GB2288573A - Multi purpose hand truck - Google Patents

Abstract

The hand truck is convertible from a platform truck, as in figure 1, to a sack truck, as in figure 3. A front frame 5, back frame 3, and handle 2 are interconnected by lockable pivot joints to permit the conversion of the truck. Legs 3c on the frame 3 mount an axle for wheels 8, such that on conversion of the truck the wheels move from a mid position on the platform truck to a rear position on the sack truck. The truck may also be compactly folded by positioning the front frame 5 and handle 2 above the frame 3. <IMAGE>

Description

This invention relates to a multi purpose hand truck.

Traditionally, hand trucks are of two main types these being a sack truck or a platform truck. One of the problems encountered with sack trucks is that they are unsuitable for carrying light or bulky items around as thier base is too small. They also tend to be heavy of fixed construction making them difficult to use and to store. The platform truck on the other hand is ideal for large, or light and bulky items as it is easy to use having its wheels in the mid position. However they are also fixed structures hence making them unpractical to use outside of a factory, warehouse environment. By using a multi purpose hand truck that can convert from one mode of operation to another greater choice can be achived alone with added flexability.

According to the invention a multi purpose hand truck consists of three main parts a base/back frame which interfaces with the wheels, a pivotable front frame fitted with castors and a pivotable handle. The three members can be configured into a sack truck type unit or into a platform truck by using the quick release lock-out mechanisms or alternative by using semi permanent fixings. Such a configuration of pivotable joints and associated members allow for greater flexability when transporting different and varying items.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an elevation of one embodiment of a multi purpose hand truck according to the invention and is shown in the platform truck configuration.

Fig 2.0 is an elevation shown in the direction of arrow "A" of Figure 1.0.

Fig 3.0 is an elevation shown in the direction of arrow "B of Fig 2.0.

Fig 4.0 is a typical local section of a typical lock out mechanism used to secure the pivotable members in position.

Fig 5.0 is an elevation of a multi purpose hand truck shown in the sack truck configuration.

Referring to the drawings figures 1 to 5 a multi purpose hand truck 1.0 comprises of a "U" shaped handle member 2 secured to a back frame 3 via a pivot joint 4 which allows the handle member 2 to rotate in an arc at the fwd end of the back frame 3, a front framework 5 is secure via a pivot joint 6, the handle member 2, consist of a 'U' shaped member 2a tied at the open end by a lateral cross tie 2b,. the 'U' shaped member 2a is drilled at the open end legs to accept the pivot bolt 4a. Located at the end of each leg is a sprung accuated lick-out pin 7, which is used to secure the pivotable member into the working position via the locWout pin 7, interfacing directly with the hole in the keeper 7a.

This is a typical quick release mechanism. The pivotable members can be secured by direct semi permanent fixings such as bolts if desired.

The back frame 3.0 consist of a 'U' shaped member 3a. Tied across by a number of lateral members 3b the open end of the legs are drilled to accept the pivot bolt 6a. The ;U' shaped member 3a has two perpendicular legs 3c, secured to its lower surface to form a 900 angle and are reinforced via a 450 cross tie 3d running laterally between the perpendicular legs 3c is an axle member 3e which allows the wheels 8, to be fixed to the framework as shown.

A 'U' shaped foot 3f is located at the rear end of the back frame 3 and secured to member 3a. The foot 3f provides a rest for when the truck is configured in the platform truck configuration (Fig 1.0 refers) and also incorporates a keeper 7a for securing the handle member 2 into this working configuration.

The front framework 5, consist of a 'U' shaped member 5a, tied together with several lateral ties 5c, the open ends of the legs are also drilled to enable this member to pivot via a pivot bolt 6a. At the open end of each leg their is a spring ACC4 ated lock-out pin 7 which is used to secure the member 5 into the desired working position this is achived via the lock-out pin 7 interfacing with the horizontal keeper 7a for the platform truck mode or the vertical keeper 7a located on inside of the perpendicular leg's 3c for the sack truck mode.

The front framework has castors 9 fitted at the fwd end so as to allow for ease of movement when the hand truck 10 is configurated as a sack truck (Fig 5.0 refers).

By allowing the main members to freely rotate handle 2.0 in an anti clockwise direction and front framework 5 in a clockwise direction the unit can be folded for easy storage and transporation.

A plate 10, can be used to panel in the base members 5a/3 if required.

Claims (4)

1) A MULTI PURPOSE HAND TRUCK COMPRISING OF A FRONT AND REAR FRAMEWORK CONNECTED TO A WHEELED MID SECTION FRAMEWORK VIA PIVOTABLE AND POSITION LOCKABLE JOINTS. THE FRAMEWORKS CAN BE RECONFIGURED TO EACH OTHER IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE WHEELED MID SECTION CAN BE REPOSITIONED FROM A CENTRE WHEEL PLATFORM TRUCK TO A REAR WHEELED SACK TRUCK.

2) A MULTI POSITION HAND TRUCK AS CLAIMED IN CLAIM 1 WHICH HAS A NUMBER OF SEMI-LOCKABLE JOINTS OPERATED BY HAND ACTUATED LEVERS ENABLING EACH FRAMEWORK TO BE REPOSITIONED TO THE NEXT ONE, TO FORM A NUMBER OF TRUCK FORMATS.

3) A MULTI PURPOSE HAND TRUCK AS CLAIMED IN CLAIMS 1 & 2 WHICH HAS A NUMBER OF MAIN PARTS THAT CAN BE RECONFIGURED TO A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT WHEEL POSITION FORMATS.

4) A MULTI PURPOSE HAND TRUCK SUBSTANTIALLY AS DESCRIBED HEREIN WITH REFERENCE TO FIGURES 1 - 5 OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS.