AU2005100716A4 - Firmgrip - Google Patents

Description

Australia Patents Act 1990 Following Provisional Application Number: 2004 90525 Dated: September 3, 2004 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Innovation Patent" "Firm G rip" (Provisional as "Easy Handle") The following statement is a full description of this innovation including the best method of its performance known to me: Prepared by I.D.C Terrigal NSW 2260 Submitted by the Inventor: Horst Donath of 23 Salisbury Drive Terrigal NSW 2260 F i r m G r i p, Horst Donath, SAP (CMR) nbr. 50131795 The Innovation is titled: FirmGrip "An articulated tilting device for wheelbarrows" Described as EasyHandle in the Provisional patent application nbr. 2004905025 FirmGrip is an attachment (handle addition) that can be fitted to most existing wheelbarrows or incorporated into any "new line" manufacturing process. It has been designed to improve mobility and safety in the handling of wheel barrows. FirmGrip equipped wheelbarrows can be manoeuvred far easier thus improving the overall safety factor in handling and operation.

The existing A typical wheelbarrow, apart from the hopper itself, has at least one wheel and two protruding handles; one for each (arm) hand. These handles are set at various angles and positions, depending on the manufacturers concept and design. Others may have two or more wheels or differently set handles. Despite individual differences, all wheel-barrows have one thing in common. The handles are (generally) unalterably 'fixed' to the barrow. An operator grasps the end of both handles and, after raising the barrow some distance off the ground, is ready to transport the load.

When arriving at a dumping location, the barrow is then lifted, tilted forward and discharged.

It is this "lift and tilt" cycle' that generally difficult to perform as the operator has to (awkwardly) alter the grip on the barrow handles from a "carrying position "to a transverse lift, tilt and push forward position", thus placing the barrow into the familiar unload or load-dumping position.

It is during this "transfer of positioning" that many operator injuries occur.

This changing of grip and re-positioning of hands to the unload attitude also demands balancing the (heavy load during this action. This, naturally, F i r m G r i p, Horst Donath, SAP (CMR) nbr. 50131795 puts greater demand, not only on the operators physical exertion, but also on the operator's legs, arms and hands but especially on the spine as this critical manoeuvre requires judgment, concentration and, particularly, quite unnatural torso twisting. In principle then; it is the inflexible construction of the handles that tends to play a part in a loss of balance and, in some instances; losing the load.

The FirmGrip difference.

FirmGrip prevents all of the above. The unique feature of the design is in its application. FirmGrip attaches near the (suitable) end of the wheelbarrow handles. The operator will use the attached FirmGrip. It features an orbital joint with handgrips, not dissimilar to a spade handle, attached to the wheelbarrow's original handles. When tilting and lifting the wheelbarrow into the unload position the operator does not have to twist hands or body nor change positioning or attitude (stance). The operator simply lifts the barrow with hands arms in a firm position then, by natural movement, without changing the grip on the barrow handles, the barrow is tilted forward to release the load. aided by the FirmGrip's articulated tilt mechanism.

Appearance.

FirmGrip is, essentially, a joining of two plates that operate independently and freely from a pivotal point. The two entities are 'coupled' at a given point, allowing them to move centrically within their axial position. One plate features a spade-like handle, used as an operator grip; the other plate is adaptable and attaches firmly onto a standard wheelbarrow handle. Both plates are joined by a strong, adjustable fulcrum bolt. Because no two wheelbarrows are alike; particular modifications may be necessary to adapt each unit to heights and widths requirements. In the case of builders wheelbarrows that feature strong wooden handles it may be best to adapt the existing to a tilt mechanism directly to the handle-ends themselves without the plate. This is achieved by cutting off the end of the handles at a given and preferred length (approximately to suit a hand-grip width and attaching a heavy hinge on the underside of the "cut". This will maintain the lifting F i r m G r i p, Horst Donath, SAP (CMR) nbr. 50131795 strength and, at the same time, will give the operator the same tilting advantages without moving hands although a complete lift to load-dump is not possible in this configuration.

Function After a wheelbarrow has been converted for easy use with FirmGrip grips, the operator is looking at the accustomed two handles, however, the ends of which are different in appearance because they are now featuring an "easy to grip" handle on each side The FirmGrip swivel handles are upright, at angles suited to each design, ready to be taken hold of.

(fig. 1 on page 4 4 1).

They are firm when stationary and will pivot smoothly during use. When a wheelbarrow load is moved, using FirmGrip grips, the operator is able to negotiate obstacles more easily because the movement, in the grips fulcrum, take up some surface irregularities that may be encountered.

When a load is ready to be disposed of, the operator just has to lift, then push forward (fig. 2 on page 4 4 1i). Hands remain firmly with the grip without changing or altering the stance or positioning. In the load-dump position the FirmGrip is in the uppermost position (fig. 3 on page 4 4 1 1) The FirmGrip's pivot will return to its normal carry position when the wheelbarrow is lowered, ready for another journey (fig. 1 on page 4 4 1 1).

Manufacture.

FirmGrip is manufactured to suit exacting applications, models and various uses. A light barrow may need somewhat different (lighter) units than those made for carrying bricks or mortar.

FirmGrip is best made from steel or any other suitable material such as aluminium, carbon based polymers, high density plastics etc. but materials used differ to suit particular requirements and applications.

F i r m G r i p, Horst Donath, SAP (CMR) nbr. 50131795 To assist with understanding this invention reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which depict one typical example of the invention: Reference index to drawings identifying parts.

Page 4/ 1 Fig. 1..Shows FirmGrip in the "ready for lift" and move position (stationary, or moving forward backward) Fig. 2 Shows FirmGrip in a transitional "half lift position" (before full tilt preparing for full load-dump position.

Fig. 3 Shows Firm Grip in the "load dump unload position" emptying the load at its destination)