CA2909481C

CA2909481C - Mechanic helper machine prototype

Info

Publication number: CA2909481C
Application number: CA2909481A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Gholamali Soleimanloo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Soleimanloo Solmaz
Priority date: 2015-11-03
Filing date: 2015-11-03
Publication date: 2018-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-03
Also published as: CA2909481A1

Abstract

The present invention is a mechanic helper machine designed to ease the workload for replacing and installing parts under automobiles, which are elevated on lifters. This machine can be operated with minimal bodily force to carry and install parts of a vehicle such as gearboxes, differentials, gas tanks, exhaust system and even tires. The mechanic helper device comprises a plurality of horizontal decks (platforms) mounted on a lifter. Each deck provides a specific movement enabling the device to move in various directions. Vertical frame members of a lifter support horizontal decks, vertically. The adjustable height wise of the device enables the device being utilized as a mechanics helper beneath a vehicle. The machine is capable to move back and forth, left and right and up and down.

Description

TITLE: MECHANIC HELPER MACHINE PROTOTYPE
INVENTOR: Golamali SOLEIMANLOO
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[1] The present invention relates in general to a mechanic's helper, and more particularly pertains to a device for changing a vehicle wheel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Repairing or otherwise servicing a vehicle can be very hard on the body of a mechanic. Many of the vehicle parts, such as a wheel, are heavy. In order to install a part of a vehicle or change the damaged part, a mechanic must hold the part while aligning the part to fit to its place. This requires the mechanic to move the heavy part forwards, backwards or to the sides, which can put undue stresses on the back, legs and other parts of the body, particularly when a lengthy repair is involved.

[3] Specifically, in order to change the tires of a vehicle, the mechanic must sit to gain access to the tire while holding the tire and aligning it on the hub behind it, which may cause serious injuries. These problems are compounded when work is to be done on the tire of a truck or other large vehicles.

[4] With respect to most of the commercially available mechanic helpers in today's marketplace, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved work supporting device wherein such a device can be utilized alternatively to accomplish a plurality of different functions and in this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[5] The present invention is a mechanic helper machine designed to ease the workload and save in manual labor costs for replacing and installing parts under automobiles, which are elevated on lifters. This machine can be operated with minimal bodily force to carry and install parts of a vehicle such as tires, gearboxes, differentials, gas tanks, and exhaust system.

[6] The mechanic helper machine comprises of a plurality of horizontal platforms mounted on a lifter. Each platform provides a specific movement enabling the device to move in various directions. The lifter's platform supports the horizontal platforms and provides a height adjustment to enables the device being utilized as a mechanics helper beneath a vehicle.

[7] The machine further comprises of:
- a lower platform which is the base of the device that carries all the load;
- a back and forth sliding platform installed on the lower platform;
- a sidewise sliding platform installed on the back and forth sliding platform;
- a rotating platform installed on the back and forth sliding platform on which different clamps can be attached to hold different car part for installation, and - a top car wheel replacement machine deck installed on top of the device to install wheel stands to use the mechanic helper machine for wheel replacement.

[8] A lifter is provided to install the mechanic helper machine thereon. The horizontal platforms are mounted on the lifter's platform. Said lifter may be a simple drill operated lifter or a hydraulic lifter. The lifter provides wheels to move to all directions freely to give the operator the freedom of delivering the parts to be installed on the vehicle from storage to the vehicle. The lifter further provides an adjustable height. Therefore, the machine is capable to move back and forth, left and right and up and down.

[9] The mechanic helper device of the present invention further comprises of adjustable wheel stands, which the wheels will be mounted thereon. The wheel stands are equipped with rollers to provide rotational functionality for the wheel during the installation. A pair of clamps are also provided on adjustable wheel stands to hold the wheels and guide the wheels for loading. The wheel stands provide with clamps to hold the wheel tight, while adjusting the wheel on a vehicle.

[10] In operation to install or remove a vehicle wheel, the clamps will be opened for loading the wheel on the adjustable wheel stands. The clamps hold the wheel tight on the wheel stand while aligning the wheel on the vehicle. The wheel will be carried to the place for installation and the height will be adjusted by the lifter.
The operator can align the wheel by rotating or sliding the wheel in various directions to easily align the wheel-holes with their matching screws on the car.

[11] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a Mechanic helper machine to ease the workload and save in manual labor costs for replacing and installing parts under vehicles.

[12] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device, which can safely hold and move the heavy parts of the vehicle, specifically a tire so that work can easily be performed on the vehicle.

[13] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which can hold a wheel of a vehicle to be replaced, tight in a specific distance and align it on the rim.

[14] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device, which is adjustable in the height to move the heavy parts to be installed on the vehicle in various directions to support the operator.

[15] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device, in which the angle of inclination of the platforms is adjustable.

[16] It is yet another objection of the present invention to provide a device, as above, which is portable and can be operated with minimal bodily force to carry and install heavy parts of a vehicle.

[17] It is another object of the present invention to increase productivity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[18] Embodiments herein will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the major parts of the mechanic helper machine;
FIG. 1B shows a wheel mounted on the mechanic helper machine for installation;
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the lifter according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view of the platforms of the machine;

FIG. 3A shows the lower platform of the present invention;
FIG. 3B shows the lower platform mounted on the lifter platform according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows the back and forth sliding platform according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the side-sliding platform;
FIG. 6A shows the adjustable wheel stand bases according to the present invention;
FIG. 6B shows the adjustable wheel stand bases according to the present invention;
FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the adjustable wheel stand base;
FIG. 7B is a top view of the adjustable wheel stand base;
FIG. 8A shows the right adjustable wheel stand of the present invention;
FIG. 8B shows the left adjustable wheel stand of the present invention;
FIG. 8C shows the adjustable wheel stands mounted on the wheel stand bases;
FIG. 80 shows the adjustable wheel stands mounted on the wheel stand bases;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the left clamp according to the present invention;
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the right clamp according to the present invention;
FIG. 10A shows the right clamp in closed position;
FIG. 10B shows the right clamp in opened position;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a balancer according to the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mechanic helper machine assembled according to the present invention;
FIG. 13 shows the sliding platform of the present invention;
FIG. 14A shows the installation steps of the wheel on the mechanic helper machine according to the present invention;
FIG. 14B shows the installation steps of the wheel on the mechanic helper machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 140 shows the installation steps of the wheel on the mechanic helper machine according to the present invention;
FIG.14D shows the installation steps of the wheel on the mechanic helper machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the lifter of the mechanic helper machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[19] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

[20] The device disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures.
The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosed device. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed device and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

[21] The embodiment disclosed herein is a mechanic helper machine having means specifically to support a user to install a tire of a vehicle for the purpose of easing the workload of workers carrying tires and holding in a proper place.

[22] According to FIG.s 1A, 1B and 1C the mechanic helper machine to install or remove a wheel comprises a x-y-z platform mounted on a lifter that can move horizontally and vertically.

[23] FIG. 2 shows the mechanic helper machine 100 comprising of a lower platform 101, a back and forth sliding platform 102, installed on lower platform 101, a sidewise sliding platform 103, installed on the back and forth sliding platform 102, a rotating platform 104, installed on the back and forth sliding platform on which different clamps can be attached to hold different car part for installation. A top car wheel replacement machine deck 105 is installed on top of the machine.

[24] FIG. 2A and 2B show the lower platform 101 and the back and forth sliding platform 102 installed thereon. The lower platform 101 is a rectangular plate preferably made of plywood, which is located above the platform of the lifter and is supported by four springs 122 from its four corners on the platform of the lifter. The springs 122 are supported by bolts 123 and secured by nuts and safety washers.

[25] According to FIG. 3 and 4 two customized railing system 125 with extra ball bearing are installed on the top surface of the lower platform, between the lower platform 101 and sliding platform 102. The sliding platform 102 slides forward and backwards on the rails.

[26] The sliding platform 102 is a rectangular plate made of plywood located above the lower platform 101. The sliding platform 102 has bearings on its bottom surface in a manner to engage with the railing 125 on the lower platform 101 to provide a sliding movement. A pair of customized angled steel plates 126 is mounted on side edges of the lower platform 101 to lock the bracket of sliding platform 102.

[27] Two customized steel angled plate 126, are provided on the sides of the lower platform 102 to control and lock the movement of the sliding platform 102. A
plurality of holes 127 are provided in a distance to each other on the angle plate 126 to receive the lock brackets 128 of the sliding platform 102 to control the back and forth sliding of the sliding platform 102 and lock it in a desired place.

[28] According to FIG.3 and 4 again a sidewise sliding platform 103 is further installed on a railing system between the back and forth sliding platform 102 and the sidewise sliding platform 103. Said platform 103 is further a plywood base located above the second platform 102, and supported by a railing system. The railing system comprises of a pair of wood bars 129 installed at a 90 degrees parallel to each other on top side of the back and forth sliding platform 102.
A
plurality of ball bearing 130 is provided on wood bars. An extra wood bar 131 is attached to the parallel bars 129 to provide extra support to the railing system. A
pair of U-channels is attached to the sides of the side sliding platform 103.
The U-channels are steel channels mounted on front and back side of the platform to provide a smooth sliding movement. A pair of Z- channels 133 is screwed above the two sides of the platform 103. A piece of plywood base 134 with a thickness is attached on the right side to the top of the side sliding deck 103.

[29] According to FIG. 5A and 5B the device 100 provides two piece of a right wheel adjustable stand base 134 and a left wheel adjustable stand base 137 made of plywood with a specific thickness. The left stand base 137 provides bearings on sides to slide on z channels 133. A plurality of locks is provided on specific spots 138, 139 and 140. The adjustable left stand base 137 can be moved to fit the size of different wheels. An adjustment screw can be used by common pressure air tools for wheel screws. A screw support 143 is also provided to support the rod screw 142.

[30] FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the left stand base 143 showing the position of the screw rod 142. A customized U-channel 144 is cut on the centre of bottom part of the left stand base 145 with built ¨in brackets to guide the rod screw 142 in the channel. The rod screw 142 further has a hex head to be drilled to move to left and right. The bottom part 143 provides trims on sides to slide on Z-channels. FIG.6B shows the stand base 143 from the top.

[31] According to FIG.s 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D the mechanic helper machine 100 provides wheel stands 146, 147 on which the wheel will sit for installation.
The wheel stands are equipped with rollers 148, 149 to provide rotation functionality for the wheel. This allows the operator to easily align the wheel holes with their matching screws on the car. Wheel stands 146, 147 are installed on the adjustable wheel stand bases 134, 137. The distance between the stands 146, 147 are easily adjusted using any rotational tool such as a battery driven drill.
This will enable the machine to handle with variety of wheel sizes.

[32] The wheel stand comprises of a U-channel 154, 155 on bottom part having means to fasten the wheel stands 148, 149 on the wheel stand bases 134, 137.
A customized vertical U-channel 156, 157 is connected to a horizontal U-channel 158, 159 on both wheel stands 146, 147 to provide a structure to hold the wheel. A pair of customized angled U-channels 160, 161 is connected to the vertical U-channels 156, 157 from one side and to the left and right wheel stand bases 134, 137 from their other side. The wheel stands 146, 147 comprises of PVC or steel tubes 148, 149 with tapped end caps connected to angled brackets 160, 161 on the sides. A lock system 162 is provided on the right wheel stand 146. The lock system 162 includes a rod 163 and a pair of wood blocks 164 attached to the vertical U-channels 156 to support the lock system 162.

[33] According to FIG.s 8A and 8B, a pair of clamps 150, 151 with roller jaws are installed on the adjustable wheel stand bases 146, 147. The left clamp 150 is installed on the left wheel stand 147 and the right clamp 151 is installed on the right wheel stand 146. The right clamp 151 works like a hinge and will open for loading the wheel on the adjustable wheel stand base 146. The clamps 150, 151 have handles 160, 161 for adjusting the clamps. The clamps 150, 151 comprise of elongated steel square tubes 170, 171 having a length welded to the right and left clamps. A pair of square shape steel tubes 172 are welded in a distance to the elongated tube on the left clamp 172 and connected to each other by a crossing tube 173. A pair of L shape square tube 174 is connected to the elongated tube 171 of the right clamp 151.

[34] FIG. 9A shows the right clamp in an opened position. The clamp 151 in open position guides to load the wheel on the adjustable wheel stand 146. FIG. 9B
shows the right clamp 151 in a closed position. After loading the wheels, both clamps jaws 153 are closed tight enough to just hold the wheel. In the closed position the wheel can easily rotate over the stand rollers 148, 149 and between the jaws rollers 152, 153.

[35] The mechanic helper machine provides a balancer to reduce the weight of the wheel and make the wheel installation easier for the worker. According to FIG.

and lithe balancer 200 according to the present invention provides rollers 201 which the wheels rest thereon. The balancer can be installed on the wheel stands. In another embodiment the balancer 200 can be replaced with an air forced mechanism in the centre of the lower platform 101, sliding platform 102 or sidewise sliding platform 103.

[36] According to FIG. 12 the rotating deck 104 is a circular deck which will be installed on the side sliding deck 103 using a pair of ball ¨bearings 136. The rotating deck 104 has plurality of installation slots 135 to fit any kind of brackets or clamps to secure the car parts such as gearboxes, differentials thereon.
The rotating deck 104 is made of cast-iron. Different clamps can be attached to this deck to hold different car parts for installation. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the rotating deck will be described as an adjustable stand base to install a wheel of a vehicle.

[37] FIG. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D shows the installation steps of a wheel on a wheel stand according to the present invention.

[38] As shown in FIG. 14 the mechanic helper machine 100 is mounted on a lifter 110. The lifter is able to elevate at least 120 centimetres from the ground level, and is able to handle about 100 Kgs. The lifter provides wheels 117 to move to all directions freely to give the operator the freedom of delivering the parts to be installed on the vehicle from storage to the vehicle. The lifter 110 comprises of a frame 111 and a support platform 112 with a dimension of approximately 50X50 centimetres to provide enough space for installation of the parts of the mechanic helper machine 100.

[39] Four wheels 117 are provided underneath the lifter frame 111.This enables the lifter 110 to move on wheels 117 to all directions freely to give the operator the freedom of delivering the parts to be installed on the vehicle from storage to the vehicle. The wheels 117 have brake to control the movement of the lifter 110 and facilitate a fixed positioning of the lifter in a desired location, The lifter further provides a space designed on the lifter to carry required tools.

[40] In preferred embodiment a battery operated electric lifter is preferred.
The lifter 110 must have variable speed with high precision control so the operator can do the final movements with relative precession. The lifter 110 provides an adjustable lift power and safety shutdown to prevent damage to the parts and the vehicle in case of the operator's error. Four micro switches 121, two one each side of the lifter platform is attached.

[41] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

[42] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the parts of the invention in regard to size, shape, form, materials, function and manner of operation, assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1) A device to install or remove a wheel comprising:
a) a plurality of horizontal platforms comprising:
i) a first lower platform having a first top surface and a first bottom surface;
ii) a second back and forth sliding platform mounted on said first lower platform and having a second top surface and a second bottom surface, and iii) a third side sliding platform mounted on said second top surface having a third top surface and a third bottom surface;
b) a right roller installed on a right stand, and a left roller installed on a left stand, wherein said right stand and said left stand are attached on said third side sliding platform to hold a wheel in an upright position;
c) a right clamp attached to said right stand, and a left clamp attached to said left stand, to clamp said wheel in position, and d) a lifter having a frame and an adjustable lifter deck to receive said plurality of horizontal platforms, said lifter providing a vertical movement;
whereby the spacing between said left and right rollers is adjusted to receive said wheel, and said wheel is lifted and aligned for instalment on a vehicle.

2) The device of claim 1, further having a balancer to hold the bottom of said wheel to help in alignment of the wheel with said vehicle.

3) The device of claim 1, wherein said first lower platform have a railing system installed on said first top surface to provide a sliding movement for said second back and forth sliding platform.

4) The device of claim 1, wherein said second back and forth sliding platform further having a railing system installed on said second top surface to provide a sliding movement for said third side sliding platform.

5) The device of claims 3 and 4, wherein said railing system has a lock mechanism to control and lock the movement of said plurality of horizontal platforms.

6) The device of claim 1, further having a rotating disk mounted on said second back and forth sliding platform, wherein said rotating deck having a plurality of installation slots to receive a plurality of brackets to secure a vehicle part for installation on a vehicle.

7) The device of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of horizontal platforms being a rectangular shape with side dimensions of approximately 50 by 50 centimeters.

8) The device of claim 1, wherein said lifter is an electric drill.

9) The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of horizontal platforms is installed on said adjustable lifter deck by a plurality of spring means.

10)The device of claim 1, wherein said balancer is an air forced balancer mounted on center of said first lower platform, said second back and forth sliding platform or said third side sliding platform.