FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a micro logistics solution. More particularly, it relates to a method / device for using low power vehicles (for ex 2 wheelers) to pull a cart/ trailer. This will enable self hauling of goods and will enhance micro logistics adding mobility to low income families.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Developing countries heavily depend on low horse power vehicles (like 2
wheelers) for mobility which can be harnessed with this solution to enable them,
self-haul goods easily. Currently haulage is done using low tonnage/ high
tonnage trucks for long distances and using tractors trolleys in rural areas for
short distances.
[0003] It is therefore desirable to explore, alternate methods/ ideas to harness low horse power vehicle potential as a hauling option. Low horse power vehicles like 2 wheelers are main mode of transportation in developing countries. India had close to 47.5 million 2 wheelers in 2003 compared to 8.6 million cars in 2003. This is a huge potential and will help save fuel/ other natural resources by providing micro self hauling option to poor families. Self hauling is already in place in developed countries where mainly cars are used to self-haul goods, like U-Haul offers self-hauling carts/ trailers in USA, Australia, Europe.
[0004] Although efforts have been made towards self-haulage and auto braking of trailers, but current invention provides/ details approaches towards more stable, cost effective self-haulage system. India Patent 209902 (141/MUMNP/2003) is a two wheeled vehicle trailer which describes one wheeled or 2 inline wheeled trailers which may have less haulage capacity, less stability on higher loads. Also, this patent described different connection method compared to present design, which provides more pulling stability to trailer.
[0005] Also below are efforts already made on auto braking mechanism, but design in present invention is another variation to sense pulling force and apply
braking to pulled trailer, apply damping in coupling. US Patent 2401084 (granted in 1945), is a hydraulic auto braking with damping provided in form of two springs. It is suited for high capacity trailers. On the other hand, auto braking mechanism described in current patent application is simple, easily maintainable and will be low cost, suited for use in low capacity trailers. US Patent 2672221 (granted in 1954) is also a hydraulic piston cylinder based auto braking mechanism, suited for high capacity trailers and may seem costly for low capacity trailers. US Patent 7438368 is electrical auto-braking system which senses forces on coupler and in turn applies appropriate braking forces at wheels. [0006] Although efforts have been made but common cart connected at the back of a 2 wheeler is unstable and instability increases when pulled load increases, pulling speed increases. Driving force exerted by rear wheel and pulling force work in same direction which tend to overturn a 2 wheeler.
[0007] In light of foregoing, there exists a need to provide a micro logistic solution which will harness low horse power vehicle owned mostly by poor families in developing countries. The system should be easy to install and detach when not required to haul, sturdy in design, have multiple usage. Also system should be stable keeping in mind, its pulled by a 2 wheeled vehicle which itself is not so stable compared to 3 wheeled or 4 wheeled vehicles.
SUMMARY
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a method as micro logistics solution, a cart to be pulled by a 2 wheeler.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for micro logistics/ micro haulage which can be attached easily and detached easily when not in use, freeing up a 2 wheeler to be used as usual for normal commute.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for micro logistics/ micro self haulage, which is sturdy for rough use, have multi use design and is easy and quick to install/ uninstall.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for micro logistics/ micro self haulage which is stable and adds to safety of rider. Even when pulled load is more, vehicle should not overturn.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for micro logistics/ micro self haulage, which has another flexible quick coupling mechanism for ad-hoc haulage by 2 wheelers which don't have pulling hinge installed.
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention provide a micro logistics/ micro haulage system. This system will have auto braking mechanism which will be a spring loaded mechanism and will be activated when pulling vehicle brakes and will have threshold deceleration setting. Threshold deceleration to activate braking can be adjusted. This will enable brakes to be applied on pulled cart when pulling vehicle is actually stopping, and not because of small speed changes in normal driving.
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention provide a micro logistics/ micro self-haulage system. The system includes a 2 wheeled cart which will be connected to a 2 wheeler /pulling vehicle in between 2 wheels of bike to add stability. This type of coupling reduces risk of vehicle overturning when pulling vehicle applies more pulling force to pull the cart on increased load on cart. In fact, this increase of stability is because of force applied by rear tire on vehicle (upward force at coupling) to propel and force of cart (downward force at coupling) act in opposite direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates, side view of cart connected to a 2 wheeler between 2 wheels using a coupling or flexible connection method;
Fig. 2 illustrates, top view of cart connected to a 2 wheeler depicting shape /design of the cart;
Fig. 3 illustrates, side view of the coupling. It has a positive coupling mechanism which require, pulling hitch to be secured on pulling vehicle. Also, it has flexible coupling which will enable quick hauling by vehicles, not fitted with hitch. It details hydraulic auto-barking/ damping mechanism;
Fig. 4 illustrates, top view of auto-braking/ damping mechanism.
[0016] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "an article" may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0017] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.
[0018] There may be additional structures described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a structure is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes low power 2 wheeler vehicles to enable low cost, self-hauling. Accordingly the apparatus components and the method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0020] While the specification concludes with the claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
[0021] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0022] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having" as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. open transition). The term "coupled" or "operatively coupled" as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention utilize low power 2 wheeler vehicles to enable low cost, self-hauling. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or mechanisms, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates, trailer 101 based self-haulage solution, pulled by a 2 wheeler in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The trailer 101 is attached to a 2 wheeler using a positive or flexible coupling 102, between 2 wheels to add to the pulling stability. 102 has positive coupling consisting of spherical ball with hollow spherical receptacle and it has a strap/ belt based, flexible coupling to be connected on 2 wheelers which don't have pulling hitch installed. Coupling 102 can have another feature of hydraulic based auto-braking mechanism which is detailed in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.
[0025] In various embodiments of present invention, coupling is designed to enable any 2 wheeler to be used for hauling, in fast and easy manner. Positive
coupling can be a better and safe connection method but for quick hauling, flexible coupling method cab be used. Coupling 102 Fig. 1 has auto-braking feature to add extra safety, it can be optional in some models of trailer.
[0026] Fig 2 illustrates top view of haulage solution 103, and connection method using positive or flexible coupling 104, to the pulling 2 wheeler vehicle.
[0027] Fig 3 illustrates detailed coupling method. Positive coupling method consisting of a spherical ball 106, mounted on a metal attachment 105 which will be attached securely to the chassis of a pulling 2 wheeler. This attachment can be of varying shapes to cater various models of 2 wheelers in the market. Spherical ball 106 receives a hollow spherical receptacle 107 which is mounted on trailer hitch 110. When coupling is established, 106 is placed on 105 and locking lever 109 (which is of curved shape to provide more contact to 106 while locking) is pushed up and secured using a nut/ clip using locker 112. 110 is mounted on 111 which is connected to trailer finally. 110 will be connected to 111 using spring/ hydraulic piston based auto braking mechanism in some models which is detailed in Fig. 4. Also, 110 can be welded to 111 on other models without Auto-braking.
[0028] In a flexible coupling method, pulling vehicle will not have 105 installed so a strong strap/ belt will be used to secure trailer hitch 110 with pulling vehicle chassis. Rest of the details remains same as described for positive coupling.
[0029] Fig. 4 illustrates detailed Auto-braking mechanism, installed between 110 and 111 of Fig. 3. It shows cross-sectional view partially to detail hydraulic auto-braking/ damping/ threshold deceleration. 110 Fig. 3 is welded to hitch mount 114 which rests on 3 studs 117 which are welded/ secured to trailer 113. 114 is loosely secured by 2 helical springs 118 and 119 on 2 sides which are secured using cover plate 116 and bolts. Now, 114 is free to move to and fro, depending on relative force between pulling vehicle and pulled trailer but springs 118 and

CLAIMS
I claim:
1. A micro self-hauling trailer mechanism comprising of
a trailer to be connected to a 2 wheeled vehicles
a mechanical hitch /coupling with a flexible coupling option (made of high strength straps /belts)
a mechanical hitch with hydraulic auto-braking mechanism built-in having threshold adjustable deceleration setting
a hitch with spring/ hydraulic based damping mechanism
2. The system according to claim 1 further detailing attachment method to the pulling 2 wheeled vehicles between 2 wheels, to add stability when pulling load/ speed increases. This method lowers risk of vehicle overturning when pulling vehicle applies greater pulling force.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein positive coupling method will enable easy attachment /detachment with pulling vehicle enabling trailer use when required and freeing up pulling vehicle for normal use when haulage is not required
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein a flexible connection method, using high
strength flexible straps/ belts to connect trailer portion with pulling vehicle (between 2
wheels) enabling connection with vehicles which don't have pulling hitch installed.
5. The system according to claim 1 comprising of a hitch with hydraulic auto-braking
mechanism built-in, to enable better control of pulled trailer, adding stability to the
haulage in terms of braking.
6. The system according to claim 1 comprising of a hitch with spring/ hydraulic
based damping mechanism to damp any extreme pulling/ braking shocks to be
passed on to trailer
7. The system according to claim 1 comprising of a hitch with auto braking
mechanism having threshold adjustable deceleration setting to avoid braking by
normal pulling/ pushing shocks and apply braking only when it is required.
8. The auto braking hitch system according to claim 5, which consist of a hydraulic
cylinder pressed by hitch plates when brakes applied on pulling vehicle. Hitch plates
with 2 coils springs and hydraulic cylinder work as damper/ shock absorber.