Portable generators

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10337399-B2
Application number	US-201615284126-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 3, 2016
Priority date	Feb 2, 2013
Publication date	Jul 2, 2019
Grant date	Jul 2, 2019

Abstract

A customizable portable generator system and methods for assembling the same are disclosed. In one example, the generator system generally includes a universal frame including a plurality of mounting interfaces configured for detachably attaching one of a plurality of different engines and a plurality of wheel assemblies and/or support legs. Optionally, at least one handlebar assembly may be detachably mounted on the frame in at least one of two possible positions. In one example, the handlebar may be pivotably mounted to the frame. The frame components may be assembled into a kit from which a user may select various options to custom configure the generator unit. Other appurtenances and accessories may be provided which interface with the generator unit and frame. A modular generator frame and compressed gas-fueled generators are also disclosed.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A modular portable generator frame system, the system comprising:
an open space frame including a top, opposing bottom, a plurality of horizontally extending top lateral elements perimetrically circumscribing the top of the frame, a plurality of horizontally extending bottom lateral elements perimetrically circumscribing the bottom of the frame, and vertically extending corner elements each being coupled between a pair of the top and bottom lateral elements;
an open interior space defined by the frame;
a plurality of corner members each comprising a central body and plurality of elongated radially extending mounting tangs extending outwards from the central body and having a first set of locking features;
each corner member arranged at an intersection of either a pair of the top lateral elements or a pair of the bottom lateral elements;
a plurality of connector plates each comprising a second set of locking features complementary configured with the first set of locking features to form an interlocked keyed fit;
wherein each of the top and bottom lateral elements and vertically extending corner elements are formed by an interlocked assembly of a pair of the plurality of the connector plates which lockingly receive therebetween one of the mounting tangs from each of two opposing corner members;
wherein each mounting tang includes a mounting hole concentrically aligned with a mating mounting hole in each connector plate of the assembly which receives a removable fastener therethrough which secures the assembly together.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the central body of the corner members have a central opening having a polygonal shape defined by a short segment defined by the mounting tangs and a long segment connecting the mounting tangs together.

3. The system according to claim 2 , further comprising a corner cap including a raised plateau protuberance on an inner surface which has a complementary polygonal shape to the central opening and a mounting hole, the protuberance insertable through the central opening to secure the corner cap to the corner member.

4. The system according to claim 2 , further comprising an annular shaped fuel tank configured for mounting to the frame inside the top lateral elements.

5. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the fuel tank includes a plurality of corners having a threaded recess which receives a mating threaded fastener inserted through the mounting holes in the corner caps to secure the fuel tank to the corner members of the frame.

6. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the fuel tank includes an upwardly open well and a removable portable fuel tank inserted in the well.

7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting tangs from the two opposing corner members are arranged in proximate end-to-end relationship between the pair of connector plates in the locking assembly.

8. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising an engine mounted in the interior space of the frame.

9. A modular portable generator frame system, the system comprising:
an open space frame including a top, opposing bottom, a plurality of horizontally extending top and bottom lateral elements circumscribing the top and bottom of the frame respectively, and vertically extending corner elements coupled between the top and bottom lateral elements;
an open interior space defined by the frame;
a plurality of corner members each comprising a central body and plurality of elongated radially extending mounting tangs extending outwards from the central body and having a first set of locking features;
a plurality of connector plates each comprising a second set of locking features complementary configured with the first set of locking features to form an interlocked keyed fit;
wherein each of the top and bottom lateral elements and vertically extending corner elements are formed by an interlocked assembly of a pair of the plurality of the connector plates which lockingly receive therebetween one of the mounting tangs from each of two opposing corner members;
wherein the connector plates each include a pair of opposing locking tabs engaged with complementary configured lateral locking recesses formed in each mounting tang of the corner members to form an interlocked fit which cannot be axially separated when assembled.

10. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the locking tabs protrude inwardly towards each other and the lateral locking recesses each face outwardly to receive one of the locking tabs.

11. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the connector plates each further include a locking protrusion engaged with a complementary configured end locking recess formed on a distal free end of each mounting tang.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the end locking recess opens radially outwards, the end locking recess and locking protrusion each having complementary mating non-rectilinear polygonal shapes to form an interlocked fit which cannot be axially separated when assembled.

13. The system according to claim 9 , wherein each mounting tang includes a mounting hole concentrically aligned with a mating mounting hole in each connector plate of the assembly which receives a removable fastener therethrough which secures the assembly together.

14. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the central body of the corner members have a central opening having a polygonal shape defined by a short segment defined by the mounting tangs and a long segment connecting the mounting tangs together.

15. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the corner members have a triad of radially extending mounting tangs spaced equally angularly apart.

16. A modular portable generator frame system, the system comprising:
an open space frame including a top, opposing bottom, a plurality of horizontally extending top and bottom lateral elements circumscribing the top and bottom of the frame respectively, and vertically extending corner elements coupled between the top and bottom lateral elements;
an open interior space defined by the frame;
a plurality of corner members each comprising a central body and plurality of elongated radially extending mounting tangs extending outwards from the central body and having a first set of locking features;
a plurality of connector plates each comprising a second set of locking features complementary configured with the first set of locking features to form an interlocked keyed fit;
wherein each of the top and bottom lateral elements and vertically extending corner elements are formed by an interlocked assembly of a pair of the plurality of the connector plates which lockingly receive therebetween one of the mounting tangs from each of two opposing corner members;
wherein the corner members have a triad of radially extending mounting tangs spaced equally angularly apart.

17. The system according to claim 16 , wherein the mounting tangs are each disposed at an oblique angle to the central body of the corner members.

18. The system according to claim 16 , wherein each mounting tang includes a mounting hole concentrically aligned with a mating mounting hole in each connector plate of the assembly which receives a removable fastener therethrough which secures the assembly together.

19. The system according to claim 16 , wherein the central body of the corner members have a central opening having a polygonal shape defined by a short segment defined by the mounting tangs and a long segment connecting the mounting tangs together.

Assignees

• Kohler Co

Inventors

• Rumao Manuel
• Andren Travis J
• Mitchell Christopher M

Classifications

• Y10T29/49622

  Vehicular structural member making · CPC title

• F02B63/047

  Movable engine-generator combinations on wheels · CPC title

• F02B63/044 Primary

  the engine-generator unit being placed on a frame or in an housing · CPC title

• B62B1/14

  involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carried; Loading or unloading equipment · CPC title

• B62B1/008

  having a prop or stand for maintaining position · CPC title