Patent Publication Number: US-7896368-B2

Title: Dolly frame generator

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/418,178, filed Apr. 17, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,475,888, entitled “Dolly Frame Generator”, that claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Ser. No. 60/373,427, entitled: Dolly Frame Generator, filed on Apr. 18, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Patent Ser. No. 60/453,838, entitled: Portable Generator Dolly, filed on Mar. 11, 2003 all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of portable mechanical devices and particularly to an apparatus for transporting portable internal combustion device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable devices, an in particular internal-combustion devices, allow users to implement a wide variety of time saving capabilities. Often times the location of the project necessitates transporting a device to the project area. For example, construction sites often are a significant distance from the nearest access point such as road. Furthermore, such devices are often transported in motor vehicles between jobsites. 
     Previously, when transporting a generator, for instance, two workers would support a generally open rectangular tubular frame between themselves. Typically, the weight of the device in combination with the distance to the worksite prevents solo transport. Therefore, two people hand-carrying the device will have to walk in tandem, sometimes over rough, or muddy terrain, with the device carried between themselves. Hand transport is difficult and may result in the device being accidentally dropped or the users having to set the device down to take a “break”. 
     While the user may extend the range of the device, such as by utilizing a long extension cord, in the case of a generator, or a utilizing a long hose, in the case of a power washer, the usefulness of a portable device may be off-set by the need to carry additional attachments. 
     Further, hoisting and transporting portable devices like generators, compressors, and power washers, into motor vehicles may be problematic. For example, often portable devices are transported in pick-up trucks, or in work-vans which have a high bed and/or a low compartment interior. Previous devices may not offer the ability to easily hoist the device while offering protection for mechanical components. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus for easy hand transport and hoisting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus including mechanical device, and an L-shaped frame assembly including a pair of spaced apart wheels for rolling transport. The frame assembly at least partially encloses the mechanical device to prevent damage to the mechanical device and provide a lifting point for hoisting. In an exemplary embodiments the first and second frame portions are connected at a position equal to the height of the mechanical device. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a generator with an internal combustion and an alternator. The alternator being directed generally towards the spaced apart wheel members and the connection between the first and second frame portions, so as to minimize the force required to tilt the apparatus for rolling transport. 
     It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a generator integrated with an L-shaped frame assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a generator and a frame assembly indicating tilting of the apparatus for rolling transport; 
         FIG. 3  is a front cut away view of an frame assembly, including a pair of spaced apart wheels mounted to a generator bracket wherein in the second frame portion is disposed in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of two people hoisting a generator and frame assembly via a connecting segment of a first frame portion; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a generator and L-shaped frame assembly wherein the frame assembly includes a telescoping second frame portion and biased securing pins; and 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a frame assembly including a second frame portion disposed in a folded/stowed orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a portable apparatus is discussed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a portable apparatus  100  is a generator  102  and a L-shaped frame assembly  104 , or dolly. The generator includes an internal combustion engine  106  for creating mechanical energy and an alternator  108 , coupled to the engine, for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. In further embodiments, the mechanical device  100  is a compressor, a power washer, a pump and the like for conducting a task, such as delivering a high pressure stream of water, delivering a stream of compressed air and the like. As will be apparent, various devices may benefit from employing the dolly of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is the intention of the present disclosure to encompass and include such variation. 
     The frame assembly  104  is substantially L-shaped when viewed in profile. The frame includes a first, or base, portion  110  and second, or upper, frame portion,  112 . The frame portions are particularly suited to efficient manufacturing while providing the user an effective transport and hoisting system. Preferably, the first and second frame portions may be formed of generally metallic cylindrical tubing, such as steel tubing. In further instances, the shape and the composition of the frame sections may be varied as desired. For instance, the second frame portion may be formed from oval shaped tubing, for user comfort while manually transporting the apparatus. 
     The first frame portion  110  is substantially U-shaped with the connecting segment  114  being formed as a straight side. Preferably, the terminal portions of the first frame portion are angled to be generally perpendicular to a plane encompassing the main body of the first frame. For instance, the first frame portion includes terminal segments  116  and  118  which are of a length approximately the height of the mechanical device, for which the frame is designed, or greater. Extending the distal portions of the U-shape perpendicular and equal to the height of the device creates a partial cage for protecting the device. For example, the frame may protect the mechanical device from contacting the side of a pick-up truck compartment, or from contacting other objects in the compartment. In further examples, the terminal portions of the first frame are extended at other angles, such as to promote comfort during manual transport, to promote an increase in rolling clearance, and the like. 
     The intermediate segments  120  and  122  of the first frame portion  110  between the connecting segment and any angled terminal segments are of a length substantially equal to, or greater than the length of the mechanical device for which the frame is intended. Dimensioning the first frame member in this fashion allows the connecting portion of the first frame to form a lift point for hoisting the apparatus. For example, a user may grasp the end or connecting segment  114  of the U-shape to lift the apparatus into a vehicle. See generally  FIG. 4 . Furthermore, the connecting segment  114  allows the user to readily grasp the frame without having to tilt the apparatus, or change grasping positions, such as from a upper frame to a lower frame, both of which may be required with previous caged framed generators. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the connecting segment  114  may act to protect the device, such as from contact which may damage a device housing or the operative components of the device. 
     A second frame portion  112  is removably connected to the first frame portion  110 . In the present embodiment, the second frame portion is substantially U-shaped extending in a general plane. In additional embodiments, the second frame may include an angled section extending in a second plane, so as to promote easy rolling transport of the apparatus over terrain, increase rolling transport clearance and the like. Additionally, the connecting segment of the second frame member, the cross member forming the U-shape, may be coated with an elastomeric material or enclosed in a sleeve of elastomeric material to improve griping, minimize user muscle fatigue, dampen vibration and the like. 
     A securing device connects a terminating segment of the first frame portion to a corresponding terminating segment of the second frame portion. Referring to  FIG. 2 , in the current example, the securing device is a through bolt  226  and a threaded hand grip knob  228 . Other suitable securing devices include fasteners, bolts and butterfly nuts, a linchpin, a hair pin and through pin combination, bayonet locks, set bolts, spring biased pins, clamp locks, and the like for permitting releasable securing of the frame portions. In a first embodiment, at least one of the terminal segment of the first and second frame portion  210  and  224  is slideably received into a correspond segment of the other frame with a bolt, extending through aligned apertures in the segments, and nut securing the bolt. In another example, as may be seen generally in  FIG. 5  a plurality of apertures in the terminal segments of at least one frame portion to allow the user to semi-customize, or telescope the height of the second frame portion  512  forming a handle. The second frame  512  portion may, additionally be implemented to protect the mechanical device when in a retracted or stowed position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in a further aspect at least one of the terminal portion of the first and second frame portions  630  and  632  include substantially C-shaped cross-section, so a to permit close contact between the corresponding ends when secured. For example, the ends of the second frame portion  630  and  632  are C-shaped so as to fit securely partially around the outside surface of the corresponding circular-cross section of the first frame ends  634  and  636 . In additional examples, the C-shaped end includes a coved out recess extending generally perpendicular to the C-shaped cross section, adjacent the securing device, to increase the contact between the ends when the second frame portion is “folded over” such as when in a stowed position. Further, in either of the previous examples, a folded, or stowed position further protects the mechanical device by forming a top cage portion around the device. As will be apparent, it may be preferably for the second frame portion, from the connection point to the connecting segment to be of a length of approximately equal to the length of the mechanical device, thus protecting the substantial entirety of the mechanical device. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , an apparatus  300 ,  500  of the present invention further includes a pair of spaced-apart wheels  338  and  340  mounted to the first frame member  310 . As will be apparent, the wheels may be additionally or solely attached to a bracket supporting the mechanical device, adjacent the first frame portion. For instance, the wheels are mounted to an angled portion of a generator bracket  544 . 
     As may be best seen in  FIG. 5 , the wheels (one is shown  538 ) may be of a radius approximately equal to the height of a foot member  542 . Including wheels with a radius of the foot member allows an included mechanical device to be considerably level, when disposed on a level surface. Inclusion of a foot member  542 , such as is connected at or approximately adjacent the length of the mechanical device permits tripod type support when the apparatus is rested, thus minimizing tipping. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the tripod being formed between the foot member  342  and the wheels  338  and  340 . 
     For ease of manufacture, and rigidity, the foot member  542  may be an angular bracket connected to the intermediate segments  520  and  522  of the first frame portion, such as by a fastener, such as a bolt, a weld or the like. In further examples the foot member includes tabbed portions for securing to the first frame portion. A level mechanical device may experience significantly less mechanical wear, over a non-level device, because of to proper balancing, thorough lubrication and the like. 
     Preferably, the wheel are of a sufficient radius to permit easy rolling transport over obstacles typically found on job-sites, such as tire and bulldozer ruts, scraps of building materials such as dimensional lumber (2×4s) and the like, although wheels of various sizes are contemplated. In the present embodiment the wheels are formed of plastic to avoid air loss associated with pneumatic tires. In additional embodiments, the wheels are pneumatic tires so as to spread out the weight of the apparatus, dampen vibration and the like. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the apparatus of the present invention allows the user to tilt the frame assembly (with respect to the wheels) to optimize clearance when the apparatus is rolled over a terrain. If the mechanical device has an unequal weight distribution it is preferable for a heavier end of the device to be orientated towards the wheels/the intersection of the legs of the L-shape. For example, the alternator end of a generator is disposed adjacent to the wheels to minimize the force necessary to tilt the apparatus for transport, this, is due to the respective weight of the motor/alternator. In a further example, the mechanical device and the first frame portion extend over the wheels so as to shift the apparatus&#39; center of mass closer to the pivot axis extending through the wheels. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , in additional exemplary embodiments, vibration dampening devices are employed such as between the device and the first frame portion, between the foot member and the first frame portion and the like. Preferably, vibration dampening devices are elastomeric pads  546  or disks with a bolt penetrating therethrough. Further, the bolts may be implemented to connect the various components. 
     It is believed that the apparatus of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.