GB2492556A

GB2492556A - Panel carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2492556A
Application number: GB1111415.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Hart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-05
Filing date: 2011-07-05
Publication date: 2013-01-09
Also published as: GB201111415D0

Abstract

A carrier 10 for manually carrying a fence panel comprises an elongate body portion 12 having a longitudinal central axis, a handle portion 14 disposed at a first end 18 of the elongate body portion 12, and a support portion 16 for supporting the fence panel disposed at the second end 20 of the elongate body portion 12. The support portion 16 is substantially U-shaped, one side of the U-shaped support portion 16 being connected to or formed with the elongate body portion 12, said one side of the U-shaped support portion 16 being disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion 12 for supporting a fence panel at an angle to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion 12. The elongate body portion may be adjustable in length.

Description

TITLE: CARRIER The present invention relates to a carner and particularly but not exclusively to a carrier for manually carrying a fence panel.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Fence panels, for example garden fence panels, are typically 1.8m (approximately 6 foot) wide and between 0.9m (approximately 3 foot) and I.8m (approximately 6 foot) in height. They are usually made from treated timber. Due to the size and weight of a fence panel, it is difficult for a person to lift and carry a fence panel unaided. Ideally, a fence panel requires two people to lift and carry, with one person at each end thereof.

This can be inconvenient when a helper is not available to lend a hand to a person wishing to lift and carry a fence panel. The need for a second worker also increases cost when installing fence pands.

It is an object of the invention to provide a carrier, for example. for manually lifting and canying a fence panel, which substantially mitigates or reduces these proNems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a carrier for manually calTying a fence panel, the carrier comprising an elongate body portion having a longitudinal central axis, a handle portion disposed at a first end of the elongate body portion. and a support portion for supporting the fence panel disposed at the second end of the elongate body portion, the support portion being substantially U-shaped. one side of the U-shaped support portion being connected to or formed with the elongate body portion, said one side of the U-shaped support portion being disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion for supporting a fence panel at an angle to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion.

The carrier is advantageous because it allows a user to carry a fence panel without the help of another person. This is particularly beneficial for workers, such as sole traders, who work on their own. The device is simple to operate and the carrier can be engaged or disengaged from the fence panel by simply sliding along a bottom edge of the fence panel or by lifting one end of the fence panel. When in use, the acute angle provides an area of dearance between the panel and the handle portion for allowing a hand of the user to grip onto the handle portion, preventing the hand from rubbing against the side of the panel.

A base portion of the U-shaped support portion may be at or substantially at 90 relative to the said one side of the U-shaped support portion. The profile of the U-shaped support portion compliments the shape of the fence panel so that the fence panel is properly supported and can be kept substantially upright during carriage. The user may place another hand on the top of the fence panel.

The acute angle between the said one side of the U-shaped suppoit portion and the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion may be between 20 and 10°, or between 2° and 6°. Preferably, the acute angle may be substantially 4°. The angle of 4° provides the appropriate amount of clearance between the handle portion of the carrier and the fence panel without making lifting of the fence panel difficult.

Advantageously, the other side of the U-shaped support portion may be parallel to the said one side of the U-shaped support portion, thereby providing proper support and helping to retain the fence panel during carriage.

Preferably, the second end of the elongate body portion may be tapered for disposing the said one side of the U-shaped support portion at the acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion.

Securing means may connect the said one side of the U-shaped support portion to the elongate body portion. such as at least one nut and bolt. Several nuts and bolts are preferred. Altematively, the U-shaped support portion and the elongate body portion may be integrally formed. ci

The handle portion may include a yoke and handle extending between the ends of the yoke, so that an aperture is provided below the handle to allow the hand to grip on the handle.

A central axis of the handle may be substantia'ly perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion and perpendicular to the plane of the U-shaped support portion.

The length of the carrier may be between 0.5m and 1Gm, or between 0.6m and O.8m.

Preferably, the length may be substantially 0.7m. This is the preferred length so that a user of average height can grip a top edge of the fence panel with one hand during calTiage whilst lifting the carrier with the other hand.

The length of the base portion of the U-shaped support portion may be between 0.05m and Q.Oôm. As fence panels typically have a thickness of around 0.05m along their edges. the U-shaped support portion is sized so that during carriage the fence panel is stably retained on the U-shaped support portion. Ideally, the carrier is placed at the mid-point of the panel. so that it is balanced on the carrier.

Advantageously, the length of the elongate body portion may be adjustable, therefore providing flexibility for a user to adjust accordingly to suit his or her height in order to lift the fence panel comfortably.

DESCRIPTION OF TUE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a carrier; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the carrier of Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the carrier of Figure 1 in use, aiding a user in lifting and carlying a fence panel.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

RefelTing firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a carrier is indicated generally at 10. The carrier includes an elongate body portion 12 having a longitudinal central axis, a handle portion 14 for engaging with a hand of the user and a U-shaped support portion 16 for locating and retaining a fence pand on the carrier 10. The carrier measures between 0.5rn and l.Om in length, ideally for example 0.73rn.

The handle portion 14 is attached to a first end 18 of the elongate body portion 12, and the U-shaped support portion 16 is attached to a second end 20 of the elongate body portion 12. The cross section of the elongate body portion 12 may be substantially circular or of other suitable shapes, and preferably including at least one straight surface for connecting to or formed with the U-shaped support portion 16.

The elongate body portion 12 is between 0.44m and 0.49m in length, for example 0.47m. It will be appreciated that the length of the elongate body portion 12 may be adjustable, for example. by having a telescopic arm that is extendable or retractable.

The second end 20 of the elongate body portion 12 is tapered and is ranged between 0.i7m and 0.23m in length, for example, 0.2m. The widest width of the elongate body portion 12 is preferably between 0.03m and 0.05m, for example 0.04ni. The tip of the second end 20 of the elongate body portion 12 is preferaNy between 0.02m and 0.04m in width, for example 0.03rn. The U-shaped support portion 16 is attached to one side 22 of the elongate body portion 12.

Viewed from the front of the carrier 10. as seen in Figure 1. the handle portion 14 is formed with a yoke 24, and a handle 26 extending between ends of the yoke 24. An aperture 27 is provided between the sides of the yoke 24 and tinder the handle 26 so that a user can easily grip the handle 26, Although not shown in the Figures, the handle 26 of the handle portion 14 may be ergonomically shaped to improve grip and comfort for the user. Furthermore, the handle portion 14 can be in other suitable shapes, for example, such as an open sided L-shape.

The length of the handle portion 14 is between 0. 15m and 0.20m, for example. 0. 18m.

and the handle 26 measures between 0.IOm and 0.]5m across, for example. 0.12m.

The aperture 27 measures around 0.07m and 0.09m in length. for example, 0.08rn, whilst the length of the handle 26 is around 0.02m and 0.04m, for example, Q.03rn.

The elongate body portion 12 may be integrally fonTled with the handle porion 14.

The yoke 24 of the handle portion 14 may be made from metal with a wooden handle in conventional manner. Alternatively, the handle portion 14 can be made from plastics or wood.

The U-shaped support portion 16 is integrally formed with a substantially planar first side 28, a base 30 and a substantially planar second side 32. The base 30 is disposed at 900 relative to both sides 28, 32 of the U-shaped support portion 16. The U-shaped support portion 16 is made from material, such as stainless steel or galvanised steel, that is strong enough to support the weight of the fence panel. The substantially planar first side 28 of the U-shaped support portion 16 may be curved.

Typically, the width of the first side 28 of the U-shaped support portion 16 is between 0.25m and 0.3Gm, for example 0.29rn, and the second side 32 between 0.02m and 0.08m, for example 0.05m. The second side 32 is shorter than the first side 28 to facilitate placing of the lower edge of the fence panel into the U-shaped support portion 16. The base 30 of the U-shaped body portion 16 is between 0.OSm and 0.06m.

Two spaced apertures 34 are provided in the first side 28 of the U-shaped support portion 16 to receive a securing means for connecting the U-shaped support portion 16 to the elongate body portion 12. An aperture 36 is provided on the second end 20 of the elongate body portion 12 to overlap with each aperture 34 on the first side 28 of the U-shaped support portion 16. A nut 38 and bolt 40 is provided for each pair of apertures 34, 36 to secure the U-shaped support portion 16 to the elongate body portion 12. It will be appreciated that securing means other than nuts and bolts may be used, if desired. Furthermore, in an alternative arrangement, the U-shaped support portion 16 and the elongate body portion 12 may be integrally formed, for example. of stainless steel, and therefore negate the need for any securing means.

As seen in Figure 2. the said one side 22 of the second end 20 of the elongate body portion 12 is sloped inwardly in the direction towards the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion and the end of the elongate body portion. As such, the U-shaped support portion 16 attached on the said one side 22 of the second end 20 is disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion 12. The acute angle typically rages from 2° to 10°, for example 4°, as indicated in Figure 2 at A. In use, a fence panel is positioned substantially vertically, for example, leaning against a wall. As best seen in Figure 3, a user grips the handle 26 of the carrier 10 with one hand 42 and engages the carrier under the lower edge of the fence panel by sliding it from one end of the fence panel. Alternatively, the user can simply lift the fence panel to dispose a gap for the second side 32 of the U-shaped support portion 16 to pass through. By lifting the can-ier 10, the fence panel is lifted off the ground, and the user can use his or her other hand 44 to support the fence panel near a lop edge of the fence panel, thereby balancing the fence panel between the carrier 10 and the hand 44. The user can then carry the fence panel. When the user has reached the desired location, the user simply needs to lower the carrier 10 and the fence panel to the ground. The carrier 10 can be then be disengaged from the lower edge of the fence panel.

The carrier is beneficial because, with its help, it is possible for someone to carry a fence panel on their own, with relative ease. The U-shaped support portion is designed to allow the carrier to engage and disengage from the fence panel with ease and is sized and shaped to provide good support to the fence panel during carriage. hi particular, the second side of the U-shaped portion serves as a retaining means and prevents the fence panel from sliding off the base away from the person and the carrier. The area of clearance provided by the acute angle between the U-shaped support portion and the elongate body portion provides a gap for a user's hand to engage on the handle without rubbing against the fence panel. In other words, the fence panel tilts outwardly at the angle A. guided by the U-shaped support portion.

Furthermore, the carrier is suitable for use with left handed or right handed users.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMSI. A carrier for manually calTying a fence panel, the cather comprising an elongate body portion having a longitudinal central axis, a handle portion disposed at a first end of the elongate body portion, and a support portion for supporing the fence panel disposed at the second end of the elongate body portion, the support portion being substantially U-shaped, one side of the U-shaped support portion being connected to or formed with the elongate body portion, said one side of the U-shaped support portion being disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion for supporting a fence panel at an angle to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which a base portion of the U-shaped support portion is at or substantially at 90° relative to the said one side of the U-shaped support portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A carrier as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the acute angle between the said one side of the U-shaped support portion and the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion is between 2° and 10°.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A carner as claimed iii any one of claims I to 3, in which the acute angle between the said one side of the U-shaped support portion and the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion is between 2° and 6°.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the acute angle between the said one side of the U-shaped support portion and the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion is substantially 4°.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the other side of the U-shaped support portion is parallel to the said one side of the U-shaped support portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second end of the elongate body portion is tapered for disposing the said one side of the U-shaped support portion at the acute angle rdative to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which securing means connects the said one side of the U-shaped support portion to the elongate body portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A carrier as claimed in claim 8, in which the securing means is at least one nut and bolt.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A catTier as claimed in claims 1 to 7, in which the U-shaped support portion and the elongate body portion are integrally formed.</claim-text> <claim-text>II. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the handle portion includes a yoke and handle extending between the ends of the yoke.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A carrier as cinimed in claim 11, in which a central axis of the handle is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate body portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the length of the calTier is between 0.5m and I.Om.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A calTier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the length of the carrier is between 0.6m and 0.8m.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the length of the carrier is substantially 0.7m.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the length of the base portion of the U-shaped support portion is between O.05m and 0.06m.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the length of the elongate body portion is adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A calTier substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures ito 3 of the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>