Abstract:
An apparatus for producing electricity includes an elongated body and an electricity generating device operatively connected to the elongated body. A drive shaft is positioned along the elongated body, the drive shaft having an input and an output. A driven shaft is positioned along the elongated body and spaced apart from the drive shaft, the driven shaft having an input and an output, the output driving the electricity generating device. There is a first mechanical linkage between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. A method of producing electricity includes positioning a combustion engine powered vehicle over at least a portion of the apparatus, mechanically linking an output shaft of the combustion engine powered device to the input of the drive shaft, and powering the electricity generating device with the combustion engine powered vehicle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/056,274 filed May 27, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the production of electricity from a mechanical source. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable electricity generator. 
         [0003]    The production of electricity in emergencies or in remote locations is a common problem for residential and agricultural settings. The portable electricity generator allows the user to produce electricity for his entire home, church, community building or other structure or building during a power outage, or deliver electricity to a remote location not reached by the local electricity provider. 
         [0004]    One problem with portable generators is that they typically are used relatively infrequently. A portable generator with an attached combustion engine may sit for a year or more without being used. A typical consumer tends to not routinely run the generator and maintain it. This infrequent use increases the likelihood that the generator will not properly operate when it is actually needed. 
         [0005]    In order to produce electricity, the current state of the art portable generator requires an internalized mechanical drive to be transported along with the electricity generator. This adds weight and makes the generator difficult to transport and requires more storage space. The portable generator may also be prohibitively expensive for many consumers. 
         [0006]    Thus, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art. 
         [0007]    It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to use an existing power source to produce electricity or other work. 
         [0008]    It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a generator or other rotary-powered device which is dependable. 
         [0009]    A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a device that is compact and convenient to move or transport. 
         [0010]    Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a device which is inexpensive to manufacture. 
         [0011]    Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a device which is easy for a customer to use. 
         [0012]    A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a device for generating electricity or other rotary-powered work which leverages existing assets of a consumer to reduce the cost and increase the effectiveness of generating electricity or other rotary-powered work. 
         [0013]    One or more of these and/or other objects, features or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims. No single embodiment of the present invention need provide all of these specific objects, feature, or advantages. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features, or advantages. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for producing electricity is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated body and an electricity generating device operatively connected to the elongated body. A drive shaft is positioned along the elongated body, the drive shaft having an input and an output. A driven shaft is positioned along the elongated body and spaced apart from the drive shaft, the driven shaft having an input and output, the output driving the electricity generating device. There is a first mechanical linkage between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for producing electricity using a combustion engine powered vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated deck and an electricity generating device capable of generating electricity, the electricity generating device operatively connected to the elongated deck. There is a driven shaft adapted to receive mechanical input, the driven shaft extending from said electricity generating device to underneath the deck. There is a drive shaft with a first pulley placed above the deck operatively and on drive shaft and a second pulley placed underneath the deck and on the drive shaft, wherein the pulley is configured to be driven by a belt driven by an output shaft of the combustion engine powered vehicle. There is at least one belt underneath the elongated deck to transfer mechanical force from the second pulley to thereby drive the driven shaft of the electricity generating device. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of generating electricity is provided. The method includes providing a device comprising (a) an elongated body, (b) an electricity generating device operatively connected to the elongated body, (c) a drive shaft positioned along the elongated body, the drive shaft having an input and an output, (d) a driven shaft positioned along the elongated body and spaced apart from the drive shaft, the driven shaft having an input and output, the output driving the electricity generating device, and (e) a first mechanical linkage between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The method further includes positioning the combustion engine powered vehicle over at least a portion of the device and mechanically linking an output shaft of the combustion engine powered device to the input of the drive shaft, and powering the electricity generating device with the combustion engine powered vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3  with a safety shield in an operative position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3  with the safety shield of  FIG. 4B  in another operative position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A  is an isolated perspective view of the protective shield shown in  FIG. 4A   
           [0023]      FIG. 5B  is an isolated perspective view of the protective shield shown in  FIG. 4B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is another top view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  in use with a zero radius turn mower. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  in use with a lawn tractor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]    The present invention relates to an electricity producing device which may be used with a device such as, but not limited to, a lawn mower or a lawn tractor which has an output shaft capable of delivering rotary force. The output shaft may be, but need not have a belt-driven configuration. In the case of a lawn tractor or lawn mower, it is preferred that the lawn tractor or lawn mower have a belt-driven mower. Instead of driving a mower, the lawn tractor or lawn mower may be used to drive an input of the present invention to power a generator. This is advantageous because it allows one with a lawn tractor, zero radius turn mower, or other type of mower or other device to drive a generator. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the apparatus or device  10  of the present invention. The apparatus  10  has an elongated body such as a deck  12  which provides support for a housing  14  which encloses a generator  16 . One or more wheels  18  are operatively connected to the deck  12 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a jack shaft or drive shaft  20 . The shaft  20  may be driven by a belt associated with a lawn tractor, mower, or other device. As shown in  FIG. 1  a pulley  19  is positioned on top of the elongated deck and provides an input to the shaft  20 . Device  16  could, alternatively, be another device that is powered by rotary input such as shaft  23 . A few non-inclusive examples which are: trash pump, hydraulic motor, and a blower. 
         [0029]    Although the present invention is not limited to particular sizes, one example of a size which may be used is a main deck with a length of approximately 56 inches, a width of approximately 16 inches and a height of approximately 4 inches. In addition, the deck  12  may be made from a single piece of metal. Of course, the deck  12  may be made from any number of types of materials. Note that there are apertures  36  along the side of the deck  12 . The apertures  36  allow for venting and also reduce the amount of material used in the deck  12  and thus the weight of the apparatus  10 . In addition, the apertures  36  may be used as anchor holes for straps which may be used to further secure the axle of a lawn tractor or other vehicle to the device  10 . The straps may be pull straps or ratchet straps; of course other types of straps or cords may be used. In addition, the lawn tractor or other device may be otherwise connected to the deck  12 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a safety leg  22  which may be positioned on the bottom side of the deck  12 , to elevate the deck  12  off of the ground. The safety leg  22  can be secured with a removable quick-release ball lock pin  90 or analogous means through hole  92  of the protective shield  34  and hole  96  of safety leg  22 .  FIG. 1  also shows an eyelet  52  which may be used to support a grounding rod  54 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the device  10 . In  FIG. 2 , the shaft  20  has an output pulley  28 . There is a mechanical linkage, such as a belt  26  between the output pulley  28  of the drive shaft  20  and a pulley  24  which serves as an input on the shaft  23  of the generator  16 . The belt  26  is driven by pulley  28  to drive pulley  24  associated with a shaft  23  of the generator  16 . In this manner, a device such as a lawn tractor may ultimately drive a generator  16 . The present invention contemplates that a spring tension or other type of belt tensioner  27  may be used if needed to apply tension to the drive belt  26 . In addition, the present invention contemplates that different ratios between pulleys may be used, the ratio need not be 1:1. Although a belt is shown in  FIG. 2 , the present invention contemplates that other types of mechanical linkages may be used, such as a chain instead of a belt. Although pulleys are shown on the shafts, the present invention contemplates that other configurations may be used as may appropriate for a particular type of mechanical linkage. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows an end view of the device  10 . Note that there are eyelets  50 ,  52  shown which support a ground rod  54 . This configuration provides a convenient place to store the ground rod  54  when not in use. Although a ground rod is shown, the present invention contemplates that any number of methods of grounding the device may be used. Where a ground rod is provided and supported on the device  10  when not in use, the present invention contemplates any number of ways of supporting the ground rod. The ground may also be pinned in place to secure the ground rod  54  in place during transport of the device. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4A  shows a perspective view of the device  10 . The housing  14  of the generator  16  includes two 110V AC outlets  38 A,  38 B. A 220VAC outlet  38 C is also shown. Voltmeters  40 A,  40 B, may also be provided to monitor voltage levels. Breaker switches  42  are also shown. In addition, an optional power inverter may be used to provide DC power. The generator  16  may be of various sizes. However, it is contemplated that because a lawn tractor or other device is used, the generator can be relatively large in size, including sizes such as 4000-12000 watts. Note that this is generally larger than many commercial/emergency standalone generators. A lawn tractor device with an 8-30 HP motor or more is sufficient to drive such a generator. 
         [0033]    Also shown in  FIG. 4A , is a protective shield  34  which is shown in a stored or transport position. The protective shield  34  can also be seen in isolation in  FIG. 5A  which shows rails  98  and  100  with the vertical L-shaped portion extending downward. The protective shield  34  may be used to further protect a user against inadvertent contact with a moving pulley  20  by rolling it over 180 degrees and attaching at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of apparatus  10 , refer to  FIG. 4B , to allow placement under a mower  60 ,  80  from either side. The protective shield is secured to the deck  12  with ball lock pins  90  or analogous means through holes  94 . The protective shield  34  can also be seen in isolation in  FIG. 5B  which shows rails  98  and  100  with the vertical L-shaped portion extending upward. A neck  32  extends from the deck  12 . Thus, the device  10  may be towed behind a lawn tractor, mower, or other device. Although the neck as shown extends from the protective shield  34 , the neck could extend from the bottom or front or sides of the deck  12 . In addition, although a protective shield is shown, the present invention contemplates that a safety shield need not be used.  FIG. 6  provides a top view of the device with the protective shield  34  in the stored or transport position. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates a zero-radius turn mower  60  which can be used with the apparatus  10 . The mower  60  has a front end  62  and a back end  64 . Note that the apparatus  10  is positioned at the front of the mower  60 , but could be placed elsewhere such as the side of the mower  60 . There is a seat  68  on the mower  60 . A weight  72  which may be formed from a bag filled with rock, sand, or other material  76  is secured to the seat  68  with a cord or strap  74 . Some types of mowers  60  may have a sensor which prevents activation of the mower drive unless a weight is present indicating someone is sitting on the bag. To use these types of mowers, the weight  72  allows the belt to drive the generator even without anyone sitting on the mower seat  68 . Of course, since the belt is driving a generator and not mower blades, there is not the safety concerns associated with mower blades present. 
         [0035]    As also shown in  FIG. 7 , the generator  16  is electrically grounded by connecting a grounding wire  66  to the grounding rod  54  which may be earth grounded by placing in soil. Of course, other types of grounding may be performed as well. 
         [0036]    Note also in  FIG. 7  that straps  70  are used to secure the device  10  to the mower  60 . It is to be understood that the mower  60  may vibrate some when in use, thus straps  70  may help prevent displacement of the device  10  from the mower  60 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  illustrates a lawn tractor  80  used with the apparatus  10 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the apparatus  10  is on the side of the lawn tractor. Straps  70  are shown which secure the apparatus  10  to the lawn tractor. In addition, the grounding rod  54  is attached by a wire  66  to the generator to provide an earth ground. 
         [0038]    Note although a zero turn radius mower and a lawn tractor are shown, other types of self-propelled vehicles maybe used, including skid steer loaders. In addition, depending upon the size and type of vehicle, instead of backing the vehicle on to the device  10 , the vehicle may be driven forward onto the device. In addition, the vehicle may have a PTO which may be used to drive the jackshaft of the device  10 . Also, although the lawn tractor  40  shown is adapted for use with a belt-driven mower, the present invention contemplates other embodiments such as use of an orbital drive of a skid steer loader. A hydraulic driven system may be used to drive the generator. 
         [0039]    The present invention further contemplates that a handle may be attached and used to assist in transporting the apparatus  10 . Alternatively, the apparatus may be towed. The apparatus itself is compact and easy to store, such as in the corner of one&#39;s garage. It may be placed in an upright position so as to take up a limited amount of floor space. The present invention contemplates that the device  10  may be easy to manufacture and to ship from factory or distributor to a consumer. The present invention contemplates that the device  10  without the generator may be shipped from one location to a consumer and the generator may be shipped from another location to a consumer. The device  10  is preferably easy to assemble by the consumer. Of course, the device  10  may also be sold as a fully assembled device through retail distribution channels. The present invention may be particularly useful in emergency situations caused by widespread loss of power, as the present invention would be relatively easy to distribute. 
         [0040]    It should be recognized that the device  10  fits numerous sizes, types, and styles of lawn tractors and other vehicles. For example, the vehicle may be a rear-driven vehicle or a front driven vehicle such as a car or truck, with a tire removed and a pulley used instead. An adjustable screw jack may be used to tension the belts between the axle and the deck. The generator may be placed horizontally with the axle if desirable or a PTO may be used. A wide variety of external sources may be used to drive the electricity generator. For example, including a hydraulic-driven device. Thus, for example, hydraulics such as from agricultural or construction equipment may be used to drive the jackshaft  20 . 
         [0041]    Therefore, an apparatus has been described for producing electricity. Although specific embodiments have been described herein, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific description provided as the present invention contemplates numerous variations, options, and alternatives such as the in the size, configuration, type of materials, type of driving device (such as belt-driven, chain-driven or hydraulic-driven) or other variations which require a rotary-power source.