SE539128C2

SE539128C2 - A hand truck

Info

Publication number: SE539128C2
Application number: SE1650304A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Gaskari Jalil
Original assignee: Gaskari Jalil
Priority date: 2014-04-25
Filing date: 2015-03-26
Publication date: 2017-04-11
Also published as: SE1650304A1; EP3134307A4; EP3134307A1; WO2015163804A1

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates to a hand truck comprising a frame (2), a load platform (1)protruding from the frame having a rear portion (21) and a front portion (20), a first andsecond wheel (6a, 6b) for supporting the platform, and rotatably connected to a first andsecond primary axis(x1a, x1b)respectively, and a first and second turning unit to turn the firstand second wheel respectively at least 900 in relation to the frame about a first and secondsecondary axis (x2a, x2b) respectively extending orthogonally to the first and second primaryaxis respectively. The first and second wheels support the rear portion of the load platform,and the hand truck comprises at least one rotatable third wheel (7; 7a-b) to support the frontportion of the platform. The third wheel is smaller than the first and second wheels. (Fig. 2)

Description

A hand truck Field of the inventionThe present invention relates to a hand truck comprising a frame and a load platformprotruding from the frame.

Background of the invention and prior art A hand truck is used for carrying and transporting a load from one place to another place.Conventional hand trucks comprise a load platform for carrying the load and a frameextending upwardly from the load platform, and wheels spacedly supporting the frame. Theframe is provided with handles to enable a user to push the truck and its load. When the truckis in an upright position, the load platform rests on a ground level. After the load platform ispositioned under the load, the frame can be pivoted backwards such that the load platformwith the load is tilted. The hand truck can now be moved backwards by pulling the frame orforwards by pushing the frame. A turning of the truck is performed by pushing or pulling theframe in a turning direction, while holding the truck tilted backwards.

Turning a conventional hand truck is tedious for the user. There is a risk for dislodging of theweight during the pulling and pushing ofthe hand truck. Further, because the frame must betilted backwards to release the load platform from the ground, much space is needed formoving and turning the hand truck.

A solution for improving the turning of a hand truck has been found, whereby the wheels canturn in relation to the frame, such that the hand truck can move back and forth as well as fromleft to right. Such hand trucks are, for example, known from US6,663,120 andUS2006/0061053. The turning of the wheels is performed by removing the weight of the loadfrom the wheels and positioning the load platform on the ground level, and then turning thewheels to another position in relation to the frame. Different turning mechanisms have beendeveloped to accomplish the turning of the wheels. After the wheels have been turned, theload platform can be lifted from the ground level by tilting the frame backwards and movedas described above.

Another problem related to hand trucks is that it difficult to transport elongated goodsthrough a narrow passage, for example, a door opening or a narrow corridor.

US4,435,115 discloses a hand truck for transport of pigs. This hand truck has two loadingplatforms that extend perpendicular to each other and is adapted for loading of pigs on a firstplatform, when this first platform is in a horizontal position relative to a floor surface. Thehand truck is then tilting 90°, so that the weight of the pig moves to the second platform. After90° tilting, the second platform is horizontal and the first platform is vertically orientated. Thebottom ofthe second platform is provided with four small wheels that allow movement ofthehand truck over surfaces that are even and smooth. The first platform is provided with biggerwheels that can be pivoted to and from the first platform. This pivoting is necessary in orderto allow loading of the pig on the first platform. The bigger wheels, when pivoted away from the first platform and locked into position, can be used for moving the hand truck by tiltingthe first platform backwa rds. The big wheels allow transport ofthe truck over longer distancesand uneven surfaces. A disadvantage with the disclosed hand truck is that it is bulky and is notsuitable for passing through narrow passages.

Summary of the invention lt is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above problems, and toprovide an improved hand truck suitable for passing through narrow passages.

This object is achieved by a hand truck as defined in claim 1.

The hand truck comprises a frame, a load platform protruding from the frame, and having arear portion attached to the frame, and a front portion facing away from the load platform, afirst wheel for supporting the load platform, and rotatably connected to a first primary axis, asecond wheel for supporting the load platform, spaced apart from the first wheel, androtatably connected to a second primary axis, a first turning unit adapted to turn the firstwheel in relation to the frame about a first secondary axis extending orthogonally to the firstprimary axis, and a second turning unit arranged to turn the second wheel in relation to theframe about a second secondary axis extending orthogonally to the second primary axis, andthe first turning unit is adapted to turn the first wheel at least 90°in relation to the frame, andthe second turning unit is adapted to turn the second wheel at least 900 in relation to theframe. The hand truck is characterized in that the first and second wheels are arranged tosupport the rear portion ofthe load platform, and the hand truck comprises at least one thirdwheel arranged to support the front portion of the load platform, and the third wheel issmaller than the first and second wheels and arranged pivotable in relation to the loadplatform.

The invention facilitates transportation of elongated goods through a narrow passage bymoving the truck in a sideway direction. This is achieve by the combination of larger wheelssupporting the rear portion of the platform and able to turn at least 900 in relation to theframe, and at least one smaller wheel rotatable or pivotable in relation to the load platformand supporting the front portion of the load platform.

The hand truck ofthe present invention can be moved in a forward direction in the same wayas a traditional hand truck by tilting the frame and by that releasing the load platform from aground level. When the hand truck is moved in the forward direction, the first and secondwheels are positioned in a first position relative the frame. ln the first position, the first andsecond wheels are disposed with their primary axes orthogonal to the direction in which theload platform is protruding from the frame. However, the hand truck ofthe present inventioncan also be moved without tilting the frame backwards. Due to the at least one third wheelsupporting the load platform, the truck can remain in an upright position during loading andmovement ofthe truck. By turning the first and second wheels to a second position with their primary axes orthogonal to the first position, it is possible to move the truck sideways in anupright position. Due to the fact that the third wheel is rotatable in relation to the loadplatform, the third wheel is automatically moved in parallel with the first and second wheelsdepending on the direction of the movement. Thus, the present invention makes it possibleto move the truck sideways with the frame in an upright position. Therefore, less space isrequired for moving the hand truck from one place to another. This allows the hand truck tobe used in narrow spaces, such as narrow corridors.

Further, the wheels are parallel to a length of the platform when the wheels are in the firstposition, as shown in figure 10a, and the wheels are orthogonal to the length ofthe platform,when the wheels are in the second position, as shown in figure 10d. Thus, the length of thehand truck is smaller in the second position than in the first position. When the wheels areturned to the second position, they do not protrude from the frame in the same way as in thefirst position. This fact further contributes to improve the ability of the hand truck accordingto the invention to move goods through narrow passages.

The first turning unit is adapted to turn the first wheel in relation to the frame between a firstposition and a second position so that the first wheel is turned at least 90° between the firstand second position. The second turning unit is adapted to turn the second wheel in relationto the frame between a first position and a second position so that the second wheel is turnedat least 90° between the first and second position. This enables movement of the truck in aforward direction as well as a sideway direction.

Because the hand truck, and thus the load platform, does not need to be tilted during use ofthe hand truck, the risk for dislodging ofthe load on the hand truck is decreased. This improvesthe safety for the user of the hand truck. The physical strength needed to move the hand truckis also decreased compared to known hand trucks that need to be tilted backwards prior tomovement in order to release the load platform from the ground level, or compared to handtrucks that need to be pushed using four small wheels.

Because the load on the hand truck rests not solely on the first and second wheels of the handtruck, the wheels can be turned easily. All wheels can even be turned during movement of aloaded hand truck. Thus, the safety, efficiency and effectively of the hand truck have beenimproved.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the diameter ofthe first and second wheels isat least twice the diameter of the third wheel. ln one embodiment, the diameter of the firstand second wheels is at least three times as large as the diameter ofthe third wheel.

The at least one third wheel is positioned in the proximity of a front portion of the loadplatform, such that the load platform remains in position, without tilting, during loading andmovement.

The third wheel is smaller than the first and second wheels. Suitably, the diameter ofthe thirdwheel is less than halfthe diameter of the first and second wheels. The first and second wheelsshould be large enough to carry the whole weight of the load, when the truck is moved in atilted position. Since the third wheel carries the weight together with the first and secondwheel when the truck is moved in an upright position, the third wheel can be made smallerthan the first and second wheels. Since the third wheel is positioned under the load, the heightof the third wheel determines the distance between the ground level and the load platform.lt is advantageous to have a small third wheel in order to reduce the distance between groundand the load platform and thereby facilitating loading of the truck. ln the prior art, the handtruck is pushed using four small wheels positioned under the platform. The truck of theinvention uses two larger wheels and at least one small wheel for moving the hand truck. Thisallows movement of the hand truck over uneven floor surfaces, because the larger wheels donot get stuck in ridged or holes in the floor surface. The larger side wheels thus improveconvenience and comfort for the user of the hand truck.

The load platform is designed for supporting a load carried by the truck. The frame and theload platform form a frame body. Suitably, the frame body has an L-shaped cross-section andthe frame extends upwardly from the load platform. Suitably, the frame is elongated in a firstdirection along a longitudinal axis, and the load platform protrudes in a direction orthogonalor close to orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the frame.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the load platform has an upper side and abottom side and said third wheel is attached to the bottom side ofthe load platform, and thefirst and second wheels are operatively connected to the rear portion ofthe load platform andextends below the bottom side of the load platform in order to support the rear portion ofthe load platform.

According to an embodiment, the third wheel is a caster wheel. A caster or castor wheel maybe defined as a single, double, or compound wheel that is designed to be mounted to thebottom of an object, such as the load platform, to enable that object to be easily moved. Acaster wheel comprises a primary axis around which the wheel rotates. The wheel is mountedin a frame or fork, which comprises an additional joint above the fork comprising a secondaryaxis extending orthogonally to the primary axis of the wheel. This joint allows the fork to freelyrotate or pivot about 360°, thus enabling the wheel to roll in any direction. This joint allowsfor the rotational or pivotable movement of the third wheel in relation to the platform. ln one embodiment, the hand truck comprises one third wheel for supporting the loadplatform. ln another embodiment, the hand truck comprises two third wheels for supportingthe load platform. |fthe truck has two third wheels for supporting the load platform, the truckbecomes more stable and may enable the truck to carry a heavier load.

The hand truck may comprise a wheel assembly comprising two wheel members spacedlysupported at the frame. A first wheel member comprises the first wheel rotatably attached tothe first primary axis and a second wheel member comprises the second wheel rotatablyattached to the second primary axis. The wheel members may be disposed at differentpositions at the frame in relation to the load platform. Suitably, the primary axes arepositioned behind the rear portion of the load platform, and accordingly on the side of theload platform.

According to an embodiment, the first wheel and the second wheel are adapted to turnindependently around the respective primary axes and independently around the respectivesecondary axes. Thus, it is possible to place the wheels at different angles relative to eachother to decrease the turning radius of the truck. Therefore, the hand truck can even be usedin small corridors that have sharp corners, such as 90° corners.

According to another embodiment, the first turning unit comprises a first turning rodextending upwardly along the first secondary axis, and a first rod handle positioned at anupper portion of the first turning rod, whereby the first turning rod is attached to the firstprimary axis such that the first wheel is turned upon turning of the first rod handle, andwhereby the second turning unit comprises a second turning rod extending upwardly alongthe second secondary axis, and a second rod handle positioned at an upper portion of thesecond turning rod, whereby the second turning rod is attached to the second primary axissuch that the second wheel is turned upon turning of the second rod handle. The rod handleis in direct contact with the primary axis of the wheel members. This provides for a simpleconstruction, whereby the wheels can be turned by turning the rod handle with little effortfrom the user. The turning units are easy to operate. Turning of the wheels can be performedby a person standing upright behind the frame. The turning of the wheels can also beperformed during movement of the hand truck and independent on the weight of the load orthe evenness of the floor surface.

According to one embodiment, the first wheel defines a first plane and the first rod handleextends parallel to the first plane, and the second wheel defines a second plane and thesecond rod handle extends parallel to the second plane. The first and second rod handles areelongated in parallel with the first and second plane of the wheels respectively. Thisembodiment allows the handles to be folded against the frame. This decreases the spaceneeded for storage of the hand truck.

According to another embodiment, the first turning unit comprises a first locking mechanismadapted to lock the position of the first wheel, and the second turning unit comprises a secondlocking mechanism adapted to lock the position of the second wheel. Locking of the wheelsprevents the wheels from unintentional turning. This is advantageous when moving a loadedhand truck, especially when moving over an uneven floor surface, where the unevenness ofthe surface may cause the wheels to turn unintentionally.

According to one embodiment, the first locking mechanism is adapted to lock the first wheelin two orthogonal positions, and the second locking mechanism is adapted to lock the secondwheel in two orthogonal positions. Because the wheel members can be turned independently,the hand truck can be moved in multiple directions, even when the wheels are locked in aposition.

According to an embodiment, the first turning rod is at least partly concealed by a first sleevecoaxially coupled to the first turning rod, and the second turning rod is at least partlyconcealed by a second sleeve coaxially coupled to the second turning rod. The sleeve can beused to protect the turning unit and the rod from wear and tear. The sleeve can be made of ametal or plastic material. Part of the sleeve can be made of a softer material. Such softermaterial can be used to protect surroundings or the user during use ofthe hand truck.

According to one embodiment, the first and the second locking mechanism comprise each alocking plate attached to an upper portion of the respective first and second sleeve andextending parallel to the rod handle, whereby the locking plate comprises at least two lockingslots extending as holes through the locking plate, which holes optionally are connected by aslit, and a locking means attached to the rod handle and passed through the holes adapted tomove the rod handle between the locking slots, and optionally a resilient element coaxiallycoupled on the respective first and second rod handle, whereby the resilient element isadapted to apply a downward force on the respective first and second rod handle to ensureengagement of the respective first and second rod handle in the locking slot on the respectivefirst and second locking plate. The locking mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture atlow cost. The turning unit with such a locking mechanism can be provided on existing handtrucks. The mechanism can be used without much effort from the user. The lockingmechanism can even be used during movement of the hand truck.

According to an embodiment, the rear portion of the load platform is pivotally attached to theframe. This embodiment allows the load platform to be folded against the frame. Thisdecreases the space needed for storage ofthe hand truck.

According to one embodiment, the frame comprises two telescopic handles adapted to behold by a user of the hand truck. Telescopic arms can be folded and adapted in length. Thisembodiment improves the safety and convenience for the user that can adapt the length ofthe handle to his/her own length. This also decreases the space needed for storage of thehand truck.

The object is also achieved by a method for turning wheels of a hand truck, comprisingapplying an upward force, in a direction away from the load platform, on the respective firstand second rod handle to disengage the rod handle from a locking slot, followed by turningthe respective first and second rod handle to position the rod handle into another locking slot, and releasing the force to engage the respective first and second rod handle with the otherslot.

The turning unit can be used by a simple push, turn and release of the rod handle. The forceor strength needed to move the rod handle depends on the strengths ofthe resilient element.The function of the resilient element is to engage the rod handle in the locking slot. Not muchphysical strength is needed to turn a wheel member ofthe hand truck.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be explained more closely by the description ofdifferent embodimentsofthe invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a hand truck with wheels in a first position.

Fig. 2Fig. 3Fig. 4Fig. 5Fig. 6Figs. 7a-b show a bottom view ofthe hand truck having one or two caster wheels. shows a perspective view of a hand truck with wheels in a first and a second position.shows a perspective view of a hand truck with wheels in a second position. shows a rear view of the hand truck. shows a front view of the hand truck. shows a cross section view of a turning unit.

Fig. 8 shows a cross section view of a locking mechanism.

Fig. 9 shows a top view of a rod handle and a locking plate.

Figs. 10a-d illustrate the turning of a hand truck and moving the truck through a narrowpassage.

Detailed description of various embodiments of the invention Figures 1 to 5 show an embodiment of the hand truck according to the present invention. Thehand truck comprises a load platform 1 and a frame 2. The frame is elongated and extendsupwardly from the load platform resulting in an L-shaped cross section of the hand truck. Asshown in the figures, the frame 2 may comprise two parallel rods extending upwardly along alongitudinal axis L from the load platform and crossbars 3, 3b extending parallel to the loadplatform. One or more cross bars improve the stability ofthe hand truck.

The frame 2 may further comprise handles 2a, 2b that can be used by a user to move the handtruck. Preferably, the handles may comprise telescopic arms 45, which allow the length of thehandles on the frame to be varied and adapted to a length of a user. Further, telescopic arms45 allow the length of the handles to be minimized such that the hand truck occupies lessstorage space when not being used.

The load platform 1 protrudes crosswise or substantially perpendicular in relation to theframe. The load platform may be pivotally attached to the frame (as indicated by the dottedline in figure 3). This pivotally attachment allows the load platform to be folded towards theframe such that less storage space is required when the hand truck is not being used. The loadplatform has a length I as shown in figure 7b. The size of the load platform may vary.

Two wheel members 4a, 4b are attached to the frame 2. As shown in figure 1 to 5, the wheelmembers are positioned at a rear portion of the load platform and spaced apart by the loadplatform, such that a first wheel member 4a is placed on one side ofthe platform and a secondwheel member 4b is placed on another side of the platform. Any attachment means may beused to attach the wheels to the platform. Additional crossbars 5a-b for mounting the wheelmembers to the frame may be used to attach the wheel members to the frame. The additionalcrossbars 5a-b for mounting the wheel members may extend rearwards from the frame inrelation to the load platform. The load platform 1 is present on a front side ofthe frame.

The first and second wheel member 4a, 4b comprise each a wheel 6a, 6b and a primary axisx1a, x1b around which the wheel rotates. The first wheel defines a first plane extendingorthogonally to the first primary axis and the second wheel defines a second plane extendingorthogonally to the second primary axis. The wheels 6a, 6b may be any type of wheels. Thewheels may have hard or soft tires attached to a wheel rim, for example rubber tires forconvenience of using the hand truck.

The hand truck also comprises at least one additional third wheel 7 positioned under the loadplatform. The additional wheel 7 is arranged pivotable in relation to the load platform 1. Thewheel 7 is preferably pivotable 3600 in relation to the load platform. The wheel 7 may be acaster wheel.

The load platform 1 has a rear portion 21 attached to the frame 2 and a front portion 20 facingaway from the load truck. The load platform also has a an upper side 23 adapted forsupporting goods transported by the hand truck, and a bottom side 22 facing the ground orfloor when the hand truck is used. The third wheel 7 is arranged to support the front portion20 of the load platform. The third wheel 7 is connected to the front portion 20 of the loadplatform. The third wheel 7 is attached to the bottom side 22 of the load platform 1. The firstand second wheels 6a-b are operatively connected to the rear portion of the load platformand arranged to support the rear portion 21 ofthe load platform. ln this example, the first andsecond wheels are connected to the frame, and the load platform is connected to the frame.The first and second wheels 6a-b extend below the bottom side 22 of the load platform, andby that support the rear portion 21 of the platform. ln figure 7a, one caster wheel 7 is shown positioned at the front portion 20 of the loadplatform 1. The rear portion 21 of the load platform is attached to the frame 2. The wheel 7 isattached to a bottom side 22 of the load platform 1. ln figure 7b two caster wheels 7a-b are shown positioned at the front portion 20 of the loadplatform. A clearance C (figure 2) is present between the load platform and a ground level orfloor surface g on which the wheel members rest.

Castor wheels are available in various sizes, and are commonly made of rubber, plastic, nylon,aluminum, or stainless steel. Additionally, a caster typically includes a small amount of offsetdistance between the secondary axis of the fork and the primary axis of the wheel. When thecaster is moved and the wheel is not facing the correct direction, the offset will cause thewheel assembly to rotate around the secondary axis of the frame to follow behind thedirection of movement. lfthere is no offset, the wheel will not rotate if not facing the correctdirection, either preventing motion or dragging across the ground. When in motion along astraight line, a caster wheel will tend to automatically align or pivot to, and rotate parallel tothe direction of transport or movement. A consequence ofthis is that the hand truck naturallytends to move in a straight direction. Precise steering is not required because the casterwheels tend to maintain a straight motion. This is also true during turns ofthe hand truck. Thecaster wheel rotates perpendicular to a turning radius and provides a smooth turn. Hereby,the front wheel can rotate at different velocities and with different turning radius comparedto the rear wheels member depending on how tight a turn is made. An angle and distancebetween the primary and secondary axes and the joint can be adjusted for different types ofperformance. The first and second wheel member 4a, 4b may also be caster wheels. Casterwheels are also available with a locking mechanism on the wheel member to prevent thewheel from turning around the secondary axis of the caster wheel member. Such a lockingmechanism may be convenient when moving the hand truck.

The hand truck comprises a first and a second turning unit adapted to turn the first wheel 6aand the second wheel 6b respectively. Figure 6 shows a cross section of a turning unit. Theturning unit is adapted to turn the wheel 6a, 6b in relation to the frame 2 around a secondaryaxis x2a, x2b, which axes extends orthogonally to the primary axis xla, xlb. The turning unitcomprises a turning rod 8a, 8b, which extends upwardly along the secondary axis x2a, x2b andsubstantially parallel to the respective plane ofthe wheel 6a, 6b.

The turning rod 8a, 8b may be partially or completely concealed by a sleeve 9a, 9b, wherebythe sleeve is coaxially coupled to the respective turning rod 8a, 8b. Connection means 37, 38may be used to connect the sleeve to the turning rod as shown in figure 8.

A rod handle 10a, 10b is positioned at an upper portion of the respective turning rod 8a, 8b.The rod handle may be fixedly or pivotally attached to the turning rod. The first wheel member4a is turned upon turning of the first rod handle 10a and the second wheel member 4b isturned upon turning of the second rod handle 10b. The wheels members 4a, 4b can be turnedindependently.

The wheel members may be locked into a position such that the wheels are prohibited to turn.The wheel members 4a, 4b may be locked in the first position (figure 1). The wheel members4a, 4b may be locked in a second position, whereby the wheels are aligned with each other,(figure 3, 10d). Alternatively, the one wheel member may be locked in the first position andthe other wheel member may be locked in the second position. This enables a rotationalmovement ofthe hand truck (figure 2, 10b-10c).

Figure 10a-b illustrate turning of a hand truck and moving the truck through a narrow passage.ln figure 10a, the first and second wheels are locked in a first position, whereby the wheelsare parallel to each other, which enables movement of the hand truck backwards andforwards. ln figures 10b-c, the first wheel is locked in the first position and the second wheelis locked in the second position, which enables a rotationa| movement of the hand truck. lnfigure 10d, the first and second wheels are both locked in a second position, whereby thewheels are a|igned with each other, which enables movement of the hand truck in a sidewaydirection. The hand truck can now pass through a narrow passage while carrying an elongatedload, as shown in figure 10d. ln another embodiment, the wheel members can be locked in a third position (not shown),whereby the wheels are positioned between the first and second position. The wheels may bepositioned at an angle of about 45° in relation to the rear portion 21 ofthe load platform 1. lnthis position, the first primary axis of the first wheel is crosswise or perpendicular positionedin relation to the second primary axis of the second wheel.

Figure 8 shows an example of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises each alocking plate 30 attached to an upper portion of the respective first and second sleeve. Thislocking plate extends parallel to the rod handle 10a, 10b. The locking plate comprises at leasttwo locking slots 11-1, 11-2. These slots extend as holes through the locking plate, which holesare connected by a slit 31 as shown in figure 9. A locking means 34, such as a locking pin 34and a stopper 35 are attached to the rod handle and passed through the hole of the lock 11.The locking means 34 is adapted to move the rod handle 10 from a first locking slot 11-1 to asecond locking slot 11-2, and back.

The locking mechanism may optionally comprise a resilient element 36 coaxially coupled onthe respective first and second locking means and respective first and second rod handle. Theresilient element is adapted to apply a downward force on the respective first and second rodhandle to ensure engagement of the respective first and second rod handle in the locking sloton the respective first and second locking plate.

The respective first and second locking mechanism may comprise each two locking slots 11-1,11-2. When the first rod handle 10a is positioned in the first locking slot 11-1 and the secondrod handle 10b is positioned in a corresponding first locking slot, the respective first wheel 6aand the second wheel 6b are in the first position, parallel and enabling movement ofthe handtruck backwards and forwards (figure 1, 10a).

When the first rod handle 10a is positioned in the second locking slot 11-2 and the second rodhandle 10b is positioned in a corresponding second locking slot, the respective first wheel 6aand the second wheel 6b are in the second position, a|igned and enabling movement of thehand truck from left to right (figure 3, 10d). 11 As shown in figure 2, 10b, 10c, one rod handle may be locked in the first locking slot 11-lband the other rod handle may be locked in the second locking slot 11-2a. The first primary axisxla of the first wheel member 4a is crosswise or perpendicular positioned in relation to thesecond primary axis xlb of the second wheel member 4b.

The locking mechanism may comprise a third locking slot (not shown) positioned between thefirst and second locking slot. The third locking slot can be used to position the respective firstand second wheel member in a third position. This further enables a rotational movement ofthe hand truck.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism comprises at least two locking slots 11-1, 11-2 extendingas openings between two edges of an upper portion of the respective sleeve 9a, 9b (notshown). ln this embodiment, the rod handle 10a, 10b are pivotally attached to the respectiveturning rod 8a, 8b. A resilient element is coaxially coupled on the respective turning rod andattached to the respective rod handle. The resilient element, such as a spring, is adapted toapply a downward force on the respective rod handle to ensure engagement ofthe respectiverod handle in the locking slot on the respective sleeve. ln this alternative embodiment, the wheel members can be turned into different positions byapplying an upward force on the respective first and second rod handle to disengage the rodhandle from a locking slot. Subsequently, the respective first and second rod handle can beturned to position the rod handle into another locking slot. By releasing the force therespective first and second rod handle will engage with the other slot due to the pullingstrength ofthe resilient element. ln yet another locking mechanism (not shown) the at least two locking slots 11-1, 11-2 arepositioned at a bottom portion of the sleeve 9a, 9b. The slots extend as openings betweentwo slanted edges of a bottom portion of the respective first and second sleeve. The outlineof the openings corresponds to the outline of the respective first and second primary axis xla,xlb. The slots are adapted to lock the respective first and second sleeve on said respectivefirst and second primary axis. ln this embodiment, the rod handle 10a, 10b may be pivotallyattached to the respective turning rod 8a, 9b. A resilient element may be coaxially coupled toan upper portion of the sleeve and attached to the rod handle. The resilient element isadapted to apply a downward force on the sleeve to ensure engagement of the locking slot11 on the primary axis. The sleeve can be disengaged from the slot by pulling the rod handleand thus the sleeve upwards.

The wheel can be turned into different positions by applying an upward force on the rodhandle to disengage the sleeve from a locking slot. Subsequently, the handle can be turned toposition the sleeve into another locking slot. By releasing the force the rod handle will engagewith the other slot due to the pulling strength of the resilient element. Also in this 12 embodiment, at least two locking slots enable the wheels to be locked independently in atleast two positions.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied andmodified within the scope of the following claims. For example different turning units anddifferent locking mechanisms may be used.

Claims

13 m

1. A hand truck comprising: - a frame (2), - a load platform (1) protruding from the frame, and having a rear portion (21) attached to theframe (2) and a front portion (20) facing away from the load platform, - a first wheel (6a) for supporting the load platform, and rotatably connected to a first primaryaxis(x1a), - a second wheel (6b) for supporting the load platform, spaced apart from the first wheel, androtatably connected to a second primary axis(x1b), - a first turning unit adapted to turn the first wheel in relation to the frame about a firstsecondary axis (x2a) extending orthogonally to the first primary axis, and - a second turning unit arranged to turn the second wheel in relation to the frame about asecond secondary axis (x2b) extending orthogonally to the second primary axis, and the firstturning unit is adapted to turn the first wheel at least 900 in relation to the frame, and thesecond turning unit is adapted to turn the second wheel at least 900 in relation to the frame, characterized in that the first and second wheels are arranged to support the rear portion of the load platform, and the hand truck comprises at least one third wheel (7; 7a-b) arrangedto support the front portion of the load platform, and the third wheel is smaller than the firstand second wheels and arranged pivotable in relation to the load platform.

2. The hand truck according to claim 1, whereby the load platform has an upper side (23) anda bottom side (22) and said third wheel (7; 7a-b) is attached to the bottom side of the loadplatform, and the first and second wheels (6a-b) are operatively connected to the rear portionofthe load platform and extend below the bottom side (22) ofthe load platform.

3. The hand truck according to claim 1 or 2, whereby the diameter of the first and secondwheels (6a, 6b) is at least twice the diameter of the third wheel (7; 7a-b).

4. The hand truck according to any of the previous claims, whereby the third wheel (7) is acaster wheel.

5. The hand truck according to any of the previous claims, whereby the first wheel and thesecond wheel are adapted to turn independently around the respective primary axes andindependently around the respective secondary axes.

6. The hand truck according to any of the previous claims, whereby the first turning unitcomprises a first turning rod (8a) extending upwardly along the first secondary axis (x2a), anda first rod handle (10a) positioned at an upper portion of the first turning rod, whereby thefirst turning rod (8a) is attached to the first primary axis such that the first wheel is turnedupon turning of the first rod handle, and whereby the second turning unit comprises a secondturning rod (8b) extending upwardly along the second secondary axis (x2b), and a second rod 14 handle (10b) positioned at an upper portion of the second turning rod, whereby the secondturning rod (8b) is attached to the second primary axis such that the second wheel is turnedupon turning ofthe second rod handle.

7. The hand truck according to claim 6, whereby the first wheel (6a) defines a first p|ane andthe first rod handle (10a) extends parallel to the first p|ane, and the second wheel (6b) definesa second p|ane and the second rod handle (10a) extends parallel to the second p|ane.

8. The hand truck according to any of the previous claims, whereby the first turning unitcomprises a first locking mechanism adapted to lock the position of the first wheel (6a), andthe second turning unit comprises a second locking mechanism adapted to lock the positionofthe second wheel (6b).

9. The hand truck according to claim 8, whereby the first locking mechanism is adapted to lockthe first wheel (6a) in two orthogonal positions, and the second locking mechanism is adaptedto lock the second wheel (6b) in two orthogonal positions.

10. The hand truck according to claim 8 or 9, whereby the first turning rod is at least partlyconcealed by a first sleeve (9a) coaxially coupled to the first turning rod, and the secondturning rod is at least partly concealed by a second sleeve (9b) coaxially coupled to the secondturning rod.

11. The hand truck according to claim 10, whereby the first and the second locking mechanismcomprises each a locking plate (30a) attached to an upper portion of the respective first andsecond sleeve (9a ) and extending parallel to the rod handle (10a), whereby the locking platecomprises at least two locking slots (11-1, 11-2) extending as holes through the locking plate,which holes are connected by a slit (31) and a locking means (34) attached to the rod handleand passed through the holes adapted to move the rod handle between the locking slots, andoptionally a resilient element (36) coaxially coupled on the respective first and second rodhandle, whereby the resilient element is adapted to apply a downward force on the respectivefirst and second rod handle to ensure engagement of the respective first and second rodhandle in the locking slot on the respective first and second locking plate.

12. The hand truck according to any of the previous claims, whereby the rear portion of theload platform is pivotally attached to the frame.

13. The hand truck according to any of the previous claims, whereby the frame comprises twotelescopic handles (45) adapted to be hold by a user ofthe hand truck.