WO2019214934A1

WO2019214934A1 - Hand-operated truck for lifting and moving flexible containers

Info

Publication number: WO2019214934A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/060313
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikael Gustafsson
Original assignee: Freightbag Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2018-05-07
Filing date: 2019-04-23
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Also published as: EP3790781A1; SE542523C2; SE1850537A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hand-operated truck (1) suitable for lifting and moving a flexible container. The truck comprises an elongated support frame (3), a pair of rotatable carrying wheels (7) rotatably connected to a lower part of the support frame so that the support frame is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels between an upright position and a rearwardly tilted transport position, at least one carrying element (6) connected to an upper part of the support frame (3) and projecting forwardly from the support frame, and the support frame is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels between the upright position and a forwardly tilted load position. The truck comprises a pair of spaced apart rotatable support wheels (22) disposed at a distance from the support frame (3) on a front side of the support frame, and the support wheels are pivotally connected to the support frame so that the support frame is allowed to pivot in relation to the support wheels.

Description

HAND-OPERATED TRUCK FOR LIFTING AND MOVING FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS

Technical field

The present invention relates to a hand-operated truck. The invention also relates to the use of the truck for lifting and moving flexible containers.

Today, flexible containers are often used to transport material on building sites and industrial sites. A type of flexible containers is Flexible, Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC), also called bulk bags, or big bags. This is an industrial container made of a flexible fabric. The FIBC normally measures around 110 cm in diameter, and the height varies in from 100 cm up to 200 cm, but is typically about 120 cm. The loading capacity is normally around 1000 kg. The containers are provided with two or four lifting loops, which are used as attachment points for lifting the container.

Since the containers are very heavy when they are loaded, it is difficult or even impossible for a human to move the loaded containers without any motor-driven lifting equipment. Transportation of the containers is done on pallets using a motor-driven pallet truck, or by lifting the containers in the loops using a lifting crane with a hook. A consequence of this is that the containers are loaded at places outdoor, where it is easy to reach them with a motor- driven vehicle provided with a lifting crane, such as close to roads or parking places. This leads to large numbers of loaded containers positioned on or close to roads and parking places waiting for further transportation, which may constitute obstacles for the traffic and humans walking.

A traditional hand-operated truck cannot be used to transport the loaded containers since the loaded containers are too heavy to be moved onto the truck.

Thus, there is need of a device that makes it possible for a human to transport a loaded FIBC container without the need of any motor-driven vehicle.

US3,233,764 discloses a hand truck comprising an elongated support frame and a pair of rotatable carrying wheels rotatably connected to the support frame so that the support frame is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels between an upright position and a rearwardly tilted transport position. The truck comprises a pair of carrying element connected to an upper part of the support frame.

It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above problems, and to provide a hand-operated truck suitable for lifting and moving flexible containers, such as FIBC. This aim is achieved by a hand-operated truck as defined in claim 1.

The truck comprises an elongated support frame and a pair of rotatable carrying wheels rotatably connected to a lower part of the support frame so that the support frame is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels between an upright position and a rearward ly tilted transport position. The truck further comprises at least one carrying element connected to an upper part of the support frame and projecting forwardly from the support frame, and the support frame is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels between the upright position and a forwardly tilted load position. The truck comprises a pair of spaced apart rotatable support wheels disposed at a distance from the support frame on a front side of the support frame, and the support wheels are pivotally connected to the support frame so that the support frame is allowed to pivot in relation to the support wheels.

Due to the fact that the support wheels are pivotally connected to the support frame so that the support frame is enabled to pivot in relation to the support wheels, it is possible to roll the truck forward and backward with all of the support wheels and carrying wheels in contact with the ground independent of the angle of the support frame. The support frame is movable forward and backward between a rest position, in which there is no force acting on the support frame, for example via a handle, and the load position. The carrying wheels and the support wheels are in contact with the ground in the load position as well as in the rest position. A force must be acting on the support frame, via the handle, to keep the truck in the transport position and load position. In the transport position, the carrying wheels are in contact with the ground and the support wheels are above the ground. Due to the support wheels, the truck can stand by itself in the rest position. Thus, the container is supported by the truck in the rest position, which facilitates the loading of the container on the truck. In the transport position, the support wheels laterally support the container, and the carrying wheels carry the weight of the support frame and the loaded container.

The at least one carrying element is designed for supporting the loops of the container, and more particular, the at least one carrying element is designed to be threaded into the loops of the container. Due to the fact that the support frame is pivotably arranged with respect to the carrying wheels between the upright position and a forwardly tilted load position, it possible to move the carrying element forward and downward in relation to the ground, so that the carrying element reaches the loop of a flexible container standing on the ground in front of the truck, and by that allow the carrying element to be pulled through the loops of the container. Thus, is it possible to adjust the height of the carrying element to adapt to the height of loops on the container by adjusting the amount of tilting of the support frame in relation to the ground. The more the support frame is tilted, the shorter is the distance between the carrying element and the ground.

When the carrying element has been threaded into the loops of the container, the truck is tilted backwards until the flexible container is stretched in a vertical direction. The truck is then tilted further backward to the upright position at the same time as the carrying wheels are moved forward towards the container, so that the container will rest on the support frame when the truck is in the upright position. When the container rests on the support frame, the truck is tilted backward to the transport position, and by that the container is lifted from the ground. During lifting of the container, the load on the at least one carrying element is vertical. The support frame works as a lever on the container when the support frame is moved backwards from the upright position to the rearwardly tilted position. The carrying element is partly unloaded when the truck is in the transport position since the support frame will support the container. When the truck is unloaded, the container reaches the ground in a vertical direction, which is advantageous for the user as well as for the ground and for the material in the container. The truck carrying the container is easy to operate in the transport position, and the truck can be moved forward as a traditional hand truck.

The truck according to the invention facilitates loading of the container on the truck. The truck enables vertical loading of the container, which is ergonomic for the user and gentle to the ground or floor. Less force is needed to load the container compared to when a traditional hand truck is used to carry the container.

With upright position is meant a position on or close to the vertical line. The support frame is substantially aligned with the vertical line in the upright position.

In one aspect, the truck comprises two arms pivotably connected to the support frame and each of the arms has one end connected to one of the support wheels. In one aspect, each of the arms has one end pivotably connected to the support frame and the opposite end connected to one of the support wheels. Thus, the support frame can be pivoted forward and backward, with the carrying wheels and the support wheels still on the ground.

The carrying element is disposed closer to the upper end than to the lower end of the support frame. Preferably, the carrying element is disposed in the vicinity of the upper end of the support frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the carrying element is fixedly connected to the support frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the support frame is designed to allow the angle of the support frame in the forwardly tilted position to be more than 25° in relation to the upright position, more preferably more than 30° in relation to the upright position, and most preferably more than 35°. The more the support frame can be tilted, the greater adjustment of the height of the carrying element is possible.

In one aspect of the invention, the support frame is designed so that there is a free space below the support frame when the support frame is in the upright position to allow the support frame to pivot in relation to the carrying wheels between the upright position and the forwardly tilted load position. Due to the fact that there is a free space below the support frame, the support frame is allowed to be forwardly tilted. Traditional hand trucks are commonly provided with forks or a plate disposed at the lower end of the support frame, which rests on the ground when the truck is in the upright position, and accordingly prevent the support frame from being tilted forward.

In one aspect of the invention, the lower end of the support frame ends at a distance from the lowest points of the carrying wheels when the truck is in the upright position. The larger distance between the lowest points of the carrying wheels and the lower end of the support frame is, the larger is the angle the support frame can be tilted in the forward direction. Preferably, the vertical distance between the lower end of the support frame and the lowest points of the carrying wheels is more than 50 mm, and more preferably more than 70 mm to provide enough free space below the support frame when the truck is in the upright position to allow the support frame to be tilted forward.

In one aspect of the invention, the truck is bottomless. There is no bottom, such as bottom plate or forks, protruding from the support frame for supporting the container. There is no need of any bottom for supporting the container since the load is taken by the carrying element during lifting of the container. It is advantageous not to have any bottom since it is difficult to enter the bottom under a fully loaded container before it is lifted.

In one aspect of the invention, the vertical distance between the carrying element and the lower points of the carrying wheels when the truck is in the upright position is more than 1 m, and preferably more than 1.1 m. The vertical distance between the carrying element and the lower points of the carrying wheels when the truck is in the upright position may vary depending on height of the flexible container when the container is stretched. The existing flexible containers are commonly larger than 1 m and accordingly the vertical distance between the carrying element and the lower points of the carrying wheels when the truck is in the upright position should be more than 1 m and preferably more than 1.1 m so that the container is stretched in the upright position.

In one aspect of the invention, the truck comprises at least one handle connected to an upper end of the support frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the support wheels are arranged at a distance from each other and so that free space is formed between the support wheels and the support frame for receiving the container. The support wheels and the support frame are arranged so that a space is defined between them for receiving the container. The distance between the support wheels is adapted to the width of the container so that the support wheels partly enclose the container and support the container. To adapt to a common flexible container, the distance between the support wheels preferably is more than 45 cm, and more preferably is more than 50 cm.

In one aspect of the invention, the support frame is enabled to pivot in relation to the support wheels about a transvers axis extending parallel to a rotational axis of the support wheels and at a distance from the rotational axis (R2) of the support wheels. Further, the support wheels have a rotational axis in parallel with a rotational axis of the carrying wheels, and the transverse axis is parallel to the rotational axis of the carrying wheels.

In one aspect of the invention, the truck comprises a rotatable shaft rotatably connected to the support frame. The rotatable shaft defines the transverse axis. The rotatable shaft is fixedly connected to the support wheels. Thus, the support frame is able to pivot about the rotatable shaft.

In one aspect, the arms are attached to the rotatable shaft, and the support frame is arranged to pivot in relation to the support wheels about the rotational shaft.

In one aspect of the invention, the truck comprises a spring arrangement arranged between the support wheels and the support frame so that a spring force is acting on the support frame in a rearward direction when the support frame is in the forwardly tilted load position. The spring arrangement provides a force on the support frame towards the upright position which assists in stretching the container.

In one aspect of the invention, the spring arrangement is arranged between the support frame and the rotatable shaft.

In one aspect of the invention, the lowest points of the carrying wheels and the lowest points of the support wheels define a plane, the truck takes a rest position when there is no force acting on the handle and the spring arrangement is released, and the support frame is inclined an angle (a) between 5° and 15° in a forward direction with respect to an axis orthogonal to the plane, when the truck is in the rest position. In this embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the support member forms an angle that is more than 5° and less than 15° with respect to the plane. The spring arrangement is biased in the load position so that a force is acting on the support frame towards the rest position, and the spring arrangement is released in the rest position. When the truck is in use, the plane defined by the support wheels and the carrying wheels is a horizontal plane and the axis orthogonal to the plane is vertical. Thus, the support frame is slightly leaning forward in relation to the vertical axis when the truck is in the rest position. This means that there is a distance between a rear bottom part of the container and the support frame when the truck is in the rest position and the container is stretched. This distance makes it possible to roll the truck towards the container at the same time as the support frame is tilted backward and by that the lifting of the container is facilitated. In one aspect of the invention, the at least one carrying element comprises at least two spaced apart carrying elements. The carrying elements are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the at least one carrying element comprises at least three spaced apart carrying elements. The carrying elements are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the carrying element is provided with a plurality of ridges in order to increase the friction of the surface of the carrying element and by that prevent the loop of the container to glide off the carrying element.

In one aspect of the invention, the carrying element has an outer part protruding from the support frame, and the outer part is straight. The outer parts of the carrying element is straight, i.e. not bent as a hook. This facilitates for the carrying element to be inserted into the loop of the container and to be pulled out from the loop.

Suitably, the support frame and the carrying element are made of metal.

The present invention also relates to the use of the truck according to the invention for carrying flexible intermediate bulk containers provided with at least one loop, wherein the support frame is tilted towards the container to the forwardly tilted load position and the carrying element is threaded into the at least one loop of the container, and the truck is tilted backward to the upright position while the flexible container is stretched in a vertical direction, wherein the support wheels and the carrying wheels remain in contact with the ground while the support frame is tilted forward and backward between the upright position and the forwardly tilted load position.

Brief of the drawings

The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from behind of an example of a hand-operated truck according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a front view of the truck.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the truck from above.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of another example of the truck in a rest position.

Fig. 5 shows an example of a carrying element in more details.

Fig. 6 shows a side view of the truck in a load position in front of a flexible container.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of the truck in the rest position loaded with the container.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the truck loaded with the container in an upright position.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of the truck loaded with the container in a transport position.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of another example of the truck according to the invention. Detailed description

In the following, the truck will be described with reference to the use of lifting and carrying flexible containers. However, the use of the truck is not limited to carrying containers. The truck can be used for carrying many of different devices.

Figures 1, 2, and 3 show a first example of a hand-operated truck 1 according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a perspective view from behind of the truck, figure 2 shows a front view of the truck, and figure 3 shows the truck in a cross-sectional view from above. The truck 1 comprises an elongated support frame 3 having upper and lower ends 3a-b, and at least one handle 5 operatively connected to the upper end 3a of the support frame 3 as shown in figure 2. In this example, the truck comprises two spaced apart handles 5. However, the truck may have only one handle. In this example, the handles 5 are operatively arranged so that they project rearward ly from the support frame.

The truck comprises at least one carrying element 6 fixedly connected to the upper end 3a of the support frame and projecting forwardly from the support frame. In this example, the truck comprises a pair of spaced apart carrying elements 6 attached to the upper end 3a of the support frame. The carrying elements 6 are arranged at a distance from each other along an axis parallel to the rotational axis R1 of the carrying wheels. The carrying elements 6 are designed so that they can be treaded through the loops of a flexible container, and to carry the container when it is loaded. In an alternative embodiment, the truck may have one single carrying element or more than two carrying elements. Suitably, the support frame 3 and the carrying elements 6 are made of metal, for example, steel or aluminium.

The truck 1 further comprises a pair of rotatable carrying wheels 7 rotatably connected to the lower end 3b of the support frame. The support frame 3 is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels 7 between an upright position, as shown in figure 8, and a forwardly tilted load position, as shown in figure 7, and between the upright position and a rearwardly tilted transport position, as shown in figure 9.

To allow the support frame to be pivoted between the upright position and the forwardly tilted load position, the support frame is designed so that there is a free space 10 below the support frame 3 when the support frame is in the upright position, as shown in figure 2. To achieve the free space 10, the lower end 3b of the support frame ends at a distance dl from the lowest points 12 of the carrying wheels when the truck is in the upright position. The larger distance between the lowest points of the carrying wheels and the lower end of the support frame is, the larger is the angle the support frame can be tilted in the forward direction. Preferably, the vertical distance dl between the lower end of the support frame and the lowest points of the carrying wheels is more than 50 mm, and more preferably more than 70 mm to provide enough free space below the support frame when the truck is in the upright position to allow the support frame to be tilted forward. Preferably, the support frame is designed to allow the angle of the support frame in the forwardly tilted position to be more than 25° in relation to the upright position, more preferably more than 30° in relation to the upright position and most preferably more than 35 ⁰ in relation to the upright position. The more the support frame can be tilted, the greater adjustment of the height of the carrying elements in relation to the ground in the load position is possible.

The support frame can be designed in many ways. In this example, the support frame comprises a pair of spaced apart legs 14 extending between the lower end 3b and the upper end 3a of the support frame, and a plurality of first support members 16 extending between the legs in a transvers direction. The pair of legs 14 comprises first and second legs having upper ends and lower ends, and the at least one handle 5 comprises a first handle connected to the upper end of the first leg and a second handle connected to the upper end of the second leg, and the carrying elements comprise a first carrying element attached to the first leg and a second carrying element attached to the second leg. In this example, the support frame 3 further comprises two second support members 18 attached to the legs and extending along the legs, partly at a distance from the legs, in order to strengthen the support frame. The support frame 3 also comprises a first shaft 20 arranged between the pair of carrying wheels 7 and defining a common rotational axis R1 for the carrying wheels, as shown in figure 3. The carrying wheels are rotatably connected to the first shaft 20. The shaft 20 also defines a rotational axis for the tilting movements of the support frame 3 between the upright position and rearwardly tilted transport direction.

The truck comprises a pair of spaced apart rotatable support wheels 22 disposed at a distance d2 from the support frame 3 on a front side of the support frame, wherein the support wheels 22 are pivotally connected to the support frame 3 so that the support frame is allowed to pivot in relation to the support wheels, as shown in figure 3. The support wheels 22 are rotatable about a rotational axis R2, as shown in figure 3. The support wheels 22 and the support frame 3 are arranged so that a space 24 is defined between them for receiving the container, as shown in figure 2. The distance d3 between the support wheels, and the distance d2 between the support wheels and the support frame depends on the size of the container. The distance d3 between the support wheels is adapted to the width of the container so that the support wheels can partly enclose the container and support the sides of the container. For example, if the width of the container is 45x45 cm, the distance d3 between the support wheels 22 should be larger than 45 cm, and preferably larger than 50 cm so that there is enough space between the support wheels to receive the container. Further, the distance d2 between the support wheels 22 and the support frame should preferably be larger than 20 cm, and preferably larger than 30 cm so that the support wheels can support the sides of the container to prevent the container from swinging sideways.

The support frame is allowed to pivot in relation to the support wheels between the upright position and the forwardly tilted load position about a transverse rotational axis R3, as shown in figure 3. In this example, the truck comprises a second shaft 26 rotatably connected to the support frame and fixedly connected to the support wheels 22, and the second shaft 26 defines the rotational axis R3. The first shaft 20 and the second shaft 26 are arranged in parallel, as shown in figure 3. The first and the second shafts 20, 26 are also arranged in parallel with the rotational axis R2 of the support wheels. The second shaft 26 is arranged at a distance from the rotational axis R2 of the support wheels. In this example, the first and second shafts 20, 26 are arranged at a distance from each other. In this example, the support frame comprises two hollow sleeves 30 attached to the legs 14, and the second shaft 26 is running through the sleeves 30 to allow the second shaft 26 to be rotated with respect to the support frame about its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the support frame may comprise one single hollow sleeve attached to the legs 14.

The truck comprises two arms 28 arranged between the second shaft 26 and the support wheels 22. Each arm has one end attached to the second shaft 26 and the other end rotatably connected to one of the support wheels 22. In one aspect, the arms are articulated arms. The support wheels 22 are rotatably connected to the arms 28. In one embodiment, the arms 28 are fixedly attached to the second shaft 26. In an alternative embodiment, the two arms 28 28 are adjustably attached to the second shaft 26 so that the positions of the arms 28 are adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the second shaft 26, and by that the distance between the arms 28, and accordingly the distance between the support wheels, is adjustable. Thus, the distance between the support wheels can be adapted to containers of different sizes. This is, for example, achieved by having two second sleeves 32 fixedly connected to arms 28 disposed at opposite ends of the second shaft 26, and slidably arranged along the second shaft, as shown in figure 2. The second sleeves 32 are arranged movable along the second shaft and can be locked to the second sleeves 32 when the distance between the support wheels is desired. For example, the second sleeves are provided with a plurality of holes and can be locked to the second shaft by means of screws.

In one aspect, the support wheels are arranged movable relative the support frame between a folded position and an unfolded position. This will save space when the truck is not in use or transported. It is also possible to use the truck with the support wheels folded, which can be advantageous if the container is wider than the distance between the support wheels.

Figure 5 shows an example of a carrying element 6 in more details. The carrying element is designed so that it can be threaded through one of the loops of the container. The carrying element 6 is elongated. For example, the length of the carrying element is at least 3 cm, and preferably at least 4 cm. Preferably, the carrying element 6 has a straight outer part 35 to make it easier to thread the carrying element through the loop of the container. In this example, the outer part 35 extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the legs 14. However, the outer part 35 can also be slightly inclined upwards. In this example, the carrying element 6 is provided with a plurality of ridges in order to increase the friction of the surface of the carrying element and by that prevent the loops of the container to glide off the carrying element. However, the carrying element can be designed in different ways in order to increase the friction of the surface in contact with the loop. For example, the carrying element can be provided with recesses, ridges or grooves forming different patterns on the surface, or the surfaces of the carrying element can be covered with a material of high friction.

Optionally, the truck comprises a spring arrangement 38 arranged between the support wheels 22 and the support frame 3, as for example shown in figure 1. The spring arrangement 38 is arranged so that a spring force is acting on the support frame in a rearward direction when the support frame is in the forwardly tilted load position. The spring arrangement 38 provides a force on the support frame 3 towards the upright position. For example, the spring arrangement 38 comprises a spring 40, such as a gas spring or a pneumatic spring, arranged between the support frame 3 and the second shaft 26. In this example, the spring arrangement comprises a lever 41a attached to the second shaft. One end of the spring 40 is movably connected to the second shaft 26 via the first lever 41a. The other end of the spring 40 is movably connected to the support frame 3 via an attachment part 41b. In this example, the spring arrangement 38 is arranged between the second support members 18 of the support frame 3 and the second shaft 26. The truck will take a rest position when there is no force acting on the handle and the spring arrangement is released. In the rest position, the spring does not provide any force on the support frame. When the support frame is tilted forward, the spring arrangement will provide a force on the support frame in a rearward direction towards the rest position. The lowest points 12 of the carrying wheels 7 and the lowest points 42 of the support wheels 22 define a plane. In one example, the rest position is approximately aligned with the vertical line when the support wheels and the carrying wheels rest on a horizontal ground.

Figure 4 shows a side view of another example of the truck. Elements corresponding to the ones of the embodiment, shown in figure 1 - 10, are given the same reference numbers. In this example, the support frame is inclined an angle a in a forward direction with respect to an axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the lowest points 12 of the carrying wheels 7 and the lowest points 42 of the support wheels, when the truck is in the rest position. When the truck is positioned on the ground, the axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the lowest points 12 of the carrying wheels 7 and the lowest points 42 of the support wheels 22 is the vertical line L. Suitably, the angle a is between 5° and 15° when the truck is in the rest position, preferably the angle a is between 5° and 10°. For example, the angle a is about 6°.

In the following, operation of the truck during loading of a flexible container 45 provided with loops 46 will be explained with reference to the figures 6 - 9. Figure 6 shows the truck in a load position in front of the flexible container. Figure 7 shows the truck in the rest position loaded with the container. Figure 8 shows the truck loaded with the container in an upright position. Figure 9 shows the truck loaded with the container in a transport position. In a first step, the truck is moved close to the flexible container 45. In a next step, the support frame is tilted towards the container so that the flexible elements 6 are threaded into two of the loops 46 of the container, as shown in figure 6. When the carrying elements have been threaded through the loops 46 of the container, the truck is tilted backward to the rest position while the flexible container is stretched in a vertical direction, as shown in figure 7. Due to the fact that the support frame is inclined an angle a in a forward direction with respect to the vertical line, the longitudinal axis of the support frame is not parallel with the sides of the container, and the bottom of the container is at a distance from the lower end of the support frame, as shown in figure 7. In a next step, the truck is tilted further backward to the upright position at the same time as the carrying wheels and the support wheels are moved forward towards the container, as shown in figure 8. The container is now in contact with the support frame, and sides of the container are substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support frame. When the container rests on the support frame, the truck is tilted backward to the transport position, and by that the container is lifted from the ground, as shown in figure 9. During lifting of the container, the load on the carrying elements is vertical. The support frame works as a lever on the container when the support frame is moved backwards from the upright position to the rearwardly tilted position. The support frame supports the container when the truck is in the transport position and the carrying elements are at least partly unloaded. When the truck is to be unloaded, the support frame is tilted forward to the rest position, and the container reaches the ground in a vertical direction, which is advantageous for the user as well as for the ground and for the material in the container.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another example of a truck 50 according to the invention. Elements corresponding to the ones of the first embodiment, shown in figure 1 - 10, are given the same reference numbers. The truck 50 comprises a support frame 52 and three carrying elements 6a-c attached to the support fame 52. This truck 50 differs from the first embodiment in that it comprises three carrying elements 6a-c. The carrying elements 6a- b are arranged in the same way as in the first embodiment. The carrying elements 6a- b can be used to carry flexible containers having two loops on the same side of the container. One of the carrying elements 6c is arranged centrally on the support frame 52 and between the carrying elements 6a-b. The carrying element 6c can be used for another type of flexible containers having a large loop arranged on each side of the container. This embodiment makes it possible to carry two different types of containers. In an alternative embodiment, the truck may have only the carrying element 6c.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. For example, the number of carrying elements may vary. Further, the support frame can be designed in many other ways. For example, the support frame can be provided with support members to further support the container during transportation of the container, such as a pair of plates having a flat surface adapted to be in contact with the container. In an alternative embodiment, the support wheels can be excluded. The number of carrying elements can vary between one and more than two. The design of the carrying element can also vary. The truck can also be used to carry other devices, such as boards or beams, provided with some lifting elements, such as a strap or a strip.

Claims

1. A hand-operated truck (1; 50) comprising:

- an elongated support frame (3; 52), and

- a pair of rotatable carrying wheels (7) rotatably connected to a lower part (3b) of the support frame so that the support frame is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels between an upright position and a rearwardly tilted transport position, wherein the truck comprises at least one carrying element (6; 6a-c) connected to an upper part of the support frame (3; 52) and projecting forwardly from the support frame, and the support frame is pivotably arranged in relation to the carrying wheels between the upright position and a forwardly tilted load position, characterized in that the truck comprises a pair of spaced apart rotatable support wheels (22) disposed at a distance (d3) from the support frame (3; 52) on a front side of the support frame, and the support wheels are pivotally connected to the support frame so that the support frame is allowed to pivot in relation to the support wheels.

2. The truck according to claim 1, wherein the truck comprises two arms (28) pivotably connected to the support frame and each of the arms has one end connected to one of the support wheels.

3. The truck according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support frame (3; 52) is designed so that there is a free space (10) below the support frame when the support frame is in the upright position to allow the support frame to pivot in relation to the carrying wheels between the upright position and the forwardly tilted load position.

4. The truck according to claim 2, wherein the truck comprises a rotatable shaft (26) rotatably connected to the support frame, and the arms (28) are attached to the rotatable shaft (26), wherein the support frame (3; 52) is arranged to pivot in relation to the support wheels (22) about the rotational shaft.

5. The truck according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support wheels (22) are arranged at a distance (d3) from each other and so that free space (24) is formed between the support wheels and the support frame (3; 52) for receiving the container.

6. The truck according to any of the previous claims, wherein the truck comprises a spring arrangement (38) arranged between the support wheels (22) and the support frame (3; 52) so that a spring force is acting on the support frame in a rearward direction when the support frame is in the forwardly tilted load position.

7. The truck according to claim 6, wherein the truck comprises at least one handle (5) connected to an upper end (3a) of the support frame (3).

8. The truck according to claim 6 and 7, wherein the lowest points (12) of the carrying wheels (7) and the lowest points (42) of the support wheels (22) define a plane, the truck takes a rest position when there is no force acting on the handle (5) and said spring arrangement is released, and the support frame (3; 52) is inclined an angle (a) between 5° and 15° in a forward direction with respect to an axis orthogonal to said plane, when the truck is in the rest position.

9. The truck according to any of the previous claims, wherein said at least one carrying element comprises at least two spaced apart carrying elements (6a-c).

10. The truck according to any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one carrying element (6; 6a-c) has an outer part (35), and the outer part is straight.

11. Use of the truck (1) according to any of the claims 1 - 10 for carrying flexible intermediate bulk containers (45) provided with at least one loop (46), wherein the support frame is tilted towards the container to the forwardly tilted load position and the carrying element (6; 6a-c) is threaded into the at least one loop (46) of the container, and the truck is tilted backward to the upright position while the flexible container is stretched in a vertical direction, wherein the support wheels (22) and the carrying wheels (7) remain in contact with the ground while the support frame is tilted forward and backward between the upright position and the forwardly tilted load position.