GB2467314A - A wheelbarrow with a wheel having a ratchet operable by user's thumb while gripping handle - Google Patents

Abstract

A wheelbarrow comprises a ratchet mechanism (not shown) engaging a wheel, the ratchet having an operating means 20 located on the handle 16 and located so as to be operable by a user's thumb while the operating hand grips the handle. The ratchet operator may be a lever 20 operable to engage/release the ratchet. The lever may assume a Z-shape operable in one direction by the thumb press 28, and the opposite direction by the remaining fingers pushing on member 128. Flicking the hand operated lever in one direction preferably brings a pawl in engagement with a toothed wheel, while the opposite direction releases it. A locking pin may further be provided to lock the lever in a chosen position. A wheelbarrow with two wheels each having its own ratchet and operating lever is also envisaged. The two-wheeled barrow is envisaged being taken up a ramp by zigzagging. A rod may link the lever to the ratchet.

Description

(MPROVENIENTS TO WHEELBARROWS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to wheelbarrows and is applicable to both the single and the two wheeled varieties as well as to balL-wheeled barrows. More specifica1lj, the invention relates to wheelbarrows with ratchet mechanisms.

Problems to be solved * * * This application details developments of the ratchet equipped wheelbarrow featured in S...

PCT application GB2007/004381. The new barrow configurations provide solutions to many of the same problems discussed in GB20071004381. It is therefore appropriate to reiterate what is written therein (at page 1, lines 26-3'I): **5* Si s.. "The first disadvantage of conventional wheelbarrows is that there is no convenient means.

other than putting then down orby application of the operator's strength, for preventing them from running back down a steep incline or ramp. The second obseived disadvantage is that there is no convenient means for preventing the wheelbarrow from niovingforwardor back when shovelling out the contents." In addition, this invention aims to solve problems related specifically to wheelbarrows with ratchets, namely providing a ratchet assisted wheelbarrow wherein the ratchet is readlly controllable by the user, and more specifically providing means by which the user can operate the mechanism white using the barrow itself. More control leads to increased efficiency and enhanced safety for the user.

In addition, some embodiments of the wheelbarrow provide means whereby a barrow may be wheeled up or down a ramp with increased control. A technique for so doing wilt be

outlined in the detailed description.

Review of Art known t the Applicant As well as GBZOO7/004381 itself, which this Application builds on, the Applicant knows of the following published patent specifications which are relevant to this invention: GB593830 (Turner) G81007221 (Rustori) DE3934234 (Roetzel) Turner's GB filing uses a ratchet activated by tipping a barrow to hold it while it is emptied (see figure 1 and page 1 lines 64-89). Ruston's GB filing is related to wheelbarrows with engines, but envisages using a ratchet and pawl gearing to allow the wheeLs to move at * different speeds when going around corners (see figure 3 and page 3 lines 69-76). Roetzel's filing is in German, but the translation for the abstract says: * 25 *..* "The wheelbarrow has two pairs of pneumatic wheels. The lower wheels (5) are set on the outside of two support consoles on the barrow frame and the upper wheels (26) are set on the inside of the consoles, inside the line of the lower wheels. The axle spacing is * approx. half a step height and the wheels have diameters greater than the step height. The wheels can be braked by a ratchet brake which allows the barrow to be pulled up the steps.

For level transport the brake is released. ADVANTAGE -Safe movement up steps, smooth pulling action for negotiating steps." None of these previous patent applications solves the problems listed above.

"The disadvantages of the conventional wheelbarrow are overcome by attaching to the wheel or wheels a reversible ratchet or ratchets or opposing ratchets. Whichever arrangement is used there would be a neutral position permitting conventional operation of the wheelbarrow. Ratchets both reversible with a neutral position and non reversible types that can be disengaged are well known. The direction of the ratchet effect can be selected either directly at the wheel or wheels or from the operating position or by the use of any other known means.

Setting the ratchet in forward only mode substantially prevents the wheelbarrow from attempting to run back down a slope when this is undesirable.

Setting the ratchet in one or other direction substantially prevents the wheelbarrow from moving inconveniently when shovelling out the contents from it in the opposite direction to the ratchet setting.

The means to do this can be selected from known alternatives as exemplified by the prior

patent specifications listed above.

The citations brought forth against G82007/004381 also form part of the known art but are not relevant to this application, because the search was focussed on ramps and therefore did not yield any barrow inventions. * U S *5 S

Summary of the invention

*:: 25 in a first broad, independent aspect, the invention comprises a wheelbarrow, comprising one or more wheels, at least one ratchet mechanism in releasable engagement with said wheel or wheels, wherein when said ratchet mechanism is in a wheel engaging position movement of said wheels or wheels in at [east one of a clockwise direction and an anti- :. clockwise direction is substantially prevented, a frame comprising one or more handles; and ratchet operation means, said ratchet operation means comprising a user interface attached to at least one handle, said user irvter:f ace being so positioned that the user is able to operate it with the thumb of his operating hand, whilst the other digits of said operating hand are holding the handle to support the barrow, to move the ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position or vice versa.

The invention dearly provides a considerable advantage over those that have gone before by providing a very easy to control ratchet mechani5m. This allows for the precise controlung of the ratchet mechanism, thereby quickly enabling or preventing the unwanted movement of the barrow in a given direction.

In a first subsidiary aspect, the ratchet operation means comprises a user interface attached to at least one handle, said user interface being so positioned that the user is able to operate ft with the thumb of his operating hand, whilst the other digits of said operating hand are holding the handle to support the barrow, to move the ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position and vice versa.

It is particularly advantageous to be able to be able to move the ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position and vice versa because it gives the user choice as to the manner in which the barrow is controlled.

In a second subsidiary aspect, the user interface of the ratchet operation means is so positioned that the user is able to operate it with the thumb of his operating hand and one or more other digits.

This is advantageous in that by utilisirig one or more digits of the hand, the provision of a two way push-push mechanism is facilitated. A further advantage is that by providing such a mechanism, the risk of thumb strain can be reduced.

b 25 In a third subsidiary aspect, the user interface of the ratchet operation means comprises a * Z shaped piece, the upper part of which is operable by the thumb and the lower part of which extends under the handle and is operable by one or more other digits.

This is a particularly user friendly configuration, and is also relatively simple and easy to * . construct.

By Z-Shaped' we mean to include any mechanism in which one portion, spaced from a second portion by a common connecting portion, projects from said common connecting portion in a direction generally opposite that in which the other portion projects. Thus, a so-called "S-shaped" mechanism would be included.

In a fourth subsidiary aspect the user interface further comprises releasable locking means for releasably locking the ratchet into one or more of the wheel engaging position and the non wheel engaging position.

The provision of locking means provides the further advantage of allowing a system where a single touch of the ratchet operating means locks the ratchet into either an on or and off position, therefore dispensing with the need to apply constant pressure to retain the ratchet in that position.

The locking means may either be integrated into the ratchet operation means, or may be operated by a separate controL Clearly, while the former has alt the ease of operation advantages of any system with a single control, the latter provides the user with the choice as to whether to lock or to use the manual control. The locking function will be of particular use in that it provides means for the longterm neutralisation of the ratchet function.

In a fifth subsidiary aspect, the releasable locking means is so positioned that the user is able to operate it with the thumb of his operating hand, whilst the other digits of said operating hand are holding the handle to support the barrow.

This allows the advantages of the invention of claim 1 to be retained, namely that even *. : with the introduction of the locking means, the more controllable barrow configuration is I... * S

retained. * 25

S.....

:...: In a sixth subsidiary aspect, the releasable locking means comprises a pin. S...

Using a pin as a part of the locking means is clearly advantageous in terms of its simplicity.

:.. Further, a pin mechanism is advantageous over, for example, a threaded screw in that a pin may simply be pushed in and out of position and may therefore be used for quick adjustments with a single movement. Thus the use of a pin mechanism makes the locking means quicker and more instinctive to use, which affords the user of the barrow still more control over the barrow, leading to further safety and efficiency gains.

In a seventh subsidiary aspects the invention further comprises a first wheel. and a second wheeL a first ratchet mechanism reteasably engaged to said first wheel and a second ratchet mechanism releasabty engaged to said second wheel; and fir5t and second ratchet operation mens the first ratchet operation means 50 configured as to enable the user to move the first ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position and vice versa, and a second ratchet operation means so configured as to enable the user to move the second ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position and vice versa.

The two wheel, two ratchet combination allows for the user to move the barrow up or down an incline in a manner outlined in the detailed description below. The manner of movement is advantageous in that it alLows the user to push heavy loads up a slope more easily.

In an eighth subsidiary aspect at Least one ratchet mechanism is connected to the ratchet operation means via a rod.

The rod provides a particularly durable form means of connection.

The invention also comprises wheelbarrows substantially as disclosed herein with reference to and as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text andlor drawings. e..

* Brief description of the uigures

The invention will be illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: *..* *** Figure lisa perspective view of a barrow. ** ** * * * * *

Figure 2 is an elevationat underside view of a barrow.

Figure 3 is an elevational side view of a handle and ratchet operation means.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a ratchet mechanism.

Figures 5, 5a and Sb are etevational top views of a barrow on a slope, together illustrating the movement of said barrow up said slope.

Figure 6 is an elevational side view of a handle and ratchet operation means.

Figure 7 is an elevationat side view of a handle and ratchet operation means.

Figure 8 is an elevationat back view of a handle arid ratchet operation means.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates a wheelbarrow, indicated generally at 2. The wheelbarrow 2 comprises a frame 4 and a wheel 6. The wheel 6 is attached to the frame 4 by means of an axle 8.

Notably, the wheeLbarrow 2 in this illustration lacks a bucket, tray or other such means for carrying material. This omission is for the purposes of clearer illustration of the inventive concept, but usually a bucket would be attached to frame 4.

The frame 4 is of a type known to the skilled man, and is here made of an arrangement of metal or alloy tubes, but may advantageously be of other materials. It may thus be varied accordingly. In brief the frame compri5es two U-shaped ground engaging portions 10 these portions 10 are advantageously U-shaped, said shape preventing them from sinking into the ground when wheelbarrow 2 is set down by providing a relatively large surFace area.

The frame 4 furthercomprises two handles 12. The handles 12 are arranged in such a way * : ..: 25 that at the point of which the handles join the frame 14, they are closer together than at the point 16 at which the user would grasp handle 12. The handles 12 are further arranged * . .e so that at the point 16 at which the user would grasp handle 12, they are significantly *... higher from the ground than the crest of the wheel 6 thereby allowing the user to pivot the wheelbarrow about U-shaped ground engaging portions 10.

The wheelbarrow 2 further comprises a ratchet mechanism 18. The ratchet mechanism is in releasable engagement with the wheel 6. In this embodiment the ratchet mechanism 18 prevents the movement of wheel 6 in an antictockwise direction, which is to say that it prevents the wheelbarrow 2 from dropping back onto the user when said user is pushing it up a slope. Such a ratchet allows the user to rest the load on the ratchet mechanism 18 when not pushing, thus giving him the opportunity to rest. Ratchet mechanism 18 may be configured to stop clockwise movement, orto incorporate a settabte ratchet mechanism, operable at the user's choice to engage in forward, backward, or neutral. modes. This mechanism can be selected frorri known alternatives.

Attached to a handle 12 of the wheelbarrow 2 is ratchet operation means 20.

Communication between the ratchet mechanism 18 and ratchet operation means 20 is effected by line 22. Said Line 22 may either be a rod or a cable.

At figure 3 is shown generally handle 12 upon which is mounted ratchet operation means 20. Ratchet operation means 20 is pivotally mounted via lever pivot 24. In use, the user would operate ratchet operation means 20 with the thumb of his operating hand whilst the other digits of the operating hand are holding the handle to support the barrow 2. He is would hold grip portion 26 of handle 12. The operation of ratchet operation means 20 is facilitated by thumb press 28.

In use, the user operates thumb press 28 by applying pressure to it. This causes ratchet operation means 20 to pivot about lever pivot 24 thereby applying pressure to actuator rod 3D causing said actuator rod 30 to disengage ratchet mechanism 18 (not shown) with wheel 6 (aLso not shown). a...

*..* : Alternatively, as in figure 6, pressure on thumb press 28 couLd be configured to make actuator rod 30 cause ratchet mechanism 18 (not shown) to engage with wheel 6 (aLso not shown). Here the actuator rod has been positioned in relation to lever pivot 24 so that a.....

when thumb press 28 is pressed by the user, it causes actuator rod 3D to be pulled towards the point 16 at which the user would grasp handle 12, rather than be pushed away from it.

s... In this embodiment backstop 90 has been added to the handle 12 configuration. The * a..

backstop 90 ensures that thumb press comes to rest in substantially the same place when it is not being used.

A further alternative which may be envisaged is that thumb press 28 would serve to operate as a "gear shift", for shifting between forward, reverse and neutral settings of an embodiment of the ratchet mechanism 18. The internal gear mechanisms which would achieve this are known in themselves.

Returning to figure 3, In this embodiment, thumb press 28 defauLts to the engagement position by virtue of a spring (not shown). Disengagement and other modes are chosen by holding down the thumb press more or less against the spring.

In some embodiments, pressing thumb press 28 may also cause the engagement of Locking pin 32 with Locking pin register 34, as ratchet operation means rotates clockwise about [ever pivot 24. The engagement will lock the ratchet operation means 20 into either a position wherein the ratchet mechanism 18 is either engaged or disengaged -this depends on the configuration of the other parts. Locking pin 32 may be disengaged in any manner known to the skilled man, which may include further movement of ratchet operation means 20 or may alternatively involve the rotation, pushing or pulling of locking pin 32.

Locking pin 32 is therefore a key part of the releasable Locking means. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the ratchet operation means 20 is facilitated by return spring 34.

Figure 4 iflustrates an embodiment of a ratchet mechanism 18. Engagement and disengagement of the ratchet mechanism 18 is governed by a push rod 36. The ratchet mechanism 18 here comprises a ratchet wheel 38. In this figure, the ratchet wheel 38 is shown with only four teeth 40. This, it should be noted, is for reason of illustrative purposes only -in all embodiments, the operating ratchet will have a much larger number of teeth. : 25

: ..: The application of force to the thumb press 28 (not shown) of the ratchet operation means S...

(also not shown) will serve to move the push rod 36 into contact with ratchet pawl 42. I...

Ratchet pawl 42 is then caused to disengage from ratchet wheel 38. In this embodiment :* this engagement serves to stop the movement of the barrow axle 48 in a clockwise direction; i.e. it stops the barrow 2 from moving back onto the user. A return spring 44 is optionally provided in order that when pressure to the push rod 36 is no longer applied the push rod 36 will returned promptly to its non-engaged position by the extension of said return spring 44. This process of engagement and disengagement is facilitated by the presence of pivot 46 about which the ratchet putt 42 pivots, and guide 48 which surrounds push rod 36 and ensures it is kept within the correct place.

Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the wheelbarrow 2 on a slope 58, said slope 58 not being a part of the invention. Wheelbarrow 2 comprises a first wheel 60 and second wheel 62 said first wheel 60 having a first ratchet mechanism 64 (not shown) arid said second wheel 62 having a second ratchet mechanism 66 (not shown). Each of the first ratchet mechanism 64 is controlled by a first ratchet operation means 68 and the second ratchet mechanism 66 is controlled by a second ratchet operation means 70 each of these is mounted to a handle 12 separate ratchet operation means 68, 70 for each of the first and second wheeLs 60 and 72 allows for this embodiment of the wheelbarrow 2 to be used in a very particular way. Thus, from the even position in figure 6, wheelbarrow 2 can be moved up slope 58 in a two step fashion. With both ratchet mechanisms engaged, on arriving at the bottom of the slope 58, the wheelbarrow 2 would be swung to one side by the user causing the first wheel to advance a distance up the slope 58, after which it would be caught by first ratchet mechanism 64. The first wheel6O then acts as a pivot point for when the wheelbarrow 2 is next swung in the opposite direction, until the second wheel 62 with its second ratchet mechanism 66 engaged had advanced beyond the first wheel 60 where it would in turn be caught by the second ratchet mechanism 66. The second wheel 62 would when become the pivot point for a further swing of the first wheel 60. The described movement may of course be repeated at the users convenience.

: A further advantage of the two wheeled barrow 56 is that if an ascent is aborted, or is required to be reversed down a slope, the provision of separately controlled ratchet *: 25 mechanisms 64 66 for each wheel 60, 62 allows for a controlled descent, effectively reversing the movement described above, and using first ratchet operation means 68 and * *** second ratchet operation means 70 alternately to allow the wheelbarrow 56 to be pivoted on each wheel in turn. This makes descent relatively easy, even with a fully laden barrow. ** *. * S S * S

In figure Sa the first ratchet mechanism 64 is on and the 5econd ratchet mechanism is off force 72 indicated by the arrow corresponding perhaps to the strength of a user is applied to the side on which ratchet mechanism 2 is to be found and the wheelbarrow is moved forward while being pivoted about the first wheel 60. At figure Sb the opposite occurs namely that while the second ratchet mechanism 66 is applied the first ratchet mechanism 64 is taken off and force 72 is applied to the side pertaining to the first ratchet mechanism 64. In this way these may be able to push a heavier toad up a hilt by transferring alt of his force onto either one side or the other of the wheeLbarrow 56 whilst maintaining a "break" in the form of one of ratchet mechanisms 64 and 66.

An alternative embodiment of the handle 12 is shown at figure 7, this features alternative Locking means in the form of a frictional Fit. The ratchet operation means 20 is attached to handle 12 via [ever pivot 24, and is there provided with sufficient friction to hold and maintain ratchet operation means 20 securely in any mode chosen, including engagement and disengagement of ratchet mechanism 18 (not shown). The provision of the friction attachment makes the need for locking means optional, because there is no longer a spring to defy. This embodiment also has the advantage of being operable by both thumb and index finger, and to this end both a thumb press 28 and a finger press 120 are provided.

Notably, finger press 120 extends under handle 12. Thumb press 28 and finger press 120 is form the respective upper and bwer parts of Z shaped piece. Either digit can be used to control the engagement and disengagement of the ratchet mechanism 18.

Figure 8 shows, generally, a handle 1?, onto which is attached ratchet operation means 20.

Seen from this angle, the frictional fit of ratchet operation means 20 to handle 12 is ensured by a combination of self locking nut 122, friction washer 124 and pivot bolt 126. * * * * S S... * p PS.. * 25 *... * S 5.. * . *555 S... * . S... *. ** * S * * S

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS1 A wheelbarrow, comprising; one or more wheels; at Least one ratchet mechanism in releasable engagement with said wheel or wheels, wherein when said ratchet mechanism is in a wheel engaging position movement of said wheels or wheels in at [east one of a clockwise direction and an anti-clockwise direction is substantially prevented; a frame comprising one or more handles; and ratchet operation means, said ratchet operation means comprising a user interface attached to at [east one handle, said user interface being so positioned that the user is able to operate it with the thumb of his operating hand, whilst the other digits of said operating hand are holding the handle to support the barrow, to move the ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position or vice versa.
2. 2 A wheelbarrow according to claim 1 wherein the ratchet operation means is configured to move the ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position and vice versa. S...
3. 3 A wheelbarrow according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface of the ratchet operation means is so positioned that the user is able to operate it with the thumb of his operating hand and one or more other digits. * S.. S...

   * *...
4. 4 A wheelbarrow according to claim 3 wherein the user interface of the ratchet operation means comprises a Z shaped piece, the upper part of which is operable by the thumb and the lower part of which extends under the handle and is operable by one or more other digits.
5. A wheelbarrow according to any of the preceding claims wherein the user interface further comprise5 releasable locking means for releasabty locking the ratchet into one or more of the wheel engaging position and the non wheel engaging position.
6. 6 A wheelbarrow according to either of the preceding claims wherein the releasable locking means is so positioned that the user is able to operate it with the thumb of his operating hand, whilst the other digits of 5aid operating hand are holding the handle to support the barrow.

   -io
7. 7 A wheelbarrow according to any of the preceding claims wherein the releasable locking means comprises a pin.
8. 8 A wheelbarrow according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a first wheel and a second wheel, a first ratchet mechanism releasably engaged to said first wheel and a second ratchet mechanism releasabty engaged to said second wheel; and first and second ratchet operation means, the first ratchet operation means so configured as to enabte the user to move the first ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position and vice versa, and a second ratchet operation means so configured as to enable the user to move the second ratchet from a wheel engaging position to a non wheel engaging position and vice versa.S's
9. 9 A wheelbarrow according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least one ratchet mechanism is connected to the ratchet operation means via a rod. "S

   S I S.'.
10. 10 A wheelbarrow, substantially as disclosed herein with reference to and as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text andlor drawings S...S S... *. * S *