Extendable sled device and a method for its use

Abstract

An extendable sled device for transporting luggage or other bulky objects up sets of stairs with less effort. The extendable sled device is integrated with, or attached to, the object being transported. The extendable sled device has an extendable sled controlled by an extension mechanism. The extendable sled is lowered by the extension mechanism when in use, and retracted when not in use. The extendable sled can also have one or more stopper mechanisms, which are used to arrest the luggage on a set of stairs if a user accidentally releases the luggage midway up the flight. The stopper mechanisms prevent the luggage from falling back down the steps and potentially injuring people.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An extendable sled device comprising:
 an extendable sled having an elongated shape and having a first end and a second end and a front side and a back side, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to an object and configured to be moved radially between a stored position and a deployed position about this pivot;   an extension mechanism configured to lock the extendable sled in either the stored position or the deployed position and control movement of the extendable sled between the stored position and the deployed position, wherein the extension mechanism comprises:   a foot pedal;   a connecting rod;   a mechanism housing having a cut-out track;   a gear mechanism; and   wherein the foot pedal is connected to the connecting rod, the connecting rod is connected to the gear mechanism, the gear mechanism is connected to the extendable sled, and the foot pedal is configured to extend the extendable sled.   
     
     
         2 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a pedal pivot wherein the foot pedal is connected to the connecting rod by the pedal pivot. 
     
     
         3 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the extendable sled is C-curved. 
     
     
         4 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the extendable sled is S-curved. 
     
     
         5 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the extendable sled is J-curved. 
     
     
         6 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the extendable sled is C-curved. 
     
     
         7 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the extendable sled is S-curved. 
     
     
         8 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the extendable sled is J-curved. 
     
     
         9 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the device further comprises a peg and the mechanism housing further comprises one or more holes along the cut-out track wherein the peg is configured to fit into the one or more holes. 
     
     
         10 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 9  wherein the extendable sled is C-curved. 
     
     
         11 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 9  wherein the extendable sled is S-curved. 
     
     
         12 . The extendable sled device as recited in  claim 9  wherein the extendable sled is J-curved.