Abstract:
A fast set-up and very portable turntable, able to rotate objects up to 7500 pounds at varying revolutions per minute. The modified “H” beam framework creates a low profile turntable with built-in loading and exiting ramp. Heavy duty casters riding on a large plate steel base, provide a smooth, stabile surface for the revolving casters. Proximity switches are used to create a synchronized system, which operate the hydraulic cylinders used for stability. They can also trigger a digital camera every few degrees of rotation, creating a 360 degree virtual reality image. The custom designed trailer carries the turntable on its underside with the use of an inverted four inch drop axle to gain ground clearance. Winches are used to lift the turntable from the ground. Inverted towers with casters at the four corners of the trailer offer protection to the turntable from irregular surfaces or curbs.

Description:
A mobile device used to rotate an object 360 degree, large or small, for display, video, or still image capture. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Over the past years, 360 degree product photography has continued to grow and shows no sign of slowing. The shoe and jewelry industries, as examples, have successfully used 360 degree animation to sell their products. These animations consist of between 12 to 72 images of a 360 degree spin of an object on a small turntable. Larger objects could be sold using the same animation, but the problem is portability and function of such a large turntable. Large turntables currently may be built into a floor or set up with extensive material and labor, anything but portable. This device resolves all the issues facing such an endeavor. 
     SUMMARY 
     This turntable is transported location to location, suspended on the underside of a custom trailer. The total weight of the turntable and trailer is 4900 pounds, thereby allowing most SUVs, vans, or trucks to serve as the tow vehicle. The initial set-up of the turntable takes less than 30 minutes. The autoview portable turntable may (but is not limited to) be used simply as a display to revolve an object. That object may also be captured on video or still images. Built into the turntable is a triggering mechanism to capture any object in a 360 degree virtual reality when connected to a digital camera. The series of images taken can be compiled into one interactive 360 virtual reality digital file, using any of the several web programs found on the internet. One of many industries that would benefit from the use of this device is the motor vehicle market. There are over 62 million registered autos in the U.S. New auto manufacturers using a digitized 360 degree image of their product, have given the viewer an ability to change the vehicle&#39;s color, interior, and options. The process to create such a product takes months to develop and is not portable. Used car sales in 2011 reached 39 million. Each of these vehicles is unique not only in color and options, but in paint quality, dents, rust, modifications, etc. Used auto dealers currently may photograph several views of a vehicle to put on their websites. That involves time to capture and reposition the vehicle to keep consistent lighting and exposure with more time needed to view, edit, and upload to a website. To attempt a 360 view of a subject or auto, by moving the camera around the object, may result in a missed angle of view and ignores the exposure issues. Photographing with the sun or light source behind the camera means at the 180 degree point, the camera would be shooting into that light source producing lens flare, low contrast, and poor exposure. The constantly changing background would also be a distraction and unintentionally involve individuals unwilling to be photographed. 
     The 360 degree view turntable ensures the same lighting and background by rotating the object. When using the 360 virtual reality feature, the images are equally spaced, making a smooth viewing of the object. A 360 virtual reality enhances the purchasing experience. The buyer does not have to be physically present to evaluate or compare items. The seller, by simply uploading the single interactive file on a website, makes it available to anyone with a computer, smart phone, tablet, or other web-based electronic media, plus the single file allows the viewer to rotate forward or backward, and zoom in or out for detailed information on the object. The dealer and customer would have available at their finger tip, several examples of vehicles perhaps from all across the country, with each being viewed in a single interactive image. 
     This device is a portable rectangular shaped turntable, with the ability to be moved to different locations by a trailer transport system. The turntable rotates objects of various sizes and weights. The rectangular turntable surface is 80 inches wide by 240 inches in length. The weight capacity is tested to 7500 pounds. The device rotates an object at varying speeds, one to three revolutions per minute. The object on the turntable may be simply rotating to attract attention, or to be captured digitally by video, or a series of multiple still images. The turntable also features a triggering system that may be connected to a digital capture device. In a single revolution of the object, multiple equal angles of view are taken. These images may be used individually or combined and animated into one interactive 360 degree virtual reality. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an overall image of a custom trailer and turntable. 
         FIG. 2  shows a base with a center pivot and mounting. 
         FIG. 3  shows a center pivot bushing, sleeve, and turntable drive gear. 
         FIG. 4  shows a mounting and wiring of the power transferring slip ring. 
         FIG. 5  shows an underside of the base plate with power chase and connections. 
         FIG. 6  shows a drive motor and gearbox with drive chain and tensioner. 
         FIG. 7  shows a drive cover and electrical couplings. 
         FIG. 8  shows turntable main frame members. 
         FIG. 9  shows steel casters location and mounting. 
         FIG. 10  shows stabilizing hydraulic cylinders and mounting. 
         FIG. 11  shows a hydraulic pump, manifold, and pressure switch location. 
         FIG. 12  shows deck covering and access covers. 
         FIG. 13  shows proximity switches and mounting. 
         FIG. 14  shows an electrical control box and electrical diagram. 
         FIG. 15  shows trainer construction material and methods. 
         FIG. 16  shows curb protector construction and location. 
         FIG. 17  shows a winching system to lift the turntable to the trainer underside. 
         FIG. 18  shows securing the raised turntable for transport. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This utility device consists of a heavy duty (20′×80″) custom built steel turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  and a custom built transportation trailer  002 . The turntable  001  is easily moved from location to location by raising it from the ground with winches  2201  of  FIG. 17  built into the custom trailer  002 . The winches  2201  draw the turntable  001  up to a cross member  2303  of  FIG. 18 , securing it in position on the underside of the trailer  002 . When the trailer  002  and turntable  001  are positioned at the desired location, the winches  2201  are used to lower the turntable  001  to the flat surface. The trailer winches  2201  are disengaged from the turntable  001  and the trailer  002  is moved away, leaving the turntable  001  behind. 
     The turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  rests on a base  104  of  FIG. 2  which is an 80″×80″ ¼″ steel plate with a ⅜″ high compression rubber  105  adhered to the underside. The base is needed to offer a smooth surface for the turntable casters  801  of  FIG. 9  on which to ride. There are three purposes to the rubber  105 : first, to protect the location&#39;s surface, secondly, to prevent creeping as the turntable  001  rotates, and finally to absorb slight irregularities such as small stones that may be present on the location&#39;s surface. An additional benefit to the rubber  105  is a four inch strip removed to create a channel  107  of  FIG. 2  where wires run to feed power and send signals back and forth to a control box  1300  of  FIG. 14 . On the topside of the base  104 , at its center, is a 3000# rated trailer axle  101  with a brake flange. It is mounted vertically to the base. The five ⅜″ category eight rated bolts  102  are anchored to the base  104 . Washers are used as shims  106  over the bolts  102  to adjust the axle  101  mounting height if needed and offer stability. Category eight nuts  103  are used to secure the axle  101  to the base  104 . 
     Mounted on the 1.5″ outer bearing surface of the axle  101 , is a 1.75″ OD bronze sleeve  201  of  FIG. 3  with a flange edge. This sleeve  201  offers reduced friction to the SK quick mount bushing  202  that is placed over the sleeve  201 . This bushing provides the mounting of a 72 tooth 14″ sprocket  203 . A shim 204 1/16″ thick is placed in the compression slot of the SK bushing  202  to prevent its clamping too tight on the sleeve  201  when joining bushing  202  and sprocket  203 . 
     Attached to the bottom of that sprocket  203  is the upper half of an electrical slip ring  301  of  FIG. 4 , and the bottom half of the ring  301  attaches to the base  104  of  FIG. 2  by a bracket  304  of  FIG. 4  mounted to the brake flange of axle  101 . This ring  301  allows signals and 12V DC power to transfer from the stationary base  104  to the rotating turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  without the use of cords. The power lines from the power chase  401  of  FIG. 5  under the base  104  enter directly into a ¾″ 90 degree service connector  302  of  FIG. 4 . This connector is modified with two holes to allow it to be mounted to the base  104  directly over the wires emerging from the underside of the base  104 . The slip ring  301  stator side  301  a lead wires join in that connector box  302  mounted to the base  104 . The stator side  301   a  of the slip ring  301  is kept in stationary position with the bracket  304  mounted to the axle&#39;s flange  101 . The rotator side  301   b  of the slip ring  301  is mounted to the underside of the 72 tooth sprocket  203  of  FIG. 3  and its SK bushing  202  via four 2¾″ #eight bolts  305 . The bolts pass through two inch long ⅜″ tubes  306  which are in between the sprocket  203  and slip ring  301  to prevent distortion of the slip ring  301  when tightening. Electrical power and signals are transferred to the revolving turntable  001  through a ⅜″ opening drilled in the 72 tooth sprocket  203 . A harsh environment DC connector  303  is utilized for protection from the elements and to facilitate the ease of removal of the large sprocket  203  if service is needed. 
     The power and signals are delivered to the center of the base  104  of  FIG. 2  as previously described, by a channel  107  cut in the ⅜″ rubber  105  adhered to the base  104 . A ¼″ wire chase or tunnel is created by two ¼″ flat steel one inch bars mounted on the edge of three sides of a four inch wide flat ⅛″ steel plate  401  of  FIG. 5 . That ⅛″ steel plate  401  runs from the center to the leading edge of the 80″×80″ base  104 . From that point, a ⅛″ steel “T”  408  extends eight feet to an eight by eight inch electrical connection box  403 . Maintaining a chase for the wires from the base  104  is accomplished by adding on top of the fore mentioned ⅛″ “T”  408 , a six inch wide, ½″ tall door sill plate  402  with open channels on its underside. The eight by eight inch electrical box  403  has a recessed 220V four pin plug  404  and a 12 conductor male multipin connector  405  mounted to the side of the box  403 . Wiring enters the chase through a horizontal slot cut into the base of the eight by eight inch box  403   
     Back at the center of the base  104  of  FIG. 2 , the drive system for the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  is provided by a 1 hp, 220V AC helical drive  501  of  FIG. 6 . A chain tensioner  503  is mounted on top of the channel steel mounting brackets  508  for the drive  501 . The helical drive system  501  has an internal gear speed reduction of 97:1 and produces on the output shaft, an 18.5 rpm speed, down from the normal 1800 rpm motor output. A 12 tooth sprocket  502  on the drive&#39;s  501  output shaft transfers power to the 72 tooth sprocket  203  of  FIG. 6  via a #50 roller chain  507  of  FIG. 6  yielding an additional 6.0 reduction. This puts the turntable  001  rotating speed at three rpm. Covered later is an AC inverter  301  of  FIG. 14  that paired with the helical drive  501  allows a variable speed from the normal three rpm down to one rpm. 
     The cover lid  601  of  FIG. 7  is comprised of a ¼″ steel plate and two by two inch angle irons  602 . It has a recessed triangular mounting flange. The three category five bolts  604  mount through this recessed flange, directly to the large 72 tooth sprocket  203  of  FIG. 3 , thereby transferring rotating power to the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1 . The one inch threaded end of the axle  101  of  FIG. 2  extends through the turntable cover lid  601  and is secured with a slotted lock nut  605  over a graphite plugged bronze washer  603  used to reduce friction. This lock nut  605  holds the base  104  to the turntable  001  while it is lifted for transport. 
     The backbone of the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  is built around four “H” beams (5.9″ web height  701   a  and 4″ flange width  701   b )  701  of  FIG. 8 . These 20′ long beams have a three inch taper cut into the first segment of the beam, starting at 50″ in from each end, progressing to 12″ from the end. The last 12″ has a taper from the remaining three inches down to ¾″. A ¾″ pipe  704  is split in half and welded to the front and back leading edge of the turntable. A ¼″ steel plate  705  12″ wide is welded laterally to the bottom side of the angled 12″ leading edge of the four modified “H” beams. The cross members are “C” channel, six inch  702  four inch  703 . The four inch channels  703  are welded channel down to accept the hydraulic cylinders  901  of  FIG. 10 . 
     The turntable cover lid  601  of  FIG. 7  is attached to the frame of the turntable. The turntable revolves on the 80″×80″ base  104  of  FIG. 2  via the four casters  801  of  FIG. 9  mounted to the frame by one inch bolts  802 , washer, a slotted locknut, and cotter pin. They are rated at 6000#, with roller bearings and protrude ⅝″ beyond the underside of the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  frame. The casters ride on the outer perimeter of the base  104 , in a 70″ diameter circle with the axle  101  as center. 
     Hydraulic cylinders  901  of  FIG. 10  are mounted to the underside of the four inch “C” channels  703  of  FIG. 8  which are mounted with channel facing down and anchored by two bolts  903 . These cylinders  901  extend one inch under pressurization, to contact the ground whenever the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  is not revolving. Their purpose is to offer stability and stress relief when loading and unloading the vehicle. The hydraulic cylinders  901  have five by five inch ¼ steel plates  902  mounted to the end of the cylinder to prevent damage to the location surface. 
     The cylinders  901  of  FIG. 10  are pressurized by a hydraulic pump  1001  of  FIG. 11  producing 4000 psi. It receives power from a sealed lead acid 12V deep cycle battery  1002 . This type of battery  1002  is used to allow it to be mounted on its side and thereby fit in the low profile of this turntable  001  of  FIG. 1 . A pressure switch  1004  of  FIG. 11  role in the system is to release or hold the hydraulic pressure at 3500 psi. The pressure switch  1004  may command an extend or retract position for the cylinders  901 . The switch receives its signals through the slip ring  301  of  FIG. 4 . The battery  1002  retains a charge by a 14V DC current also delivered through the slip ring  301 . The two electrical covers  1106  have flip up doors to access the connectors  303  of  FIG. 4 . The removal of the drive cover  601  of  FIG. 7  necessitates the uncoupling of the connectors  303 . The four hydraulic cylinders  901  receive equal pressure via a six-port manifold  1003 . Four ports are used for the cylinders  901 , one port for the pressure switch  1004  and gauge  1012 , plus one port for the supply. The supply pressure is provided through a ½″, rubber hydraulic hose  1011 , while the cylinders  901  receive their pressure via a ⅜″ aluminum composite line  1005  rated at 4700 psi. 
     The two outer “H” beams  701  of  FIG. 8  are covered in an 18″ wide diamond plate  1101  of  FIG. 12  for traction with smooth steel  1102  filling in the center. The cover for the hydraulics is comprised of a frame made from one by one inch angle iron  1104  and a ⅛″ steel cover  1105 . The lid is secured with four studs and wing nuts making it easily accessible. For the system to know when to rotate, raise or lower the hydraulic cylinders  901  of  FIG. 10 , two proximity switches  1201  of  FIG. 13  are installed on a bracket  1202  secured to the drive  508  of  FIG. 6  mount. They are positioned to read, but not contact the lobes of the 72 tooth sprocket  203  of  FIG. 3 , giving position, rotation direction, speed, and when a digital camera is connected, triggers the camera at equally divided integral number of photos in a 360 degree revolution. 
     The signals from the proximity switches  1201  follow the electrical chase  401  of  FIG. 5  traveling under the base  104  of  FIG. 2  to the electrical enclosure  403 . The wires are connected to the male 12 pin multi connector  405  of  FIG. 5 . Also connected on this multi pin connector  405  are hydraulic extend and retract commands, 24V DC power for proximity switches, and 14V DC supplied by a battery charger  1306 . The 220V AC  404  and multi-pin cable connectors  405  and on the side of the electrical enclosure  403  connect to the control box  1300  of  FIG. 14 . Housed in this box is the AC inverter  1301  and a transformer  1303 . The inverter  1301  is powered by a portable generator or extension cord from the nearest power source. The 120V AC power  1302  is run through the transformer  1303  in reverse, bumping the voltage up to 220V AC. This voltage is needed for the inverter  1301  and helical drive  501  of  FIG. 6 . The inverter  1301  is custom programmed through the inverter software to receive the signals from the proximity switches  1201  of  FIG. 13  and send out signals to the cylinders  901  of  FIG. 10  and a still digital camera if connected. The inverter  1301  also controls the speed of the helical drive  501  by varying the voltage and frequency. Engaging the start button on the inverter  1301 , the cylinders  901  receive the signal to retract, the helical drive  501  exercises a slow acceleration to selected speed. If a camera  1305  is connected, it will receive a trigger signal at every selected degree of rotation as commanded by the operator. The accuracy of the timing is provided by the proximity switches  1201  reading the lobes of the sprocket  203  of  FIG. 3 . As the turntable approaches the completion of a 360 degree revolution, the inverter  1301  sends a gradual deceleration signal to the helical drive  501 . At completion of the full revolution, the cylinders  901  receive an extend signal to provide stability and stress relief for unloading and loading next vehicle. 
     The main frame of the trailer  002  of  FIG. 1  is made of two by four inch tube steel  2001  of  FIG. 15 . Wires are run through the inside of the tube  2001  to the brakes, side marker lights as well as the brake and turn signals. A 7000# four inch drop axle  2002  is mounted upside down to gain the maximum ground clearance. In addition, the springs are mounted on the top of the axle versus the normal under the axle mounting. Two 31.6″ diameter tires  2004  are used for additional clearance. A travel jack  2014  with two wheels and a brake, uses a hand crank drive system allowing the trailer to be critically positioned, aligning the trailer  002  over the hoisting points of the turntable  001 . 
     Because the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  hangs beneath the trailer  002  during transportation and its leading edges are only ¾″ in height, therefore all four corners of the trailer  002  feature descending towers, which serve as curb protectors,  FIG. 16 , to protect the turntable and the road surface. The curb protectors are constructed of ¼″ steel  2101  and reinforced with ¼″ steel triangles  2102 . Four inch steel casters  2103  rated at 1000# each are mounted to the lowest point of each of the curb protectors. These do not contact the ground except in the rare situation of steep incline, curb, or dip in the road surface. They contact the inclined surface and guide the trailer  002  and turntable  001  past the irregularity of the road surface. 
     Two 12,000# winches  2201  of  FIG. 17  are mounted on the reinforcing plate  2207 . There are two ⅜″ wire ropes  2211  wrapped separately on each winch  2201 . A pulley  2202  is used on the frame  2001  of  FIG. 15  on the side opposite of each winch  2201  to allow equal lift. A slip hook  2206  is attached to the one inch rod  2210  welded to the turntable frame members  701  &amp;  702  of  FIG. 8 . The rod  2210  is accessed through the slot  2209  cut in the diamond plate deck  1101  of  FIG. 12  and the top flange of the “H” beam  701 . A turnbuckle  2203  is used to calibrate the two wire ropes  2211  to make the turntable  001  contact equally the cross member  2303  of  FIG. 18  of the securing system. All extra cable is removed to only allow five wraps of wire rope  2211  on the winch  2201  bar. The purpose is to get the maximum lift power and a reduction in cable speed. The winches  2201  are powered each by their own 12V battery  2205 . These batteries  2205  are wired together in the wiring harness  2008  of  FIG. 15  so that during transportation, the batteries will charge through the seven pin wiring harness  2008  of the tow vehicle. 
     Part of the trailer underside is a centering and transport cross member  2303  of  FIG. 18 . As the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  is lifted toward the cross member  2303 , the 45 degree angled plates  2307  which are covered with a nylon surface  2301 , center the turntable  001  of  FIG. 1  laterally while the angled blades  2304  center it lineally. The blades  2304  insert into the slots  2209  on the turntable  001  to prevent movement back and forth. The turntable  001  rests against the rubber pads on the underside of the cross member  2303 . This securing system is needed because the wire rope  2211  alone would not prevent the turntable  001  from swinging side to side or front to back in transport. Two safety cargo straps  2302  rated at 3500# are clipped into the four slots at the corners of the base  101  and are secured over the top of the trailer frame  2001  of  FIG. 15 . These straps  2302  are used for safety purposes during transportation but are also necessary to remove stress on the single one inch slotted nut  605  of  FIG. 7  on the pivot axle  101  of  FIG. 2  that is carrying the load of the base and drive. 
     A cargo bin  3002  of  FIG. 17  is mounted on the back of the trailer  002  of  FIG. 1  to house items needed and offer counter balance to reduce the tongue weight on the hitch, making the trailer  002  more maneuverable when travel jack  2014  of  FIG. 15  is operated by hand. 
     The construction is all steel with several electronic components. These parts are commercially available and if modified, it is explained in the narrative with the drawings. Patents exist for built-in garage turntables that rotate autos to eliminate the need to back out garages. Small turntables exist, in order to display small objects. This device takes the portability of the small turntable along with the size of the non-portable built-in, and thus a new concept in the marketing of large objects. The highly portable, fast set-up turntable is capable of rotating up to 7500 pounds at varying speed. 
     The turntable has a custom built trailer to transport the turntable from location to location. The turntable is carried on the underside of the trailer, secured at four points by wire rope and two winches. Two cargo safety straps hook into a slot, one from each of the corners of one side of the turntable base, pass over the trailer frame to hook into the slots of the opposite corners of the base. The total weight of the complete system is under 5000 pounds and is able to be towed by a SUV, van, or truck. Upon arrival at the selected site, the safety cargo straps used in transportation are removed. The two winches lower the turntable with a base attached. The base provides a smooth surface for the casters of the turntable on which to roll and removes imperfections of the location surface. 
     The hooks of the winches are undone and the trailer is driven off, leaving the turntable behind. A control box which is carried separately in the tow vehicle, has electronic components such as a battery charger, transformer, and an AC inverter. These quickly connect, with the use of a 12 pin multi-connector and a 220V extension cord, to the connector box attached to the base of the turntable. The control box receives its power from a portable generator or a 120V power source nearby. 
     The AC inverter powers the turntable and in its first rotation, receives signals from proximity switches mounted near the drive sprocket. These switches communicate position, direction, and speed by reading the lobes of the chain driven sprocket. The signals are processed in the programmable logic controller of the AC inverter. An algorithm communicates commands for the hydraulic cylinders located at the four corners of the turntable, to extend or retract. The hydraulic cylinders extend to contact the ground offering stability and provides stress relief of the turntable when stopped. The AC inverter&#39;s algorithm may also be used to send a trigger signal to a digital camera. This would yield multiple images, each of an equal differential of viewing angle. An image taken every 5 degrees, as an example, totals 72 images in a 360 degree revolution. These images may be used individually or combined and animated into one interactive 360 degree virtual reality. 
     The profile of the turntable is based on a modified “H” beam that has a sloped entry and exit. This allows a vehicle, in example, to drive directly onto the turntable, be spun, and then driven off. Using the auto as an example, numerous vehicles may be ready in cue, being prepped, and measured in length. If a 360 virtual reality animation is being performed, the following procedure is recommended to prevent a visual wobble of the auto. The length of the vehicle is divided in half, and a measuring scale on the turntable surface provides the stop position. If the vehicle is 16 feet long, the vehicle is driven to the eight foot mark from the turntable&#39;s center pivot. 
     The images are stored in a computer, where the subject is assigned a name, number, or other pertinent information. The multiple images, if a 360 degree animation is being performed, are combined into one interactive file. This file on any computer, smart phone, or web-based media, allows the viewer the ability to rotate forward or backward and zoom in or out for detailed information. 
     To move to another location, the power connections from the control box are removed and the trailer is repositioned above the turntable. The winch hooks are reconnected and lift the turntable to a transport cross member. That cross member has angled plates on its ends to center the turntable laterally and blades extending below the member to secure lineally the turntable. The cargo safety straps are reattached to the base and over the trailer frame to secure for transport.