Patent Application
20140271095
1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to moving equipment and relates more particularly to hand dollies or hand trucks for moving heavy articles or appliances, such as refrigerators, furniture, and inventory up and down stairways.
2) Description of the Related Art
There are various types of dollies and trucks for moving heavy loads. Several difficulties are encountered with these devices, especially when moving one or more heavy objects and articles up and down stairways.
One of these difficulties is that stairs do not enable a smooth surface to effectively roll an apparatus up or down. Another difficulty is in controlling the descent of the heavy objects and articles down the stairs due to high potential energy of the system. Another difficulty lies in the fact that deliverymen do not have an ergonomic handling of the object enabling them to move the apparatus while standing upright, increasing the risk of injury.
According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for transporting objects comprises a frame for receiving at least one object, at least one handle coupled to the frame, at least one set of wheels coupled to the frame, at least one track coupled to the frame, wherein the track allows movement of the apparatus in addition to the wheels; and at least one brake mechanism coupled to the frame.
In certain embodiments, at least one brake mechanism comprises a unidirectional brake. In certain embodiments, the unidirectional brake comprises a first unidirectional clutch that allows a first pulley to rotate independently of the first unidirectional clutch in a first direction and prevents the first pulley from rotating independently of the first unidirectional clutch in a second direction, and a brake that resists movement of the unidirectional clutch. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism allows variable braking. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a control interface for manually adjusting a braking force. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism is configured to apply at least one second preset braking force. In certain embodiments, each of the first and the second preset braking force is calibrated for an anticipated load. In certain embodiments, the anticipated load comprises one keg. In certain embodiments, the anticipated load comprises more than one keg. In certain embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a controller to automatically adjust the braking force. In certain embodiments, the braking force automatically adjusts based on at least one of a speed of the apparatus, an incline over which the apparatus is traveling, and a weight of the load. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism applies a braking force between approximately 120 pounds and 160 pounds. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism applies a braking force of approximately 140 pounds. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism comprises at least one of a drum brake, a disc brake, a hydraulic disc brake, a levered brake, fluidic dampers, rotational dampers, an eddy-current brake, or a viscous dampener.
In certain embodiments, the at least one track comprises a tread assembly. In certain embodiments, the at least one tread assembly comprises at least one pulley and a tread that rotates around the at least one pulley. In certain embodiments, an inner surface of the tread has a lower coefficient of friction than an outer surface of the tread. In certain embodiments, an inner surface of the tread is cogged. In certain embodiments, the at least one pulley comprises a mating groove and an inner surface of the tread is a “V” belt that mates with the mating groove. In certain embodiments, the track can be in one of a deployed position and a collapsed position. In certain embodiments, the track comprises a cut channel mechanism to move between a collapsed position and a deployed position. In certain embodiments, the cut channel mechanism comprises a slot to maintain the track in the deployed position. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a locking hinge to maintain the track in the deployed position. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a track pivot configured to apply a force used to pull the track toward the collapsed position. In certain embodiments, the track pivot uses at least one of a torsion spring, an extension spring, and a compression spring. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a track pivot configured to apply a force resistant to the track being in the collapsed position. In certain embodiments, the track pivot uses at least one of a torsion spring, an extension spring, and a compression spring. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a ratchet configured to allow the track to move toward the deployed position in a first mode of operation and inhibit the track from moving toward the collapsed position in the first mode of operation, and to allow the track to move toward the collapsed position in a second mode of operation and inhibit the track from moving toward the deployed position in the second mode of operation.
In certain embodiments, the track can be moved from the collapsed position to the deployed position with a single action. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises an actuation handle for moving the track from the collapsed position to the deployed position. In certain embodiments, an angle between the track and the frame is less than approximately 45 degrees when the track is in the deployed position. In certain embodiments, an angle between the track and the frame is less than approximately 30 degrees when the track is in the deployed position. In certain embodiments, an angle between the track and the frame is approximately 20 degrees when the track is in the deployed position.
In certain embodiments, the tracks are recessed in the frame. In certain embodiments, the tracks are configured to lengthen and shorten. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a baseplate coupled to the frame, and the baseplate is configured such that the apparatus can stand substantially upright. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a restraining mechanism coupled to the frame. In certain embodiments, the restraining mechanism is at least one of a claw, a strap, a restraining bar, and a latch. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a second handle, wherein at least one of the first handle and the second handle is modular. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first handle and the second handle is for movement of the apparatus on substantially level surfaces and at least the other of the first handle and the second handle is for movement of the apparatus on substantially sloped surfaces. In certain embodiments, the first handle is configurable to be adjusted in a plurality of positions relative to the frame. In certain embodiments, the first handle can be rotated around a handle pivot. In certain embodiments, the first handle can be extended through a telescoping mechanism. In certain embodiments, the first handle is configured to be adjusted through at least one of manual, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical actuation. In certain embodiments, the frame is configured for at least one of folding, sliding, and moving the frame to position the first handle.
In certain embodiments, the frame comprises an extruded material. In certain embodiments, the extruded material comprises one of aluminum and magnesium. In certain embodiments, the frame comprises an injected material. In certain embodiments, the injected material comprises an injected glass filled with nylon.
In various embodiments the apparatus can be operated in a variety of manners. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be operated manually. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be driven through at least manual control. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be driven through at least one of electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical control. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a driving mechanism configured to increase the speed of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the driving mechanism comprises a motor.
In certain embodiments, at least one track comprises at least one of a roller, a multi-directional skid bar, a bi-directional skid bar, and a uni-directional skid bar. In certain embodiments, the at least one track comprises a support surface. In certain embodiments, the support surface comprises at least one of aluminum, plastic, and steel. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is configured to determine braking speed based on the acceleration of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism is located at the at least one of a first end and a second end of the track. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism provides passive braking. In certain embodiments, the at least one brake mechanism provides active braking. In certain embodiments, at least one tread assembly comprises a tensioning mechanism, wherein the tensioning mechanism adjusts the tension of the tread between the at least one pulley and a second pulley. In certain embodiments, the tensioning mechanism comprises at least one of a constant force spring, a screw, and a bolt.
In certain embodiments, the apparatus is configured to assist in moving the object up stairs. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one of a mechanical device and an electrical device to provide at least one of torque and force. In certain embodiments, the mechanical or electrical device comprises at least one of a motor, a hydraulic system, and a mechanical system. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is configured to receive at least one keg.
In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a damping mechanism. In certain embodiments, the damping mechanism comprises at least one of a collapsing slide, a chute, a hydraulic shock absorber, a coilover damper, and a gas damper. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a first fluidic damper to absorb a shock of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a second fluidic damper, wherein the first and second fluidic dampers are offset.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of transporting an object is described, which comprises providing a transport apparatus comprising: a frame for receiving at least one object; at least one handle coupled to the frame; at least one set of wheels coupled to the frame; at least one track coupled to the frame; and at least one brake mechanism coupled to the frame. According to this aspect of the invention, the method further comprises moving the frame on the at least one set of wheels when the frame is on a substantially level surface, moving the frame on the track when the frame is on a sloped surface, and utilizing the brake mechanism to decrease the speed of movement of the frame on a sloped surface.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises adjusting a braking force applied by the brake mechanism. In certain embodiments of the invention, a braking force is adjusted manually. In certain embodiments, the method comprises applying at least one preset braking force. In certain embodiments, each preset braking force is calibrated for an anticipated load. In certain embodiments, the anticipated load comprises one keg. In certain embodiments, the anticipated load comprises more than one keg. In certain embodiments, the method comprises automatically adjusting a braking force. In certain embodiments, the braking force is automatically adjusted based on at least one of a speed of the apparatus, an incline over which the apparatus is traveling, and a weight of the load. In certain embodiments, the method comprises using a unidirectional brake to decrease the speed of movement. In certain embodiments, the method comprises applying two or more braking forces. In certain embodiments, the method comprises applying a braking force between approximately 120 pounds and 160 pounds. In certain embodiments, the method comprises applying a braking force of approximately 140 pounds. In certain embodiments, the method comprises applying a braking force with at least one of a drum brake, a disc brake, a hydraulic disc brake, a levered brake, fluidic dampers, rotational dampers, an eddy-current brake, and a viscous dampener.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises rotating a tread around at least one pulley of the track. In certain embodiments, the method comprises rotating a tread with an inner surface that has a lower coefficient of friction than its outer surface around at least one pulley of the track. In certain embodiments, the method comprises mating a cogged inner surface of the tread with the at least one pulley. In certain embodiments, the method comprises mating a “V” belt surface of the tread with a mating groove of the at least one pulley.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises deploying the track for use on a sloped surface. In certain embodiments, the method comprises securing the track in a deployed position. In certain embodiments, the method comprises securing the track in the deployed position using at least one of a cut channel mechanism, a locking hinge, a track pivot, and a ratchet. In certain embodiments, the deploying step is performed with a single action. In certain embodiments, the deploying step is performed using an actuation handle. In certain embodiments, an angle between the track and the frame is less than approximately 45 degrees when the track is in the deployed position. In certain embodiments, the angle between the track and the frame is less than approximately 30 degrees when the track is in the deployed position. In certain embodiments, the angle between the track and the frame is approximately 20 degrees when the track is in the deployed position.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises collapsing the track. In certain embodiments, the method comprises securing the track in a collapsed position. In certain embodiments, the method comprises securing the track in the collapsed position using at least one of a cut channel mechanism, a locking hinge, a track pivot, and a ratchet. In certain embodiments, the collapsing step is performed with a single action. In certain embodiments, the collapsing step is performed using an actuation handle. In certain embodiments, the method comprises at least one of lengthening or shortening the tracks. In certain embodiments, the method comprises further providing a track recessed in the frame.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises restraining the object using a restraining mechanism. In certain embodiments, the restraining mechanism comprises at least one of a claw, a strap, a restraining bar, and a latch.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises providing at least one of a modular first handle and a modular second handle, and replacing at least one of the first and second handles. In certain embodiments, the method comprises the step of extending the first handle by at least one of rotating the first handle around a handle pivot and telescoping the first handle. In certain embodiments, the method comprises extending the first handle using at least one of manual, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical actuation. In certain embodiments, the method comprises at least one of folding, sliding, and moving the frame to extend the first handle.
In various embodiments, the method comprises operating the apparatus in a variety of manners. In certain embodiments, the method comprises operating the transport apparatus manually. In certain embodiments, the method comprises driving the transport apparatus through at least manual control. In certain embodiments, the method comprises driving the transport apparatus through at least one of electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical control. In certain embodiments, the method comprises increasing the speed of the transport apparatus. In certain embodiments, the method comprises driving the apparatus with a motor.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises determining the braking force relative to the acceleration of the transport apparatus. In certain embodiments, the method comprises using passive braking. In certain embodiments, the method comprises using active braking.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises tensioning the track using a tensioning mechanism. In certain embodiments, the method comprises transporting at least one keg. In certain embodiments, the sloped surface comprises stairs. In certain embodiments, the method comprises positioning the transport apparatus such that there are at least two points of contact between the track and the stairs.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises using a damping mechanism to absorb energy. In certain embodiments, the damping mechanism is at least one of a collapsing slide, a chute, a hydraulic shock absorber, a coilover damper, and a gas damper. In certain embodiments, the method comprises using a first fluidic damper to absorb a shock of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the method comprises using a second fluidic damper, wherein the first and second fluidic dampers are offset.
As set forth in detail below, an aspect of the present invention relates to a mechanical system to be used as a delivery aid for moving loads. An embodiment of the invention may be configured to enable traversal of both level and uneven surfaces. In some embodiments, these uneven surfaces include stairs. In other embodiments, these level surfaces include ramps. In some embodiments, the delivery apparatus is configured to be operated manually. In other non-limiting embodiments, the delivery apparatus can be driven electronically, hydraulically, or mechanically. In yet other embodiments, the delivery apparatus is configured to be driven through any combination of manual, electronic, hydraulic, or mechanical control.
In some embodiments, the delivery apparatus includes a rigid frame with a handle and two freely rotating wheels on two independent axles. In certain embodiments the delivery apparatus includes a tread assembly coupled to the frame on a pivot. In certain embodiments the pivot of the tread assembly enables the rotation of the treads relative to the frame at an angle favorable to the ergonomic operation of the apparatus. In other embodiments the frame may house the recessed treads. In still other embodiments the handle rotates relative to the frame at an angle favorable to the ergonomic operation of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the treads provide a minimum of two points of contact with the stair edges enabling the smooth traversal of the system over the recesses in stairs. In some embodiments, the orientation of the unit is changed by the user depending on whether or not the surface is level, such as the floor or ramp, or uneven, such as stairs.
In another embodiment, a system to control the ascent or descent speed of the delivery apparatus is provided within the tread assembly and is coupled to the rotating wheels and/or the treads. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the system to control the ascent or descent speed of the mechanical invention includes brakes. In other non-limiting embodiments, the ascent or descent speed of the delivery apparatus is controlled by fluidic dampers or rotational dampers. In further embodiments, the descent or ascent speed is controlled through friction. In another embodiment, the speed-controlling device can include components (such as a motor) that would increase the speed of the device or provide further assistance to the user when pushing the delivery apparatus up a flight of stairs. In yet another embodiment, the speed-controlling device can include components that can increase or decrease the speed of the delivery apparatus.
In another embodiment, the delivery apparatus includes an extendible handle. The handle can be extended by folding out around a pivot point. In other non-limiting embodiments, the handle slides out to a longer length. In certain embodiments, the handle is modular and may be replaced by handles of varying shapes and sizes. In certain other non-limiting embodiments the frame folds, slides, and/or moves to provide a grip favorable to ergonomic use on sloped surfaces. In some embodiments, the mechanism by which the handle is extended can be manually controlled. In other non-limiting embodiments, the mechanism by which the handle is extended can be actuated hydraulically, mechanically, or electrically or through a combination of the same. In further embodiments, the actuation mechanism is a combination of manual and hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical actuation. The delivery apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the load it is transporting. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the securing mechanism comprises one or more claws, straps, restraining bars and/or latches. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a compact design appropriate for delivering objects such as kegs, boxes, and furniture. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is durable enough for repeated use moving objects over a variety of surfaces.
In certain embodiments, the apparatus advantageously reduces the force an operator applies on the load and the force the load applies on the operator. In certain embodiments, the apparatus reduces the load through braking. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the apparatus advantageously glides down stairs enabling smooth operation with more control and less jarring. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, there is reduced wear and tear on the apparatus and the infrastructure, such as stairs, ramps, loading docks, sidewalks, and other surfaces.
In certain embodiments, the angle between the tread assembly 106 and the frame 101 is less than approximately 45 degrees when the track is in the deployed position. An angle of less than approximately 45 degrees may be advantageous in certain embodiments for moving lighter objects. In certain embodiments, the angle between the tread assembly 106 and the frame 101 is less than approximately 30 degrees when the track is in the deployed position. An angle of less than 30 degrees may be advantageous in certain embodiments for lifting heavier loads. In certain embodiments, the angle between the tread assembly 106 and the frame 101 is approximately 20 degrees when the track is in the deployed position. An angle of approximately 20 degrees may be advantageous in certain embodiments for lifting even heavier loads. In certain embodiments the handle for sloped surfaces 105 is fixed to an ergonomic height. The angle of rotation of the tread assembly 106 relative to the frame 101 and the handle for sloped surfaces 105 is fixed such that on sloped surfaces, the user of the apparatus can stand substantially upright and lift ergonomically, reducing the risk of injury.
In certain embodiments the frame 101 is made from extruded aluminum or magnesium. In other non-limiting embodiments the frame 101 is made of injected glass filled nylon. In still other non-limiting embodiments the frame 101 is composed of any material or alloy providing sufficient rigidity to withstand loads transported with the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the inner surface of the tread 301 and/or a support surface of tread assembly 106 is made from a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as polyoxymethylene, to reduce friction between the tread and the frame in order to reduce wear.
As additionally shown in
As further shown in
As additionally depicted in
In an embodiment, the user will carry or roll the apparatus up stairs using the reverse of the method described. In some embodiments the apparatus assists in moving the load up the stairs using a mechanical or electrical devices to provide torque and/or force. In some embodiments the apparatus involves one or more motors, a hydraulic system using, for example, energy stored in a pressurized container, or a mechanical system including springs, flywheels, or other appropriate methods of storing energy.
In an embodiment shown in shown in
The embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the treads 1001 are positioned over an assembly of two or more rollers set on axles fixed to the frame. The treads may comprise wear-resistant flexible material tensioned over the rollers. When the treads contact the steps, they are tensioned over a support surface that is coupled to the back of the frame. The support surface provides a normal force when the steps push against the treads, but still allows the treads to slide upon it. In some non-limiting embodiments the support surface is aluminum, plastic, or steel. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the tread configuration discussed above is just one of many types of track-based configurations that can traverse uneven surfaces, such as stairs. For example, depending on the surface being traversed, one of ordinary skill in the art might utilize a chain-link configuration. In certain embodiments, the treads 1001 can be lengthened or shortened. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the length of the treads can be increased or decreased with a tensioning mechanism. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the tread is modular and tread extensions can be added or removed to adjust the length of the tread. In certain embodiments, pulleys can be added or removed to adjust the length of the tread.
In other embodiments the extendible handle 902 is part of the frame 901 and folds or collapses upon itself using a handle pivot 1301. In other non-limiting embodiments the handle collapses by use of a four bar linkage (not shown). In some embodiments the frame 901 is of a custom extrusion with built-in rails to guide the extendible handle 905 to their respective extended and collapsed positions.
In some embodiments the extendible handle 905 is locked into position with the handle locking mechanism 907, which secures the extendible handle 905 in its collapsed and extended state. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 907 is a pin, latch, strap, restraining bar, or gusset that locks in the place in its extended position. In some embodiments, the operator, upon approaching a stairwell or sloped surface, can set the delivery apparatus down and release the extendable handle 905 using the handle locking mechanism 907 to enable it to move to its extended state. The extendible handle 905 provides leverage and control over the apparatus and the secured load, such as when the apparatus is on an uneven surface. Furthermore, the extendable handle 905 provides leverage to remove the user from the load while descending down a sloped surface. Lastly, the extendable handle 905 is long enough to provide a larger lever arm by which the user can apply a force to lift and maneuver the load while on a sloped surface.
In a use case shown in
If the user encounters a temporary level transition, such as a narrow landing between two flights of stairs, the user can transition to the next flight of stairs by using the intermediate handles to provide torque needed to traverse the temporary level surface. In an embodiment, the user will, at the end of the staircase lift the apparatus to its upright state, which allows for a tighter turning radius, using the intermediate handle to gain appropriate leverage. In an embodiment, the user will unlock the extendible handle 905 using the locking/unlocking mechanism 907 to return the extendible handle 905 to its collapsed state. The collapsed state enables the user to move the delivery apparatus in tight spaces while using the extendible handle 905 as the handle for the apparatus in its upright state. This enables the independent wheels 902 to engage on level surfaces to allow the apparatus to rotate with the user on or around tight bends.
In an embodiment, the user will carry or roll the apparatus up stairs using the reverse of the method described. In some embodiments the apparatus assists in moving the load up the stairs using mechanical or electrical devices to provide torque and/or force. In some embodiments the apparatus involves one or more motors, a hydraulic system using energy stored in a pressurized container within the housing 1102, or a mechanical system including springs, flywheels, or other appropriate methods of storing energy.
In one use case shown in
Upon reaching a level surface such as a landing on the stairs before a bend, or at the bottom of the stairs, the user applies a force on the extendible handle 905 to disengage treads 1001 from the lips of the stairs as the delivery apparatus pivots around the independently rotating wheels. The user then may change his grip to the intermediate handle 904 and rotate the apparatus on the level surface and drive it further down a flight of stairs using the same method as described above. In another embodiment the user applies a force on the intermediate handle to transition the delivery apparatus to the upright state as described above. The user can then return the extendible handle to its collapsed state through the unlocking of the unlocking/locking mechanism 907. In some embodiments the locking/unlocking mechanism 907 is manual. In other embodiments the locking/unlocking 907 mechanism is automated through electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic methods known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments the locking/unlocking mechanism 907 is locked and/or unlocked through a combination of manual and automatic methods.
The extendible handle 905 is unlocked using the handle locking mechanism 907 and is pivoted to its extended state. In other non-limiting embodiments, the extendible handle 905 slides and/or rotates to its extended state, at which point it locks and becomes rigid. The user then pulls back on the apparatus using the intermediate handle 904 to preferably lower the apparatus to approximately waist height. The user then rolls the apparatus over the first step of the stairwell, holding the intermediate handle 904. The treads 1001 engage the lip of the first stair and enable the apparatus to begin to traverse down the stairs. In one method, the user transitions his grip from the intermediate handle 904 to the extendible handle 905 in its fully extended state. In some embodiments, the extendible handle allows the user to maintain a more ergonomic grip, while providing a longer lever arm on the apparatus to control the apparatus and the fixed load. In one method, the user allows the weight of the load to pull the apparatus down the stairs. In some embodiments the speed of the traversal is controlled using the speed control mechanism 1101.
If the user encounters a temporary level transition, such as a narrow landing between two flights of stairs, the user can transition to the next flight of stairs by using the intermediate handle 904 to provide to torque needed to traverse the temporary level surface. In one embodiment, the user will, at the end of the staircase lift the apparatus to its upright state, which allows for a tighter turning radius, using the intermediate handle to gain appropriate leverage. In one embodiment, the user will unlock the extendible handle 905 using the handle locking mechanism 907 to return the extendible handle 905 to its collapsed state. The collapsed state enables the user to move the delivery apparatus in tight spaces while using the extendible handle 905 as the handle for the apparatus in its upright state. This enables the independent wheels 902 to engage on level surfaces to allow the apparatus to rotate with the user on or around tight bends.
In one embodiment, the user will carry or roll the apparatus up stairs using the reverse of the method described. In some embodiments the apparatus assists in moving the load up the stairs using mechanical or electrical devices to provide torque and/or force. In some embodiments the apparatus involves one or more motors, a hydraulic system using energy stored in a pressurized container stored on the apparatus, or a mechanical system including springs, flywheels, or other appropriate methods of storing energy.
In another embodiment the user applies a force on the intermediate handle 904 to transition the delivery apparatus to the upright state. The user can then return the extendible handle 905 to its collapsed state through the unlocking of the handle locking mechanism 907. In some embodiments the handle locking mechanism 907 is manual. In other embodiments the handle locking mechanism 907 is automated through electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic methods known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments the handle locking mechanism 907 is locked and/or unlocked through a combination of manual and automatic methods.
Certain non-limiting embodiments include a damping mechanism. A non-limiting embodiments used to move heavy loads down stairs include slides or chutes, which provide damping on the loads as they traverse stairs. In some embodiments the slides and chutes are collapsible, allowing for easy storage and quick assembly. Still other non-limiting embodiments include a delivery apparatus that has hydraulic shock absorbers, which work in quick succession to absorb the weight of the load as the apparatus falls from step to step.
Although the above descriptions describe embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the techniques and concepts are applicable to other delivery systems in general. Thus the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in the drawings are therefore to be considered illustrative and not restrictive.
While the above describes a particular order of operations performed by a given embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that such order is exemplary, as alternative embodiments may perform the operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, or the like. References to a given embodiment indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/801,383, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61801383 | Mar 2013 | US |
