WO2025196618A1 - Adjustable power tool trolley - Google Patents

Abstract

A trolley for supporting a power tool comprises a bottom frame for mounting at least one wheel thereto, a handle frame extendable upwardly from a proximal end of the bottom frame, a power tool support frame having an end pivotally mounted to the bottom frame and an end configured to be slidably connected to the handle frame, at least one actuator configured to cause the power tool support frame to pivot about the end of the bottom frame and to slide along the handle frame to adjust an angle of the power tool support frame. The trolley is smoothly adjustable during operation, increasing user comfort, reducing the need to disassemble parts of the trolley, and reducing downtime.

Description

ADJUSTABLE POWER TOOL TROLLEY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of US provisional patent application No. 63/566,514 filed on March 18, 2024, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to construction equipment, and more specifically to equipment trolleys, for example for power tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Construction tasks often require the use of heavy equipment or of equipment that causes significant vibrations, such as power tools. Worker safety and comfort is a priority, however time pressures and deadlines require that downtime during a construction task be reduced to a minimum.

[0004] Existing equipment trolleys for holding or moving equipment provide some worker comfort and safety. For example, US Patent 8,240,682 provides an equipment trolley for a jackhammer that may be manually adjusted by changing the point of engagement of the frame on a holding plate. US Patent 10,772,556 provides a jackhammer trolley having a handle portion that may be adjusted by rotating the handle portion to engage different notches on a slotted disc. US Publication 2007/0228805 provides a jackhammer cart having an assembly secured to the front portion of the cart for attaching a jackhammer thereto. The angle of the jackhammer may be adjusted by bolting the jackhammer in a different position on the assembly. US Design patent number 668,420 provides a jackhammer trolley having a spring biasing the jackhammer vertically and allowing the user to fix the position of the jackhammer by means of a pin connection.

[0005] Adjusting existing equipment trolleys requires user intervention on the structure of the trolley itself by disengaging and re-engaging components. This causes unnecessary downtime. Furthermore, existing equipment trolleys’ adjustability is limited by manufacturers’ configurations of discrete points of engagement for the trolleys’ components. Accordingly, workers using existing trolleys are unable to work to their maximum efficiency.

[0006] There is accordingly a need for more user-friendly and flexible equipment trolleys, such as a power tool trolley.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect, a trolley for supporting a power tool comprises a bottom frame for mounting at least one wheel thereto extending along a longitudinal axis, a handle frame extendable upwardly from a proximal end of the bottom frame and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a power tool support frame having a distal end pivotally mounted to a distal end of the bottom frame and a proximal end configured to be slidably connected to the handle frame, at least one actuator having a first end mounted to the bottom frame and a second end secured to a position on the power tool support frame proximate the proximal end, the actuator being configured to cause the distal end of the power tool support frame to pivot about the distal end of the bottom frame and to cause the proximal end of the power tool support frame to slide along the handle frame to adjust an angle of the power tool support frame relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0008] In embodiments, the actuator is electric and is electrically connectable to a power supply.

[0009] In embodiments, the trolley further comprises control means for controlling the actuator and operatively connected thereto.

[0010] In embodiments, the trolley further comprises a retention assembly for retaining a tool on the power tool support frame.

[0011] In embodiments, the retention assembly comprises one or more split collars.

[0012] In embodiments, the handle frame comprises a handle assembly pivotably connected thereto at a pivot point, and the handle assembly comprises securing means for securing the handle assembly in at least one position about the pivot point. [0013] In embodiments, the handle frame comprises at least one groove, the groove extending along at least a portion of the handle frame between the bottom frame and a top end of the handle frame, the groove being configured for receiving at least one complementary sliding element therein, the proximal end of the power tool support frame is pivotally secured to the at least one sliding element, and the at least one sliding element is configured to move along the at least one groove in response to the proximal end of the power tool support frame being actuated by the actuator.

[0014] In embodiments, the handle frame is configured to pivot about a position of slidable engagement with the power tool support frame to a position substantially parallel to the power tool support frame, the bottom frame comprising at least one protrusion at a proximal end and the handle frame comprising at least one slotted member mounted substantially at a bottom end thereof and configured to receive the protrusion therein to guide the folding movement of the handle frame.

[0015] In embodiments, the trolley further comprises carrying means for allowing a user to carry the trolley in a folded configuration.

[0016] In embodiments, the trolley further comprises one or more dampening means for reducing the transmission of vibrations from the tool to a user.

[0017] In embodiments, the power tool is a jackhammer.

[0018] In embodiments, the jackhammer is configured for flooring material removal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration example embodiments thereof and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a power tool trolley according to an embodiment. [0021] Figures 2A and 2B are side views of the trolley of Figure 1 in a nonextended configuration and an extended configuration.

[0022] Figure 3 is a top view of the trolley of Figure 1 .

[0023] Figure 4 is a front view of the trolley of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 5 is a side view of the trolley of Figure 1 in a folded configuration, exempt of a jackhammer tool.

[0025] Figures 6A and 6B are enlarged views of the trolley of Figure 1 , showing two handle assemblies for the equipment trolley.

[0026] Figures 7A and 7B are top perspective views of a trolley according to another embodiment, having a closed and an open split collar assembly cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 , a power tool trolley 1 includes a bottom frame 2 having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the bottom frame 2 is configured to be secured to a handle frame 15 by means of a retention frame 4 and a retention pin 3. The retention frame 4 may be a slotted member, for example as shown in Figure 1 , having a slot extending along at least a portion of the member. The retention pin 3 is configured to engage a complementary stud 3a (shown in Figure 5) protruding from the bottom frame 2 for preventing the movement of the handle frame 15 with respect to the bottom frame 2 when the pin 3 and the stud 3a are engaged. The retention frame 4 defines an elongated aperture or groove or slot 4a for receiving the stud 3a therethrough and for allowing the displacement of the stud 3a along the aperture. The retention frame 4 is mounted to the handle frame 15 and allows to fold the trolley as will become apparent below.

[0028] The distal end of the bottom frame 2 is configured to be pivotally connected to a power tool support frame 17 by means of a pivot shaft 5 received through corresponding apertures in the distal end of the bottom frame 2 and in the power tool support frame 17. The power tool support frame 17 extends between the distal end of the bottom frame 2 and the handle frame 15. The handle frame 15 defines grooves 16 for receiving a complementary sliding element 18 secured to the power tool support frame 17, the sliding element 18 being configured to slidably engage the grooves 16, thereby allowing movement of the sliding element 18 within the grooves 16. The power tool support frame 17 is pivotably connected to the sliding element 18 for facilitating the movement of the sliding element 18 in the grooves 16 in response to a movement of the proximal end of the power tool support frame 17. Other connection means between the power tool support frame 17 and the sliding element 18 are possible, including but not limited to ball-and-socket connections, resilient connections, and other appropriate connections means that will be apparent to a skilled person. The power tool support frame 17 may engage the grooves 16 by other means, for example by having protrusions configured to engage the grooves 16. Other engagement means are possible.

[0029] The bottom frame 2 is also configured to have wheels 23 mounted thereto. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the wheels 23 are mounted to the bottom frame 2 by means of a wheel shaft 6 received through the wheels 23 and bottom frame 2. The wheels 23, bottom frame 2 and wheel shaft 6 are secured by means of washers 19 and cotter pins 22. It is understood that other means for securing wheels to the trolley 1 are possible without departing from the present teachings. While the embodiment shown in Figure 1 has two wheels, it is understood that embodiments comprising one wheel, or more than two wheels are also possible.

[0030] A handle assembly 8 is mounted to the handle frame 15, optionally by means of adjustable circular plates 20. The handle assembly further includes control means 9 for controlling the trolley 1 and an electric cable 10 for electrically connecting the trolley 1 to a power supply.

[0031] The power tool support frame 17 is configured to have a jackhammer 25 placed thereon and secured thereto. Other power tool may be received onto the support frame 17 without departing from the present teachings.

[0032] The jackhammer 25 is secured to the support frame 17 by means of a split collar assembly 14. The split collar assembly 14 includes a proximal split collar 12, which may be termed a motor-side split collar, and a distal split collar 13, which may be termed a chisel-side split collar. The split collars 12 and 13 engage the body of the jackhammer 25 to prevent movement of the body of the jackhammer 25 relative to the trolley 1.

[0033] The split collar assembly 14 is secured to the power tool support frame 17. The split collar assembly 14 includes a split collar assembly cover 7. The split collar assembly cover 7 may comprise a front horizontal plate placed on the split collar assembly to secure the jackhammer 25 in place and to prevent a forward movement of the jackhammer 25 when the jackhammer 25 is at an angle.

[0034] It is understood that other means of securing a power tool to the support frame 17 are possible. For example, the trolley 1 may include fasteners, screws, bolts and/or support frames securable to the support frame 17. The support frame 17 defines apertures or grooves 11 and the trolley 1 may be configured to have power tool secured thereto by passing a screw, a bolt or other fastening means through the grooves 11 to engage a corresponding feature on the power tool, thereby fastening the power tool to the support frame 17. Other engagement and securing means are possible.

[0035] An actuator 26 is secured to the bottom frame 2 and to the power tool support frame 17 for raising and lowering the proximal end of the power tool support frame 17. A first end of the actuator 26 is positioned close to a midpoint between the distal end and the proximal end of the bottom frame 2, between the position of the wheel shaft 6 and the front pivot shaft 5. Where the bottom frame 2 includes members extending along the sides of the trolley 1 , as depicted in Figure 1 , the actuator 26 is secured to the bottom frame 2 by means of a bracket for maintaining the actuator 26 substantially centered between the left and the right sides of the bottom frame 2.

[0036] A second end of the actuator 26 is secured proximate the proximal end of the power tool support frame 17. The actuator 26 is configured to extend and retract, thereby causing movement of the power tool support frame 17. When in motion, the proximal end of the power tool support frame 17 follows the range of motion permitted to the sliding element 18 by the grooves 16 of the handle frame 15. When the actuator extends, the angle of the jackhammer 25 with respect to the floor increases. Conversely, when the actuator retracts, the proximal end of the power tool support frame 17 is lowered and the angle of the jackhammer 25 with respect to the floor decreases. [0037] Referring now to Figure 2A, an adjustable trolley in a lowered configuration (i.e., a non-extended configuration) is configured to angle the jackhammer at a reduced angle with respect to the floor, for example at an angle of 30 degrees or less. As shown in Figure 2A, the actuator 26 is not extended and the proximal end of the jackhammer frame is proximate to the bottom end of the handle frame 15.

[0038] Referring now to Figure 2B, the adjustable trolley 1 has been adjusted to increase the impact angle of the jackhammer 25. The actuator 26 is extended, thereby moving the proximal end of the power tool support frame 17 upwardly. The proximal end slides in the grooves 16 of the handle frame 15. The trolley 1 pivots about the wheel shaft 6 to position the chisel of the jackhammer 25 adjacent to the floor without needing to reposition the jackhammer 25 on the power tool support frame 17, for example by moving the jackhammer 25 towards one of the ends of the power tool support frame 17. The combined effects of the trolley pivoting and the adjusting of the position of the proximal end of the power tool support frame 17 with respect to the bottom frame 2 reduce the need for a user to adjust the length or angle of the handle assembly 8. Accordingly, the user may adjust the angle of the jackhammer 25 while the jackhammer 25 is in use. This reduces or eliminates the downtime associated with adapting prior art power tool trolleys to a different environment, such as a new room, a different flooring material or a particular portion of the flooring material requiring additional or different force for removal. For example, while an angle of about 30 degrees may be desired for tile removal, a higher angle, such as about 70 degrees, may be desired for removing grout. The trolley 1 according to the present disclosure may accordingly be adjusted without requiring any disassembly or manual adjustment of the trolley components.

[0039] The actuator 26 is operably connected to control means 9, which may be any acceptable control means configured for imparting an instruction to the actuator to extend or to retract. For example, the control means 9 may be buttons, a joystick or lever, or computerized means. The actuator 26 may be electrical and appropriate means for delivering power to the actuator may be provided. Shown in Figure 1 is an electric cable 10 (intentionally sectioned for illustrative purposes) for electrically connecting the trolley 1 to a power supply. The power supply, and more specifically the electric cable, is shown extending from the control means 9. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the electric cable can ingress the trolley at other locations of the trolley 1 , for instance about a lower portion thereof. It is understood that other electrical power storage and delivery means are possible, including but not limited to a battery electrically connected to the actuator 26, or to any other part of the trolley 1 suitable for supporting a power storage without materially interfering with the movements or handling of the trolley 1. It is also understood that other actuation means are possible, including but not limited to pneumatic means, for example the actuator 26 may be pneumatically operated and compressed gas supply means may be fluidly connected thereto. In a non-limiting embodiment, the jackhammer 25 is electrical and is electrically connectable to a power supply via the cable 10 when assembled onto the trolley 1 .

[0040] While the trolley 1 has been described in an embodiment with reference to use with a jackhammer, it is understood that the power tool support frame may be configured to hold other appropriate power tool, including but not limited to chisels, knives, nail guns, staple guns, and other power tool for acting on a floor or on objects adjacent thereto, such as baseboards. The trolley 1 accordingly allows a plurality of different construction power tool to be operated safely and comfortably and reduces the need for providing adapted trolleys for each power tool item. Accordingly, the trolley 1 is generally device-agnostic and brand-agnostic, and is useful for supporting and angling any power tool item that may be safely secured thereto.

[0041] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, it is apparent that the trolley 1 generally has a narrow profile, defined, at its widest points, by the wheels 23 and the handle assembly 8, which improves maneuverability. It is also apparent from Figures 4 and 5 that the wheels 23 of the trolley 1 are positioned such that a longitudinal distance between the handle assembly 8 and the wheel shaft 6 is less than a longitudinal distance between the wheel shaft 6 and the operative end of the jackhammer 25. A user may thus reorient the tip of the jackhammer 25 easily with minimal movement of the handle assembly 8, thus increasing worker comfort.

[0042] Referring now to Figure 5, the trolley 1 is foldable for improved portability and for easier storage. To fold the trolley 1 , the actuator 26 is in a retracted configuration. The handle frame 15 is pivoted forwardly by releasing the pin 3, thereby disengaging the pin 3 from the stud 3a, and moving the handle assembly 8 towards the distal end of the bottom frame 2. The stud 3a slides within aperture 4a of the retention frame 4 to maintain an engagement between the handle frame 15 and the bottom frame 2. The handle frame 15 pivots about the sliding element 18, which is proximate a bottom end of the handle frame 15 and is held in place by the power tool support frame 17 and/or the actuator 26. The handle frame 15 is configured to have a width for accommodating the power tool support frame 17 and/or the split collar assembly 14 between the members forming the handle frame 15.

[0043] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, two possible configurations of the handle assembly 8 are shown. In Figure 6A, the handle assembly 8 is mounted to the handle frame 15 substantially rigidly, with the position of the handle assembly 8 being adjustable, if desired, using the adjustable circular plates 20 or other adjusting means. A plate 30 is provided between the circular plates 20 and the handles for mounting the control means 9 thereto. In Figure 6B, the handles of the handle assembly are pivotally mounted to the plate 30 at a pivot 31 . In this arrangement, the user may easily adjust a relative hand position with respect to the trolley 1 .

[0044] The frames 2, 15 and 17 may have any configuration suitable for providing a structure to the trolley 1. In embodiments, one or more frames may be plates or may comprise plates. In embodiments, one or more frames may comprise or consist of members extending along a perimeter or along the edges of the frame. It is understood that, when the trolley 1 is foldable, the handle frame 15 includes at least a portion that is configured to receive other portions of the trolley 1 therein or therethrough.

[0045] In use, a user secures a power tool to the power tool support frame 17 and grasps the handle assembly 8. The user then adjusts the angle of the power tool with respect to the floor as appropriate, extending or retracting the actuator 26 using the control means 9. The power tool may then be used across a floor surface or as necessary, with the user manipulating the tip or operative end of the power tool by causing the trolley 1 to move on the wheels 23. The user may switch the power tool placed on the trolley 1 , for example from a jackhammer to a tile-breaker or to a scraper, and continue using the trolley 1 to accomplish various tasks. Upon completion of the task, or at the end of the workday, the user may remove the power tool from the trolley 1 by unfastening, by unbolting, or by opening the split collars of the split collar assembly. The user may then fold the trolley 1 as shown in Figure 5. The folded trolley 1 may then be stored or transported elsewhere. The trolley 1 may comprise carrying means such as handles, straps, attachments or other means allowing a user to easily transport the trolley 1 in a folded configuration.

[0046] The trolley 1 may comprise vibration dampening means, including but not limited to fixed dampeners, detachable dampeners, resilient dampeners, cushions, springs, pads and other means for reducing the intensity of the vibrations transmitted across the trolley 1 from a tool secured thereto, such as the jackhammer 25, to a user. The dampening means may be provided at one or more positions on the trolley 1 , for example adjacent to the jackhammer 25, between the handle assembly 8 and the handle frame 15, along any of the frames of the trolley 1 and in other positions as will be apparent to a skilled person.

[0047] Referring now to Figures 7A and 7B, the trolley 1 in an embodiment includes a split collar assembly 14 that may be opened to inspect, receive or remove a power tool such as the jackhammer 25. The split collar assembly 14, accordingly, includes a top cover 14a hingedly connected to one of the sides of the split collar assembly 14. It is understood that appropriate securing or latching means are provided on at least one of the movable side of the cover 14a and the side of the split collar assembly 14 opposite the hinge for securing the cover 14a during use of the trolley 1. Allowing the split collar assembly 14a to open without requiring disassembly streamlines maintenance of the tool, such as the jackhammer 25, as removal of the jackhammer 25 is not necessary for ordinary replacement of the tip due to wear and tear. Additionally, tools can be placed on the trolley 1 or removed therefrom, in less time as the split collar assembly 14 holding the tools in place does not need to be removed or dismantled.

[0048] The power tool trolleys described herein may ease use of certain tools and may reduce the training required for new users. In particular, reducing or eliminating the need for the user to partly disassemble the trolley or to disengage some of its parts simplifies adjusting the angle of the trolley. Reduced user interaction with trolley parts, including those parts bearing loads such as the load of a jackhammer improves user safety. [0049] The power tool trolleys are adaptable to a plurality of power tool types and designs. For example, a trolley may be used with a jackhammer, a tile-breaker, or a floor scraper. A user replaces the power tool by opening the split collar assembly, removing a tool secured thereto and placing the new tool therein. Accordingly, construction costs may be reduced as the same trolley may be used to carry and operate different types of power tool.

[0050] The power tool trolleys furthermore may provide improved maneuverability by presenting a narrow profile and by facilitating pivoting of the trolley about the wheel base. The combination of an angled vertical frame and a slidable engagement thereof with the power tool holding frame ensure that a user can maintain a substantially unchanged position of the handle assembly when the trolley is adjusted. Accordingly, the handle assembly remains substantially behind the wheel base, allowing a user to pivot the trolley easily regardless of whether the actuator is extended or retracted.

[0051] Additionally, the power tool trolleys described herein provide improved flexibility during use, as the angle of the power tool with respect to a surface such as a floor may be adjusted to any angle within a range allowed by the actuator and the trolley’s configuration, rather than to discrete angles only, which may not be suitable for the task at hand.

[0052] The configuration of the trolleys may improve user comfort by reducing the direct transmission of power tool vibrations to a user. Furthermore, the trolleys may be easier to store and to transport by being foldable. Accordingly, the trolleys occupy less space in a storage compartment on the construction site or can be conveniently transported by workers after use to minimize theft.

[0053] The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. Other variations and embodiments of the principles disclosed herein will be apparent to skilled persons without departing from the present teachings.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A trolley for supporting a power tool, comprising: a bottom frame for mounting at least one wheel thereto extending along a longitudinal axis; a handle frame extendable upwardly from a proximal end of the bottom frame and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a power tool support frame having a distal end pivotally mounted to a distal end of the bottom frame and a proximal end configured to be slidably connected to the handle frame; at least one actuator having a first end mounted to the bottom frame and a second end secured to a position on the power tool support frame proximate the proximal end; wherein the actuator is configured to cause the distal end of the power tool support frame to pivot about the distal end of the bottom frame and to cause the proximal end of the power tool support frame to slide along the handle frame to adjust an angle of the power tool support frame relative to the longitudinal axis.

2. The trolley according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator is electric and is electrically connectable to a power supply.

3. The trolley according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising control means for controlling the actuator and operatively connected thereto.

4. The trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a retention assembly for retaining a tool on the power tool support frame.

5. The trolley according to claim 4, wherein the retention assembly comprises one or more split collars.

6. The trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the handle frame comprises a handle assembly pivotably connected thereto at a pivot point, and wherein the handle assembly comprises securing means for securing the handle assembly in at least one position about the pivot point.

7. The trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the handle frame comprises at least one groove, the groove extending along at least a portion of the handle frame between the bottom frame and a top end of the handle frame, the groove being configured for receiving at least one complementary sliding element therein; the proximal end of the power tool support frame is pivotally secured to the at least one sliding element; and the at least one sliding element is configured to move along the at least one groove in response to the proximal end of the power tool support frame being actuated by the actuator.

8. The trolley according to claim 1 , wherein: the handle frame is configured to pivot about a position of slidable engagement with the power tool support frame to a position substantially parallel to the power tool support frame; the bottom frame comprises at least one protrusion at a proximal end; and the handle frame comprises at least one slotted member mounted substantially at a bottom end thereof and configured to receive the protrusion therein to guide the folding movement of the handle frame.

9. The trolley according to claim 8, further comprising carrying means for allowing a user to carry the trolley in a folded configuration.

10. The trolley according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising one or more dampening means for reducing the transmission of vibrations from the tool to a user.

11 . The trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the power tool is a jackhammer.

12. The trolley according to claim 11 , wherein the jackhammer is configured for flooring material removal.