outside the transportable enclosure. One or more guides are configured to hold the closed loop of the sheet outward while allowing the sheet to rotate. The transportable enclosure can be used with ground or air vehicles, which may be vehicles configured for unmanned and / or autonomous operation.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This PCT international patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 967,899, filed on January 30, 2020, entitled “Rotary Door For Delivery Vehicle”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to transportable enclosures. More specifically, this disclosure relates to transportable enclosures having a flexible material door formed as a closed loop. Background Technology

[0004] Almost every type of transportable enclosure includes some form of door to provide access to the interior space. Several different types of doors can be used on delivery vehicles to protect cargo and provide access for loading and unloading. Autonomous vehicles, also known as robots, may require special consideration to provide safety and reliability, as there may be no human intervention. Aircraft, especially unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), may require additional considerations, such as weight.

[0005] When using autonomous vehicles to deliver small packages such as food containers, doors can be used to keep the packages safe during transport, and the packages can be quickly released once they arrive at their destination and the recipient is verified. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a transportable enclosure. The transportable enclosure includes a sheet of flexible material defining a closed loop surrounding an interior space, wherein the sheet defines an opening through the sheet. The closed loop of the sheet is configured to be rotated by an actuator for selectively aligning the opening with an entry position for loading or unloading goods from the interior space through the opening. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Further details, features, and advantages of the design of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle including a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the transportable enclosure components;

[0010] Figure 3A perspective view of a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, the transportable enclosure having a partially cut-out side panel;

[0011] Figure 4 A perspective view of a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective view of a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, the transportable enclosure having a partially cut-out support bracket;

[0013] Figure 6 A perspective view of a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in partial cross-section;

[0014] Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 8A shows a bottom perspective view of a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 8B shows a magnified bottom perspective view of the transportable enclosure component of Figure 8A;

[0017] Figure 8C A side perspective view of the transportable enclosure shown in Figure 8A is presented;

[0018] Figure 9 A perspective view of a vehicle having a transportable enclosure according to an aspect of the present disclosure is shown in partial cross-section, showing the joint between the transportable enclosure and the vehicle;

[0019] Figure 10 A perspective view of the vehicle and two transportable enclosure components removed from the vehicle is shown;

[0020] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A perspective view of the vehicle and two transportable enclosure components, wherein one of the transportable enclosure components is in a lateral translation position;

[0021] Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 A perspective view of the vehicle and two transportable enclosure components, wherein the two transportable enclosure components are attached to the vehicle;

[0022] Figure 13 It shows Figure 10 A rear view of the vehicle, wherein the joint between the vehicle and the transportable enclosure is shown in sectional view; and

[0023] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an external tool for manually operating a transportable enclosure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 16 A perspective view of a transportable enclosure having a second sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of a transportable enclosure, in which the second sheet is in a partially closed position;

[0027] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 A perspective view of the transportable enclosure, wherein the second sheet is in a fully closed position; and

[0028] Figure 19 A perspective view of a second sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure includes various embodiments of transportable enclosures having revolving doors and vehicles configured to carry one or more transportable enclosures.

[0030] The transportable enclosure of this disclosure includes doors that can fulfill several different purposes. These purposes may include: 1) the doors should be quick and secure to open, and cost-effective for vehicle type; 2) regardless of country, the doors should provide openings on both sides of the vehicle, but the openings must allow entry from only one direction at a time; 3) the doors should be constructed of fabric (preferably cut / tear resistant); and 4) the doors and openings need to be fully expandable so that the vehicle / robot configuration can be expanded based on the size of the delivered items. The transportable enclosure and door assembly of this disclosure can be used to keep cargo items such as parcels secure during transport, while also enabling the rapid release of one or more cargo items after the vehicle arrives at its destination and after the authorized recipient has been verified.

[0031] The transportable enclosure disclosed herein offers advantages over conventional enclosures with conventional doors. For example, the transportable enclosure may include a door assembly that is lightweight, low-cost, and requires relatively few moving parts. The door of the transportable enclosure can rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, meaning that a single door can provide access to each of two or more different areas, and these areas may be located on different sides of the enclosure, which may correspond to different sides of a vehicle. The transportable enclosure disclosed herein allows for easy reconfiguration of the open side and / or position. Locking or latching mechanisms may be unnecessary, as a motor can hold the door in place. The door of the transportable enclosure can be easily replaced, thus reducing maintenance costs. The transportable enclosure can be manufactured using a relatively simple manufacturing process, thus enabling mass production of closures with minimal investment. The transportable enclosure can be customized with respect to the number and / or size of one or more openings.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, a first vehicle 10 includes a first transportable enclosure 20a. The first transportable enclosure 20a may be integrally constructed with the first vehicle 10. Alternatively, the first transportable enclosure 20a may be easily removed from the first vehicle 10, and the first vehicle 10 may be configured to hold one or more of the first transportable enclosures 20a. Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the first transportable enclosure 20a includes a door assembly comprising a first sheet 22 of flexible material defining a closed loop surrounding an interior space 23. The first sheet 22 defines a first opening 24 through which to provide passage for loading or unloading goods from the interior space 23. For example, the first sheet 22 can be rotated to a first position in which the first opening 24 is aligned with an entry position, such as... Figure 1 As shown, for example, it is aligned with the side of the first vehicle 10, thereby providing access to the interior space 23. The first sheet 22 can also be rotated to a second position (not shown), in which the first opening 24 is not aligned with the access position to prevent access to the interior space 23. For example, the first sheet 22 can be rotated such that the first opening 24 is aligned with a top or bottom surface or with a position where the first opening 24 is otherwise blocked, which can be used to block access to the interior space 23 during transport or storage or at other times when it is desired to prevent access to the interior space 23.

[0033] The first sheet 22 may be made of fabric, such as natural materials, synthetic materials, or a mixture of natural and synthetic materials. As shown, the first opening 24 may be a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. However, the first opening 24 may have any shape and / or size. The shape and / or size of the first opening 24 may depend on the size and / or shape of the goods or articles to be loaded and / or unloaded through the first opening 24. The figures show a first sheet 22 with a single first opening 24, but the first sheet 22 may include any number of first openings 24, such as a single first opening 24 or two or more first openings 24.

[0034] The first transportable enclosure 20a also includes an actuator 26 configured as a closed loop of the first sheet 22 for selectively aligning the first opening 24 with an entry position through which goods are loaded or unloaded from the first vehicle 10. The actuator 26 may include one or more electrically driven motors. The actuator 26 may also include other devices such as one or more gearboxes, linkages, etc. In some embodiments and as... Figure 2 As shown, a pair of drive pulleys 28a, 28b are connected to actuator 26 via axle 27 for rotating the first sheet 22. Specifically, axle 27 includes two half-shafts 27a, 27b, wherein each of the drive pulleys 28a, 28b is connected to actuator 26 via a corresponding half-shaft 27a, 27b. In some embodiments, actuator 26 is configured to rotate the closed loop of the first sheet 22 in either of two opposite directions. For example, actuator 26 can rotate the first sheet 22 clockwise or counterclockwise. Actuator 26 can be configured to hold or lock the position of the first sheet 22. In some embodiments, actuator 26 can be configured to prevent the first sheet 22 from rotating without power to actuator 26. For example, the first transportable enclosure 20a may include a brake or worm gear drive that provides holding torque to prevent the first sheet 22 from rotating until and unless a specific operation is performed (e.g., deactivating the brake and / or activating the actuator 26).

[0035] Belts 30a and 30b extend along the closed loop and are configured to engage with one of the drive pulleys 28a and 28b, thus mechanically connecting actuator 26 to the closed loop of the first sheet 22 and causing actuator 26 to drive the first sheet 22 to rotate. Belts 30a and 30b may include gear teeth or other structures configured to engage corresponding structures on the drive pulleys 28a and 28b to prevent slippage between belts 30a and 30b and the drive pulleys 28a and 28b. Belts 30a and 30b may be integrally formed with the first sheet 22. Alternatively or additionally, belt 30a may be attached to the first sheet 22. For example, belts 30a and 30b may be attached to the first sheet 22 by gluing, sewing, or other bonding methods. In some embodiments, the first sheet 22 includes two parallel-extending and spaced-apart belts 30a and 30b. More specifically, and as shown, the two strips 30a, 30b may each be disposed along opposite outer peripheral edges of the first sheet 22. However, the door assembly 20 may include any number of strips 30a, 30b disposed at any position along the closed loop of the first sheet 22. In some embodiments, and as shown, the strips 30a, 30b extend along the inner surface of the first sheet 22 facing the enclosed space 23. However, in some other embodiments, one or more strips 30a, 30b may extend along the outer surface of the first sheet 22 opposite to the enclosed space 23.

[0036] In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, one or more guides 32, 34, 36 are configured to hold the closed loop of the first sheet 22 outward while allowing the closed loop of the first sheet 22 to rotate. In some embodiments, the guides 32, 34, 36 may include one or more guide pulleys 32 configured to roll as the closed loop of the first sheet 22 rotates. Each guide pulley 32 may be configured as a wheel and / or an elongated roller. One or more of the guides 32, 34, 36 may be configured as a freewheeling pulley 34, which is configured to engage the belt 30. In some embodiments, one or more of the guides 32, 34, 36 may be outwardly biased to stretch the first sheet 22. For example, one or more of the guides 32, 34, 36 may be outwardly biased by a tension spring.

[0037] In some implementations and such Figure 1 As shown, one or more of the guides 32, 34, and 36 may include an extension 36 configured to hold the closed loop of the first sheet 22 outward while allowing the closed loop of the first sheet 22 to slide along the extension 36. For example, the extension may be formed as a flat or curved extension 36 that can be referred to as a "ski" guide, thereby holding the straight or curved portion of the closed loop of the first sheet 22.

[0038] Figures 3 to 4 A second transportable enclosure 20b according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The second transportable enclosure 20b may be similar to the first transportable enclosure 20a, but with the addition of a housing 40 surrounding a closed loop of the first sheet 22. In some embodiments, some or all of the housing 40 may be disposed within the closed loop of the first sheet 22.

[0039] The housing 40 includes a pair of end panels 42, each covering a corresponding open side of a closed loop of the first sheet 22. The housing 40 also includes a pair of side panels 44 and a top panel 46. As shown, the side panels 44 and top panel 46 can be integrally formed into a U-shaped configuration. The side panels 44 and top panel 46 can have other configurations, such as separate pieces of material joined along one or more edges. Figure 3 The housing 40 is partially cut open to show the mechanism of the door assembly, which would otherwise be invisible.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the second transportable enclosure 20b includes a floor 50 located within the interior space 23 to hold goods and prevent them from interfering with the operation of the door. Other panels and / or baffles (not shown) may be used to prevent goods from contacting the first sheet 22 at the sides and / or top of the second transportable enclosure 20b. Figure 4 As shown, a substrate 52 is disposed below the bottom of the first sheet 22 to define the lowest portion of the second transportable enclosure 20b. The substrate 52 includes an edge 54 surrounding one or more outer peripheral edges of the substrate 52 to retain other portions of the housing 40, such as the end panel 42 and / or the side panel 44.

[0041] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, one of the side panels 44 of the housing 40 defines a port 48. The position of the port 48 can define an access position such that access to the enclosed space 23 is only possible through the port 48 when the first opening 24 of the first sheet 22 is aligned with the port 48. In some embodiments, each side panel of the housing 40 may define a corresponding port 48. Other portions of the housing 40, such as the top panel 48 and / or the substrate 52, may define ports 48 for providing passage to the interior space 23 when aligned with the first opening 24 of the first sheet 22. The housing 40 may be configured to prevent moisture, such as precipitation, from entering the interior space 23 until and unless the first opening 24 of the first sheet 22 is aligned with the port 48 in the housing 40.

[0042] Figure 5A third transportable enclosure 20c according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown and described herein, the third transportable enclosure 20c may be similar to the second transportable enclosure 20b, but with some variations. The third transportable enclosure 20c includes an actuator 26 configured to rotate the first sheet 22 by rotating pulleys 28a, 28b via a pulley driver 58 connected to half-shafts 27a, 27b of axle 27. The upper support 60 is adjacent to the end panel 46 ( Figure 5 Each end panel (not shown) extends along the top panel 46, and the upper bracket 60 holds the idle pulley 34 at each end of the upper bracket 60. The lower bracket 64 is adjacent to the end panel 46 (…). Figure 5 Each end panel (not shown) extends along the substrate 52, and the lower bracket 64 holds the idler pulley 34 at one end of the lower bracket 64 and holds one of the drive pulleys 28a, 28b at the opposite end of the lower bracket 64. A pair of cross braces 66 extend between the lower brackets 64. Similar cross braces (not shown) may extend between the upper brackets 60 to provide structural support between the upper brackets 60.

[0043] Figure 6 A fourth transportable enclosure 20d according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown and described herein, the fourth transportable enclosure 20d may be similar to the second transportable enclosure 20b, but with some variations. The third transportable enclosure 20d includes an actuator 26 configured to rotate a first sheet 22 via an external drive wheel 70. The external drive wheel 70 may directly contact the first sheet 22, wherein the first sheet 22 is sandwiched between the external drive wheel 70 and one of the drive pulleys 28a, 28b. Although only one external drive wheel 70 is shown, the fourth transportable enclosure may include any number of external drive wheels 70. The external drive wheels 70 may be directly coupled to the actuator 26, and / or the external drive wheels 70 may be indirectly coupled via a drive mechanism such as a gearbox and / or one or more linkages. The drive pulleys 28a, 28b may be connected together via an axle 27 to evenly distribute the force from the external drive wheel 70 and keep the first sheet 22 aligned within the housing 40. One or more of the drive pulleys 28a and 28b can provide a biasing force against the external drive wheel 70 to cause the first sheet 22 to rotate with the external drive wheel 70. One or both of the corresponding drive pulleys of the external drive wheel 70 and / or drive pulleys 28a and 28b can be biased, for example by a spring, into contact with the first sheet 22 to maintain contact between the external drive wheel 70 and the first sheet 22 and to prevent slippage between them.

[0044] Figure 7A fifth transportable enclosure 20e according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The fifth transportable enclosure 20e may be similar to or identical to one or more of the other transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d of the present disclosure, but with added mounting hardware 72, 74. The mounting hardware 72, 74 includes one or more buffers 72, which may comprise rubber or other elastic material for damping vibrations between the fifth transportable enclosure 20e and an external structure, such as a mounting structure on a vehicle. The buffers 72 may include mounting fasteners, such as threaded rods for securing to a base plate 52. The mounting hardware 72, 74 also includes one or more lugs 74 configured to secure the fifth transportable enclosure 20e to an external structure, such as a mounting structure on a vehicle. The lugs 74 may be as follows: Figure 7 The mounting plate 78 is configured to have a ring 76 of metal or other rigid material fixed to it, and the mounting plate 78 is configured to be fastened to the substrate 52. As shown, the mounting plate 78 can be secured to the substrate 52 using nuts threaded onto one or more threaded studs. However, the mounting plate 78 can be secured to the substrate 52 in other ways, such as by welding, bonding, riveting, and / or using other types of fasteners. Alternatively, the mounting plate 78 can be integrally formed with the substrate 52.

[0045] Figure 8A to Figure 8C A sixth transportable enclosure 120 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The sixth transportable enclosure 120 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the fifth transportable enclosure 20e and / or other transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d of the present disclosure. The sixth transportable enclosure 120 includes a pair of end covers 142 that may be similar to or identical to the described end panel 42.

[0046] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the substrate 52 defines two drive apertures 80, each of which has a square shape aligned with a corresponding one of the drive pulleys 28a and 28b. The drive apertures 80 are configured to receive external drive wheels 70 (Figures 8A to 8B) from outside the sixth transportable enclosure 120 for rotating the closed loop of the first sheet 22. Figure 8C (Not shown in the image). It should be understood that this is merely an example, and the drive port 80 may extend through another part of the housing 40, such as one or more side panels 44 and / or one or more end covers 142.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8A to Figure 8CAs shown, the end cover 42 includes a plurality of drive openings 82, wherein each drive opening 82 is centrally overlapped with the center of a corresponding one of the idler pulley 34 or drive pulleys 28a, 28b to provide passage to a tool feature 84, such as a bolt head or screw slot located on or attached to the axle of a corresponding one of the idler pulley 34 or drive pulleys 28a, 28b. The tool feature 84 is configured to receive an external tool (Figures 8A to 8B). Figure 8C (Not shown) for rotating either the idler pulley 34 or the corresponding drive pulley 28a, 28b to rotate the closed loop of the first sheet 22. In other words, the tool feature 84 is configured to be driven by the external tool to rotate when an external tool is inserted through the drive opening 82. This external operation of accessing the tool feature 84 via the drive opening 82 allows access to the interior space 23 when the actuator 26 is not in use or when the actuator 26 is removed from the sixth transportable enclosure 120, such as when the sixth transportable enclosure 120 is removed from the vehicle 10, 110. Figures 8A to 8B Figure 8C Four drive openings 82 are shown, each of which is positioned adjacent to a corner of the end cover 142. However, the sixth transportable enclosure 120 may include any number of drive openings 82, such as a single drive opening 82 aligned with a corresponding one of the drive pulleys 28a, 28b.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as the first transportable enclosure 20a and the third transportable enclosure 20c, the actuator 26 is disposed inside the transportable enclosures 20a and 20c. In some other embodiments, such as the second transportable enclosure 20b, the fourth transportable enclosure 20d, the fifth transportable enclosure 20e, and the sixth transportable enclosure 120, the actuator 26 is disposed outside the transportable enclosures 20b, 20d, 20e, and 120. As shown in the second transportable enclosure 20b, the fourth transportable enclosure 20d, the fifth transportable enclosure 20e, and the sixth transportable enclosure 120, the actuator 26 can be coupled to rotate the first sheet 22 via an external drive wheel 70. However, actuator 26 can be coupled to rotate the first sheet 22 in other ways not shown in the figures, such as by engaging and rotating gears that drive one or both of the drive pulleys 28a, 28b on the axle 27. In some embodiments, transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 120 may include two or more actuators 26, which may be disposed inside, outside, and / or a combination of inside and outside the transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 120.

[0049] Figure 9 A partial cross-section shows a second vehicle 110 having a sixth transportable enclosure 120, which shows the joint between the sixth transportable enclosure 120 and the second vehicle 110. Figure 9 The second vehicle 110 shown includes two enclosure docking stations 90, which are areas of the second vehicle 110 configured to receive and / or retain one or more of transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 120. Figure 9 Each of the enclosure docking stations 90 shown is configured to receive and hold a corresponding sixth transportable enclosure 120. This is merely an example, and the second vehicle 110 may have any number of enclosure docking stations 90 for holding any number of transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 120.

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, each of the enclosure docking platforms 90 includes an actuator 26 and an external drive wheel 70, wherein the actuator 26 is configured to rotate the external drive wheel. When the sixth transportable enclosure 120 is located on one of the enclosure docking platforms 90, the external drive wheel 70 protrudes through a corresponding drive aperture 80, wherein the closed loop of the first sheet 22 is sandwiched between the external drive wheel 70 and a corresponding drive pulley of the drive pulleys 28a, 28b. In this way, the actuator 26 can apply force to rotate the closed loop of the first sheet 22 into or out of a position providing access to the interior space 23. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 26 or another device, such as a supplementary brake, can apply a braking force to prevent the external drive wheel 70 from rotating, thus preventing the closed loop of the first sheet 22 from rotating into or out of the position providing access to the interior space 23.

[0051] Figure 9 The diagram shows a cross-section of the six transportable enclosure 120, including the three rings 76 on the enclosure docking platform 90 and the relative positions of the corresponding structures. Specifically, Figure 9The illustrated enclosure docking platform 90 each includes two static retaining portions 92 and a latch 94 for holding the sixth transportable enclosure 120 onto the second vehicle 110. Each of the two static retaining portions 92 has a hook-shaped form configured to receive a corresponding ring 76 of one of the lugs 74 on the bottom of the sixth transportable enclosure 120. The latch 94 is configured to selectively engage and retain the corresponding ring 76 of one of the lugs 74 on the bottom of the sixth transportable enclosure 120. Together, the two static retaining portions 92 and the latch 94 are used to position and align the sixth transportable enclosure 120 precisely on the enclosure docking platform 90, for example, where the outer drive wheel 70 is aligned to apply a rotational force to the closed loop of the first sheet 22. It should be understood that... Figure 9 The arrangement shown is merely an example, and the enclosure docking station 90 may include any number of static retainers 92 and / or latches 94, and either or both of the static retainers 92 and / or latches 94 may have a physical configuration different from that shown in the figure. For example, one or more lugs 74 may include mushroom-shaped pins that engage with a corresponding receiving structure in one of the static retainers 92 and / or latches 94.

[0052] Figures 10 to 12 Another view of a second vehicle 110 having two of the sixth transportable enclosures 120 is shown. Figure 13 A rear view of a second vehicle 110 having a sixth transportable enclosure 120 disposed on the second vehicle 110 is shown, wherein the joint between the second vehicle 110 and the sixth transportable enclosure 120 is shown in cross-section. Specifically, Figure 13 The belt 30a of the first sheet 22 sandwiched between the outer drive wheel 70 and the drive pulley 28a is shown. Figure 14 shows another view of a second vehicle 110 having two of the sixth transportable enclosures 120, which includes an outer tool 100 extending through one of the drive openings 82.

[0053] Figure 15 illustrates an external tool 100 for manually operated transportable enclosures according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The external tool 100 includes an S-shaped handle 102 having a head 104 at one end. The head 104 defines a hole 106 having a specific shape for engaging tool feature 84 to rotate the closed loop of a first sheet 22. For example, the hole 106 may have a hexagonal hole shape or another shape such as a key shape. The head 104 may have a specific shape or key portion for fitting through a drive opening 82. The external tool 100 shown in Figure 15 is merely an example, and the external tool 100 may have different configurations or arrangements. For example, the external tool 100 may be a drill bit configured to be rotated by a power drive such as a handheld drill motor. The head 104 may have a hole or a "concave" fitting, as shown in Figure 15. Alternatively, the head 104 may have a protrusion or a "convex" fitting, such as a crosshead or Phillips head for engaging a corresponding recess or "concave" fitting on the tool feature 84.

[0054] In some embodiments, goods and articles within the interior space 23 can only be accessed when the first opening 24 is aligned with a specific orientation corresponding to the port 48 in the enclosure 40 and / or the internal structures within the interior space 23, such as a distribution rack or interior door. This provides additional protection against unauthorized access to goods and articles within the interior space 23. The closed loop of the first sheet 22 also protects the interior space 23 and the goods contained within it from exposure to moisture, dust, or other contaminants and / or sunlight, which can degrade some items.

[0055] Vehicles 10 and 110 are each shown as three-wheeled tricycles. However, the transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, and 120 of this disclosure can be used with other types of wheeled vehicles and / or other non-wheeled vehicles. For example, the transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, and 120 of this disclosure can be used on aircraft such as airplanes, helicopters, or multi-rotor aircraft such as quadcopters or octocopters. In some embodiments, vehicles 10 and 110 are unmanned vehicles without a human driver. More specifically, in some embodiments, vehicles 10 and 110 can be autonomous vehicles primarily or exclusively driven by one or more computers.

[0056] In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the first sheet 22 is rotated such that the first opening 24 is vertically moved to align with or misalign with an entry position, such as port 48 in the housing 40. In other embodiments, the first sheet 22 may be rotated in another orientation or direction. For example, the first sheet 22 may be rotated such that the first opening 24 is horizontally moved to align with or misalign with an entry position.

[0057] In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, and 120 comprise only one first sheet 22. However, in other embodiments, transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, and 120 may comprise two or more sheets 22. For example, transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, and 120 may comprise a first sheet 22 having a first opening 24 and a second sheet having a corresponding opening, the first opening 24 being configured to move vertically to align with or misalign with an entry position, the second sheet being disposed around or within the first sheet 22, and the corresponding opening being configured to move horizontally to align with or misalign with an entry position. This configuration with two or more sheets each moving in different directions can provide enhanced security. This configuration with two or more sheets each moving in different directions can also provide enhanced weather resistance. In some embodiments, transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 120 may comprise two or more sheets 22 each formed as a closed loop. Alternatively, one or more sheets may have another configuration, such as a non-closed configuration.

[0058] Figures 16 to 18 A seventh transportable enclosure 220 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The seventh transportable enclosure 220 may be similar to or identical to one or more of the sixth transportable enclosure 120 of the present disclosure and / or other transportable enclosures 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, but with the addition of a second sheet 122. The second sheet 122 has a non-closed configuration including an elongated panel similar to a roll, and is configured to move horizontally into place to selectively cover or expose an access position for providing passage to an interior space. The second sheet 122 may have a different orientation or configuration than shown in the figures. For example, the second sheet 122 may be configured to move vertically or in another direction. The second sheet 122 may be disposed inside or outside the housing 40 of the seventh transportable enclosure 220.

[0059] The second sheet 122 defines a second opening 124 through it to provide passage for loading or unloading goods from the interior space 23 when both the second opening 124 of the second sheet 122 and the first opening 24 of the first sheet 22 are aligned with the entry position. Similar to other embodiments, the entry position may correspond to alignment with a port 48 in the enclosure 40 and / or with internal structures within the interior space 23, such as a distribution rack or interior door.

[0060] The second sheet 122 can be made of fabric, such as natural materials, synthetic materials, or a mixture of natural and synthetic materials. As shown, the second opening 124 can be a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. However, the second opening 124 can have any shape and / or size. The shape and / or size of the second opening 124 can depend on the size and / or shape of the goods or articles to be loaded and / or unloaded through the second opening 124. The figures show a second sheet 122 with a single second opening 124, but the second sheet 122 can include any number of second openings 124, such as a single second opening 124 or two or more second openings 124.

[0061] like Figures 16 to 18 As shown, the second sheet 122 is configured to be rolled into roller covers 130 on both sides of the housing 40. The roller covers 130 can partially or completely enclose rollers 126 configured to hold the second sheet 122 and allow it to move linearly, such that the second opening 124 selectively covers or exposes the entry position. Rollers 126 can be driven by actuators 26, causing the second sheet 122 to move together with the first sheet 22. For example, a linkage (not shown) can mechanically engage rollers 126 to rotate as the closed loop of the first sheet 22 rotates. Alternatively, rollers 126 can be mechanically independent of the first sheet 22. For example, a second independent actuator (not shown) can be used to rotate rollers 126 to move the second sheet 122. This independent operation can provide enhanced safety.

[0062] The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and can be used in selected embodiments where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A transportable enclosure component, comprising: A first sheet of flexible material, the first sheet defining a closed loop surrounding an interior space, the first sheet defining a first opening through the first sheet, wherein the closed loop of the first sheet is configured to be rotated by an actuator for selectively aligning the first opening with an entry position for loading or unloading goods from the interior space through the first opening; and A second sheet, configured as an elongated panel and defining a second opening, wherein the second sheet is configured to move in a direction different from the rotation of the first sheet such that the second opening selectively exposes the access position.

2. The transportable enclosure according to claim 1 further includes: A drive pulley is disposed within the transportable enclosure and is connected to the actuator to be driven to rotate by the actuator; as well as A belt extending along the closed loop and configured to engage the drive pulley for rotating the closed loop of the first sheet.

3. The transportable enclosure according to claim 2, wherein, The strip is disposed along the outer peripheral edge of the first sheet.

4. The transportable enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising an internal structure located within the internal space, wherein, The internal structure defines the access point for providing a passageway to the internal space of the transportable enclosure.

5. The transportable enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising: The housing includes a panel defining a port that defines an access position for providing passage to the interior space of the transportable enclosure.

6. The transportable enclosure according to claim 5, wherein, The housing is configured to surround the first sheet and to be disposed outside the closed loop of the first sheet.

7. The transportable enclosure according to claim 5, wherein, The closed loop of the first sheet extends around the outside of the housing.

8. The transportable enclosure according to claim 5, wherein, The housing defines a drive port configured to receive an external drive wheel from outside the transportable enclosure for rotating the closed loop of the first sheet.

9. The transportable enclosure according to claim 5, wherein, The housing defines a drive opening aligned with a pulley configured to rotate together with the first sheet, the pulley including tool features for rotation driven by an external tool inserted through the drive opening.

10. The transportable enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising: A guide member configured to hold the closed loop of the first sheet outward while allowing the closed loop of the first sheet to rotate.

11. The transportable enclosure according to claim 10, wherein, The guide includes a guide pulley configured to roll as the closed loop of the first sheet rotates.

12. The transportable enclosure according to claim 10, wherein, The guide includes an extension configured to hold the closed loop of the first sheet outward while allowing the closed loop of the first sheet to slide along the extension.

13. The transportable enclosure according to claim 1, wherein, The first opening includes a plurality of the two or more first openings.

14. A vehicle comprising a sealing panel docking station configured to hold a transportable sealing panel according to claim 1.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein, The vehicle is configured to simultaneously hold two or more of the transportable enclosures.

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