MXPA00000114A - Lift dolly for use with stand-mounted power tools - Google Patents

Abstract

A lift dolly (10) is provided for lifting and transporting stand-mounted power tools (57) and the like, with little effort. The dolly includes a pair of platforms (1,18) and a wheel system having at least three castors (30) extending downward from the platforms. The dolly is designed such that stepping onto a latching or locking mechanism (25) by the operator causes the wheel system to be forced downward relative to the stand (55) thereby slightly lifting the power tool and stand off the ground and enabling transport of same via the castors. Another step on the locking or latching mechanism disengages the wheel system and permits gravity to return the stand and tool firmly to the ground for use.

Description

ROLLING PLATFORM FOR LIFTING FOR USE WITH MECHANICAL TOOLS MOUNTED IN PEDESTAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a lifting dolly that is adapted to lift and transport pedestal-mounted mechanical tools and the like. More particularly, this invention is concerned with such a rolling lifting platform that allows the operator to lift the tool to be transported by simply stepping on a receiving surface of the foot, thereby forcing the wheel system of the dolly in relation to the tool and a position to support and transport the tool mounted on a pedestal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lifting dollies are well known in the art. Rolling platforms that work to lift and move bulky machinery, glass plates and the like have been provided. On such dollies, a manually operated hydraulic jack commonly lifts and lowers forks to lift the machinery, after which the dolly and machinery can jointly be made REF.: 32442 «* - * • * - '^' - - .., -_ ^. roll along the floor / floor by means of a pair of wheels mounted on the dolly. Unfortunately, such dollies, as they are useful for transporting boxes, glass plates, etc. they are not adapted to lift and / or transport articles such as pedestal-mounted mechanical tools and the like due to the shape defined by the legs of such pedestals. In view of the foregoing, it is evident that there is a need in the art for a rolling lift platform capable of lifting and transporting, with little effort, pedestal mounted objects, such as power tools. Preferably, such a dolly must be simple, easy to use and cost effective to manufacture. It is a purpose of this invention to satisfy the needs described above in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, this invention meets the needs described above in the art by providing a lifting dolly for lifting and transporting pedestal-mounted mechanical tools and the like. In certain modalities, the dolly platform includes a pair of rigid platforms and «Aüga > , asitü a system of wheels that has at least three and preferably four wheels that extend down the same. The dolly is designed in such a way that a footstep on an element or surface receiving the foot by the operator causes the wheel system to be forced downwards in relation to the tool and its pedestal and fixed in a position of tool holder for rigidly lift the mechanical tool and pedestal away from the ground and facilitate the transport of the same. Another footprint by the operator, on the receiving surface of the foot separates (this is unlocks / releases) the system of wheels and allows the force of gravity to return the pedestal and the tool the floor for use. The invention also satisfies the needs described above in the art by providing: a rolling platform for selectively lifting and transporting a mechanical tool mounted on a pedestal, the rolling platform is characterized in that it comprises: a first platform that includes a wheel system (e.g. wheels) extending down therefrom and a surface or actuating element for receiving pressure applied downwards by an operator in order to lift the pedestal and tool from the floor; a second platform that includes a system of wheels that extends downwards thereof; connection means for rigidly securing the first platform to a portion of the pedestal and means for rigidly securing the second platform to another portion of the pedestal; the surface or actuating element of the first platform is located above at least a portion of the second platform and lifting means to lift the tool and mechanical tool from the ground and allow the transport thereof via the wheels, the elements of lifting include selectively actuated coupling means (eg retainer) for selectively coupling the first and second platforms and which are actuated in response to the pressure applied downwardly on the surface or drive element that drives the wheels downwards, such as so that the wheels, instead of the pedestal, support the mechanical tool on the ground.

IN THE DRAWINGS *** ~ "~" ^ **** • * ~ * .- fes «« - ^ Figure 1 is a perspective view of the lifting dolly according to an embodiment of this invention, in its locked position Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dolly of Figure 1 in its unlocked / collapsed position Figure 3 is a right-side elevational view of the dolly of Figures 1-2, assembled to a pedestal supporting a table saw, the dolly is illustrated in the unlocked position, where the pedestal supports only the saw Figure 4 is a fragmentary right side elevational view of the dolly of Figures 1-3 mounted on the pedestal of the table saw of figure 3, the dolly is illustrated in the locked position where the table and pedestal saw are held on the ground by the wheels to allow their transport. front elevation of the dolly platform of Figures 1 - 4 mounted to the pedestal, illustrating the dolly in its unlocked position where the pedestal comes into contact with the ground.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the platform of Figs. 1-5 assembled to the pedestal, illustrating the platform in its locked and raised position, where the pedestal is lifted off the ground and the pedestal and saw are supported on the ground mainly through the wheels. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the retention / fastening system used to connect the first and second dollies of Figures 1-6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a dolly according to another embodiment of this invention. Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of part of the retention mechanism of Figure 7, illustrating the attachment of the driver spring of the male retention element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN MODALITIES OF THIS INVENTION With reference now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts in all the various views. * &"- With reference to Figures 1-7, it is seen that the lifting dolly of the present invention, denoted in general by the reference number 10, includes a first rigid platform 12 having a proximal end 14 and a distant end 16 and a second rigid platform 18 having a proximal end 20 and a distal end 22. The first platform 12 includes a generally flat, triangular and trapezoidal frame portion 24 including rigid elongate elements 3 -5, which may be open (as illustrated) or closed (for example a sheet of solid or nearly solid metal or the like.) The wheel system of the first platform 12 may include for example a first pair of rods 28 of wheels each having a wheel 30 thereon, which extends downwardly from the frame 24 near the distal end 16 of the platform 12. Alternatively, other known types of wheels may be used in place of the wheels. 30 for supporting the lifting dolly 10. For example, the wheels system of each pallet may simply include a single elongated rotating cylinder (in place of the wheels illustrated), such that only two wheels are provided throughout the device. It should be noted though that according to this embodiment of cylinder inclusive, the dolly would only be mobile in one direction instead of in all directions (that is, of course, acceptable in certain embodiments of this invention). With reference to Figures 1, 2, 7 and 9, the platform 12 further includes, as part of the retention mechanism, a receiving surface of the foot or pedal 25 mounted on top of the respective ends of the elements 3 and 4, a male portion. 48 extending downwardly of the retaining element which is rotatably mounted below the surface 25, a mounting element 47 or one of the elements 3 or 4 (or the plate 25) and the pivot shaft 49 around which the male portion 48 rotates in relation to the mounting element 47. The second platform 18 is further sized small than the platform 12 and includes a generally flat, triangular and trapezoidal frame portion 32 including rigid elongate elements 6-9. The frame 32 can be opened (as illustrated) or closed. A second pair of wheels of wheels 34, each having a wheel 30 thereon, extend downward from the frame 32 near the distal end 22 and a transverse bar 9 thereof. The platform 18 further includes, as part of the bolt / fastener assembly, a rigid U-shaped element 50 projecting vertically from the internal vertical surface of the transverse bar 9, or cam surface 51 which is extends from the upper horizontal surface or transverse bar 9, opening or bolt hole 52 (see Figure 7) defined on the lower surface of the U-shaped element 50 and fixing cross bar 59 which fixes the retention mechanism when inserting it into the cut or notch 58 of the male element 48. Although the camming surface is defined by the projection 51 in the illustrated embodiments, this surface can be defined by other portions of the platform 18 or the female portion of the retaining mechanism. With respect to the platforms 12, 18 and the frames 24, 32 thereof, the platforms illustrated in Figures 1-8 are open (that is, they are composed of the frame including a plurality of rigid elements joined together at the corners of the frame). However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that platforms 12 and 18 (also like frames 24 and 32) can be of any of a variety of shapes or designs, provided that the essential function of the rolling platform. For example, each platform may be composed of a flat or arched sheet of rigid material (e.g. sheet metal) that is devoid of elongated frame elements. Further, It will be appreciated that the illustrated and discussed retention mechanism is exemplary and the invention is not limited thereto. Instead of this, other known retention mechanisms allowing a selective union of the platforms could be used. The mounting elements (or securing plates) 38 are attached to the four corners of the platform 10 for the purpose of fixing the dolly to the four legs of the pedestal 55 supporting an item such as a power tool 57 (e.g. of table). Other tools such as drills, lathes, etc., can also be mounted on the pedestal 55, as well as other objects besides the mechanical tools. For example, it has been further found that the dolly 10 can be advantageously used in conjunction with or integrated into a wide variety of other devices such as tables, work benches, medical equipment, chairs, elevators, filing cabinets, copiers and other equipment. office to facilitate the lifting and / or transport of them. Each mounting element 38 is rotatably attached to the corresponding platform and / or frame and is rotatable about a vertical axis, such that the platforms can be mounted on different sides of pedestal legs 55 of different sizes.

In order to use the lifting dolly 10 to carry out its proposed function, the first platform 12 is positioned close to an object 55, 57 (for example pedestal-mounted mechanical tool) to be lifted. Each mounting element or securing plate 38 is secured to a leg different from the object 55, 57. This securing can be carried out in any appropriate manner, in which the insertion of bolts attached to the plates 38 through the corresponding openings defined in the legs of the pedestal 55. Once the securing plates 38 of the platform 12 are secured to the object 55, 57, the weight of the object causes the first platform 12 to be oriented in such a way that the wheels 30 only they rest on the ground without supporting the object (that is, while the wheels 30 may touch the ground or be slightly raised from it, the pedestal can not be moved since the legs are the primary tool holder and the use of the tool is not affected). See figure 3. The second platform 18 is secured to the other end of the object 55, 57 to be lifted in a manner similar to securing the first platform 12 to the object 55, 57 (this is the platform 12 is attached to the first and second legs of the pedestal 55, while the «^ Platform 18 is attached to the third and fourth legs of the pedestal). When the second platform 18 is secured, it is oriented with its proximal end 20 ending below the first platform 12. See figure 3. In order to lift the object 55, 57 from the ground in order to move it via the dolly, downward pressure is exerted by an operator or user (preferably by the foot of the operator) on the surface or receiving platform 25 of the foot, near the end 14 of the frame 24. When the end 14 of the platform 12 is pressed downwards, the male portion 48 driven by spring is inserted through the opening 52 (see figure 7) of the female portion of the retaining element, then causing the bolt mechanism to lock the two platforms 12 and 18 together as the cut or notch 58 in the male element 48 receives the fastening element or cross bar 59 due to the impulse of the male element 48 towards the fixing element 59 by the spring 71 (see figure 9). When the cross bar 59 is locked in the groove 58 the wheels 30 of both platforms have been forced down and are retained there in contact with the ground in a supported manner as shown in Figures 4 and 6, thereby lifting the pedestal 55 and the tool 55 of the ground, in such a way that they can be ^^ g £ Rolled on the ground and transported. As discussed, when the rigid platform 12 is forced down by the operator, the elongated members 3 and 4 engage the end 20 and the cross bar 8 of the second platform 18 thereby causing the downward movement of the frame 32 in relation to the pedestal and thus the rollers 30 of the platform 18 also support the pedestal and the tool as shown in figures 4 and 6. When the first and second platforms are in general horizontal (for example see figures 4 and 6), the The pedestal and the tool are lifted off the floor by all four wheels or wheels and are ready for lateral transport on the ground. It will be noted that the first pair of rods 28 of the wheels may be longer than the second pair of rods 34 of the wheels in order to ensure positioning at the level of the dolly 10 or alternatively one or both of the frames 24 and 32 can be bent or curved to carry out the same result. In certain embodiments, the platforms 12 and 18 are not secured to each other in any way, except via the feet of the pedestal and the retention mechanism 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 59 when locked. Thus, when the rolling platform 10 is in its passive non-lifting position (see figures 2, 3 and 5), both Many platforms are not directly joined in certain embodiments, although the lower surfaces of the elements 3 and 4 rest on the upper part of the crossbar 8 of the platform 18 and the legs of the pedestal 55 indirectly couple the platforms. When the operator presses the surface 25, the male element 48 is fixed within the female portion 50, 52, 59 of the retention mechanism, thereby fixing the wheels or casters in their support position and at the same time, coupling the two platforms (See figures 7 and 9 for a detailed view of the retention mechanism). When the wheels are in their support position and the retainer is blocked by this coupling the pallets together, the pedestal 5 and the tool 57 can be rolled along the ground and transported. In certain alternative embodiments, the platforms 12 and 18 may be joined together at a site in addition to the retention mechanism (e.g. at bar 8). However, regardless of whether the platforms are additionally joined, they will be selectively coupled via the retention mechanism. Figure 9 illustrates the connection of the impeller spring 71 to the mounting element 47 and the male element 48 of the retention mechanism. Bolts 72 are provided to attach the spring 71 to these elements, such that the spring 71 urges the element 48 towards the cross bar 59 when the center of gravity of the element 48 is on the side of the cross bar 59 of the shaft 63 and away from the cross bar 59 when the center of gravity of the male element is on the other side of the shaft 63. With reference to figure 7, when it is desired to lower the pedestal and the tool from its raised position, the operator simply step on the surface 25 in order to release the retainer and allow the force of gravity to lower the pedestal and the tool to the ground for use. When the operator steps on the surface 25 when the retainer is locked, the male portion 48 is further caused to move downwardly through the aperture 52 such that the upward angular surface 61 of the element 48 slides along. of the inner surface of the cross bar 59. The sliding of the angular surface 61 of the element 48 along the cross bar 59 causes the male element 48 to rotate about the pivot axis 49 in a direction away from the cross bar 59 and to the opposite side of the shaft 63 extending through each of the elements 47 and 48 and the shaft 49. When the male element 48 reaches the other side of the shaft 63, the spring causes the male element 48 to be driven in the opposite rotating direction (that is, "^ GÜjj ^ jj ^ | ^ away from the cross bar 59 as seen in Figure 7) such that when the operator lifts his foot off the surface 25, the pedestal 55 falls to the ground as the male element 48 moves up through aperture 52 and is propelled away from cross bar 59. On its way up away from aperture 52 and cross bar during the release / unlocking process, the side of the element 48 opposite the cut 58 comes into contact with the projection (or cam surface) 51 which causes the element 48 to move backwards to the side of the cross bar 59 of the axis 63, such that when the element male 48 is again pressed down through the opening 52, the spring will urge the member 48 towards the cross bar 59 which will come to rest within the cut 58, thereby fixing together the platforms of the dolly, the pedestal and the tool in the position n raised or lifted. Figure 8 illustrates the dolly according to another embodiment of this invention. This embodiment is different from the previously described modality (s) in which the securing plates 38 are replaced with crossbar elements 82 and 82 that are part of the frames 24 and 32, respectively. The two platforms are joined to the four legs of the pedestal 55 by means of ^ g crossbars 81-82 and the mounting openings defined therein. The bolts are fed through the openings 83 and the legs of the pedestal in order to mount the dolly to the pedestal. In addition, all other elongated elements (3, 4, 6, 7 and 8) of the frames or platforms are plugged into this embodiment in order to allow the dolly to be mounted on pedestals 55 and tools 57 of different sizes. Thus, each of these plug-in elongate elements includes an internal elongate element and an external elongate element which are axially adjustable one relative to the other in order to alter the lengths of the elements 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8. An Given the above description, therefore, various other modifications, features or improvements will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such other features or aspects, modifications and improvements are thus considered part of this invention, the scope of which will be determined by the following claims. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. ^ jj = ^^^^^^^^ gl ^^^^

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, it is claimed as property, contained in the following claims: 1. A rolling platform to selectively lift and transport a mechanical tool mounted on a pedestal, the mechanical platform is characterized by comprising: a first platform that includes a system of wheels extending down therefrom, the first platform further includes a surface or actuating element for receiving downward pressure in order to lift the pedestal and the tool from the floor; a second platform that includes a system of wheels that extends downwards thereof; connection means for rigidly securing the first platform to a portion of the pedestal and for rigidly joining the second platform to another portion of the pedestal; the surface or actuating element of the first platform is located above at least a portion of the second platform and lifting means for moving the dolly from a passive position to a lifting position, thereby lifting the pedestal and the tool of the floor and allowing the mechanical tool to be moved on the ground via the system of wheels, the lifting means include coupling means selectively operated to selectively couple the first and second platforms and which are actuated in response to the applied pressure towards down which is applied to the surface or driving element that drives the wheels downwards, in such a way that the wheel system, as opposed to the pedestal, supports the mechanical tool on the ground.
2. 2. The dolly according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection means for fixing the first and second platforms to the pedestal include means for fixing the platforms in such a way that the platforms, when fixed to the pedestal, are disposed completely inside. of the outer periphery of the pedestal, in such a way that the footprint of the mechanical tool and the pedestal is not extended by the rolling platform during the use of the tool.
3. 3. The dolly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises retaining means, operatively associated with the surface or actuating element for attaching a portion of the first platform to a portion of the second platform in order to force the Wheel systems down and lift the pedestal and tool off the ground. .
4. The dolly in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the retaining means includes a male element fixed to one of the platforms and a corresponding female element fixed to the other of the platforms for receiving the male element.
5. The dolly in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the surface or actuating element includes a receiving surface of the foot, in such a way that the operator can lift the pedestal and the tool from the ground when stepping on the receiving surface of the foot. , in such a way that the retaining means join the first and second platforms together and cause the wheel systems to be forced downwards in relation to the pedestal, in such a way that the wheels support the pedestal.
6. The dolly in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that at least part of the retaining means is located in an elongate element joining the opposite sides of the second platform.
7. The dolly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that each of the platforms includes a frame that is one of: (i) a shape ^ H | gg ^^^ triangular; (ii) rectangular shape and (iii) trapezoidal shape.
8. The dolly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the connection means for fixing the first platform to the pedestal includes first and second elements rotatably attached to the first platform.
9. 9. The dolly in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the first platform includes a frame having first and second elongated elements and the first rotatably attached element is joined to the first elongated element near one end thereof and the second rotatably attached element is joined to the second elongate element near an end of the same.
10. The rolling platform according to claim 9, characterized in that the wheel system of the first platform includes a pair of wheels and the wheels of the first platform are joined to the first and second elongated elements respectively.
11. The roller platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the first platform includes first and second rigid elongate elements joined by a crossbar element and the second platform also includes first and second rigid elongated elements joined together by another ni-rlii nr uni nin,, i ^^ mttmm ttm ^ ¿iiM ^ ^^^^^ m crossbar element and where the first and second rigid elongated elements of the first platform are put in contact with the top of the other crossbar element of the second platform when the dolly is in its lifting position to lift the pedestal and the tool.
12. The dolly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the first pedestal portion includes first and second legs of the pedestal and the second pedestal portion includes third and fourth legs of the pedestal.
13. 13. A method for lifting and transporting an object mounted on a pedestal, having first, second, third and fourth legs, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) providing a lifting platform that includes first and second elements rigid which can be selectively joined together by means of a retention mechanism; (b) fixing the first rigid element of the lifting platform to the first and second legs of the pedestal; (c) fixing the second rigid element of the lifting platform to the third and fourth legs of the pedestal, in such a way that when the first and second rigid elements of the dolly are fixed to the pedestal, but are not linked together via the pedestal. retaining mechanism, the pedestal is the primary ground support for the object to be lifted and (d) forcing a part of the first rigid element downward relative to the pedestal, the forcing step causes the retention mechanism to be actuated and engaged together the first and second rigid elements and lifts the pedestal and the object of the floor, in such a way that when a system of wheels of the dolly, instead of the pedestal, is the primary ground support for the object when the retention mechanism it is driven and couples the first and second rigid elements together, thereby allowing the transport of the object.
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of forcing includes the step in which the operator steps on a receiving surface of the foot or pedal in order to force down the part of the first rigid element.
15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that each of the first and second rigid elements includes a platform having a plurality of rigid elongated elements and the retaining mechanism includes a male portion mounted to the first rigid element and a portion female mounted to the second rigid element.
16. 16. A mechanical tool device that can be selectively transported from one site to another along the floor, the mechanical tool device is characterized in that it comprises: a pedestal having first, second, third and fourth elongated legs; a motorized tool mounted on the pedestal; a fixed lifting platform to the pedestal, the lifting platform includes a system of wheels and is able to define each of a passive position and a lifting position, the passive position is defined when the pedestal is the ground support primary for the tool and the lifting position is defined when the pedestal and the tool are lifted off the ground and the dolly is the primary ground support for the tool; the rolling platform includes a first rigid element fixed to the first and second legs of the pedestal, a second rigid element fixed directly only to the third and fourth legs of the pedestal and selectively activated connection means defining a first state and a second state, the rolling platform is in the ^^ | passive position when the selectively driven connection means are in their first state and in the lifting position when the connecting means are in their second state; driving means for moving the connecting means from its first state to its second state in response to a pressure that is applied downwards to the first rigid element, thereby lifting the tool and the pedestal from the ground and allowing the transport thereof via the wheel system and deactivation means for moving the connecting means from its second state to its first state in response to another pressure applied downward that is applied to the first rigid element, thereby causing the dolly to move from the state of rising to the passive state, in such a way that the tool can be used.
17. The mechanical tool device according to claim 16, characterized in that the connection means includes a latching mechanism having a male portion mounted to the first rigid element and a female portion mounted to the second rigid element.
18. 18. A lifting dolly to lift and allow the transport of an object, the dolly lifting platform is characterized in that it comprises: a first rigid platform adapted to be fixed rigidly to a part of the object; a second rigid platform adapted to be fixed rigidly to another portion of the object; retaining means for selectively coupling the first platform to the second platform; lifting means for lifting the object from the ground by applying pressure downwards to the first platform which causes the retaining means to jointly couple the first and second platforms and means of abatement to bring the object to the ground by applying pressure towards further down to the first platform that causes the retention means to uncouple the first and second platforms.
19. 19. The dolly in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that each of the wheel systems includes a pair of rollers.
20. 20. A retaining mechanism for selectively coupling first and second rigid elements, the retaining mechanism is characterized in that it comprises: the first rigid element that includes a male element rotatably mounted thereto, the male element is capable of being driven in first and second addresses Ji? Mttb-k. «^ A. -M £ 3"different and includes a first surface having a notch defined therein and a second surface opposite the first surface; the second rigid element includes a female portion mounted thereto, each female portion having a transverse element for engagement with the notch and a cam surface; driving means for securing the first and second rigid elements together via the retention mechanism by directing the male element through an opening defined in the female portion when the male element is urged in the first direction towards the transverse member, such so that the transverse bar comes to rest within the notch, thereby securing the first and second rigid elements together and disabling means for decoupling the first and second rigid elements by directing the male element further through the opening, to cause the male element is driven in the second direction and thereafter directing the male element back outwards and away from the opening, such that the second surface of the male element comes into contact with the cam surface, thereby causing that the male element is driven again in the first direction towards the bar transverse, so that the notch will engage with the transverse bar when the male element is directed again towards the opening in the female portion.