U.S. patent application number 15/851160 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for rollaway storage cart with collapsible legs.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mobile Designs & Innovations, LLC. Invention is credited to Gerard Cheff, Robert Crump.
Application Number | 20180111260 15/851160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57276526 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180111260 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheff; Gerard ; et
al. |
April 26, 2018 |
Rollaway storage cart with collapsible legs
Abstract
The present invention discloses a portable work station that
provides a strong work surface combined with a significant volume
of secure tool storage. The disclosed invention allows a single
user to collapse, load, transport, unload, assemble and move the
apparatus to a specific work area without assistance. Once at the
designated work site, the apparatus of the present invention can be
locked in place, preventing unwanted motion during use. Further,
the disclosed invention provides an adjustable height work surface
that includes the ability to transport large construction materials
safely.
Inventors: |
Cheff; Gerard; (White Lake,
MI) ; Crump; Robert; (Manchester, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mobile Designs & Innovations, LLC |
Chesterfield |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57276526 |
Appl. No.: |
15/851160 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14708456 |
May 11, 2015 |
9849582 |
|
|
15851160 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 5/0003 20130101;
B62B 3/02 20130101; B25H 1/12 20130101; B62B 3/00 20130101; B25H
1/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B25H 1/04 20060101
B25H001/04; B25H 1/12 20060101 B25H001/12; B62B 3/00 20060101
B62B003/00 |
Claims
1. A method for a single user to load a portable work station
without applying weight bearing force comprising: placing the front
surface of the portable work station in close proximity to a
transport surface; pushing said portable work station towards a
transport condition such that a secondary loading wheel contacts
said transport surface; releasing a front latch mechanism; urging
said portable work station further onto said transport surface such
that said secondary loading wheel pivots a front set of collapsible
telescoping legs upward; continuing to push said portable work
station onto said transport surface such that a first set of roller
wheels accepts the weight of said portable work station; pushing
said portable work station further onto said transport surface
until a rear set of collapsible telescoping legs contacts said
transport surface; releasing a rear set of collapsible telescoping
legs; continuing to push said portable work station onto said
transport surface such that said second set of collapsible
telescoping legs moves upward; continuing to push said portable
work station further onto said transport surface such that a second
set of roller wheels accepts the weight of said portable work
station; moving said rear set of collapsible telescoping legs into
the interior of said portable work station; and pushing on said
handle bar until said portable work station is completely loaded
onto said transport surface.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said portable work station
comprises a combination mobile storage cart and adjustable height
work bench.
Description
[0001] This is a non-provisional utility patent application within
the meaning of 35 USC 111(a).
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This case is a Divisional of U.S. Utility patent application
Ser. No. 14/708,456, filed May 11, 2015, the entire disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0003] The subject of this invention relates generally to
multi-purpose storage devices. Specifically, the present invention
provides two primary functions: a portable work surface and storage
for tools and materials or other goods. Further, the apparatus is
constructed such that a single user is able to load/unload the
apparatus from and elevated surface, for example, the bed of a
pickup truck, the deck of a flatbed trailer or a bench.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Humans have worked with tools for millennia. Humans have
also used work surfaces for the same amount of time. Generally the
tools and the work surfaces are co-located such as in a workshop or
factory, but from time to time the need arises to accomplish work
away from the location of the tools. When that occurs, both the
tools and the work surface must be, at least to some extent,
portable. The alternative is to have separate sets of tools and
work surfaces at one or more remote work sites. This is highly
inefficient.
[0005] Contemporarily many solutions exist separately. That is,
there are numerous examples of work surfaces or work stations that
can be collapsed, carried to a remote worksite and then assembled.
Some of these devices are small, but some are also sized to handle
construction level tasks. While some of these devices are simple
"folding table" type devices, others have multiple functions
embedded, for example a set of vise jaws to clamp a work item.
[0006] Also in existence are many examples of tool carriers and/or
storage devices. The classic tool box is an example, but modernly
there are a large number of devices that have wheels and handles
capable of carrying a large number of tools. Some of these devices
even have a small reinforced surface for standing or, conceivably,
providing a small work surface. This class of devices includes the
ubiquitous two wheeled dolly used by delivery services and
movers.
[0007] As noted just above, both portable work surfaces and tool
carriers exist, thus it would make sense to combine the devices
into a single unit accomplishing both the need for a work surface
and the need to store the tools required to accomplish the work.
Also as noted, there are examples of small sized devices which can
both transport tools and be used as a small work surface, but these
devices are sized such that the work surface is not practical for
even mid-sized tasks and can only carry small tools. By combining
the functions of a bench scale work surface and a tool storage
device capable of handling larger tools, a user could move about
from site to site with only a single unit to manage.
[0008] Making the above combination portable is also a logical step
in the evolution of this type of device. However, at this time,
while some examples do exist, they exhibit numerous drawbacks which
make them difficult to use and less than optimum for the designated
tasks. The primary drawbacks are size and ease of use. Many
examples of portable tool storage devices may be found that include
a work surface, but unfortunately the surface is neither large
enough nor sturdy enough to allow a user to accomplish even simple
on-site tasks involving large or heavy materials. A further
drawback is the weight of the loaded device. In general, two people
are required to load/unload this type of device due to both size
and weight.
[0009] As a direct result, contemporary examples of combination
work surface/tool storage devices are difficult to use or too small
to be practical. This is so because supposing that the device is
large enough and strong enough to accomplish tasks involving large
and/or heavy materials, it is difficult, if not impossible, for a
single user to easily move, lift, transport or set up, Given that
the device is supposed to be portable, it must necessarily collapse
into a size that is able to fit in the bed of a truck or store in
the corner of a garage or on-site tool shed.
[0010] What would be desirable is a portable apparatus that
provides a stable, strong work surface capable of holding large
material as well as providing secure storage for a significant
number of tools. What would be additionally desirable is that this
apparatus be capable of being collapsed, loaded into a work
vehicle, transported, unloaded from the work vehicle, assembled and
then moved to the specific work area by a single user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention discloses a portable work station that
provides a strong work surface combined with a significant volume
of secure tool storage. The disclosed invention allows a single
user to collapse, load, transport, unload, assemble and move the
apparatus to a specific work area without assistance. Once at the
designated work site, the apparatus of the present invention can be
locked in place, preventing unwanted motion during use. Further,
the disclosed invention provides an adjustable height work surface
that includes the ability to transport large construction materials
safely.
[0012] The apparatus of the present invention consists of a
rectangular volume approximately three feet wide by seven feet long
with a depth of approximately eight inches. The top surface of the
rectangular volume is attached to a first side such that the top
may be opened or closed. Within the rectangular volume, and covered
by the top are one or more compartments for storing tools or
materials. In a first embodiment the top is a single surface. In a
second embodiment the top surface is split into three separate
pieces, each capable of being opened or closed independently, and
each with its own storage compartment.
[0013] Extending from the bottom surface of the rectangular volume
are two sets of folding legs, one set located near the front
surface and one set near the rear surface of the rectangular
volume. Each set of folding legs has a plurality of holes along its
length to allow the work surface height to be adjusted by a
locating means. Each set of legs also has a set of wheels at its
extremity to allow the apparatus to be moved easily by a single
user. The wheels near the front surface of the rectangular volume
are fixed, while the wheels at the rear of the rectangular volume
are of the swivel type to allow easy maneuvering by a single user.
Lastly, each of these sets of legs is collapsible such that in the
closed state they disappear into the underside of the rectangular
volume allowing the apparatus to roll on a pair of stationary
wheels mounted on the perimeter of the rectangular volume.
[0014] In operation, and supposing that the apparatus in sitting in
the bed of a vehicle, for example a pickup truck, a user pulls the
unit using the pulling bar at the rear of the apparatus until the
rear set of legs drops down and locks in place using a locking
means. The user continues to pull the apparatus until the front set
of legs drops and locks in a similar manner. Once both sets of legs
have dropped and locked, the apparatus is ready to be moved to the
specific work location.
[0015] When the apparatus needs to be reloaded, the user pushes the
unit against a transport surface, for example the bed of the pickup
truck, while releasing the front leg locking means causing the
front legs to collapse into the frame. As the apparatus continues
to be pushed forward, the rear leg locking means is released
causing the rear legs to collapse, allowing them to be pushed into
the frame in the transport condition. Once done, the rectangular
volume now rolls on the stationary set of wheels mounted to the
rectangular volume until it is completely loaded into the
truck.
[0016] As well as the advantages discussed above, other advantages
of the present invention are discussed below in conjunction with
the drawings and figures attached.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1: is an overall view of the apparatus of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2A: describes the first step of loading the present
invention into the bed of a pickup truck.
[0019] FIG. 2B: describes the second step of loading the present
invention into the bed of a pickup truck.
[0020] FIG. 2C: describes the third step of loading the present
invention into the bed of a pickup truck.
[0021] FIG. 2D: describes the fourth step of loading the present
invention into the bed of a pickup truck.
[0022] FIG. 3A: describes the fifth step of loading the present
invention into the bed of a pickup truck.
[0023] FIG. 3B: describes the sixth step of loading the present
invention into the bed of a pickup truck.
[0024] FIG. 3C: describes the completed loading the present
invention into the bed of a pickup truck.
[0025] FIG. 4A: describes a first embodiment of the top surface of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4B: describes a second embodiment of the top surface of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] As described briefly above, the apparatus of the present
invention provides substantial improvement for the combination of
work surface/tool storage devices. FIG. 1 shows the apparatus of
the present invention 100. The apparatus has a rectangular volume
106 comprised of a front surface, a rear surface a first side
surface and a second side surface. The rectangular volume has a
bottom surface 107 as well as two internal cross braces [not
shown]. The two cross braces form three separate storage
compartments 117 and 118 that are used for storage. In a preferred
embodiment, a top surface 110 is attached to one of the first side
of the rectangular volume 106 such that it covers the storage
compartments and is capable of being locked to secure the contents
of the storage compartments. In a second embodiment, the top
surface is divided into three separate parts allowing each of the
storage compartments to be accessed individually. Each section of
the top surface is suitably hinged to the rectangular volume in the
same manner as the single piece top surface 110, but is not shown
for clarity since this is well understood by those of skill in the
art.
[0028] At the front of the rectangular volume a first set of roller
wheels 111 are attached. Approximately two thirds of the way from
the front surface of the rectangular volume along the long sides of
the rectangular volume a second set of roller wheels 112. Each of
these sets of roller wheels 111 and 112 are mounted to the
rectangular volume of the apparatus in such a way as to avoid
interference during loading and unloading. The combination of these
wheels function to allow the apparatus to be rolled easily along a
transport surface, for example the bed of a pickup truck or a
flatbed trailer. At the rear end of the apparatus a handle bar 113
is attached. The handle bar 113 has two functions: first, to allow
a user to easily pull or push the apparatus into/out of transport
vehicles, and second, to activate the latch mechanism which
releases the rear collapsing telescoping legs 130. Also on the rear
of the apparatus are two latch buttons 114 that function to release
the locking mechanism of the front collapsing telescoping legs 120.
These latch buttons 114 are positioned near the ends of the handle
bar 113 within easy reach of a user's thumbs.
[0029] Both sets of collapsing telescoping legs 120 and 130 have
disposed along their length height adjustment holes 122 and 132
respectively. The height adjustment holes 122/132 are used to allow
the user to set the working height of the top work surface 110. In
a preferred embodiment the height adjustment holes 122/132 are
stabilized by a spring-loaded detents. In a second embodiment the
height adjustment holes 122/132 are stabilized by a lynch pins.
Since both of these methods are well understood by those of skill
in the art they are not shown in detail to aid in clarity; however,
the lack of a detailed discussion is not meant to limit the scope
of the invention. Further, numerous other means for stabilizing the
height adjustment holes could be used without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
[0030] Both sets of collapsing telescoping legs 129 and 130 have
cross braces to provide lateral stability. Cross braces 126 and 128
serve to stabilize the front set of collapsing telescoping legs
120, while cross braces 136 and 138 serve to stabilize rear set of
collapsing telescoping legs 130. Although the preferred embodiment
of the present invention has a -pair of cross braces on each set of
collapsing telescoping legs, it will be understood that more or
fewer cross braces could be used without departing from the spirit
of the invention.
[0031] The front set of collapsing telescoping legs 120 has a set
of fixed wheels 125 attached to the ends. The rear collapsing
telescoping legs 130 have a set of swivel wheels 135 attached to
the ends. The combination of these wheels 125 and 135 allow a user
to easily move the apparatus about when the collapsing telescoping
legs are in the deployed position. In the collapsed state the
wheels 125/135 disappear into the rectangular volume of the
apparatus as discussed below in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2
and 3. The combination of the fixed wheels 125 and the swivel
wheels 135 allow a user to easily maneuver the apparatus of the
present invention even when the top surface 110 is loaded with
material.
[0032] As well as the set of fixed wheels 125 attached to the ends,
the front set of collapsing telescoping legs 120 has a secondary
loading wheel 127. This secondary loading wheel 127 is located at
the center of the cross brace 128 and serves to prevent the front
set of collapsing telescoping legs 120 from hitting the transport
surface onto which the apparatus is being loaded, thereby
preventing any damage to that surface. This is particularly
important when loading the apparatus of the present invention into
a pickup truck.
[0033] FIGS. 2 and 3 provide a discussion of the method of
operation of apparatus of the present invention. Starting with FIG.
2A, a user has positioned the apparatus 100 at the rear of a pickup
truck 500 with the front collapsing telescoping legs 120 touching
the tailgate 510. At this time the weight of the apparatus 100 is
entirely supported by the collapsing telescoping legs 120 and 130.
Note that at this time the secondary loading wheel 127 is in close
proximity to the tailgate 510, such that any movement of the
apparatus 100 toward the front of the pickup truck 500 will cause
the secondary loading wheel 127 to contact the tailgate 510. Note
also at this time that the first set of wheels 111, while located
over the tailgate 510, have not yet taken up the weight of the
apparatus 100.
[0034] FIG. 2B details the release of the front leg locking
mechanism 129 by depressing the latch buttons 114 at the rear of
the apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A. By pushing the latch buttons 114 in
direction A, the locking mechanism 129 is released allowing the
front collapsing telescoping legs 120 to rotate upwards into the
rectangular volume of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A. At this time
the weight of the apparatus 100 is taken up by the first set of
roller wheels 111 of FIG. 2A. Also at this time the secondary
loading wheel 127 [FIG. 2A] has contacted the tailgate 510 of
pickup truck 500 such that the set of collapsing telescoping legs
120 never touches the tailgate 510. It is important to note that at
no time during the loading/unloading of the apparatus does the user
bear any of the weight.
[0035] Looking now at FIG. 2C, the user has begun pushing the
apparatus 100 into the pickup truck 500 in direction B using the
pull bar 113 while maintaining the depression of the latch buttons
114 in direction A. As the front collapsing telescoping legs 120
pivot in direction C, some of the weight of the apparatus 100 is
transferred to the first set of roller wheels 111 which now rest on
the tailgate 510. In FIG. 2D the apparatus of the present invention
has moved into the pickup truck bed 515 in direction E a sufficient
distance to allow the front collapsing telescoping legs 120 to
disappear into the rectangular volume. At this time the second set
of roller wheels 112 attached to the rectangular volume are
positioned over the tailgate 510 and the rear collapsing
telescoping legs 130 are in contact with the tailgate 510. The user
now pushes the pull bar 113 downward in direction D releasing the
latching mechanism 139 for the rear collapsing telescoping legs 130
allowing the rear collapsing telescoping legs 130 to rotate
upwards.
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 3A, the user has continued to urge the
apparatus 100 further into the pickup truck 500 in direction E.
Since the pull bar 113 has been pushed in direction D and remains
there, rear collapsing telescoping legs 130 rotate upwards in
direction F toward the rectangular volume of the apparatus 100. At
this time the full weight of the apparatus 100 is transferred from
the rear collapsing telescoping lens 130 to the tailgate 510 via
the second set of roller wheels 112. Again it is important to note
that at no time is any of the weight of the apparatus 100 borne by
the user. In FIG. 3B the user has pushed the apparatus 100 further
into the bed of the pickup truck 515 in direction E such that the
rear collapsing telescoping legs 130 are now parallel to the
rectangular volume. At this point the user will push the rear
collapsing telescoping legs 130 in direction G until they disappear
into the rectangular volume of the apparatus. FIG. 3C shows the
apparatus 100 fully inserted into the pickup truck 500 and the rear
collapsing telescoping legs 130 placed entirely within the
rectangular volume. At this point in time the apparatus 100 is
ready for transport.
[0037] Note that while a pickup truck was described for this
process it is exemplary only and in not meant as a limitation on
the scope of the invention. For example, the apparatus could just
as easily be loaded onto a flatbed trailer or a stationary work
bench.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, two embodiments of the present
invention are shown. FIG. 4A shows the preferred embodiment of the
apparatus 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment a single
top surface 110 is used to form the top work surface to covering
all three of the storage compartments 117 and 118. The top surface
110 has a lock that allows the contents of the compartments 117 and
118 to be secured. Note that the locking mechanism is well
understood by those of skill in the art and is not shown for
clarity; however, the lack of detailed discussion of the locking
mechanism should not be considered as a limitation on the scope of
the invention.
[0039] In FIG. 4B a second embodiment of the apparatus of the
present invention is shown. This second embodiment has the same
three separate storage compartments 117 and 118, hut rather than a
single cover, three separate top surfaces 110A, 110B and 110C are
shown. In this embodiment, each of the separate top surfaces 110A,
110B and 110C operate independently but form a single top working
surface when closed. Each of the top surfaces 110A, 110B and 110C
are also capable of being separately locked thereby providing
security for the items stored in the storage compartments 117 and
118. As with the first embodiment described above the locking
mechanism is well understood by those of skill in the art and is
not shown for clarity; however, the lack of detailed discussion of
the locking mechanism should not be considered as a limitation on
the scope of the invention.
[0040] One advantage of the present invention is the ability of a
single user to load/unload a large portable work surface capable of
storing tools and moving materials. This is accomplished through
the use of locking, collapsing telescoping legs that disappear into
a rectangular volume.
[0041] A second advantage of the present invention is that it
provides secure storage for tools and materials. The apparatus of
the present invention has at least two embodiments, each with the
capability to securely store tools and materials.
[0042] A third advantage of the present invention is the ability to
move materials safely about a work site. This is accomplished
through the stabilized collapsible telescoping legs and associated
cross bracing.
[0043] A fourth advantage of the present invention is that the
height of the top surface may be adjusted to accommodate a variety
of work site situations. Each of the sets of collapsing telescoping
lens of the apparatus has a series of holes disposed along its long
axis. These holes use a locating means to lock the collapsing
telescoping legs at a specific height.
[0044] A fifth advantage of the present invention is that at no
time during the loading/unloading process does the user bear any of
the weight of the apparatus. This is accomplished via the two sets
of rectangular volume mounted wheels. Thus even if the apparatus is
loaded with materials, the user never bears any of the weight
significantly improving safety.
* * * * *