Patent Application
20090315283
This application discloses claims and embodiments generally related to a mobile support carriage, and more particularly, a mobile carriage supporting a tool or implement facilitating the ease of use of the tool or implement, especially over an uneven surface.
Home care, including yard and lawn care, can be difficult work, depending upon the terrain and other factors. Many parts of the country have particular rough and uneven terrain, so that mowing and weed-trimming work become even more difficult. Weed-trimming, in particular, is difficult on the neck, back, arms and shoulders, generally because of the size, weight and general awkwardness of the device. Improvements in this area are provided, but are usually less than satisfactory for one or more reasons. Thus, it is advantageous to have an apparatus or device having the elements and features disclosed herein, generally reducing the work burden on the user, and having an apparatus that supports the tool in the proper position while also reducing the weight and the stress that is imparted on the user.
Several products and inventions have been proposed in order to achieve these goals. The art includes many such attempts and improvements. However, the art does not appear to disclose the combination of elements and features disclosed herein, including the novel combination of elements and/or materials disclosed hereinafter. In particular, the art includes variations on hand trucks or four-wheel dollies, golf-bag push or pull carts, and the like. As such, an improvement to the tool or implement carriage art is presently available and is desirable and useful.
This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products and inventions previously or presently available, including the example of the art presented above. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe a mobile carriage supporting a tool or implement and comprises unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products and inventions preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any product, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein, and as more fully described below.
In accordance with one embodiment, a mobile carriage for a lawn-care tool comprising a first frame and a second frame; a support coupling the first frame and the second frame, the support elevating an end of the second frame; at least one retaining member positioned along the second frame, the at least one retaining member retaining the tool; a plurality of moving means positioned at terminal ends of the first frame; a handle depending from one of the first frame or the second frame; and a control altering the distance between the first frame and the second frame.
In one embodiment, each of the first frame and the second frame comprises a Y-shape, the first frame and the second frame having a plurality of indexing apertures for selectively adjusting the length of each frame.
In one embodiment, the support comprises an indexing guide having a plurality of indices vertically aligned to receive a bar depending from the second frame. In one aspect of the embodiment, the support comprises a pair of struts and a transverse bar supported by the struts, the transverse bar received through one of a plurality of indices formed in a centrally aligned post. In another aspect of the embodiment, the transverse bar may be received through one of a plurality of indices formed in struts.
In one embodiment, the at least one retaining member comprises a base segment and a cover segment, each segment having a relief receiving the shaft of the tool, the base segment and the cover segment coupled to one another. The at least one retaining member may comprise a channel formed in the underside thereof receiving a retractable post, wherein the diameter is tapered. The retractable post comprises an elongated post having a boss and an outwardly biased spring retaining the post in position, the elongated post having a tapered form, wherein the smaller diameter portion of the channel retains the wider diameter portion of the elongated post, thereby retaining the retractable post therein, wherein the retractable post is urged against the outwardly biased spring to urge the wider diameter portion from the channel, thereby releasing the at least one retaining member from the second frame. In another aspect of the embodiment, the mobile carriage may further comprise a second retaining member, the second retaining member comprising a base segment and a cover segment, each segment having a relief receiving the shaft of the tool, and having at least one leg and one opening for coupling with a transverse fastener coupling a pair of arms of the second frame.
In one embodiment, the handle comprises a boom coupled to the second frame via a sleeve and lock inserted through a first pair of wings having right handed and left handed elements, and an elongated rod coupled to the second frame at a second pair of wings having right handed and left handed elements. In another aspect of the embodiment, the handle comprises a second elongated rod coupled to the first frame via a pair of upstanding wings and a pair of articulating wings, the pair of articulating wings having right handed and left handed elements.
In one embodiment, the control comprises two telescoping bodies interconnected between the first frame and the second frame, the control having a crank communicating with a threaded member for raising and lowering the profile of the second frame relative to the first frame.
In one embodiment, the mobile carriage further comprises a pedal for downwardly urging a terminal end of the tool, wherein the pedal comprises an engagement area formed at an end of a linearly elongated T-shaped tube, the T-shaped tube coupled with at least one support shaft, the at least one support shaft coupled to a pair of arms of the first frame, the pedal articulating downward about the at least one support shaft. In another aspect of the embodiment, the mobile carriage further comprises a spring assembly coupled to the first frame and the T-shaped tube, the spring assembly having an inwardly biased spring having an end of the spring coupled to the T-shaped tube and having an opposing end of the spring coupled to a suspended yoke.
Generally, a mobile carriage 50 is disclosed and depicted, the carriage 50 having frame members 52 and 54 interconnected or coupled by a support 56. The carriage 50 further includes mechanical couplers 58 and 60 receiving and holding a tool or implement, the couplers 58 and 60 coupled to the frame member 54. The carriage 50 may also include a handle 62 for aiding in controlling the carriage 50 during operation. The carriage 50 may also include a pedal 64 for temporarily changing the height of the tool or implement. Furthermore, the carriage 50 may include a control 66 for finely adjusting the height of the tool or implement.
With reference to the figures, specifically
In one embodiment, the first frame member 52 generally comprises a Y-shape, with the stem 52a forming the rear-portion of the member 52, and the two arms 52b, 52c depending from the stem 52a forming the front-portion of the member 52. In one embodiment, as depicted in
The movable elements 68 are coupled to the terminal ends of the stem 52a and arms 52b, 52c, thereby providing a member 52 having two points of contact with a surface at or near the front of the apparatus (52b, 52c and corresponding movable elements 68) and one point of contact with the surface at or near the rear of the apparatus (52a and corresponding movable element(s) 68). As depicted as an example, the movable elements 68 are shown as wheels. Each wheel, or combination of wheels, 68 may be coupled at or near the respective terminal ends via a variety of mechanisms or devices. Each wheel, or combination of wheels, 68 may be coupled to provide 360 degrees of rotation to the wheel(s) 68, thereby imparting 360 degrees of rotation to the frame member 52 and the apparatus 50 collectively.
As depicted in
The first frame member 52 may include a pedal 64 coupled thereto. The pedal 64 is coupled in a manner so as to articulate or pivot from a point of coupling, thereby lowering the end of the tool or implement retained by the apparatus 50. In one embodiment, the pedal 64 has an engagement area 640 formed at the end of a linearly elongated T-shaped tube 642. The T-shaped tube 642 receives and retains the ends of two support shafts 644, or alternatively, a single support shaft 644 passes through the T-shaped tube 642. In either embodiment, the support shaft(s) 644 couple to the arms 52b, 52c of the first frame member 52, either in the side of, above or below the arms 52b, 52c. The support shaft(s) 644 allow the pedal 64 to articulate or pivot when the engagement area 640 is depressed downwardly, wherein the hollow portion of the T-shapes tube 642 is freely urged about the support shaft(s) 644. A spring assembly 70 is coupled to the first frame member 12 and the T-shaped tube 642, generally near the junction of the stem 52a and the arms 52b, 52c. The spring assembly 70 comprises an inwardly biased spring 702 having an end of the spring 704 coupled to the T-shaped tube 642 and having an opposing end of the spring 706 coupled to a suspended yoke 708. If the engagement area 640 is depressed, the T-shaped tube 642 urges the spring 702 to expand, and upon release of the engagement area 640, the inward bias of the spring 702, coupled to the suspended yoke 708, operate to return the T-shaped tube 642, and pedal 64, to position.
The support 56 may comprise one or more struts 56a, 56b. At or near the top of the strut(s), a horizontal bar 74 is coupled to an index guide 72. The index guide 72 may be coupled to the support 56 or may be coupled to the second frame member 54 (as depicted). In one embodiment, as depicted in
In another embodiment, as depicted in
In one embodiment, the first frame member 52 comprises a clamp 76 for receiving and/or retaining the bottom end of the support 56. Much like the opposing end, the lower end of the support 56 may have a horizontal bar that is inserted into the clamp 76 and secured therein. The bar may be secured into place by a hand-turned impingement device, cotter pins or keys, or similar items, as described above. It is envisioned that the clamp 76 may be open or closed. In an open configuration, the clamp 76 may have a C- or G-shape, with the bar inserted below the lip of the C- or G-shape. In a closed configuration, the clamp 76 may have a barrier, such as a pivoting clip (e.g. similar to a karabiner clip), with the bar forcibly inserted therein and secured by the lock. In either embodiment, the lower bar may be removed from the clamp, and the support 56 urged into a position substantially adjacent and parallel to the second frame member 54, thereby permitting the second frame member 54 to substantially fold onto the first frame member 52. This collapsible feature permits the user to neatly store the apparatus 50 in place or on a hook, and reduces the physical footprint of the apparatus 50 when not in use.
Similar to the first frame member 52, the second frame member 54 generally comprises a Y-shape, with the stem 54a forming the rear-portion of the member 54, and the two arms 54b, 54c depending from the stem 54a forming the front-portion of the member 54. There are a plurality of ways to form the Y-shape second frame member 54. In one embodiment, each of the arms 54b, 54c comprises a linearly elongated member terminating in flanges 78 and 80 at opposing ends of the linearly elongated member. One flange 78 may be coupled with the first frame member 52, and may further be coupled to the frame member 52 via a tree 82 having one or more collars. At an opposing end, the flange 80 (with indexing apertures) may be coupled to the stem 54a. The flange 80 may also be coupled with the flange 80 on the other arm (54b or 54c). In assembling and coupling the second frame member 54 in this manner, the member 54 more readily responds to the pedal 64 if depressed—the stem 54a pivots from the index guide 72 (described below), and the arms 54b, 54c pivot from the trees 82, with the junction of the stem 54a and arms 54b, 54c deflecting downwardly in response, thereby lowering the end of the tool or implement as needed or desired. At the junction of the stem 54a and arms 54b, 54c, the stem 54a may comprise a transverse tube 84 through which a fastener 86 (including a mechanical pin) may be used to couple the stem 54a to the rearward terminus of each of the arms 54b and 54c. The utilization of the transverse tube 84 and fastener 86 facilitates articulation or movement of the second frame member 54 in response to pedal 64 movement.
The index guide 72 downwardly depends from the stem 54a. Above the index guide 72 is a U-shaped member 88 having a retractable post 90. The U-shaped member 88 and retractable post 90 cooperatively receive and retain a first mechanical coupler 58 retaining a segment of the tool or implement. A second mechanical coupler 60 retains another segment of the tool or implement and is coupled to the stem 54a near the forward terminus of the stem 54a.
As depicted in
On the underside of the base segment 584, a channel 581 is formed complementary to the retractable post 90. The retractable post 90 comprises a top 902 and an elongated post 904 having a boss 906, and an outwardly biased spring 908 retaining the post 90 in position. Within the channel 581, the width is varied so that one segment of the channel 581 is wider than the adjacent segment, and with the wider segment gradually tapering to the smaller segment. The wider segment of the channel 581 corresponds to the smaller diameter of the post 90, while the smaller segment of the channel 581 corresponds to the larger diameter of the boss 906. Therefore, the boss 906 is impinged within the smaller segment of the channel 581, wherein the smaller segment is just large enough to accept and impinge the boss 906 therein.
Thus, the first mechanical coupler 58 is secured near the rearward end of the stem 54a by frictional impingement of the channel 581 onto the post 90, and more particularly, the smaller segment of the channel 581 impinging the boss 906 of the post 90. To release the first mechanical coupler 58 from the stem 54a, the top 902 of the post 90 is 906 outwardly urged against the outward bias of the spring 908, urging the boss and exiting the channel 581, thereby releasing the channel 581 from the post 90.
Similar to the first mechanical coupler 58, the second mechanical coupler 60 comprises a cover segment 602 and a base segment 604, as depicted in
On the underside of the second mechanical coupler 60, and its base segment 604, an opening 601 is formed for receiving an end of the stem 54a near the junction between the stem 54a and arms 54b, 54c. The stem 54a may be further secured by a variety of mechanisms, including the use of a slidable guard. As depicted, one alternative manner is to provide one or more legs 603 having orifices 605 (aligned perpendicular to the axis of the opening 601) for receiving a similarly aligned mechanical fastener.
In the embodiment(s) depicted, and the combinations and subcombinations envisioned, the second mechanical coupler 60 is generally the first on and last off, or first coupled to the stem 54a, followed by the coupling of the first mechanical coupler 58 at the opposing end. Then, to remove, the first mechanical coupler 58 is released and removed followed by the second mechanical coupler 60. As depicted in
The stem 54a further comprises a first pair of wings 92 and a second pair of wings 94. The wings 92 and 94 are provided to operate in conjunction with the handle 62. As depicted in
As depicted in
A control 66 may be included, disposed between the T-shaped tube 642 of the pedal 640 and one of the arms 54b or 54c of the second frame member 54. The control 66 comprises two telescoping bodies 662 and 664. Along the upper body 662, the control 66 may be coupled to a flange of one of the arms 54b or 54c via a collar formed on the body 664 and a mechanical fastener and nut. Similarly, along the lower body 664, the control 66 may be coupled to a billet 665 projecting from both sides of the T-shaped tube 642. The end of the lower body 664 may be secured in place by mechanical fastener and nut, or by cotter pin or key, or other similar mechanisms. The upper body 662 includes a crank 668 for rotating the threads for raising and lowering the relative height of the tool or implement. In this embodiment, the control 66 serves multiple purposes, including use as a fine adjustment means of the tool or implement. In addition, the control 66 interconnects the pedal 64 and T-shaped tube 642 to the arm(s) 54b or 54c of the second frame member 54, so that when the pedal 64 is depressed, and the T-shaped tube 642 articulates or pivots downward, the T-shaped tube 642 also urges the control 66, and therefore the arms 54b, 54c, downwardly as well. This is particularly advantageous when the apparatus 50 is used to support a grass-cutting tool, such as a weed trimmer. Since many weed trimmers require the user to strike the spool-holder a surface to advance the spool line, usually striking the spool-holder directly on the ground, the user of the apparatus 50 can depress the pedal 64 so that the weed trimmer (and spool-holder) strike the surface and advance the trimmer line when necessary. This avoids the user having to awkwardly manipulate the apparatus 50, or otherwise remove the trimmer, from the apparatus 50, to advance the trimmer line.
An example of assembly and use may further explain the elements of the apparatus 50 disclosed herein. The apparatus 50 may be found in a disassembled and collapsed (stored) form. To reassemble for use, the second frame member 54 may be raised so that its rear terminus is generally higher than the front terminus, and the support 56 moved to a substantially vertical alignment and positioned to generally support the rear terminus of the member 54. Any locking mechanism utilized at the upper and lower termini of the support 56 to secure the first frame member 52 and support 56, and second frame member 54 and support 56, respectively, are manipulated to secure the members 52 and 54 and support 56 into place. The mechanical couplers 58 and 60 are then secured to the tool or implement, which in this example is a weed trimmer (but could be other shafted-devices). Usually, the cover segment 582 is removed or manipulated to expose the reliefs 586 and 588 formed in the cover 582 and the base 584, whereby the shaft of the tool or implement may be positioned therein. After placement of the shaft, the cover 582 is re-coupled to the base 584, and is repeated for the other mechanical coupler 58 or 60. Thereafter, the couplers 58 and 60 are secured to the stem 54a of member 54, usually with the second mechanical coupler 58 first coupled to the stem 54a, and the first mechanical coupler 58 the last coupled thereto. Then, the handle 62 is extended from the second frame member 14 and locked into position. Alternatively, if a user wanted to change the handle position from one hand to another, the wings 92 and wings 94 would allow such a change to be performed effortlessly and quickly. The user may then adjust the height of the tool or implement via the control 66. Thereafter, the tool or implement may be started and used, with the apparatus 50 supporting the tool or implement and facilitating easy movement of the tool or implement about a work area, and especially along inclines or embankments or rough and uneven surfaces.
It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are not limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, including various combinations and subcombinations that may not have been explicitly disclosed. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.
Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claimed appended hereto.
