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Patent Abstract
A hand truck comprising a frame including a first frame portion
and a second frame portion, with the first frame portion being substantially
perpendicular to the second frame portion. The hand truck further
includes at least two first wheels connected to a lower section
of the frame, with the at least two first wheels having parallel
first axes of rotation. The hand truck also includes at least two
second wheels connected to the lower section of the frame, with
the at least two second wheels having parallel second axes of rotation.
The first axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to the
second axes of rotation, whereby the item placed on the first frame
portion can be moved in a first direction along a first line parallel
to the second axes of rotation and a second direction along a second
line parallel to the first axes of rotation.
Patent Claims
We claim:
1. A hand truck comprising: a frame comprising a first frame portion
and a second frame portion, with the first frame portion being substantially
perpendicular to the second frame portion, the frame being configured
to at least partially support an item on the first frame portion
when the first frame portion is resting on a surface, the frame
further being configured to at least partially support the item
on the first frame portion and at least partially support the item
on the second frame portion as the frame is rotated; at least two
first wheels connected to a lower section of the frame, the at least
two first wheels having parallel first axes of rotation; and at
least two second wheels connected to the lower section of the frame,
the at least two second wheels having parallel second axes of rotation;
wherein the first axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular
to the second axes of rotation whereby the item placed on the first
frame portion can be moved in a first direction along a first line
parallel to the second axes of rotation and a second direction along
a second line parallel to the first axes of rotation.
2. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein: the second frame portion
includes the lower section and a handle; the lower section including
a pair of side support rails; and the handle has a pair of support
tubes, the support tubes being configured to slide within the support
rails of the lower frame section to thereby selectively alter the
height of the second frame portion.
3. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein: the at least two first wheels
comprise three first wheels.
4. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein: the at least two first wheels
comprise two first wheels.
5. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein: the second axes are co-linear.
6. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein: the first wheels are located
between the second wheels and the first portion of the frame.
7. The hand truck of claim 1, wherein: the at least two first wheels
have a first lower extremity; the at least two second wheels have
a second lower extremity being positioned above the first lower
extremity of the first wheels when the first frame portion rests
on a surface; the item can be placed on the first frame portion
when the first frame portion rests on the surface; the frame can
be rotated about an axis parallel to the second axes to a first
position where the first wheels contact the surface, whereby the
hand truck can be moved on the first wheels in the first direction;
and the frame can be rotated about the axis parallel to the second
axes to a second position where the second wheels contact the surface,
whereby the hand truck can be moved on the second wheels in a second
direction.
8. The hand truck of claim 1, further including: horizontal extenders
configured to be connected to the lower portion of the frame, the
horizontal extenders extending from the first frame portion to thereby
extend a horizontal support area for supporting the item.
9. The hand truck of claim 1, further including: at least one support
configured to be connected to the frame, the at least one support
extending outwardly from each side of the frame to thereby at least
partially support the item as the frame is rotated.
10. A hand truck comprising: a frame comprising a first frame portion
and a second frame portion, the first frame portion being substantially
perpendicular to the second frame portion; at least two first wheels
connected to a lower portion of the frame, the at least two first
wheels having parallel first axes of rotation, the at least the
first wheels further having a first lower extremity; and at least
two second wheels connected to the lower portion of the frame, the
at least two second wheels having parallel second axes of rotation,
the second wheels further having a second lower extremity being
positioned above the first lower extremity of the first wheels when
the first frame portion rests on a surface; the first axes being
substantially perpendicular to the second axes; wherein an item
can be placed on the first frame portion when the first frame portion
rests on the surface; wherein the frame can be rotated about an
axis parallel to the second axes to a first position where the first
wheels contact the surface, whereby the hand truck can be moved
on the first wheels in a direction parallel to the second axes;
and wherein the frame can be rotated about the axis parallel to
the second axes to a second position where the second wheels contact
the surface, whereby the hand truck can be moved on the second wheels
in a direction parallel to the first axes or in a circle about the
second wheels.
11. The hand truck of claim 10, wherein: the second frame portion
includes the lower portion and a handle; the lower portion includes
a pair of side support rails; and the handle has a pair of support
tubes, the support tubes being configured to slide within the support
rails of the lower portion to thereby selectively alter the height
of the second frame portion.
12. The hand truck of claim 10, wherein: the at least two first
wheels comprise three first wheels.
13. The hand truck of claim 10, wherein: the at least two first
wheels comprise two first wheels.
14. The hand truck of claim 10, wherein: the second axes are co-linear.
15. The hand truck of claim 10, wherein: the first wheels are located
between the second wheels and the second frame portion of the frame.
16. The hand truck of claim 10, further including: horizontal extenders
configured to be connected to the lower portion of the frame, the
horizontal extenders extending from the first frame portion to thereby
extend a horizontal support area for supporting the item.
17. The hand truck of claim 10, further including: at least one
support configured to be connected to the frame, the at least one
support extending outwardly from each side of the frame to thereby
at least partially support the item as the frame is rotated.
Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention claims priority to Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/376,507, filed on Apr. 30, 2002 entitled HAND
TRUCK.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to hand trucks, and in particular
to hand trucks able to move in more than one direction.
[0003] Hand trucks are used to move large items that are not easily
lifted by hand. Typically, hand trucks are used in warehouses and
the like for moving merchandise about the warehouses and into and
out of trucks. Furthermore, hand trucks are used in the moving industry
for easily moving boxes full of personal items.
[0004] Heretofore, hand trucks have typically included a first
handle section and a second lifting section perpendicular to the
first handle section. The first handle section included a pair of
parallel wheels connected to a lower end of the handle section.
Items were moved using the hand trucks by placing the item on the
second lifting section and rotating the first handle section about
the wheels until the second lifting section is raised off the ground
and the hand truck is supported by the wheels. The item can then
easily be moved on the wheels. However, if only a little room is
available between the item and another item, a wall, etc., the hand
truck cannot typically be used to move the item because the wheels
can only move the hand truck towards or away from the item, or possibly
in a circular motion. Therefore, in situations where space is limited,
moving the hand truck towards or away from the item or in a circular
motion may not be available.
[0005] Accordingly, a hand truck solving the aforementioned disadvantages
and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a hand
truck comprising a frame including a first frame portion and a second
frame portion, with the first frame portion being substantially
perpendicular to the second frame portion. The frame is configured
to at least partially support an item on the first frame portion
when the first frame portion is resting on a surface. The frame
is further configured to at least partially support the item on
the first frame portion and at least partially support the item
on the second frame portion as the frame is rotated. The hand truck
further includes at least two first wheels connected to a lower
section of the frame, with the at least two first wheels having
parallel first axes of rotation. The hand truck also includes at
least two second wheels connected to the lower section of the frame,
with the at least two second wheels having parallel second axes
of rotation. The first axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular
to the second axes of rotation, whereby the item placed on the first
frame portion can be moved in a first direction along a first line
parallel to the second axes of rotation and a second direction along
a second line parallel to the first axes of rotation.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
hand truck comprising a frame including a first frame portion and
a second frame portion, with the first frame portion being substantially
perpendicular to the second frame portion. The hand truck also includes
at least two first wheels connected to a lower portion of the frame.
The at least two first wheels have parallel first axes of rotation
and a first lower extremity. The hand truck further includes at
least two second wheels connected to the lower portion of the frame.
The at least two second wheels have parallel second axes of rotation
and a second lower extremity. The second lower extremity of the
at least two second wheels is positioned above the first lower extremity
of the first wheels when the first frame portion rests on a surface.
The first axes are substantially perpendicular to the second axes.
An item can be placed on the first frame portion when the first
frame portion rests on the surface. Furthermore, the frame can be
rotated about an axis parallel to the second axes to a first position
where the first wheels contact the surface, whereby the hand truck
can be moved on the first wheels in a direction parallel to the
second axes. Moreover, the frame can be rotated about the axis parallel
to the second axes to a second position where the second wheels
contact the surface, whereby the hand truck can be moved on the
second wheels in a direction parallel to the first axes or in a
circle about the second wheels.
[0008] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification,
claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment
of a hand truck of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment
of the hand truck of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hand truck in a loading position.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the hand truck in a first movement
position.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the hand truck in a second movement
position.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment
of the hand truck of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment
of the hand truck of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of extenders used with the
hand truck of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the extenders connected
to the hand truck.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of supports used with the
hand truck of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the supports connected
to the hand truck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear,"
"front," "vertical," "horizontal,"
and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated
in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may
assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings,
and described in the following specification are simply exemplary
embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.
Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating
to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as
limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0021] The reference number 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a
hand truck embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example,
the hand truck 10 comprising a frame 12 including a first frame
portion 14 and a second frame portion 16. The frame 12 is configured
to at least partially support an item on the first frame portion
14 when the first frame portion 14 is resting on a surface 20 (see
FIG. 3). The frame 12 is further configured to at least partially
support the item on the first frame portion 14 and at least partially
support the item on the second frame portion 16 as the frame 12
is rotated. The hand truck 10 further includes at least two first
wheels 22 connected to a lower section 24 of the frame 12, with
the at least two first wheels 22 having parallel first axes of rotation.
The hand truck 10 also includes at least two second wheels 28 connected
to the lower section 24 of the frame 12, with the at least two second
wheels 28 having parallel second axes of rotation. The first axes
of rotation are substantially perpendicular to the second axes of
rotation, whereby the item placed on the first frame portion 14
can be moved in a first direction 32 along a first line parallel
to the second axes of rotation and a second direction 34 along a
second line parallel to the first axes of rotation.
[0022] In the illustrated example, the frame 12 includes the first
frame portion 14 configured to accept the item thereon and the second
frame portion 16 used to move the first frame portion 14. The second
frame portion 16 comprises a pair of side support rails 36 connected
by an upper cross support 38 and a lower cross support 40. A nose
plate 44 is connected to lower ends of the side support rails 36.
The nose plate 44 includes a first section 46 and a perpendicular
second section 48. The first section 46 is connected to the side
support rails 36 and the second section 48 extends outwardly from
the first section 46. The frame 12 also includes a handle 42 and
a wheel support structure 47. In the illustrated example, the second
frame portion 16 includes the pair of side support rails 36, the
upper cross support 38, the lower cross support 40, the handle 42,
the wheel support structure 47 and the first section 46 of the nose
plate 44. Likewise, the first frame portion 14 includes the second
section 48 of the nose plate 44. Although the frame 12 is shown
as including a skeleton frame, the frame 12 could include a solid
body or any other frame configuration.
[0023] The illustrated handle 42 of the second frame portion 16
of the frame 12 easily moves the lower section 24 of the second
frame portion 16 and the first frame portion 14. The handle 42 includes
a U-shaped grip 60 and a handle cross-support 62. The U-shaped grip
60 includes a pair of telescoping support tubes 64 connected by
a gripping section 66. The handle cross-support 62 extends between
the support tubes 64 and is parallel to the gripping section 66.
Each of the support tubes 64 is configured to be telescopingly inserted
into the side support rails 36. The support tubes 64 include a plurality
of holes 67 adapted to align with one set holes 68 through the side
support rails 36. A pin 70 is placed through the holes 68 in the
side support rails 36 and the aligned holes 67 of the support tubes
64. The holes 68 in the side support rails 36 are adapted to align
with several holes 67 in the support tubes 64 as the support tubes
64 are telescoped into and out of the side support rails 36, to
thereby selectively alter the height of the second frame portion
16.
[0024] In the illustrated example, the first wheels 22 and the
second wheels 28 are connected to the lower section 24 of the frame
12 and allow the hand truck 10 to move easily in two linear directions
or in a circular direction. The wheel support structure 47 connects
the first wheels 22 and the second wheels 28 to the side support
rails 36. The wheel support structure 47 includes a U-shaped wheel
support plate 72 extending rearwardly from the side support rails
36 and the first section 46 of the nose plate 44. The first wheels
22 are located in a line and are connected to the U-shaped wheel
support plate 72. A rib 74 extends between the U-shaped wheel support
plate 72 and the first section 46 of the nose plate 44, between
each of the first wheels 22. In the illustrated example, the at
least two first wheels 22 includes three first wheels 22. The wheel
support structure 47 further includes a pair of wheel housings 76
extending rearwardly from the U-shaped wheel support plate 72. Each
of the wheel housings 76 have one of the second wheels 28 located
therein. Preferably, the second wheels 28 have co-linear axes of
rotation. A strut 78 extends from the rear of each wheel housing
76 to the upper cross support 38 to provide stability to the wheel
support structure 47.
[0025] The illustrated hand cart 10 is preferably used by first
placing the first frame portion 14 on the surface 20 (see FIG. 3)
in a loading position and placing the item on the first frame portion
14. The second frame portion 16 is then rotated until the first
wheels 22 contact the surface 20. Once the first wheels 22 contact
the surface 20, the first frame portion 14 is off of the surface
20 (FIG. 4). The hand cart 10 is then in a first movement position,
allowing the hand cart 10 to be moved in the first direction 32
along a first line parallel to the second axes of rotation of the
second wheels 28. The second frame portion 16 can then be further
rotated until the second wheels 28 contact the surface 20. As illustrated
in FIG. 3, the first wheels 22 have a first lower extremity 80 and
the second wheels 28 have a second lower extremity 82 being positioned
above the first lower extremity 80 of the first wheels 22 when the
first frame portion 14 rests on the surface 20. Once the second
wheels 28 contact the surface 20, the first frame portion 14 and
the first wheels 22 are off the surface and the hand cart 10 is
in a second movement position. In the second movement position,
the hand cart 10 can be moved in the second direction 34 along a
second line parallel to the first axes of rotation of the first
wheels 22. Accordingly, the frame 12 at least partially supports
the item on the first frame portion 14 when the first frame portion
14 is resting on the surface and at least partially supports the
item on the first frame portion 14 and the second frame portion
16 as the frame 12 is rotated.
[0026] The reference numeral 10a (FIGS. 6-7) generally designates
another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment
for the hand truck. Since the hand truck 10a is similar to the previously
described hand truck 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-2 and
FIGS. 6-7, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding
reference number, except for the suffix "a" in the numerals
of the latter. The second embodiment of the hand truck 10a is identical
to the previously described hand truck 10, except that the second
embodiment of the hand truck 10a has smaller lateral dimensions,
only two first wheels 22a, a middle cross support 90 extending between
the pair of side support rails 36a and located between the upper
cross support 38a and the lower cross support 40a, and a middle
support rail 92 extending between the upper cross support 38a and
the lower cross support 40a and located between the pair of side
support rails 36a. Furthermore, the struts 78a in the second embodiment
of the hand truck 10a are connected at an upper end thereof to the
middle cross support 90. The second embodiment of the hand truck
10a is used in the same manner as the first embodiment of the hand
truck 10 and can be moved in the first direction 32 and the second
direction 34.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates an extender 100 that can be used with
the hand truck 10 and 10a to extend a horizontal support area for
supporting the item. The extender 100 is preferably made from one
piece of metal and includes a flat support section 102 and a hooking
section 104 connected to the flat support section 102. The hooking
section 104 includes an inverted U-shaped segment 106 and a lip
section 108. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a pair of the extenders 100
are used by placing the U-shaped segment 106 of the hooking section
104 over the first section 46 of the nose plate 44 and the U-shaped
wheel support plate 72. The lip section 108 of the U-shaped segment
106 of the hooking section 104 then hooks under the U-shaped wheel
support plate 72 and the flat support section 102 of the extender
100 rests on the second section 48 of the nose plate 44. Accordingly,
the support area for the item placed on the second section 48 of
the nose plate 44 is enlarged, thereby allowing the hand truck 10
and 10a to easily carry items having a large horizontal cross section.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a support 110 that can be used with
the hand truck 10 and 10a to extend a vertical support area for
supporting the item. The support 110 includes a main bar 112 having
a pair of inverted U-shaped hooks 114 extending therefrom and a
T-shaped side bar 116 extending from each side of the main bar 112.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the support 110 is used by placing main
bar 112 adjacent a rear side of the lower cross support 40. The
hooks 114 hook around a top of the lower cross support 40 to maintain
the support 110 in position. Accordingly, the support 110 extends
outwardly from each side of the frame 12 to thereby at least partially
support the item 120 as the frame 12 is rotated. It is contemplated
that the support 100 could be connected to the upper cross support
38 or more than one support 110 could be used, with each support
connected to a cross support.
[0029] In the forgoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following
claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
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