Patent Application
20240083395
The present invention related to Flat Tire Buddy on which a flat tire wheel of a vehicle is positioned and supported.
Referring now to the drawings 1 to 10, there is shown the Flat Tire Buddy of the present invention. The invention has a reinforced steel cradle and bottom steel wheel support and an open rear ramp. The two (2) rear wheels
The two (2) front wheels
When positioned in the cradle the four (4) steel wheels function for complete safety, and are used in the same function when going forward in order to drive the vehicle, or for getting off Flat Tire Buddy. Refer to
This invention is also provided with a pivotal rear ramp
Flat tire trolleys, generally (*the type disclosed in this application, are well known in the art. As examples, thereof, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,608,312; 2,350,118, 3,224,611, 4,465,421,4,913,459 and 4,726,727. These patents show examples of different constructions of such trolleys. It can be observed that some of these are not provided with safety loading and arresting mechanisms and some require strenuous manual attachment between the trolley and the wheels for if not attached properly, the issue of safety becomes a very dangerous outcome for any motorist. Further, most of wheel arresting mechanisms of these trolleys are not secure and may probably disconnect during use. In addition, some of these trolleys are also not compact in structure, and are a nuisance to motorists when stored in the trunk of a vehicle. Furthermore, without the stopper wheel levers, some of these trolleys may be subjected and be projected when a flat tire vehicle wheel is being driven or unloaded from the trolley, and it would prove hazardous to the motorist and damage the vehicle. Still further, because the vehicle wheel has a portion of the vehicle load in the cradle of the trolley, it is important to have a cradle which is sturdy, and which is provided with arresting mechanisms capable of withstanding these loads, particularly if the Flat Tire Buddy is often utilized. None of the prior trolleys have the requisite structure to be usefully commercialized. In fact, they are hazardous and may cause not only damage to any motorist, but serious bodily injury, or even death.
An apparatus for supporting the flat tire of a vehicle so that the latter can be moved without touching the ground are well known. The apparatus comprises four (4) steel wheels attached to a frame adapted to support the vehicle flat tire, and a means for mounting the vehicle tire onto the means for support. There are stopper lever brakes which are implemented and used to allow the Flat Tire Buddy to stay motionless while mounting onto the trolley, and the same applies when dismounting in reverse from Flat Tire Buddy. This a precautionary most important safety feature which protects the user from injury and potential bodily harm, as well the avoidance of structural damage to the vehicle. The two(2) steel wheels in the rear of the trolley simply rotate while driving, and the two(2) steel wheels at the front of the trolley are designed each with a stopper lever brake, which is released manually before driving on the trolley, and are so positioned that the can turn on a 45 degree angle, to allow the motorist to drive in a forward position, or turn right, or turn left while driving. There are pins which are part of the apparatus that stop the two(2) front wheels from turning on a 360 degree angle, and as a result, the apparatus functions perfectly while a flat tire sits in the cradle and is fully secure with safety in mind.
A variety of alternative frames and supports are known. In patent application U.S. Pat. No. 2,109,313, Murillo discloses a three-wheeled trolley for use for vehicles with a damaged or flat tire. This trolley has a number of disadvantages. For example, the need for a separate clamp to prevent dislodging of the tire when the trolley is driving along a bumpy road, or otherwise subjected to pressures which tend to dislodge it. Further, the trolley has very large dimensions which in addition, make it difficult to carry or to fit into the vehicle storage area.
In regards to U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,727, Tyler disclosed a six (6) wheeled trolley with a drive on ramp. Tyler's trolley has a number of disadvantages, which include the instability of the disabled tire resting on a surface that is flat, thereby not allowing the wheel to be able to withstand the forces and would definitely dislodge it while the vehicle is in motion. A further disadvantage is the bulkiness of the trolley and the closely spaced running wheels that increase with high probability that the trolley will be dislodged in the surface upon which it is driven. The large wheels on Tyler's trolley make turning of the vehicle very difficult and therefore cause instability.
In regards to U.S. Pat. No. 2,358,864, Lockwood shows a wheel trolley comprising of three(3) wheels mounted on a frame. Lockwood's trolley has several disadvantages, including the lack of a hinged frame, which causes a very large space required to be stored. His main issue is the size of his trolley.
In regards to U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,422, Nelson discloses a trolley with an adjustable frame, but without a drive-on part. A disabled tire is mounted on the trolley by first jacking up the vehicle, and then placing the trolley in such a position whereby is lowered with the flat tire onto it. The disadvantages of this apparatus are such that the driver of the vehicle is required to jack up the car in order to use the trolley. With this devise, the lateral support is minimal, which will cause the trolley to be vulnerable to an accident should the trolley hit a pot hole, and the result will be to dislodge from the flat tire, and from a sharp turn or a fast stop.
In regards to U.S. Pat. No. 3,145,860, provides an arrangement of lateral holding bars, chains. Springs and locking pins which are costly and complex.
In regards to U.S. Pat. No. 2,198,438 Knapp provides a low fixed barrier which is too high for vehicles, and incorporates rollers which force the wheel to skid and are too heavy. The need for a self-help device which makes it possible to operate a vehicle with a flat or damaged tire without the need to change that tire is self-evident. Flat tires are a common occurrence. Even under the best of circumstances, their replacement is a cumbersome and dirty job. When the flat tire must be changed under conditions of darkness, in rain or snow, or the narrow shoulder of an express highway, on sloping terrain, or under any one of a number of other adverse conditions, the job becomes extremely unpleasant and frequently even dangerous. It is also a fact that many cars driven by elderly men and women, who find the mere mechanical task of changing a flat tire beyond their capabilities. In addition, women could become vulnerable from passing motorists, especially at night with a possible danger. The need for Flat Tire Buddy is particularly critical when the tire must be replaced in the middle of a busy lane for lack of shoulders on the road or impossibility of moving the car without ruining the flat tire or the rim of the vehicle. In other instances, heavy traffic flow may be completely stalled for a long period of time, while the damaged wheel is changed, causing not only great inconvenience, but also air pollution and waist of fuel.
By using Flat Tire Buddy, the motorist will not have to deal with any of the issues indicated above, and will be able to drive on the Flat Tire Buddy to the nearest service station to repair his/her flat tire.
It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a Flat Tire Buddy solution which substantially overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages, and offers a solution for flat or damaged tires. This invention in not only safe but a lifesaver. Many tests were conducted in regards to speed, weight capacity of its steel wheels, steel construction, its many parts, its stopper lever brakes, and for speed capacity. All tests which took many years in the making, proved to be flawless with a perfect invention for damaged or flat tires. In addition it is very storable in the trunk of any vehicle.
According to the above feature and others, and from a broad aspect, the present invention provides a trolley which comprises of a steel cradle having a bottom wheel support wall, side walls and an open rear end. A rear axle is secured across the side walls adjacent the open rear end, and elevated from the bottom support wall. Two (2) rear wheels are secured at opposed ends of the rear axle outside the side walls. Two (2) front wheels are secured under a front section of the cradle substantially thereof. The two(2) front wheels and the two(2) rear wheels support the cradle. Two front wheels abutment are secured to the cradle above the bottom support wall rearwardly of the front two (2) wheels for arresting forward movement of a vehicle wheel positioned in the cradle. A pivotal rear ramp is pivotally secured to the rear axle between the side walls. The rear ramp has a first inclined ramp section pivotally displaceable from a loading position, to permit a vehicle wheel to enter the cradle, and an arresting position, to retain a vehicle wheel in the cradle. The rear ramp has a second plate section which is secured to the first plate section and projects inwardly in the cradle and upwards of the rear axle. The second plate section causes the first plate to pivot upwardly when a load from a vehicle is driven thereon whereby the second plate section is retained in the arresting position by the vehicle wheel.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a wheel trolley that can be easily stored and carried, and which can be quickly and safely attached to a disabled tire by the user with a minimal investment of time and energy. Another objective of this invention is to provide a wheel trolley which is very easy to use, and which does not require any great degree of strength, training, or knowledge to use effectively. Another objective of this invention is to provide a wheel trolley suitable to replace the conventional spare tires used in most automobiles. In addition, car dealers no longer offer spare tires, which make this invention advantageous for any motorist. In addition, the four(4) lever brake stoppers which are part of this invention, create an environment of safety. Straps are also offered as an accessory with this invention for securing the tire, as well as a clamp for additional security while driving on the Flat Tire Buddy. Totally safe and secure for any motorist.
