Configurable horizontal dolly and method of manufacture

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of load-bearing equipment and more particularly to a configurable horizontal dolly and method of manufacture.

[0003] Load-bearing equipment and tools are commonly used to transport various objects. Typically such equipment is manually operated. One type of equipment currently available is a wheel barrow. Conventional wheel barrow systems generally comprise one or more wheels rotatably attached to a frame and a container coupled to the frame. The operator places items to be transported into the container and then lifts up on the frame such that only the wheel or wheels are in contact with the ground. The operator can then transport the items by manually pushing or pulling the wheel barrow.

[0004] One disadvantage of such wheel barrow systems is that the size of the object that can be transported is fixed by the size of the container. A further disadvantage is that in order to transport an object, the operator must first pick up the object and place it into a container. If an object is particularly heavy, it is difficult for an operator to perform such a maneuver.

[0005] Another type of load-bearing equipment currently available is a device commonly known as a “dolly.” Dollies are often used to transport single heavy items such as refrigerators, washing machines, boxes and crates. Typical dolly systems comprise two wheels rotatably attached to a vertical frame and a platform attached to the frame near the wheels for bearing a load. The operator can slide the platform under an object to be moved, rotate the frame backward toward the operator such that only the wheels are in contact with the ground, and then transport the object by pushing or pulling on the frame.

[0006] Such dolly systems can be disadvantageous because a significant load is placed upon the operator to prevent the weight of the object from fully rotating the system backwards. Such an occurrence can present a danger to the operator, as the load may rotate on top of the operator. A further disadvantage can result because the dolly supports the load from below and behind, yet there is no lateral support upon the sides of the object. Thus, the operator must prevent the object from slipping to either side. In order to alleviate this disadvantage, some dolly systems include a strap attached to the frame that wraps around the object to be moved. Although such straps may lessen the problem, an object that is wide and heavy still presents a significant burden on the operator. Furthermore, such dolly systems with straps can present a further burden to the operator, as the operator must first wrap the straps around the object before transporting the object.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a configurable horizontal dolly and method of manufacture are disclosed that provide significant advantages over previously developed load-bearing equipment.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a configurable horizontal dolly is provided for moving an object. The configurable horizontal dolly comprises a wheel rotatably coupled to a frame. Two handles couple to the frame wherein at least one of the handles pivotally couples to the frame.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, the dolly further comprises one or more platforms coupled to each of the two handles. The platforms extend from the handles and are operable to support an object to be carried from below the object.

[0010] It is a technical advantage of the present invention that an operator can transport objects without first lifting the objects and placing them into a container.

[0011] It is another technical advantage that an operator can use the horizontal dolly to transport objects of varying sizes by adjusting the handles.

[0012] It is a further technical advantage of the present invention that the invention decreases the danger of a load falling back upon the operator.

[0013] It is an additional technical advantage of the present invention that the configurable dolly laterally supports an object that is being transported.

[0014] Other technical advantages should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the specification, claims, and drawings.

[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a configurable horizontal dolly according to the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of one embodiment of a configurable horizontal dolly according to the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of one embodiment of a configurable horizontal dolly according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a configurable horizontal dolly, indicated generally at 10, according to the present invention. Horizontal dolly 10 can comprise a wheel 12 coupled to a frame 14 such that wheel 12 can rotate. For example, wheel 12 could rotate about axle 40 which is attached to frame 14. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that frame 14 can be formed to surround wheel 12 as shown, or can comprise a number of different configurations. Handles 16 can be pivotally coupled to frame 14 such that handles 16 can pivot as shown in FIG. 1. For example, handles 16 could be coupled to frame 14 using pivot joints 18. In the embodiment shown, each of handles 16 couple to a pivot joint 18. However, it is contemplated that another embodiment of the present invention may have one handle 16 fixedly attached to frame 14 while the other handle 16 is pivotally attached to frame 14, for example via a pivot joint 18. It is further contemplated that another embodiment may allow a user to change the point of coupling at pivot joints 18 to place the handles 16 closer together or farther apart along the ends of handles 16 that couple to frame 14. Another embodiment of the current invention could allow a user to change the point of coupling of handles 16 to frame 14 vertically.

[0020] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, horizontal dolly 10 further comprises platforms 20, each coupled to a handle 16. Although the embodiment in FIG. 1 has two platforms 20, it is contemplated that only one platform 20 may be coupled to one of the handles 16 or that more than two platforms 20 may be coupled to handles 16 in various configurations. As shown in FIG. 1, horizontal dolly 10 can further comprise a plurality of mating joints 29, 31 in each of handles 16. Platforms 20 can detachably couple to any of the mating joints 29, 31. For example, the mating joints 29, 31 could comprise holes drilled into handles 16 such that a portion of platform 20 sticks up through mating joints 29, 31 (i.e., a portion of platforms 20 extends through handles 16 out of the page through mating joints 29, 31). A bolt and a nut could travel through platforms 20 and holes drilled laterally through handles 16 to couple platforms 20 to handles 16.

[0021] In operation, a user can grasp handles 16 at the end distant from wheel 12 and raise handles 16 upward (out of the page). An object can be supported between handles 16. Horizontal dolly 10 can then be moved along the ground via wheel 12 while supporting the object off of the ground between handles 16. Additionally, the object can be supported by platforms 20 and by handles 16.

[0022] It is a technical advantage of the current invention that a user of horizontal dolly 10 can move objects of various sizes by pivoting handles 16. It is a further technical advantage of the present invention that objects can be laterally supported by handles 16.

[0023] It is another technical advantage of the invention that the object can be further supported from below by platforms 20 in addition to the lateral support provided by handles 16. Platforms 20 may be placed in various locations along handles 16 to accommodate various size loads. It is a further technical advantage that platforms 20 may be placed in various configurations to create enhanced stability of the object being carried. For example, a user could couple one platform 20 in a particular mating joint 29 close to wheel 12 on one handle 16, and could couple another platform 20 in a different particular mating joint 31 on the other handle 16. Thus, the object carried by horizontal dolly 10 would be supported from below in such a way as to prevent the load from pivoting.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of one embodiment of a configurable horizontal dolly according to the present invention. As shown, horizontal dolly 10 can comprise wheel 12 coupled to frame 14. Handle 16 pivotally couples to frame 14 via pivot joint 18. For example, pivot joint 18 could comprise a 180 degree hinge. Alternatively, pivot joint 18 could comprise a nut and bolt type configuration (as shown). Horizontal dolly 10 can have a platform 20 coupled to handle 16. In this embodiment, platform 20 comprises two members 32 which couple to handle 16 and a stand 34 which couples to members 32. Alternatively, one member 32 could be used in place of the two members 32 shown. Mating joints 28 in handle 16 can operate as the points at which platform 20 couples to handle 16. For example, mating joints 28 could comprise holes (as shown) drilled into handle 16, and a nut and bolt 27 that travels through member 32 and handle 16 to couple platform 22 to handle 16. Member 32 can further comprise holes 36 such that platform 20 can be detachably coupled to handle 16. In such a manner, the height of handles 16 over stand 34 can be adjusted.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, frame 14 has a profile with a proximate end coupled to pivot joint 18, a lower leg 37, and an upper leg 39. Axle 40 extends through wheel 12 and couples to lower leg 37 of frame 14. Wheel 12 rotates about axle 40. In the embodiment shown, several axle mating joints 38 are drilled into lower leg 37 of frame 14 such that axle 40 may detachably couple to each axle mating joint 38. In this manner, wheel 12 can be adjusted and coupled to frame 14 in different positions. It is a technical advantage of such an embodiment that the horizontal dolly 10 thereby can be adjusted for varying sized loads. For example, a user may couple axle 40 into different axle mating joints 38 such that frame 14 is in a higher position with respect to wheel 12 such that an object carried on horizontal dolly 10 does not interfere with wheel 12 and has more clearance with respect to the ground.

[0026] In operation, horizontal dolly 10 is configurable to allow a user to adjust horizontal dolly 10 as appropriate for the desired use. A user can adjust platform 20 or a plurality of platforms 20 to desired locations on handles 16 (only one handle can be seen in FIG. 2). Platform 20 can be adjusted to attach to handle 16 through mating joints 28. Platform 20 can also be adjusted to account for different sized loads by varying the height of stand 34 by changing the point of coupling along member 32 with respect to handle 16. Horizontal dolly 10 is further configurable such that a user can adjust the height of frame 14 with respect to wheel 12 by adjusting the point of coupling between axle 40 and base leg 37 of frame 14.

[0027] In addition, as mentioned above, in one embodiment handles 16 can be adjusted to be closer or further apart by changing the point of coupling 16 at pivot joints 18. Further, an embodiment could allow an operator to adjust handles 16 to coupled higher up on frame 14, for example to upper leg 39.

[0028] Once the user has configured horizontal dolly 10, the user can pivot handled 16 about pivot joints 18 to grasp an object. The operator can then lift handles 16 which will lift the object. As mentioned above, platforms 20 can help in securing the object by providing the support from below the object. It is a technical advantage of the present invention that the object can be supported both below by platforms 20 as well as laterally by handles 16.

[0029] Further in operation, upper leg 39 of frame 14 can prevent a load from slipping forward on handles 16. For example, a user could carry several pieces of lumber by laying the pieces of lumber cross-wise on handles 16. The user could then lift up on handles 16 to move dolly 10. Upper leg 39 of frame 14 could prevent the lumber from sliding forward.

[0030] An additional embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 includes a container 44. Container 44 includes two J-brackets 42 coupled to a front lower surface. Container 44 further includes two spring pin brackets 43 coupled to a rear lower surface.

[0031] In operation, a user attaches container 44 to dolly 10 by coupling the J-brackets 42 to two frame pins 41 coupled to handles 16. The user then opens a spring pin of spring pin bracket 43, slides spring pin brackets 43 over handles 16, and then releases the spring pin of spring pin brackets 43 such that container 44 couples to handles 16.

[0032] It is a technical advantage of the present invention that an operator can use the configurable horizontal dolly 10 as a traditional wheel barrow.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a rear view of one embodiment of a configurable horizontal dolly according to the present invention.

[0034] Handles 16 pivotally couple to frame 14 at pivot joints 18. Wheel 12 couples to frame 14 and is operable to rotate. Platforms 20 couple to handles 16.

[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, frame 14 comprises an upper leg 39 with a substantially rectangular profile. However, the present invention contemplates that upper leg 39 could comprise any number of configurations. For example, upper leg 39 could comprise two members extending upward from frame 14. Frame pins 41 couple to upper leg 39 and are operable to receive j-brackets 42 (FIG. 2) of container 44 (FIG. 2).

[0036] In operation, an operator may couple container 44 (FIG. 2) onto dolly 10 by placing J-brackets 42 (FIG. 2) onto frame pins 41 and spring brackets 43 (FIG. 2) over handles 16. Alternately, an operator can leave container 44 (FIG. 2) off and use dolly 10 as discussed with respect to FIG. 1. Upper member 39 of frame 14 can operate to prevent the objects carried from sliding forward on handles 16.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.