Abstract:
An apparatus for lifting a load and transferring the load to an inverted orientation for placement includes a fixed frame, a first moveable frame slidably connected to the fixed frame to move longitudinally relative thereto, a second moveable frame sidably connected to the first moveable frame to move longitudinally relative thereto upon movement of the first moveable frame relative to the fixed frame, and a load platform pivotally connected to the second moveable frame so as to allow rotation of the load platform and a load carried thereon so as to invert the orientation of the load. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus for lifting and transferring is integrated with a beverage dispenser for lifting a large water bottle to the top of the dispenser, and inverting and placing the water bottle on the dispenser for use. In another embodiment a mobile lifting apparatus is provided.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to load transporting and transferring apparatus, and in its preferred embodiments more specifically relates to an apparatus for lifting and transferring water bottles, integrated with a beverage dispenser. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Hand trucks and dollies are very useful devices for transporting heavy or bulky loads from one place to another, and greatly facilitate the movement of loads along the ground or along a floor surface. Once the load has been transported to a location for storage or use, however, it must be moved from the hand truck and often must be lifted to a position above the carrying platform of the hand truck. The placement of full water bottles in an inverted position in the top of a water dispensing cabinet is one specific example of such a situation. Water dispensers are commonly used in both home and business settings, and users are often required to lift a large, heavy, open bottle of water from the floor to place it in an inverted position on the cabinet, with the open mouth of the bottle extending downward in an opening at the top of the cabinet. 
         [0003]    The prior art includes hand trucks with various types of lifting mechanisms, for raising the load platform and or the object transported on it to a higher elevation so that the load can be more easily placed in a final position. In all hand trucks with lifting mechanisms known in the prior art, however, the lifting mechanism is elevating the load platform through only a portion of the height of the upright framework of the truck, so that the upright framework prevents movement of the load to the rear of the truck over the upright framework. In all prior art mechanisms the load is moved off the load platform by sliding the load directly forward, and rotating the load to invert it during the removal process is difficult or impossible. 
         [0004]    In some situations the inability to rotate the load while it is still carried by the truck is problematic. In the instance of a beverage dispenser for dispensing water and other water-based beverages, when water bottles are loaded into the dispenser the bottles must be inverted, so that the neck of the bottle can be inserted into the top of the dispenser cabinet. Many people who use such beverage dispensers are not accustomed to lifting and manipulating heavy loads, and do not have the physical strength to lift and turn a full bottle to insert it into a dispenser. Even those who have the physical strength may loose control of a bulky as well as heavy water bottle while attempting to load it into the dispenser cabinet. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention addresses the problem and the deficiencies of the prior art by providing, in its preferred embodiment, a beverage dispenser with an integral, preferably motor driven, lifting mechanism that allows a water bottle to be lifted from the floor to the top of the dispenser in an upright orientation, and them smoothly inverted and simultaneously moved over the opening in the top of the dispenser cabinet for placement in the dispenser. In the preferred embodiment the drive motor is disposed within the structure of the cabinet and the lifting mechanism is disposed closely against one side wall of the cabinet to minimize the outward extension of the lifting mechanism from the cabinet and thus minimize the total floor space required. The lifting mechanism includes a pivoting load platform to support a water bottle while it is lifted vertically as well as while it is rotated to an inverted orientation and translated sideways over the top of the cabinet for insertion. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment the invention provides a moveable hand truck with a load platform that can be raised sufficiently relative to the upright framework of the truck to clear the upper portion of that upright frame, and with a pivoting load platform to allow the load to be rotated over the upright frame of the truck. The load platform of the apparatus of the invention will pivot sufficiently to completely invert the load over the top of the upright frame, and can be pivoted to any intermediate position. The hand truck embodiment of the invention is particularly well suited to use for transporting a full water bottle to a conventional beverage dispenser, raising the water bottle to the height of the top of the cabinet, and rotating the bottle and load platform to invert the bottle and position it with the neck of the bottle received in the top of the cabinet. In an alternative embodiment the pivoting lift mechanism of the invention may be provided as a unit that can be attached to an conventional dispenser cabinet, for safely and easily lifting and turning full water bottles for insertion into the top of the cabinet. 
         [0007]    The structure and features of preferred and alternative embodiments of the apparatus of the invention will be described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated apparatus of the invention, with load platform and load in a lowered position, and with a bottle in place on the load platform. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated apparatus of the invention, in the lowered position of  FIG. 1 , with the load platform removed for clarity. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a partially cut-away top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated apparatus of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a partially cut-away front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated apparatus of the invention, in the lowered position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated apparatus of the invention, with the load platform and load in an intermediate position, showing some internal components of the apparatus through the structure, for orientation. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated apparatus of the invention, with the load platform and load in a fully elevated, upright position, showing some internal components of the apparatus through the structure, for orientation. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated apparatus of the invention, with the load platform and load in a fully elevated, partially rotated position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a manually operated mobile lifting and transferring apparatus of the invention, with the load platform and load in a fully elevated, partially rotated position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the alternative embodiment as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a motor operated mobile lifting and transferring apparatus of the invention, with the load platform and load in the lowered position, and with components shown as transparent so as to show all components. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the load platform component, with a curved rear wall and support wall. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of another embodiment of the load platform component, with planar rear and support walls. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of the motor control system of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, showing an upright channel of the fixed frame, a motor, a switch, and upper and lower limit switches. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    Referring now to the drawing figures, the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, generally identified by reference number  10 , comprises a beverage dispenser unit  11  and a lifting assembly  12 . Dispenser unit  11  includes a structural frame  13  and an outer housing  14 , enclosing the structural frame and the beverage preparation and dispensing equipment disposed within the housing and connected to the structural frame, as well as enclosing open space within the housing. Housing  14  includes a top  15  with an opening  16  to receive the neck of an inverted water bottle, and a seating ring  17  surrounding opening  16  and upon which the shoulder of a water bottle rests when the bottle is in place on the dispensing unit. Housing  14  also includes a bottom  18 , a front panel  19 , a rear panel  20 , a first side panel  21 , and a second side panel  22 , opposite side panel  21 . The front, rear, and side panels may be individually formed or formed as an integral unit, and the specific construction is not material to the scope of the invention. 
         [0022]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention, lifting assembly  12  comprises a three part frame including a fixed frame  23 , a first moveable frame  24 , and a second moveable frame  25 . The fixed frame includes a pair of upright channels  26 , disposed in parallel, generally upright or vertical orientation, and designated as  26   a  and  26   b  on opposite sides of the frame. Each of channels  26  has a first, upper end  27  and a second, lower end  28 , further identified by “a” and “b”, respectively. Channels  26   a  and  26   b  are preferably “C” channels, each having three walls surrounding an open interior, disposed with the open sides of the channels facing each other from either side of the fixed frame. Attachment brackets  29  are connected to upright channels  26  and extend outwardly therefrom generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channels, and are used as needed for connecting the lifting assembly to a dispenser unit. The use and placement of attachment brackets will depend upon the structure of dispenser frame  13  and the position of channels  26  relative to structural members forming frame  13 . In the preferred embodiment one set of attachment brackets is disposed adjacent to upper ends  27  of channels  26  and a second set is disposed adjacent to lower ends  28 , for connecting the fixed frame at top and bottom to the dispenser unit. Although the structure described above is the preferred embodiment of the fixed frame, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to that particular structure. Other frame structures may be used, so long as the upright channels for the first moveable frame are included. It is also preferred that the fixed frame structure not extend above the upper ends of those channels, and that the fixed frame structure avoid interference with the load through the range of motion described below. 
         [0023]    It is preferred that fixed frame  23  be positioned as closely to the beverage dispenser as possible, to minimize the extension of the lifting mechanism outwardly from the dispenser housing and to maintain as much stability as possible when a full water bottle is lifted upwardly along one side of the dispenser. In a particularly preferred embodiment, in which the lifting mechanism is fully integrated with the dispenser, upright channels  26  are nested within the dispenser housing, and the associated side panel of the dispenser either recessed or slotted to accommodate the upright channels within the footprint of the dispenser. Attachment brackets  29  disposed at the lower ends  28  of channels  26  may be extended outwardly from the side panel of the dispenser to effectively widen the footprint of the apparatus and provide support directly under the lifting mechanism. 
         [0024]    First moveable frame  24  includes a pair of upright channels  30   a  and  30   b,  nested within upright channels  26   a  and  26   b , respectively, in longitudinal sliding relation therewith. Each of channels  30   a  and  30   b  is preferably formed as a “C” channel, with their open sides facing each other. An upper horizontal plate  31  and a lower horizontal plate  32  extend between channels  30   a  and  30   b  and are connected thereto with plate  31  positioned downward from the upper ends  33   a  and  33   b  of channels  30   a  and  30   b , and with plate  32  positioned near the lower ends  34   a  and  34   b  of those channels. The connection between the horizontal plates and the upright channels of the first moveable frame are made such that the plates do not extend into the open interior of those channels. The length of channels  30   a  and  30   b  are equal, and less than the lengths of channels  26   a  and  26   b . Generally, channels  30  are within the range of two-thirds to three-fourths the length of channels  26 . 
         [0025]    Second moveable frame  25  includes a pair of upright members  35   a  and  35   b , nested within upright channels  30   a  and  30   b , respectively, of the first moveable frame, in longitudinal sliding relation. Members  35   a  and  35   b  may be formed as “C” channels, but it is preferred that they be formed with a square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration for strength and stability. At least one horizontal member  36  is preferably connected between members  35   a  and  35   b , at or adjacent to their lower ends. 
         [0026]    Load platform  37  is connected to second moveable frame  25  to move with that frame, and is effectively a part of that structure. Load platform  37  includes a generally flat base  38 , preferably formed with a semi-circular curvature at its rear edge  39 , and a curved support wall  40  connected to the base at its rear edge  39  and at least partially along side edges  41   a  and  41   b  and extending upwardly generally parallel to the base. Alternatively, load platform  37  may be formed with base  38  in a generally rectangular configuration, with a generally rectangular base  38  and rear wall  42  and with planar side supports  43   a  and  43   b , preferably of generally triangular configuration, connected between base  37  and rear wall  42 , with the side supports in parallel relation to each other. The load platform is pivotally interconnected to second moveable frame near the upper edge of support wall  40 , or rear wall  42  in the alternative embodiment, preferably by pivot pins  4   4   a  and  44   b  through pin apertures  45   a  and  45   b  in curved support  40 , or alternatively in side supports  43   a  and  43   b  and connecting to upright members  35   a  and  35   b  of the second moveable frame without extending across that frame, so that the space between the upright members of the second moveable frame is substantially open above horizontal member  36 . The supporting wall structure of the preferred and alternative structures described above is provided for the purpose of stabilizing a water bottle on the load platform, but it is to be understood that such supporting structure could be omitted entirely, if desired, although with an increased risk of loss of control of the bottle during use of the apparatus. 
         [0027]    In order to minimize the footprint of the apparatus when the lifting mechanism is not in use, an alternative foldable load platform may be utilized. In this embodiment, rectangular base  38  may be divided into two portions, connected by hinges, so that the major portion of the load platform can be pivoted upwardly to lie parallel to the upright frame members of the structure. Side supports  43  may also each be divided into two portions, connected by hinges, so that the major portion of the side supports can be pivoted inwardly to a mutually parallel orientation parallel to the hinged portion of base  38 . 
         [0028]    The first moveable frame is actuated to move relative to the fixed frame by a first or primary lift means that preferably includes an elongate threaded rod  46 , extending parallel to and generally centered between upright channels  30   a  and  30   b  of the first moveable frame, and fixedly connected to horizontal braces  31  and  32  of that frame, preferably by thrust connectors  47  and  48 , respectively, that prevent movement of the rod relative to the braces. A primary chain sprocket  49  with a threaded central aperture  50  is threaded onto rod  46  and disposed on rod  46  between bearings  47  and  48 . Sprocket  49  is connected to a horizontal bracket  51  that is connected between upright channels  26   a  and  26   b  of fixed frame  23 . Bracket  51  is connected to the fixed frame so as to avoid interference with the movement of either first moveable frame  24  or second moveable frame  25 . Sprocket  49  is connected to bracket  51  by a rotational bearing  52  that allows rotation of the sprocket in the bearing without separation of the sprocket from the bracket. 
         [0029]    Sprocket  49  is caused to rotate by, preferably, electric motor  53 , which is preferably mounted to frame  13  of dispenser  11  within housing  14  with the output shaft  54 of the motor disposed parallel to rod  46 . Drive sprocket  55  is connected to the output shaft of the motor, which is disposed such that sprocket  55  is positioned in the same plane as sprocket  49 . The beverage dispenser components themselves typically require very little of the space available within housing  14 , leaving ample space for the placement of motor  53 , allowing a range of choices for the disposition of the motor within the dispenser housing. As the position of motor  53  is varied, the placement of bracket  51  and sprocket  49  will vary accordingly. Motor  53  is preferably connected to the beverage dispenser electrical wiring, and is actuated by a primary switch  56  disposed in any convenient location on housing  14 . A looped drive chain  57  is engaged around sprockets  49  and  55 , so that rotation of sprocket  55  caused by activation of the motor results in rotation of sprocket  49 . When sprocket  49  is rotated, the threaded engagement between sprocket  49  and rod  46  causes rod  46  to move up or down, depending on the direction of rotation, relative to sprocket  49 . Movement of rod  46  results in movement of the first moveable frame, to which rod  46  is connected, in channels of the fixed frame. 
         [0030]    The-apparatus of the invention is designed and constructed so that movement of the first moveable frame relative to the fixed frame causes the second moveable frame, and the attached load platform, to also move relative to the first moveable frame. Movement of the second moveable frame is accomplished by a secondary chain drive, which includes a pair of secondary drive upper sprockets  58   a  and  58  b, pivotally connected to upper horizontal brace  3   1  of the first moveable frame near the respective ends of that brace on the opposite side of the brace from rod  46 . Similarly, secondary drive lower sprockets  59   a  and  59   b  are pivotally connected to lower horizontal brace  32 , in vertical alignment with sprockets  58   a  and  58   b  . The sprockets are connected to the horizontal braces so that the sprockets are spaced a short distance forward of the braces, and the plane of rotation of the sprockets is parallel to the plane of those horizontal braces. Chains  60   a  and  60   b  are looped around sprockets  58   a  and  59   a  , and  58   b  and  59   b  , respectively. 
         [0031]    Chain  60   a  is connected to the fixed frame of the apparatus at one point, or along a short length of the chain, adjacent to and slightly below upper sprocket  58   a  , preferably in the portion of the chain loop nearest to that side of the fixed frame. Similarly, chain  60   b  is connected to the fixed frame in mirrored relation to the connection of chain  60   a . As a result, chains  60   a  and  60   b  are constrained at the points of connection against movement relative to the fixed frame. 
         [0032]    The second moveable frame is connected to each of chains  60   a  and  60   b  adjacent to lower sprockets  59   a  and  59   b  , in the opposite portion of the chain loops from the connections between the chains and the fixed frame. This connection may also be made between the chains and a component of the load platform, if desired, since the load platform and the second moveable frame and connected to each other and move together. Because the chains are fixed in position relative to the fixed frame and load platform, when motor  53  is activated to lift the first moveable frame relative to the fixed frame, sprocket sets  58  and  59  move with the first moveable frame. Movement of those sprockets relative to the fixed chains causes a translational movement of the chains relative to the sprockets, resulting in upward movement of the second moveable frame and attached load platform relative to the first moveable frame, equal to the movement of the first moveable frame relative to the fixed frame. The magnitude of the upward movement of the second moveable frame and load platform relative to the fixed frame is twice the magnitude of the movement of the first moveable frame relative to the fixed frame. 
         [0033]    As a result of these relative movements, the second moveable frame and load platform, and a full water bottle placed thereon, moves through an intermediate position, shown in  FIG. 3 , to a final, fully elevated position shown in  FIG. 4 . At the fully elevated position the elevation of the base of the load platform is approximately equal to the elevation of the upper end of the fixed frame, slightly below the top  15  of the beverage dispenser housing. The load platform and the load it is carrying, can be rotated around pivot pins  45   a  and  45   b  through an angle of ninety degrees, as shown in  FIG. 5 , and toward an inverted orientation, as indicated in  FIG. 6 . Although not shown in the drawing figures, it will be readily understood that the load can be secured to the load platform by means such as clamps or straps to hold it in place until the securing means is released. After the water bottle is placed on the beverage dispenser, the load platform is rotated back to its original lifting orientation, and motor  53  is activated in reverse to lower the load platform to the starting point. 
         [0034]    Although motor  53  may be deactivated manually when the load platform and load reach the upper limit of movement and the load is in position for inversion over the beverage dispenser, activated manually to lower the load platform, and deactivated manually when the load platform has reached the lower limit of movement, it is preferred that an upper limit switch  61  and a lower limit switch  62  be provided to automatically deactivate the motor at each end of the load platform travel, and to switch the polarity of the motor between each activation cycle. Although the specific placement of limit switches is not critical, such switches may be disposed on one of channels  26  of fixed frame  23 . 
         [0035]    The apparatus described above is susceptible to a number of variations and alternative embodiments within the scope of the invention. For example, although the use of an electric motor is preferred, it is to be understood that a pneumatic or a hydraulic motor could be used, if desired, within the scope of the invention. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the motor drive of the preferred embodiment is replaced by a manual drive. In this embodiment motor  53 , sprocket  49 , rod  46  and the associated thrust bearings  47  and  48  are omitted. An elongate toothed bar  63  is connected to horizontal braces  31  and  32  and extends parallel to and generally centered between upright channels  30   a  and  30   b  of the first moveable frame. The toothed bar is engaged by a gear wheel  64 , which is mounted on an axle  65  extending across fixed frame  23  through mounting plates  66   a  and  66   b  on respective sides of the frame. An axle drive sprocket  67  is mounted on the outer end of axle  65 , which extends outwardly a short distance from mounting plate  66   a . A drive handle  68  is rotationally connected to a handle mounting plate  69  which is itself connected to channel  26   a , or to an upper attachment bracket  29 , and a handle sprocket  70  is connected to the handle near the mounting point. 
         [0037]    A drive chain  71  extends around sprockets  67  and  70 , so that rotation of the drive handle causes rotation of axle  65  and gear wheel  64  to drive the toothed bar  63 . When handle  68  is turned, toothed bar  63  is caused to move up or down, depending on the direction of rotation of the handle. When bar  63  moves upward, it carries the first moveable frame with it, moving the first moveable frame upward relative to the fixed frame, with channels  30   a  and  30   b  sliding within channels  26   a  and  26   b , respectively. 
         [0038]    In another alternative embodiment, the lifting mechanism of the apparatus of the invention may be separated from the beverage dispenser and provided as an independent mobile load lifting and transferring apparatus, illustrated in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  10 . In this embodiment the manual crank drive described above is preferred for actuating the lifting mechanism to eliminate the need for an electrical power connection for operation of the apparatus, but a motor drive variation may also be used, as described below. In this embodiment a first fixed frame upright member  72   a  is disposed parallel to and connected to channel  26   a , and a second fixed frame upright member  72   b  is disposed parallel to and connected to channel  26   b . Brackets  29 , used to connect channels  26  to a beverage dispenser frame in the preferred embodiment, may be used to form the connection between members  72  and channels  26 . A plurality of cross braces  73  are connected between members  72   a  and  72   b  to reinforce and stabilize the fixed frame structure of the apparatus. It is preferred that three cross braces  73  be used, connected between members  72  at the top, bottom and middle of the fixed frame, but it is to be understood that neither the number nor the placement of cross braces is critical, and other configurations could be used if desired. 
         [0039]    Mobility of the apparatus is provided by a pair of wheels  74   a  and  74   b , connected to the fixed frame at the respective lower ends of rear uprights  72   a  and  72   b . A wheel axle  75  preferably extends between wheels  74  through the interior of a brace  17  at that location if desired. A pair of load supports  76   a  and  76   b  are connected to the lower ends of upright channels  26   a  and  26   b , respectively, and extend outwardly therefrom in perpendicular relation to the upright channels, and parallel to each other. The load supports provide a base for the frame of the apparatus and help support a load when the frame is tilted and rolled on wheels  74  to transport a load from place to place. 
         [0040]    In a variation of the mobile embodiment of the lifting and transferring apparatus, illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a motor may be used as the drive means for the lift instead of a manually rotated handle. In this variation, handle  68 , sprocket  67 , chain  71 , and associated components are omitted, and a motor  53  mounted to the fixed frame with the output shaft of the motor parallel to axle  65 , to drive the axle and gear wheel  64  through gears  77  and  78 , connected to the axle and the output shaft of the motor, respectively. It is contemplated that motor  53  in this embodiment would be a battery powered electric motor, but other types of motors could be used if desired. It will be understood that this motor driven embodiment of the alternative drive means may readily be used in the preferred, integrated dispenser and lifting mechanism apparatus, utilizing a toothed bar instead of a threaded rod, and replacing the drive components described in the context of that preferred embodiment with the drive components described immediately above. 
         [0041]    In another variation, the screw driven drive means of the preferred embodiment may be utilized in the mobile lifting apparatus embodiment, with little change other than connecting motor  53  to the fixed frame of the mobile embodiment rather than to frame  13  of a beverage dispenser. 
         [0042]    The foregoing description of preferred and alternative embodiments and variations of the apparatus of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. The apparatus of the is susceptible to other variations and alternative embodiments within the scope of the invention, in accordance with the full scope of the following claims.