GB2422304A - Accessory with moveable wheel for assisting with the movement of heavy objects. - Google Patents

Abstract

An accessory for attachment to an object, such as a washing machine (10) or fridge, the accessory (1) having at least one wheel (40) that is moveable between a fixed, retracted position and a mobile, extended position.

Description

Title. Accessory for assisting with the movement of heavy objects.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an accessory for assisting with the movement of heavy objects, such as household appliances and funi iture, and to objects fitted with the accessory.

Many household appliances and furniture items are extremely heavy to move.

As a result, many people avoid moving these objects unless it is absolutely necessary.

I lowever, sometimes such items mLlst be moved in poSition, for example, to enable cleaning or decorating to be clone behind the item, when moving house or fbr nlaintenance purposes. This may necessitate completely emptying a piece of' furniture (Rr example, a chest of drawers) or enlisting the help of others to enable the weight of the item to be overcome. 11 would be desirable to be able to move such items without having to first empty them and/or to be able to re-position such objects without the need for assistance It is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory for attachment to a]ieavy object that al lows easier movement of' the object, such as a kitchen applmance or pece of' furnturc It is a further object of the present Invention to provide an accessory Rr attachment to a heavy object that allows Ibr levelling of the object when placed on an uneven suraice Accordingly, a flrst aspcct of the present invention provides an accessory for an object to assist in the movemeni lnereoi, tile accessory comprisni means for attachment to an object and at least one wheel, the at least one wheel being nioveable between a fixed retracted position and a mobile, extended position.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an object fitted with an aCcessory as liereinbetore described. Ihe object may be, liar example a kitchen appliance (such as a fridge, freeter, washing machine or dishwasher) or a piece of tbrmii lure. In a preferred embodmnient of' the present I ilvention, there is provided a Ilousellold appliance comprising a housing contaul i ng the components of the appliance and am accessory as liereinbef ore descri bed attached to, or formed WI thin, the base o (the housing. For example, tIme accessory may be held within a compartment in the base oI'ihe appliance, the compartment having an opening liar passage of the wheels.

The accessory may he boned integrally with the object or may he fitted retrospectively Pretrably, the accessory coiliprises a sha1 having at least one threaded region that co-operates wmlh a gear that IS linked to a wheel or wheels, whereby rotation of the shat causes raising or lowering ot' the wheels More preferably, the gear, for example in the fonn of a cog-\vheel, is carried on a spindle that is mounted on a bracket that sLirrotilids the shall Prclral,iy, the bracket has means fiar its attachment to the object. Thc cog-wheel may be linked by a member or lever ann to an axle of the at least one wheel Preferably, a tool, for example, in the fonn of a key, is provided to rotate the shaft The object may be provided with a storage compartment for receiving the tool.

In a preferred embodiment, the accessory cornpnses an inner threaded shall and an outer smooth shaft, the longitudinal surface of the outer shaft having at least one opening to expose the inner threaded shaft to the gear. Preferably, the shaft is provided with two openings at opposing ends thereof: each having at least one wheel mounted with respect thereto.

It is to be appreciated that the shaft and other components of the accessory should be made of a strong material that can withstand the weight of the object, such as a reinforced plastic or metal. Preferably, the wheel is provided with a rubber tyre.

More preferably, each wheel is conical shaped wherein the intended inner sides or inner hub of the wheel mimic the profile of the shaft. In this manner, the wheels can abut the shaft in the retracted state. It is preferable for the inner hub to be coated with a soft rubber material to cause the wheel to gnp to the shaft At least the intended lower surface of the member or lever arm may be provided with a rubber coating or rubber stop to act as gnpprng feet Whilst only onc accessory may be provided at the base of an object, it is advisable to include at least two, for example extending parallel from the front to the rear of the object.

The accessory may also be provided with means to enable independent operation of the wheels that arc provided at opposing ends of the shaft. In one embodiment, the accessory may comprise inner and outer threaded shafts, rotation of the inner shaft causing the raising and lowering of wheels at one end of the shaft and rotation of the outer shaft causing the raising and lowering of wheels at the opposing end of the shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner shaft comprises a main part and an adapter piece. The main part is provided with a first region of larger diameter and a second region comprising a rod of smaller diameter, at least the end of the rod being hollow. The first region is provided with threads towards the end remote from the rod The adapter piece comprises a shaft having the same outer diameter as the first region of the main part and is provided with threads. The adapter is provided with an inner bore for receiving the rod of the main part thereby enabling the adapter to fit over the rod and abut the end of the lirst region. rhe opposing end of the adapter is provided with projections and/or slots to form nude or female parts respectively. At least one wheel connected to a gear mounted on a bracket as hereinbefore described is provided over both the adapter piece and the main part in the region of the threads Thc aforementioned main part and adapter allow for independent operation of the wheels. In this respect., rotation of the rod causes rotation of the main part to to effect movement of the wheels mounted at this end of the shaft. Rotation of the adapter causes raising or lowering of the wheels mounted on the adapter Preferably, means is provided to allow simultaneous rotation of the adapter and the main part in addition to rotation of only the main part It is preferable to provide a tool that is constructed 10 rotate the main part in one configuration but that may be adjusted to cause rotation of the adapter and the main part in another configuration.

In one embodiment, the accessory is provided with a tool eompnsing a housing containing a spring mounted rod, the housing having projections and/or slots at one end thereof and wherein the rod extends past the end of the projections. The rod is dimensioned to fit into the bore of the rod of the main part and the projections and/or slots mate with the corresponding female or male parts provided at the end of the adapter but only when pressure is applied to the tool. In this manner, the tool may be used to turn only the main part by engaging the rod of the tool with the bore of the rod of the main part Application of pressure to the tool causes the projections to become in line with the end of the rod enabling the projections to mate with the end of the adapter piece The housing is preferably a plastic moulding.

The main part and adaptcr may be provided with a cover, for example, in the form of a cylindncal, hollow shall having openings to expose the threaded regions The accessory and tool may be provided as a kit for attachment to an article.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be earned into effect reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure Its perspective view of an accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention, shown in its retracted, stationary position; Figure 2 isa side view of the accessory of Figure I, shown in its retracted, stationary position; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the accessory shown in Figure 1; Figure 4is a perspective view of the accessory of Figure 1 shown in its extended, mobile position; Figure 5 is a side view of the accessory of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the accessory of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a schematic diagrani of a washing iiiaclune provided with an accessory according to the present invention, shown in its extended, mobile position; Figure 8 is an exploded view of the components of an accessory according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 isa perspective siew of the assembled accessory of Figure 8 provided with a tool for operation of the accessory; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the tool shown in Figure 9; and Figure his an exploded view of the tool shown in Figure 9 Referring to Figures I to 7 of the accompanying drawings, an accessory 1 for attachment to a heavy item, such as a washing machine 10, to assist in the movement of the item is illustrated. The accessory I comprises an outer cylindncal shaft 2 and an inner cyhindncal shaft 4. The inner shaft has two threaded regions 6, 8 towards each end of the shaft and the outer shaft has a rectangular cut-out 12 iii the region of the shaft corresponding in position to the threads of the inner shaft to expose the threaded regions. A bracket 20 compnsing a crosspiece 22 and two depending limbs 24 is attached over each threaded region and a spindle 26 extends between the free ends of each limb. A cog-wheel 3Ois rotatably mounted on the spindle for engagement with the threads of the inner shaft and a member 28 extends from the cog-wheel and terminates with an axle on which a pair of wheels 40 are fixed. The inner shaft is provided with a keyhole 100 for receiving a key (not shown).

The components are made of a strong material to withstand the weight of the object, such as a reinforced plastic or a metal. The wheels are conical-shaped whereby the inner side of each wheel corresponds in profile to the periphery of the shaft and the circumference of each wheel is provided with a durable rubber tyre or coating. The inner side of each wheel has a coating of softer rubber. The member 28 may be provided with a rubber coating or rubber stop on the intended lower side thereof (not shown) It is proposed that at least two aceessones will be fitted within the base of an article, such as a chest of drawers or household appliance, by attachment of the brackets to the base of the article, for example, by means of a nut and bolt through the erosspieee 22. Figure 7 illustrates a washing machine 10 provided with a pair of accessories I in the base thereof However, it is to be appreciated that only one accessory or more than two accessones may be used Each accessory is moveable between a retracted and extended position. In the rctraeted position, the wheels 40 are positioned against the shaft 2 and are unable to rotate due to the soil rubber of the inner sides of the wheels gripping the shaft. This results in the washing machine being in a fixed or stationary position (see Figures I to 3) with the rubber surface of the wheels and member 28 acting as feet to gnp the floor. However, when it ts desired to move the machine, a key is inserted into the keyhole 100 and rotated to cause rotation of the inner shaft 4. This causes rotation of the threads 8, 12 of the shaft that engage with their corresponding cog-wheel 30 causing it to turn and lower the member 28 to which the wheels 40 are attached, causing the wheels to occupy a lowered position (see Figure 4 to 7). Disengagement of the wheels from the outer shaft 2 enables the wheels to rotate freely about the axle when force is applied to the accessory or to the machine to which it 15 attached This results in it being far easier to move the machine than if no wheels were provided.

Once the object has been moved to the desired position, the key is turned in the opposite direction to retract the wheels and return the object to its stationary position The object may be provided with a compartment for storage of the key for convenience (not shown) Figures 8 to II illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The accessory again provides for static positioning of a household appliance or other object and for extension of wheels from the base of the appliance to enable easier inanouvnng thereoC Additionally, the accessory is configured to allow independent operation of the two sets of wheels (i e. front and back and/or side to side) thereby enabling levelling of the appliance when positioned on an uneven surface.

Identical features to those shown in Figures I to 7 are given the same reference numerals and only the differences will be discussed in detail. The accessory 1' comprises an outer smooth cylindrical shaft 2 having two regions 12 relieved of material, an inner shaft 4' and a pair of brackets each having a spindle 26, cog-wheel 30, member 28 and wheeLs 40 mounted with respect thereto The inner shaft 4' is comprised of two parts, a main part 201 and an adapter piece 202 which is mountable on the main part. The main part 201 has a first region 210 and second region 212.

The first region 210 is of larger diameter than the second region and is provided with a threads 6' towards one end thereoC The opposing end of the first region ternunates with a cylindrical rod of smaller diameter to form the second region 212 extending from the centre of the first region. The adapter piece 202 comprises a cylindrical shaft having the same outer diameter as the first region 210 of the main part and having a threaded region 8'. The adapter is provided with an inner bote 216 that is dimensioned to receive the cylindneal rod 212 of the main part. One end of the adapter piece abuts the end of the first region of the main part and the other end is provided with projections 220 The components shown in Figure 8 are assembled to form an accessory as shown in Figure 9. The adapter is fitted onto the rod of the main part and the outer shall is fitted over the main part and adapter such that the holes 12 line up with the threaded regions of the shaft and adapter Brackets are secured over the shaft and a spindle connects the limbs of the bracket. A cog-wheel is rotalably mounted on the spindle which is connected to a member that carries a pair of wheels.

Operation of the device shown in Figures 8 and 9 requires the use of a tool 300, shown in Figures 10 and I t. The tool comprises an outer casing 301 containing a spring 306, stop 304 and rod 302. The rod extends beyond the end of the casing and the stop and spnng are held within the intenor of the casing, the interior being of sufficient length to enable the spnng to occupy its relaxed state. A senes of projections 308 and recesses 307 are provided in the end of the casing from which the rod extends but the projections terminate before the end of the rod. In tlus matiiier, in the relaxed state, the rod can be inserted into the inner bore of the second region of the main part and rotated to cause movement of the main part only. This allows for movement of the threaded region that cames the rear wheels independently of the front wheels. The application of additional pressure causes the spring 306 to press against the stop 304 connected to the rod 302 causing movement of the Casing relativc to the rod This enables the projections 3U and recesses 307 of' tie easing to mate with the coiTesponding members provided in the end of the adapter piece 202 thereby enabling rotation of the threaded region of the adapter piece as well as rotation üí the niain part. This enables both Front and rear sets of' wheels to be lowered or raised.

Claims (1)

1. An acccssory for an object to assist in the movement lhereo the acccssory coniprisin means lhr allac]iinent to the oblect and at least one wheel, the wheel being moveable between a l xed, retracted position and a mobile, extended 0SI lion 2 An accessory as claimed in claim I wherein the accessory comprises a shall having at least one threaded region that co-operates with a gear linked to at least one wheel whereby rotation o 1 the shall causes raisi hg or lowen ng of the at least one wheel.

   3. An accessory as claimed in elai ni 2 wllerei n the gear is carried on a spindle that is mounted on a bracket that surrounds the shall.

   4 An accessory as ckumed in clan1 3 wherein the bracket has means for its attaclinient to the object.

   An accessory as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4 further comprising a tool lbr aiThct ing rotation of the shall 6 An accessory as claniied in any one ofclanns 2 to 5 wherein the accessory has an i iiner threaded shall and an outer smooth shall, the longitudinal surface of the outer shall having at least one opening to CX05C the inner threaded shall to the gear 7. An accessory as clai med in claim 6 wherein the outer shall is provided with two openings at opposing ends thereo 1 each having at east one wheel mounted with respect thereto.

   8 An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the at least one wheel is conical shaped, having a circular end with an inner hub that mimics the profile of the shaft 9 An accessory as claimed in claim 8 wherein the inner hub is coated with a soft rubber material to cause the wheel to grip the shaft in the retracted state.

   10. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the wheel at opposing ends of the shaft can be raised and lowered independently of each other I I An accessory as claimed in claim 10 wherein the accessory comprises inner and outer threaded shafts, rotation of the inner shaft causing raising and lowering of the at least one wheel at one end of the shaft and rotation of the outer shaft causing raising and lowering of the at least one wheel at the opposing end of the shaft 12 An accessory as claimed in claim 10 wherein the shall comprises a main part and an adapter piece, rotation of the main part causing raising and lowering of the at least one wheel at one end of the shaft and rotation of the adapter causing rotation of the at least one wheel at the opposing end of the shaft.

   13. An accessory as claimed in claim 12 wherein the main part is provided with a first region of larger diameter and a second region comprising a rod of smaller diameter, at least the end of the rod being hollow and the first region being provided with threads in at least a region towards the end remote from the rod.

   14 An accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein the adapter piece compnses a threaded shaft having the same outer diameter as the first region of the main part, an inner bore for receiving the rod of the main part and projections and/or slots at one end of the shaft for forming male or female parts respectively 15. An accessory as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein at least one wheel connected to a gear mounted on a bracket is provided around both the adapter piece and the main part iii the region of the threads.

   16. An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein means is provided to allow simultaneous rotation of the adapter and the main part 17. An accessory as claimed in claim 16 wherein a tool is provided that is constructed to rotate the main part in one configuration but that is adjustable to cause rotation of the main part and adapter in the another configuration.

   18 An accessory as claimed in claim 17 wherein the tool compnses a housing containing a spring mounted rod, the housing having projections and/or slots at one end thereoC the rod extending past the end of the projections.

   19 A kit of parts compnsing an accessory as claimed in any one of claims Ito IS and a tool for operation of the accessory.

   An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the object is a household appliance or furniture 21. An object fitted with an accessory as claimed in any one of claims I to 18 22. A household appliance compnsing a housing containing the components of the appliance and an accessory as claimed in any one of claims I to 18 attached to, or fonned within, the base of the housing.

   23 A household appliance as claimed in claim 22 further comprising a storage compartment for receiving a tool for operation of the accessory 24 An accessory substantially as herembefore dcscnbed and with reference to Figures I to 6 or 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.

   An object fitted with an accessory substantially as hereinbeibre descnbed and with reference to FigureS of the accompanying drawing.

   Amendments to the clams have been filed as fellows RD.

   1. An accessory for an object to assist in the mo ement thereof, the accessory compnsing means for its attachment to the object arid at least one pair of wheels provided at opposing ends of at least one shaft, each shaft having a threaded region that co-opcratcs with a gear linked to each wheel, the at least one shaft being adapted to allow independent or simultaneous movement of each whecl between a fixed, retracted position and a mobile, extended position 2 An accessory as claimed in claim I wherein the gear is earned on a spindle that is mounted on a bracket that surrowids the at least one shaft.

   3 An accessory as claimed in clann 2 wherein the bracket has means for its attachment to the oliject 4 An accessory as claimed in clami I, 2 or 3 further compn sing a tool for affecting rotation of the at least one shaft An accessory as claimed in aiiy one of the preceding claims wherein each heel is conical shaped, having a circular end with an inner hub that mimics the profile of the shaft 6 An accessory as claimed in claim 5 wherein the inner hub is coated with a soft rubber material to cause the wheel to grip the shaft iii the retracted state 7 An accessory as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the accessory comprises inner and outer threaded shafts, rotation of the inner shaft causing raising and lowering of the at least one wheel at one end of the shaft and rotation of the outer shaft causing raising and lowering of the at least one wheel at the opposing end of the shaft ii 8 An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the shaft comprises a main part and an adapter piece, rotation of the main part causmg raising and lowcrmg of the at least one wheel at one end of the shaft and rotation of the adapter causing rotation of the at least one wheel at the opposing end of the shaft 9 An accessory as claimed in claim 8 wherein the main part is pro' ided ith a first region of larger diameter aiid a second region comprising a rod of smaller diameter, at least the end of the rod being hollow and the first region being provided with threads in at least a region towards the end remote from the rod An accessory as claimed in claim 9 wherein the adapter piece comprises a threaded shaft having the same outer diameter as the first region of the main part, an inner bore ror receiving the rod of the maui part and projections and/or slots at one end of the shaft for fonning male or female parts respectn'ely I I An accessory as claimed in claiiii 9 or 10 wherein at least oiie wheel connected to a gear mounted on a bracket is provided around both the adapter piece and the main part in the region of the threads 12 Au accessory as claimed in any one of clauns 8 to II wherein means is provided to allow siinultaueous rotation of the adapter and the main part I 3 An accessory as claimed in claim 12 wherein a tool is provided that is constructed to rotate the main part in one configuration but that is adjustable to cause rotation of the main part and adapter in the another configuration 14 An accessory as claimed in claim 13 wherein the tool compnses a housing containing a spnng mounted rod. the housing having projecnons and/or slots at one cud thereof, the rod extending past the cud of the projections An accessory as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further compn sing an outer smooth shaft for mounting over the at least one threaded shaft. the outer shaft having openings to expose the threaded region 16 A kit ofparts comprising an accessory as claimed in any one of claims I to 15 aiid a tool for operation of the accessory.

   17 An accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the obiect is a household appliance or furniture 18 An object fitted with an accessory as claimed in any one of claims I to 15 19 A household appliance comprising a housing containing the components of the appliance and an accessory as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 attached to, or fonned within, the base of the housing A household appliance as claimed in claim 19 further eompnsing a storage compartment for receiving a tool ror operation of the accessory 21 An accessory substantially as herembefore descnbed and with reference to Figures 1 to 6 or 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings 22 An object fitted with an accessory substantially as hereinbefore descnbed and with reference to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings