CA2834468A1 - Transport cart - Google Patents

Abstract

Carts for lifting, transporting and lowering an item, such as a bucket. The carts are particularly suited for lifting, moving, and lowering 5-gallon buckets. The cart includes a lifting system that raises and lowers the item by engaging its sidewalls and any flange present on and extending out from the sidewalls. The lifting system includes an item engagement feature and a position adjustment system. The position adjustment system includes a feature that provides a displacement multiplier for lifting and lowering the engaged item.

Description

TRANSPORT CART
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/731,167 filed November 29, 2012 and titled TRANSPORT CART; of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/817,464 filed April 30, 2013 and titled TRANSPORT CART; of U.S. Application No. 13/974,539 filed August 23, 2013 and titled TRANSPORT
CART; and of U.S. Application No. 14/056,587 filed October 17,2013 and titled TRANSPORT CART.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002J This application is directed to a cart, dolly or hand truck for transporting an item.
More particularly, this application is directed to a cart, dolly or hand truck for transporting and lifting an item such as bucket.
BACKGROUND
[00031 Carts, dollies and hand trucks are very useful for moving items that are heavy and/or cumbersome. However, many cart designs have a number of disadvantages. For example, for particularly heavy items, the mere action of placing the item on the support platform of the cart may be difficult. Similarly, it may be difficult to remove a particularly heavy item from the support platform after it has been moved to the desired location. Depending on the desired final location of the item, moving the item to its final location may still require manually lifting the item.
This is particularly true for elevated final locations, such as on a shelf or ledge.
[0004] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a cart, dolly or hand truck that is particularly well adapted to moving items, such as containers, including lifting and lowering those items as desired.
SUMMARY
[00051 The present invention addresses the aforementioned need by providing a cart for lifting, moving and lowering an item, such as a bucket. The hand cart of this , disclosure includes an engagement mechanism configured to engage the item being lifted by its sidewalls rather than its bottom surface. The cart of this disclosure also includes a vertical position adjustment mechanism, to lift and lower the item.
The vertical position adjustment mechanism has a displacement multiplier that provides an advantage when lifting and lowering the item.
[0006] The present invention addresses the aforementioned need by providing a cart for lifting, moving and lowering an item, such as a bucket. The cart of this disclosure includes an engagement mechanism configured to engage the container being lifted by either or both of its sidewall and an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall rather than its bottom surface; the cart may additionally include a surface to lift the container by its bottom surface. The cart of this disclosure also includes a vertical position adjustment mechanism, to lift and lower the item.
[0007] In any of the methods of this disclosure, the bucket to be picked up may be located on the same surface as the wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on which the wheeled cart is, or on a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.

Additionally or alternately, the bucket may be deposited on the same surface as the wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on which the wheeled cart is, or on a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart, such as a pallet, bench or shelf, without requiring lifting by the user.
[0008] One particular set of embodiments of this disclosure is to a cart that has a vertical position adjustment mechanism, which optionally includes a displacement multiplier that results in a positional advantage. For example, the disclosure provides a transport cart comprising a frame having a first wheeled end and a second end, an engagement feature moveably connected to the frame, and a position adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the engagement feature between the first end and the second end of the frame, at least a portion of the position adjustment system moveable in relation to the frame. The engagement feature is configured to engage with an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the item, such as a bucket. The position adjustment system may comprises a cable management system having at least one wheel, and a cable connected to the cable management system at a cable first end and to the engagement feature at a cable second end. In other embodiments, the position adjustment system may comprise a hydraulic cylinder. Movement of the portion of the position adjustment system moveable in relation to the frame results in movement of the engagement feature.
100091 Another particular set of embodiments of this disclosure is to methods of moving an item, such as a bucket. For example, this disclosure provides a method of moving a bucket by bringing a wheeled cart in close proximity to the bucket, engaging an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket with an engagement feature of the wheeled cart by raising the engagement feature, tipping the wheeled cart to elevate the bucket, transporting the elevated bucket with the cart, leveling the bucket, and lowering the engagement feature to disengage the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.
[001.01 In another example, this disclosure provides a method of moving a bucket by bringing a wheeled cart in close proximity to the bucket, engaging an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket with an engagement feature of the wheeled cart, tipping the wheeled cart with the engaged bucket, transporting the engaged bucket with the cart, and untipping the cart to disengage the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.
mill In any of the methods of this disclosure, the item to be picked up may be located on the same surface as the wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on which the wheeled cart is, or on a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.

Additionally or alternately, the item may be deposited on the same surface as the wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on which the wheeled cart is, or on a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.
[0012] The above summary of the various embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the disclosure.
These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cart according to this disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a vertical adjustment mechanism of the cart of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a cart according to this disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the cart of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a vertical adjustment mechanism of the cart of FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a kick plate of the cart of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the kick plate in a first position.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the kick plate of the cart of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the kick plate in a second position.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a cart according to this disclosure, particularly, showing a pivoting kick plate.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the cart of FIG. 9, with the cart and kick plate in a first position.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the cart of FIG. 9, with the cart and kick plate in a second position.

10025] FIG. 12 is a partial back perspective view of another embodiment of a cart according to this disclosure, particularly, showing an upper vertical adjustment stop in a first position.
[00261 FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of the cart of FIG. 12 with the upper vertical adjustment stop in a second position.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a partial back perspective view of another embodiment of a cart according to this disclosure, particularly, showing a hydraulic cylinder of the vertical adjustment mechanism.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a partial side perspective view of another embodiment of a cart according to this disclosure, particularly, showing an adjustable handle in a first position.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the cart of FIG. 15 with the adjustable handle in a second position.
[0030] FIGS. 17 through 20 are side perspective views of the cart of FIGS. 1 and 2 lifting, transporting, and placing a bucket, as per this disclosure.
[00311 FIG. 21A is a perspective view, FIG. 21B is a side elevational view, and FIG. 21C is a front elevational view of another cart according to this disclosure supporting two buckets, the cart in a first position.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the cart of FIGS. 21A-21C
supporting two buckets, the cart in a second position.
[0033] FIGS. 23 and 24 are top perspective views of the cart supporting two buckets.
[00341 FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cart and buckets taken along line A-A of FIG. 24.
100351 FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a first foot lever of the cart, as taken along line A-A of FIG. 24.
100361 FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a second foot lever of the cart, as taken along line A-A of FIG. 24.

[0037] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart, particularly the frame, showing the elevation adjustment mechanism in a raised position.
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart, particularly the frame, showing the elevation adjustment mechanism in a lowered position with the release lever depressed.
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of the elevation adjustment mechanism, including a cover thereon, in a lowered position.
[0040] FIG. 31 is side elevational view of a portion of the cart, particularly the handle and release lever.
[0041] FIG. 32 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the cart, particularly the handle, release lever, and the elevation adjustment mechanism.
[0042] FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a portion of the cart, particularly the bucket engagement feature and the elevation adjustment mechanism.
[0043] FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the cart of FIGS. 21A-21C
supporting two buckets, the cart in a third position.
[0044] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart, particularly the frame, wheels and brake assembly.
[0045] FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of a portion of the cart, particularly the wheels and brake assembly.
[0046] FIGS. 37A and 37B are perspective views of a portion of the cart, particularly the mechanism for moving the bucket engagement feature.
[0047] FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the cart elevating two buckets from off of a pallet.
[0048] FIG. 39A is a perspective view, FIG. 39B is a side elevational view, and FIG. 39C is a rear elevational view of a battery-powered cart according to this disclosure, the cart supporting two buckets.

-[0049] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart of FIGS. 39A-39C, particularly, the control panel mounted proximate the cart handle.
[0050] FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery control panel and cart handle.
[0051] FIG. 42 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the battery control panel and handle.
[0052] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support tray positioned in a first, operational position.
[0053] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 43 in a second position.
[0054] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable item engagement feature, the engagement feature in a first, retracted position.
[0055] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the adjustable item engagement feature of FIG. 45 in a second, extended position.
100561 FIG. 47 is a partial perspective view of a cart having a two-piece adjustable support shelf, the shelf in a back position and in an open position, with the cart supporting two buckets.
[0057] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the two-piece shelf of FIG. 47, the shelf in a closed or operational position, and with the shelf in a forward position.
[0058] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the two-piece shelf of FIG. 48, the shelf in an intermediate position and in the forward position.
[0059] FIG. 50 is a side elevational view of the shelf of FIG. 49 in the intermediate and forward positions.
[0060] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a two-piece support shelf, the shelf in a closed or operational position.
[0061] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 51 in an open position.
[0062] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cart including a box or bucket carton retention bar.

[0063] FIG. 54 is a side view of the cart of FIG. 53 supporting three buckets.

[0064] FIG. 55 is a side view of the cart of FIG. 53 cart supporting four boxes.
[0065] FIGS. 56A through 56C are partial side views of the cart of FIG. 53 with the retention bar shown in a first position (FIG. 56A), in a second position (FIG.
56B) and in a third position (FIG. 56C).
[0066] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] The present disclosure provides carts, dollies or hand trucks for lifting, transporting and an item or container, such as a bucket. The carts of this disclosure are particularly suited for lifting, moving, and lowering 5-gallon buckets and other items having an outwardly directed circumferential flange.
[00681 It should be understood that although the description herein refers to the device as a "cart", the device may alternately be referred to as a "dolly", "hand truck", "hand cart", "mover", "2-wheeler", "pallet truck", etc. It should further be understood that although the description herein refers to the item moved by the cart as a "bucket" or "5-gallon bucket", the cart can be configured to lift, transport and lower other items.
[0069] The carts of this disclosure include a lifting system that raises and lowers the item.
The lifting system includes an engagement feature and a position adjustment system.
In some embodiments, the position adjustment system includes a feature that provides a positional advantage for lifting and lowering the engaged item; the position adjustment system includes a displacement multiplier.
[0070] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration at least one specific embodiment. The following description provides additional specific embodiments. It is to be understood that still other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. While the present disclosure is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the disclosure will be gained through the discussion provided below.
[0071] Referring now to the figures, various carts and features according to the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 56A-56C. In some of these figures, a cart is illustrated retaining a bucket, such as a 5-gallon bucket; it should be understood that any of the carts illustrated or described herein can be modified to lift, hold, transport and lower other items, whether cylindrical or not.
[0072] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a cart 10 is shown. Cart 10 has a structural frame 12 sufficiently strong and rigid to withstand tilting and moving of cart 10 while cart 10 is supporting and/or lifting an item. Examples of suitable materials for frame 12 include steel, iron, aluminum and other metals, reinforced plastics, and polymeric composite materials. In this embodiment, frame 12 has a generally rectangular configuration, having a first end 14, an opposite second end 16, and members extending therebetween. Other configurations of frame 12 may alternately be used.
[0073] At first end 14, cart 10 includes two wheels 18 upon which cart 10 can roll. In FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 10 is positioned at rest on a surface such as a floor, in a generally vertical position, supported by first end 14 and wheels 18. At or proximate to second end 16, cart 10 includes a handle 20 to facilitate moving of cart 10 by a user.
Cart 10 includes a lifting system that raises and lowers items, e.g., buckets, that are engaged by cart 10. This lifting system includes an engagement feature 22 and a position adjustment system 28.
[0074] Engagement feature 22 is configured to engage sidewalls or an element present on the sidewalls of an item (e.g., a circumferentially outwardly extending flange on a 5-gallon bucket) and support the item. In the illustrated embodiment, engagement feature 22 does not fully encircle the bucket, but encircles the bucket only so much as to sufficiently secure the bucket against cart 10 when cart 10 is tipped while allowing the bucket to be slid into and out from engagement feature 22, without the need to open clasps, straps, buckets, or the like when cart 10 is not tipped.
In other embodiments, a removable or replaceable strap or other mechanism may used to better secure the bucket into engagement feature 22.
[00751 As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, engagement feature 22 includes an upper member 24 and a lower member 26, with each member 24, 26 composed of opposite arms. At least upper member 24, and in some embodiments lower member 26, has an arcuate inner surface to better engage with the sidewall of a cylindrical item, such as a bucket. In use, when retaining a bucket, upper member 24 seats below the circumferential outwardly extending flange commonly found on 5-gallon buckets. As engagement feature 22 is raised, upper member 24 engages and provides lift to the bucket due to its contact with the bottom of the flange. Lower member 26 stabilizes the bucket, inhibiting swinging and/or swaying of the bucket.
[0076] Engagement feature 22 is moveably mounted to frame 12, moveable between first end 14 and second end 16. In one embodiment, engagement feature 22 is mounted to frame 12 via compliant guide rollers, having some amount of slack or play.
Such compliant rollers may slightly pivot in relation to frame 12, facilitating correct positioning of upper member 24 of engagement feature 22 against the item to be engaged.
[00771 Position adjustment system 28 is operably connected to and configured to raise and lower engagement feature 22. Position adjustment system 28 has a displacement multiplier that provides a displacement advantage for raising and lowering engagement feature 22 in relation to frame 12. By use of the terms "advantage,"
"displacement advantage", and variations thereof, what is intended is, for example, vertical motion of one unit due to the direct action of the cart user will result in movement of the engagement feature of more than one unit. For cart 10 of FIGS.

and 2, position adjustment system 28 includes an activation lever 30 (in this embodiment a foot-activated lever) operably connected to a hydraulic cylinder that in turn is connected to a pinion gear 32 which meshingly engages with gear rack 34. Activation of hydraulic cylinder 31 via lever 30 results in movement of gear 32 along rack 34. Hydraulic cylinder 31 is configured to move gear 32 toward end or away from end 16; the direction of movement can be controlled by a release switch 31a on cylinder 31. FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of activation lever 30 and hydraulic cylinder 31; of course, hydraulic cylinders, their configurations and uses are well known, and other variations can be used. FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of pinion gear 32 and gear rack 34.
100781 Also shown in FIG. 3 is a wheel 36 fixedly connected to pinion gear 32.
Preferably, the central axis of wheel 36 is aligned with the central axis of gear 32 so that wheel 36 rotates together with gear 32. Thus, as pinion gear 32 moves along rack 34, wheel 36 also rotates. Connected to the outer periphery or circumference of wheel 36 is a first end of a cable 38, the second end of which is connected to engagement feature 22. It is to be understood that a rope, wire, cord, chain, tape or other element could be used in lieu of a cable. As wheel 36 rotates one direction (in FIG.
3, clockwise), cable 38 is wound on wheel 36, and as wheel 36 rotates the other direction (in FIG. 3, counterclockwise), cable 38 is unwound from wheel 36.
Wheel 36, in essence, manages the amount of available cable 38 extending to engagement feature 22.
[0079] Wheel 36 has a greater diameter (and thus circumference) than gear 32, so that in accordance with this disclosure, wheel 36 is a displacement multiplier.
Because the circumference of wheel 36 is greater than the circumference of gear 32 to which it is locked, the same angle of rotation will produce a greater distance with wheel 36 than with gear 32. Thus, when hydraulic cylinder 31 via lever 30 moves gear 32 so that it travels one distance unit (e.g., inch) along rack 34, wheel 36 will move cable 38 and thus engagement feature 22 more than that one unit.
[0080] The displacement advantage provided by wheel 36 results in greater than a 1:1 movement of engagement feature 22 in relation to rack 34, in some embodiments greater than 1:2 (meaning, one distance unit of movement of gear 32 results in greater than 2 distance units of movement of engagement feature 22). In some embodiments, the ratio of movement is greater than 1:3, in other embodiments greater than 1:4, in other embodiments greater than 1:5, and in other embodiments greater than 1:6 or greater than 1:8. The displacement advantage realized is based on the relative radius of gear 32 to the radius of wheel 36; that is, the displacement advantage realized is a ratio of the radius of gear 32 to wheel 36.
100811 FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a cart having a position adjustment system having a displacement multiplier that provides a displacement advantage. Similar to cart 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 100 of FIGS. 4 and 5 has a structure frame 112 having a first end 114, an opposite second end 116, and members 115 extending therebetween. At first end 114, cart 100 includes two wheels 118 upon which cart 100 can roll. At or proximate to second end 116, cart 100 includes a handle 120 to facilitate moving of cart 100 by a user. Similar to cart 10, cart 100 includes a lifting system that raises and lowers items that are engaged by cart 100. This lifting system includes an engagement feature 122 configured to engage a bucket (e.g., a 5-gallon bucket) and support the bucket. Engagement feature 122 includes an upper member 124 and a lower member 126.
[0082] The lifting system includes a position adjustment system 128, shown in FIGS. 4 and and also in FIG. 6, that includes a displacement multiplier for raising and lowering engagement feature 122. Position adjustment system 128 includes an activation lever 130 (FIG. 5) positioned close to first end 114 of cart 100 that is operably connected to engagement feature 122 via a pulley system 140, which includes a cable 142, an adjustable pulley assembly 144 including a wheel 145, and a fixed pulley 150. Adjustable pulley assembly 144 has an adjustable distance between its first end 146 and its second end 148. In this embodiment, activation lever 130 controls the distance between first end 146 and second end 148 by moving second end 148 in toward or away from first end 146. Cable 142, which winds between first end 146 and second end 148, is connected at one end to engagement feature 122 and at its other end to wheel 145 of adjustable pulley assembly 144. Pulley assembly 144 manages the available length of cable 142.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, position adjustment system 128 provides an 8x displacement advantage due to the eight loops of cable 142. Thus, a change in distance between first end 146 and second end 148 results in a movement 8 times as much for the opposite end of cable 142. For example, an increase of 1 inch between first end 146 and second end 148 results in engagement feature 122 being lifted 8 inches.
[0084] The illustrated pulley system 140 is a compound system with eight loops, and it should be understood that other pulley systems, providing more or less displacement advantage, could be used.
[0085] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 10 includes, at first end 14 proximate wheels 18, a kick plate or foot rest 40 to facilitate tipping or tilting cart 10 back toward the user during movement or transport of cart 10. Positioned on the bottom side of kick plate 40 are casters 42, to facilitate stabilization of cart 10 when in the tipped position. In some embodiments, casters 42, together with wheels 18, may completely support a tipped cart 10, allowing the user to release hold of the cart.
[0086] The angle of kick plate 40 in respect to frame 12, although locked during use of cart 10, can be adjustable to modify the tip of cart 10 as desired. In FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, a support member 44 connects kick plate 40 to frame 12 at an angle of about 45 degrees. This angle may be adjusted by modifying the distance between kick plate 40 and frame 12, and/or by altering the position of connection of member 44 to frame 12. In FIG. 8, the connection of support member 44 to frame 12 has been moved closer to first end 14 than in FIG. 7, resulting in a greater angle between kick plate 40 and frame 12, and thus allowing less tipping of cart 10. An angle of 30 to 60 degrees between kick plate 40 and frame 12 allows easy tipping of cart 10 and also good stability during transport.
[0087] FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a cart, this one having a readily pivotal kick plate. Similar to cart 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 200 of FIGS. 9 through 11 has a structural support frame 212 having a first end 214, an opposite second end 216, and members 215 extending therebetween. At first end 214, cart 200 includes two wheels 218 upon which cart 200 can roll. At or proximate to second end 216, cart 200 includes a handle. Cart 200 includes an engagement feature 222 and a position adjustment system 228.

[0088] Cart 200 includes a pivotal kick plate or foot rest 240 to facilitate tipping or tilting cart 200 back toward the user during movement or transport of cart 200.
Positioned on the bottom side of kick plate 240 are casters 242. Kick plate 240 includes a slot 245 therein, slot 245 having a first end 246 and an opposite second end 248.
Fixedly connected to frame 212 is a pin 250 that fits within slot 245. As pin 250 moves in slot 245, the angle between kick plate 240 and frame 212 changes, thus modifying the angle of possible tipping of cart 200. In FIGS. 9 and 10, pin 250 is positioned proximate second end 248 of slot 245, providing an angle of essentially 90 degrees between kick plate 240 and frame 212. In FIG. 11, pin 250 is positioned proximate first end 246 of slot 245, providing an angle of about 45 degrees between kick plate 240 and frame 212. By having a kick plate 240 that is readily pivotally adjustable, all four wheels (i.e., wheels 218 and casters 242) may remain in contact with the ground as cart 200 is pivoted forward.
[0089] The carts of this disclosure (e.g., cart 10, cart 100, cart 200) may include any number of various features to limit the movement of the item or bucket engagement feature (e.g., feature 22, 122, 222) along the cart frame (e.g., frame 12, 112, 212).
Referring to FIG. 12, a stop 46 on frame 312 is illustrated, limiting further movement of bucket engagement feature 322 toward end 316 of the cart. The position of stop 46 may be adjustable; see FIG. 13, where stop 46 is illustrated in a different position. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to position stop 46 at a height corresponding to a specific unloading height. In addition, the carts of this disclosure may include a lower stop to limit movement of the engagement feature toward the wheeled end of the cart.
[0090] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, as indicated, cart 10 includes a handle 20 at or close to second end 16. Handle 20 includes a horizontal member (extending between frame members 15) and terminal handle ends. Cart 100 of FIG. 5 has an alternate handle 120, having no horizontal member but two handle ends. Handle 20, and other handles, may be adjustable in respect to frame 12. In FIG. 15, handle 20 is positioned on frame 12 farther from end 16 than in FIG. 16, where handle 20 is closer to end 16.

[0091] As indicated above, the various carts of this disclosure can be used to lift, transport, and lower items, particularly buckets. FIGS. 17 through 20 illustrate such an activity with cart 10, described above.
=
[0092] First, as illustrated in FIG. 17, cart 10 is moved into position so that engagement mechanism 22 engages a bucket. Engagement mechanism 22 may require movement upwards (i.e., toward end 16) or downward (i.e., toward end 14) so that upper member 24 is positioned under and in contact with an outwardly extending flange or ridge on the bucket, and lower member 26 is positioned preferably against the sidewalls of the bucket. At this step, cart 10 is resting on wheels 18 optionally balanced by the engaged bucket.
[0093] In FIG. 18, cart 10 is shown tipped back on casters 42. This may be accomplished by the user, who would be standing to the right of cart 10 in the figures, placing a foot on kick plate 40 while holding handle 20 and tipping cart 10 back toward himself. At this step, cart 10 is resting on wheels 18 and casters 42, with the bucket lifted off the ground by the engagement of upper member 24 against the bottom of the outwardly extending flange or ridge on the bucket. In this manner, cart 10 can readily and easily move the bucket to a desired location.
[0094] In FIG. 19, the bucket is shown lifted to an elevated position on cart 10 via the position adjustment system which includes lever 30, wheel 36 and cable 38. To move the bucket from the position of FIG. 18 to that of FIG. 19, the user activates (e.g., pumps) lever 30, thus rotating the pinion gear and wheel 36. Rotation of wheel 36 pulls cable 38 and thus engagement mechanism 22 toward end 16.
Because of the displacement advantage provided by wheel 36 (due to wheel 36 having a larger radius than the pinion gear), engagement mechanism 22 and the bucket move quicker toward end 16 than the pinion gear. By having the bucket in an elevated position, it can be easily placed in a raised location, such as a bench or shelf without requiring lifting by the user.
[0095] In FIG. 20, the bucket is shown deposited on a roller conveyor by cart 10. This is accomplished by moving cart 10 with the bucket to the desired location, tipping cart back to an essentially upright position, and lowering the bucket via the position adjustment system. The tipping and lowering may be done in either order or simultaneously. After the bucket has been placed at the desired location, engagement mechanism 22 is sufficiently lowered to disengage upper member 24 from the outwardly extending flange or ridge on the bucket, and cart 10 can be removed.
[0096] In another alternate method, the bucket may be lifted (in a manner similar to illustrated in FIG. 17) but from a location that is elevated in relation to the location of the cart. That is, carts of this disclosure can be used to pick up buckets and other items that are at an elevated location, such as on a shelf, pallet, conveyor system, on another similar item, etc. In some methods, it may not be necessary to activate the position adjustment system of the cart. Merely tipping the cart back may be sufficient to raise the bucket sufficiently so that it can be moved.
Similarly, merely tipping the cart forward may be sufficient to release and deposit the bucket in the desired location.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 21A through 38, but particularly to FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C
and 22, a cart 1010 is shown. Cart 1010 has a structural frame 1012 having a first end 1014 at the bottom of cart 1010 when cart 1010 is in use, an opposite second end 1016 at the top of cart 1010 when cart 1010 is in use, defined by various members extending vertically and horizontally, and with various braces and brackets, e.g., cross-member 1015. In the illustrated embodiment, frame 1012 is formed having a channel 1013 (FIG. 21A). Other configurations of frame 1012 may alternately be used.
[0098] At first end 1014, cart 10 includes two primary wheels 1018. To increase stability, particularly when parked, cart 1010 includes a pair of front support arms 1030 that support the cart, with or without a load, when the cart is in an upright position.
Optionally, each front support arm may comprise at least one secondary wheel, such as a caster 1032. Casters 1032 on front support arms 1030, together with wheels 1018, allow cart 1010 to stand up-right, whether loaded or not, without assistance; in other words, with front support arms 1030 and casters 1032, cart 1010 is sufficiently stable to not require additional stabilization or support. It is noted that in the upright =
position, with wheels 1018 and casters 1032 resting on the floor, cart 1010 can be moved (rolled) if any item supported by cart 1010 is sufficiently lifted to not be in contact with the supporting surface (e.g., the ground).
[0099] In FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C, cart 1010 is positioned at rest on a surface such as a floor, in a generally vertical position, supported by wheels 1018 and casters 1032.
At or proximate to second end 1016, cart 1010 includes a handle 1020 with a cross brace 1025 (seen in FIG. 32) to facilitate controlled tipping and moving of cart 1010 by a user. The height of handle 1020 is adjustable in the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in FIGS. 31 and 32 which illustrate apertures 1060 in handle 1020 configured to receive a removable and movable quick-release locking pin 1062.
Other locking mechanisms and/or adjustable designs could certainly be used. In other embodiments, the handle may have a fixed height.
wool Cart 1010 includes an engagement feature 1022 configured to engage sidewalls or an element present on the sidewalls of an item (e.g., a 5-gallon bucket) and support the item. Engagement feature 1022 includes a lower support member 1022a (as seen, for example, in FIG. 22) that provides support and stabilization for the bucket when being loaded onto, or unloaded from, the cart. In other embodiments, a removable or replaceable strap or other mechanism may used to better secure the bucket to cart 1010. See, for example, FIG. 47 (described further below), which includes a removable strap 1290 to secure a bucket to a cart. Cart 1010 includes a stabilization structure 1050, best seen in FIGS. 22, 24 and 33, fixed to and extending along at least a portion of frame 1012 parallel with frame 1012. Stabilization structure 1050 inhibits lateral or transverse movement of the bucket(s) held by engagement feature 1022, particularly when cart 1010 is tipped back toward the cart user. This embodiment of stabilization structured 1050 is a wing-like structure, having two wings or wedges angling in toward a center axis of frame 1012, although other variations can be used.
1001011 FIG. 33 illustrates engagement feature 1022 having an arcuate inner surface 1023 to better engage with the sidewall of a cylindrical item, such as a bucket, and also illustrates lower support member 1022a. Inner surface 1023 includes a clearance or =
recessed segment 1023a that provides added bail clearance when loading or unloading buckets or containers from the cart. Clearance segment 1023a allows buckets or containers to rest further against the engaging portions of engagement feature 1022 when the bail of the bucket, for example, is positioned or turned degrees as seen in FIG. 34. Lower support member 1022a supports the bucker or container while transferring a load to or from the cart as it provides a rest for the lower portion of the bucket or container and further stabilizes and positions the bucker or container during release and transfer. In use, when retaining a bucket, engagement feature 1022 seats below a circumferential outwardly extending flange commonly found on 5-gallon buckets, as seen in FIG. 21A. As engagement feature 1022 is raised, an upper ledge 1027 (seen in FIG. 21A and FIG. 33) of engagement feature 1022 engages and lifts the bucket due to contact on the bottom of the flange.
001021 FIG. 21A and FIG. 22 illustrate engagement feature 1022 moveably mounted to frame 1012, moveable between first bottom end 1014 and second top end 1016.
Cart 1010 includes an item elevation adjustment system that moves (i.e., raises and lowers) items that are engaged by engagement feature 1022. FIGS. 23 through 33 and 37A, 37B illustrate various additional features of the elevation adjustment system. In FIGS. 37A and 37B, engagement feature 1022 is shown moveably engaged with frame 1012. In particular, engagement feature 1022 includes rollers 1028 configured to move within channel 1013 of frame 1012, thus allowing controlled movement of engagement feature 1022 between bottom end 1014 and top end 1016.
1001031 Turning to FIGS. 23 through 27, as part of the elevation adjustment system, cart 1010 includes a first or fast elevation adjustment lever 1024 and a second or slow elevation adjustment lever 1026. Each of fast elevation adjustment lever 1024 and slow elevation adjustment lever 1026 is foot-activated, positioned and configured to readily receive a user's foot thereon, to activate an elevation adjustment mechanism 1040 (FIG. 25) to raise the item held by cart 1010. Both foot levers 1024, 1026, are operably connected to a lifting mechanism 1042, in this embodiment a hydraulic cylinder, that is in turn connected to a sprocket 1045 (seen in FIG. 25) and protected by cover 1041, which is operably connected to engagement feature 1022.

[00104] Activation of hydraulic cylinder 1042 via either foot lever 1024, 1026 results in movement of sprocket 1045 in relation to frame 1012 and thus the movement of engagement feature 1022 in relation to frame 1012. Hydraulic cylinder 1042 is configured to move sprocket 1045 between bottom end 1014 and top end 1016.
Sprocket 1045 may be reinforced by any suitable structure to inhibit twisting.
As seen in FIGS. 30 and 33, cart 1010 includes two reinforcing arms 1046 extending from hydraulic cylinder 1042 and/or sprocket 1045 to rollers 1048, which are moveably engaged in channel 1013 of frame 1012. Seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, a cable 1044 connects release lever 1021 to cylinder 1042, particularly to switch 1043 (e.g., a pressure release valve) on cylinder 1042, which changes the direction of movement of engagement feature 1022. In some embodiments, foot levers 1024, 1026 move engagement feature 1022 up frame 1012, toward top end 1016, and activation of release lever 1021 automatically lowers engagement feature 1022 toward bottom end 1014. In other embodiments, activation of release lever 1021 changes the direction of travel of engagement feature 102, so that activation of foot levers 1024, 1026 controllably moves engagement feature 1022 toward bottom end 1014. The various figures illustrate an embodiment of activation foot levers 1024, 1026, hydraulic cylinder 1042, release lever 1021, etc.; of course, lifting mechanisms such as hydraulic cylinders, their configurations and uses are well known, and other variations can be used.
[00105] FIGS. 25 through 27 illustrate fast elevation adjustment foot lever 1024, configured to produce a larger distance of travel of sprocket 1045 than slow elevation foot lever 1026, which is configured to produce a shorter distance of travel, but which is configured to easier manage heaver items being held. That is, fast elevation adjustment lever 1024 is preferred for lighter, low weight items, and a higher force is needed on lever 1024 to move the item, whereas slow elevation adjustment lever 1026 is preferred for heavier, high weight items, and a lower force is need on lever 1026 to move the item. In sum, lever 1024 requires more foot force by the user's foot but provides fast movement of light loads, whereas lever 1026 provides an easier activation by the user's foot for heavier loads, but provides slower movement.

[001061 Returning to FIGS. 21A, 21B and 22, cart 1010 includes, rigidly fixed to frame 1012, a rear stop bar 1029 to inhibit tipping or titling cart 1010 too far back toward the user during transport of cart 1010. In some embodiments, stop bar 1029 may be used to completely support a tipped cart 1010, allowing the user to release hold of the cart; see FIG. 34. Rear stop bar 1029, in the illustrated embodiments, allows cart 1010 to tip no more than 75 degrees from vertical, in some embodiments no more than 45 degrees from vertical.
[00107] As indicated above, cart 1010 also includes a pair of support arms 1030 having secondary wheels such as casters 1032. The angle of front support arms 1030 in respect to frame 1012 may be fixed or may be adjustable. Any adjustment, accomplished either manually or automatically, can be based on the angle or amount of tip of cart 1010. See for example, FIG. 21B, where cart 1010 is positioned so that frame 1012 is at an angle of about 90 degrees to the ground and support arms form a 90 degree angle with frame 1012. In FIG. 22, cart 1010 is tipped so that frame 1012 is at an angle of about 60 degrees to the ground and support arms form an angle of about 120 degrees with frame 1012. In FIG. 34, cart 1010 is tipped so that frame 1012 is at an angle of about 30 degrees to the ground and support arms 1030 form an angle of about 120 degrees with frame 1012. In some embodiments, support arms 1030 may be configured with only several set relative positions between frame 1012 and support arms 1030, whereas in other embodiments, support arms 1030 may have a range of angles relative to frame 1012. In FIGS. 28 and 29, a slot 1031 is shown in a bracket to which support arms 1030 connect. Support arms 1030 may be pivotally connected to the bracket and thus frame 1012, and thus provided with a range of possible angles between frame 1012 and support arms 1030, e.g., between 90 and 120 degrees. The pivotal connection may be sufficiently loose that the angle adjusts automatically with tipping of cart 1010, particularly when sliding arms 1030 into or under a pallet.
1001081 Support arms 1030 include inclined distal ends 1033 (see, e.g., FIGS.
21A, 22, and 34) which facilitate positioning cart 1010 when picking up or depositing items on to elevated surfaces. As seen in FIG. 38, supports arms 1030 with inclined distal ends 1033 can readily be slid into or under a pallet 1080 under the item-retaining surface;

this allows engagement feature 1022 to be closer to the item and improve the stability of the item when lifted off from pallet 1080 or when deposited on to pallet 1080.
[00109j To further improve control of cart 1010 during the transport of items, cart 1010 can include a braking system; FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate an embodiment of a suitable braking system. Moveable into contact with and away from wheels 1018 are friction brake pads 1034a, 1034b (one for each wheel 1018), which, when in contact with wheels 1018, create friction therebetween to slow the turning wheels 1018.
Brake pads 1034a, 1034b are connected and work in unison via connector bar 1035, which is activated by brake lever 1038 in turn connected to connector 1035 by cable 1036.
As lever 1038 is depressed, cable 1036 pulls upward on connector bar 1035, which pivots pads 1034a, 1034b to contact wheels 1018. Through connector bar 1035 and cable 1036, the force on pads 1034a, 1034b is balanced, so that engagement of brake lever 1038 provides substantially equal pressure from each pad 1034a, 1034b onto their respective wheel 1018. Brake lever 1038 may include a locking mechanism, such as a button, to retain brake lever 1038 and thus pads 1034a, 1034b in an engaged position.
loom] FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C through 42 are directed to another embodiment of a cart, similar to cart 1010 in many aspects. The cart of FIGS. 39A, 139B, 139C
through 42 includes an electrically (e.g., D/C) powered lifting mechanism. Unless indicated, features from cart 1010 are applicable to cart 1100.
[00111] Cart 1100 has a structural frame 1112 and two primary wheels 1118 and a pair of front support arms 1130 that support the cart, with or without a load, in an upright position. Optionally, each front support arm may comprise at least one secondary wheel or caster 1132. A handle 1120 with a cross brace 1125 is present to facilitate tipping and moving of cart 1100 by a user. Cart 1100 includes an item engagement feature 1122 movable along frame 1112 by an elevation adjustment mechanism 1140, in this embodiment, a powered lifting mechanism 1142, such as a linear actuator. Cart 1100 may also include any suitable structure to inhibit twisting of elevation adjustment mechanism 1140 and any of the elements thereof; in FIG.
39C, two reinforcing arms 1146 extending from the elevation adjustment mechanism to rollers (not shown) that are moveably engaged to frame 1112.
[00112] Cart 1100 includes a self-contained power source, such as a battery 1150, supported on bracket 1152 connected to frame 1112. Battery 1150 is operably connected to linear actuator 1142 to move engagement feature 1122 along frame 1112. Battery 1150 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery. The movement of engagement feature 1122 is controlled by control module 1155 positioned on cross brace 1125 of handle 1120, which can include a speed adjustment control and a reverse switch to change the direction of travel of linear actuator 1142.
[00113] Either or both cart 1010 or 1100 could include a solid supporting element, in addition to engagement feature 1022, 1122. Referring to FIGS. 43 and 44, an engagement feature 1222 is illustrated, configured to engage with sidewalls of an item, such as a bucket. Engagement feature 1222 includes an upper ledge 1227, configured to engage with an outwardly extending flange on the sidewalls of a gallon bucket. Also illustrated is a supporting element 1230 with a top surface 1232, configured to support an item by its bottom surface. Examples of items that could be placed on top surface 1232 include boxes (e.g., boxes having paint cans therein), cans, or buckets. Supporting element 1230 is configured to move along the frame of the cart in the same fashion as engagement feature 1222. Supporting element can be integral with or fixed to engagement feature 1222; in this embodiment, supporting element 1230 is hingedly connected to engagement feature 1222 via hinge 1225. In FIG. 43, supporting element 1230 is positioned to receive an item on surface 1232. In some embodiments, when supporting element 1230 is in this operational position, top surface 1232 is co-planar with upper ledge 1227, thus expanding the available surface area to support the item. When not in use, supporting element 1230 can be pivoted or retracted, as in FIG. 44, to inhibit interference with engagement feature 1222.
[00114] Additionally, all or a portion of the item engagement feature, either with or without having a solid supporting element, may be adjustable. Referring to FIGS. 45 and 46, engagement feature 1222 is shown composed of a first extension member 1228 and a second extension member 1229. First extension member 1228 is inwardly and outwardly adjustable in relation to second extension member 1229 and to upper ledge 1227 and also in relation to the frame of the cart. In FIG. 46, first extension member 1228 is shown extended outward away from second extension member 1229. First extension member 1228 is configured to extend the reach of engagement feature 1222, for example, to engage an item (e.g., bucket) that is positioned in from the edge of a pallet. First extension member 1228 may include an upper ledge to partially support an outwardly extending flange on the sidewalls of a 5-gallon bucket until first extension member 1228 is retracted and the flange can engage with upper ledge 1227.
[00115] As an example for a use of such a forward (outward) and backward (inward) adjustable engagement feature, when extended, first extension member 1228 can reach and lift a 5-gallon bucket from the middle of a pallet. The forward casters (e.g., casters 1032 on support 1030) inhibit the cart from tipping forward.
The bucket can be lifted off from the center of the pallet and set down on the edge of the pallet or on the ground, where the cart can be pushed toward the bucket, thus pushing in extension member 1228. With extension member 1228 pushed in and aligned with extension member 1229, the bucket is filly supported by upper ledge 1227 and can be moved.
1001161 FIG. 47 through FIG. 52 show alternate supporting elements for a transport cart, the supporting elements being two-piece elements configured to hold an item by its bottom surface. FIGS. 47 through 50 illustrate an embodiment where the two-piece support element is laterally movable, toward and away from the frame of the cart, whereas FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate an embodiment where the two-piece support element is laterally fixed in relation to the frame of the cart.
[00117] Referring to FIGS. 47 through 50, an engagement feature 1242 having an inner surface 1244, a portion of which is arcuate, is illustrated, configured to be in close contact with sidewalls of an item, such as a bucket. Engagement feature 1242 includes an upper ledge 1247, configured to engage with an outwardly extending flange on the sidewalls of a 5-gallon bucket. Also illustrated is a supporting feature 1250 having a first support element 1250a and a second support element 1250b, each having a top surface 1252. Either alone or together, support elements 1250a, 1250b are configured to support an item by its bottom surface on top surface 1252.
Examples of items that could be placed on top surface 1252 include boxes, cans, and buckets.
[001181 Supporting feature 1250 is fixed to engagement feature 1242 and configured to move along the frame of the cart in the same fashion as engagement feature 1242.
Supporting elements 1250a, 1250b are hingedly connected to engagement feature 1242 by hinges 1255 and are movable from an "open" position (FIG. 47) to a "closed" position (FIG. 48). When supporting elements 1250a, 1250b are in their "open" position, as in FIG. 47, and in the intermediate position, as in FIGS.
49 arid 50, engagement feature 1242 is available to engage buckets or other items. In the "closed" position, as in FIG. 48, top surface 1252 is available to accept and support an item thereon. When closed, supporting feature 1250 is not planar with but is positioned on or above engagement feature 1242. Upper ledge surface 1247 of engagement feature 1242 may support and/or reinforce feature 1250.
1001191 Supporting elements 1250a, 1250b and hinges 1255 are configured to allow outwardly forward and inwardly back movement of supporting elements 1250a, 1250b in relation to engagement feature 1242 and to the cart's frame. This movement facilitates centering of supporting elements 1250a, 1250b under the item being supported. Additionally, depending on the size of elements 1250a, 1250b and the configuration of the cart's frame and other elements, the ability of outward and inward movement allows constructions and configurations that might otherwise not be readily feasible. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 47 through 50, the cart includes wing-like stabilization structure 1050 (identified in FIG. 50) to inhibit lateral movement of items held by engagement feature 1242. Depending on the distance structure 1050 extends down toward engagement feature 1242, and the size of elements 1250a, 1250b, the presence of stabilization structure 1050 may block movement between the open and the closed position of elements 1250a, 1250b, due to structure 1050 extending into the path of elements 1250a, 1250b. Moving elements 1250a, 1250b outwardly forward provides clearance around stabilization structure 1050. See, for example, FIG. 50, which illustrates supporting element 1250b clearing stabilization structure 1050.
[00120] When elements 1250a, 1250b are open (as in FIG. 47) and in an intermediate position (as in FIGS. 49 and 50), they are able to freely moved inward and outward.
For example, if elements 1250a, 1250b are extended outward and they hit something such as an adjacent bucket, box or other item, elements 1250a, 1250b will readily slide back, out of the way. When elements 1250a, 1250b are closed (as in FIG.
48), they may be locked or otherwise inhibited from inward and outward movement. In some embodiments, the closed position may only be achieved in an outward position, whereas in other embodiments the closed position may only be achieved in an inward position.
[00121] FIGS. 51 and 52 show an embodiment of a two-piece supporting feature having a first support element 1260a and a second support element 1260b, each hingedly connected to an engagement feature 1262 by hinges 1265. Similar to the previous embodiment, support elements 1260a, 1260b are movable from an "open"
position (FIG. 52) to a "closed" position (FIG. 51). In this embodiment however, elements 1260a, 1260b are fixed in relation to hinges 1265 and no outward or inward sliding motion is experienced.
[00122] As indicated above, in FIG. 47 the illustrated cart includes a removable safety strap 1290, shown placed around the top of the two buckets being held by the cart.
Strap 1290 increases the securement of the bucket to the cart and inhibits lateral movement of the bucket, particularly during movement of the cart.
(00123] FIGS. 53 through 56A, 56B and 56C are directed to yet another embodiment of a cart, similar to cart 1010 and cart 1100 in many aspects. Cart 1300 of FIGS.

through 56A, 56B and 56C includes a retention or retaining bar to stabilize and inhibit shifting of items loaded onto the cart. The retention or retaining bar is an alternative to strap 1290 of FIG. 47, Unless indicated, features from carts 1010, 1100 and other features and elements described above are applicable to cart 1300.

[00124] Cart 1300 has a structural frame 1312 with two primary wheels 1318 and a pair of front support arms 1330 that support the cart, with or without a load, in an upright position. Optionally, each front support arm may have at least one secondary wheel or caster 1332. A handle 1320 is present to facilitate tipping and moving of cart 1300 by a user. Cart 1300 includes an item engagement feature 1322 for engaging the sidewall and/or flange of an item such as a bucket; engagement feature 1322 is movable along frame 1312 by an elevation adjustment mechanism 1340.
Engagement feature 1322 includes a hinged supporting feature 1350 configured to support an item by its bottom surface. Supporting feature 1350 may be laterally moveable, toward and away from the frame of the cart, or may be laterally fixed in relation to the frame of the cart.
[00125] Cart 1300 includes a retention bar 1360 configured to stabilize and inhibit shifting of items carried by engagement feature 1322 or by supporting feature 1350.
Retention bar 1360 includes a retention frame 1362 connected to cart frame 1312 via a control linkage having an over center linkage 1364 by which retention frame 1362 can be moved to various positions in relation to frame 1312. Retention frame 1362, in the illustrated embodiment, has a quasi-circular shape, best seen in FIG. 53;
retention frame 1362 may have other shapes, including circular, oval, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Present on retention frame 1362 is a latch 1370, configured to engage with or latch over or onto certain items carried by cart 1300.
In the illustrated embodiment, latch 1370 has a "W" shape, which inhibits latch 1370 from catching on a bucket when lifting or lower pails on to cart 1300 after retention frame 1362 has been engaged. Additionally, the W shape is particularly useful for catching sidewalls of a carton (e.g., box) for example, when sudden stops occur or when the cart is tipped up from a tilted-back position.
[00126] FIGS. 54 and 55 illustrate retention bar 1360 engaging a stack of buckets (FIG. 54) and a stack of boxes (FIG. 55). Retention frame 1362, with a quasi-circular shape, encircles at least the top bucket of the stack of three buckets being supported by cart 1300, thus inhibiting shifting of the stack as cart 1300 is moved. Latch 1370 on retention frame 1362 latches over the top box of the stack of four boxes being supported by cart 1300, thus inhibiting shifting of the stack as cart 1300 is moved.

[00127] The movement of retention frame 1362 in relation to frame 1312 is produced by control linkage having an over center linkage 1364, which includes an actuator and a biased link 1368, with actuator 1366 pivotally connected to frame 1312 at a joint 1371 and to biased link 1368 at a joint 1373, and with biased link 1368 further pivotally connected to retention frame 1362 at a joint 1375. Biased link 1368, in the illustrated embodiment, is a spring-loaded link having an adjustable length.
[00128] FIGS. 56A, 56B and 56C are enlargements of over center linkage 1364 and show three different positions of retention frame 1362. In FIG. 56A, frame 1362 is positioned in a generally 'middle' positioned, as it would be when engaged with a stack of buckets or boxes (see, e.g., FIGS. 54 and/or 55). Retention frame 1362 is pivotal about joint 1375 to adjust the level of retention frame 1362, for example, to engage with taller or lower buckets or boxes. FIG. 56B shows retention frame in a position lower than that of FIG. 56A. To move from the position of FIG.

to that of FIG. 5613, retention frame 1362 pivots around a point 1377.
[00129] Another position for retention frame 1362 is shown in FIG. 56C, where retention frame 1362 is fully upright, out of the way of any items that might be stacked on cart 1300. To move from the position of either FIG. 56A or FIG. 56B to the position of FIG. 56C, retention frame 1362 pivots around point 1377. To lock retention frame 1362 in the upright position, actuator 1366 is pivoted around joint 1371, moving actuator 1366 backwards and resulting in biased link 1368 and thus retention frame 1362 pivoting in an over center manner in relation to actuator 1366.
pool Numerous alternate embodiments of carts and numerous embodiments of features of the carts have been described above. Generally, the carts of this disclosure include any or all of: a frame; a pair of primary wheels; a front support structure supporting at least one caster; an item engagement feature moveably connected to the frame, the engagement feature configured to engage with the sidewall of an item, such as an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of a bucket, the engagement feature optionally having a laterally extendable portion; a position adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the engagement feature between the first end and the second end of the frame, the position adjustment system comprising a hydraulic cylinder or a linear actuator; one or more foot levers to control the hydraulic cylinder, optionally one foot lever being a fast elevation adjustment or movement lever and the second foot lever being a slow elevation adjustment or movement lever; a bucket stabilization structure fixed in relation to the frame, such as angled wings or wedges extending parallel to the frame; a release lever operably connected to a reverse switch to change the direction of travel of the engagement feature; a rear stop bar to inhibit backward tipping of the cart; a hand-operated brake operably connected to at least one of the primary wheels; and a battery to actuate the linear actuator. In some embodiments, the item engagement feature may include an element with a support surface to engage with the bottom of an item.
[00131] As indicated above, the various carts of this disclosure can be used to lift, transport, and lower items, particularly buckets. An exemplary method of lifting a stack of buckets off of a pallet includes the following steps.
[001321 First, as illustrated in FIG. 38, cart 1010 is moved into position with support arms 1030 under the surface of pallet 1080 and with engagement feature 1022 engaging the lower bucket. Engagement feature 1022 may require movement upwards (i.e., toward top end 1016, not indicated in FIG. 38) or downward (i.e., toward bottom end 1014, not indicated in FIG. 38) so that upper ledge 1027 (see, e.g., FIG.
33) of engagement feature 1022 is positioned under and in contact with an outwardly extending flange or ridge on the bucket. At this step, cart 1010 is resting on wheels 1018 and casters 1032 (not seen in FIG. 38).
[00133] Before moving cart 1010, either or both foot levers 1024, 1026 (see, e.g., FIG. 23) are pumped to raise the buckets off from pallet 1080 to a desired level. With the buckets raised, cart 1010 can be moved so that support arms 1030 withdraw from pallet 1080. When tipped, the buckets are stabilized laterally by stabilizing structure 1050. Cart 1010 can be tipped back any desired amount, lifting casters 1032 off of the ground, to roll cart 1010 with the buckets to a new location. Alternately, cart 1010 may be rolled in an upright position, with all of wheels 1018 and casters on the ground.

[00134] In the final location, the buckets can be lowered to the ground or another surface (e.g., pallet, bench, shelf) by activating switch 1043 via release lever 1021 (see, e.g., FIG. 29) on handle 1020 of cart 1010.
[00135] In some methods, it may not be necessary to activate the position adjustment system of the cart to lift the buckets. Merely tipping the cart back may be sufficient to raise the buckets sufficiently so that it can be moved. Similarly, merely tipping the cart forward may be sufficient to release and deposit the bucket in the desired location.
[00136] Thus, various embodiments of the TRANSPORT CART are disclosed. The implementations described above and other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims (46)

1. A transport cart comprising:
a frame having a first wheeled end and a second end;
an item engagement feature moveably connected to the frame, the engagement feature configured to engage with an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of a bucket;
a position adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the item engagement feature between the first end and the second end of the frame, the position adjustment system comprising:
a cable management system comprising at least one wheel; and a cable connected to the cable management system at a cable first end and to the engagement feature at a cable second end.

2. The cart of claim 1, wherein the cable is connected to the at least one wheel of the cable management system at its first end.

3. The cart of any of claims 1-2, wherein the position adjustment system comprises a gear rack fixedly attached to the frame and a pinion gear movable in relation to the gear rack, with the at least one wheel of the cable management system fixedly connected to the pinion gear.

4. The cart of claim 3, wherein the position adjustment system further comprises a hydraulic cylinder connected to the pinion gear, configured to move the pinion gear in meshing engagement with the gear rack.

5. The cart of claim 4, wherein the position adjustment system further comprises a foot lever to control the hydraulic cylinder

6. The cart of any of claims 1-2, wherein the position adjustment system comprises a pulley assembly having a first end and a second end moveable in relation to the first end, with the cable extending between the first end and the second end.

7. The cart of claim 6, wherein the position adjustment system further comprises a hydraulic cylinder connected to the second end of the pulley assembly, configured to move the second end in relation to the first end.

8. The cart of claim 7, wherein the position adjustment system further comprises a foot lever to control the hydraulic cylinder

9. The cart of any of claims 1-8, wherein the engagement feature comprises an arcuate member having two opposing arms.

10. The cart of any of claims 1-9 further comprising a kick plate proximate the first wheeled end of the frame.

11. The cart of claim 10 further comprising a caster on a bottom of the kick plate.

12. The cart of any of claims 1-11, wherein the engagement feature is moveably connected to the frame via rollers.

13. The cart of any of claims 1-12, wherein the position adjustment system comprises a displacement multiplier.

14. The cart of claim 13, wherein the displacement multiplier produces a displacement advantage of at least 1:4.

15. The cart of claim 13, wherein the displacement multiplier produces a displacement advantage of at least 1:8.

16. A method of moving a bucket, the method comprising:
bringing a wheeled cart in close proximity to the bucket;
engaging an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket with an engagement feature of the wheeled cart by raising the engagement feature;
tipping the wheeled cart to elevate the bucket;
transporting the elevated bucket with the cart;
leveling the bucket; and lowering the engagement feature to disengage the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising:
further raising the engagement feature after engaging the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket

18. The method of claim 17 comprising:
completely lowering the engagement feature to disengage the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.

19. The method of claim 17 comprising:
partially lowering the engagement feature to disengage the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.

20. The method of any of claims 16-19, wherein raising the engagement feature and lowering the engagement feature each comprise utilizing a displacement multiplier.

21. A method of moving a bucket, the method comprising:
bringing a wheeled cart in close proximity to the bucket;
engaging an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket with an engagement feature of the wheeled cart;
tipping the wheeled cart with the engaged bucket;
transporting the engaged bucket with the cart; and untipping the cart to disengage the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein when engaging the bucket, the bucket is located on the same surface as the wheeled cart.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein when engaging the bucket, the bucket is located on a surfaced elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.

24. The method of any of claims 21-23, wherein the step of tipping the wheeled cart engages the outwardly extending circumferential flange of the bucket with the engagement feature of the wheeled cart.

25. The method of any of claims 21-24, wherein when disengaging the bucket, the bucket is resultingly located on a surfaced elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.

26. A transport cart comprising:
a frame having a first wheeled end and a second end, the wheeled end comprising a pair of primary wheels;
a front support structure;
an item engagement feature moveably connected to the frame;
a position adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the engagement feature between the first end and the second end of the frame, the position adjustment system comprising a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism being a hydraulic cylinder or a linear actuator;
a first foot lever and a second foot lever to control the hydraulic cylinder, if a hydraulic cylinder is present;
a battery to energize the linear actuator, if a linear actuator is present;
and an elongate item stabilization structure fixed in relation to the frame and extending along the frame at least partially between the first end and the second end of the frame.

27. The cart of claim 26, wherein the item stabilization structure comprises two angled wings.

28. The cart of any of claims 26-27, wherein the first foot lever is a fast elevation adjustment lever and the second foot lever is a slow elevation adjustment lever.

29. The cart of claim 28, wherein the first foot lever requires a higher foot force to produce elevation adjustment compared to the second foot lever that requires a lower foot force to produce elevation adjustment.

30. The cart of any of claims 26-29, wherein the position adjustment system further comprises;
a release lever operably connected to a pressure release valve if the lifting mechanism is the hydraulic cylinder; or a reverse switch operably connected to the battery if the lifting mechanism is the linear actuator.

31. The cart of any of claims 26-30, wherein the item engagement feature is configured to engage with an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of an item.

32. The cart of any of claims 26-31, wherein the item engagement feature comprises an arcuate member.

33. The cart of claim 32, wherein the arcuate member comprises two upper opposing arms and a lower support member.

34. The cart of any of claims 26-33, wherein the item engagement feature comprises an element configured to engage with a bottom of an item to be lifted.

35. The cart of claim 34, wherein the element configured to engage with the bottom is a two-piece element.

36. The cart of any of claims 34-35, wherein the element is hingedly moveable in relation to the engagement feature.

37. The cart of any of claims 34-36, wherein the element is slidable towards the frame and away from the frame.

38. The cart of any of claims 26-37, wherein the front support structure comprises two arms and at least one wheel or caster.

39. The cart of claim 38, wherein each of the two arms has an inclined distal end.

40. The cart of any of claims 26-39 further comprising a rear stop bar.

41. The cart of any of claims 26-40 further comprising a hand-operated brake operably connected to at least one of the primary wheels.

42. The cart of claim 41, wherein the brake is a friction brake.

43. The cart of any of claims 41-42, wherein the hand-operated brake is operably connected to and balanced between both primary wheels.

44. The cart of any of claims 26-43 further comprising a retention bar pivotal in relation to the frame and a control linkage to position the retention bar.

45. The cart of claim 44, wherein the control linkage bar pivots in an over center manner in relation to the retention bar and the frame.

46. A transport cart comprising:
a frame having a wheeled end comprising a pair of primary wheels;
a front support structure at the wheeled end of the frame, the front support structure comprising two arms, each arm having an inclined distal end;
an arcuate item engagement feature moveably connected to the frame;
a position adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the engagement feature between the first end and the second end of the frame, the position adjustment system comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a first foot lever and a second foot lever operably connected to the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the first foot lever is a fast elevation adjustment lever that requires a higher foot force to produce elevation adjustment compared to the second foot lever, which is a slow elevation adjustment lever that requires a lower foot force to produce elevation adjustment; and an elongate item stabilization structure fixed in relation to the frame and extending along the frame at least partially between the first end and the second end of the frame.