Multi-directional dolly transfer system

Abstract

A multiple direction dolly transfer system includes a series of tracks laid out in a grid configuration, and heavy duty dollies capable of transferring heavy loads that roll on the tracks. The tracks are made up of rail sections having a flat section and channel guides. The dollies include metal frames with legs extending downwardly with a ball transfer unit at the foot of each leg. The ball transfer units include a ball housed in a sleeve with ball bearings positioned therein to facilitate the rolling of the dollies. This system is useful for transferring heavy loads within a manufacturing or heavy industrial facility.

1 . A multiple direction dolly transfer system comprising
 a first set of parallel longitudinal tracks comprising a flat horizontal section and channel guides along each longitudinal side thereof;   at least one dolly comprising a frame member and at least four leg members extending downwardly from said frame member, each said leg member including a ball transfer unit attached to a bottom portion thereof;   wherein said dolly is positioned so that said ball transfer units are disposed on said parallel longitudinal tracks within said channel guides.   
   
   
       2 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a second set of parallel longitudinal tracks that intersect said first set of parallel longitudinal tracks in a perpendicular manner, thereby allowing said dolly to be moved along either set of tracks. 
   
   
       3 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising a third set of parallel longitudinal tracks disposed adjacent to and parallel with said first set of parallel longitudinal tracks, and which intersect said second set of parallel longitudinal tracks in a perpendicular manner, thereby allowing said dolly to be moved along said first, second, or third set of parallel longitudinal tracks. 
   
   
       4 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said channel guides are integrally formed with said flat horizontal section to form said first set of parallel longitudinal tracks. 
   
   
       5 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said channel guides are attached to said flat horizontal section to form said first set of parallel longitudinal tracks. 
   
   
       6 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said channel guides are L-shaped and include vertical lips that are disposed along each longitudinal edge of said flat horizontal section of each said parallel longitudinal track. 
   
   
       7 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said channel guides are flat-bars disposed along each longitudinal edge of said flat horizontal section of each said parallel longitudinal track 
   
   
       8 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first set of parallel longitudinal tracks are formed from multiple rail sections disposed end to end. 
   
   
       9 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said channel guides further include an incline extending from the top of said vertical lips to a floor on an outer portion of said track. 
   
   
       10 . The multiple direction dolly transfer system set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said frame member of said dolly is formed into a rectangular shape, and said legs extend from each corner of said frame.