Patent Application
20140375005
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a caster switch unit for a carry-and-transport device, and more particularly, to a caster switch unit for reducing the turning radius of the carry-and-transport device.
2. Description of Related Art
The conventional carry-and-transport devices, such as stroller carts, shopping carts and transportation carts, are used for carry objects or goods from one place to another to save energy and transportation time. Besides, some of the carry-and-transport devices are used for moving patients in hospitals or between clinic rooms.
However, when using the carry-and-transport devices, the users are experienced that a larger area is required when turning these carry-and-transport devices. In other words, the turning radius for the conventional carry-and-transport devices is not satisfied by the uses so that when the carry-and-transport devices are used in a narrow space, it is difficult to turn or make a U-turn.
The present invention intends to provide a caster switch unit for a carry-and-transport device so as to reduce the turning radius and to improve the shortcomings of the conventional carry-and-transport devices.
The present invention relates to a carry-and-transport device and comprises a caster unit and a straight-wheel unit. A control unit has a sleeve which is located corresponding to the straight-wheel unit. A movable frame is connected to the sleeve and has an auxiliary caster unit connected to the lower end thereof. The auxiliary caster unit is normally located above the ground. A switch unit is connected to the top of the movable frame which controls the movable frame to move upward and downward.
Preferably, the carry-and-transport device is a transportation cart, a manual cart or a bed.
Preferably, the switch unit of the control unit is a lever.
Preferably, the switch unit of the control unit is a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a carry-and-transport device which has a control unit which is located corresponding to the straight-wheel unit of the carry-and-transport device. When the carry-and-transport device turns or makes a U-turn, the auxiliary caster unit touches the ground by operation of the control unit so as to reduce the turning radius of the carry-and-transport device.
The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to
A control unit 2 has a sleeve 21 which is located corresponding to the straight-wheel unit 12. A movable frame 22 is connected to the sleeve 21 and has an auxiliary caster unit 23 connected to the lower end thereof.
The auxiliary caster unit 23 is normally located above the ground and does not contact the ground. A switch unit 24 is connected to the top of the movable frame 22 which controls the movable frame 22 to move upward and downward. The switch unit 24 of the control unit 2 is a lever, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.
As shown in
When the carry-and-transport device 1 turns or makes a U-turn, as shown in
The carry-and-transport device 1 of the present invention has the control unit 2 located at the straight-wheel unit 12, so that when the carry-and-transport device 1 turns or makes a U-turn, the auxiliary caster unit 23 is lowered and touches the ground to help the carry-and-transport device 1 to turn or make a U-turn. The required turning radius of the carry-and-transport device 1 is significantly reduced.
While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
