WO2007061402A1

WO2007061402A1 - Hand operated dolly with brake system

Info

Publication number: WO2007061402A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/040708
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Valdez; Able Casas, Sr.
Original assignee: Benjamin Valdez; Casas Able Sr
Priority date: 2005-11-11
Filing date: 2005-11-11
Publication date: 2007-05-31

Abstract

A hand operated dolly with an integrated brake system for controlling the speed of the dolly on sloped surfaces such as ramps. The hand operated dolly includes a pair of side rails, a top rail, a center rail shaped to form a handle, four cross members, two wheels and a lift platform. The dolly further includes a brake lever, a pair of brake assemblies further comprising a pivotally mounted pair of caliper arms having a first end and a second end including a pair of abrasive pads. A brake cable interconnects the brake lever and the first end of the caliper arms allowing the actuation of the caliper arms upon depressing the brake lever which engages the abrasive pads with a respective wheel.

Description

HAND OPERATED DOLLY WITH BRAKE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a manually operated dolly more specifically but not by way of limitation, a hand operated dolly for moving heavy and cumbersome materials that has wheels controlled by an integrated brake system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The overall purpose of any type of tool or piece of equipment is to minimize the amount of physical effort needed to complete a given task or set of tasks. The use of both power and manual tools permeates all levels of a society not just the professional construction and building industry workers. Those people who enjoy working on small nrniect^ς arm.i-nd the home and office str-l^v " varietv -'-■^■f tools s~d invoigr-ients. [0003] Whether working in a professional manner or just on projects around the home, moving large items such as heavy boxes or other awkward shaped items represents a potential injury risk to the individual involved in the task. Moderate to severe back injuries frequently occur to individuals that engage in moving heavy items. It is also difficult to control the dolly once it is loaded with the object being moved, particularly on moving ramps or sloped surfaces such as but not limited to, hilly streets or sidewalks. [0004] Frequently, these moving tasks must be performed by only one individual. Conventional hand operated dollies have been shown to be effective in transporting loads on flat surfaces, no current dollies have been shown to address the need to control the load on sloped surfaces and assist in stabilizing the hand dolly while positioning the dolly to the wheels. Accordingly, there is a need for a hand operated dolly with a brake system that will allow a user to position the dolly onto the wheels and control the loaded dolly on sloped surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand operated dolly containing several advantages over a existing hand operated dollies.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a dolly with an integrated brake system that facilitates ease of use on sloped surfaces and to allow for the control of the speed.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new brake operated dolly that allows the user to stabilize the dolly in order to assist positioning the dolly onto the wheels in preparation for transporting the load to the desired location.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention is to provide a new brake operated dolly that reduces the potential risk of back injury.

[0009] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a hand operated dolly with an integrated brake system comprising of different types of brake systems dependent upon the load for which the dolly is designed to transport.

[0010] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

[0012] FIGURE 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIGURE 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the brake lever of the present invention; and

[0014] FIGURE 3 illustrates an enlarged detailed view of the brake assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Referring to the embodiments in Figures 1, 2 and 3, wherein like elements are designated with identical reference numerals throughout the views and figures and wherein various elements depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in particular Figure 1, there is illustrated a hand-operated dolly with an integrated brake system 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention. [0016] The hand-operated dolly with an integrated brake system 100 includes an outer rail 130 generally tubular in shape. The outer rail 130 having a first and second end is generally arcuate in shape in the middle portion, with two elongated parallel side rails 132 and a top rail 135.

[0017] Interposed to the side rails 132 are at three cross members 120. The cross members 120 are secured to the side rails 132 by suitable methods such as but not limited to, welding. The cross members 120 are planar in shape and are used to provide structural support to the hand-operated dolly 100 as well as support for any load to be transported. The cross membersO 120 are manufactured from a suitable material such as but not , limited to steel or steel alloy. [0018] An elongated center rail 155 is secured intermediate side rails 132 to the cross members 120. One end of center rail 155 is mounted superposed to a lift platform 160. The second end of the center rail 155 is shaped to extend outward from the top cross member 120 to form a handle 150, with the end thereof secured by suitable to the top rail 135.

[0019] Lift platform 160 is secured the ends of the side rails 132 and the first end of the center rail 155. Lift platform 160 is generally rectangular in shape and configured in a substantially planar manner, with the periphery secured to side rails 132 and center rail 155. The lift platform 160 is comprised of a suitable material such as steel or steel alloy and is used to substantially support the load being transported by the hand operated dolly 100. The lift platform 160 is at least one-eighth inch thick. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different thicknesses of the lift platform 160 could be used to increase the load capacity of the hand-operated dolly 100. It is further contemplated that lift platform 160 could be connected to the ends of the side rails 132 with hinges to allow lift platform 160 to be folded up for storage.

[0020] Still referring to Figure 1, a pair of wheel brackets 170 are mounted the outer rail 130 in close proximity to the lift platform 160. The wheel brackets 170 are triangular in shape and are comprised of a suitable material such as but not limited to flat metal or metal alloy. A pair of wheels 105 rotatably mounted to the wheel brackets 170. [0021] Mounted adjacently superposed to the wheel brackets 170 longitudinally along each of the side rails 132 are support brackets 175. Support brackets 175 are generally rectangular in shape and are manufactured from a suitable material such as steel or steel alloy and provide structural support for the hand operated dolly 100. [0022] Adjacent to the wheel brackets 170 and support brackets 175 are a pair of wheel/brake covers 110. The brake covers 110 are superposed over each wheel 105. The brake covers 110 are constructed from a suitable durable material such as metal or plastic and are designed to protect the brake assemblies 300 (see Figure 3). A pair of brake assemblies 300 are pivotally mounted via an arm fastener 335 adjacently underneath each brake cover 110 in close proximity to each wheel 105. Each brake assembly 300 has a pair of caliper arms 330 having a first end and a second end mounted in a scissor-like arrangement. Integral with the second end of each of the caliper arms 330 are abrasive brake pads 310.

[0023] Securely fastened by conventional methods to the first end of each caliper arm 330 is the second end of the brake cable 320. The caliper arms 330 mounted in a scissor- like manner with the brake pads 310 being opposed to one another and being movable toward and away from one another and are engagable to the opposite sides of a respective wheel.

[0024] A brake lever 200 is securely mounted to the handle 150 via a brake handle bracket 210. A first end of the brake cable 320 is securely and conventionally mounted to the brake lever 200. The brake cable 320 is mounted interposed to the brake lever 200 and the first end of the caliper arms 330. The brake cable 320 is longitudinally secured to the center rail 155 securely with cable support brackets 177. [0025] It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous configurations of the outer rail 130, center rail 155 and the cross members 120 are possible. It is also within the scope of the present invention that numerous suitable materials could be used to manufacture the outer rail 130, center rail 155 and the cross members 120. Suitable materials such as but not limited to steel, aluminum or steel alloys could be used in manufacturing the outer rail 130, center rail 155, and the cross members 120. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many alternative materials and configurations could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the material and configurations suggested herein to achieve the functionality suggested for the hand operated dolly 100. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that different wall thicknesses of metal could be used in manufacturing the hand operated dolly 100 to increase the load capacity and strength.

[0026] Referring now in particular to Figure 2 and 3 the brake assembly 300 comprises of a pair of caliper arms 330 each having a first and second end pivotally mounted via an arm fastener 335. A pair of brake pads 310 are secured to the second end of the caliper arms 330. A brake assembly 300 is mounted superposed with each respective wheel 105. The first ends of the caliper arms 330 are securely mounted to the brake cable 320 via connectors 337.The second end of the brake cable 320 extends through the connectors 337 integrally mounted with the first end of each of the opposing caliper arms 330. The brake cable 320 extends from the first end of the caliper arm 330 to the brake lever 200 longitudinally along the center rail 155. The brake lever 200 operates in a conventional manner having a first position and a second position. The first position of the brake lever 200 is a resting position that does not apply any force or bias against the brake cable 320. The brake lever 200 has a second position upon where the brake lever 200 is depressed by a user to exert a bias against the brake cable 320. In the second position of the brake lever 200, the brake cable 320 pulls the opposing first ends of each of the caliper arms 330 together which pushes the brake pads 310 integrally mounted with the second ends of the caliper arms 330 against the opposing side of each respective wheel 105. This force allows the user to control the speed of movement of the hand operated dolly 100 or keep the hand operated dolly 100 from moving completely. This results in the ability of the user of the hand operated dolly 100 to control the speed of the hand operated dolly 100 on sloped surfaces.

[0027] Depressing the brake lever 200 to its second position, engages the brake pads 310 with the respective wheels 105 allowing the user to more easily tilt the hand operated dolly 100 back on its wheels in preparation of transporting the desired load. The brake pads 310 are manufactured of a suitable abrasive material such as but not limited to rubber or nylon. The brake pads 310 are designed to be periodically replaced as continuous use will degrade the brake pad 310.

[0028] It is contemplated within the scope of this invention that other brake assemblies 300 are possible. More specifically but not by way of limitation, a hand operated dolly 100 designed to transport heavy loads could utilize piston driven calipers with integrated brake pads to control the speed of the hand operated dolly 100. The brake pads 310 would mesh against metallic discs that would be mounted adjacent the wheel 105. When the brake lever 200 is in the second position it would activate the pistons, which would move the brake pads against the metallic discs. This would allow the user to control the speed of the loaded hand operated dolly 100.

[0029] In yet another embodiment wheel 105 has an integrated pinion gear. The pinion gear would contain a plurality of teeth that would mesh with an adjacent shaft that would lock the wheel into place when the pinion gear and the shaft are engaged. The shaft would have a first position and a second position controlled by the brake lever 200 and the brake cable 320. The brake cable 320 would be interposed the shaft and the brake lever 200. When the brake lever 200 is depressed, it would place the shaft into the second position allowing the plurality of teeth on the shaft and the pinion gear to interlock. This would allow the user to control the speed of the hand operated dolly 100. [0030] Now referring to Figure 1, the wheels 105 would consist of a solid non- degradable material such as but not limited too rubber or plastic. Although it is not shown, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that different wheels 105 would be used depending upon the load being transported with the hand operated dolly 100. A hand operated dolly 100 designed to transport heavier load would utilize larger wheels such as but not limited to inflatable rubber tires. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many alternative types of wheels 105 could be used to achieve the functionality suggested herein.

[0031] Referring now in particular to Figure 2, the brake lever 200 is consists of a single piece of suitable material such as but not limited to aluminum or plastic. The brake lever 200 is pivotally mounted to the brake handle bracket 210. The brake handle bracket 210 securely mounts the brake lever 200 adjacent to the dolly handle 150. This allows for easy control of the hand operated dolly 100 during transportation of the desired loads. It is within the scope of this invention that alternate configurations of the brake lever 200 are possible. The brake lever 200 could be comprised of a single piece of suitable material with integrated finger grooves for improved handling of the brake lever 200. Yet another embodiment would include a padded brake lever 200 to increase user comfort. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many alternative configurations of the brake lever 200 exist which could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the configuration and materials suggested herein to achieve the desired functionality. [0032] Referring in particular to the drawings submitted herewith, a description of the operation of the hand operated dolly 100 is as follows. In use, a user would load the hand operated dolly 100 with the desired material to be transported. The user would grab the handle 150 and depress the brake lever 200 to its second position. Once in its second position the brake lever 200 applies a bias against the first end of the brake cable 320. This causes the first ends of the caliper arms 330 mounted in the scissor-like arrangement opposed to one another to move towards each other. The second ends of the caliper arms 330 with the integral brake pads 310 move toward and engage with the opposite sides of each respective wheel 105. Once the brake pads 310 are engaged with the wheels 105, the user can more easily tilt the hand operated dolly towards the user in preparation to transported the loaded material. The user then returns the brake lever 200 to its first position, which releases the brake pads 310 from the wheels 105. The user then pushes the loaded dolly to the desired location. During movement of the loaded dolly, the user can intermittently as needed, depress the brake lever 200 to its second position to. assist in controlling the speed of the hand operated dolly 100 on sloped surfaces. Once the desired destination has been reached, the user depresses the brake lever 200 to its second position to engage the brake pads 310 with each respective wheel 105 in order to stabilize the hand operated dolly 100 and return it to a standing position whereon the lift platform 160 is engaged with the ground.

[0033] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hand operated dolly for moving objects comprising: an outer rail having a first rail with a first end and a second rail with a second end, said outer rail having an arcuate portion intermediate said first rail and said second rail, said arcuate portion forming a top rail; a first wheel mounted adjacent to said first end of said first rail and a second wheel mounted adjacent to said second end of said side rail; a lift platform generally rectangular in shape secured to said first end and to said second end of said outer rail; and a brake assembly, said brake assembly including at least one brake lever and at least one brake caliper, said at least one brake lever being connected to said at least one brake caliper by a brake cable, said at least one brake caliper positioned about one of said at least two wheels.

2. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 1, and further comprising at least one cross member mounted between said first side rail and said second side rail, said at least one cross member providing structural support.

3. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 2, and further comprising a center rail mounted to said at least one cross members, said top rail and said lift platform.

4. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 3, wherein said brake lever is mounted to said center rail, with said brake cable being secured between said brake lever and said brake caliper.

5. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 4, wherein said brake caliper has two arms pivotally mounted about at least one wheel and each said arms having a first and second end with said first end of said arms connected to said cable.

6. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 5, wherein said second end of said arms have at least one brake pad engagable with a respective side of said wheel.

7. A hand operated dolly for moving objects comprising: a frame having a first side rail, a second side rail and a top rail, said top rail being intermediate said first side rail and said second side rail, said top rail being arcuate in shape; a cross member mounted between said first side rail and said second side rail, said cross member providing structural support for said frame; a first wheel detachably mounted to said frame proximate to said first side rail and a second wheel detachably mounted to said frame proximate to said second side raid; a lift platform rectangular in shape, said lift platform being secured to said frame; and a brake assembly having one brake lever connected to a pair of brake calipers mounted in close proximity to said wheels, said brake lever and said calipers being connected by a brake cable having a first end and a second end.

8. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 7, and further comprising a plurality of cross members, each of said plurality of cross members being attached between said first side rail and said second side rail.

9. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 8, and further comprising a center rail mounted intermediate to said first side rail and said second side rail and perpendicular to said plurality of cross members, said center rail having a first end and a second end, said second end secured to said lift platform and said first end shaped to form a handle being mounted to said top rail.

10. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 9, wherein said brake lever is secured to said handle, said brake lever having a first position and a second position.

11. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 10, wherein said calipers includes two arms pivotally mounted to said frame proximate said wheels, each of said two arms having a first end and a second end.

12. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 11, wherein said first end of said arms on each pair of said calipers are connected to said second end of said brake cable.

13. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 12, wherein said second end of said calipers have integrally mounted brake pads that are engagable to opposite sides of said respective wheel.

14. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 13, wherein said brake pads are comprised of at least one of rubber and nylon.

15. A hand operated dolly for moving objects comprising: an outer rail having a first end and a second end arcuate in shape forming two side rails and a top rail; a cross member mounted perpendicular between said side rails providing structural support for said side rails; a center rail mounted parallel between said side rails having a first end and a second end, said second end curved perpendicular to said cross members to form a handle and secured to said top rail; a pair of wheels detachably mounted to said side rails adjacent to said first end and said second end of said outer rail; a lift platform rectangular in shape secured to said first end and to said second end of said outer rail; and a brake assembly having one brake lever connected said handle, said brake lever connected to two pair of brake calipers mounted in close proximity to each of said wheels, said brake lever and said calipers being connected by a brake cable having a first end and a second end.

16. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 15, wherein said brake cable is longitudinally secured to said center rail.

17. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 16, wherein said brake lever has a first position and a second position wherein said second position biases said first end of said brake cable.

18. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 17, wherein said brake calipers have two arms pivotally connected, each arm having a first end and a second end, said first end of said arm connected to said second end of said cable with said calipers being mounted in close proximity to said wheels.

19. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 18, wherein said second ends of said arms are secured to brake pads that engage said wheel when said brake lever is in said second position.

20. The hand operated dolly as recited in claim 19, wherein said wheels are rubber.