Abstract:
A mobile and adjustable dolly having an adjustable “V” shaped dolly frame. The dolly frame comprises first and second pivotal frame members rotationally coupled to a central support frame member forming a “V” shape. The central support frame member comprises a series of angle maintaining features for securing each frame member at any of a plurality of angled configurations. A distal caster, having a wheel rotation disposed therewith, is assembled to a distal end of each frame member and a central caster is assembled to a pivotal region of the dolly frame. A vehicle support subassembly is disposed upon and extends upward from the each respective frame member. An elongated handle assembly extends from the central caster. The elongated handle assembly further comprises a wheel chock, which removably engages with the central wheel when subjected to the weight of the elongated handle assembly.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for supporting and moving automotive vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable “V” shaped dolly that may be used to physically support and mobilize an automotive vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the field of automotive repair and maintenance there is often a need to raise, support, and move an immobile vehicle. 
     One common means for moving an immobile vehicle is by using a plurality of typical hydraulic floor jacks. Moving a vehicle with floor jacks can be difficult because all of the floor jacks need to be oriented and rolled in unison. Additionally, the small wheels on the floor jack have a high rolling resistance when under a heavy load. Another method of moving an immobile vehicle is to place wheel dollies under each wheel. Wheel dollies can cause wheel “set” if used for an extended period of time. Wheel dollies also have small wheels, which make moving the immobile vehicle difficult. 
     Another device for moving an immobile vehicle is to use the automobile dolly including a fixed A-shaped frame having leg members connected at their mid-section by a cross member and at an apex by a connecting plate. The device shape is bulky, which limits access to the vehicle. The “A” shaped frame design dictates the use of multiple jacks to raise the vehicle onto the dolly. 
     What is desired is a dolly providing a stable platform for supporting and moving an immobile vehicle. The preferred dolly maximizes access to the vehicle for servicing. The dolly should also be able to be moved easily while supporting the weight of an automotive vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The basic inventive concept provides a method for supporting and mobilizing an automotive vehicle while being worked on. 
     In a first aspect of the present invention, a dolly is provided for supporting and mobilizing an automotive vehicle, the dolly comprising: 
     central frame support member; 
     a first pivotal frame member having a first pivotal end and a distal end, the first pivotal end being pivotally attached to said central frame support plate; 
     a second pivotal frame member having a second pivotal end and a distal end, the second pivotal end being pivotally attached to said central frame support plate; 
     a central wheel being assembled to said central frame support plate; 
     a pair of distal wheels, each wheel being assembled to said distal end of each pivotal frame member, respectively; 
     a pair of vehicle support columns, each vehicle support column being assembled to a central segment of each pivotal frame member, respectively; 
     wherein the first pivotal frame member and the second pivotal frame member form an adjustable “V” shape, wherein all rigid assembly connections between the first and second pivotal frame members occur proximate the central wheel. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is an apparatus wherein the first and second pivotal frame members are rotationally positionable such that a distance between the distal end of the first pivotal frame member and the distal end of the second pivotal frame member may be adjusted, the first and second pivotal frame members being pivotally coupled to the central frame support member at the pivotal ends thereof. 
     In yet another aspect, the adjustable vehicle support subassembly can be centrally positioned along a length of the respective pivotal frame member. 
     In yet another aspect, the vehicle support subassembly can be positioned at a distance from the distal end that is approximately one-third of the overall length of the respective pivotal frame member. It is preferred that the vehicle support subassembly is vertically adjustable. 
     In yet another aspect, the region formed between the first and second pivotal frame members is unobstructed such that the dolly may be positioned straddling a hydraulic floor jack between the pivotal frame members allowing the vehicle to be raised by a single hydraulic jack. 
     In yet another aspect, a diameter of the central and distal wheels is sufficient to roll on a hard surface, including an ability to easily roll over small cracks and imperfections or non-planar features that may occur in a ground surface, such as tile, bricks, and the like. One suggested wheel diameter is 8″. 
     In yet another aspect, the diameter of the central and distal wheels is at least half the height of the dolly. It is preferred that the central and distal wheels all have equal diameters. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the height of the adjustable vehicle support subassemblies is less than the diameter of the central and distal wheels. 
     In yet another aspect, the apparatus may be used in tandem with a second, identical dolly to support and move an automotive vehicle. 
     In yet another aspect, the dolly further comprises an elongated handle assembly. The elongated handle assembly is preferably removably attached to the dolly. 
     In yet another aspect, the removable elongated handle assembly further comprises a wheel chock, which removably engages with the central wheel. The wheel chock preferably engages under the weight of the elongated handle assembly. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle dolly; 
         FIG. 2  presents a top plan view of the vehicle dolly originally introduced in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  presents a side elevation view of the vehicle dolly originally introduced in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  presents a detailed top plan view of a central frame support member, which provides a pivotal assembly of the vehicle dolly; 
         FIG. 5  presents an isometric view of an exemplary elongated handle assembly; 
         FIG. 6  presents a top view of the vehicle dolly used in combination with a hydraulic floor jack; and 
         FIG. 7  presents a side elevation view illustrating an exemplary application of a pair of vehicle dollies supporting a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     A dolly  100  is provided to support and mobilize an automotive vehicle while being built, restored, serviced, maintained, and the like. An exemplary dolly  100  is presented in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . A primary component of the dolly  100  is a dolly frame  110 . The dolly frame  110  includes a first pivotal frame member  112  and a second pivotal frame member  114 , which are pivotally attached to a central frame support member  120 . The exemplary central frame support member  120  is assembled, contacting a lower surface of the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114 . A second central frame support member  128  can be assembled, contacting an upper surface of the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  increasing the rigidity and reliability of the dolly frame  110 . Alternately, the central frame support member  120  and second central frame support member  128  can be provided in a unitary structure. An arm member pivot pins  170  is used to pivotally assemble the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  to the central frame support member  120  and second central frame support member  128 . 
     The pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  can be fabricated of mild tubular steel, such as a 2″×3″ tubular box extrusion having a ¼ inch wall thickness. It is understood that the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  can be fabricated of any material, including rods, any tubular extrusion, I-beams, T-Beams, “C” channels, Angles, and the like. The pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  may be fabricated of any reasonable material suitable to support a predetermined maximum load. The pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  may additional include an arch to increase the overall strength of the dolly frame  110 . 
     The pivotal motion and angular adjustments of the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  are governed by features incorporated into the central frame support member  120 . Details of the central frame support member  120  are presented in  FIG. 4 . An arm pivot aperture  124  is provided through the central frame support member  120  for receiving the arm member pivot pins  170 , thus defining the pivot location of each respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114 . A pair of series of angle defining apertures  122  is provided through the central frame support member  120  for locking each respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  in a predetermined angle. Each series of angle defining apertures  122  are arranged along an arc, where the arc is generated using an arm pivot aperture  124  as a radial center. The series of angle defining apertures  122  can be spatially arranged at any predetermined angle. The exemplary embodiment positioned each of the angle defining apertures  122  at 10 degree increments, having an initial angle referenced as “A1” of 10 degrees and a final angle referenced as “A2” of 40 degrees from a longitudinal reference. An angle adjustment pin  172  is removably inserted through a respective angle retention aperture (understood to be under and receive the angle adjustment pins  172 ) provided through each pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  and into the desired angle defining apertures  122 . The angle retention aperture is located at a distance equal to the radial distance defined between the arm pivot aperture  124  and each angle defining apertures  122 . The user rotates each respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  about the arm member pivot pins  170  into the desired angle and secures the respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  in position by inserting the angle adjustment pins  172  into the nearest angle defining apertures  122 . The exemplary dolly frame  110  can be arranged having a “V” shape between 20 degrees and 80 degrees. The interior portion of the “V” provides clearance for accessing components under the vehicle, positioning tools therebetween, and the like. 
     It is understood that the arm pivot aperture  124  and caster mounting apertures  126  can be smooth through holes, threaded through holes, and the like. The angle defining apertures  122  can be smooth through holes, threaded through holes, blind holes, and the like. The style of each hole is respective to the designer&#39;s choice. The angle adjustment pins  172  can be retained using any commonly known retention component, including a threaded section, a cotter pin, a “C” clip, and the like. 
     An adjustable vehicle support subassembly  150  is attached to each of the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114 . Each adjustable vehicle support subassembly  150  can be permanently fixed to each respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  as illustrated or be slideably adjusting along a length of the respective pivotal frame members  112 ,  114 . The adjustable vehicle support subassembly  150  is fabricated having a vehicle support column  152  for receiving a vehicle support adjustment column  154 . The vehicle support column  152  extends upright from the respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114 . In a fixed configuration, a vehicle support attachment gusset  158  can be utilized to attach and support the vehicle support column  152  in the proper orientation using any reasonable mechanical attachment means. In a slideably configuration, any known slideable interface can be provided between the vehicle support column  152  and the respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114 . A vehicle support plate  156  is provided upon an upper end of the vehicle support adjustment column  154  for distributing a supported load across a contacting surface. In the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle support adjustment column  154  slides into the vehicle support column  152 , creating a vertically adjustable interface. A locking pin or other locking device can be deployed to vertically position the vehicle support plate  156 . Additionally, a round cross sectional shape allows the user to rotate the vehicle support plate  156  into the desired orientation. It is understood that other symmetric cross sectional shapes allow the user to angularly position the vehicle support plate  156  respective to the specific shape provided. 
     A plurality of wheels  132 ,  142  can be assembled to the dolly frame  110  to provided mobility to the dolly  100 . The wheels can be rotationally attached to the dolly frame  110  by a caster  130 ,  140 . An exemplary vertex caster  130  is attached to the central frame support member  120  by inserting threaded fasteners through a plurality of caster mounting apertures  126  and a similarly patterned series of apertures provided through the vertex caster  130 . The vertex caster  130  provides directional rotation of the central wheel  132 , rotating about a vertical axis. The central wheel  132  is rotationally assembled to the vertex caster  130 , rotation about a horizontal axis. A pair of distal casters  140  is assembled to the dolly frame  110 , where each distal caster  140  is assembled to a distal end of the respective pivotal frame member  112 ,  114 . The distal wheel  142  is assembled to the distal caster  140  in a manner similar to the assembly of the central wheel  132  to the vertex caster  130 . The three wheels  132 ,  142  extend downward from the dolly frame  110  creating a mobile planar support surface. The casters  130 ,  140  can be of any swivel design. They can be assembled to the dolly frame  110  by any mechanical assembly interface, including mechanical fasteners, welding, and the like. The casters  130 ,  140  can include swivel locks, wheel locks, and any other feature commonly associated with a caster. The wheels  132 ,  142  may be of any form factor, including low deflection tires, pneumatic tires, steel tires, plastic tires, and the like, while taking a load rating into consideration. 
     An elongated handle assembly  160  can be removably and/or pivotally attached to the dolly frame  110  using any reasonable interface configuration. One exemplary elongated handle assembly  160  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The elongated handle assembly  160  is fabricated having a handle grip member  164  perpendicularly attached to a grip end of a elongated handle member  162  and a dolly engagement member  166  provided at an attachment end of the elongated handle member  162 . The handle grip member  164  is fabricated of a shape, size, and material that is conducive to the assembly process and comfortable for the user. The dolly engagement member  166  can include a section of material to offset the attachment end of the elongated handle member  162 , allowing the central longitudinal axis of the elongated handle member  162  to align with a midpoint of the dolly engagement member  166 . The elongated handle assembly  160  is preferably fabricated of round tubular stock. Each section being cut to the desired length and the components are then welded together. A wheel chock  168  can be attached extending downward from the attachment end of the elongated handle member  162 . The dolly engagement member  166  is slipped into a handle receiving member  169 . The handle receiving member  169  is preferably attached to the vertex caster  130 , wherein when the user rotates the elongated handle assembly  160 ; the user is also redirecting the rotation of the central wheel  132 . The unsupported weight of the elongated handle assembly  160  lowers the wheel chock  168 , causing the wheel chock  168  to rest against the central wheel  132  and creating a wheel-braking interface. 
     The dolly  100  has been reduced to practice, using the following exemplary dimensions. A length of each pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  (referenced as “A” in  FIG. 2 ) is 36 inches. An overall height of the dolly  100  is 17½ inches (referred to as “C” in  FIG. 3 ). Each adjustable vehicle support subassembly  150  is located at a distance from the distal end that is ⅓ of the overall length of the pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  (referred to as “B” in  FIG. 2 ). A distance between each of the arm pivot aperture  124 , providing the rotational points for each pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  is preferably 8 inches. It is understood the pivot location  124  for each of the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  can be separated as illustrated or overlapping, using the same rotational axle location. The vehicle support plate  156  can be any reasonable size with the exemplary embodiment being a 5 inch square having one pair of parallel edges bent upwards. The exemplary elongated handle assembly  160  was fabricated having a length of 48 inches. 
     The wheels  132 ,  142  can be provided having a diameter (referenced as “D” in  FIG. 3 ) that is at least equal to a height of the adjustable vehicle support subassembly  150 , or more specifically, a distance between a top surface of the pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  and the top surface of the vehicle support plate  156  (referenced as “E” in  FIG. 3 ). It is desirable to provide a caster  130 ,  140  and wheel  132 ,  142  combination (and any spacers as required) to provide a vertical clearance (referenced as “F” in  FIG. 3 ) between the ground surface  350  and an underside surface of the pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  that allows a hydraulic floor jack  200  to pass thereunder. In the exemplary embodiment, the clearance is 9¾ inches. 
     An exemplary application of the dolly  100  is presented in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The vehicle technician or enthusiast would configured the dolly  100  by determining a desired span between each of the adjustable vehicle support subassemblies  150  which would position each of the vehicle support plate  156  respective to a sufficient vehicle support member. The user would then pivot the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  about the arm member pivot pins  170  to the desired angle. The user locks the pivotal frame members  112 ,  114  into position by inserting the  172  through the pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  and into the respective angle defining apertures  122 . The technician obtains a hydraulic floor jack  200  for lifting the automotive vehicle  300 . The hydraulic floor jack  200  includes a hydraulic jack support plate  220  operatively controlled within a hydraulic jack body  210 . A plurality of hydraulic jack wheels  212  is rotationally attached to the hydraulic jack body  210 , providing mobility to the hydraulic floor jack  200 . A hydraulic jack handle  230  is attached to the hydraulic jack body  210 , providing vertical control as well as a means for directing any rolling motion of the hydraulic floor jack  200 . The technician raises the vehicle to the minimum required height by centrally positioning the hydraulic floor jack  200  ( FIG. 6 ) underneath a automotive vehicle  300  ( FIG. 7 ) aligning the hydraulic jack support plate  220  with a sufficient vehicle support member. The technician raises the automotive vehicle  300  to a height above the ground surface  350  that is greater than the height of the dolly  100 , allowing the dolly  100  to be freely positioned under the vehicle. The “V” shape of the dolly frame  110  allows the technician to position the dolly  100  to straddle the hydraulic floor jack  200  as illustrated. The dolly  100  is positioned, aligning each of the vehicle support plate  156  with a desired support feature of the automotive vehicle  300 . During the positioning of the dolly  100 , the hydraulic jack handle  230  is routed under the respective frame member  112 ,  114 . The clearance between the ground surface  350  and a bottom surface of the frame member  112 ,  114  is greater than an overall height of the hydraulic floor jack  200 . This allows the technician to roll the hydraulic floor jack  200  under the dolly frame  110 . The technician slowly lowers the hydraulic jack support plate  220 , resting the automotive vehicle  300  onto the vehicle support plate  156 . Once the hydraulic floor jack  200  is lowered and no longer supporting the automotive vehicle  300 , the technician can remove the hydraulic floor jack  200  from the working area. The process can be repeated, utilizing a second dolly  100  to support an opposite end of the automotive vehicle  300  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     When work on the automotive vehicle  300  is completed, the process is reversed to remove each of the dollies  100  from supporting the automotive vehicle  300 . The elongated handle assembly  160  can be removed and each of the pivotal frame member  112 ,  114  can be rotated into a parallel configuration for compact storage. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.