U.S. patent application number 16/248198 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-07 for dolly for transporting a portable shelter.
The applicant listed for this patent is TentCraft, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas R. Burpee.
Application Number | 20190337546 16/248198 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68384725 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190337546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burpee; Thomas R. |
November 7, 2019 |
DOLLY FOR TRANSPORTING A PORTABLE SHELTER
Abstract
A wheeled dolly that can be readily removed from and attached to
a portable shelter in an upright position by a single person. One
person may use the wheeled dolly to easily lift and transport the
portable shelter, wherein the portable shelter may be a canopy,
tent, pavilion, awning, or the like. The dolly may comprise a pair
of wheels selectively connected by an axle beam, and a pair of
mounting elements having first portions and second portions and
extending laterally outward from the third segment of the axle
beam, wherein the mounting elements are operably configured to be
selectively and securely inserted into a pair of receiver holes
located on the portable shelter.
Inventors: |
Burpee; Thomas R.; (Traverse
City, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TentCraft, Inc. |
Traverse City |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68384725 |
Appl. No.: |
16/248198 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62666774 |
May 4, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/32 20130101;
B62B 5/0083 20130101; B62B 1/14 20130101; E04H 15/48 20130101; B62B
1/26 20130101; B62B 2205/104 20130101; B62B 2203/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62B 1/14 20060101
B62B001/14; B62B 1/26 20060101 B62B001/26 |
Claims
1. A dolly for transporting a portable shelter, the dolly
comprising: a pair of wheels selectively connected by an axle beam,
wherein the axle beam comprises: a first segment having a first
length and attached to one of the pair of wheels and extending at a
first angle relative to the ground; a second segment having a
second length and attached to the other of the pair of wheels and
extending at a second angle relative to the ground; and a
substantially straight third segment having a third length and
being interposed between the first segment and the second segment,
wherein the third segment is substantially parallel with the
ground, and wherein the third length is greater than each of the
first length and the second length; and a pair of mounting elements
extending laterally outward from the third segment of the axle
beam, wherein the mounting elements are operably configured to
selectively and securely insert into a pair of receiver holes
located on sides of one or more feet of the portable shelter, and
wherein the feet remain flat on the ground during insertion of the
mounting elements into the receiver holes.
2. The dolly of claim 1, wherein the length between each of the
mounting elements is equal to the length between each of the
receiver holes on the portable shelter.
3. The dolly of claim 1, wherein the third length is greater than
the combination of the first length and the second length.
4. The dolly of claim 1, wherein the pair of mounting elements are
mounting pins.
5. (canceled)
6. The dolly of claim 1, wherein portions of the mounting elements
extend through the pair of receiver holes on the feet upon
insertion of the mounting elements into the receiver holes.
7. The dolly of claim 1, wherein the mounting elements are the same
distance above the ground as the distance from the receiver holes
in the portable shelter to the ground.
8. A dolly for transporting a portable shelter, the dolly
consisting of: a pair of wheels selectively connected by an axle
beam, wherein the axle beam comprises: a first segment having a
first length and attached to one of the pair of wheels and
extending at a first angle relative to the ground; a second segment
having a second length and attached to the other of the pair of
wheels and extending at a second angle relative to the ground; and
a substantially straight third segment having a third length and
being interposed between the first segment and the second segment,
wherein the third segment is substantially parallel with the
ground, and wherein the third length is greater than each of the
first length and the second length; and a pair of mounting elements
extending laterally outward from the third segment of the axle
beam, wherein the mounting elements are operably configured to
selectively and securely insert into a pair of receiver holes
located on sides of one or more feet of the portable shelter.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application claims priority to and the benefit
of the filing date of the non-provisional patent application having
Application No. 62/666,774, filed on May 4, 2018, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This patent application generally relates to a wheeled
carrier for transporting portable shelters, and more particularly
to a dolly for transporting portable shelters.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Collapsible/foldable shelters, such as canopies, tents,
pavilions, and awnings, that can easily be transported and rapidly
setup are useful for a variety of applications. These collapsible
shelters may be used as pop-up tents, stands, party tents, trade
show booths, point-of sale kiosks, market tents, exhibition tents
for accommodating goods and advertising material, and the like.
Such tents are often stored in carrying bags and carried to setup
locations. Depending on the size of the tent/shelter and the
distance to be covered, transport of such tents/shelter may be very
strenuous, particularly for one person.
[0004] Conventional devices for transporting portable shelters
involve the use of wheeled platforms, transporters, and dollies.
However, these devices are often too bulky and heavy to use by one
operator, particularly when transport involves stairs, hills, or
uneven terrain. Also, it is often very challenging for one operator
to be able to maneuver and lift the tent/shelter into a position
where it can be securely loaded onto the dolly.
[0005] Most conventional carriers and wheeled platforms for
transporting shelters require a support/foot plate for stabilizing
and supporting the loaded shelter on the carrier. This type of
attachment is problematic since it either requires lifting the
shelter to allow for correct alignment of the posts on the carrier
or requires that the shelter be laid down in a horizontal position.
Some other conventional wheeled carriers for transporting heavy
objects do not have a support/foot plate. However, these carriers
often have handles for rotationally inserting lifting elements on
the carrier into holes on located on the heavy objects. In
addition, these carriers are not configured for insertion into
locations on portable shelters that are oriented in an upright
position.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a wheeled carrier that
can selectively attach to a portable shelter oriented in an upright
position in order to allow a single person to easily lift and
transport the portable shelter.
SUMMARY
[0007] What is provided is a wheeled dolly that can be readily
removed from and attached to a portable shelter in an upright
position by a single person. A single person may use the wheeled
dolly to easily lift and transport the portable shelter, wherein
the portable shelter may be a canopy, tent, pavilion, awning, or
the like.
[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the dolly comprises a pair of
wheels selectively connected by an axle beam, wherein the axle beam
comprises a first segment having a first length and attached to one
of the pair of wheels and extending at a first angle relative to
the ground; a second segment having a second length and attached to
the other of the pair of wheels and extending at a second angle
relative to the ground; a third segment having a third length and
being interposed between the first segment and the second segment,
wherein the third segment is substantially parallel with the
ground, and wherein the third length is greater than each of the
first length and the second length; and a pair of mounting elements
having first portions and second portions and extending laterally
outward from the third segment of the axle beam, wherein the
mounting elements are operably configured to be selectively and
securely inserted into a pair of receiver holes located on the
portable shelter.
[0009] In some embodiments, the receiver holes are located on one
side of each of the two tent feet, wherein the two feet are located
on opposite corners of the tent frame. By positioning the receiver
holes on the side of the tent feet, instead of the bottom of the
tent feet, the dolly may be readily attached to the folded portable
shelter when it is in an upright/vertical position. Upon insertion
of the mounting pins into the receiver holes of the tent frame, a
single individual is able to readily lift and transport the tent,
including tent frame, using the wheels. The dolly is able to
provide the necessary support to allow a single individual to lift
and transport the tent, without the need of any plates on the dolly
to support the tent frame.
[0010] The following detailed description together with the
accompanying drawings will provide a better understanding of the
nature and advantages of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly
claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Claimed
subject matter, however, as to structure, organization and method
of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages
thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description if read with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dolly according
to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic top, plan view of the dolly
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the dolly illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom, plan view of the dolly
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 schematic perspective view of the dolly illustrated
FIG. 1 attached to a tent frame;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the dolly
illustrated in FIG. 1 positioned next to the tent frame illustrated
in FIG. 5; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the dolly
illustrated in FIG. 1 positioned next to the tent frame illustrated
in FIG. 5, wherein the tent frame has a transport case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the examples as defined in the claimed subject matter, and as an
example of how to make and use the examples described herein.
However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
claimed subject matter is not intended to be limited to such
specific details, and may even be practiced without requiring such
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as
not to obscure the examples defined by the claimed subject
matter.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective
view of a dolly 100 for transporting a portable shelter, such as a
canopy, tent, pavilion, awning, or the like. In this embodiment,
the dolly 100 comprises a pair of wheels 110 connected by an axle
beam 120, wherein the wheels 110 are positioned on opposing sides
of the dolly 100. The dolly 100 further comprises a pair of
mounting elements 130, 140 extending outward from the axle beam
120.
[0021] Each of the mounting elements 130, 140 may have first
portions 191 and 192. The first portions 191 may be generally
rectangular in shape and the second portions 192 may come to a
point and may be generally trapezoidal in shape. As a result, the
diameter of the first portions 191 may be greater than the diameter
of the second portions 192.
[0022] The pair of wheels 110 may be operably attached to the axle
beam 120 by axles 150 and aligned along an axis to support a
portable shelter. In some embodiments, the wheels 110 are
approximately 8'' in diameter.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, the axle beam 120 is
generally U-shaped. In some embodiments, the axle beam 120
comprises three segments that define its shape. As best shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3, a first segment 170 is attached to one of the pair
of wheels 110 and extends at an angle .theta.1 relative to the
ground. As a non-limiting example, the angle .theta.1 may be
between about 0.1 degrees and 45 degrees. The first segment 170 has
a length L1. As a non-limiting example, the length L1 may be
between about 3 inches and 12 inches. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and
3, a third segment 180 is interposed between the first segment 170
and a second segment 190. The third segment 180 is substantially
parallel with the ground and in some examples, may have a length L2
that is more than two times the length L1 of the first segment 170.
As a non-limiting example, the length L2 may be between about 8
inches and 30 inches. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the second
segment 190 is attached to one of the pair of wheels 110 and
extends at an angle .theta.2 relative to the ground, wherein the
second segment 190 is attached to a different wheel 110 than the
first segment 170. As a non-limiting example, the angle .theta.2
may be between about 0.1 degrees and 45 degrees.
[0024] In some embodiments, the axle beam 120 is constructed of a
single piece of strong, rigid, and durable material, such as steel.
In other embodiments, the axle beam 120 is constructed of multiple
pieces to allow the size of the axle beam 120 to be customized.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the mounting elements 130,
140 may be two identical mounting pins that each extend
substantially laterally from the third segment 180. The mounting
elements 130, 140 may be attached to the axle beam 120 through
welding. In some embodiments, the mounting elements 130, 140 are
constructed of strong, rigid, and durable material, such as steel.
In another embodiment, the mounting elements 130, 140 and the axle
beam 120 are integral as one piece.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting elements 130, 140 may be
selectively and securely inserted into a pair of receiver holes 500
on a tent frame 510. The receiver holes 500 are specifically shaped
to receive the mounting elements 130, 140 of the dolly 100. When
the mounting elements 130, 140 are positioned within the receiver
holes 500, the pair of wheels 110 is positioned to support the tent
frame 510 for wheeled motion.
[0027] The tent frame 510 shown in FIGS. 5-7 is a folded pop up
tent frame in an upright/vertical position. Other portable
shelters, such as canopies, pavilions, awnings, and the like may be
used with this invention. The tent frame 510 comprises two tent
legs 520 extending vertically from two tent feet 530, which lay
flat on the ground. The two tent legs 520 are integrally connected
to the two tent feet 530. In some embodiments, one of the receiver
holes 500 is located on one side of each of the two tent feet 530,
wherein the two tent feet 530 are located on opposite ends of the
tent frame 510.
[0028] By positioning the receiver holes 500 on the side of the
tent feet 530, instead of on the bottom of the tent feet 530, the
dolly 100 may be readily attached to the folded tent frame 510 when
the dolly 100 is in an upright/vertical position. An operator does
not need to place the folded tent frame 510 into a horizontal
position for attachment to a dolly, as is necessary when receiver
holes are located on the bottom of the feet of a portable
shelter.
[0029] In some embodiments, each of the mounting elements 130, 140
are specifically inserted into and through each of the receiver
holes 500 positioned on one side of each of the tent feet 530. The
second portions 192 of each of the mounting elements 130, 140 may
protrude on the opposing sides of the two tent feet 530 upon
insertion into the receiver holes 500. No separate locking
mechanism is needed to attach the dolly 100 to the tent frame 510
and to maintain the mounting elements 130, 140 secured in the
receiver holes 500.
[0030] In these illustrated embodiments, the length between each of
the mounting elements 130, 140 on the dolly 100 may be the same as
the length between each of the receiver holes 500 on the tent
frame.
[0031] To facilitate use of the dolly 100 with various portable
shelters, the axle beam 120 can be adjusted to various sizes. In
some embodiments, various tent frames are collapsed and/or folded
to the same size such that one size of the dolly 100 fits each of
the tent frames.
[0032] The dolly 100 disclosed herein is able to securely insert
into the receiver holes 500 such that the receiver holes 500 serve
as lifting points on the tent frame 510. Upon insertion of the
mounting elements 130, 140 on the dolly 100 into the receiver holes
500 of the tent frame 510, one individual may readily lift and
transport the tent frame 510 using the wheels 110. Heavy, large,
and bulky objects, such as folded tent frames (i.e., pop up tents),
may be easily lifted and transported by one individual due to the
support from the axle beam 120 and the distribution of weight on
the dolly 100 since the center of gravity is located approximately
at the center of the wheels 110 as the tent frame 510 is tipped
back and onto the wheels 110. As disclosed herein and shown in the
illustrated embodiments, the dolly 100 is able to provide the
necessary support to allow one individual to lift and transport a
portable shelter, without the need of any support/foot plates on
the dolly 100 to support the tent frame 510.
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the
mounting elements 130, 140 of the dolly 100 attach to receiver
holes 500 on the tent frame 510, wherein the tent frame 510 is
enclosed on all four sides by a transport case 700. The transport
case 700 comprises a pair of case holes configured to precisely
align with the receiver holes 500 on the tent feet 530 when the
transport case 700 is secured around the tent frame 510. The length
between the case holes is approximately identical to the length
between the receiver holes 500 on the tent feet 530.
[0034] When movement of a portable shelter is desired, the dolly
100 is positioned such that the entire tent frame 510 is positioned
within the length L2 of the third segment 180 since the mounting
elements 130, 140 are preferably positioned on the third segment
180. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mounting elements 130, 140 may
then be inserted into the receiver holes 500 on one side of the
tent feet 530 while the tent frame 510 is an upright position,
without needing to tilt, lift, or otherwise re-position the tent
frame 510. Once the mounting elements 130, 140 are fully inserted
through the receiver holes 500, an individual can tilt the tent
frame 510 on the axle beam 120 for support so that the tent frame
510 can readily be moved.
[0035] The tent frame 510 may be transported by the dolly 100 by a
one individual without any special tools and without the strain of
lifting or re-positioning the tent frame 510, thereby preventing
fatigue and possible injury to the individual. Since the mounting
elements 130, 140 may simultaneously attach to the receiver holes
500, use of the dolly 100 is both fast and easy. It should be
understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the dolly
100, as described herein, can be used to lift and transport a
variety of objects, including portable shelters.
[0036] The figures provided herein are merely representational and
may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be
exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the
specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense. It will, of course, be understood
that, although particular embodiments have just been described, the
claimed subject matter is not limited in scope to a particular
embodiment or implementation. Likewise, an embodiment may be
implemented in any combination of systems, methods, or products
made by a process, for example.
[0037] In the preceding description, various aspects of claimed
subject have been described. For purposes of explanation, specific
numbers, systems, and/or configurations were set forth to provide a
thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. Computer file
types and languages, and operating system examples have been used
for purposes of illustrating a particular example. However, it
should be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of
this disclosure that claimed subject matter may be practiced with
many other computer languages, operating systems, file types, and
without these specific details. In other instances, features that
would be understood by one of ordinary skill were omitted or
simplified so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. While
certain features have been illustrated or described herein, many
modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur
to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood
that claims are intended to cover all such modifications or changes
as fall within the true spirit of claimed subject matter.
* * * * *