AU2004200022B2 - Tipping Wheelbarrow - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Graham Samuel Bowden Graham Samuel Bowden WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Tipping Wheelbarrow" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: 2003900015 filed on 6 January 2003 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- "TiDDing Wheelbarrow" Field of the Invention The present invention concerns wheelbarrows. More particularly, and without being limited thereto, the present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for tipping a wheelbarrow, and to a wheelbarrow incorporating such an actuating mechanism.

Background Art Wheelbarrows are used to transport material from one location to another. It is known that the act of tipping a wheelbarrow having a relatively heavy load can leave the operator with strain and other physical injuries. Injuries can also occur by small increments. Accordingly, in some cases, the operation of a wheelbarrow on a recurring basis may lead to problems.

In the building industry concrete is sometimes mixed in, and poured from, a wheelbarrow. As the concrete is poured, the tipping action of the wheelbarrow has a tendency to pull the operator forwardly over the handles. This action can lead to the injury of the operator and is generally undesirable. As a result it would be advantageous if this tendency to pull the operator forwardly during the act of tipping could be reduced or eliminated.

For the elderly the physical demands of tipping a wheelbarrow can be problematic, forcing them to carry and tip only small loads. In some cases the sheer amount physical strength required to tip a wheelbarrow can mean that a shovel is used to remove the load instead. In view of this, reducing the physical demands placed on the operator during tipping should be of particular assistance to the elderly.

To prevent the accumulation of water in the tray, which accumulation can lead to rusting of the wheelbarrow, wheelbarrows are typically stored in a vertical position with the handles of the wheelbarrow resting against a wall so as to point -3upward. In some situations it is seen to be advantageous if the wheelbarrow could be stored in such a position without the handles resting against a wall.

It is here noted that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this disclosure is included only to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of this material formed part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia on or before the priority date of the invention.

Disclosure of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a wheelbarrow that is readily tipped or which, at least, provides the public with a useful choice.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wheelbarrow comprising: a frame structure; a load carrying tray portion pivotally supported on the frame structure for pivotal movement between a first condition and a second condition; and an actuating means operable for moving the load carrying portion from the first condition towards the second condition; wherein the actuating means is adapted to be worked by a foot of a user, which working causes the load carrying portion to move from the first condition towards the second condition.

By having the actuating means adapted to be worked by the foot of the user, the effect of the physical strain under which the operator is put when moving the load carrying portion from the first condition to the second condition can be greatly reduced. As compared to a typical wheelbarrow, the strain is advantageously moved to portions of the operator's body that are less likely to be injured.

In one arrangement, the first condition is a load carrying condition and the second condition is a discharge condition.

-4- The wheelbarrow may further comprise a securing means for securing the load carrying portion in the second position. The securing means may be adapted to automatically prevent the load carrying portion from moving back towards the load carrying condition. In preferred forms of the invention, the securing means is adapted to be manually arranged to allow movement towards the second condition and to prevent movement towards the first condition. In these arrangements the load carrying portion can be held in the second condition.

Preferably the frame structure incorporates a handle means adapted to be gripped by the user, wherein the handle means are suitable for gripping as the actuating means is worked by the foot of the user to move the load carrying portion from the first condition towards the second condition.

The handle means may comprise a pair of handle shafts in spaced apart relationship, each with respective gripping portions that the user can grip while working the actuating means. Also the frame structure preferably comprises a number of support means for engagement with the ground as the actuating means is worked by the foot of the user to move the load carrying portion from the first condition to the second condition.

Particular arrangements of the invention accordingly provide a foot operated wheelbarrow, the tipping action of which occurs whilst the support means are placed on the ground. The support means may each comprise a leg, extending downwardly from adjacent a respective one of the handle shafts.

The actuating means preferably comprises an actuation mechanism that is mounted to the frame structure and includes a pedal means that is operable by the foot of the user. Advantageously, the pedal means is relatively easily accessible to the user while operating the wheelbarrow.

Preferably, the wheelbarrow includes a wheel upon which the wheelbarrow can be moved.

Preferably the actuating means comprises an actuation mechanism mounted to the frame structure.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an actuating mechanism for a wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow having a load carrying tray portion mounted to a frame structure and the actuating mechanism comprising: a leverage portion having an actuating portion and an operating portion, the leverage portion for rotating about a fulcrum point between the actuating and operating portions; and a link member having a first and second end, the first end adapted to be pivotally connected to the load carrying tray portion and the second end adapted to be pivotally connected to the operating portion, the link member for moving the load carrying portion, when the load carrying portion is pivotally mounted to the frame structure, from a first condition to a second condition; wherein in use and in response to a force being applied to the actuating portion by a foot of a user, the operating portion rotates about the fulcrum point, causing the link member to move the load carrying portion from the first condition towards the second condition.

Preferably the actuating portion includes pedal means for operation with the foot of the user.

Preferably the actuating mechanism further comprises mounting means for pivotally mounting the load carrying portion to the frame structure such that the load carrying portion is movable from the first condition towards the second condition.

The actuating mechanism may include a support frame for being mounted to the frame structure, and the mounting means may include an upstanding mounting member that extends from an end of the of the support frame.

The mounting means may include a hinge means connected to the mounting member and the load carrying portion such that the load carrying portion is -6pivotable about the mounting member so as to be movable between the first and second condition.

The hinge means may comprise a hinged plate adapted to be secured to the load carrying portion of the wheelbarrow.

The actuating mechanism may include a reinforcing connection means for pivotally connecting the first end of the link member to the underside of the load carrying portion.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an actuating mechanism for a wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow having a load carrying tray portion mounted to a frame structure and the actuating mechanism comprising: a support frame for being mounted to the frame structure; means for moving the load carrying tray portion from a first condition towards a second condition; and means adapted to be worked by a foot of a user, which working causes the load carrying portion to move from the first condition towards the second condition.

Insight into the advantages and characteristics of the present invention can be gained from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

By way of definition, it is here noted that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of a specific embodiment thereof, as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: -7- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow being in a discharge condition; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the wheelbarrow shown in Figure 1, the wheelbarrow being in a load carrying condition; Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the wheelbarrow shown in Figure 1, the wheelbarrow being in a first discharge condition; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the wheelbarrow shown in Figure 1, the wheelbarrow being in a second discharge condition; Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a securing means used in the wheelbarrow shown in Figure 1, the securing means for holding the wheelbarrow in the load carrying and discharge conditions; Figures 6a to 6c are schematic side views of the securing means respectively locking the wheelbarrow shown in Figure 1, in the load carrying and discharge conditions; and Figures 7a and 7b are schematic side views of the securing means of the wheelbarrow shown in Figure 1, the securing means being respectively in a release condition and a locking condition.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 7b of the drawings. In the embodiment wheelbarrow 20 includes wheel means 2, load carrying portion 16 and handle shafts 12. Handle shafts 12 have gripping portions 14. An actuating mechanism 40 is provided by means of which a user can push down on pedal means 34 with his or her foot, while gripping the gripping portions 14, to tip a load carried in the load carrying portion 16.

-8- By operating the wheelbarrow in this manner a user is able to rotate load carrying portion 16 from a first condition toward two second conditions. The first condition is suited for carrying a full load while the second conditions are respectively suited to the load being fully and partly discharged. For this reason the first condition and the two second conditions are respectively referred to as load carrying condition and first and second discharge conditions.

As shown in Figure 2, when in the load carrying condition, the load carrying portion 16 is supported by stopper guard 36 and upstanding mounting member 21. In this condition the wheelbarrow 10 can be loaded with material and wheeled around.

In the two discharge conditions, load carrying portion 16 is supported directly by mounting member 21 and the actuating mechanism 40. When in the second discharge condition the load carried in the load carrying portion 16 shifts to automatically tip the load carrying portion 16 forward from approximately degrees to the first discharge condition, thereby dumping the load without further working by the user.

Once the load carried in the load carrying portion 16 has been fully discharged, actuating mechanism 40 prevents the load carrying portion 16 from rotating beyond the first discharge condition.

Both the stopper guard 36 and mounting member 21 extend upwardly and are part of support frame 42. Support frame 42 is fastened to the handle shafts 12 with fasteners 10. Rotation of load carrying portion 16 occurs about pivot axis 19. Pivot axis 19 is located above and behind the upper extremity of wheel means 2.

Actuating mechanism 40 includes link member 26 and leverage portion 30. The leverage portion 30 has a fulcrum point 31, and on opposed sides of the fulcrum 31, an actuating portion 32 and a leverage portion 30. The fulcrum point 31 is -9defined by a hole in leverage portion 30 and a bolt which passes therethrough.

Pedal means 34 is provided on the actuating portion 32.

Leverage portion 30 is rotatably mounted to frame structure 6 about fulcrum point 31. Link member 26, on the other hand, is pivotally connected at a second end 27 of link member 26 to operating portion 28 of leverage portion 30. The first end 24, of link member 26, is pivotally connected through load carrying portion reinforcement 22 to load carrying portion 16. Load carrying portion reinforcement 22 consists of an section extending along the load carrying portion 16 to which it is fastened by a number of fasteners. In this manner first end 24 is pivotally connected to the underside of load carrying portion 16.

Link member 26 is pivotally connected at both its ends so that it is able to transmit rotary motion of the leverage portion 30 about fulcrum point 31 to pivotal motion of load carrying portion 16 about pivot axis 19.

Frame structure 6 includes support frame 42 and handle shafts 12. The support frame 42 is secured to handle shafts 12 by fastening means 10. Fastening means 10 pass through handle shafts 12 to fix stability means 8 and wheel means 2 to the frame structure 6. Stability means 8 and wheel means 2 support the wheelbarrow 20 on the ground in both the load carrying and discharge conditions.

Pivot axis 19 passes through the upper end of mounting member 21. A hinged plate 18 is secured to the front outward face of load carrying portion 16 and is hinged for rotary pivot motion around pivot axis 19. In this fashion a conventional tray for a standard wheelbarrow can be relatively easily used as load carrying portion 16 in wheelbarrow 20. Similarly, a standard wheelbarrow can be disassembled to provided the handle shafts 12, wheel means 2, and possibly stability means 8 to use with the actuating mechanism 40 to produce a complete version of wheelbarrow 10. The present invention may accordingly be sold in kit form.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a securing means 48 used in wheelbarrow 10. Securing means 48 includes holes 52 and locking rod Locking rod 50 is mounted on support frame 42 while holes 52 are arranged on leverage portion 30. Securing means 48 includes a housing 46 though which locking rod 50 passes and is biased towards holes 52 by a spring 58. When properly aligned locking rod 50 is adapted to register with the holes 52.

Figure 5 shows fulcrum point 31 defined by a hole in leverage portion extending through a support 44 welded to and forming part of support frame 42.

Leverage portion 30 and support 44 operate to transfer force to the frame structure 6.

As shown in Figure 5, when in alignment and registering with a hole 52, locking rod 50 prevents load carrying portion 16 moving in the direction towards the load carrying condition.

Figures 6a to 6c correspond with Figures 2 to 5. More particularly Figure 6a corresponds to wheelbarrow 10 being in the load carrying condition whilst Figures 6b and 6c correspond with wheelbarrow 10 being in the second and first discharge conditions.

Load carrying portion 16 is able to be rotated back to the load carrying condition by first, disengaging locking rod 50 from the hole with which it is be registered and then, after accomplishing this, by pulling locking rod handle 54 to pivot the load carrying portion 16 back towards the first condition.

Figures 7a and 7b show how locking rod 50 can be placed in a release condition in which spring 58 is unable to move locking rod 50 towards holes 52. When a detent pin 61 forming the locking rod handle 54 of locking rod 50 is placed so as to engage with sides of a slot 65 the spring 58 cannot move the locking rod towards these holes 52. However when the pin 61 is rotated such that it is able to slide within slot 65, the locking rod 50 is moved by bias of spring 58.

11/1 When locking rod 50 is not aligned with a hole, it cannot be registered and therefore cannot prevent movement of the load carrying portion 16 in the direction of the first condition. In another embodiment, which is not shown, securing means 48 is arranged such that when locking rod 50 registered with a hole 52 the locking rod 50 prevents the load carrying portion 16 from moving back towards the load carrying condition, and allows the load carrying portion 16 to move towards either the first and second discharge conditions. In this variation the end of locking rod 50is specially shapedwith respect to holes 52.

Other configurations are of course possible.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures the locking rod 50 is manually pulled out and twisted to the release condition so as to allow the load carrying portion 16 to be tipped. Once the operation is finished the locking rod 50 is twisted back so as to then engage with one of holes 52.

For safety reasons, it is preferred that the locking rod 50 engages with the respective hole 52 when the wheelbarrow 20 is being used for carrying or transport.

In fact, as previously noted, once load carrying portion 16 has been rotated to the second discharge condition, which is about 45 degrees from horizontal, a typical load in load carrying portion 16 will shift its weight forward to act to rotate the load carrying portion 16 further toward to the first discharge condition. Thus in use the user does not have to work the actuating portion 32 of leverage portion by pressing on pedal means 34 with his or her foot for the whole duration of the time taken for the load carrying portion 16 to rotate from the load carrying condition to the first discharge condition (fully discharged).

Advantageously actuating mechanism 40 provides a mechanical leverage advantage from the load carrying condition to the first and second discharge conditions. Also the load carrying portion 16 can be secured in a discharge condition thereby preventing it from filling with water and then rusting. When trowling, that is laying floor tiles, the wheelbarrow can also be locked in the 11/2second discharge condition allowing easy access at the front of the wheelbarrow In the embodiments described a user is able to relatively easily tip a load in the load carrying portion 16 by pressing down on pedal means 34 with his or her foot to rotate leverage portion 30 about fulcrum point 31, thereby moving operating portion 28 of the leverage portion 30 and second end 27 of link member 26 which is pivotally connected thereto. Because load carrying portion 16 is pivotally connected to link member 26 at pivot point 25 and is further constrained to rotate about pivot axis 19, link member 26 moves to rotate load carrying portion 16 towards the second condition. Securing means 48 allows movement in the direction of the second condition but once locking rod 50 is aligned with one of holes 52, prevents movement therefrom back towards the first condition. Once the load has been discharged from load carrying portion 16 the user pulls on locking rod handle 54 to place locking rod 50 in a retracted position and then moves load carrying portion 16 back to the first condition for reloading.

It will be understood that various changes may be made to the form, details, arrangement and proportion of the various parts and steps without departing form the spirit and scope of the invention. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are, at the very least, considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Further embodiments of invention provides a foot operated mechanical device that can be fitted to a standard wheelbarrow, for the purpose of tipping the tray whilst the legs of the wheelbarrow are placed on the ground. The barrow is very effective when pouring concrete for floor of septic tanks or storm water catchment tanks or any facility below ground level. The tipping action eliminates the tendency of the wheelbarrow to pull the operator forward over the handles as the load leaves the tray, therefore, reducing the risk of injury to the operator. The foot operation is effective when tipping in confined areas such as indoor renovation or use by the elderly. The tray can be locked in three separate conditions.

-12- Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (27)

1. A wheelbarrow comprising: a frame structure; a load carrying tray portion pivotally supported on the frame structure for pivotal movement between a first condition and a second condition; and an actuating means operable for moving the load carrying portion from the first condition towards the second condition; wherein the actuating means is adapted to be worked by a foot of a user, which working causes the load carrying portion to move from the first condition towards the second condition.

2. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first condition is a load carrying condition and the second condition is a discharge condition.

3. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 1 or 2 including securing means for securing the load carrying portion in the second condition.

4. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 1 or 2 including securing means for securing the load carrying portion in both the first and second conditions.

5. A wheelbarrow as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame structure comprises a handle means adapted to be gripped by the user, the handle means being suitable for gripping as the actuating means is worked by the foot of the user to move the load carrying portion from the first condition toward the second condition.

6. A wheelbarrow as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle means include a pair of handle shafts in spaced apart relationship, and the wheelbarrow includes support means for engagement with the ground for supporting wheelbarrow as the actuating means is worked by the foot of the user in moving the load carrying portion from the first condition toward the second condition.

7. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 6 wherein the support means include a leg extending downwardly from adjacent a respective one of the handle shafts. -14-

8. A wheelbarrow as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the wheelbarrow further comprises a wheel upon which the wheelbarrow can be rolled.

9. A wheelbarrow as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the actuating means comprises an actuation mechanism mounted to the frame structure, the actuation mechanism including a pedal means for operation with the foot of the user. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 9 wherein the actuating mechanism comprises: a leverage portion having an actuating portion and an operating portion, the leverage portion for rotating about a fulcrum point between the actuation and operating portions; and a link member having a first and second end, the first end adapted to be pivotally connected to the load carrying portion and the second end adapted to be pivotally connected to the operating portion, the link member for moving the load carrying portion, when the load carrying portion is pivotally mounted to the frame structure, from the first condition to the second condition; wherein in use and in response to a force being applied to the actuating portion by a foot of a user, the operating portion rotates about the fulcrum point, causing the link member to move the load carrying portion from the first condition towards the second condition.

11. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 10 further wherein the actuating mechanism further comprises mounting means pivotally mounting the load carrying portion to the frame structure such that the load carrying portion is movable from the first condition towards the second condition.

12.A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 11 wherein the mounting means includes a hinge means and a mounting member, the hinge means connected to the mounting member which extends from the frame structure.

13.A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 12 wherein the hinge means comprises a hinged plate adapted to be secured to the load carrying portion of the wheelbarrow.

14. A wheelbarrow as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein actuating mechanism further comprises a reinforcing connection means for pivotally connecting the first end of the link member to the underside of the load carrying portion. actuating mechanism for a wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow having a load carrying tray portion mounted to a frame structure and the actuating mechanism comprising: a leverage portion having an actuating portion and an operating portion, the leverage portion for rotating about a fulcrum point between the actuating and operating portions; and a link member having a first and second end, the first end adapted to be pivotally connected to the load carrying tray portion and the second end adapted to be pivotally connected to the operating portion, the link member for moving the load carrying portion, when the load carrying portion is pivotally mounted to the frame structure, from a first condition to a second condition; wherein in use and in response to a force being applied to the actuating portion by a foot of a user, the operating portion rotates about the fulcrum point, causing the link member to move the load carrying portion from the first condition towards the second condition.

16.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 15 wherein the first condition is a load carrying condition and the second condition is a discharge condition.

17.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 15 or 16 including securing means for securing the load carrying portion in the second condition.

18.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 17 wherein the securing means is adapted be manually arranged to allow movement towards the second condition and to prevent movement towards the first condition. -16-

19.An actuating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the actuating portion includes pedal means for operation with the foot of the user. actuating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 including mounting means for pivotally mounting the load carrying portion to the frame structure such that the load carrying portion is movable from the first condition towards the second condition.

21.An actuating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20 including a support frame for being mounted to the frame structure.

22.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 20 including a support frame for being mounted to the frame structure further wherein the mounting means comprises an upstanding mounting member that extends from an end of the support frame.

23.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 22 wherein the mounting means includes a hinge means connected to the mounting member and the load carrying portion such that the load carrying portion is movable between the first and second condition.

24.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 23 wherein the hinge means includes a hinged plate adapted to be secured to the load carrying portion of the wheelbarrow.

25.An actuating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24 including a reinforcing connection means for pivotally connecting the first end of the link member to the underside of the load carrying portion.

26. An actuating mechanism for a wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow having a load carrying tray portion mounted to a frame structure, the actuating mechanism comprising: a support frame for being mounted to the frame structure; means for moving the load carrying tray portion from a first condition towards a I -17- second condition; and means adapted to be worked by a foot of a user, which working causes the load carrying portion to move from the first condition towards the second condition.

27.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 25 wherein the first condition is a load carrying condition and the second condition is a discharge condition.

28.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 25 or 26 including securing means for securing the load carrying portion in the second condition.

29.An actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 25 or 26 including securing means for securing the load carrying portion in both the first and second conditions. wheelbarrow substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings

31.An actuating mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this First day of March 2006. Graham Samuel Bowden Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicants