Title: Object lifting and moving device
Abstract: An apparatus facilitating the lifting and movement of objects. The present invention, in one embodiment, features a curved rim extending around a mounting plate to which an object or an object carrier can be attached. The object is mounted off-center relative to the central axis of the curved rim. According to the invention, a counter-balancing weight offsets the moment associated with the object to allow the moving device to roll along a surface, and thereby move the object, with application of a small amount of force. According to embodiments of the present invention, the curved rims include at least one section having an increased radius of curvature relative to other sections of the curved rim to promote rotation of the moving device.
Patent Number: 6,854,751 Issued on 02/15/2005 to Halke
| Inventors:
|
Halke; Richard Paul (1333 Brockton Ave. Apt #6, Brentwood, CA 90025)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
330633 |
| Filed:
|
December 27, 2002 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
280/206; 280/205; 280/208 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A63G 025//00 |
| Field of Search: |
280/205,206,207,208,47.3,47.32,78
180/10,7.1
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 1676015 | Jul., 1928 | Feick | 280/206.
|
| 2169391 | Aug., 1939 | Nilsson | 280/205.
|
| 2802300 | Aug., 1957 | Rogers | 280/205.
|
| 3066951 | Dec., 1962 | Gray | 280/206.
|
| 3076666 | Feb., 1963 | Geiser | 280/206.
|
| 3107926 | Oct., 1963 | Verge | 280/205.
|
| 3856166 | Dec., 1974 | Gibson | 214/370.
|
| 3905617 | Sep., 1975 | Smith | 280/206.
|
| 4163567 | Aug., 1979 | Barber | 280/208.
|
| 4324413 | Apr., 1982 | Bensette | 280/205.
|
| 4861053 | Aug., 1989 | Yeomans | 280/205.
|
| 6298934 | Oct., 2001 | Shteingold | 280/206.
|
Primary Examiner: DePumpo; Daniel G.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Spolyar; Mark J.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority from provisional application Ser.
No. 60/345,904 filed Dec. 31, 2001 and entitled "Object Lifting and Moving
Device."
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus facilitating the movement of an object held therein,
comprising
a curved rim having a central axis;
a mounting plate attached to and extending within the curved rim,
wherein the mounting plate includes a cavity and means to secure an object
therein; and
a counter-balancing weight attached to the mounting plate, and in
substantially opposing relation to the cavity;
wherein the counter-balancing weight comprises a chamber adapted to be
filled with a material.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the curved rim comprises a plurality of
sections, wherein the center of gravity of the object is located in a
first section, and wherein the center of gravity of the counter-balancing
weight is located in a section opposite the first section.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the curved rim comprises first, second,
third and fourth quadrants, wherein the counter-balancing weight is
attached to the mounting plate in the first quadrant, and wherein the
center of gravity of the object is located in the third quadrant opposite
the first quadrant.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the curved rim, in the second quadrant
between the first and third quadrants, includes a section having an
increased radius of curvature relative to the radius of curvature of the
first and third quadrants.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the curved rim, in the fourth quadrant
opposite the second quadrant, includes a section having an increased
radius of curvature relative to the radius of curvature of the first and
third quadrants.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting plate includes a cavity
therein, and wherein the securing means comprises adjustment bars attached
to the mounting plate and adapted to hold the object against opposing
sides of the cavity.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises an arm
attached at a first end to the mounting plate at an attachment point
offset from the central axis of the curved rim, an object carrier
pivotally attached to a second end of the arm.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting plate includes a matrix of
holes therethrough, and wherein the securing means comprises an attachment
plate comprising at least one peg selectively and releasably engageable in
the holes.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising
a second curved rim having a central axis;
a second mounting plate extending within the second curved rim,
means to releasably secure the object to the second mounting plate, wherein
the center of gravity of the object is spaced from the central axis of the
second curved rim, and
a second counter-balancing weight attached to the second mounting plate and
spaced from the central axis of the second curved rim, wherein the second
counter-balancing weight, in combination with the first counter balancing
weight, is configurable to gravitationally offset the object.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an object attached to the
first and second mounting places by the securing means.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a turning mechanism
attached to the curved rim, wherein the turning mechanism is configured to
be selectively engagable against the outer surface of the curved rim to
increase the circumference thereof.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising at least one crossbar
extending between the first and second curved rims.
13. An apparatus facilitating the movement of an object held therein,
comprising
a curved rim having a central axis;
a mounting plate attached to and extending within the curved rim,
wherein the mounting plate includes a cavity and means to secure an object
therein; and
a counter-balancing weight attached to the mounting plate, and in
substantially opposing relation to the cavity;
wherein the curved rim includes a hollow section proximal to the
counter-balancing weight, wherein the curved rim further includes an
opening to the hollow section for the receipt of counter-balancing
materials.
14. An apparatus facilitating the movement of an object held therein,
comprising
a curved rim having a central axis;
a mounting plate attached to and extending within the curved rim,
wherein the mounting plate includes a cavity and means to secure an object
therein; and
a counter-balancing weight attached to the mounting plate, and in
substantially opposing relation to the cavity;
wherein the curved rim comprises a C-shaped section and a removable
section, wherein the inner edge of the removable section substantially
defines the outer edge of the cavity.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the curved rim comprises first,
second, third and fourth quadrants, wherein the counter-balancing weight
is attached to the mounting plate in the first quadrant, and wherein the
center of gravity of the object is located in the third quadrant opposite
the first quadrant.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the curved rim includes a section
having an increased radius of curvature relative to the first and third
quadrants in the second quadrant between the first and third quadrants.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the curved rim includes a section
having an increased radius of curvature in the fourth quadrant opposite
the second quadrant.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the center of the cavity is offset
from the central axis of the curved rim.
19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the counter-balancing weight is
offset from the central axis of the curved rim and configured to offset
the moment created by an object disposed within the cavity.
20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the curved rim includes a hollow
section proximal to the counter-balancing weight, wherein the rim further
includes an opening to the hollow section for the receipt of
counter-balancing materials.
21. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising
a second curved rim having a central axis;
a second mounting plate attached to and extending within the second curved
rim,
wherein the second mounting plate includes a cavity and means to secure an
object therein; and
a second counter-balancing weight attached to the second mounting plate
wherein the second counter-balancing weight, in combination with the first
counter balancing weight, is configured to gravitationally offset the
object.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising an object located within
the cavities of the first and second mounting plates, wherein the first
and second curved rims are oriented at opposing sides of the object.
23. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the counter-balancing weight
comprises at least one weight removably attached to the mounting plate.
24. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the counter-balancing weight
comprises a chamber adapted to be filled with a material.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to lifting and moving devices and, more
particularly, to leverage-based devices facilitating the handling and
movement of large and/or heavy objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art includes a wide variety of devices capable of lifting or
otherwise moving an object. For example, dollies (i.e., platforms having
rollers or casters) facilitate the movement of heavy objects. Forklifts
employ hydraulics to lift and move large objects on pallets. Such lifting
and moving devices, however, generally require the application of force
independent of the gravitational force associated with the object.
Accordingly, while the prior art lifting and moving devices fulfill their
respective objectives, they do not disclose or suggest an object lifting
and moving device that uses the subject object's own weight to facilitate
the movement of the object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus facilitating the lifting and
movement of objects. The present invention, in one embodiment, features a
curved rim extending around a mounting plate to which an object or an
object carrier can be attached. The object is mounted off-center relative
to the central axis of the curved rim. According to the invention, a
counter-balancing weight offsets the moment associated with the object to
allow the moving device to roll along a surface, and thereby move the
object, with application of a small amount of force. According to
embodiments of the present invention, the curved rims include at least one
section having an increased radius of curvature relative to other sections
of the curved rim to promote rotation of the moving device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the moving device according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a moving device featuring two curved rims.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating certain operating principles of the
present invention.
FIG. 4 is side view of the moving device with the bottom support section
removed.
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the profile of a curved rim according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating the profile of a curved rim according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the moving device according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate another embodiment of the present invention
featuring an alternative mechanism for securing objects or object carriers
to the curved rims.
FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C provide an additional embodiment of the present
invention featuring yet another mechanism for securing objects or object
carriers to the curved rims.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the attachment, according to an embodiment of
the present invention, of the removable bottom section to the C-shaped
section that together create the curved rim.
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a moving device according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the moving device according to the present
invention featuring a pivoting weight that promotes rotation of the moving
device.
FIGS. 12A and 12B provide a moving device according to an embodiment of the
present invention featuring an attachment plate to which an object or
object carrier can be secured.
FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C set forth an embodiment of the moving device
including pneumatics that facilitates operation of the device.
FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C show a mechanism, according to an embodiment of the
present invention, directed to turning the moving device as it rotates.
FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate a wheelchair incorporating the principles
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
A. Operating Principles and Use of Moving Device
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a moving device according to an embodiment of the
present invention. In one embodiment, moving device 8 includes curved rim
10, mounting plate section 12, and counter balance weight 18. As FIG. 1
shows, mounting plate section 12, in the embodiment shown, includes a
cutout/cavity to accommodate object 22. In one embodiment, moving device 8
includes adjustable bars 24 that can be adjusted to force object 22
against opposing sides of the cutout/cavity to hold object 22 in place.
Object 22 can be square, circular or any other shape; accordingly, the
cavity can be contoured and/or adjustable to accommodate variations in the
profile of object 22. In addition, a mounting cage attached to the
mounting plates 12 and extending between rims 10 and containing object 22
can be used in place of cavities in the mounting plates 12 for objects not
fitting within the predefined cavity.
As discussed herein, counter-balancing weight 18 offsets the gravitational
force of object 22. Specifically, as FIG. 3 shows, the moment about
contact point CP provided by gravitational force 48 of object 22 is
substantially offset by the moment provided by the gravitational force 44
of counter-balancing weight 18. This configuration allows a user to easily
rotate moving device 8 in the counter-clockwise or clockwise direction to
effect rotation and consequent movement of moving device 8. As FIG. 3
shows, in light of the longer moment arm associated with counter-balancing
weight 18, counter-balancing weight 18 need not weigh as much as object
22. Once object 22 is counter-balanced, the user need only supply a small
amount of downward force, for example, to rotate moving device 8 and
thereby move object 22. In one embodiment, depending on the configuration
of counter-balancing weight 18, once the center-point 40 of object 22 is
rotated beyond the other side of the central axis 42 of moving device 8,
the weight of object 22 (and, in one embodiment, the increased radius of
curvature in quadrant Q2) causes moving device 8 to complete a single
rotation. In addition, outer rim 10 may include hollow section 16 adapted
to be filled with water, dirt, sand, lead pellets, and the like to provide
additional counter-balancing force.
As FIG. 2 illustrates, moving device 8, according to an embodiment of the
present invention, includes two independent rim assemblies 32 holding an
object 22. However, in one embodiment, rim assemblies 32 may be attached
to one another with one to a plurality of beams 33 or other supports
extending between the rim assemblies 32. Still further, in another
embodiment, the present invention may be operated with one rim assembly
having a sufficient width to operate independently.
In one embodiment, curved rim 10 is circular in profile; however, in other
embodiments, curved rim 10 may be ellipsoid or oblong in profile. In a
preferred embodiment, curved rim 10 includes region 28 having an increased
radius of curvature relative to the remaining sections of curved rim 10.
Region 28 promotes or facilitates the initiation of movement of moving
device 8, as more fully described below. In other embodiments, curved rim
10 can include sections of varying radii of curvature to achieve desired
objectives for the behavior of moving device 8. See FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5A illustrates the profile of curved rim 10 according to an embodiment
of the present invention. For didactic purposes, lines R1, R2, R3 and R4,
extending from the central axis C1, divide curved rim 10 into quadrants,
Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. As FIG. 5A illustrates, the center of gravity (CWcg) of
the counter-balancing weight 18 lies within quadrant Q1, while the center
of gravity (OBJcg) of the object 22 lies within the diagonally-opposing
quadrant Q3. In the embodiment shown, the radius of curvature in the
regions defined by quadrants Q1, Q2 and Q3 are constant and equal to the
length of lines R1, R2, R3 and R4. The radius of curvature (RC) about
center point C2 in the region defined by quadrant Q4 however is greater
than the radius of curvature corresponding to the quadrants Q1, Q2 and Q3
to provide an increased angle of slope that promotes initial rotation of
the moving device 8. One skilled in the art, however, will recognize that
the region of curved rim 10 featuring an increased radius of curvature
need not extend through the entire quadrant Q4 and may extend over a
portion of quadrant Q4. In another embodiment, curved rim 10 may include a
second region having an increased radius of curvature within the perimeter
section defined by quadrant Q2. In one embodiment, the ratio between the
radius of curvature between R1 and RC is about (R1:RC) 1:1.2. However, one
skilled in the art will recognize that other ratios can be used depending
on the desired characteristics of the moving device. In addition, as FIG.
5B illustrates, the curved rim in the region defined by quadrant Q1 may be
configured to bulge out relative to the adjacent quadrants. Still further,
the curved rim in the region defined by quadrant Q3 may also be configured
to bulge out relative to adjacent quadrants.
The differing radii of curvature and resulting profile of curved rims 10
facilitates rotation of moving device 8. Specifically, the varying radii
of curvature in combination with the respective locations of the object 22
and the counter-balancing weight 18 causes the moments provided by object
22 and counter-balancing weight 18 to change depending on the section of
curved rims contacting the ground. For example, as the moving device 8 is
rotated counter-clockwise such that curved rims 10 contact the ground in
the region of quadrant Q2, the center of gravity OBJcg of object 22 shifts
closer to the center of rotation C2 thereby reducing the moment provided
by object 22 and allowing counter-balancing weight 22 to have more
influence over rotation of moving device 8.
Curved rims 10 can be made of unitary construction, or can be comprised of
multiple sections and easily assembled on site. The curved rim may have a
wide variety of cross-section profiles; for example, curved rims 10 may be
tube-like and therefore, circular in cross section. Curved rims 10 may
also be flat bands extending around mounting plate 12. In one embodiment,
curved rims 10 may also include a rubber tread extending around its outer
surface. In addition, as the various Figures illustrate, curved rim 10 may
be separate, but attached to mounting plate 12, or integrally formed with
mounting plate 12 as a unitary part.
In one form, the curved rims 10 of moving device 8 can be vertically
lowered around object 22 and secured thereto. The user then tilts the
entire assembly such that curved rims 10 contact the ground. The assembly
can then be rolled as described below to effect movement of object 22.
Alternatively, object 22 can be lowered within the cavity provided by
mounting plate section 12. In one embodiment, object 22 can be moved
horizontally within the cavity of mounting plate 12 (using a fork lift or
other moving device) while the curved rims are in an upright orientation.
In one embodiment, curved rim 10 includes C-shaped section 19 and removable
bottom section 20 (See FIG. 4). In one embodiment, curved rim includes
spikes 72 that engage corresponding cavities in bottom section 20 to hold
bottom section 20 in place. As FIG. 4 provides, a user may retract spikes
72, using lever assemblies 74. In another embodiment, spikes 72 may be
hydraulically operated to allow for use of moving device 8 with heavier
objects 22.
In one embodiment, if object 22 is too heavy to allow a user to slip bottom
section 20 under object 22, bottom section 20 may be removed by retracting
spikes 72. The "C" shaped remaining section 19 may then be slipped over
object 22. To allow for lifting of object 22 and replacement of bottom
section 20, the user extends spikes 72 to grasp object 22 and partially
lift it off the ground (see FIG. 4). The user then rotates moving device 8
counter-clockwise to expose the open region of the "C" shape section 19
(when it is upside-down) and allow the user to attach bottom section 20 to
the remaining section to effect smooth and complete rotation of moving
device 8. Alternatively, C-shaped section 19 may be oriented such that the
cavity in mounting plate 12 faces upwardly, allowing object 22 to be
lowered into the cavity and bottom section 20 to be attached.
In one embodiment, by simply placing the "C" shaped rims 10 onto object 22
and pushing down on rims 10 in the counterbalance area, object 22 will
lift off the ground slightly, offering the opportunity to lock the holding
spikes 72 opposite the counterbalance region into position. The user then
simply reverses this action to extend the opposite spike below the
counterbalance region. Once the spikes have been extended (FIG. 4), the
user will then be able to safely roll the object 22 over until it is
upside-down. At that point, the user can retract the spikes and re-attach
the missing support section 20 for a smoother, non-stop rotation, or the
user can choose to operate moving device 8 as is with the spikes holding
object 22 in place.
Moving device 8 can also be configured to allow for steering or turning
during rotation. For example, in embodiments featuring two curved rims 10,
each curved rim 10 may include a feature that increases/decreases the
outer circumference of one of the rims 10 to cause the assembly to turn
left or right as the rims 10 rotate. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a
mechanism 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention, that
operates to increase the outer circumference of curved rim 10 to cause the
moving device 8 to turn as it rotates. The mechanism 200, in one
embodiment, comprises arms 205 extending from axis 202 and attached to lip
section 204. The inner surface of lip section 204 substantially conforms
to the outer surface of curved rim 10 in the area where lip section 204
contacts it when in the engage position (see FIG. 14A). The width of lip
section 204, in one embodiment, is configured such that it extends even
with the opposite edge of the curved rim 10. Mechanism 200 is rotatably
attached to and slidable along axis 202. Specifically, as FIGS. 14B and
14C demonstrate, mechanism 200 is attached to rod 207 extending from
mounting plate 12 of curved rim 10. Accordingly, to place mechanism 200
into position, the user pulls mechanism 200 out along rod 207 to allow lip
section to rotate outwardly past curved rim 10 and then pushes the
mechanism 200 inwardly to lock mechanism in place against curved rim 10 as
shown in FIG. 14B. To disengage mechanism 200, the user again pulls the
assembly out along rod 207 and rotates it inwardly as shown in FIG. 14C.
As discussed above, the user may selectively engage mechanism 200 on
either the left or right curved rim 10 to cause the moving device to turn
as it rotates. In addition, rims 10 may also include a braking/kickstand
feature, which when engaged, resists rotation of rims 10. In another
embodiment, rotation of moving device 8 may also be prevented by adjusting
the position of counter-balance weight 18 out of balance, thereby causing
the object's 22 own weight to resist rotation of moving device 8.
Moving device 8 can be made of any suitable material depending upon the
size and density of object 22. For example, curved rims 10 can be made of
hollow or solid steel tubing, aluminum, plastic, wood, reinforced
concrete, and the like. In one embodiment, rims 10 can be made of rubber
and inflated around object 22. In addition, as one skilled in the art will
recognize, the dimensions of moving device 8 depend on the dimensions and
weight of object 22.
In one embodiment, counter-balancing weight 18 comprises metal weights
removably attached to mounting plate 12. In another embodiment,
counter-balancing weight 18 can be effected by a chamber (such as a steel
or plastic chamber) that is filled with water, dirt, stone and the like.
Such material can be removed to facilitate shipping and transportation of
moving device 8. In one embodiment, counter-balancing weight 18 comprises
a pre-loaded section or chamber and a chamber allowing for adjustments to
the weight of counter-balancing weight 18. In one embodiment, the position
of counter-balancing weight 18 is adjustable to allow for further
adjustments to operation of moving device 8. In addition, external
cross-member bars mounted within region 14 could also be utilized if
additional force was required to counter-balance the weight of object 22.
Hollow section 16 can similarly be filled (or pre-filled) with water,
dirt, stone and the like. In one form, the cross sectional aspect of
hollow section 16 can be expanded to accommodate additional
counter-balancing materials. In addition, the counter-balancing weight 18,
when used in embodiments having two or more curved rims 10, can be
distributed between the curved rims or be attached to a single curved rim.
As discussed above, by securing object 22 off-center within moving device's
8 pair of curved rims 10, and correctly balancing the off-centered load on
the opposite side of the rims with counter-balancing weight 18, the user
may easily move object 22. That is, as long as object 22 is
counterbalanced within rims 10, moving device 8 may be rotated to effect
movement of object 22. Specifically, a user, with a simple downward pull,
or upward push, on the counter-balance region 14, can now make moving
device 10 and object 22 roll. Then, once at the desired location, the user
need only remove rims 10. In one embodiment, removable section 20
facilitates removal of object 22 from the assembly. In one embodiment, a
track laid between curved rims 10 is operative to control the path of
moving device 8 as it rotates.
The user may adjust the placement and/or magnitude of counter-balancing
weight 18 (and, in other embodiments, the placement of object 22) to
control the behavior of moving device 8. As discussed above, the increased
radius of curvature of region 28 facilitates this initial
counter-clockwise rotation of moving device 8. Depending on the desired
effect, with just an occasional push, the user can make moving device 8
continuously rotate under its own momentum. If moving device 8 is
correctly balanced, then it will only move in a substantial manner when
the user applies a force to curved rims 10. Adjustments to the
counterbalancing of the system affects the behavior of moving device 8.
For example, if the user wants to have moving device 8 "whip around," the
user adjusts the weight and/or position of counter-balance, then the user
applies a downward force until object has passed the upside-down half way
point. As discussed above, once the center point 40 of object 22 is
rotated to the left (relative to the figures) of center point 42 of moving
device 8, the weight of object 22 causes a single complete rotation.
B. Additional Embodiments
As the various Figures and accompanying description indicate, the present
invention can be implemented in a wide variety of embodiments. As FIG. 6
provides, the counter-balancing weight 18 may comprise a fixed weight (not
shown) releasably attached within grooves 102. In use, the operator may
adjust the position of the fixed counter-balancing weight by loosening an
attachment and sliding the counter-balancing weight along grooves 102. In
addition, mounting plate 12 may include one or more holes 103 allowing for
the attachment of additional weights to counterbalance the weight of
object 22.
In addition, FIGS. 9A and 9B provide an alternative mechanism for attaching
bottom section 20 to C-shaped section 19. As FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate,
bottom section 20 includes joint sections 121 that engage corresponding
joint sections 122 at the ends of C-shaped section 19. Joint sections 121
and 122, in one embodiment, include holes 123 allowing bolts 124 to secure
bottom section 20 to C-shaped section 19.
Still further, the moving device 8 may be configured to include a pivoting
weight 141, in the region of the counter-balancing weight 18 and/or the
object 22, that promotes rotation of the moving device. As FIG. 11 shows,
the moving device, in one embodiment, includes a weight 141 that pivots
about axis 142 between pegs 143 and 144. As FIG. 11 illustrates, at a
specific point in the rotation of the device, weight 141 falls forward to
promote rotation of the device. As the device continues through its
rotation, the weight 141 naturally swings back into place against peg 143
and is therefore ready to fall forward at the same point in the next
revolution.
FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein mounting plate 12 includes a plurality of holes 107 which can be
used in connection with rods or pegs to secure an object, or a cage or
container holding an object, to the moving device. In one embodiment,
mounting plate 12 includes at least four holes 107 allowing for attachment
of a cage or object in a fixed orientation relative to the central axis of
the device. As one skilled in the art will recognize, less than four holes
(and corresponding pegs) can be used to secure the object or
container/cage to the mounting plates 12. In another embodiment, mounting
plate 12 includes a matrix of holes 107 (as shown) allowing for selective
placement of the object or cage/container relative to the central axis of
the device. In one embodiment, mounting plate 12 includes at least one
hole 109 to which one or more counter-balancing weights may be attached.
As FIG. 7C shows, in one embodiment, object 22 includes rods or pegs 111
extending laterally therefrom. As FIG. 7B illustrates, the rods or pegs
111 are positioned in selected holes 107 of mounting plate 12 and secured
thereto. Counter-balancing weight 18 can be attached in a similar manner.
A variety of mechanisms can be employed to secure pegs 111 to the mounting
plate 12. For example, the pegs 111 may include threads at their ends,
allowing large wing-nuts to engage the threads and secure the assembly.
Alternatively, the pegs 111 may include holes extending laterally
therethrough allowing cotter pins to secure the assembly. One skilled in
the art will recognize that the pegs can be secured to the mounting plate
12 in variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention
featuring an alternative mechanism for securing the object, or an object
container, to the rims of the moving device. As FIG. 8A illustrates,
object 22, or an object container, can be configured to include members
115 projecting from the lateral sides of the object. As FIG. 8B and 8C
illustrate, the members 115 engage correspondingly-shaped cutouts 116 in
mounting plate 12. In one embodiment, the rims include threaded holes in
the region of the cutouts to allow set screws to hold the members 115 in
place within cutouts 116 as the moving device rotates. One skilled in the
art will recognize that other mechanisms for securing the members 115
within the cutouts 116 of the mounting plate can be used.
Other embodiments of the present invention feature alternative ways of
carrying an object within the two curved rims 10. As FIGS. 10A and 10B
illustrate, arms 131 are attached at one end to respective mounting plates
associated with curved rims 10. An object carrier 132 pivotally extends
between the arms 131 at respective axes 133. Axes 133 are located
substantially at the central axis of the curved rims 10. As FIG. 10A
illustrates, each arm 131 attaches to the curved rims 10 at a point offset
from the central axis such that the weight of an object carried within
object carrier 132 is translated to the attachment point of the arms 131
to the mounting plate associated with each curved rim and substantially
offset by the counter-balancing weights 18. As the curved rims 1025 and
the arms 131 rotate, object carrier 132 rotates about axes 133 to remain
in largely the same orientation relative to the surface over which the
curved rims 10 rotate. Furthermore, as one skilled in the art will
recognize, the embodiment corresponding to FIGS. 10A and 10B can be
adapted to a variety of uses. For example, object carrier 132 can be
adapted to carry a palette stacked with boxes and the like. In another
embodiment, the object carrier 132 may comprise a seat pivotally attached
to and properly balanced on axes 133, creating a device similar to a
wheelchair that allows a user to sit in the object carrier and move the
device by applying force to both curved rims 10. Still further a
supporting rod may extend between axes 133 to enhance the rigidity of the
moving device 8.
FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate a wheelchair incorporating the principles
of the present invention. As FIG. 15B illustrates, the chair 250 comprises
seat section 206 extending between first and second housings 200. Housings
200 each include cavity 202 and ball bearings 204 supporting rotating
plates 208 rotatably located within cavity 202. As FIG. 15A illustrates,
arms 210 extend from rotating plates 208 and attached to mounting plates
12 as discussed above. By locating the center of rotating plates 208
substantially at the location of the central axis of the curved rims 10
within respective housings 200, and having the seat section 206 located
below the central axis of the rotating plates, the seat remains straight
and in one place as the curved rims 10 are rotated. In addition, the chair
can be motorized by attaching a motor to housing 200 such that it attaches
to and drives the rotating plates 208. In addition, in embodiments where
curved rims 10 have a non-circular profile (see above), the profile of
cavity 202 and/or the rotating plates 208 can be configured to counter-act
the shape of the curved rims 10 such that the chair 250 remains centered,
and does not move up and down, as the curved rims 10 rotate.
FIGS. 12A and 12B set forth a moving device 8 according to another
embodiment of the present invention. As FIG. 12A illustrates, moving
device 8 comprises first and second curved rims 10 integrally formed with
mounting plates 12. As described more fully below, mounting plate 12
includes at least one counter-balancing weight 18 to offset the moment
associated with an object attached to the moving device 8. As FIG. 12A,
shows, mounting plates 12 each include holes 152 extending through the
mounting plates 12 and arranged, according to one embodiment, in a square
pattern. As FIG. 12B illustrates, moving device further includes
attachment plates 150. Attachment plates 150 include pegs 151 that engage
holes 152 extending through mounting plates 12. In one embodiment, pegs
151 extend through holes 152 and include threads at the outer ends thereof
to allow nuts to secure the attachment plates 150 to the respective
mounting plates 12. Attachment plates 150 also include attachments, such
as pegs 153 or other mounting features, that engage an object or object
carrier. In one manner of use, a user may attach the attachment plates 150
to an object or object carrier and then secure the attachment plates 150
to mounting plates 12 associated with curved rims 10. In one embodiment,
the object carrier can be pivotally attached to pegs 153 such that the
object remains in the same orientation as the moving device 8 rotates
about its central axis.
As FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate, the moving device 8, according to an
embodiment of the present invention, can incorporate tracks associated
with the object or counter-balancing weight attachments and devices,
motors, hydraulics, etc., to assist with moving the object or
counter-balancing weight along the tracks to thereby facilitate use and
operation of the device. As FIG. 13B illustrates, counter-balancing weight
18 can be mounted on pneumatically-operated tracks 170, attached to the
mounting plate 12, to move the counter-balancing weight 18 towards and
away from the central axis of the device. In one embodiment, the
counter-balancing weight 18 can include an air compressor to allow for
pneumatic operation of the tracks 170. Alternatively, device may include
connectors to which a separate air compressor may be attached.
Similarly, the moving device may include pneumatically operated tracks
facilitating the lifting of the object 22 or object carrier into place
relative to the central axis of the device. For example, the device may
include attachment plates 162 that connect to the mounting plates of
curved rims 10 via pegs 163, as described above. According to an
embodiment of the present invention, the attachment plates 162 include
pneumatically-operated tracks that attach to plates 161 that include
features, such as holes, allowing for attachment of object 22 (or an
object container/carrier) via pegs 159. In use, the user may rotate the
device over the object and lower plate 161 and attach the object thereto
(See FIG. 13B). Once attached, the user operates the tracks to raise the
plates 161 and the object 22 into place, as shown in FIG. 13C. As one
skilled in the art will recognize, the tracks may also be actuated by
hydraulic means, and mechanical or electrical motors.
Lastly, although the present invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, various other embodiments are possible without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments of
the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art. It is, therefore, intended that the claims set forth below not be
limited to the embodiments described above.
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