Adjustable chassis system

Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a system and method for an adjustable chassis system (“ACS”) that may be removably fixed to a payload object so that transport of the object across rough or uneven terrain is made less burdensome. Notably, some embodiments of an ACS may be integral to a given payload object. Certain embodiments of an adjustable chassis system advantageously do not include axles, yet may be raised or lowered to adjust ground clearance of the chassis and payload object. Moreover, certain embodiments of an ACS may be easily disassembled or collapsed for compact storage. Yet another advantage of certain ACS embodiments is that, by virtue of the independent side-to-side height adjustment, a payload object carried by the ACS may serve as a level seat or work surface over inclined or uneven ground.

BACKGROUND

The present solution relates to transport systems and, more particularly, to an adjustable chassis system for retrofit to a container or other equipment. Outdoorsmen, fans attending sporting events or musical concerts, beachgoers and others often have need to carry portable ice chests (i.e., “coolers”) and/or gear containers. Laden with ice, food, drinks, supplies, etc., it can be a significant physical burden to tote a full cooler or container to a destination such as a campsite or beach.

Consequently, some coolers and gear containers have integrated wheels to ease the burden of transport, although the integrated wheels do little to provide ground clearance. As such, a user pulling a cooler or gear container with integrated wheels may find that half the time he is just dragging the cooler or gear container over rough terrain and obstacles. Other solutions in the prior art are to simply load a wheelbarrow or wagon with the cooler or gear container. Although a wheelbarrow or wagon may provide enough ground clearance for easy transportation of its contents across rough terrain, a wheelbarrow or wagon is cumbersome to store.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an adjustable chassis system that may be removably fixed to a cooler, gear container or other equipment so that transport across rough terrain is made less burdensome. Moreover, what is needed in the art is an adjustable chassis system that does not require axles and may be raised or lowered to adjust ground clearance of its payload. Further, what is needed in the art is an adjustable chassis system that may be easily disassembled or collapsed for compact storage. Additionally, because users of coolers and gear containers often desire for their coolers and containers to serve double duty as a “chair” or “seat” once at the destination, there is a need in the art for an adjustable chassis system that may level its payload over uneven ground.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a system and method for an adjustable chassis system (“ACS”) that may be removably fixed to a payload object so that transport of the object across rough or uneven terrain is made less burdensome. Notably, some embodiments of an ACS may be integral to a given payload object. Certain embodiments of an adjustable chassis system advantageously do not include axles, yet may be raised or lowered to adjust ground clearance of the chassis and payload object. Moreover, certain embodiments of an ACS may be easily disassembled or collapsed for compact storage. Yet another advantage of certain ACS embodiments is that, by virtue of the independent side-to-side height adjustment, a payload object carried by the ACS may serve as a level seat or work surface over inclined or uneven ground.

An exemplary ACS configured to removably receive a payload object comprises a connector plate, a left-side frame bracket, a right-side frame bracket, a pair of left-side rotating arms with wheels and a pair of right-side rotating arms with wheels. The frame brackets are adjustably mounted to the connector plate such that a variable width is defined by the left-side frame bracket and right-side frame bracket. The payload object may be removably secured within the defined width between the brackets. The pair of left-side rotating arms are adjustably mounted to the left-side frame bracket and, similarly, the pair of right-side rotating arms are adjustably mounted to the right-side frame bracket. Independent left-side and right-side vertical adjustment means in the respective frame brackets provide for independent adjustment of left and right ground clearance heights of the ACS.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as exclusive, preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

In this description, the term “payload,” “payload object,” “payload device” and the like is used to reference any device or equipment that may be removably attached, or permanently integrated to (depending on embodiment), an adjustable chassis system. Examples of envisioned payload objects include, but are not limited to, an ice chest or cooler, a gear container, a truck box, a worksite locker, a johnboat, a canoe, a skid, an open-topped box or plastic bin, etc.

In this description, labels such as “left-side,” “right-side,” “inner,” “outer” and the like are used for the purpose of orientating the reader and are not meant to suggest that certain aspects or features of the solutions must be located on a “left-side” or a “right-side” or “inside” a certain other component or “outside” a certain other component. Moreover, as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, what is, or is not, a “left-side” or “right-side” of a given device, or “inside” one component or “outside” another component, is inherently defined by the beholder. As such, it will be understood that, for example, what is described herein to be located on a “left-side” or “right-side” may be located on a “front-side” or “back-side” of an alternative embodiment. It will also be understood that, for example, a component located in the system such that it is “inside” or “outside” relative to a given other component may be located “inside” or “outside” relative to a different other component in a different embodiment of the system.

The presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards providing a system and method for an adjustable chassis system (“ACS”) that may be removably fixed to a payload object so that transport of the object across rough or uneven terrain is made less burdensome. Certain embodiments of an adjustable chassis system advantageously do not include axles, yet may be raised or lowered to adjust ground clearance of the chassis and payload object. Moreover, certain embodiments of an ACS may be easily disassembled or collapsed for compact storage. Yet another advantage of certain ACS embodiments is that, by virtue of the independent side-to-side height adjustment, a payload object carried by the ACS may serve as a level seat or work surface over inclined or uneven ground.

Exemplary embodiments of an ACS system are disclosed herein in the context of transporting a payload object in the form of an ice chest or “cooler” to a campsite; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various embodiments may also comprise any combination of features and aspects useful for other payload object transport applications related to, but not limited to, tailgating, concert attendance, a day at the beach, fishing, hunting, worksite applications, etc. That is, it will be understood that, an ACS solution may be configured to receive, or be an integrated part of, any payload object in need of transport. As such, the depictions and descriptions herein of embodiments specifically configured for transport of payload objects in the form of a cooler will not be interpreted to limit the scope of an ACS solution.

Certain embodiments of an ACS may be constructed of powder coated carbon steel, although embodiments of an ACS are not limited by materials of construction as it is envisioned that an ACS may be constructed from any suitable material or combination of materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, poly vinyl chloride (“PVC”), etc.

An exemplary embodiment of an adjustable chassis system (“ACS”) may be configured to accommodate a payload object in the form of a cooler. Because coolers are often heavy and cumbersome when loaded with ice and other things, it is common for two people to have to work together to transport the cooler from one location to another. Advantageously, by attaching an ACS embodiment to a cooler, a single person may be able to relocate the cooler even when it is loaded. Moreover, because an ACS embodiment may be operable to adjust its ground clearance, once secured to the ACS the cooler may be raised such that it is easily transported across rough terrain or lowered such that it maintains a low profile.

It is a further advantage of ACS embodiments that axles are not necessary, thereby alleviating a common component in the prior art that presents an obstacle to optimized ground clearance. Additionally, it is an advantage of ACS embodiments that the “left” and “right” sides, each side including a single wheel or a pair of “front” and “back” wheels depending on embodiment, may be raised or lowered independently from the opposite side. Notably, because the left and right sides of an ACS embodiment may be raised or lowered independent from the opposite side, a payload object such as a cooler may be leveled relative to the ground. Further, although a 2-wheeled (single left wheel and single right wheel) embodiment of an ACS is not specifically depicted in the drawings, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand from the present disclosure that ACS embodiments with two wheels, as opposed to four, are envisioned. As will be more easily understood from the description of the Figures that follows, a two-wheeled embodiment of an ACS may require only a single “left-side” rotating arm and a single “right-side” rotating arm, as opposed to the left-side and right-side pairs depicted in the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable chassis system (“ACS”)100. As can be seen in theFIG. 1illustration, the exemplary ACS100embodiment is symmetrical such that a “left” side contains substantially identical components to a “right” side. Consequently, for simplicity's sake only a single “side” of the exemplary ACS100embodiment is labeled and described relative to theFIG. 1illustration.

In the exemplary embodiment100, a connector plate5may include a series of lateral positioning slots6for adjustably receiving a frame bracket10. The frame bracket(s)10may be adjusted on the connector plate relative to one another such that a width is defined between the frame bracket(s)10. As will become clear from a review of subsequent drawings, the coarse lateral adjustability of the frame bracket(s)10serve to accommodate different widths of payload objects. A payload object, once placed within the coarse width defined by the adjusted frame bracket(s)10, may be secured in place by a fine adjustment of the tightening bar(s)15. The tightening bar(s)15may be adjusted by set screws24, or some other adjustment means such as, but not limited to, spring-loaded pins, ratcheting mechanisms, etc. Once the tightening bar(s)15are finely adjusted to snugly interface with a payload object, the payload object may be adequately secured to the ACS100. It is envisioned that the tightening bar(s)15may include a VELCRO strip, a high friction surface area, or some other means for providing additional security to mitigate slippage or physical damage to the payload object.

Notably, although the present exemplary embodiment100is shown and described as a stand-alone system operable to securely and removably receive a payload object, it will be understood that an ACS is not limited to embodiments that are independent of a payload object; i.e., it is envisioned that certain embodiments of an ACS may be integrated within a payload object and not configured to be easily disconnected from the payload object.

Returning to theFIG. 1illustration, it can be seen that the frame bracket10includes a vertical positioning slot11. An inner rotating arm20is juxtaposed to the inside of the frame bracket10and an outer rotating arm30is juxtaposed to the outside of the frame bracket. The inner rotating arm20includes an inner arm positioning slot21, an inner arm pivot connection22and a rear wheel connection23. Similarly, the outer rotating arm30includes an outer arm positioning slot31, an outer arm pivot connection32and a front wheel connection33.

As can be seen from theFIG. 1illustration, the inner rotating arm20and the outer rotating arm30are each mechanically connected to the frame bracket10by virtue of bolts or pins inserted through pivot connections22,32at the opposite lower corners of the vertical portion of the frame bracket10. In this way, the bolts and pivot connections22,32work to create pivot points about which the rotating arms20,30may be rotated, as one of ordinary skill in the art of mechanics would understand. Notably, each of the inner rotating arm20and the outer rotating arm30are also mechanically and adjustably connected to the frame bracket10by virtue of a vertical positioning mechanism50inserted through the outer arm positioning slot31, the vertical positioning slot11of the frame bracket10, and the inner arm positioning slot21. At one distal end of the inner rotating arm20, a rear wheel40is connected to a rear wheel connection23by an exemplary arrangement that includes a pin46and bushing45. Similarly, at a distal end of the outer rotating arm30, a front wheel41is connected to a front wheel connection33.

Advantageously, as one of ordinary skill in the art of mechanics would understand from theFIG. 1illustration and description (and subsequent Figures and descriptions), a user of the exemplary ACS100may actuate the vertical positioning mechanism50up and/or down along a vertical path defined by the vertical positioning slot11of the frame bracket10. As the vertical positioning mechanism50is actuated up or down the vertical positioning slot11, the vertical positioning mechanism50may simultaneously slide within the inner and outer arm positioning slots21,31such that the inner rotating arm20and the outer rotating arm30rotate around the pivot connections22,32. In doing so, the side of the ACS100that corresponds to the vertical positioning mechanism50will raise or lower relative to the ground, thereby also raising or lowering the side of a payload object (not shown inFIG. 1) that corresponds to the vertical positioning mechanism50. Notably, although the exemplary embodiment100is depicted with a vertical positioning slot11, an ACS100is not limited to a vertical positioning aspect that includes a vertical positioning slot11as it is envisioned that some embodiments may include a series of vertically aligned holes configured to receive the vertical positioning mechanism50.

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of an ACS100depicted inFIG. 1, shown assembled and in a raised position relative to the ground. From theFIG. 2Aillustration, it can be seen that both the left vertical positioning mechanism50L and the right vertical positioning mechanism50R are positioned and adjustably fixed, respectively, at the uppermost positions within the vertical positioning slots11L,11R. As such, the outer rotating arms30L,30R and inner rotating arms20L,20R are positioned such that the ACS100is at a maximum clearance height. In this raised position, the distance from the connector plate5to the ground is optimized for clearance of obstacles. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand from the illustration, by adjustably fixing the vertical positioning mechanisms50L,50R at the uppermost point in the vertical positioning slots11L,11R, the inner and outer rotating arms20,30are made to rotate around the pivot connections22,32so that the frame of the ACS100is raised.

FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment100of an ACS depicted inFIG. 1, shown assembled and in a lowered position relative to the ground. From theFIG. 2Billustration, it can be seen that both the left vertical positioning mechanism50L and the right vertical positioning mechanism50R are positioned and adjustably fixed, respectively, at the lowermost positions within the vertical positioning slots11L,11R. As such, the outer rotating arms30L,30R and inner rotating arms20L,20R are positioned such that the ACS100is at a minimum clearance height. In this lowered position, the distance from the connector plate5to the ground is minimized. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand from the illustration, by adjustably fixing the vertical positioning mechanisms50L,50R at the lowermost point in the vertical positioning slots11L,11R, the inner and outer rotating arms20,30are made to rotate around the pivot connections22,32so that the frame of the ACS100is lowered.

FIG. 3depicts a top view of the exemplary embodiment100of an ACS depicted inFIGS. 2A-2B. In theFIG. 3illustration, it can be seen that in the exemplary ACS embodiment100the left front wheel40LF sits slightly outside the left back wheel41LB, by virtue of wheel40LF being connected to the outer rotating arm30L and wheel41LB being connected to the inner rotating arm20L. Similarly, the right front wheel40RF sits slightly outside the right back wheel41RB, by virtue of wheel40RF being connected to the outer rotating arm30R and wheel41RB being connected to the inner rotating arm20R. Advantageously, because the distance between the front wheels40LF and40RF is wider than the distance between the back wheels41LB and41RB, a pulling rope65or other handle/pulling means may be attached to the ACS100at the wheel connections33without interfering with a payload object (not shown). Notably, although the exemplary ACS embodiment100is shown with a pulling means65in the form of a rope, it is envisioned that other embodiments of an ACS may have different aspects useful for pulling or no pulling aspects at all. For example, it is envisioned that certain payload objects being transported by an ACS embodiment may include features useful for pulling the payload object and ACS combination and, as such, a pulling feature is not required in all embodiments of an ACS.

FIGS. 4A-4Bdepict a left-side view of the exemplary embodiment100of an ACS depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively. Referring to theFIG. 4Aillustration, the exemplary ACS100is shown in a raised position, thereby maximizing ground clearance GC. Referring to theFIG. 4Billustration, the exemplary ACS100is shown in a lowered position, thereby minimizing ground clearance GC. Notably, and as one of ordinary skill in the art of mechanics would understand from the Figures and related descriptions, the vertical positioning mechanisms50may be positioned at substantially any point along the vertical path defined by the vertical positioning slots11and, in doing so, set the ground clearance GC of the ACS100at any height between a maximum height and a minimum height. It is envisioned that some embodiments of an ACS100may be operable to set a minimum ground clearance GC at substantially zero, thereby allowing the ACS100and its payload object to “sit” on the ground. It is also envisioned that some embodiments of an ACS100may include wheel locks or other means for preventing one or more of the wheels40,41from rolling.

FIGS. 5A-5Bdepict a front view of the exemplary embodiment100of an ACS depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively. Referring to theFIG. 5Aillustration, the exemplary ACS100is shown in a raised position, thereby maximizing ground clearance GC. Referring to theFIG. 5Billustration, the exemplary ACS100is shown in a lowered position, thereby minimizing ground clearance GC. Advantageously, and as would be understood from the Figures and related descriptions by one of ordinary skill in the art of mechanics, the vertical positions of the frame brackets10L,10R relative to the associated wheels (40LF and41LB associated with frame bracket10L;40RF and41RB associated with frame bracket10R) may be adjusted independently. As such, when the vertical positioning mechanisms SOL and50R are adjusted to positions within the vertical positioning slots11that are not substantially mirrored, the ground clearance GC may vary from a low point correlating with one side of the ACS to a high point correlating with the other side of the ACS. The ability of an ACS to adjust and set the “left-side” and “right-side” ground clearance heights independently from one another will be more clearly shown and described relative to theFIG. 7illustration.

FIGS. 6A-6Billustrate the exemplary embodiment100of an ACS depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, transporting a payload object in the form of a cooler60. Referring to theFIG. 6Aillustration, the ACS100is in a raised position, thereby optimizing ground clearance and easing transport of the cooler60over rough terrain. Referring to theFIG. 6Billustration, the ACS100is in a lowered position, thereby minimizing ground clearance as may be preferred by the user for a particular application. Notably, in the lowered position, it is envisioned that a cooler60or other payload object may be stored with the ACS100without requiring excessive storage space. Even so, because an ACS100may be quickly and easily dissembled, it is envisioned that certain users may desire to remove the payload object for compact storage of the ACS100.

FIG. 7depicts the exemplary ACS embodiment100ofFIG. 1, shown assembled, in receipt of a cooler or gear locker payload object60and adjusted on an inclined ground such that the payload object60is leveled. As can be seen in theFIG. 7illustration the “right-side” of the ACS100has been adjusted to a lowered position while the “left-side” of the ACS100has been adjusted to a raised position. In doing so the payload object60is leveled even though the ACS100sits on uneven ground. In this way, the ACS100may provide a user with means to safely transport a payload object60across inclined terrain without tipping or spilling the payload object60or its contents. Moreover, once the payload object has been relocated to a desired destination, an ACS100may level the payload object60so that it may be used as a seat, work surface, or the like.

Systems and methods of use for adjustable chassis system solutions have been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of an adjustable chassis system. Some embodiments of an adjustable chassis system utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Moreover, some embodiments of an adjustable chassis system may be configured to work in conjunction with specific payload objects and, as such, it will be understood that multiple instances of an adjustable chassis system, wherein each instance may utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features, may be reside within a single embodiment of a given adjustable chassis system. Variations of embodiments of an adjustable chassis system that are described and embodiments of an adjustable chassis system comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that systems and methods of use for adjustable chassis system solutions are not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather, the scope of systems and methods of use for adjustable chassis system solutions is defined by the claims that follow.