Wheeled cargo carrier with trailer and wagon modes

Abstract

A wheel mount for a wheeled cargo carrier with trailer and wagon modes comprises a wheel mount body, a wheel assembly movably mounted to the wheel mount body in an extended position for wagon use and in a retracted position for trailer use and an actuator coupled to the wheel mount body and actuatable to unlock the wheel assembly to allow the wheel assembly to be moved between the extended and retracted positions. A reconfigurable tow arm and handle for a wheeled cargo carrier, which includes an elongate member and a handle part mount on the elongate member, is also disclosed. A proximal end of the elongate member is shaped to be received in a receiver for use as a tow arm and in a handle member opening for use as a wagon handle. First and second handle parts are movable between extended and retracted positions.

Description

WHEELED CARGO CARRIER WITH TRAILER AND WAGON MODESBACKGROUND

[0001] This application relates to wheeled cargo carriers, such as lightweight trailers that can be towed by a bicycle and lightweight wagons that can be pushed or pulled by hand.

[0002] Wheeled cargo carriers such as bike or bicycle trailers are typically towed behind a bicycle or other lightweight vehicle with a tow arm, tow bar or other towing member extending from a body of the trailer. Wagons are typically pulled or pushed while on foot using a handle that extends from a body of the wagon. Trailers and wagons typically have a defined space for cargo and / or occupants.

[0003] Trailers, wagons and other similar wheeled cargo carriers are useful in many situations, including at home, on short trips from home (e.g., shopping trips and errands) and even on longer trips (e.g., for travel by bike, use at a beach or other getaway destination, etc.).

[0004] Consumers need trailers and wagons that are highly functional but are also easy to transport and store. Trailers and wagons that have a collapsible or foldable structure help to minimize required storage space, especially in an apartment, crowded garage or small car.

[0005] Trailers, wagons and other types of wheeled cargo carriers serve different roles, and some consumers have a need for multiple types of wheeled cargo carriers. But having to purchase, maintain, store and transport various wheeled cargo carriers, such as both a trailer and a wagon, is expensive, difficult and inefficient.SUMMARY

[0006] Described below are embodiments of a wheeled cargo carrier reconfigurable between a trailer mode and a wagon mode. The wheeled cargo carrier is also reconfigurable for storage and / or transport and is easy to use with and around children.

[0007] According to one implementation, a reconfigurable tow arm and handle for a wheeled cargo carrier comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the elongate member is shaped to be received in a receiver of the wheeled cargo carrier for use in a trailer mode as a tow arm and in a handle member mount for use in a wagon mode as a wagon handle; and a handle part mount on the elongate member, the handle part mount having a first handle part and a second handle part movable between an extended position in whichthe first and second handle parts extend away from the elongate member and a retracted position in which the first and second handle parts are positioned closer to the elongate member than in the extended position.

[0008] The reconfigurable tow arm and handle can further comprise an actuator configured to release the first and second handle parts for movement between the extended position and the retracted position. The actuator can comprise a spring-biased push button.

[0009] The handle part mount can comprise an actuator, a first locking pin engageable to lock the first handle part and a second locking pin engageable to lock the second handle part, and wherein the actuator is depressible to engage the first locking pin and the second locking pin at the same time to unlock the first handle part and the second handle part.

[0010] The first handle part can comprises a first mounting plate and the second handle part can comprises a second mounting plate, wherein the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are superimposed with each other and mounted to the handle part mount along a common rotation axis, wherein the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate comprise respective extended position openings and retracted position openings, and wherein the first and second locking pins are positioned in aligned extended position openings of the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate when the first and second handle parts are in the extended position, and wherein the first and second locking pins are positioned in aligned retracted position openings in the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate when the first and second handle parts are in the retracted position.

[0011] The first handle part and the second handle part can be pivotable towards each other from the retracted position into the extended position, and wherein the first handle part is translatable towards the second handle part to secure the first and second handle parts together in the extended position.

[0012] The first handle part can have a protruding inner end, and wherein the second handle part can have an opening sized to receive the inner end. The inner end of the first handle part can be received in the opening of the second handle part when the first handle part is moved in translation relative to the second handle part to secure the first and second handle parts together in the extended position.

[0013] The reconfigurable tow arm and handle can comprising a stop against which the first and second handle parts are forced into contact when the first and second handle parts are in the extended position. The reconfigurable tow am and handle can comprise a support pin against which the first and second handle parts are forced into contact when the first and second handle parts are in the retracted position.

[0014] According to another implementation, a wheeled cargo carrier with trailer and wagon modes, can comprise a wheeled frame having a forward end, a rear end and a cargo area; a reconfigurable tow arm and handle; a handle mount on the rear end shaped to receive one end of the reconfigurable tow arm and handle as a push handle to convert the wheeled cargo carrier for use in a push wagon mode; and a tow arm mount on a side of the wheeled frame between the forward end and the rear end and shaped to receive one end of the reconfigurable tow am and handle as a tow arm to convert the wheeled cargo earner for use in a trailer mode.

[0015] The handle mount on the rear end frame can include an upper handle mount and a lower handle mount.

[0016] The reconfigurable tow am and handle can include at least one handle part movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0017] The wheeled frame can include two rear wheels and two swivel-mounted front wheels, and wherein the wheeled cargo carrier is steerable in the push wagon mode by exerting a torque through the push handle to cause the swivel-mounted front wheels to turn in a desired direction.

[0018] The tow am mount can comprise at least a first receiver to receive the one end of the tow am, wherein an opposite end of the tow arm extends away from the wheeled carrier to enable towing of the cargo carrier, further comprising a storage position for the reconfigurable tow arm and handle wherein the opposite is inserted through at least the first receiver and a majority of the length of the reconfigurable tow am and handle is positioned within a length of the wheeled carrier.

[0019] According to another implementation, a wheel mount for a wheeled cargo earner having a trailer mode and a wagon mode, comprises a wheel mount body; a wheel assembly movably mounted to the wheel mount body in an extended position for use in the wagon mode and in a retracted position for use in the trailer mode; and an actuator coupled to the wheel mount body and actuatable to unlock the wheel assembly to allow the wheel assembly to be moved between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0020] The wheel mount body can comprise a stationary mounting portion configured for mounting to the wheeled cargo carrier and a movable support member that movably supports the wheel assembly, wherein the movable support member is rotatable relative to the stationary mounting portion to move the wheel assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0021] The wheel assembly can comprise a fork and a wheel member, wherein the fork is pivotably connected to the movable support member, and wherein when the wheel assembly and the movable support member are in the extended position, the fork and wheel member are pivotable about a pivot axis. When the wheel assembly and the movable support member are in the retracted position, the wheel member is positioned closer to an underside of the wheeled cargo carrier than in the extended position.

[0022] The wheel mount can comprise a locking pin engageable in a first lock position of the movable support member corresponding to the extended position or a second lock position of the movable support member corresponding to the retracted position, wherein the actuator comprises an actuator shaft having an actuator end, and wherein the actuator end is configured to move the locking pin when the actuator is actuated. The actuator end can be coupled to the locking pin. The movable support member can comprise a slot that extends between the first lock position and the second lock position, and wherein the locking pin extends into the slot.

[0023] The first lock position can correspond to a first slot extension in the movable support member and the second lock position can correspond to a second slot extension in the movable support member.

[0024] The movable support member can comprise a bore sized to receive a pivot axle.

[0025] The wheel mount body can comprise upper and lower members configured to receive a portion of a frame member of the wheeled cargo carrier to mount the wheel mount to the wheeled cargo carrier.

[0026] The actuator comprises a push-button actuator positioned on a surface of the wheel mount body.

[0027] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wheeled cargo carrier.

[0029] Figs. 2-6 are front elevation, left side elevation, top plan, rear elevation and bottom plan views, respectively, of the wheeled cargo carrier of Fig. 1.

[0030] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a front wheel of the wheeled cargo carrier.

[0031] Figs. 8 and 9 are sectional views taken along the lines 8-8 and 9-9, respectively, in Fig. 7.

[0032] Fig. 10A is a plan view of the front wheel from below in a stowed position, shown in isolation.

[0033] Fig. 10B is a perspective view of two front wheels shown in a stowed position relative to the lower frame, with the base and upper frame removed for clarity.

[0034] Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of the wheeled cargo carrier of Figs. 1-6 with the handle member arranged as a tow arm to configure the cargo earner in the trailer mode.

[0035] Figs. 12 and 13 are section views of a portion of a handle assembly according to one implementation in two different positions.

[0036] Fig. 14 is a perspective assembly view of the handle assembly of Figs. 12 and 13.

[0037] Figs. 15 and 16 are perspective views of inner members of the handle assembly.

[0038] Figs. 17 and 18 are perspective views of a wheeled cargo carrier according to another implementation.

[0039] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the wheeled cargo earner of Figs. 17 and 18 with the handle member arranged as a tow arm.

[0040] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the handle assembly of Figs. 17-19.

[0041] Fig. 21 is a top plan view of the handle assembly of Fig. 20 with the handle parts in a retracted position.

[0042] Fig. 22 is top plan view similar to Fig. 21 except showing the handle parts with an outer layer removed and the hinge parts in section to reveal internal features.

[0043] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the handle assembly of Figs. 20 and 21 shown in the extended and locked position.

[0044] Fig. 24 is a top plan view of the handle assembly of Fig. 23 except showing the handle parts with an outer layer removed and the hinge parts in section to reveal internal features.

[0045] Fig. 25A is another perspective view of the handle assembly shown mounted to the handle member.

[0046] Fig. 25B is a perspective view of a modified handle assembly shown mounted to the handle member.

[0047] Fig. 25C is a section view in elevation of the modified handle assembly taken along the line 25C-25C in Fig. 25B.

[0048] Fig. 25D is another perspective view of the modified handle assembly of Figs. 25B-C.

[0049] Fig. 26 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the handle member with an optional upper frame handle mount coupling the handle member to the frame.

[0050] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing the upper frame handle mount of Fig. 26 in section.

[0051] Fig. 28 is an enlarged perspective view showing a lower mount for the handle member of Figs. 17 and 18.

[0052] Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the lower handle mount of Fig. 28 in section.

[0053] Fig. 30 is an enlarged perspective view showing a lower mount for the handle member similar to Fig. 28 but with a modified actuator.

[0054] Fig. 31 is an elevation view showing the lower handle mount of Fig. 30 in section.

[0055] Fig. 32 is a view showing the wheeled cargo carrier in a collapsed position and covered by a cover with the handle assembly in a compact position and forming a carrying handle for the user to carry the wheeled cargo carrier.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Described below are embodiments of a wheeled cargo carrier reconfigurable between at least a trailer mode (for towing behind a bicycle or other similar lightweight vehicle) and a wagon mode (for pushing or pulling while on foot).

[0057] According to one example as shown in Figs. 1-6, a wheeled cargo carrier 100 has four wheels, including two front wheels supported by wheel mounts 102 and two rear wheels 104, a base 106 and a frame. The frame includes an upper frame 108, a lower frame 109 that generally surrounds the base 106 and extendable frame members 110 that interconnect the upper frame 108 and the lower frame 109 positioned at the front and rear of the wheeled cargo carrier 100. A cargo area is defined by the space above the base and within the frame.

[0058] The extendable frame members, which are shown in an extended position, can be folded inwardly to allow the upper frame 108 to be lowered towards the lower frame 109, thus repositioning the wheeled cargo carrier 100 in a collapsed or storage position. A frame releasing mechanism 405, which can be located as shown at the fore and aft ends of the frame, can be actuated to allow the frame to be moved from the extended position to the collapsed position (Fig. 32). As shown in Figs. 1-6, the wheeled cargo carrier 100 has a handle assembly 112 providing a handle for an operator to interact with the wagon to direct or steer it, as well as to propel it, such as by pushing it or pulling it.

[0059] With the handle assembly 112 attached to the rear of the wheeled cargo carrier 100 as shown, the resulting configuration is also sometimes referred to as a push wagon because the primary action to propel the wagon in a forward direction is a pushing action. Similarly, the handle assembly 112 in the push wagon configuration is also sometimes referred to as a push handle. The combination of the two relatively larger rear wheels 104, the two front wheels on front wheel mounts 102 that pivot or swivel and the push handle, make the wheeled cargo carrier 100 stable and easy to maneuver.

[0060] The wheeled cargo carrier 100 is also reconfigurable from a wagon mode as shown in Figs. 1 -6 to a trailer mode as shown in Fig. 11 , such as may be suitable for use as a trailer towed by a bicycle, tricycle, quad-cycle or other similar low-speed vehicles. The wheeled cargo carrier 100 is reconfigurable into the trailer mode by attaching a suitable towing member to a receiver located near the front of the wagon. In the illustrated implementation, the handle assembly 112 can be used as the towing member by removing it from its position at the rear of the wheeled cargo carrier 100 as shown in Figs. 1-6 and repositioning it at the front of the wagon as shown in Fig. 11, as is described below in more detail.

[0061] In the wagon mode, the wheeled cargo carrier 100 can be fitted with two in-line seats (not shown) for transporting children. In some implementations, the seats are positioned to face each other. With in-line or aligned seats, the width of the wheeled cargo carrier 100 can be kept narrower than other such dual-use carriers that can be towed by a bicycle and used in a separate push mode, which typically accommodate two children only in a side-by-side seating arrangement. Narrower vehicles can be more maneuverable in some situations and easier to store / park. It is noted, however, that the wheeled cargo carrier 100 requires additional safety equipment, which is not described herein, to meet safety requirements in at least some jurisdictions for use as a bicycle trailer to transport children.

[0062] As shown in Figs. 2-6, the wheeled cargo carrier 100 can include an optional parking brake 220. The parking brake 220 can be activated when it is desired to keep the wheeled cargo carrier 100 stationary. The carrier can also have one or more side members, such as the two side members 230 arranged opposite each other on left and right sides of the wagon, as best shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 6. The side members 230, which are also referred to as wheel guards, tend to deflect objects (e.g., branches) in the path of the wheels and therefore prevent them from becoming entangled in the wheels. The angled shape of the side members 230 also functions to deflect the wheeled cargo carrier 200 itself after contact with hard objects such as sign posts, wall corners and other such objects.Front Wheel Construction

[0063] The front wheels, and their front wheel mounts 102, are described in more detail in conjunction with Figs. 7-10. The front wheels mounts 102 are designed to pivot (or swivel or rotate) about vertical pivot axes extending in the Z direction according to the coordinate axes shown in Fig. 1, and thus are also sometimes referred to as casters or caster wheels. The front wheel mounts 102 can pivot independently, such as is shown by their different rotated positions,respectively, in Figs. 1-3, 5 and 6. The ability of the front wheel mounts 102 to pivot enables the wheeled cargo carrier 100 to be easily steered and maneuvered in tight spaces. In the illustrated implementation, the rear wheels 104, which are larger in diameter than the front wheels, are constrained to rotate only about horizontal axles (extending in the Y direction) and are not designed to pivot, but other arrangements are also possible.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 7, each front wheel mount 102 has a wheel mount body 103 with an upper cover (or member) 120 and a lower cover (or member) 122. The upper cover 120 and the lower cover 122 are separated by a space that is shaped to accommodate part of the lower frame 109. In this way, the upper cover 120 and the lower cover 122 can be secured together around the lower frame 109, such as with fasteners 123, to couple the front wheel mount 102 to the wheeled cargo carrier 100 (Fig. 1 ). An actuator button 124 is positioned to protrude from the wheel mount body 103 and the upper cover 120. The actuator button 124 is depressed by the operator to unlock the front wheel from its operating (extended) position (Figs. 1-9) and allow it to be moved into a stowed (retracted) position (Figs. 10 and 11), as is described below in more detail.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, which are section views taken from Fig. 7, there is an actuator shaft 126 that extends vertically from the actuator button 124 to an actuator end 128, which is coupled to or at least contacts a horizontally extending lock pin 130. The actuator button 124 is preferably spring -biased to its extended position as shown, such as by a spring 129 extending along the actuator shaft 126. The lock pin 130 extends laterally outward from both sides of the actuator shaft 126 and into respective lock pin slots 131a, 131b formed in a support member 132. The inner lock pin slot 131a is visible in Fig. 8, and the outer lock pin slot 131b is visible in Fig. 9. In Figs. 8 and 9, the lock pin 130 is shown spring-biased into a slot extension 134 corresponding to the extended position of the front wheel mount 102.

[0066] At the opposite end of each lock pin slot 131a, 131b, there is a slot extension 136 sized to receive the lock pin 130 when the wheel mount 102 is repositioned into its retracted or stowed position. The support member 132 is pivotable about a horizontal support member pivot 138, which can be a bolt as shown or a shaft. The support member pivot 138 extends through pivot openings 140 in the support member 132 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 and is anchored in the wheel mount body 103. The support member 132 has a support member recess 142 dimensioned to receive a pivot axle 144, which is shown extending vertically in Figs. 8 and 9. Near its opposite end, the pivot axle 144 is coupled to a fork 156 by a fork mounting pin 154. The fork 156 has two fork blades 158, each having a respective front axle opening 160 near its distal end. A front axle162 extends through the front axle openings 160 and rotatably supports a front wheel member 164.In other implementations, a fork with a single blade (not shown) can be used.

[0067] From the extended position shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the actuator button 124 is depressed to overcome the spring force and urge the lock pin 130 out of the slot extension 134 so the operator can grasp the fork blade 158 / wheel member 164 and rotate it to the retracted or stowed position (i.e., to the right in Figs. 8 and 9), until the lock pin 130 is aligned with the slot extension 136 and enters it by the action of the spring force.

[0068] Fig. 10A shows one of the front wheel mounts 102 in the retracted or stowed position as it would appear from below, with the frame 109 and the base 106 removed for clarity. As shown, the support member 132 has been rotated relative to the bottom cover 122. In the retracted or stowed position, the wheel member 164 occupies a generally horizontal position close to the base 106 (see, e.g., Fig. 19). One or more of the body 103, bottom cover 122, support member 132, fork 156, etc. can be dimensioned and / or shaped to provide complementing surfaces that tend to guide the assembly into the stowed position as shown in Fig. 10A and / or retain it in that position.

[0069] For example, as best shown in Fig. 10B, the assembly can include a metal tab 157 or other form of an alignment member that meshes with a groove or recess in the fork 156 to hold the fork 156 and wheel member 164 in the stowed position as shown (with the wheel member 164 generally parallel to the frame 109). The metal tab 157 or alignment member may be formed as part of a metal plate that forms a main structure of the wheel or caster assembly. In the stowed position, the fork 156 is pivoted by 90 degrees relative to the position shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Fasteners 166 are used to secure the bottom cover 122 in place.

[0070] In operation, each of the front wheel mounts 102 can be easily reconfigured from the extended position to the retracted position or vice versa. The front wheel mounts 102 are preferably positioned in the retracted position when the wheeled cargo carrier is used in the trailer mode to minimize interference with the traveling surface and provide predictable handling. The front wheel mounts 102 can also be positioned in the retracted position to make the wagon more compact for storage and / or transport. The front wheels mounts 102 are typically positioned in the extended position when the wagon is used in the wagon mode, although there may be special circumstances in which using the wagon with only the rear wheels 104 is desired. Conveniently, the front wheels and the front wheel mounts 102 as described are intended to remain attached to the wheeled cargo carrier, which helps minimize the chance that they are misplaced or lost.Handle Construction

[0071] As shown in Figs. 1-6, the handle assembly 112 has an elongate member 168 (handle member) with handle parts 170, 172 extending outwardly in an extended position to provide an operator with hand positions for pushing, pulling or otherwise maneuvering the wheeled cargo carrier 100. The handle parts 170, 172 are repositionable from the extended position to a retracted or stored position as shown in Fig. 11. In the retracted or stored position, which is more compact, the handle parts 170, 172 are generally parallel to an adjacent section of the handle member. Advantageously, the handle parts 170, 172 can be locked in the extended and / or retracted positions so that the handle parts 170, 172 remain in the selected position until the operator intentionally unlocks them and moves them to another position.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the handle assembly 112 includes a handle part mount 174 coupled to the elongate member 168. Figs. 12 and 13 are section views showing the handle part mount 174 in two different positions. Fig. 14 is an exploded view showing the handle parts 170, 172 in relation to components of the handle part mount 174. As shown, the handle part mount 174 houses a locking mechanism and has an exposed actuator button 176. When the actuator button 176 is depressed by the operator, the locking mechanism is released and the handle parts 170, 172 are free to move between the extended and retracted positions. When the actuator button 176 is released with the handle parts 170, 172 in the extended position or the retracted position, the handle parts 170, 172 are locked in the selected position and not free to move.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 12, the handle part mount 174 has two locking pins 178a, 178b that are biased upwardly into contact with the actuator button 176 by respective springs 180a, 180b when the actuator button 176 is in a locked position (actuator button is not depressed). As shown, the locking pins 178a, 178b have respective first shoulders 182a, 182b that occupy respective first position openings 184a, 184b in a first handle part mounting plate 186a connected to the handle part 172 (not shown) and prevent it from moving. The locking pins 178a, 178b also have respective second shoulders 188a, 188b that occupy respective first position openings 190a, 190b in a second handle part mounting plate 186b for the handle part 170 (not shown) and prevent it from moving. The first handle part mounting plate 186a and the second handle part mounting plate 186b are sandwiched together between a handle mount body parts 193, 194, which are secured together by a center bolt 116 and a nut 198 (or other suitable fastening arrangement).

[0074] Referring to Fig. 13, when the actuator button 176 is depressed to overcome the force exerted by the springs 180a, 180b, the locking pins 178a, 178b are moved downwardly. With thelocking pins 178a, 178b in the position as shown in Fig. 13, the first shoulders 182a, 182b are disengaged from the first handle part mounting plate 186a, and the second shoulders 188a, 188b are disengaged from the second handle part mounting plate 186b. Thus, the handle parts 170, 172 are free to be moved, i.e., rotated about an axis C, such as from the retracted position as shown in Fig. 13 to the extended position (or vice versa). When the movement is completed, the handle parts 170, 172 are again locked in place in the new position, and actuator button 176 is returned to its undepressed position.

[0075] Fig. 15 shows an inner member 206a of the first handle part mounting plate 186a. As shown, the inner member 206a has the first position openings 184a, 184b that are arranged opposite each other. In addition, the inner member 206a has corresponding second position openings 184c and 184d that are also arranged opposite each other, as shown. The first position opening 184a is connected to the second position opening 184c by a slot 184e. Similarly, the first position opening 184b is connected to the second position opening 184d by a slot 184f. A central opening 208a is dimensioned to fit around and allow rotation relative to the lower part 194. Openings 210a are provided for fasteners 203. In the illustrated implementation, the handle part 172 is connected to the first handle part plate 186a by the fasteners 203.

[0076] Similarly, Fig. 16 shows an inner member 206b of the second handle part mounting plate 186b. As shown, the inner member 206b has the first position openings 190a, 190b that are arranged opposite each other. In addition, the inner member has corresponding second position openings 190c and 190d that are also arranged opposite each other, as shown. The first position opening 190a is connected to the second position opening 190c by a slot 190e. Similarly, the first position opening 190b is connected to the second position opening 190d by a slot 190f. A central opening 208b is dimensioned to fit around and allow rotation relative to the lower part 194. Openings 210b are provided for fasteners 204. In the illustrated implementation, the handle part 170 is connected to the second handle part plate 186b by the fasteners 204.

[0077] When the handle parts 170, 172 are rotated from the retracted position to the extended position, the slots 184e, 184f accommodate the narrow dimension of the locking pins 178a, 178b, respectively and thus allow the inner member 206a to be rotated from the defined first position openings to the second position openings. In the same way, the slots 190e, 190f are similarly dimensioned and thus allow the inner member 206b to be rotated from the defined first position openings to the second position openings.

[0078] At a distal end 116 of the handle assembly 112, a hitch 222 can be provided for hitching the wagon to a towing bicycle or other vehicle (Fig. 11). The handle assembly 112 has a proximal end 114 that is suitable for coupling with the wheeled cargo carrier 100 at multiple locations. In the trailer mode as shown in Fig. 11 , the proximal end 114 is inserted into a receiver 196. In the illustrated implementation, the receiver 196 includes a forward receiver part 200 and a locking rear receiver part 202. The locking rear receiver part 202 has a release member 204 (e.g., a pin) that may be removed to allow the handle assembly 112 to be released from the receiver 196.

[0079] Similarly, in the wagon mode, the distal end 116 of the handle assembly 112 can be coupled with a handle member mount 191 in which a handle member opening 192 dimensioned to receive the elongate member 168 is defined. The handle member mount 191 can have a handle release member 194 and associated locking mechanism for releasably locking the elongate member 168 in place within the handle member opening 192. Optionally, the locking mechanism in the wagon mode can use the same openings or other features in the handle assembly 112 as are used when it is in the trailer mode.

[0080] Another implementation of the handle assembly for a wheeled cargo carrier 300 is shown in Figs. 17-29. In Figs. 17-29, the reference numerals used are the same as for corresponding components of Figs. 1-16, plus 200.

[0081] Similar to the handle assembly 1 12 described above, a handle assembly 312 as shown in Figs. 17-25 has an elongate member 368 (handle member) with handle parts 370, 372 extending outwardly in an extended position to provide an operator with hand positions for pushing, pulling or otherwise maneuvering the wheeled cargo carrier 300. The handle parts 370, 372 are repositionable from the extended position to a retracted or stored position as shown in Fig. 19. In the retracted or stored position, which is more compact, the handle parts 370, 372 are generally parallel to an adjacent section of the handle member. Advantageously, the handle parts 370, 372 can be locked in the extended and / or retracted positions so that the handle parts 370, 372 remain in the selected position until the operator intentionally unlocks them and moves them to another position.

[0082] In the illustrated example, the handle assembly 312 includes a handle part mount 374 for coupling to the elongate member 368. The handle part mount 374 defines a pivot axis P (Fig. 20) about which the handle parts 370, 372 can be pivoted. Figs. 20-22 show the handle assembly 312 with the handle parts 370, 372 in the retracted or stored position. Figs. 23-25 show the handle assembly 312 with the handle parts 370, 372 in the extended position.

[0083] In the handle assembly 312, at least one of the handle parts 370, 372 is moved in translation relative to the other handle part, in addition to pivoting, in moving between the retracted and extended positions.

[0084] As best seen in Figs. 20-22, the handle parts 370, 372 are received in respective hinge parts 371, 373. The hinge parts 371, 373 are rotatably coupled to the handle part mount 374 and configured to pivot about the pivot axis P. In the illustrated implementation, the handle part 372 has a greater length than the handle part 370. The handle part 372 has an inner end 375 that protrudes beyond the hinge part 373. When the handle part 370 / hinge part 371 and the handle part 372 / hinge part 373 are initially pivoted into alignment with each other (Figs. 23-25B), the inner end 375 of the handle part 372 is received in an opening 377 of the handle part 370.

[0085] The handle part 372 has a depressible stop 379 that can be actuated (depressed) from its stop position to a retracted position below the outer surface of the handle part 372 to allow the handle part 372 to be pushed into the handle part 370 (i.e., moved in translation). The depressible stop 379 can be spring-biased. One form of a suitable depressible stop 379 as illustrated is a button spring clip.

[0086] In Fig. 24, which is illustrated partially in section, the handle part 372 is shown pushed into the handle part 370 to a “locked position’' with the depressible stop 379 protruding through a locked position opening 381 in the hinge part 373. Thus, the inner end 375 of the handle part 372 is fully received in the opening 377 defined at the open end of the handle part 370. In this way, there is a “tube within tube” connection achieved through sliding the handle parts 372, 370 together that provides substantial overall rigidity to the assembled handle parts.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 22 (also illustrated partially in section) and Fig. 24, the handle part can have a guide slot 383, and the hinge part 373 can have a guide pin 385 shaped to travel within the guide slot 383. The guide slot 383 and guide pin 385 maintain alignment of the handle part 372 and also limit the amount of its translation. The guide pin 383 can be a rivet or other kind of fastener having an elongated shaft. To move the handle assembly 312 from the locked and extended position back to the retracted position, the depressible stop 379 is depressed, the handle part 372 is moved outward until the depressible stop 379 springs back to its protruding position, and the handle parts 370, 372 are pivoted to the position shown in Figs. 20-22.

[0088] In some implementations, the handle parts 370, 372 are made from aluminum tubular material that is reinforced with a steel layer. Some of the components, such as the handle parts370, 372, the hinge parts 371, 373 and / or the handle part mount 374, can be constructed of metal and have optional plastic fascia covers to improve aesthetics and provide smoother surfaces for handling. Although the handle assembly 312 is described with a depressible stop 379, it would also be possible to use other types of detent mechanisms to achieve the same movement between defined positions.

[0089] Fig. 25B shows the handle assembly 312 in a locked position with a modified actuator, e.g., a push button 390, mounted to the hinge part 373. The push button 390 can be depressed by the user actuate the depressible stop 379 of Fig. 24 and urge it inwardly, thereby allowing the handle parts 370, 372 to be moved. Instead of the depressible stop 379, another type of spring- biased projecting element, such as one that is biased by a leaf spring element positioned within the handle part 372, can be used. Also, there can be a visual indicator 392 on one of the hinge parts371, 373. The visual indicator 392 indicates that the handles 370, 372 are unlocked by moving them outwardly, and are locked by moving them inwardly.

[0090] Fig. 25C is a section view of the handle assembly 312 taken along the line 25C-25C in Fig. 25B. The handle assembly 312 can include optional members to provide increased strength and reduce unwanted flex. For example, the handle part mount 374 can have a projecting stop 400 designed to provide a stop against which the handle parts 370, 372 can be urged when they are in the locked or extended position as shown. The projecting stop 400 can be shaped such that the handle parts can be pivoted about a pivot bolt 406 and into engagement with the projecting stop 400 at the end of their travel. The projecting stop 400 is also shown in Fig. 25D. Similarly, the handle part mount 374 can have a support pin 402 that provides support to the handle parts 370, 372 when they are stored in the unlocked position. A reinforcement plate 408 can be added over the handle part mount 274 to increase its rigidity and resist flexing during use.

[0091] In the handle assembly 312 as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, there is an optional upper handle member mount 367 in addition to a lower handle member mount 391. The upper handle member mount 367 allows the handle member 368 to be coupled to the upper frame 308 so that there are two points of contact between the handle member 368 and the wheeled cargo carrier 300, which can be advantageous for resisting forces and / or wear in certain conditions.

[0092] As shown in Figs. 26 and 27, the upper handle member mount 367 is coupled to the upper frame 308. The handle member 368 is fitted with a mounting member 369 having a projecting hook 401. As best shown in Fig. 27, in the fully assembled position, the hook 401 is engaged witha rod 403 in the upper handle member mount 367 to couple the handle member 368 to the upper frame 308.

[0093] As best shown in Figs. 28 and 29, at its lower end, the handle member 368 is fitted into a handle member opening 392 of a handle member mount 391. The handle member mount 391 can have an actuator 394, such as a push button actuator element. The actuator 394 can be actuated to extend through an opening in the handle member mount 391 to depress a depressible stop 397. In Fig. 29, the depressible stop 397 is shown in its extended position projecting from the handle member 368 and into the opening in the handle member mount 391. When the actuator 394 is actuated, the actuator 394 depresses the depressible stop 397 out of the opening, thus releasing the handle member 368 from the handle member mount 391. The actuator 394 can be spring-biased, such as by a spring 395.

[0094] As best shown in Figs. 30 and 31, the handle member mount 391 in an alternative implementation has an actuator 396 that is a push button actuator element with a levering action operable to extend and retract an attached engagement pin 407. The actuator 396 can be spring- biased, such as by the spring 399. In the alternative implementation, as the handle member 368 is slid into position within the handle member mount 391, an opening in the handle member 368 becomes aligned with the engagement pin 407, and the engagement pin 397 is urged into the opening as shown. In this way, the handle member 368 is secured in place relative to the handle member mount 391.

[0095] In the illustrated implementation, as the handle member 368 is guided into the handle member mount 391, the hook 401 is guided towards the pin 403. With reference to Figs. 28 and 29, the hook 401 slides over and engages the pin 403 as shown at approximately the same time as the depressible button 397 becomes aligned with the opening in the handle member mount 391 and extends through the opening to fix the handle member 368 in place. With reference to Figs. 30 and 31, the operation is similar, except it is the engagement pin 407 that is aligned with and engaged in the opening of the handle member 368.

[0096] Fig. 32 is an elevation view showing a user carrying the wheeled cargo carrier 100. The wheeled cargo carrier 100 has been repositioned into a collapsed position. The rear wheels 104 have been removed and the front wheels 102 have been positioned in their retracted positions. The rear wheels 104 have been placed within the collapsed frame for storage. An optional close-fitting cover C has been fitted around the collapsed wheeled cargo carrier 100 and its contents. The handle assembly 112 has been moved to its storage position as shown, which is reversed inorientation compared to its orientation in the trailer mode. The majority of the length of the handle assembly 112 (except for the handle parts) is thus within the length of the frame. A user U can easily grasp the handle assembly 112 as shown to conveniently carry and / or handle the collapsed wheeled cargo carrier 100.

[0097] The wheeled cargo carrier can be based on the same vehicle frame (chassis) as described above for the illustrated implementations. Alternatively, in some implementations, it is of course possible to use the elongate member with a first wheeled cargo carrier as a wagon and with a second wheeled cargo carrier as a trailer.

[0098] Although the wheeled cargo carrier is described above in terms of trailer and wagon modes for convenience, the disclosed concepts apply equally to other types of cargo carriers and / or vehicles, including carts, haulers and similar devices. The wheel mount concepts are extendable to vehicles having skis or skids at some or all of the wheel positions.

[0099] Accordingly, the wheeled cargo carrier as described above is reconfigurable in a number of different ways. At least some of the wheels, such as the front wheels, may be reconfigured between an extended position (e.g., for operation) and a retracted position (for storage and / or in use in the trailer mode). The handle is reconfigurable between being connected as a tow member for use of the carrier in the trailer mode and as a handle to steer and propel the carrier in the wagon mode. Further, the handle parts of the handle are reconfigurable between an extended position (e.g., to steer and propel the carrier in the wagon mode) and a retracted position (e.g., for storage and / or in the trailer mode).

[0100] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A reconfigurable tow arm and handle for a wheeled cargo carrier, comprising: an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the elongate member is shaped to be received in a receiver of the wheeled cargo carrier for use in a trailer mode as a tow arm and in a handle member mount for use in a wagon mode as a wagon handle; and a handle part mount on the elongate member, the handle part mount having a first handle part and a second handle part movable between an extended position in which the first and second handle parts extend away from the elongate member and a retracted position in which the first and second handle parts are positioned closer to the elongate member than in the extended position.

2. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator configured to release the first and second handle parts for movement between the extended position and the retracted position.

3. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a spring-biased push button.

4. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 1 , wherein the handle part mount comprises an actuator, a first locking pin engageable to lock the first handle part and a second locking pin engageable to lock the second handle part, and wherein the actuator is depressible to engage the first locking pin and the second locking pin at the same time to unlock the first handle part and the second handle part.

5. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 1 , wherein the first handle part comprises a first mounting plate and the second handle part comprises a second mounting plate, wherein the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are superimposed with each other and mounted to the handle part mount along a common rotation axis, wherein the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate comprise respective extended position openings and retracted position openings, and wherein the first and second locking pins are positioned in aligned extended position openings of the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate when the first and second handle parts are in the extended position, and wherein the first and second locking pins arepositioned in aligned retracted position openings in the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate when the first and second handle parts are in the retracted position.

6. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 1 , wherein the first handle part and the second handle part are pivotable towards each other from the retracted position into the extended position, and wherein the first handle part is translatable towards the second handle part to secure the first and second handle parts together in the extended position.

7. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 6, wherein the first handle part has a protruding inner end, and wherein the second handle part has an opening sized to receive the inner end, and wherein the inner end of the first handle part is received in the opening of the second handle part when the first handle part is moved in translation relative to the second handle part to secure the first and second handle parts together in the extended position.

8. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 6, further comprising a stop against which the first and second handle parts are forced into contact when the first and second handle parts are in the extended position.

9. The reconfigurable tow arm and handle of claim 6, further comprising a support pin against which the first and second handle parts are forced into contact when the first and second handle parts are in the retracted position.

10. A wheeled cargo carrier with trailer and wagon modes, comprising: a wheeled frame having a forward end, a rear end and a cargo area; a reconfigurable tow arm and handle; a handle mount on the rear end shaped to receive one end of the reconfigurable tow arm and handle as a push handle to convert the wheeled cargo carrier for use in a push wagon mode; and a tow arm mount on a side of the wheeled frame between the forward end and the rear end and shaped to receive one end of the reconfigurable tow arm and handle as a tow arm to convert the wheeled cargo carrier for use in a trailer mode.

11. The wheeled cargo carrier of claim 10, wherein the handle mount on the rear end frame includes an upper handle mount and a lower handle mount.

12. The wheeled cargo carrier of claim 10, wherein the reconfigurable tow arm and handle includes at least one handle part movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

13. The wheeled cargo carrier of claim 10, wherein the wheeled frame includes two rear wheels and two swivel-mounted front wheels, and wherein the wheeled cargo carrier is steerable in the push wagon mode by exerting a torque through the push handle to cause the swivel-mounted front wheels to turn in a desired direction.

14. The wheeled cargo carrier of claim 10, wherein the tow arm mount comprises at least a first receiver to receive the one end of tow arm, wherein an opposite end of the tow arm extends away from the wheeled carrier to enable towing of the cargo carrier, further comprising a storage position for the reconfigurable tow arm and handle wherein the opposite is inserted through at least the first receiver and a majority of the length of the reconfigurable tow arm and handle is positioned within a length of the wheeled carrier.

15. A wheel mount for a wheeled cargo carrier having a trailer mode and a wagon mode, comprising: a wheel mount body; a wheel assembly movably mounted to the wheel mount body in an extended position for use in the wagon mode and in a retracted position for use in the trailer mode; and an actuator coupled to the wheel mount body and actuatable to unlock the wheel assembly to allow the wheel assembly to be moved between the extended position and the retracted position.

16. The wheel mount of claim 15, wherein the wheel mount body comprises a stationary mounting portion configured for mounting to the wheeled cargo carrier and a movable support member that movably supports the wheel assembly, wherein the movable support member is rotatable relative to the stationary mounting portion to move the wheel assembly between the extended position and the retracted position.

17. The wheel mount of claim 16, wherein the wheel assembly comprises a fork and a wheel member, wherein the fork is pivotably connected to the movable support member, andwherein when the wheel assembly and the movable support member are in the extended position, the fork and wheel member are pivotable about a pivot axis.

18. The wheel mount of claim 17, wherein when the wheel assembly and the movable support member are in the retracted position, the wheel member is positioned closer to an underside of the wheeled cargo carrier than in the extended position.

19. The wheel mount of claim 18, further comprising a locking pin engageable in a first lock position of the movable support member corresponding to the extended position or a second lock position of the movable support member corresponding to the retracted position, wherein the actuator comprises an actuator shaft having an actuator end, and wherein the actuator end is configured to move the locking pin when the actuator is actuated.

20. The wheel mount of claim 19, wherein the actuator end is coupled to the locking pin.

21. The wheel mount of claim 19, wherein the movable support member comprises a slot that extends between the first lock position and the second lock position, and wherein the locking pin extends into the slot.

22. The wheel mount of claim 19, wherein the first lock position corresponds to a first slot extension in the movable support member and the second lock position corresponds to a second slot extension in the movable support member.

23. The wheel mount of claim 16, wherein the movable support member comprises a bore sized to receive a pivot axle.

24. The wheel mount of claim 15, wherein the wheel mount body comprises upper and lower members configured to receive a portion of a frame member of the wheeled cargo carrier to mount the wheel mount to the wheeled cargo carrier.

25. The wheel mount of claim 15, wherein the actuator comprises a push-button actuator positioned on a surface of the wheel mount body.

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