Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
FOLDING TRANSPORT VEHICLE
Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed toward folding transport vehicles and,
in particular, toward folding transport vehicles adapted for transporting
children or
cargo.
Background of the Invention
Trailers for use with bicycles are well known in the art. Such trailers are
useful for carrying small children or for transporting goods. As is taught in
U.S.
application 08/107,877, the trailers must offer durability and safety while
being small
and easily stored. Some trailers fold into compact size for storage but often
these
trailers are complex to manufacture which increases the cost to the consumer.
In
addition, collapsing the trailer into the compact position is often labour
intensive and
time consuming.
To enhance the usefulness of these trailers, some have been adapted for
conversion into strollers by replacement of a hitch with a stroller wheel.
Summary of the Invention
A folding transport vehicle has been developed which is easy to
manufacture, thereby reducing costs, and offers a simplified collapsing
procedure. The
vehicle can be formed as a trailer, such as for towing behind a bicycle, a
stroller or a
sled and can be made convertible therebetween.
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According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a
folding transport vehicle comprising:
a lower chassis;
an upper frame, formed of at least one elongate member and defining
substantially an upper limit of a cargo compartment, the upper frame being
pivotally
connected to the chassis adjacent its first end;
at least one folding frame unit, each folding frame unit having a first end
and an opposite end, the first end of each folding frame unit being pivotally
connected
to the chassis and the opposite end of each folding frame unit being pivotally
connected
to the upper frame,
each folding frame unit having a pivot point such that the folding frame
unit is foldable from an extended position to a collapsed position allowing
the upper
frame to rotate towards the chassis and thereby fold the trailer into a
compact position;
and,
a displacement means.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
folding trailer adapted for towing by a bicycle comprising:
a lower chassis;
an upper frame, formed of at least one elongate member and defining
substantially an upper limit of a cargo compartment, the upper frame being
pivotally
connected to the chassis adjacent its first end;
at least one folding frame unit, each folding frame unit having a first end
and an opposite end, the first end of each folding frame unit being pivotally
connected
to the chassis and the opposite end of each folding frame unit being pivotally
connected
to the upper frame,
each folding frame unit having a pivot point such that the folding frame
unit is foldable from an extended position to a collapsed position allowing
the upper
frame to rotate towards the chassis and thereby fold the trailer into a
compact position;
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a hitch arm and a hitch member for attachment to the bicycle extending
forwardly of the chassis; and,
a plurality of wheels.
Description of the Invention
The vehicle of the present invention is formed to be useful for transporting
cargo or children and is collapsible for storage. The vehicle comprises a
chassis, an
upper frame pivotally connected thereto and at least one folding frame unit
pivotally
connected therebetween. Each folding frame unit has a pivot point such that it
can be
folded to allow the upper frame to rotate relative to the chassis. In the
operative
position, the folding frame units are disposed in an extended position and the
upper
frame is pivoted away from the chassis. To collapse the vehicle the folding
frame units
are folded about their pivot points to thereby rotate the upper frame toward
the chassis.
The folding frame unit is formed of any suitable structural members such
as tubing, plates, bars or rods formed of any suitable material such as, for
example,
steel, aluminum or plastic. The pivot point can be any suitable pivotal
connection such
as, for example, a hinge or clevis.
The folding frame unit is provided between the upper frame and the
chassis such that when the folding frame unit is moved into an extended
position the
upper frame is pivoted away from the chassis. The upper frame can be held in
this
extended position by overcentering the pivotal connection of the folding frame
unit or
providing a locking means in association with the folding frame unit.
The upper frame is formed from at least one elongate member. The
elongate members can be formed of any elongate structural members such as, for
example, rods, bar stock or tubing formed of any suitable material such as
steel,
aluminum, or plastic. The upper frame defines substantially the upper limits
of the
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cargo compartment and can support, if desired, a cover formed of flexible
sheet
materials such as, for example, fabric. The upper frame can be shaped to in
any
suitable way using any configuration of elongate members to obtain a desired
appearance or to adjust the volume of the cargo compartment. A preferred
vehicle is
useful for the transport of children. Ln this preferred vehicle, the upper
frame is formed
to withstand stresses such as would occur if the trailer were to overturn.
The chassis supports the upper frame and folding frame units and defines
substantially the lower limits of the cargo compartment. The chassis must also
be
formed to withstand the stresses of use.
In one embodiment the chassis is formed as an arrangement of elongate
members. The elongate members can support a rigid floor member or a cover
formed
of flexible sheet materials, such as fabric or nylon. In another embodiment
the chassis
is formed as a molded plastic shell of any suitable plastic materials such as
polyethylene or polypropylene. Such a molded shell can be formed using any
suitable
technique such as vacuum or injection molding. Preferably, the molded shell is
constructed to be self supporting, requiring no further reinforcement such as
by
elongate members.
The vehicle can be adapted for use as a trailer, a stroller or a sled
depending on the displacement means employed. For example, wheels and a hitch
can be attached to the vehicle rendering it useful as a trailer such as for
towing behind
a bicycle. Alternatively, the vehicle can have attached skis for use as a
sled, such as
for towing by a skier or pushing by a skater. In another embodiment, the
vehicle can
be used as a stroller by having attached thereto at least three wheels. In a
preferred
embodiment, the vehicle is modified to accept hitch arms, wheels, skis and
stroller
attachments interchangeably, thereby rendering it convertible between a
trailer, a
stroller and a sled.
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Brief Descri tion of the Drawinas
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be
made by way of example to the following diagrammatic drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a folding trailer of the
present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a side view of the trailer of FIGURE 1 in the operative position
with
the hitch removed;
FIGURE 3 is a side view of the trailer of FIGURE 1 in the folded compact
position
with the wheels and hitch removed;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the pivot point of the folding frame units
of
FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the attachment site of the hitch arm to the
lower frame member;
FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view of the hitch of the trailer of FIGURE
1;
FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a modified version of the present invention
which is useable as a stroller;
FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the wheel connection of the stroller shown in
FIGURE 7;
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a convertible folding vehicle according to
the
present invention;
FIGURE 10 is a side view of the vehicle of FIGURE 9 with a portion of the
cowling cut away and having wheels and a hitch arm attached;
FIGURE 11A is a side view of the vehicle of FIGURE 10 in the operative
position
with the hitch arm removed;
FIGURE 11 B is a side view of the vehicle of FIGURE 9 in the folded compact
position;
FIGURE 12 is a front view of a chassis useful in the present invention; and,
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FIGURES 13A - 13F are perspective views of further embodiments of vehicles
according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
As shown in FIGURE 1; a trailer 10 of the present invention comprises an
upper frame member 15, a lower frame member 20 and a pair of folding frame
units
25a, 25b. The trailer further comprises wheels 35, or other displacement means
such
as skiffs (not shown).
Upper frame member 15 is preferably substantially rectangular in plan
view having a forward end 15a and a rear end 15b. The upper portion of the
trailer's
cargo compartment is defined by upper frame member 15. Preferably, lower frame
member 20 is substantially U-shaped in plan view. The open arms 20a, 20b of
the U-
shaped, lower frame member 20 extend out forwardly of the rear end 20c. Lower
frame
member 20 defines the lower portion of the cargo compartment. A selected one
of the
arms (in this case 20a) extends out further than the other to allow for
attachment of the
hitch arm 85. Forward end 15a of upper frame member 15 is pivotally connected
to
arms 20a, 20b of lower frame member 20 as shown at 45a and 45b. Connections
45a,
45b allow the rotation of upper frame member 15 relative to lower frame member
20.
Folding frame units 25a, 25b are substantially identical, each having a first
end and an opposite end. The first end of each folding frame unit 25a, 25b is
pivotally
connected adjacent rear end 15b of upper frame member 15, as shown at 47a and
47b.
Each of the opposite ends of folding frame units 25a, 25b is pivotally
attached adjacent
rear end 20c of lower frame member 20, as shown at 50a and 50b. Folding frame
units
25a, 25b, when extended, act to maintain rear end 15b of upper frame member 15
at
a predetermined distance from rear end 20c of lower frame member 20, as shown
in
FIGURES 1 and 2. This is the preferred operative position of the trailer.
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Each folding frame unit 25a, 25b has two members pivotally connected
at 55a and 55b. Connections 55a, 55b are positioned such that folding frame
units 25a,
25b are foldable from the extended position to a collapsed position. As shown
in
FIGURE 3, when folding frame unit 25a collapses, and folding frame unit 25b
(not
shown in FIGURE 3) collapses in the same way, then pivotal connections 45, 47,
50
allow upper frame member 15 to rotate towards lower frame member 20.
Pivotal connections 45, 47, 50, 55 may be any suitable means such as
screws or rivets. The connections should be durable, capable of repeated use
and able
to withstand stress. Pivotal connections 50a and 50b are preferably marine
fittings,
having raised journals extending from lower frame member 20 and accommodated
in
jaws fitted onto folding frame units 25a, 25b. Pivotal connections 55a and 55b
of the
folding frame units 25a, 25b are preferably as shown enlarged in FIGURE 4.
Pivot point
55a, shown in FIGURE 4, is positioned to define an upper member 25a' and a
lower
member 25a" on folding frame unit 25a. In the preferred embodiment, upper
member
25a' is offset from lower member 25a" and pivot 55a takes the form of a marine
fitting
having a jaw 57 which accommodates a flattened portion 59 of lower member
25a".
The flattened portion 59 is maintained in the jaw 57 by a pivotal pin 55a.
Each folding
frame unit 25a may have an extension 60 on a selected member (in this case
25a'),
such that when the folding frame units are extended, extension 60 will come to
bear on
the adjacent member 25a" to prevent hyper extension at pivot 55a. A similar
arrangement is used with respect to pivotal connection 55b. Still referring to
FIGURE
4, accidental collapse of the folding frame units 25a, 25b can be prevented by
fitting a
lock 65 at a selected one of pivotal connections 55a, 55b. Preferably, lock 65
is a U-
shaped clip (as shown) adapted to fit around extension 60 and adjacent member
25a".
Clip 65 is held in place by a releasable pin 67 such as a lynch pin. Clip 65
can, of
course, be made integral with the jaw of the preferred pivotal connection 55a,
if desired.
Referring back to FIGURE 1, in a preferred embodiment the upper
members 25a', 25b' of folding frame units 25a, 25b are joined by a cross bar
70. Cross
217436
_$_
bar 70 may be formed as a continuation of extensions 60. The cross bar 70
provides
stability for the trailer and may further be used as a handle to aid in the
collapsing
procedure. Folding frame units 25a, 25b are biased outwardly, when the trailer
is in the
operative position, by the tension created by a fabric cover (not shown) which
is
retained as by being wrapped around and snap fastened in place over frame 15
on one
side and which is stretched downwardly, around frame 20 on that side (with a
suitable
hole for axle 80) under bars 75 and 80, around frame 20 on the other side
(again with
a hole for axle 80), and is wrapped around and snap fastened over frame 15 on
the
other side. The fabric cover can suitably have a rear flap which snaps in
place around
bar 70, and is secured in front by being snap fastened around frame 15a.
Besides
tensioning units 25a and 25b outwards, the fabric cover prevents an occupant
of the
trailer from catching an arm or leg in the wheels 35.
The trailer may be further stabilized by extending a stabilizing bar 75
across open arms 20a, 20b of lower frame member 20.
To reduce the size of the folded trailer, lower frame member 20 is
preferably narrower than upper frame member 15 such that upper frame member 15
fits over lower frame member 20 when the trailer is folded. Folding frame
units 25a,
25b are positioned so as not to obstruct the rotation of upper frame member 15
during
folding. Preferably, forward end 15a and rear end 15b of upper frame member 15
are
angled downwardly, as is best seen in FIGURE 2. This modification provides
protection
to cargo should the trailer tip during use and increases the size of the cargo
compartment.
The frame members may be constructed of any suitable materials, for
example tubing or solid rods, which provide adequate strength and durability.
Preferably, the frame is constructed of aluminum tubing. Suitable tubing for
the upper
and lower frame members is 1" OD tubing with a .062" wall thickness while
tubing of
7/8" OD is suitable for the folding frame units.
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Displacement means 35 may be, as shown in FIGURE 1, wheels.
However, it is also envisioned that skiffs may replace the wheels. Wheels 35
are
supported on a common axle 80 which extends between journals 78 attached to
lower
frame member 20. The wheels may be provided with "quick release" fixtures to
aid in
their removal during the collapsing process. Quick release fixtures may be for
example
lynch pins.
A seat member 40, shown in phantom in FIGURE 1, may be positioned
in the trailer for carrying passengers. Alternatively, the seat member may be
replaced
by a floor (not shown) when the transport of cargo is desired. Seat member 40
is
formed by securing a suitable material, such as for example fabric, to frame
members.
Preferably, the fabric will extend from rear end 15b of upper frame member 15
to have
attachment at wheel journals 78 by means of grommets and finally to be secured
to
stabilizing bar 75. Shock absorption for the seat can be provided by suitable
shock
absorption means, such as springs or rubber inserts, located between
stabilizing bar
75 and lower frame member 20 or between the seat 40 and bar 75. The trailer of
the
present invention may be fitted with a protective rain shield as is known in
the art.
Referring again to FIGURE 1, in the preferred embodiment the trailer is
adapted to be towed behind a bicycle (not shown). The trailer is hitched to a
chain stay
of the bicycle and, preferably, the left chain stay. A hitch arm 85 is
attached to an
extension of a selected arm (in this case 20a) of the lower frame member 20.
Hitch arm
85 is preferably formed from 1" aluminum tubing.
The hitch arm connection is the site of much stress and preferably is
adapted to withstand such stress. Referring to FIGURE 5, preferably the hitch
arm 85
is slotted into the lower frame member arm 20a by means of a inner
reinforcement 86
adapted to be inserted between the end of arm 20a and the hitch arm 85. The
inner
reinforcement 86 is maintained in the arm 20a by aligning and cooperating with
connection 45a while the inner reinforcement is maintained in the hitch arm 85
by a pin
-10-
(not shown) which extends through aligned apertures 87 in the hitch arm 85 and
reinforcement 86. To distribute the load at the connection over a greater
area, the ends
of arm 20a and hitch arm 85 are preferably made to mate in an angled
arrangement as
shown in FIGURE 5. Preferably, the inner reinforcement is formed from 3/4"
cold rolled
steel.
A resilient hitch member 89 is attached at the end of hitch arm 85 for
engagement with the bicycle chain stay. Referring to FIGURE 6, preferred hitch
member 89 comprises a collar arrangement 90 for pivotal connection to chain
stay 100
(shown in phantom) and a clevis 95 for pivotal connection with hitch arm 85.
Clevis 95
is preferably formed from sheet steel. Hitch arm 85 is maintained in clevis 95
by a bolt
97. In the preferred embodiment, a polyurethane adaptor 103 is inserted at the
end of
the hitch arm 85 and is held in the clevis 95 by bolt 97. The polyurethane
adaptor 103
should be abrasion resistant. For example, polyurethane of hardness 95 Shore A
is
suitable. The flexible properties of the polyurethane material of the adapter
103 allow
increased flexibility at the clevis attachment as compared to the simple
insertion of the
rigid material of the hitch arm directly into the clevis. The flexibility of
the adapter can
be enhanced by forming a hollowed region in the adaptor where it is inserted
into the
hitch arm 85.
Collar arrangement 90 is comprised of a back collar segment 91 and a
front collar segment 92. Front collar segment 91 and back collar segment 92
are
adapted to encircle chain stay 100 when they are brought together. To maintain
the
collar segments 91, 92 in position on the chain stay 100, a bolt 105 is
inserted through
aligned apertures on the collar segments 91, 92. A knob 107 is threaded on
bolt 105
adjacent the front collar segment 92 to allow manual adjustment of the collar
segments
about chain stay 100. It is preferred that the collar arrangement be formed
from sheet
steel such that collar segments 91, 92 take the form of plates which are bent
to fit about
chain stay 100. The clevis 95 is firmly connected to the collar arrangement 90
and
-11-
preferably is formed from a tongue bent upward from front collar segment 92
which
coacts with the rest of segment 92, as shown.
Referring to FIGURE 7, the trailer may be modified to form a stroller. To
accomplish this, the previously described hitch arm is replaced with a wheel
arm 120.
Wheel arm 120 is attached to the extension of a selected arm of lower frame
member
20 in a like manner to the two embodiments previously described in regards to
the hitch
arm. To provide additional stability at the connection a clamp (not shown) can
be
positioned to surround the connection. Wheel arm 120 has releasably attached
thereto
a wheel 122 by means of for example a releasable lynch pin as will be shown in
more
detail in FIGURE 8. To provide stability to the stroller, the wheel 122 is
preferably of
similar size to the pair of wheels 35 attached to the frame. A handle 124 is
attached to
rear end 15b of upper frame member 15 by means of clips 126a, 126b. Handle 124
is
of suitable length to provide adequate apace for the stride of the person
pushing the
stroller. Clips 126a, 126b having adjustable knobs 130a, 130b, allow the
handle 124
to be rotated and adjusted to various heights. When not in use the handle 124
may be
rotated out of the way. The handle may alternatively be attached by means of a
tubular
member connector. To prevent accidental release of the stroller during use, a
safety
strap 131 formed of nylon of polyester webbing may be attached to the handle
124.
The safety strap 131 is adapted to be fitted on the wrist of the user.
The wheel 122 is attached to the wheel arm 120 as shown in FIGURE 8.
A bolt 135 attaches an axle member 140 to the wheel arm 120. The wheel 122 is
maintained on the axle 140 by means of a washer 145 and lynch pin 150
arrangement.
A spring 155 is biased on the axle 140 and maintains the wheel 122 in position
against
the washer 145. An end cap 160 fits into the open end of the wheel arm 120.
Referring to FIGURE 9, a transport vehicle 210 is shown. Vehicle 210
comprises a lower chassis 220, a pair of folding frame units 225a, 225b and an
upper
frame formed as a pair of elongate members 215', 215". Each elongate member
215',
2~'~4365
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215" is attached to one of folding frame units 225a, 225b at pivotal
connections 247a,
247b, respectively. A cross bar 270 is secured between folding frame units
225a, 225b.
Folding frame units 225a, 225b have pivotal connections 255a, 255b. Pivotal
connections 255a, 255b are formed with abutting portions 255a', 255b' to
prevent
overextension of folding frame units 225a, 225b. In the preferred embodiment,
upper
frame and folding frame units are formed of 1" OD aluminum tubing with a .062"
wall
thickness.
Chassis 220 is molded of plastic and provides a rigid floor and lower walls.
Preferably, chassis 220 is formed of injection molded, high density
polypropylene to be
generally at least 1/8" in thickness. Chassis 220 is formed to support and
provide for
connection of elongate members 215', 215", through apertures (not shown) for
accepting pivotal pin connections 245a, 245b (only connection 245b can be seen
in
FIGURE 9), and folding frame members 225a, by clevis arrangements 246a, 246b
(only
clevis 246b can be seen) for accepting pivotal pin connections 250a, 250b.
Chassis
220 is further formed to provide for connection of wheels (not shown in FIGURE
9)
through hollow sleeves 279, if desired. Reinforcement ribs 281 are formed
about
sleeves 279. Sleeves 279 extend out from the side of the chassis and act as a
spacer
for wheel attachment. Chassis 220 is further formed to provide for connection
of a hitch
arm or stroller attachment (not shown in FIGURE 9) through openings 282 and
clevis
283, if desired. Preferably, openings are formed to conform to the shape of
the hitch
arm so that stresses on the hitch arm are absorbed by the opening. Openings
282 and
clevis 283 are provided at each side of the vehicle for connection of left-
side or right
side hitch arms or stroller or hitch arrangements which are secured to the
vehicle at
both sides. Preferably, clevis arrangements 246, 283 and sleeves 279 are
molded
integral with chassis 220.
Chassis 220 is formed to include lateral reinforcing ribs 284 which can
also act to accommodate an axle (not shown) which extends between the wheels,
if
such a wheel attachment is desired. A cowling 288 is formed about the front
portion of
21'~43~~
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chassis 220 to provide additional strength to the chassis as well as for
aesthetic
purposes. Ribs 293 and flange 294 also act to strengthen and reinforce the
chassis.
Referring to FIGURE 10, vehicle 210 is shown with wheels 235, shown
in phantom, and hitch arm 285 attached. Hitch arm 285 is inserted through
opening
282 and extends to be engaged to clevis 283 by a pin 280. Cowling 288 has been
cut
away to reveal ribs 296. Each rib 296 forms a web between chassis and the
underside
of cowling 288. Ribs 296 extend down such that they are in contact with a
hitch arm
285 (or stroller attachment not shown) when it is inserted through opening 282
and
provide for absorbtion of forces from the hitch arm. Hitch arm 285 is
preferably formed
to have a cross sectional shape, for example square or rectangular, which
prevents
twisting of the hitch arm by abutment against opening 282 and ribs 296,
thereby
reducing wear at clevis 283. Further ribs and flanges can be added or modified
to
strengthen and reinforce the chassis, as desired. Preferably, the chassis is
formed as
a single molded member and is self supporting thereby avoiding the need for
support
by elongate members.
A fabric cover 298, shown in phantom, is preferably secured on the
vehicle to extend about elongate members 215', 215" and folding frame units
225a,
225b and is attached in any suitable way to chassis 220. A slung seat 240,
shown in
phantom, is preferably also provided.
As best seen in FIGURES 11A and 11 B, the vehicle can be folded from
an operative position (FIGURE 11A) into a compact position (FIGURE 11 B) by
collapsing folding frame unit 225a, and folding frame unit 225b (not shown in
FIGURES
11A and 11 B) about their pivotal connections 255a, 255b, respectively. When
folding
frame units 225a, 225b are collapsed, pivotal connections 245, 247 and 250
allow
elongate members 215', 215" to rotate towards chassis 220, shown in phantom in
FIGURE 11 B. Chassis 220 is preferably formed to accommodate the elongate
members within its walls.
-14-
Vehicle 210 is useful as a trailer, as shown in FIGURE 10, for towing
behind a bicycle by attachment of wheels 235 and a hitch arm 285 having a
bicycle
hitch attached thereto, such as, for example, that hitch shown FIGURE 6. In
another
embodiment, the vehicle can be used as a stroller by employing stroller
attachments,
such as those shown in FIGURES 7 and 8. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle
can
be used as a sled for towing, such as by a skier, by use of skiffs and a
suitable hitch
arm, similar to that shown in FIGURE 10, with a body harness attached thereto.
To
facilitate use as a sled, ribs 293 are formed to extend outwardly from the
bottom of
chassis 220 to act a skiffs, as best seen in FIGURE 12. Alternatively, skis
can be
attached at sleeves 279. The vehicle can be made to be only a selected one of
a
stroller, a trailer or a sled. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is
adapted to accept
hitches, wheels, skis and stroller attachments interchangeably and thereby be
convertible therebetween.
FIGURES 13A to 13F show some illustrative embodiments of vehicles
according to the present invention without displacement means attached
thereto.
FIGURE 13A shows a vehicle having an upper frame comprised of a pair of
elongate
members 315', 315". Each elongate member is attached to the chassis 320 at a
first
end by pivotal connections 345a, 345b. The opposite end of each elongate
member
is attached to a folding frame unit 325a, 325b at pivotal connections 347a,
347b.
Folding frame units 325a, 325b are attached to chassis 320 at pivotal
connections
350a, 350b. Pivotal connections 350a, 350b, 345a, 345b are surrounded by guide
plates 351 a, 351 b, 352a, 352b which laterally stabilize the elongate members
and the
folding frame units.
FIGURE 13B shows a vehicle having an upper frame formed as a U-
shaped elongate member 415. The upper frame is pivotally connected to a
chassis 420
and a pair of folding frame units 425a, 425b.
2~'~4365
-15-
FIGURES 13C and 13D show other embodiments of a vehicle having
upper frames formed of generally U-shaped members. U-shaped upper frame member
515, 615 shown in FIGURES 13C and 13D, respectively, are formed at their bases
515b, 615b to increase the volume of their cargo compartments. The vehicle of
FIGURE 13C has a chassis 520 formed of vacuum molded plastic.
FIGURE 13E shows a vehicle having a chassis 720 formed of a molded
plastic shell 753 and an undercarriage 754 formed of elongate members. Folding
frame
units 725a, 725b are positioned between chassis 720 and upper frame 715.
FIGURE 13F shows a vehicle having a rectangular shaped upper frame
815. A single folding frame unit 825 is pivotally connected at 847 and 850
between
upper frame 815 and chassis 820.
FIGURES 13A - 13F show only the exemplary embodiments of vehicles
of the present invention in which the folding frame units, upper frame and
chassis have
been modified in their positioning, shape and construction to obtains vehicles
having
different appearances and cargo compartment volumes while retaining the
inventive
collapsing feature of the vehicle.
It will be apparent that many other changes may be made to the
illustrative embodiments, while falling within the scope of the invention and
it is intended
that all such changes be covered by the claims appended hereto.
