GB2567652B

GB2567652B - Apparatus for converting a foldable bed or chair into a wheelbarrow

Info

Publication number: GB2567652B
Application number: GB1717105.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lloyd Scott
Original assignee: Scott Lloyd Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Scott Lloyd Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-18
Filing date: 2017-10-18
Publication date: 2019-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-18
Also published as: GB2567652A; GB201717105D0

Description

Apparatus for Converting a Foldable Bed or Chair into a

Wheelb arrow

Introduction

Outdoor activities such as fishing, sunbathing, and camping require the transport of a large amount of equipment, for example from the user’s transport vehicle to the actual site of camping, sunbathing, or fishing. Moreover, vehicles are frequently not permitted close to beaches, camping or fishing sites. Users typically employ a barrow to solve this problem but the barrow itself can be difficult for the user to accommodate in the transport vehicle. It can also be inconvenient to store the barrow on the beach or at the camping or fishing site, especially for example, if the site is small. Collapsible barrows are known but can be complicated to assemble and when disassembled can still occupy a significant amount of space. There is a need for an improved solution.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is defined in the independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the sub claims. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for converting a typical, unmodified, bedchair comprising a metal frame into a barrow. The kit comprises a first part, a second part, a wheel, and a handle.

The first part comprises: a first cross-member comprising first and second clamps wherein the distance between the first and second clamps is adjustable; and attachment means for attaching one wheel to the first cross-member, the wheel attachment means arranged substantially centrally between the first and second clamps of the first cross-member, wherein: the first clamp is arranged to attach the first cross-member to a first portion of the metal frame of the bedchair; the second clamp is arranged to attach the first cross-member to a second portion of the metal frame of the bedchair.

The second part comprises; a second cross-member comprising third and fourth clamps wherein the distance between the third and fourth clamps is adjustable; and means for attaching a handle to the second cross-member, wherein: the third clamp is arranged to attach the second cross-member to a third portion of the metal frame of the bedchair; the fourth clamp is arranged to attach the second cross-member to a fourth portion of the metal frame of the bedchair.

The wheel is suitable for attachment to the first cross-member.

The handle is suitable for attachment to the second cross-member,

The first and second parts of the apparatus are attachable to the frame of the bedchair to permit the bedchair to be supported on the wheel and raised by the handle, and thereby mobilised.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a barrow comprising a bed chair and a kit of the first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for converting a bedchair comprising a metal frame into a barrow. The method comprises, or consists of, using a kit of the first aspect of the invention, and, in any order: (i) attaching the wheel to the first cross-member; (ii) using the first and second clamps to attach the first cross-member to first and second portions of the metal frame of the bedchair respectively;; (iii) attaching the handle to the second cross-member; and (iv) using the third and fourth clamps to attach the second cross-member to third and fourth portions of the metal frame of the bedchair respectively.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows the frame of a typical bedchair in an unfolded configuration.

Figure 2 shows the bedchair frame of Figure 1 in a substantially folded configuration. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the apparatus, including a wheel.

Figure 4 shows a clamp of an embodiment of the apparatus.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a handle part of the apparatus in an unfolded configuration.

Figure 6 shows the handle part of Figure 5 in a folded configuration.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the apparatus comprising first and second parts in use converting a bedchair into a barrow.

Figure 8 shows the apparatus and bedchair of Figure 7, further showing the canvas base and cushioned upper layers of the bedchair.

Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d show a region around the hinge of a typical bedchair showing example alternative positions in which a clamp of an embodiment of the apparatus may be attached.

Detailed Description

The invention provides apparatus for converting a folding bedchair into a barrow. The apparatus may be used with any folding bedchair such as any folding bedchair of the type frequently used for camping, sunbathing, or angling.

KNOWN BEDCHAIRS

Numerous suitable folding bedchairs that maybe converted into a barrow using the apparatus are available on the market, such as folding bedchairs manufactured by: Fox (including the Flatliner camo (RTM), Warrior (RTM) 61eg bed chair, R-series camo bed chair, FX flatliner (RTM), and the Flatliter MK2 bed & bag system); Trakker (including the Fevelite oval bed system, RFX twin cam bed, RFX flat -6superlite bed, Fevelite bed, Fevelite compact bed, and the RFX flat-6 compact bed); Nash (including the Scope air life bed, Indulgence SS2 4season, Indulgence SS3 4season, Indulgence SS3 wide 4season, Indulgence SS4 season, Indulgence SS4 wide 4 season, Indulgence SS3 5 season, Indulgence SS3 wide 5 season, Indulgence SS4 5 season, Indulgence SS4 wide 5 season, Indulgence SS emperor 5 season, and the KNX bed chair); AVID (including the Benchmark bed chair, Benchmark x bed chair, Terabite bed, and the Road trip bed); Chub (including the RS-plus flatbed, Vantage flatbed 6-leg, Outkast flatbed, and the Vantage wide flatbed 8-leg); Wychwood (including the Tactical flatbed wide, Tactical flatbed standard, and the Tactical flatbed compact); Sonik (including the XTI bed chair compact/standard/wide); Jrc (including the Cocoon level bed, Cocoon 2g xl level bed, Contact 3leg bed chair, Extreme 4leg bed chair, Stealth excel 3 leg bed chair, Cocoon super level bed, Contact lite bed chair, Cocoon 2g level bed, Extreme 3leg bed chair, and the Stealth x-lite 3 leg bed chair); Daiwa (Infinity plateau bed chair, Mission deluxe bed chair, Mission bed chair 61eg, Mission bed chair 4 leg, and the Black widow 6 leg bed chair); Prologic (Commander classic bed chair 6 leg, Commander flatbed chair 6+1 legs, Commander flat wide bed chair 8 legs, Commander travel bed chair 6 legs, Cruzade 8 leg flatbed chair, Commander vx2 flatbed chair, Commander VX2 wide bed chair, Cruzade bed chair 6 legs, and the Firestarter flatbed chair); Starbaits (including the Challenger bed chair, Specialist bed chair, Traveller light bed chair, and the Session bed chair); Tatal fishing gear (including the Chill out 3 leg bed, Chill out giant bed chair, Dave lane hard-core bed chair, Deluxe bed chair, and the Flat out bed); Saber tackle (including the Saber big boy 8 leg bed chair MK11); Cypinus (including the Maxus carp fishing 6 leg bed chair, Wide guy 8 leg double bed chair, Memory form 6 leg bed chair, Base camp flatbed camouflage bed chair compact, Cyprinus 6 leg fishing carp bed chair, Layzee 6 leg bed chair, Cyrimax 6 leg extra padded bed chair, Base camp flatbed camouflage bed chair - wide, X - wide 8 leg memory foam bed chair, Fay flat 8 leg lightweight bed chair - wide, Base camp flatbed camouflage bed chair - wide, Cyprinus tilt memory form bed chair, Zone out 6 leg bed chair- standard/ king size, Fay flat 8 leg light weight bed chair, STE 6 leg bed chair, Camouflage wide layflat bed, Relax flatmate 6 leg bed chair - wide, Cyprinus carpstar fishing bed, and the Relax flatmate 6 leg bed chair - compact); and Carp porter - prestige (Dream bed deluxe, Sleepeezi deluxe bed, Dream 3 flat, and the Dream 4 flat). The skilled person will recognise other folding bedchairs that may be used with the disclosed kit. TYPICAF BEDCHAIR SHOWN IN FIG 1 AND 2

Figures 1 and 2 show a typical folding bedchair that may be converted into a barrow using the described apparatus. Figure 1 shows a typical bedchair 1 in its unfolded configuration and Figure 2 shows the same typical bedchair 1 in a substantially folded state. For clarity, only the frame of the folded bedchair is shown and not the canvas base or cushioned upper layers of the bedchair. As shown in Figure 1, a typical bedchair 1 can broadly be considered to comprise three sections, a head end section, a central section, and a leg end section. As shown in Figure 2, when a typical folding bedchair is folded, the head end section and leg end section are folded towards the central section.

In the following description, dimensions will be given their ordinary meanings in relation to a bedchair in a conventional orientation, that is, with the legs extending from the bedchair to support the bedchair on the ground. These same definitions will be maintained regardless of the actual orientation of the bedchair being described. The bottom of the bedchair is, therefore, always considered to refer to the side of the bedchair from which the legs extend. The top of the bedchair is always considered to refer to the side opposite to the bottom side, which faces away from the legs, which is also the side towards which the head end section and leg end section fold in the example shown in Figure 2.

The length and width of the bedchair are determined when the bedchair is fully unfolded, as shown in Figure l, with the length (and thus the longitudinal axis) being the longest dimension and the width being the shortest. The length of the bedchair is, therefore, determined by the cumulative lengths of each of the head end, central, and leg end sections. Folding bedchairs of the type shown in Figure 1 generally fold along two fold lines which extend across the width of the bedchair, and these fold lines define the boundaries of the head end, central, and leg end sections of the bedchair. Folding bedchairs typically have a width of 6o-i5ocm, such as, for example, 70-140011, 75-135cm, 8o-nocm, or 85-90011. The length of a typical folding bedchair, when unfolded is i9o-22ocm, such as, for example, 195-216011, or 200-214011. The height of the bedchair is the dimension extending from the top of the bedchair to the floor. The height of a typical folding bedchair is 20-45011, such as, for example, 22-40011 or 25-38cm. The apparatus can be used to convert any bedchair within any of the these size ranges into a barrow.

Typically, and in the example bedchair shown in Figures 1 and 2, the frames of folding bedchairs are composed of metal tubes that are, for example, substantially circular, square, or oval, in cross-section. Typically, the diameter of the frame tubing is in the range of io-4omm, such as 15-35111111, or 20-30mm, such as around 22mm, 25mm, or 27mm. The disclosed apparatus may be used with bedchairs comprising tubular frames having any cross-sectional shape and diameter.

As shown in Figure 1, a typical bedchair 1 comprises a metal frame composed of four sections, a head end frame section 2, first and second central frame sections 3,4, and a leg end frame section 5.

Generally, and in the example shown, the frame 2 of the head end section of the bedchair is formed from a metal tube having a U-shaped configuration. Likewise, the frame 5 of the leg end section of the bedchair is also formed from a metal tube having a U-shaped configuration, which maybe substantially similar, or different, to the frame 2 of the head end section.

In the example shown, the central section of the folding bedchair comprises first and second central frame sections 3,4, however, in other bedchair examples, the central frame section may comprise a single section of frame, which may, for example, have an approximately square configuration.

In the example shown, the bedchair 1 is supported by first and second leg members 6a, 6b. Each leg member comprises two feet, one at each end, which function to support the bedchair on the ground. The leg members 6a, 6b also function to connect the first and second central frame sections 3, 4. The first and second leg members 6a, 6b, are attached by means of a hinge arrangement to the bedchair frame and may each be independently folded towards the bottom of the central sections 3,4 (not shown).

In the example shown, the bedchair has additional legs 7a, 7b attached to the head end and leg end frame sections 2,5, respectively. In other examples, bedchairs may have no additional legs, or may have additional legs in different arrangements, such as third and/or fourth leg members extending across the width of the bedchair.

HINGES

Four hinges connect the frame sections of the bedchair. Specifically, a first hinge 8a connects the head end frame section 2 and the first central frame section 3, a second hinge 8b connects the first central frame section 3 and the leg end frame section 5, a third hinge 8c connects the leg end frame section 5 and the second central frame section 4, and a fourth hinge 8d connects the second central frame section 4 and the head end frame section 2. Thus, the hinges are arranged so that the head end section 2 and the leg end section 5 may each be independently folded on to the top of the central sections 3,4 of the bedchair, as shown in Figure 2. The head end section 2 of the bedchair frame may be folded, by means of hinges 8a and 8d, to lie on top of the central section of the bedchair, and unfolded, for example, until it is coplanar with the central section. Fikewise, the leg end section 5 of the bedchair frame may also be folded, by means of hinges 8b and 8c, to lie on top of the second central section of the bedchair, and unfolded, for example, until it is coplanar with the central section.

Various hinge mechanisms and arrangements are known. For example, in different bedchairs, hinges may be may attached to the ends of the tubes of the first and second central frame sections 3,4, or a short distance such as 5 to 10cm from the end of the tubes of the first and second central frame sections 3, 4. In addition, each of the hinges 8a, 8b, 8c, and/or 8d of the bedchair frame may comprise a single pivot about which the adjacent sections of the bedchair frame maybe rotated relative to one another. Alternatively, and as shown in the example bedchair of Figures 1 and 2, each of the hinges comprises a plurality of pivot points 9a, 9b. More specifically, each of the hinges comprises a first pivot point 9a attached to one end of one of the central frame sections 3, 4, and a second pivot point 9b attached to one end of the corresponding head end or leg end frame sections 2,5. The first and second pivot points 9a, 9b are separated by a short bridging section 10, such that the bridging section 10 connects the adjacent sections of the bedchair frame and allows the appropriate head end or leg end frame section to be rotated relative to the central section, thus allowing the bedchair to be folded and unfolded. The described apparatus, however, may be used with bedchairs comprising any hinge arrangement.

CLOSING STRAPS

Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, bedchairs generally include means for fastening the folded bedchair in the folded configuration, specifically for holding the head end section 2 and leg end section 5 together and on the top of the central section. The fastening means thus prevent the bedchair from opening prematurely, such as during transport of the bedchair. For example, bedchairs frequently comprise a strap which wraps around the folded bedchair and which can be tightened, fastened, and released, as desired.

APPARATUS

The described apparatus functions to convert a folding bedchair, such as the example folding bedchair shown in Figures 1 and 2, into a barrow. The apparatus is adjustable and can be connected to any part of the central, head, or leg end frame sections as appropriate.

In its simplest form the apparatus for converting the bedchair into a barrow comprises a single part which allows a wheel to be attached to the bedchair in such a way that the wheel can support the weight of the bedchair. The bedchair can, therefore, be used as a barrow, the user simply arranging the bedchair so that it is supported on the wheel and then pushing the bedchair in the same way as a conventional wheelbarrow would be used. Other items to be moved may be loaded on to the bedchair and thereby transported.

The bedchair may be used in any suitable orientation. In some arrangements of the apparatus with the bedchair, the legs, head end section, and/or leg end section of the bedchair may be fully or partially unfolded, for example to assist with manoeuvring the barrow, or retaining the additional items to be transported on the bedchair. An advantage provided by the apparatus is that items, including the bedchair, can easily be transported without the need for a separate barrow. The cost of a separate barrow and the need to transport and store a dedicated barrow are, therefore, avoided.

WHEEL PART

The simplest form of the apparatus comprises a single part, which may also variously be referred to, in particular in relation to more complicated embodiments, as the “first part”, the “front part”, or the “wheel part” of the apparatus.

As shown in Figure 3, the wheel part 100 comprises a cross member no, forks 120 for attaching a wheel 130, and first and second clamps 141,142 for attaching the wheel part to the bedchair frame.

The first clamp 141 is positioned at a first end 111 of the cross-member no and the second clamp 142 is positioned at a second end 112 of the cross-member no. The wheel part too can be used with bedchairs having frames of various different sizes. Reasons for this include firstly, that the length of the cross-member no is adjustable to alter the distance between the first and second clamps 141,142, so that the clamps can be positioned to fit to bedchair frames of various sizes. Secondly, the clamps 141,142 can accommodate and attach to all of the different frame diameters used in typical bedchairs.

CROSS-MEMBER

The length of the cross-member no, and specifically the distance between the first and second clamps 141,142, of the cross member no is adjustable, such that the crossmember no can be made longer or shorter as appropriate to fit different sized bedchairs.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the cross-member no is telescopic. Various suitable telescopic arrangements will be known to the skilled person, but in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the cross-member no comprises first, second, and third sections 113,114,115. The sections are arranged such that the second and third sections 114,115 are slidably received within opposite ends of the first section 113. The proportion of the second and third sections 114,115 that are positioned within the first section 113 maybe adjusted. The length of the cross-member no is increased by reducing the proportion of the second and third sections 114,115 that are positioned within the first section 113, and the cross-member 110 is shortened by increasing the proportion of the second and third sections 114,115 that are positioned within the first section 113. Generally, the cross-member 110 is arranged substantially symmetrically, such that substantially the same proportions of the second and third sections 114,115 extend from the first section 113. Arranging the cross-member 110 symmetrically will cause the forks 120, and thus the wheel 130, to be positioned substantially centrally.

Once the desired length of the cross-member 110 has been established, the length of the cross-member 110 can be locked, so that the distance between the first and second ends 111,112 of the cross-member 110 cannot be readily or inadvertently altered. Any suitable means of locking the telescopic action of the cross-member can be used and various suitable means will be known to the skilled person. For example, suitable locking means may comprise compression clamps, twist lock mechanisms, push pin extension mechanisms, etc, and these and other suitable arrangements will be known to the skilled person. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a quick release locking mechanism 116 is used, which simply compresses the outer member against the inner member, thus frictionally locking the relative position of the members. The locking mechanism 116 comprises a quick-release lever 117 which, in the embodiment shown, is arranged transversely with respect to the cross-member, but could also be arranged longitudinally. In other embodiments, the first section 113 may comprise a threaded bore for receiving a locking screw such that rotation of the locking screw within the threaded bore causes the locking screw to move through the threaded bore to contact the second section 114, thereby locking the relative positions of the first and second sections 113,114.

FORKS

The cross-member 110 is preferably arranged substantially symmetrically because the first section 113 also comprises the fork crown, which is part of the means for attaching the wheel 130 to the cross-member no. Thus, when the cross-member no is arranged substantially symmetrically, the wheel 130 will be arranged substantially centrally with respect to the cross-member no. For this reason, the cross member no may comprise means to ensure that substantially the same proportions of the second and third sections 114,115 extend from the first section 113. For example, each of the second and third sections 114,115 may comprise markings indicating the degree of extension and/or angle of rotation.

MEANS OF WHEEL ATTACHMENT

In the embodiment shown, the first section 113 comprises first and second blades 121, 122, such that the first section 113 and the first and second blades 121,122 together form a fork which holds the wheel 130 and attaches it to the cross-member 110 in such a way that it can be freely rotated. In some embodiments there is only one blade, and the wheel is held on one side only. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the wheel is removable for ease of transport. The wheel axle may pass through bolt holes in each of the first and second blades 121,122 and can thus be attached to the fork. In other embodiments, a skewer may pass through a hollow axle, clamping the axle to the fork. In yet further embodiments, at the bottom of the fork, dropouts may hold the wheel, and generally any suitable means of attachment of the wheel to the fork may be used, such as any means of attachment commonly used to attach wheels to wheelbarrows and fishing barrows.

WHEEL

Any form of wheel may be used, such as any of the different types of wheel commonly used on wheelbarrows and fishing barrows, including wide wheels with deep tread, puncture proof wheels, etc.

CLAMPS

The first and second clamps 141,142, are arranged to receive a portion of the metal frame of the folded bedchair, and to fix the position of the portion of the frame of the bedchair relative to the cross-member 110, and thus the wheel 130.

Figure 4 shows the first clamp 141 in detail, attached to a portion 160 of a bedchair frame. Generally, all of the clamps of the apparatus will be the same, although this is not essential and the apparatus may comprise a plurality of different clamp arrangements. Any suitable clamp arrangement can be used to attach the crossmember no to the bedchair frame, and various suitable clamp arrangements will be known to the skilled person.

In the embodiment shown, the clamp 141 includes a lower clamp body 143, an upper clamp body 144, a bolt 145, and a quick release lever 146. In the embodiment shown, the orientation of the clamp 141 relative to the first end 111 of the cross-member may be adjusted using the adjustment means 147. In other embodiments, the lower clamp body 143 maybe formed as an integral part of the end of the cross-member.

The lower clamp body 143 and upper clamp body 144 together provide a bedchair frame receiving channel 148 (shown in Figure 3). The lower clamp body 143 is moveably connected to the upper clamp body 144 by the bolt 145, which is connected to the quick release handle 146. The upper clamp body 144 includes an internal bore for receiving the bolt 145. Thus, the bolt 145 passes through the lower clamp body 143 and into threaded engagement with the upper clamp body 144 such that movement of the quick release handle 146 moves the bolt 145, to thereby move the upper clamp body 144 with respect to the lower clamp body 143 to secure the portion 160 of the bedchair frame within the bedchair frame receiving channel 148.

Thus, in use, the user positions the portion 160 of the bedchair frame within the bedchair frame receiving channel 148 of the clamp 141 and then uses the quick release handle to pull the bolt 145 to cause the upper clamp body 144 to move towards the lower clamp body 143 to thereby secure the position 160 of the bedchair frame with respect to the cross-member 110.

The bedchair frame receiving channel 148 defined by the upper and lower clamp bodies 143,144 may include an insert such as a rubber insert to improve grip and/or to protect the frame of the bedchair.

The clamp preferably also includes a spring (not shown). The spring may take on any known form including, for example, a helical spring, leaf spring, compression spring, flexible block, etc. The spring functions to provide an opposing force to permit the clamp 141 to provisionally “snap” onto or otherwise provisionally engage the bedchair frame portion 160. The spring is arranged to provide a bias force which causes the upper clamp body 144 to press against the lower clamp body 143 so that the bedchair frame portion 160 may be provisionally or tentatively received and held within the bedchair frame receiving channel 148 formed in the clamp 141. The spring biases the upper clamp body 144 toward or into engagement with the lower clamp body 143 by applying a bias force to the bolt 145, which biases the upper clamp body 144 toward the lower clamp body 143 through engagement of the threads on the bolt 145 and the threads in the bore of the upper clamp body 144. Accordingly, in a closed position, the spring biases the upper clamp body 144 toward the lower clamp body 143 to define a relatively small diameter bedchair frame receiving channel 148, but also permits the upper clamp body 144 to be urged away from the lower clamp body 143 by compressing the spring, thereby enlarging the bedchair frame receiving channel 148 such that the bedchair frame portion 160 may be received therein. The clamp can then be tightened by means of the quick release handle as described above.

SECOND PART

In more elaborate embodiments, the apparatus for converting the bedchair into a barrow further comprises a second part which allows a handle to be attached to the bedchair to assist the user in manoeuvring the barrow. The second part may also variously be referred to as the “rear part”, or the “handle part” of the apparatus.

Generally, the handle part comprises a second cross-member which can be attached to the bedchair, and means for attaching a handle to the second cross-member. The handle part may, optionally, also comprise, for example, a stand, which maybe foldable, and/or means for attaching one or more wheels.

An example of a handle part of the apparatus is shown in Figure 5. The handle part 200 of Figure 5 comprises a second cross member 210, first and second handles 221, 222, and third and fourth clamps 241, 242. In the example embodiment shown in Figure 5, the handle part 200 also includes a stand 230, which can be folded (in this case, rotated) relative to the handles 221, 222, to reduce the space occupied by the second part 200 when it is not in use.

SECOND CROSS MEMBER

The function of the second cross-member 210 is analogous to that of the first crossmember 110 and the various considerations in relation to, for example, the use, construction, and means of attachment to the bedchair frame, of the second crossmember 210, are exactly the same as those discussed above in relation to the first crossmember 110. Generally, the second cross-member 210 maybe substantially identical to the first cross-member no, but with different components attached to it. For example, the length of the second cross-member 210, and specifically the distance between the third and fourth clamps 241, 242 of the second cross member 210 is fully adjustable, such that the second cross-member 210 can be made longer or shorter, and exactly the same considerations apply as in respect of the first cross-member no, because the first and second cross-members no, 210 are intended, in use, to be attached to the same bedchair in a corresponding manner.

In the embodiment shown, the second cross-member 210 is telescopic. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the second cross-member 210 is structurally similar to the first cross-member no. In other embodiments, the first and second cross-members no, 210 maybe structurally different. Generally, as is the case for the first cross-member no, any suitable arrangement of the second cross-member 210 may be used, as discussed above. For example, one or both of the first and second crossmembers no, 210 may comprise more than two telescopic sections, or one or both of the first and second cross-members no, 210 may comprise a plurality of parts that can be clamped together to form a cross-member having the desired total length.

Exactly as described above in relation to the first cross-member no, once the desired length of the second cross-member 210 has been established, the length of the crossmember 210 can be locked, so that the distance between the clamps that are attached to the cross-member cannot be readily or inadvertently altered. Exactly the same considerations apply to the locking means 216 of the second cross-member 210 as described above in relation to the locking means 116 of the first cross-member no.

CLAMPS

Like the wheel part too, the handle part 200 also comprises two clamps, referred to as the third and fourth clamps 241, 242. The third and fourth clamps 241, 242 may be substantially same or different to each other and also to the first and second clamps 141,142. In preferred embodiments, all of the first to fourth clamps are substantially the same. All of the structural and functional considerations discussed above in relation to the clamps 141,142 of the wheel part too apply to the clamps 241, 242 of the handle part 200.

HANDLE

The handle part 200 also comprises means for attaching a handle. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the handle part 200 includes a plurality of handles that are attached (for example, welded) to the second cross-member 210, but in other embodiments, the handle or handles can be detachable, and the handle part comprises means for attaching a handle rather than a handle per se. In general, any suitable means for attaching a handle may be used.

Any suitable arrangement of handle or handles may be used, such as any handle arrangement typically used as part of a barrow. In the embodiment shown, the handle arrangement comprises a first handle 221 and a second handle 222, and both of the first and second handles 221, 222 are attached to the first section 213 of the second cross-member 210. In other embodiments, for example, the first handle 221 maybe attached to the second section 214 of the second cross-member 210, and the second handle 222 may be attached to the second section 215 of the second cross-member 210, and the distance between the first and second handles 221, 222 may thus be adjusted as the length of the second cross-member 210 is adjusted.

The handles 221, 222 may be curved or otherwise shaped to provide a convenient and comfortable means of holding the barrow in use. In the embodiment shown, each of the first and second handles 221, 222, comprises a single curved bar. In other embodiments, the handle may be in the form of a T, with a first bar attached perpendicularly to the centre of the second cross-member 210, and a second bar, forming a handle cross-bar, attached perpendicularly to the first bar. The length of the handle or handles may be adjustable, for example, the handle or handles may have a lockable telescopic arrangement similar to that described above in relation to the first and second cross-members 110, 210. The exact arrangement and configuration of the handle or handles may be dependent, for example, on the type of wheel that is used with the wheel part of the apparatus. For example, in embodiments in which the wheel part comprises a large sized wheel, the handle or handles may be shorter, or set at a shallower angle, than in other embodiments. Generally, any arrangement of handle or handles that is known for use with wheelbarrows or fishing barrows may be used.

The handles 221, 222 comprise first ends 221a, 222a and second ends 221b, 222b. The first ends 221a, 222a, comprise a handle grip, to enable comfortable and secure handling by the user. Any suitable handle grip may be used, such as composed of rubber, plastic, or foam. The second ends 221b, 222b of the handles 221, 222, are attached to the second cross-member 210. Any suitable means maybe used to attach the handles 221, 222 to the second cross-member 210. For example, the handles 221, 222 maybe welded, clamped, or bolted to the second cross-member 210. In embodiments in which the handle part comprises means for attaching a handle rather than a handle per se, the means for attaching a handle are generally arranged to attach to the second end of a handle and the considerations relating to the handle are similar to those described above in relation to permanently attached handles.

In general, the means for attaching a handle, or the attached handle is arranged on what will be the underside of the second cross-member 210 when the second part of the apparatus is in use with a bedchair.

STAND

In some embodiments, the handle part 200 may comprise one, two, or more legs or stands, attached to the second cross-member 210 and extending away from the crossmember in such a way that when the handle part 200 is in use with a bedchair, the stand will allow the resulting barrow to be rested on the ground.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the stand comprises first and second legs which are connected by a crossbar. The stand is rotatably connected to the second ends 221b, 222b of the handles. In other embodiments, the stand, or means for attaching a stand, maybe connected directly to the second cross-member 210. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the stand 230 can be rotated into a position in which the stand 230 contacts the handles 221, 222, as shown in Figure 6. This folded arrangement maybe suitable for storing the second part 200, or transporting it, prior to use with a bed chair. A locking pin 231 may be used to hold the second part 200 in the unfolded configuration. In other embodiments any suitable arrangement may be used to fold the second part for storage, and any method of locking the second part in the open and/or folded configuration may be used.

WHEEFS

In other embodiments, the handle part 200 may comprise means for attaching one or more wheels. In this way, by means of the first and second parts, the bedchair may be converted into a barrow in the form of a cart, such as a three-wheeled cart.

The wheels may be attached to the handle part by any suitable means, such as by means of a pair of forks as described above. All of the structural and functional considerations discussed above in relation to the wheel 130 and means of attaching the wheel 120 of the wheel part too apply in relation to the handle part 200.

MATERIALS ETC

The first and second cross members, means of attaching wheels, handles, stand, etc may be made from any suitable material such as those materials generally used in the manufacture of wheelbarrows and fishing barrow. Suitable materials will be know to the skilled person and include metals, such as for example, steel, aluminium, and titanium, and also non-metal materials such as carbon fibre and plastics.

USE OF THE APPARATUS

Figures 7 and 8 show an example apparatus in use converting a folded bedchair of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprising a metal frame, into a barrow. For clarity, Figure 7 shows the frame of the bedchair only, and Figure 8 shows the same bedchair as it would be in use, including a canvas base 310 and bedding material 320.

In general, the apparatus may be attached to the bedchair in any suitable arrangement which allows the bedchair to be converted into a barrow, by which is meant that the bedchair can be supported on the wheel and manoeuvred by the user. Figures 7 and 8 show an example arrangement of the disclosed apparatus in use with a typical bedchair as discussed above, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, the wheel part too and the handle part 200 are both attached across the width of the folded bedchair 1, at opposite ends of the folded bedchair 1.

The first and second clamps 141,142 of the wheel part too are attached to the leg end frame section 5 of the bedchair. More specifically, the first and second clamps 141,142 are attached at opposite ends of the frame section 5, with the first clamp 141 attached to a first portion of the frame section 5, which is a portion of the metal frame near to the third hinge 8c of the bedchair frame. The second clamp 142 is attached to a second portion of the frame section 5, which is a portion of the metal frame near to the second hinge 8b of the bedchair frame. In this way, the wheel part too of the apparatus is connected to the bedchair frame with the axis of rotation of the wheel 130 substantially parallel to the width of the bedchair 1 and to the first cross-member 110, and with the wheel 130 positioned substantially centrally across the width of the bedchair frame.

The handle part 200 is attached to the frame of the bedchair in an arrangement analogous to that of the wheel part too, but at the opposite end of the folded bedchair 1. The third and fourth clamps 241, 242 of the handle part 200 are attached to the head end frame section 2 of the bedchair. More specifically, the third and fourth clamps 241, 242 are attached at opposite ends of the head end frame section 2, with the third clamp 241 attached to a third portion of the frame section 2, which is a portion of the metal frame near to the first hinge 8a of the bedchair frame. The fourth clamp 242 is attached to a fourth portion of the frame section 2, which is a portion of the metal frame near to the fourth hinge 8d of the bedchair frame. In this way, the handle part 200 of the apparatus is connected to the bedchair frame with the second cross-member 210 substantially parallel to the width of the bedchair 1. In addition, the first and second cross-members 110, 210 are substantially parallel to each other.

Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d show alternative possible locations of attachment of any of the first, second, third, or fourth clamps 141,142, 241, 242 to the metal frame of the bedchair. In general, the only restriction on the portion of the bedchair frame to which any the various clamps of the apparatus may be attached is functional. Provided the resulting barrow can be supported on the wheel and manoeuvred by the user, then any arrangement of attachment of the apparatus to bedchair frame may be used. As can be seen from Figure 9, for functional and practical reasons, the preferred portions of the bedchair frame to which the apparatus may be attached are generally in the region of one of the bedchair hinges 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d. As will be appreciated, for example, from Figure 9, each of the first, second, third, and fourth clamps, 141,142, 241, 242 of the apparatus may be attached to any of the hinged bedchair frame sections 2,3, 4, or 5, and at either side of the point of attachment 9a, 9b between the bedchair frame section and the hinge.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 7 and 8, the bedchair can be lifted by the user using the wheel axle as a fulcrum and manoeuvred. Items to be transported may be stacked on top of the folded bedchair and transported using the barrow in a conventional manner. Ropes, straps, etc may be used to hold the transported items in position on the barrow.

In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, the bedchair is used in an upside-down orientation, with the first and second leg members 6a, 6b of the bedchair, unfolded, facing upwards. An advantage of this arrangement is that the leg members 6a, 6b may be used as “sides” as shown, to assist with holding the transported items in position on the barrow. In this case, a strap 300 or other method may be used to hold the head end and leg end frame sections 2,5 in a tightly folded configuration.

In other embodiments in which the bedchair is in the orientation shown in Figures 7 and 8, but in which the apparatus comprises a wheel part too but no handle part, one of the leg members may be used as a handle.

In alternative examples, the apparatus may be used with the bedchair in the opposite orientation, with the legs towards the ground. An advantage of this arrangement is that one or both of the leg members 6a, 6b may be used as a stand, thus removing the requirement for the handle part to comprise a stand or means for attaching a stand.

Claims

1. A kit for converting a typical, unmodified, bedchair comprising a metal frame into a barrow, the kit comprising: (i) a first part comprising: a first cross-member comprising first and second clamps wherein the distance between the first and second clamps is adjustable; and attachment means for attaching one wheel to the first cross-member, the wheel attachment means arranged substantially centrally between the first and second clamps of the first cross-member, wherein: the first clamp is arranged to attach the first cross-member to a first portion of the metal frame of the bedchair; the second clamp is arranged to attach the first cross-member to a second portion of the metal frame of the bedchair; and (ii) a second part comprising; a second cross-member comprising third and fourth clamps wherein the distance between the third and fourth clamps is adjustable; and means for attaching a handle to the second cross-member, wherein: the third clamp is arranged to attach the second cross-member to a third portion of the metal frame of the bedchair; the fourth clamp is arranged to attach the second cross-member to a fourth portion of the metal frame of the bedchair; (iii) a wheel suitable for attachment to the first cross-member; and (iv) a handle suitable for attachment to the second cross-member, wherein the first and second parts of the apparatus are attachable to the frame of the bedchair to permit the bedchair to be supported on the wheel and raised by the handle, and thereby mobilised.

2. A kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for attaching the wheel to the first cross-member is arranged to provide an axis of rotation of the wheel which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cross-member.

3. A kit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for attaching the wheel to the first cross-member comprises a blade, wherein the first end of the blade comprises means for attaching a wheel axle, and the second end of the blade is attached to the first cross-member.

4. A kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part further comprises means for attaching a second handle to the second cross-member, wherein the kit further comprises a second handle suitable for attachment to the second cross-member, and wherein, when attached to the second cross-member, each of the first and second handles extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second cross-member.

5. A kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part further comprises means for attaching a stand, wherein the kit further comprises a stand suitable for attachment to the second cross-member, and wherein the first and second parts of the kit are attachable to the frame of the bedchair to permit the bedchair to be entirely supported only by means of the wheel and the stand.

6. A kit as claimed in claim 5, wherein the means for attaching a stand comprises a hinge to permit the means for attaching a stand to be folded relative to the means for attaching a handle.

7. A kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part further comprises means for attaching second and third wheels, wherein the kit further comprises second and third wheels suitable for attachment to the second cross-member, and wherein the first and second parts of the kit are attachable to the frame of the bedchair to permit the bedchair to be entirely supported only by means of the first, second, and third wheels.

8. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth clamps are positioned at or near to the first, second, third, and fourth ends of the cross-members, respectively.

9. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first and/or second crossmember is telescopic and comprises a first member which is arranged to slide within a second member to thereby adjust the total length of the cross-member.

10. A kit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and/or second cross-member further comprises a third member which is arranged to slide within the first or second member to thereby adjust the total length of the cross-member.

11. A kit as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the first and/or second crossmember comprises a cross-member clamp which is arranged to be openable to permit relative movement of the first, second, and/or third members, and to be fastenable to prevent the relative movement of the first, second, and/or third members.

12. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the distance between the first and second clamps, and the distance between the third and fourth clamps, is separately adjustable to be 60-150011, and wherein the distance between the first and second clamps, and the distance between the third and fourth clamps may or may not be substantially the same.

13. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and/or fourth clamps is a quick release clamp.

14. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth clamps are arranged to attach the corresponding cross-member to bedchair frame tubing having a diameter of io-4omm.

15. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-14, wherein the bedchair frame has a length and a width, and wherein the first and second portions of the metal frame of the bedchair are corresponding portions on opposing sides across the width of the bedchair, such that the first cross-member is attachable to the bedchair frame in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the width of the bedchair frame.

16. A kit as claimed in claim 15, wherein the third and fourth portions of the metal frame of the bedchair are corresponding portions on opposing sides across the width of the bedchair, such that the second cross-member is attachable to the bedchair frame in an orientation that is substantially parallel to both the width of the bedchair frame and the first cross-member.

17. A barrow comprising a bed chair and a kit as claimed in any of claims 1-16.

i8. A method for converting a bedchair comprising a metal frame into a barrow, the method comprising using a kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-16, and, in any order: (i) attaching the wheel to the first cross-member; (ii) using the first and second clamps to attach the first cross-member to first and second portions of the metal frame of the bedchair respectively;; (iii) attaching the handle to the second cross-member; and (iv) using the third and fourth clamps to attach the second cross-member to third and fourth portions of the metal frame of the bedchair respectively.