Abstract:
The dumpster moving apparatus is a device capable of providing motorized assistance for moving large containers such as refuse dumpsters. The apparatus includes an enclosure containing a motor and having a pair of wheel assemblies. The electric motor is operatively coupled to the wheel assemblies to provide the motorized assistance for moving the container. The motor includes a transmission to provide for both forward and rearward variable-speed motion. A rechargeable battery pack and a control module supply electrical power and a control means to the motor. A tongue and hitch ball extend from a front portion of the enclosure to engage the container during a moving operation. In one (1) embodiment, the apparatus can include associated bracketry for removable connection of the device to a trash collection vehicle when not in use.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/115,323 filed Feb. 12, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a device capable of providing motorized assistance for moving large containers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A great deal of the trash and garbage generated in the world today is placed into dumpsters located at central locations near buildings, apartments, townhomes, campgrounds, restaurants, and the like. Typically, a front-loading style garbage truck will then locate and lift these containers, dumping their contents into a rear mounted hopper on the truck. 
     Unfortunately, many times such dumpsters or containers are blocked in by other vehicles or obstructions and consequently inaccessible to the truck. This forces the worker to get out, and physically manhandle the dumpster into an accessible position in front of the garbage truck. As one can imagine, it is not only very strenuous work, but it also subjects the worker to increased danger from muscle stress and strain. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which dumpsters and other similar containers can be moved about without the use of a truck, or the physical exertion and inherent difficulties described above. The use of the dumpster moving apparatus allows for the movement of dumpsters and similar containers in a manner which is not only quick and effective, but also easy, and safe. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device capable of providing motorized assistance for moving large containers. 
     It is therefore the purpose of the inventor to provide a moving apparatus, comprising a motor enclosure. The motor enclosure has an interior space within which is secured a power source, a control module in electrical communication with the power source, a motor in electrical communication with the power source and the control module, and a pair of wheel assemblies secured on opposite outer sides of the enclosure by an axle passing through the enclosure. The axle is driven by the motor. 
     The apparatus also comprises a tongue assembly mounted to a front side of the motor enclosure and projecting perpendicularly to the axle as well as a handle assembly secured to a top surface of the motor enclosure, comprising a control panel in electrical communication with the control module. The tongue assembly is configured to be in mechanical communication with the receiver portion of the dumpster. The tongue assembly may also be removably mounted in some embodiments. The apparatus as a whole is capable of being manipulated by a user via an interface with the control panel which enables selective control of the motor. 
     The interior space of the motor enclosure further comprises a first pulley mounted to the motor, a drive belt driven by the first pulley and a second pulley located on the axle of and driven by the drive belt. Torsion, which is generated by the motor, is then mechanically communicated to the first pulley, the drive belt, the second pulley, and the axle which turns the pair of wheel assemblies. 
     The tongue assembly further comprises a bar and a hitch ball. The hitch ball may also comprise an interior electromagnet which projects through an aperture in the top surface distal end of the bar. The electromagnet is in electrical communication with the control module and is selectively magnetized upon activation of the apparatus by the control panel. 
     The handle assembly further comprises a lower post, an upper post which is pivotally connected to the lower post, a first grip which extends away from the first side of the control panel, a second grip which extends away from the second side of the control panel and the control panel which is affixed to the upper end of the upper post. The control panel may also comprise: firstly, a rheostatic switch which is operably connected to the first and second grip and which is in electrical communication between the control module, the power source and the motor; secondly, an emergency stop button which is in electrical communication between the control module, the power source and the motor; thirdly, a power switch which is in electrical communication between the control module, the power source and the motor; and lastly, a two-position magnet switch which provides selective activation of the electromagnet and is in electrical communication between the power source and the motor. The rotation of each the grip in a forward direction corresponds to a forward direction of rotation of the pair of wheel assemblies while the inverse is also true; namely, the rotation of each the grip in a reverse direction corresponds to a reverse direction of rotation of the pair of wheel assemblies. 
     The power source may be a rechargeable battery secured within a battery compartment within the motor enclosure. The battery compartment also has a lid located within the top surface of the motor enclosure which itself has a latching mechanism. A battery charging connector is located within the top surface of the motor enclosure and is in electrical communication with the battery when the battery charging connector is in electrical communication with an external power source. 
     The handle assembly may also comprise a first bracket located on the lower post and a second bracket located on the lower post secured beneath the first bracket. The first and the second bracket are each capable of attachment to a towing vehicle. The motor enclosure may also comprise of an upper pivot plate which has an upper aperture and is secured to the front side of the motor enclosure while projecting perpendicularly to the axle, a lower pivot plate which has a lower aperture secured to the front side of the motor enclosure, beneath the upper pivot plate while projecting perpendicularly to the axle and a pivot pin. The bar of the tongue assembly also may have a pivot pin aperture at a distal end and be secured between the upper and lower pivot plates by the pivot pin being fixedly placed through the aligned upper, bar and lower pin apertures with a snap ring. 
     The first bracket may be positionally capable of removably interlocking with a third bracket adapted to be affixed to the towing vehicle. The second bracket is positionally capable of removably interlocking with a fourth bracket adapted to be affixed to the towing vehicle. Each wheel assembly may be pneumatic while each tire may have textured tread. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of dumpster moving apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the dumpster moving apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of a pivot mechanism portion  100  of the dumpster moving apparatus  10  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up view of a handle assembly portion  80  of the dumpster moving apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an environmental view of the dumpster moving apparatus  10  depicting a stowed state upon a vehicle  200 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is an electrical block diagram of the dumpster moving apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  dumpster moving apparatus 
               20  motor enclosure 
               22  enclosure 
               23  interior space 
               24  battery compartment 
               26  battery 
               28  lid 
               30  latch 
               32  charging connector 
               40  control module 
               42  motor 
               44   a  first wheel assembly 
               44   b  second wheel assembly 
               45  tread 
               46  axle 
               47  first pulley 
               49  second pulley 
               52  drive belt 
               54   a  upper pivot plate 
               54   b  lower pivot plate 
               56  pivot pin 
               57  snap ring 
               60  tongue assembly 
               62  bar 
               64  hitch ball 
               66  electromagnet 
               80  handle assembly 
               82  lower post 
               83   a  first bracket 
               83   b  second bracket 
               83   c  bracket cavity 
               84  mounting plate 
               85  thumbscrew 
               86   a  first grip 
               86   b  second grip 
               87  hand stop 
               90  emergency stop switch 
               92  power switch 
               93  key 
               96  magnet switch 
               98  rheostatic switch 
               100  pivot mechanism 
               102  slot 
               103  tightening rod 
               104  tightening knob 
               105   a  first jam nut 
               105   b  second jam nut 
               106  upper post 
               108  control panel 
               110   a  third bracket 
               110   b  fourth bracket 
               150  fastener 
               155  wiring 
               160  ground surface 
               200  trash collecting vehicle 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within a preferred embodiment  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one (1) particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a dumpster moving apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a powered means to attach to and move a dumpster or other similar large wheeled container. The apparatus  10  provides a hand-truck-like function being specially equipped to couple to and manipulate a difficult to move garbage dumpster due to a limited space condition, uneven ground, or the like. The apparatus  10  allows a worker to easily move a dumpster or similar container to a location where it can be engaged and lifted for processing by a trash collection truck having a front mounted loading device. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective and sectional views of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  includes a motor enclosure  20 , a tongue assembly  60 , and a handle assembly  80 . 
     The motor enclosure  20  provides a wheeled bi-directional means to motion an attached dumpster. The motor enclosure  20  includes a generally rectangular-shaped enclosure  22  which provides protective mounting and attachment of internal equipment necessary to attach to and manipulate an existing wheeled dumpster. The apparatus  10  is battery powered with the enclosure  22  providing an interior space  23  containing a battery compartment  24  with lid  28  and latch  30  portions. The enclosure  22  also provides an externally accessible battery charging connector  32 , a control module  40 , a bi-directional direct current (DC) motor  42 , and two (2) pneumatic wheel assemblies  44   a ,  44   b , mounted to end portions of an axle  46 , along opposing side portions of the enclosure  22 . 
     A user may motion the apparatus  10  in a motorized manner by rotating grip portions  86   a ,  86   b  located upon the handle assembly  80 . The control module  40  receives electrical power from the battery  26  and outputs electrical current to portions of the apparatus  10  in response to electrically communicated signals from the handle assembly  80  (also see  FIG. 3 ). A user motions the apparatus  10  forwardly or rearwardly in a controlled fashion by initiating rotation of the motor  42  and wheel assemblies  44   a ,  44   b  in a bi-directional and variable-speed manner. An embodiment of the apparatus  10  is shown here utilizing a first pulley  47  mounted to the motor  42 , which in turn drives a second pulley  49  on the axle  46  via an interconnecting drive belt  52 . A torsion from the motor  42  is communicated to the wheel assemblies  44   a ,  44   b  via the axle  46  which extends therebetween. As the axle  46  rotates, the wheel assemblies  44   a ,  44   b  rotate in a parallel manner forwardly or rearwardly. The tires of the wheel assemblies  44   a ,  44   b  are envisioned to be pneumatic units being approximately eight inches (8 in.) in diameter and having textured tread portions  45  along a perimeter surface to provide effective traction against a subjacent ground surface  160 . 
     The motor enclosure  20  provides a means of attachment to the handle assembly  80  via a lower post portion  82  having an integral mounting plate portion  84  which is affixed to an upper proximal surface of the motor enclosure  20  using a plurality of fasteners  150 . The lower post  82  is envisioned to be a tubular member which extends upwardly at a rearward angle from the motor enclosure  20 , and terminates at a pivot mechanism  100 . 
     The motor enclosure  20  also provides pivoting attachment of the tongue assembly  60  along a distal vertical surface via integral upper pivot plate  54   a  and lower pivot plate  54   b  portions which extend perpendicularly forward from the enclosure  22  in a parallel manner. The pivot plates  54   a ,  54   b  are spaced apart so as to receive and secure a bar portion  62  of the tongue assembly  60  in between, being axially secured to the pivot plates  54   a ,  54   b  using a pass-through pivot pin  56  and snap ring  57  arrangement. Electric wiring  155  from the control module  40  is routed from the enclosure  22  into a proximal end of the hollow bar portion  62  to a hitch ball portion  64  mounted upon a distal end portion of the bar  62  using fasteners  150 . The hitch ball  64  is envisioned to be approximately two inches (2 in.) in diameter being sized to match that of a ball receiver portion of the dumpster. The wiring  155  provides electrical communication between the control module  40  and an electromagnet  66  located within the hitch ball portion  64 . Upon energizing the electromagnet  66 , the hitch ball  64  provides both a mechanical and magnetic means to secure the hitch ball  64  to the ball hitch receiver portion of the existing dumpster. In use, the hitch ball  64  is inserted into the receiver portion of the dumpster and the user then energizes the integral electromagnet  66  using a magnet switch  96  located upon the handle assembly  80  (see  FIG. 4 ). The hitch ball  64  is then retained within in the receiver magnetically, allowing the user to manipulate the dumpster using the motorized portions  42  of the apparatus  10 . The hitch ball  64  is then released from the dumpster as the user turns off the electromagnet  66  using the magnet switch  96  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view of the pivoting mechanism portion  100  of the apparatus  10  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The pivot mechanism  100  provides rotating attachment of an upper post portion  106  of the handle assembly  80 . The pivot mechanism  100  allows a user to position and secure the upper post  106  and integral portions including the grips  86   a ,  86   b  and a control panel  108 , at various heights to provide comfortable gripping by different height users. The control panel  108  and grip portions  86   a ,  86   b  provide controls which allow for easy fingertip movement of the apparatus  10  and attached dumpster (also see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The pivot mechanism  100  utilizes an external tightening knob portion  104  to cause clamping and securing of the upper post  106  at a desired position. The tightening knob  104  includes an integral tightening rod  103  which extends through center portions of both the pivot mechanism  100  and the upper post  106 . The tightening rod  103  has first jam nut  105   a  and second jam nut  105   b  portions threaded thereupon and positioned along either side of the upper post  106 . The tightening rod  103  passes through the first jam nut  105   a  and second jam nut  105   b , being affixed thereto via respective left-hand and right-hand threaded portions, thereby causing the jam nuts  105   a ,  105   b  to be threadingly pulled together as the tightening rod  103  is rotated by the tightening knob  104 . Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up view of the handle assembly portion  80  of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The handle assembly  80  provides conveniently positioned controls which allow a user to grasp and manipulate the apparatus  10  along a ground surface  160  using respective first grip  86   a  and second grip  86   b  portions. The grips  86   a ,  86   b  provide mechanically coupled cylindrical appendages arranged along a common axis, capable of being rotated by either or both of the user&#39;s hands. The grips  86   a ,  86   b  further include a rheostatic switch  98  being in electrical communication with the control module  40  to provide a means to motion the apparatus  10  forwardly or rearwardly in a bi-directional and variable-speed manner. Furthermore, each grip  86   a ,  86   b  is envisioned to include a knurled or rubberized surface and a circular perpendicularly extending hand stop feature  87  for a more secure grasping thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a close-up view of the handle assembly portion  80  of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The handle assembly  80  provides conveniently positioned controls which allow a user to grasp and manipulate the apparatus  10  along a ground surface  160  using respective first grip  86   a  and second grip  86   b  portions. The grips  86   a ,  86   b  provide mechanically coupled cylindrical appendages arranged along a common axis, capable of being rotated by either or both of the user&#39;s hands. The grips  86   a ,  86   b  provide a rotary device suitable for grasping and rotating by a user using one (1) or both hands, causing activation of an internal rheostatic switch  98  being in electrical communication with the control module  40  to provide a means to motion the apparatus  10  forwardly or rearwardly in a bi-directional and variable-speed manner. Furthermore, each grip  86   a ,  86   b  is envisioned to include a knurled or rubberized surface and a circular perpendicularly extending hand stop feature  87  for a more secure grasping thereof. An embodiment of the control panel  108  is illustrated here including, but not limited to: an emergency stop button  90 , an on/off power switch  92  which requires insertion and operation using a key  93 , and a two-position magnet switch  96  which provides selective activation of the electromagnet  66  located within the hitch ball  64  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting a stowed state upon a vehicle  200 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The pivoting nature of the upper post  106  and the tongue assembly  60  portions enable the apparatus  10  to be configured for compact storage upon the vehicle  200  when not in use as shown here. 
     The lower post portion  62  of the handle assembly  80  includes integral first bracket  83   a  and a second bracket  83   b  portions. The brackets  83   a ,  83   b  are arranged in a parallel manner with respect to each other, and perpendicular to a rearward-facing surface of the lower post  62 . Each bracket  83   a ,  83   b  is envisioned being made using a length of channel-shaped stock with closed end portions so as to form a downward-facing bracket cavity  83   c . The cavities  83   c  are in turn inserted upon correspondingly shaped and positioned upwardly protruding third bracket  110   a , and fourth bracket  110   b  portions having a “Z”-shape and being affixed to a side surface of the existing trash collection vehicle  200  using a plurality of fasteners  150 . It is envisioned that at least one (1) thumbscrew  85 , or equivalent securement method, may be utilized to further secure one (1) or both first  83   a  and second  83   b  brackets to the third  110   a  and/or fourth  110   b  brackets, to obtain a more robust attachment of the apparatus  10  to the trash collection vehicle  200 , as needed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The electrical and electronic functions of the apparatus  10  are controlled via a microprocessor-based control module  40  including components such as, but not limited to: printed circuit boards, microprocessor chip sets, embedded software, relays, and the like. The control module  40  is to be capable of processing input signals conducted using common wiring  155  from the power switch  92 , the magnet switch  96 , and the rheostatic switch  98 . The control module  40  further provides an output current in accordance with software instructions to the motor  42  and the electromagnet  66  portions of the apparatus  10 . The control module  40  is to include motor control circuitry capable of powering and controlling the bi-directional DC motor  42  in a variable speed manner. The control module  40  receives electrical power from the battery  26 , as well as provides control of the battery charging process. Charging of the battery  26  is envisioned to take place during times when the apparatus  10  is not being used via connection of a charging source to the charging connector  32  such as the electrical system of the trash collection vehicle  200 , a 110-volt outlet, or the like. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be configured and utilized as indicated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . 
     The method of preparing the apparatus  10  for use may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring the apparatus  10 ; charging the battery  26  via connection of the charging connector  32  to a power source such as the electrical system of the trash collection vehicle  200  or a 110-volt outlet for a period of time; installing the apparatus  10  upon the trash collecting vehicle  200  by engaging the bracket cavity portions  83   c  of the lower post  82  onto the corresponding third  110   a  and fourth  110   b  brackets; and, securing the apparatus  10  to the vehicle  200  using the thumbscrew  85  or similar securement means. The apparatus  10  is now ready for use. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: operating the trash collecting vehicle  200  in a normal manner; arriving at a destination which requires manipulation of a dumpster in order to be accessed by dumpster processing equipment portions of the existing trash collecting vehicle  200 ; removing the thumbscrew  85  from the brackets  83   b ,  110   a ; lifting and removing the apparatus  10  from the vehicle  200 ; placing the apparatus  10  upon the ground surface  160 ; adjusting a position of the upper post  106  and control panel  108  portions by loosening the tightening knob  104 ; rotating the upper post  106  until obtaining a desired position of the control panel  108 ; rotating and tightening the tightening knob  104 ; activating the apparatus  10  by inserting and turning the key  93  within the on/off switch  92 ; manipulating the apparatus  10  forwardly or rearwardly upon the wheel assemblies  44   a ,  44   b  along the ground surface  160  by rotating the grips  86   a ,  86   b  using either or both of the user&#39;s hands; directing the apparatus  10  by motioning the handle assembly  80  from side to side, as needed; positioning the hitch ball portion  64  of the tongue assembly  60  directly below a receiver portion of a dumpster; tilting the apparatus  10  backward using the handle assembly  80  until the hitch ball  64  engages the receiver portion of a dumpster; activating the internal electromagnet  66  to secure the hitch ball  64  within the receiver using the magnet switch  96  located upon the handle assembly  80 ; utilizing the grips  86   a ,  86   b  and the pivoting tongue assembly  60  to move the dumpster into a location which is accessible to front load portions of the vehicle  200  to perform normal processing; releasing the hitch ball  64  from the dumpster by turning off the electromagnet  66  using the magnet switch  96 ; motioning the apparatus  10  to a position adjacent to the trash collecting vehicle  200  using the grips  86   a ,  86   b ; and, replacing the apparatus  10  upon the third  110   a  and fourth  110   b  brackets as previously described. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.