Jack support with cantilever spring mechanism

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cart adapted to support an automotive jack bracket via a shelf supported by a plurality of wheels coupled to the shelf using cantilevers. The cantilever exhibits a resilient behavior in response to a load received by the shelf. In one embodiment, the cantilevers exhibit elastic behavior via the joints. In another embodiment, the cantilevers exhibit elastic behavior via spring bolts.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hand tools. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hand tools for use in automotive repair shops. BACKGROUND

[0002] Jack stands are used to support vehicles during repairs. As vehicles can be quite heavy, jack stands need to be quite strong to support the large amount of weight. Existing jack stands can be heavy to move by hand and require the user to lift in a sub-optimal ergonomic position.

[0003] It is desirable for a jack stand that can be placed easily, accurately and ergonomically without compromising the stability or load bearing capacity of the jack stand. SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cart comprising a shelf, a cantilever, and a wheel. The shelf has a top surface configured to receive a load and a bottom surface disposed above a ground surface supporting the cart by a clearance distance. The cantilever has a proximal end coupled to the shelf and a distal end. The wheel is coupled to the cantilever at the distal end. The shelf transmits the received load to the wheel via the cantilever. The cantilever elastically deforms when subjected to the received load such that the clearance distance is a function of the received load, wherein the clearance distance is maximized at zero load and the clearance distance is minimized when the load is greater than a threshold load value. The bottom surface is in contact with the ground surface when the clearance distance is minimized. Some embodiments can include multiple cantilevers. Some embodiments can include multiple wheels.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cart comprising a shelf, a cantilever, and a wheel. The shelf has a top surface configured to receive a load and a bottom surface disposed above a ground surface supporting the cart by a clearance distance. The cantilever has a proximal end coupled to the shelf via a spring-loaded hinge and a distal end. The wheel is coupled to the cantilever at the distal end. The shelf transmits the received load to the wheel via the cantilever, wherein the spring-loaded hinge compresses when subjected to the received load such that the clearance distance is a function of the received load. The clearance distance is maximized at zero load and the clearance distance is minimized when the load is greater than a threshold load value. The bottom surface is in contact with the ground surface when the clearance distance is minimized. Some embodiments can include multiple cantilevers. Some embodiments can include multiple wheels.

[0006] The above aspects of the present disclosure, as well as other aspects, will be more fully explained in the following detailed description, reference being had to the drawings not meant to limit the application to the precise construction illustrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is an illustration of an automotive jack stand.

[0008] Figure 2 is an illustration of a cart with a first boom.

[0009] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is a close-up illustration of the first boom of the cart of

[0010] Figure 4 is an illustration of a cart loaded with a jack stand.

[0011] Figure 5 is an illustration of a cart loaded with a jack stand and having additional load capacity.

[0012] Figure 6 is an illustration of a cart with a second boom.

[0013] Figure 7 is Figure 6 is a close-up illustration of the second boom of the cart of

[0014] Figure 8 is an illustration of a cart loaded with a jack stand.

[0015] Figure 9 is an illustration of a cart loaded with a jack stand and having additional load capacity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the application. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features can be exaggerated to show details, which can be made up in various and alternative forms. The disclosed specific structures and functions are not to be interpreted as limiting, but are to be understood to be representative of the concepts described herein.

[0017] Figure 1is a drawing of a jack stand 100. The jack stand 100 includes a base member 101 having a top surface 103 and a bottom surface 105. A sleeve 107 protrudes from the top surface 103, which is supported by a plurality of sleeve supports 109. A support arm 111 extends from the sleeve 107, which has a support surface 113 configured to receive a load, such as from a frame of an automobile (not drawn). The extension of the support arm 111 is secured using a locking mechanism 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 115 includes a peg lock, although other embodiments can include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. By way of example, and without limitation, such embodiments can include a ratchet lock, a vise lock, a latch, a channel lock, or any other locking mechanism known to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the jack stand 100 also includes a handle 117 that a user can utilize to move, position, or carry the jack stand 100. Some embodiments can not include the handle 117 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0018] The jack stand 100 exhibits a set of characteristics that make it suitable for use with motor vehicle loads. By way of example, and without limitation, the jack stand 100 can be specifically designed to support up to 20 tons of force received by the support surface 113, although other embodiments can include different maximum loads without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0019] The self-mass of the jack stand 100 impacts its overall maximum load carrying capacity, with larger and heavier configurations being able to support higher loads. In some embodiments, the weight of the jack stand 100 itself, when not subject to any external load, can be between 25-50 pounds. In the illustrated embodiment, the jack stand 100 weighs 45 pounds, although other embodiments can include other weights without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0020] The dimensions of the base member 103 will also impact the performance of the jack stand 100, with larger dimensions providing a wider and more stable support for the received load. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 103 includes a cut rectangular shape, with 4 long sides (similar to a rectangle) and 4 short sides, forming an irregular octagon, although other embodiments can include different shapes and sizes without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. By way of example, and without limitation, the overall length of each dimension of the base member 103 can be between 10-16 inches long without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the overall area of the base member 103 will be in the range of a 15.5-inch by 15.5-inch square, although other embodiments can include other configurations. In some such embodiments, the base member 103 can be in the range of an 11-inch by 11-inch square without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0021] Figure 2 is an illustration of a cart 200 suitable for use with a jack stand 100 (not drawn; see Figure 1 ). The cart 200 includes a shelf 201 having a top surface 203 and a bottom surface 205. The top surface 203 is suitable for receiving an external load, such as the weight of a jack stand (such as the jack stand 100; see Figure 1 ). By way of example, and without limitation, the top surface 203 can be defined by a first dimension and a second dimension corresponding to a length and a width (or vice versa) of the top surface 203. Each of these dimensions is 10 to 16 inches long, which does not deviate from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, a 16-inch by 16-inch square can accommodate a jack stand 100 having a base member 103 (see Figure 1 ) with a 15.5-inch by 15.5-inch measurement, but other embodiments can include other dimensions, which does not deviate from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0022] The shelf 201 is supported by a plurality of outriggers 209 coupled to the shelf 201, each outrigger 209 having a wheel 211 coupled thereto. Each wheel 211 is coupled to its associated outrigger 209 with a stem 213. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels 211 include casters that can rotate about an axis defined by the stem 213, but other embodiments can include other configurations, which does not deviate from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wheels 211 is free to rotate about an axis (not shown), but in some embodiments, one or more of the wheels 211 can include a braking or locking mechanism to prevent free rotation when engaged, which does not deviate from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0023] Figure 3 is a close-up illustration of one of the outriggers 209 and its associated wheel 211, which illustrates additional features of each outrigger. The wheel 211 rotates about an axis 313 defined by an axle 315 along a rotational direction 311. The axle 315 is disposed between surfaces of a housing 317, and the housing 317 is a coupling mechanism between the wheel 211 and the stem 213. The housing 317 and the wheel 211 also form a caster assembly that is rotatable about an axis 319 defined by the stem 213 along a rotational direction 321. Some embodiments of the wheel 211 can not form a caster, which does not deviate from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0024] The cantilever 209 includes a proximal end 325 and a distal end 327, and is coupled to the shelf 201 near the proximal end 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the cantilever 209 is coupled to the shelf 201 using a plurality of fasteners 329 (such as bolts, screws, or rivets), but other embodiments may include different coupling mechanisms without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In such embodiments, the coupling of the cantilever 209 to the shelf 201 is achieved near the proximal end 325, but other embodiments may include other configurations without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the coupling of the cantilever 209 to the shelf 201 may be achieved without the use of fasteners 329, and may instead be achieved via other means (such as welding, integrated joints, clamping mechanisms, or interlocking mechanisms) without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0025] The cantilever 209 is configured to transfer the load received by the shelf 201 to the wheel 211 up to a threshold load value. For loads below the threshold load value, the cantilever 209 will exhibit elastic deformation, thus returning to its original shape once the load is removed. The cantilever 209 exhibits elastic deformation via a joint 331 formed by the intersection of a proximal end 325 and a distal end 327. The angle 333 of the joint 331 is defined by the intersection of the linear dimensions of the proximal end 325 and the distal end 327. The proximal linear dimension 335 is defined by the length of the proximal end 325, and the distal linear dimension 337 is defined by the length of the distal end 327. The angle 333 opens / widens or narrows / closes along the angular direction 341 as a variable response to an external load 350. The maximum width of the angle 333 is exhibited when the external load 350 is equivalent to the threshold load value, and the minimum width of the angle 333 is exhibited when the external load 350 is zero. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum width of angle 333 is a right angle; however, other embodiments may include different maximum angles without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "right angle" is defined as 90 degrees within manufacturing tolerances generally accepted by one of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example, and not limitation, the threshold load value of trolley 200 may be in the range of 40 to 60 pounds, and the threshold load value of each cantilever 209 may be in the range of 10 to 15 pounds, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0026] This elasticity allows each of the cantilever 209 (see...) Figure 2 It can withstand some external load 305 up to a threshold load value, and changes the overall size of the trolley 200 in response to the external load (see [reference]). Figure 2 Configuration of ).

[0027] Figure 4This is an illustration of a trolley 200 supporting a jack support 100. The weight of the jack support 100 applies a first load 400 to the trolley 200, which is received by a shelf 201. The weight of the jack support 100 is chosen such that the load 400 is less than a threshold load value for the trolley 200. Therefore, a clearance distance x1 exists between the bottom surface 205 of the trolley 200 and the surface of the ground 450 supporting the trolley 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the clearance distance x1 is positive but not maximized. The clearance distance x1 is maximized when the trolley 200 is subjected to zero external load. In response to a load greater than zero, the shelf 201 lowers closer to the ground 450, and in response, the cantilever 209 elastically deforms accordingly, resulting in a wider angle 333 (see [reference]). Figure 3 This elastic deformation can be advantageously used to stabilize the trolley 200 under sufficiently heavy loads.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a jack support 100 and a trolley 200 supporting an additional load 500, such as a vehicle (not shown) transported via a support surface 113 (see Figure 113). Figure 1 The weight provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the combined load 400 from the weight of the jack support and the additional load 500 is greater than the threshold load value of the trolley 200. Therefore, the shelf 201 descends, causing the bottom surface 205 to contact the ground 450. Consequently, the clearance distance x2 is reduced to zero, and each cantilever 209 also exhibits maximum deformation, and therefore the angle 333 of each cantilever 209 (see...) Figure 3The width is maximized. In the illustrated embodiment, this causes each of the wheels 211 to lose contact with the ground 450, but in other embodiments, the wheels 211 may instead receive only a minimum portion of the total load, without departing from the teachings herein. In this case, the majority of the combined force of the loads 400 and 500 is received by the shelf 201 and transmitted directly to the ground 450 via the bottom surface 205. This transmission of the majority of the load protects the elasticity of each of the cantilever 209, so that the cantilever 209 will advantageously not be subjected to loads that cause plastic deformation of its shape. In this way, once the jack bracket 100 is unloaded of the external load 500, the total load received by the trolley 200 will again be below the threshold load value, and the trolley 200 can advantageously move around again using the wheels 211. This elasticity also has the advantage of eliminating the movement of the wheels 211 during loads greater than the threshold load value of the trolley 200, and thus provides a firm and stable support for the load 500 during the duration during which the total load exceeds the threshold load value. In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold load value of the trolley 200 is selected to be only slightly larger than the load 400, so that only a small additional load is sufficient to ensure that the total load is safely transferred to the ground 450 to enable the safe operation of the jack support 100 when it is supported by the trolley 200.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a diagram of trolley 600, which is adapted to work with jack bracket 100 (not shown; see [link]). Figure 1 This is an alternative embodiment of the stroller used. It is worth noting that stroller 600 includes some features similar to stroller 200 (see...). Figure 2 The same features are present, particularly the wheels 211 and the handle 213. The trolley 600 also features a shelf 601 having a top surface 603, a bottom surface 605, and a retaining wall 607. The top surface 603 is adapted to receive external loads, such as jack supports (such as jack support 100; see also...). Figure 1 The weight of the top surface 603. As an example, and not a limitation, the area of ​​the top surface 603 may be defined by a first dimension and a second dimension corresponding to the length and width (or vice versa) of the top surface 603. Each of these dimensions is 10 to 16 inches long, which does not depart from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, a 16-inch by 16-inch square can accommodate a base member 103 (see...). Figure 1 The jack support 100 has a base component 103 with a measurement of 15.5 inches by 15.5 inches, but other embodiments may include other dimensions without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0030] Although the trolley 600 also includes a plurality of cantilever arms 609, each of the cantilever arms 609 is connected to the shelf 601 by a hinge 611. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the cantilever arms 609 is connected to two wheels 211, but other embodiments may include a different number of wheels per cantilever arm, a different number of cantilever arms, or a different number of wheels, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Some embodiments may include cantilever arms with different configurations (e.g., each cantilever arm is connected to a different number of wheels), without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Additional differences between the trolley 600 and the trolley 200 will become apparent in the additional detailed disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a close-up illustration of one of its cantilever arms 609 and the associated wheel 211. It should be noted that since the wheel 211 is the same as in the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the wheel 211 includes the features previously described in... Figure 3 The caster described herein has the same shape and function. However, the cantilever 609 differs from the previous embodiment. Although the cantilever 609 includes a proximal end 727 angled to the distal end 729, the shape of the cantilever 609 is not elastically deformable. Instead, the elasticity of the cantilever 609 is embodied by a spring in a spring bolt 731. The spring bolt 731 includes a spring and a bolt, the spring engaging the proximal end 725, and the bolt connecting the cantilever 609 to the shelf 601 near the proximal end 727. The spring bolt 731, in conjunction with a hinge 611, provides an elastic response to the load received by the shelf 601. The hinge 611 includes a hinge rod 733 disposed within a hinge bracket 735 along the length of the hinge 611. The hinge 611 not only provides an additional connection between the cantilever 609 and the shelf 601, but also allows the cantilever 609 to rotate about a portion of the circumference of the hinge rod 733 in the direction of rotation 737. This movement is inhibited in the outward direction by the elastic resistance from the spring bolt 731 and limited in the inward direction by the proximal end 725 interacting with the retaining wall 607. In this way, the hinge 611 acts as a spring-loaded hinge. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge rod 733 is held within the hinge bracket 735 by a retainer pin 739, but other embodiments may include other retaining mechanisms without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0032] When an external load 750 is applied to the shelf 750, the downward movement of the shelf 605 effectively causes the cantilever 609 to rotate outward (i.e., "away" from the shelf) along the rotation direction 737, thereby generating an outward force on the proximal end 725 along direction 755, resisting the spring force applied by the spring bolt 731. After the load has been removed, the spring force of the spring bolt 731 returns the proximal end 725 to the neutral position.

[0033] When a sufficiently large force 755 is applied to the spring bolt 731, the spring exhibits maximum compression, and further displacement of the cantilever 609 is impossible. Advantageously, this is similar to other designs (such as the joint-dependent cantilever 209, see...) Figure 3 In contrast, the spring bolt 731 can have a larger threshold load value before its elastic behavior is affected. Therefore, the trolley 600 can be advantageously suited for larger loads without any functional degradation due to reduced elasticity. By way of example, and not limitation, the threshold load value of the trolley 600 can be in the range of 40 to 60 pounds, and the threshold load value of each cantilever 609 can be in the range of 20 to 30 pounds, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0034] Figure 8 This is an illustration of a trolley 600 supporting a jack support 100. The weight of the jack support 100 applies a first load 400 to the trolley 600, which is received by a shelf 601. The weight of the jack support 100 is chosen such that the load 400 is less than a threshold load value for the trolley 600. Therefore, a clearance distance x1 exists between the bottom surface 605 of the trolley 600 and the surface of the ground 450 supporting the trolley 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the clearance distance x1 is positive but not maximized. The clearance distance x1 is maximized when the trolley 600 is subjected to zero external load. In response to a load greater than zero, the shelf 601 is lowered closer to the ground 450, and the cantilever 609 is correspondingly connected via a spring-loaded hinge 611 (see...). Figure 7 Rotate away from shelf 601. This rotation is advantageous for stabilizing trolley 600 under sufficiently heavy loads.

[0035] Figure 9 This is an illustration of a jack support 100 and a trolley 600 supporting an additional load 500, such as a vehicle (not shown) transported via a support surface 113 (see Figure 113). Figure 1 The weight provided by the load. In the illustrated embodiment, the combined load 400 from the jack support and the additional load 500 is greater than the threshold load value of the trolley 600. Therefore, the shelf 601 descends, causing the bottom surface 605 to contact the ground 450. Thus, the clearance distance x2 is reduced to zero, and each cantilever 209 also exhibits maximum rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, this causes each of the wheels 211 to lose contact with the ground 450, but in other embodiments, the wheels 211 may alternatively receive only a minimum portion of the total load, which does not depart from the teachings herein. In this case, most of the combined force of the loads 400 and 500 is received by the shelf 601 and transmitted directly to the ground 450 via the bottom surface 605. This transmission of most of the load is protected by the spring bolt 731 (see Figure 7The elasticity of each of the spring bolts 731 means that the spring bolt 731 will advantageously not be subjected to loads that cause plastic deformation of its shape. In this way, once the external load 500 is removed from the jack support 100, the total load received by the trolley 600 will again be below the threshold load value, and the trolley 600 can advantageously move around again using the wheels 211. This rotation of the cantilever 609 also has the advantage of eliminating the ability of the wheels 211 to move during loads greater than the threshold load value of the trolley 200, and thus provides a firm and stable support for the load 500 for the duration during which the total load exceeds the threshold load value. In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold load value of the trolley 600 is selected to be only slightly larger than the load 400 by a small amount of force, so that only a small additional load is sufficient to cause the total load to be safely transferred to the ground 450 to achieve safe operation of the jack support 100 when it is supported by the trolley 600.

[0036] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the disclosed apparatus and methods. Rather, the language used in this specification is descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Features of various implementations may be combined to form other embodiments of the disclosed concepts.

Claims

1. A trolley comprising: A shelf having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being configured to receive a load, and the bottom surface being positioned above the ground surface supporting the trolley with a certain gap distance; A cantilever having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the shelf; as well as The wheel is connected to the cantilever at the distal end. The shelf transmits the received load to the wheel via the cantilever, wherein the cantilever elastically deforms when subjected to the received load, such that the gap distance is related to the received load, wherein the gap distance is maximized under zero load and minimized when the load is greater than a threshold load value, and wherein the bottom surface contacts the ground surface when the gap distance is minimized.

2. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein, The cantilever is one of a plurality of cantilever arms, and the wheel is one of a plurality of wheels, each of the plurality of wheels being coupled to one of the plurality of cantilever arms.

3. The trolley according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of cantilever arms includes four cantilever arms, and the plurality of wheels includes four wheels.

4. The trolley according to claim 3, wherein, The threshold load value for each of the four cantilever arms is 10 to 13 pounds.

5. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein, The first dimension of the top surface is 10 to 16 inches in length.

6. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein, The distal end and the proximal end are set at a certain angle.

7. The trolley according to claim 6, wherein, The angle is a right angle under zero load.

8. The trolley according to claim 6, wherein, The elasticity of the cantilever is manifested at the joint of the angle.

9. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein, The distal end is connected to the wheel via the wheel's handle.

10. A trolley comprising: A shelf having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being configured to receive a load, and the bottom surface being positioned above the ground surface supporting the trolley with a certain gap distance; A cantilever having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the shelf via a spring-loaded hinge; as well as The wheel is connected to the cantilever at the distal end. The shelf transmits the received load to the wheel via the cantilever, wherein the spring-loaded hinge is compressed when subjected to the received load, such that the gap distance is related to the received load, wherein the gap distance is maximized under zero load and minimized when the load is greater than a threshold load value, and wherein when the gap distance is minimized, the bottom surface is in contact with the ground surface.

11. The trolley according to claim 10, wherein, The cantilever is one of a plurality of cantilever arms.

12. The trolley according to claim 11, wherein, The wheel is one of a plurality of wheels, each of which is connected to one of the plurality of cantilever arms.

13. The trolley according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of cantilever arms includes two cantilever arms.

14. The trolley according to claim 13, wherein, The wheel is one of four wheels, and each of the cantilever arms is connected to two wheels.

15. The trolley according to claim 14, wherein, The threshold load value for each of the two cantilever arms is 20 to 26 pounds.

16. The trolley according to claim 10, wherein, The first dimension of the shelf is 10 to 16 inches in length.

17. The trolley according to claim 10, wherein, The distal end and the proximal end are set at a certain angle.

18. The trolley according to claim 10, wherein, The elasticity of the cantilever is manifested at the spring-loaded hinge.

19. The trolley according to claim 10, wherein, The spring of the spring-loaded hinge is connected to the shelf, and the proximal end engages the spring.

20. The trolley according to claim 10, wherein, The distal end is connected to the wheel via the wheel's handle.

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