DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0030] While it is not part of the present invention, an understanding of the parts and layout of a SEGWAY-type human transporter, sometimes referred to herein as an HT, is useful for understanding the storage rack for such a device, as it is the storage rack that is the focus of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 the HT rides on 2 wheels which are connected at a given distance. A control bar rises from a position in the center of the wheels. A set of handle bars are affixed to the upper end of the control bar. Optionally, the HT may include brackets which may be employed for carrying mail bags and/or mail satchels. A step is located between the wheels where a human operator may stand when operating the HT. More information related to the SEGWAY HT is available at www.segway.com.

[0031] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 will provide an introduction to an embodiment of the storage rack of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 show two perspective views of storage rack 10 attached to a vehicle with an HT positioned on storage rack 10 . FIG. 1 shows storage rack 10 in the closed or locked position (also referred to as the engaged position) where tracks 110 , 112 are raised in a substantially vertical position. This is the position for transporting an HT as the HT is secured to storage rack 10 in this position. FIG. 2 shows storage rack 10 in the open or unloading position. Here tracks 110 , 112 have been lowered such that in this instance they rest on the ground or some other unloading surface. In this open position the HT may be unloaded or removed from storage rack 10 for service by moving the HT down tracks 110 , 112 .

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown a perspective view of storage rack 10 . Generally a preferred embodiment of storage rack 10 comprises ramp module 100 , vertical support column 200 , platform module 300 , and attachment means 400 .

[0033] Still referring to FIG. 3 , ramp module 100 consists generally of two parallel channels or tracks 110 , 112 . The tracks may take any configuration satisfactory to provide a support on which the wheels of the HT can travel. The wheels of the HT ride on a surface of tracks 110 , 112 . Preferably, tracks 110 , 112 are positioned so that the distance between the center lines of each track 110 , 112 approximates the distance between the wheels of the human transporter that is to be associated with storage rack 10 . In a preferred embodiment, tracks 110 , 112 comprise extruded aluminum channels. However, in an alternative embodiment the ramps may be constructed from a variety of strips. The width of an individual track 110 , 112 is a width sufficient to provide support for the individual wheels of an HT. In a preferred embodiment individual tracks 110 , 112 are between about 4 and about 6 inches in width. Preferably, individual tracks 110 , 112 are further provided with lip 115 running along either length of track 110 , 112 . Lip 115 acts to keep an HT wheel from running off track 110 , 112 when the HT is traveling along the tracks.

[0034] Ramp module 100 may be provided with cross members 120 to provide structural integrity to the ramp module. While said cross members are shown in the preferred embodiment, running substantially perpendicular between opposing tracks 110 , 112 , other configurations are possible. Cross members 120 may run at angles or diagonals between tracks. Preferably cross members 120 are attached to the underside of tracks 110 , 112 so as not to impede travel of an HT on the upper surface of tracks 110 , 112 .

[0035] Ramp module 100 is secured to platform module at pivot point 130 . Pivot 130 may comprise a hinge. In a preferred embodiment, pivot point 130 comprises hinges placed at the end of each track 110 , 112 . One edge of a hinge is secured to one end of a track 110 , 112 and the other edge of a hinge is secured to platform module 300 . Pivot 130 allows ramp module 100 to rotate at pivot point 130 while staying secured to platform module 300 . Pivot point 130 may also take other embodiments that allow the rotating motion while staying attached such as a dowel, pin, hook, slot, or ball joint.

[0036] Still referring to FIG. 3 , in one embodiment ramp module 100 also includes locking arm 140 . Locking arm 140 is secured at one end to ramp module 100 . Preferably, locking arm 140 is secured to ramp module 100 but is free to rotate at ramp module 100 . Additionally, locking arm 140 is preferably secured to cross member 120 . Preferably a pair of brace plates 160 serves to prevent locking arm 140 from having excessive lateral motion. Brace plates 160 are attached to cross-member 120 in a position that each brace plate is substantially parallel to the other. Brace plates 160 are spaced apart such that locking arm 140 may be positioned between brace plates 160 . The space between brace plates 160 generally restricts locking arm 140 to a desired plane of movement.

[0037] At one end of the movement allowed to locking arm 140 , a stop (not shown) on locking arm 140 rests against cross member 130 so as to prevent locking arm 140 from moving beyond a desired point. This is the point of movement that generally corresponds to the position of locking arm 140 when in the closed position. At the opposite end of the movement allowed to locking arm 140 , locking arm's 140 movement when put in the unlocking position is stopped when locking arm 140 comes to rest against a cross member 120 , as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0038] Referring to FIG. 6 at the opposing end of locking arm 140 , locking arm 140 forks into sections 170 , 172 . There are two forked sections. Each forked section 170 , 172 contains a recess 174 . In the closed and locked position, recess 174 of each forked section 170 , 172 engages locking pin 230 on center support 210 as shown in FIG. 5 . Further, when an HT is stored on storage rack 10 , the space defined between forked sections 170 , 172 surrounds the center pole of the HT. When ramp module 100 is placed in the open position, locking arm 140 rotates so that it is in a position substantially parallel to that of tracks 110 , 112 . By rotating into this position, locking arm 140 does not obstruct the movement of an HT along tracks 110 , 112 .

[0039] Platform module 300 is shown in FIG. 4 . Platform module 300 comprises a framework 310 where an HT is lodged and secured. Preferably, framework 310 includes runner supports 320 and one or more beams 330 . Alternatively, runners 340 may be an integral part of framework 310 . Vertical support column 200 is attached to platform module 300 . Ramp module 100 is also attached to platform module 300 . In a preferred embodiment, platform framework 310 is in the shape of an “H” frame with runners 340 affixed to the opposing arms of the “H” frame.

[0040] As with ramp module 100 , platform module 300 includes a pair of runners 340 . Runners 340 are similar in cross-dimension to tracks 110 , 112 used in ramp module 100 in that both sets of tracks and runners have a similar width. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, runners 340 include lip 345 to keep the wheels of an HT on runners 340 . It is desirable that runners 340 and ramp module tracks 110 , 112 have similar width and be attached in a manner such that runners and tracks align substantially. In this way the HT will have free movement as it transitions from ramp module 100 and onto platform module 300 and vice versa.

[0041] Runners 340 include cutouts 350 . Cutouts 350 are shaped to receive a portion of the wheel on a desired HT. When an HT is positioned on platform module 300 such that its wheels lodge in the space provided by cutouts 350 , the HT is held by platform module 300 . An HT is further held to storage rack 10 by locking arm 140 and vertical support column 210 .

[0042] Vertical support column 200 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a member extending in substantially orthogonal direction from the plane of platform module 300 . At the upper end of vertical support column 200 is pin block 220 . Locking pins 230 are located on either side of pin block 220 . A preferred embodiment includes two such pins although an embodiment with one pin is possible. Locking pins 230 are generally cylindrical in shape. Preferably locking pins 230 include end cap 231 shown in FIG. 6 . End cap 231 has a greater diameter than the cylindrical portion of the locking pin body. End cap 231 thus serves to hold forked sections 170 , 172 from locking arm 140 in place on locking pins 230 . Preferably, locking pins 230 extend outwardly from pin block, although they may be located within.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 generally, in a preferred embodiment, locking bars 240 are also located on either side of pin block 220 . Preferably locking bars 240 are pivotally attached to pin block 220 so that locking bar 240 can move in a swinging motion. In a closed position, recesses in locking bars 240 engage locking pins 230 . In this closed or engaged position locking bars 240 can be locked into position by plunger lock 250 . Plunger lock 250 located on at least one locking bar 240 holds the locking bar securely to pin block 220 . Preferably plunger lock 250 includes a plunger, dowel, or pin that moves inwardly into pin block 220 when in locked position. A receiving hole in pin block 220 receives the locking plunger, pin, or dowel thereby locking locking bar 240 to pin block 220 in a nonmoving position. Preferably only one locking bar 240 includes plunger lock 250 ; however if desired plunger locks can be configured on both locking bars 240 .

[0044] Preferably a pair of locking bars 240 is made to swing in tandem. This is achieved in one embodiment by having rod 280 mounted on pin block 220 such that rod 280 is allowed to rotate in pin block. Locking bars 240 are attached to ends of rod 280 . Locking bars 240 may be attached to rod 280 in a manner such that locking bars 240 will swing in tandem. This may be achieved by having locking bars 240 press fitted to rod 280 . Alternatively, and preferably, locking bars 240 are attached to rod 280 by means of a dowel where the dowel links locking bars 240 to rod 280 thus ensuring that there is no slippage of locking bars 240 on rod 280 when locking bars swing. FIGS. 5 and 6 show an end portion of rod 280 where locking bar 240 is attached to rod 280 . FIG. 7 shows aperture 285 formed on locking bar 240 for receiving rod 280 . FIG. 7 also shows hole 286 on locking bar 240 for fitting the dowel that links locking bar 240 to rod 280 .

[0045] Locking bar 240 is configured so as to hold locking arm 140 in place when locking bar 240 is in the locked position. Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a view of locking bar 240 with a lap joint recess 260 . Lap joint recess 260 defines a lap surface 265 . Lap joint recess 260 is configured so that the corresponding area of forked sections 170 , 172 fits within the area of defined by lap joint recess 260 . When locking arm 140 is in the closed position and forked sections 170 , 172 are resting on pins 230 at their recesses 174 , locking bars 240 can also move into locking position and rest on pins 230 . The space defined by lap joint recess 260 allows locking bar 240 to move over forked sections 170 , 172 . In this closed and locked position, lap surface 265 acts to secure forked sections 170 , 172 in place. For example, an attempt to pull up on locking arm 140 would encounter resistance as forked sections 170 , 172 are forced against lap surface 265 . Further locking bars 240 are held in place against such a force because locking bars 240 are themselves engaged with pins 230 .

[0046] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , vertical support column 200 of storage rack 10 may include a control bar latch 270 . Control bar latch 270 is designed to receive the control bar of an HT when the HT is placed on storage rack 10 . Control bar latch 270 is preferably located on the upper end of pin block 220 . As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 control bar latch 270 includes arms 272 , 274 and closure piece 276 . Together arms 272 , 274 and closure piece 276 define a space where the HT control bar would fall when the HT is in the stored position. Preferably arms 272 , 274 and/or closure piece 276 may include an elasticized or rubberized material. Such a material provides a shock resistance that stabilizes the HT control bar when the vehicle is in motion. Closure piece 276 may be secured to one of arms 272 , 274 thereby firmly enclosing an HT control bar. Optionally, control bar latch 270 may be locked when in the closed position.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 3 there is shown attachment means 400 . In a preferred embodiment, attachment means 400 comprises brackets 410 , 420 and bumper plates 430 , 440 . Brackets 410 , 420 attach to platform frame 300 . Bumper plates 430 , 440 attach to brackets 410 , 420 . The storage rack 10 is affixed to a vehicle when bumper plates 430 , 440 are secured to an appropriate portion of a vehicle, such as the rear bumper of the vehicle. It will of course be understood that different vehicles have different configurations where storage rack 10 might attach to such a vehicle. Bumper plates 430 , 440 in the preferred embodiment are substantially planar as this is the kind of mating surface to which it is attached on the intended USPS vehicle. Bumper plates 430 , 440 may take an alternative shape such as curved or angular in order to properly mate with other kinds of surfaces. While the above configuration is appropriate for one intended vehicle, a carrier route vehicle of the US Postal Service, it may not be appropriate for other kinds of vehicles. Nevertheless there are alternative methods of attaching structures such as a storage rack to the rear of a vehicle, including clamps, tensioners, and hitches. These alternative forms of attachment are also attachment means 400 in the present invention.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment ramp module 100 opens to the unloading position by swinging to the right hand side of the vehicle to which storage rack 10 is attached. In this manner the human transporter can be offloaded down tracks 110 , 112 in a direction that is away from traffic, assuming that the vehicle is parked on the right hand side of a road. Alternatively, ramp module 100 may open in other directions including to the rear of the vehicle or to the left of the vehicle.

[0049] Storage rack 10 may be constructed of several suitable materials. Preferably, storage rack 10 is made substantially of extruded aluminum. Reasons for making this material selection include strength, ease of handling, corrosion properties, cost, and availability. Certain specific parts such as locking mechanisms are preferably fabricated from stainless steel. Attachment means 400 may also be constructed from steel for added strength. Storage rack 10 may be constructed of other materials that provide the needed strength to carry a human transporter. Acceptable materials include wood, plastics, metal, and metal alloys.

[0050] The individual pieces that assemble storage rack 10 may be joined by any of several methods. Preferred connectors include bolts, screws, rivets, pins, and welds. Other methods are know to persons skilled in the art and are included in the scope of the invention.

[0051] In operation an HT is loaded onto storage rack 10 in the following manner. Ramp module 100 is first opened into the unloading position. The act of opening ramp module 100 comprises disengaging ramp module 100 from the locked position, if so locked. The act of unlocking may necessitate unlocking plunger lock 250 , pulling back locking bar 240 off pin 230 so as to allow forked sections 170 , 172 to be lifted off pin 230 . Ramp module 100 may then be moved at pivot 130 until lowered so that the unattached end of tracks 110 , 112 rest on the ground or other desired object. The HT is positioned so that its wheels align with tracks 110 , 112 . The HT may be pushed, or driven under its own power, so as to ascend tracks 110 , 112 until reaching platform module 300 . The HT will pass from tracks 110 , 112 to runners 340 . The HT is further driven forward over runners 340 , manually or self-powered, until each wheel of the HT falls into cutouts 350 provided in runners 340 . Each pair of tracks 110 , 112 , runners 340 , and cut outs 350 are spaced apart so as to match the spacing between the wheels of the desired model of HT. Thus, the wheels of the HT fit on the pairs of tracks 110 , 112 , runners 340 , and cutouts 350 .

[0052] Once the HT has been placed in cutouts 350 , ramp module 100 may be raised to the upright position, also a closed, locked, or engaged position. This is done by pivoting ramp module 100 at pivot point 130 until raised to a closed position.

[0053] A preferred feature of locking bar 140 , attached to ramp module 100 , is the ease with which it can be made to engage locking pins 230 . Locking bar 140 rotates where it is attached to ramp module 100 ; and consequently, as ramp module 100 is raised, locking bar 140 tends to fall. However, a stop (not shown) that is preferably an integral part of locking bar 140 prevents locking bar 140 from falling below a certain desired point. This stopping point is selected so that locking arm 140 falls by gravity and is then held in a position such that forked sections 170 , 172 easily engage pins 230 . Further, as ramp module 100 is gradually pulled upward and into the closed position, forked sections 170 , 172 of locking bar 140 gradually move toward pin block 220 . When forked sections 170 , 172 approach pin block 220 they encounter locking bars 240 . When hanging freely locking bars 240 are in a generally vertical position such that locking bar recesses are over pins 230 . However, when forked sections 170 , 172 move toward pin block 220 the tip of forked sections 170 , 172 push on corresponding locking bars 240 . The contact between forked sections 170 , 172 and locking bars 240 occurs at a location on locking bar 240 above lap joint area 260 . By this contact, locking bars 240 temporarily swing away from pins 230 and forked sections 170 , 172 engage pins 230 . Thereupon locking bars 240 swing back into normal, vertical position and locking bar recesses engage pins 230 . Further lap surface 265 covers the corresponding portion of forked section 170 , 172 .

[0054] What has been described occurs as a continuous and fluid movement. Thus, for the ease of the human operator, ramp module 100 is raised, and, at the conclusion of the raising motion locking arm 140 is engaged. The movement of locking arm 140 further drives forked sections 170 , 172 to a position that holds the control bar of the HT. Because locking arm 140 is engaged, ramp module 100 is held in place and cannot, for example, fall back to the ground unexpectedly. In effect the human operator's single action of raising ramp module 100 completes the engaging movement. To complete the desired locking and securing of the HT, the human operator now can engage plunger lock 250 .

[0055] At various points in this specification, it has been stated that the HT is driven, moved, transported, or passed onto the storage rack or off the storage rack. In such an operation, it is strongly preferred that the human operator not ride the HT itself onto or off the storage rack. It is preferred instead that the human operator control the HT from another position, such as standing on the ground while adjacent to the HT with hands controlling the HT. This preference exists for safety reasons. However, any operation, regardless of the human operator's position on or off the HT (riding or not riding) is deemed within the meaning of the specification where it calls for a driving, moving, transporting, or passing of the HT onto or off the storage rack.

[0056] While preferred embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or teaching of this invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and are within the scope of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the process just described may easily have steps added, taken away, or modified without departing from the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims which follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.