Patent Application
20250180222
The present invention relates to a heater dolly.
Outdoor patio heaters have been sold for both residential and business use, and their use has substantially increased recently as people look for ways in which to spend time outdoors. Outdoor patio heaters are very useful, but they are difficult and oftentimes dangerous to move.
In one aspect a heater dolly for use with an outdoor patio heater includes a platform assembly and a retention assembly constructed to extend between the platform assembly and the outdoor patio heater in a manner providing additional support and ensuring that the outdoor patio heater and platform assembly are securely connected to enhance stability of the outdoor patio heater as it sits upon the heater dolly.
In some embodiments the platform assembly includes a central support platform.
In some embodiments the central support platform includes a plurality of downwardly extending lockable caster wheels secured to the lower surface thereof.
In some embodiments at least one nonlocking swivel caster wheel is secured to the lower surface of the central support platform.
In some embodiments the central support platform includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface.
In some embodiments the central support platform is of a one-piece construction.
In some embodiments the central support platform includes a substantially circular central portion from which a plurality of support arms, which have a triangular shape, extend.
In some embodiments each of the plurality of support arms includes a wide first end coextensive with a central portion and a narrow second end at an apex of a triangle defined by the respective support arms.
In some embodiments the respective ends of each anchoring member are coextensive with side walls of respective support arms adjacent a second end thereof.
In some embodiments the central support platform includes five support arms.
In some embodiments the central support platform includes a series of anchoring members for engagement with the retention assembly.
In some embodiments each of the anchoring members includes an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper and lower surfaces are connected by an interior side wall and an exterior side wall.
In some embodiments the anchoring members are arcuate anchoring members extending between support arms of the central support platform, the arcuate anchoring members provide an anchoring point for attachment of straps of the retention assembly.
In some embodiments the retention assembly includes a collar member shaped and dimensioned for secure attachment to the outdoor patio heater and the platform assembly.
In some embodiments the collar member is annular and includes an inner surface that directly engages the outdoor patio heater and an outer surface facing away from the outdoor patio heater.
In some embodiments the collar member includes arcuate first and second collar segments. Each of the first and second collar segments is provided with opposed end members that mate with respective end members of the other collar segment when the first and second collar segments are positioned about the outdoor patio heater.
In some embodiments the retention assembly further includes straps and D-rings are secured to the outer surface of the first and second collar segments to provide a mounting structure for the straps of the retention assembly.
In some embodiments the retention assembly further includes a plurality of straps extending from an outer surface of the collar member.
In some embodiments each of the plurality of straps includes a first end secured to the collar member and a second end adapted for attachment to, and adjustment relative to, the platform assembly.
In some embodiments the central support platform comprises a plurality of a platform members held together by a plurality of anchoring members extending between adjacent platform members.
In some embodiments each of the platform members includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface.
In some embodiments each of the platform members also includes a wide first end and a narrow second end with lateral edge members extending between the wide first end and the narrow second end.
In some embodiments each of the platform members includes a first caster wheel secured to the lower surface thereof.
In some embodiments the anchor members secure adjacent platform members together by extending between the lateral edge members.
In some embodiments each of the platform members is constructed of molded plastic.
In some embodiments each of the anchor members is constructed from molded plastic. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.
The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.
Referring to
The heater dolly 10 of the present invention is at least 22 inches across, and is built to support loads far in excess of commercial heaters and propane tanks. The heater dolly 10 is further provided with drain holes 12 (or drain slopes), as well as an anti-tip and anti-slide-off structures that are discussed below in detail.
More particularly, the heater dolly 10 includes a platform assembly 14 upon which the outdoor patio heater 100 sits when fully assembled and in use. In fact, the heater dolly 10 is constructed such that the outdoor patio heater 100 is placed upon the platform assembly 14 of the heater dolly 10. The heater dolly 10 also includes a retention assembly 16 constructed to extend between the platform assembly 14 and the outdoor patio heater 100 in a manner providing additional support and ensuring that the outdoor patio heater 100 and platform assembly 14 are securely connected to enhance the stability of the outdoor patio heater 100 as it sits upon the heater dolly 10.
The platform assembly 14 includes a central support platform 18. The central support platform 18 includes a series of anchoring members 20a-20e for engagement with the retention assembly 16. As will be discussed below in greater detail and in accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the anchoring members 20a-20e are arcuate anchoring members extending between the support arms 24 of the central support platform 18. The arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e provide an anchoring point for attachment of the straps 56 of the retention assembly 16. The central support platform 18 includes a substantially circular central portion 22 from which a plurality of support arms 24, which have a triangular shape, extend. In accordance with a disclosed embodiment the central support platform 18 includes five (5) support arms 24. While five support arms are disclosed in the embodiment presented herein, it is appreciated four (4) or six (6), or some other number of support arms could be employed within the spirit of the present invention. Further, and as discussed below, the disclosed support arms 24 are substantially triangular shaped, although it is appreciated other shapes could be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. While the disclosed central support platform is of a particular shape, it is appreciated that the shape thereof could be varied within the spirit of the present invention.
The central support platform 18 includes an upper surface 26, a lower surface 28, and a sidewall 30 extending between the upper surface 26 and the lower surface 28. Accordingly, each of the central portion 22 and the plurality of support arms 24 include respective upper surfaces, lower surfaces, and sidewalls. Further still, the central support platform 18 is of a one-piece construction and the central portion 22 and the plurality of support arms 24 are integrally formed.
Each of the plurality of support arms 24 includes a wide first end 32 coextensive with the central portion 22 and a narrow second end 34 at the apex of the triangle defined by the respective support arms 24. Secure attachment of each of the support arms 24 to the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e is facilitated by integral molding of the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e with the central support platform 18 such that the respective ends of each arcuate anchoring member 20a-20e are coextensive with side walls of respective support arms 24 adjacent the second end 34 thereof.
As briefly discussed above, each of the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e defines an anchoring point for attachment of the retention assembly 16. Each of the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e is constructed with a circular cross-sectional profile, although it is appreciated other cross-sectional profiles could be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Each of the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e includes an upper surface 38 and a lower surface 40. The upper and lower surfaces 38, 40 are connected by an interior side wall 42 and an exterior side wall 44. While the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e disclosed herein are of an arcuate configuration, it is appreciated other shapes may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the arcuate anchoring members of the disclosed embodiment are secured to the support arms at a position slightly short of the tip thereof, and the connection point of the arcuate anchoring members to the support arms could be pushed radially outward to the very tip of the support arms.
The central support platform 18, in particular, the support arms 24, also includes a plurality of downwardly extending lockable caster wheels 46 secured to the lower surface 28 thereof. In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, five (5) caster wheels 46 are secured to the central support platform 18 at equidistant positions about the circumference of the central support platform 18. In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the caster wheels 46 are positioned at the second ends 34 of the support arms 24. Four bolts are used to secure each caster to each support arm 24. By positioning the lockable swivel caster wheels 46 at the second ends 34 of the support arms 24, the lockable swivel caster wheels 46 extend the leverage point of the platform assembly 14, providing improved leverage and load distribution. The positioning of the lockable swivel caster wheels 46 at the second ends 34 of the support arms 24 also provides for ease of rolling. The lockable swivel caster wheels 46 are off-the-shelf items and various types of caster wheels may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In an effort to provide additional support for the platform assembly 14 in the area under the center of the central support platform 18, at least one nonlocking swivel caster wheel 48 may be utilized and is secured to the lower surface 28 of the central portion 22. The nonlocking swivel caster wheel 48 extends between the lower surface of the central portion and the surface upon which the heater dolly 10 is positioned to provide additional support in the center of the platform assembly 14. While a single nonlocking swivel caster wheel 48 is disclosed herein, it is appreciated that no central casters may be utilized, or a plurality of nonlocking swivel caster wheels could be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the central support platform 18 is constructed of molded plastic for strength, light weight, and low cost. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the lower surface of the central support platform 18 may be constructed with a truss arrangement to enhance the strength of the central support platform 18. As to the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e, they are also preferably constructed from molded plastic for strength, light weight, and low cost.
As mentioned above, the heater dolly 10 also includes a retention assembly 16 constructed to extend between the platform assembly 14 and the outdoor patio heater 100 in a manner providing additional support and ensuring that the outdoor patio heater 100 and platform assembly 14 are securely connected to enhance the stability of the outdoor patio heater 100 as it sits upon the heater dolly 10. The retention assembly 16 includes a collar member 50 shaped and dimensioned for secure attachment to the upwardly extending shaft 102 of the outdoor patio heater 100 in the area adjacent to the base 104 of the outdoor patio heater 100 and the platform assembly 14. The collar member 50 is constructed such that it is annular and includes an inner surface 52 that directly engages the shaft 102 of the outdoor patio heater 100 and an outer surface 54 facing away from the shaft 102 of the outdoor patio heater 100.
The collar member 50 includes arcuate first and second collar segments 60, 62. Each of the first and second collar segments 60, 62 is provided with opposed end members 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b that mate with respective end members 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b of the other collar segment 60, 62 when the first and second collar segments 60, 62 are positioned about the shaft 102 of the outdoor patio heater 100. The opposed first end members 64a, 66a of the first and second collar segment 60, 62 are provided with respective nut 68 and bolt 70, while the opposed second end members 64b, 66b of the first and second collar segment 60, 62 are connected by a hinge 71. The opposed first end members 64a, 66a of the first and second collar segment 60, 62 are drawn together under the control of the nut and bolt 68, 70 that extend between the first end members 64a, 66a of the collar segments 60, 62. D-rings 72 are secured to the outer surface 54 of the first and second collar segments 60, 62 and provide a mounting structure for the straps 56 of the retention assembly 16. While a hinge 71 is disclosed above, it is appreciated the opposed second end members 64b′, 66b′ of the first and second collar segment 60′, 62′ could be connected by a nut and bolt 68′, 70′ arrangement similar to that disclosed in conjunction with the opposed first end members 64a′, 66a′ (see
As briefly discussed above, the retention assembly 16 further includes a plurality of nylon straps 56 extending from the outer surface 54 of the collar member 50. Each of the plurality of straps 56 includes a first end 58 secured to the collar member 50 and a second end 59 adapted for attachment to, and adjustment relative to, the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e. The first ends 58 of each of the plurality of straps 56 are secured to D-rings 72 extending from the outer surface 54 of the collar member 50. Each of the straps 56 includes a mechanism that allows the effective length of the strap 56 to be selectively shortened to pull the collar member 50 down toward the platform assembly 14 and hold the base 104 of the outdoor patio heater 100 securely in place. The mechanism shown in the disclosed embodiment is generically a length adjustment buckle 78 of any of a variety of commonly available constructions. For example, it could be a ratcheting buckle or a spring-loaded buckle commonly used with lashing straps. In accordance with other embodiments, the straps could be replaced with conventional or rubber bungee cords. The straps could also constructed from a single strap member with a first end having a spring-biased buckle and a free second end shaped and dimensioned to pass through the buckle, wherein the free second end of the strap member is passed about the arcuate anchoring member, through the D-ring, and is then passed through and locked relative to the buckle to adjust the length of the strap extending between the collar member and the arcuate anchoring member. While spring-biased buckles are disclosed above, it is appreciated various buckle arrangements could be used in accordance with the present invention.
As it is desirable for the quick disconnection of at least one strap 56 adjacent to the compartment in which the propane tank is stored the first end of the at least one strap 56 is preferably secured to the D-ring 72 via a quick connection member, for example, a carabineer 73.
In accordance with another embodiment as shown with reference to
As with the prior embodiment, the heater dolly 210 includes a platform assembly 214 upon which the outdoor patio heater 100 sits when fully assembled and in use. The heater dolly 210 also includes a retention assembly 216 constructed to extend between the platform assembly 214 and the outdoor patio heater 100 in a manner providing additional support and ensuring that the outdoor patio heater 100 and platform assembly 214 are securely connected to enhance the stability of the outdoor patio heater 100 as it sits upon the heater dolly 210.
The platform assembly 214 includes a central support platform 218. The central support platform 218 comprises a plurality of a platform members 222a-222d held together by a plurality of anchoring members 220a-220d members extending between adjacent platform members 222a-222d.
Each of the platform members 222a-222d includes an upper surface 226, a lower surface 228, and a sidewall 230 extending between the upper surface 226 and the lower surface 228. Each of the platform members 222a-222d also includes a wide first end 232 and a narrow second end 234 with lateral edge members 236a, 236b extending between the wide first end 232 and the narrow second end 234. The wide first end 232 is constructed with a convex outer edge 232e, while the narrow second end 234 is constructed with a concave outer edge 234e. Each of the platform members 222a-222d is also provided with a first caster wheel 246a secured to the lower surface 228 thereof adjacent to the wide first end 232 thereof and a second caster wheel 246b secured to the lower surface 228 thereof adjacent the narrow second end 234 thereof. While two caster wheels are disclosed for each of the platform members, it is appreciated that it might be possible to only utilize a single, more centrally located caster wheel. Four bolts are used to secure each caster wheel 246a, 246b to each platform member 222a-222d. The caster wheels 246a, 246b are preferably lockable caster wheels to provide a user with the option of conveniently locking the dolly 210 in position. The positioning of the lockable swivel caster wheels 246a, 246b as disclosed provides for ease of rolling. The lockable swivel caster wheels 246a, 246b are off-the-shelf items and various types of caster wheels may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The plurality of platform members 222a-222d are held together by the anchor members 220a-220d that extend between adjacent platform members 222a-222d. In particular, the anchor members 220a-220d secure adjacent platform members 222a-222d together by extending between the lateral edge members 236a, 236b adjacent the wide first ends 232 thereof. It is appreciated the anchor members 220a-220d may be selectively secured to apertures 223 in the platform members 222a-222d using various mechanisms; for example, the ends of the anchor members may be provided with threaded connectors that engage mating threads along the platform member, the platform members may be provided with releasable friction members (for example, clips) that engage the anchor members as they are inserted into the platform member, set screws may be passed through the platform members to engage the anchor members in a manner securing the anchor members relative to the platform members, etc.
In addition, and considering the alternate embodiment disclosed with reference to
In particular, and considering the disclosed embodiment that includes first, second, third, and fourth platform members 222a-222d and first, second, third, and fourth anchor members 220a-220d, the first end 220a1 of the first anchor member 220a is secured to the first lateral edge member 236a of the first platform member 222a and the second end 220a2 of the first anchor member 220a is secured to the second lateral edge member 236b of the second platform member 222b. The first end 220b1 of the second anchor member 220b is secured to the first lateral edge member 236a of the second platform member 222b and the second end 220b2 of the second anchor member 220b is secured to the second lateral edge member 236b of the third platform member 222c. The first end 220c1 of the third anchor member 220c is secured to the first lateral edge member 236a of the third platform member 222c and the second end 220c2 of the third anchor member 220c is secured to the second lateral edge member 236b of the fourth platform member 222d. The first end 220d1 of the fourth anchor member 220d is secured to the first lateral edge member 236a of the fourth platform member 222d and the second end 220d2 of the fourth anchor member 220d is secured to the second lateral edge member 236b of the first platform member 222a. With this assembly completed, the platform assembly 214 is completed.
As will be discussed below in greater detail, the anchoring members 220a-220d are straight members extending between the platform members 222a-222d. While the disclosed anchoring members are straight members in accordance with a disclosed embodiment, they could take various forms without departing form the spirit of the present invention. The anchoring members 220a-220d define an anchoring point for attachment of the straps 256 of the retention assembly 216.
As briefly discussed above, each of the anchoring members 220a-220d includes a member defining an anchoring point for attachment of the retention assembly 216. Each of the anchoring members 220a-220d includes an upper surface 238 and a lower surface 240. The upper and lower surfaces 238, 240 are connected by an interior side wall 242 and an exterior side wall 244. While the anchoring members 220a-220d disclosed herein are of a straight longitudinal configuration, it is appreciated other shapes may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the anchoring members 220a-220d of the disclosed embodiment are secured to the platform members 222a-222d at a position slightly short of the tip thereof, and the connection point of the anchoring members 220a-220d to the platform members 222a-222d could be pushed radially outward to the very tip of the platform members 222a-222d. Similarly, it is appreciated the anchoring members could be more centrally positioned along the length of the platform members.
In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, each of the platform members 222a-222d is constructed of molded plastic for strength, light weight, and low cost. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the each of the platform members 222a-222d may be constructed with a truss arrangement to enhance the strength of the platform members 222a-222d. As to the anchoring members 220a-220d, they are also preferably constructed from molded plastic for strength, light weight, and low cost
As mentioned above, the heater dolly 210 also includes a retention assembly 216 constructed to extend between the platform assembly 214 and the outdoor patio heater 100 in a manner providing additional support and ensuring that the outdoor patio heater 100 and platform assembly 214 are securely connected to enhance the stability of the heater 100 as it sits upon the heater dolly 210. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, and although a specific retention assembly is disclosed herein, the retention assembly may take various forms.
In accordance with one embodiment, and as with the embodiments disclosed above, the retention assembly 216 includes a collar member 250 shaped and dimensioned for secure attachment to the outdoor patio heater 100 in the area adjacent to the base 104 of the outdoor patio heater 100 and the platform assembly 214. The collar member 250 is constructed as described above with reference to
As briefly discussed above, the retention assembly 216 further includes a plurality of nylon straps 256 extending from the outer surface 254 of the collar member 250. Each of the plurality of straps 256 includes a first end 258 secured to the collar member 250 and a second end 259 adapted for attachment to, and adjustment relative to, the anchoring members 220a-220d. The straps 256 are constructed and secured as discussed above. In accordance with other embodiments, the straps could be replaced with conventional bungee cords. The straps could also constructed from a single strap member with a first end having a spring-biased buckle and a free second end shaped and dimensioned to pass through the buckle, wherein the free second end of the strap member is passed about the anchoring member, through the D-ring, and is then passed through and locked relative to the buckle to adjust the length of the strap extending between the collar member and the anchoring member. While spring-biased buckles are disclosed above, it is appreciated various buckle arrangements could be used in accordance with the present invention.
While the embodiment disclosed with reference to
Referring to
In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, each of the platform members 322a-d includes a clamping assembly 374 secured thereto in an area adjacent to wide first end 332 of the platform members 322a-d. The clamping assembly 374 includes a threaded bolt 376 extending upwardly from the upper surface 326 of the platform members 322a-e. A clamping member 378 is positioned on the threaded bolt 376. The clamping member 378 is an elongated bar member and includes an upper surface 380, a lower surface 382, a first end 378a and a second end 378b. The clamping member 378 also includes an aperture 384 between the first end 378a and the second end 378b thereof. In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the aperture 384 is positioned closer to the first end 378a of the clamping member 378, allowing for versatility of use as either the first end 378a or the second end 378b is drawn into contact with the base 104 of the outdoor patio heater 100.
The clamping assembly 374 also includes an enlarged threaded nut 386 shaped and dimensioned to engage the threaded bolt 376 for rotational movement relative thereto. The enlarged threaded nut 386 is adapted for positioning over the clamping member 378 (in particular, over the clamping member 378 in the area of the aperture 384) so as to push the clamping member 378 downwardly into contact with the base 104 of the outdoor patio heater 100. The enlarged threaded nut 386 includes a first end 386a with a knurled grip 388 for engagement by a user to enhance the ability to rotate the enlarged threaded nut 386 relative to the bolt 376. The enlarged threaded nut 386 includes a second end 386b that is larger than the aperture 384 of the clamping member 378 such that the second end 386b of the enlarged threaded nut 386 presses upon the upper surface 380 of the clamping member 378 when the enlarged threaded nut 386 is rotated moving the clamping member 378 into contact with the base 104 of the patio heater 100.
In practice, the outdoor patio heater without its propane tank is lifted onto the platform assembly 14. The retention assembly 16 is then secured between shaft 102 of the outdoor patio heater 100 and the arcuate anchoring members 20a-20e.
With the heater dolly 10, moving the outdoor patio heater 100 around a deck is simple. Simply push or pull the entire outdoor patio heater 100 next to the picnic table or the chaise lounges. Simply engage the locks of the caster wheels 46 and the outdoor patio heater 100 stays put until you decide to move it again. The customer gets much more use from their investment and because the heater sits on wheels, the deck remains cleaner and free from staining from an immovable base 104. Moving the heater for deck cleaning is significantly easier and safer. The outdoor patio heater 100 can simply and safely be moved out of the way when not in use.
The heater dolly 10 provides anti-tip technology by enhancing leverage to lower the incidence of dangerous tipping of the outdoor patio heater 100 during movement. At best, some patio heaters have two side-mounted wheels to accommodate the heater being moved by tilting the entire heater in the direction of the wheels with the pole typically serving at the rudder for awkward and potentially dangerous movement of the heater. Often, heaters are extremely hot at the top when moved, making that system extremely dangerous to all involved or nearby. Further, the heater dolly 10 includes its caster wheels 46 extending beyond the limits of the heater's base 104 to provide increased leverage against tipping. This may make the outdoor patio heater 100 even more stable than if the base 104 was just sitting on the deck. The retention assembly 16 includes a collar member 50 bolted around the main heater shaft 102 with hooks for heavy-duty straps to connect to the retention assembly 16 between each wheel location. This lessens tilting as the heater is moved because the entire system becomes one unit. This too provides greater safety and security than the original heaters as discussed above.
Heavy heaters often remain in place on a deck, making the area very difficult to clean well. Unsanitary dirt and rot under the base 104 create a terrible stain which will be revealed when the heater base 104 is removed in the future. The heater dolly 10 sits on caster wheels so that the deck underneath the base 104 is open and with the ability to move the outdoor patio heater 100 for deck cleaning via the heater dolly 10, the deck remains clean, sanitary, and unstained.
As briefly mentioned above, the standard heater dolly 10 preferably has a diameter of at least 22 inches to accommodate most large heaters. The heater dolly 10 has wheels around the exterior.
While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/642,193, entitled “HEATER DOLLY,” filed Apr. 22, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/476,080, entitled “HEATER DOLLY,” filed Sep. 27, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/378,165, entitled “HEATER DOLLY,” filed Oct. 3, 2022, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63378165 | Oct 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18476080 | Sep 2023 | US |
| Child | 18642193 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18642193 | Apr 2024 | US |
| Child | 19048598 | US |
