Wheeled mount for handheld tools

Abstract

A wheeled mount for handheld tools with a frame having an upper and lower region, a pair of handles attached to and projecting away from the upper frame region, an 5 axle attached to the lower frame region, a pair of wheels in contact with a generally horizontal surface and further fixed to the axle and a handheld tool positioned on or within and secured to the lower frame to position the attachment of the handheld tool in contact with the generally horizontal surface thereby creating a stable three point contact for the wheeled mount for handheld tools. An operator can safely operate and move the wheeled 10 mount for handheld tools in a manner similar to using a hand dolly.

Claims

1. An apparatus for driving an angle grinder having a spindle assembly comprising: a frame having an upper region and a lower region; a handle assembly attached to the upper region at an end of the upper region distal from the lower region, the handle assembly projecting away from the upper region; an axle near the intersection of the upper region and the lower region; a pair of wheels fixed to the axle such that the upper region and the lower region cantilever with respect to the wheels; and an angle grinder secured against the lower region at an end of the lower region distal from the pair of wheels, wherein power to the grinding tool is governed by a controller adjacent the handle assembly and wherein the spindle assembly is preserved at a substantially ninety degree angle relative to the lower region, further comprising an articulating mount for holding a pneumatic needle scaler.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pneumatic needle scaler is in fluid communication with an air compression source through the handle assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a gas pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the pneumatic needle scaler.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pneumatic controller adjacent the handle assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 depicts an elevation view of the wheeled mount for handheld tools, where the handheld tool is a grinder;

(2) FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the wheeled mount for handheld tools, wherein the handheld tool is a grinder;

(3) FIG. 3 depicts a back view of the wheeled mount for handheld tools, where the handheld tool is a grinder;

(4) FIG. 4 depicts a detailed elevation view of the wheeled mount for handheld tools, wherein the handheld tool is a grinder;

(5) FIG. 5 depicts an elevation view of a wheeled mount for handheld tools where the hand held tool is a needle gun scaler; and

(6) FIG. 6 depicts an elevation view of a wheeled mount for handheld tools including both an angle grinder and a needle scaler.

(7) FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a wheeled mount for handheld tools including both an angle grinder and a needle scaler.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

(8) 10. Wheeled Mount for Handheld Tools

(9) 20. Frame

(10) 22. Upper Frame

(11) 24. Lower Frame

(12) 30. Wheels

(13) 32. Axle

(14) 40. Handheld Tool

(15) 41. Pneumatically Powered Handheld Tool

(16) 42. Cord

(17) 43. Air Hose

(18) 44. Angle and Orient Attachment

(19) 45. Plate

(20) 221. Lever

(21) 222. Handle

(22) 223. Pneumatic Manifold

(23) 224. Switched Outlet

(24) 225. Power Cord

(25) 226. Holder

(26) 227. Air Supply Hose

(27) 242. Handheld Tool Mount

(28) 244. Guard

(29) 246. Bolt

(30) 248. Secondary Mount

(31) 250. Pneumatic Air Hose

(32) 252. Pneumatic On/Off Valve

(33) 452. Clamps

(34) 454. Angle Grinder

(35) 456. Needle Scaler

DESCRIPTION

(36) As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The apparatus shown in the figures is not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

(37) Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only and not for purposes of limitation. For example, the words rightwardly, leftwardly, upwardly and downwardly will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words inwardly and outwardly refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the structure being referred to. This terminology includes these words, specifically mentioned derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Furthermore, elements may be recited as being coupled; this terminology's use anticipates elements being connected together in such a way that there may be other components interstitially located between the specified elements and that the elements may be connected in fixed or movable relation one to the other. Certain components may be described as being adjacent to one another. In these instances, it is expected that such a relationship so described shall be interpreted to mean that the components are located proximate to one another, but not necessarily in contact with each other. Normally there will be an absence of other components positioned there between, but this is not a requirement. Still further, some structural relationships or orientations may be designated with the word substantially. In those cases, it is meant that the relationship or orientation is as described, with allowances for variations that do not affect the cooperation of the so described component or components.

(38) Referring to FIG. 1, the wheeled mount for handheld tools 10 includes a frame 20 having an upper frame 22 and a lower frame 24, a pair of handles 222 attached to and projecting away from the upper frame 22, an axle 32 (not shown) attached to the lower frame 24, a pair of wheels 30 fixed the axle 32, and either an electrically powered handheld tool 40, a pneumatically powered handheld tool 41 (not shown), or both securely attached to lower frame 24. In a preferred embodiment an operator can adjust handles 222 up or down to best fit the operator. In yet another embodiment, upper frame 22 can be extended or collapsed to alter its length. In yet another embodiment, upper frame 22 is foldable for ease of stowage and transport. Likewise, in another embodiment, lower frame 24 is foldable for ease of stowage and transport.

(39) In one embodiment, cord 42 from the electrically powered handheld tool 40 is electrically connected to a switched outlet 224 (not shown) attached to upper frame 22. In another embodiment, the switch of the switched outlet 224 may be a lever 223 (see FIG. 6) located adjacent handle 222 so an operators can squeeze it to energize the circuit and provide variable power to the handheld tool 40. As depicted in FIGS. 1 through 4, the electrically powered handheld tool 40 is an angle grinder. In a preferred embodiment, switched outlet 224 is located close to and below handle 222 for ease of operation. In a preferred embodiment, a dead man switch is electrically connected between switched outlet 224 and handheld tool 40. A power cord 225 electrically connects switched outlet 224 to an electrical outlet within reach of power cord 225. Holder 226 is attached to frame 20 and in a preferred embodiment, upper frame 22. In a preferred embodiment, holder 226 is mounted below switched outlet 224. The holder 226 is preferably configured to receive and hold excess cord 42 and/or power cord 225.

(40) FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the wheeled mount for handheld tool 10, in which an air hose 43 from a pneumatically powered handheld tool 41, is fluidly connected to a switched pneumatic manifold 223 attached to upper frame 22. In a preferred embodiment, switched pneumatic manifold 223 is located close to and below handle 222 for ease of operation by a lever 221 (see FIG. 5). In a preferred embodiment, a dead man switch is connected between switched pneumatic manifold 223 and pneumatic powered handheld tool 41. A supply air hose 227 fluidly connects switched pneumatic manifold 223 to an air supply within reach of supply air hose 227. Holder 226 is attached to frame 20 and in a preferred embodiment, upper frame 22. In a preferred embodiment, holder 226 is mounted below switched pneumatic manifold 223. The holder 226 is configured to receive and hold excess hose 42 and/or supply air hose 227.

(41) A pair of wheels 30 are rotatably fixed to an axle 32 which in turn is fixed to a bottom region of upper frame 22. See FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Upper frame 22 and lower frame 24 are preferably connected to each other at an angle of approximately 135 to 145 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, upper frame 22 is angled approximately 5 degrees off a vertical axis and lower frame 24 is angled toward a generally horizontal surface such that the angle between upper and lower frames 22 and 24 is approximately 142 degrees.

(42) A handheld tool mount 242 is fixed to lower frame 24 away from the pair of wheels 30. Handheld tool mount 242 is connected to an electrically powered handheld tool 40, pneumatically powered handheld tool 41 or a plate 45. See FIGS. 4 and 5. As depicted in FIG. 4, an electrically powered handheld tool 40, in the form of a grinder, is securely mounted by at least two bolts passing through handheld tool mount 242 and into bolt holes formed in the head of electrically powered handheld tool 40. It is contemplated that the same securing arrangement is used for a pneumatically powered handheld tool 41, such as a pneumatically powered grinder. The electrically powered handheld tool 40 is securely positioned within and in contact with lower frame 24 to angle and orient attachment 44 to the appropriate angle of approximately 45 to 50 degrees from the generally horizontal surface. See FIGS. 2 and 3. It is contemplated that the same angles and orientation can be used for a pneumatically powered handheld tool 41, such a pneumatically powered grinder.

(43) As depicted in FIG. 5, a plate 45 is fixed to handheld tool mount 242 and positioned in a generally vertical position by threaded bolts. See FIG. 5. Either an electrically powered handheld tool 40 or a pneumatically powered handheld tool 41 is fixed to plate 45 by clamps 452. See FIG. 5. This arrangement is especially useful for those handheld tools that must be mounted vertically to position its attachment 44 in a particular orientation. For example, with a needle gun scaler, the attachment 44 is a bundle of needles that require a perpendicular orientation to the generally horizontal surface. See FIG. 5. The same could be said for a handheld tool with an attachment 44 that is a buffing pad.

(44) In another embodiment of the invention, attachment 44 and the pair of wheels 30 form a stable three point contact with the generally horizontal surface. Attachment 44 can be one attachment selected from the group consisting of an abrasive disc, cut-off disc, grinding stone, sanding disc, wire brush wheel, buffing pad, polishing pad, at least one chisel or a bundle of needles. In a preferred embodiment, the pair of wheels 30 is about 10 to 17 in diameter and the distance between the outer surfaces of wheels 30 is approximately 12 to 18. In a preferred embodiment, a lower frame brace 26 is connected between upper frame 22 and lower frame 24 beneath lower frame 24. Lower frame brace 26 stiffens the connection between upper and lower frames 22 and 24.

(45) A guard 244 extends downward from lower frame 24 to just above generally horizontal surface. Guard 244 can be a U shaped material wherein the bottom of the U is facing axle 32. In this configuration any debris dislodged by attachment 44 from generally horizontal surface will be deflected away from an operator. In another embodiment, guard 244 is angular in shape but with at least one opening located away from axle 32.

(46) Referring to FIG. 6, the wheeled mount for handheld tools 10 comprises a preferred embodiment including an angle grinder 454 and needle scaler 456. In this embodiment, the angle grinder 454 is installed on the lower frame 24, and anchored in place using handheld tool mount 242. As shown the handheld tool mount 242 includes a bolt 246 adapted to engage the threaded bore (not shown) used for anchoring a handle to the angle grinder 454. The needle scaler 456 is installed on a secondary mount 248, which preferably affixes to the tool mount 242. The secondary mount 248 may include a plate 45 to which the needle scaler 456 is affixed using clamps 452, which may be U-bolts.

(47) Referring to FIG. 7 the wheeled mount for handheld tools 10 is shown in perspective view. In this view, the connections for powering the angle grinder 454 and needle scaler 456 are shown. The angle grinder 454 is affixed to the handheld tool mount 242. Power for the angle grinder 454 is provided by a power cord 225, in this embodiment extending from the angle grinder 454 to a controller (not shown) associated with a handle 222 lever 221. From the controller, another power cord 225 is wrapped around the holder 226, and can be unwound and plugged in for operation. For powering the needle scaler 456, a pneumatic air hose 250 leads to the handle 222 where control of the needle scaler 456 is governed. A pneumatic on/off valve 252 may be provided, including a pressure relief capability, for stopping the flow of compressed air to the needle scaler 456.

(48) It is contemplated that the present invention can be constructed from any ferrous or non-ferrous metals, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and/or wood material of sufficient dimensions to securely hold an electrically powered handheld tool 40 or pneumatically powered handheld tool 41 against lower frame 24 when attachment 44 is in contact against a generally horizontal surface. The material used to construct the wheeled mount for handheld tools 10 can be solid, hollow, and/or having cross sections that are circular, oval, polygonal, arcuate and/or angled, so long as the construction is stiff and sturdy. The pair of wheels 30 can be inflatable or solid, and with or without treads.

(49) To use the wheeled mount for handheld tools 10, the operator removes any threaded handles from the electrically or pneumatically powered handheld tool 40 or 41. The handle of electrically or pneumatically powered handheld tool 40 or 41 is positioned on or within and in further contact with lower frame 24. The operator passes threaded bolts through the mount 242 and into the threaded holes of the electrically or pneumatically powered handheld tool 40 or 41 to securely mount it to wheeled mount for handheld tools 10. In 15 another embodiment, the operator attaches a plate 45 to mount 242 with threaded bolts and thereafter attaches a electrically or pneumatically powered handheld tool 40 or 41 to plate 45 with threaded clamps 452.

(50) In a preferred embodiment, the operator ensures that the switched outlet 224 is deenergized and then connects power cord 42 to switched outlet 224. Thereafter, the operator connects power cord 226 or air hose 227 into an appropriate power source. The operator then configures the trigger on the electrically or pneumatically powered handheld tool 40 or 41 to remain on so that operation of the electrically or pneumatically powered handheld tool 40 or 41 is controlled from the either the switched outlet 224, switched pneumatic manifold 223 or deadman switch. With both hands firmly grasping the handles 222, the operator energizes the switched outlet 224 or switched pneumatic manifold 223 with at least one finger. The electrically or pneumatically powered handheld tool 40 or 41 can be moved by the operator pushing or pulling the handles 222. The operator can also increase pressure on the attachment 44 by rocking the handles 222 forward toward the generally horizontal surface. In short, an operator can safely operate and move the wheeled mount for handheld tools 10 and the mounted handheld tool in a manner similar to using a hand dolly.

(51) It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and 10 may be employed without any reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.