Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A retro-fittable mobility kit enables one person alone to conveniently move a heavy machine such as wood or metal-working machine of the type that is originally designed to remain in a fixed location, and that normally would require special handling equipment and/or several persons available, should it become necessary to move the machine. The mobility kit includes (a) a pair of fixed wheel assemblies to be mounted on each side toward a first end of the machine, each having a wheel partially enclosed in a metal bracket, and (b) one front swivel caster wheel assembly that mounts onto a central location at the second end of the machine. A preferred embodiment provides an adjustable clamping system on each of the three assemblies for attachment onto a structural member such as bottom framework of the machine, a fixed wheel assembly on each the side toward the first end, and a swivel caster in a central location at the second end. The preferred embodiment also provides a foot-pedal-activated caster height selection mechanism that retracts and extends the swivel caster, and provides two strong rubber feet attached under the second end bracket ledge on which the second end portion of the machine rests when the swivel caster has been retracted. To make the machine mobile and maneuverable, the operator actuates the pedal by foot so as to extend the caster downwardly to an extended position, lifting the second end of the host machine off the rubber feet. To render the host machine stationary so it can be operated, the operator actuates the pedal in an opposite manner so as to retract the swivel caster and place the weight of the second end of the machine on the floor via the feet; the fixed side wheels remain on the floor at all times.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim