GB2469040A

GB2469040A - Hand truck with powered lifting mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2469040A
Application number: GB0905464A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Simon Erskine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-31
Filing date: 2009-03-31
Publication date: 2010-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-31
Also published as: GB0905464D0; GB2469040B

Abstract

A trolley or hand truck (1 fig 3) includes a powered lifting mechanism for raising the load plate (5 fig 3) vertically. The power supply for the lifting mechanism may be located within a wheel or in the trolley frame, preferably low down in the frame. The lifting mechanism may be a lead screw (10 fig 1) driven by a battery powered electric motor (7 fig 1), the battery being located in one wheel (3a fig 1) and the battery 8 in another wheel (3b fig 1). The trolley frame may comprise a single spine (2 fig 3) containing the lead screw. The load plate (5a, 5b fig 3) may be extendable by powered means. Warning indicators, a handle (4 fig 3), a stand 18, brakes and weighing means may be provided.

Description

A LIFTING DEVICE

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the manual moving of heavy loads. More particularly it relates to the transporting and assisted lifting of items on a trolley, sack truck or sack barrow.

Backcround of Invention The lifting of loads vertically is often an exercise that proves the end of many backs. Despite exhortations to bend the knees it is difficult to straight lift a heavy weight and becomes a problem for the less able and elderly. There is a growing tendency to live longer and stay active. In addition to avoid storing up problems for later life.

Lower back injures are often caused by people lifting an item that they have transported on a hand trolley truck, hand cart or sack barrow. Such people have recognised the load as a potential danger and are using a means of transport to move it, but at one end or the other of a journey the load is usually lifted manually. This results in back injuries, leading to serious trauma, surgical intervention, and long-term illness and incapacity. This in turn is costly to the economy.

According to the US Department for Labour Quoted Statistics lower back pain is the most common and costly musculoskeletal disorder in the USA. In 1998 total health care expenditure attributed to back pain reached $90.7 billion and this is continuing to rise. Three out of four work injuries in the US are due to lifting.

According to the UK Health & Safety Executive lifting items over 25kg results in excess of 4.9 million lost working days per annum due to lower back injury and long-term injuries. It is estimated that 12.3 Million working days, due to lower back pain and injuries attributed to lifting and straining.

I

An effective lifting and moving device is therefore required in many different locations, including the domestic environment and the business and public environment, including factories, libraries, shops and retail, museums and art galleries.

Prior Art

Trolley trucks or sack barrows are used to lift loads off the floor by tipping them back onto the truck so the weight moves to the plinth resting against the back of the truck. They are designed to move heavy loads from one p'ace to another in the horizontal plane. An added benefit is the ability to carry a load up different levels by reversing up them and stepping up wheel by wheel.

This is achievable by virtue of the changed centre of balance of the load onto and above the wheels, requiring less direct lifting force and having the ability to pivot.

Some of these use winches or pulleys to wind the loads up in a vertical plane.

These devices may be electrically powered, typically by a battery. Said trolleys typically have the winching mechanism, and battery if included, at the top of the trolley near the handle in order to facilitate the operator's control.

This typically means that the bulky mechanism needed to lift the load is located in a visible position, prone to compromise and interference from external objects and not aesthetically pleasing. In addition it alters the weight balance of the truck, more particularly the vertical centre of gravity. Preferably a trolley truck has its weight as low as possible and directly above and close to the wheels. In this way the load is easiest to move.

Having the lifting mechanism located at the top of the back of the trolley creates a higher centre of gravity, compounded when the trolley is loaded.

Raising the centre of gravity additionally makes the truck more prone to instability. These dangers can be considerable regarding the loads involved.

In addition an insecure feeling is given to the operators of the truck is crucial to toppling of a load and any sensation that this might occur An object of the present invention arose in order to solve the foregoing problems and provide an effective hand lift trolley.

Another object of the present invention is to provide and improve the process of manoeuvring a heavy weight from a position at ground level or above, laterally and perpendicularly.

Summary of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a trolley with a load-plate, at least one wheel and a lifting mechanism for lifting the load plate, characterised in that a power supply for the lifting mechanism is housed in a wheel.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a trolley with a load-plate, at least one wheel and a lifting mechanism for lifting the load plate, characterised in that a power supply for the lifting mechanism is housed in a trolley frame.

Preferably the trolley is powered by a battery (or cell.) The cell may be rechargeable by means of a mains connection point and rechargeable batteries or storage battery. These may consist of nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), or other battery chemistry.

In some embodiments a retractable lead is supplied, which may be integral, to the trolley with a mains electric connector. In other embodiments the lead is supplied separately.

Ideally two wheels are separated by a centrally located spine carrying the load-plate. The spine is substantially perpendicular to a wheel axis.

The lifting mechanism includes: a motor, a driveshaft, a gearbox and a lead screw may connect the drive to the load-plate. The lifting mechanism in some embodiments may contain a chain, pulley or other lifting gear. These may be located on, or in, the spine, The spine may be formed as an extrusion.

The axis which supports the two wheels passes through the spine, with the wheels free to rotate in use. Ideally the motor is housed in one wheel and the power supply is housed in another wheel. Other mechanical and/or electrical components may be located in one wheel or another so that the wheels have approximately the same weight.

The controls to operate the lift mechanism may be located on one or more handle(s) of the trolley. This allows use of the hands to adjust the height of the load truck at moments when it would be dangerous for the operator to shift grip.

Ideally one or more handles are disposed so that an operator may more easily use their body to brace, direct and/ or control the trolley. The handles may be removable. An optional arrest bar, which is ideally curved is provided to contact a torso of the operator so that the operator can steady and counterbalance/ ballast the load.

In a preferred embodiment the trolley is equipped with a lead screw lifting gear contained in the spine.

Preferably there is a charge level indicator to indicate the amount of charge in the battery or cell. This may consist of amongst else a light or flashing LED, intermittent warning signals or a gauge. This prevents the possibility of commencing a job without sufficient charge thereby risking the chance of leaving the load in a precarious position and being unable to complete a job.

In addition the trolley may have a low friction load plate. Friction may be managed in order to permit easier movement of heavy loads on and off the plate when desired. When loaded the trolley is typically tilted backwards in order to facilitate horizontal movement. There may be provided adjustable or extendable studs, lips, stays or other mechanism to avoid the load leaving the base plate when such is undesirable.

The depth, length or width of the load-plate or spine may be variable to accommodate varying loads. The extendable nature may be achieved by a slidable portion of the load-plate or by provision of a folding or concertina portion. In some embodiments there may be provided at least two load-bearing surface portions providing a level, said portions preferably situated substantially at the back and front of the load-plate with a connecting portion in the middle. A concertina section may operate underneath and between the divided load-bearing surfaces.

Ideally the trolley may be equipped with an overload cut out with visual alarm on the handle. This may in some embodiments be accompanied or replaced by an aural alarm or warning signal. Ideally the trolley has brakes and/ or stand(s) to prevent unwanted movement of the wheels, these may be failsafe.

In some embodiments the outer casing of the trolley will be designed in moulded sections. These may be ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). In addition they are ideally designed to have a unique visual identity based on the S' form of the human spine. This will provide for a unique identity within the market for sack trolleys and provide a stimulus and an added incentive to purchase such an item. The benefits of increased marketability and eventual sales of such an item are relevant to the individual, who can greatly diminish the risk of back injuries, and to society which is less burdened by treatment expenses and after-care.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a cross-section view of part of the trolley; Figure 2 shows an exploded view of part of the trolley; and Figure 3 shows an overhead isometric view of the trolley.

Detailed Description of Figures

An example of a trolley 1 is shown with a handle 4 extending backwards at a top end of a spine 2. Trolley 1 has a load-plate 5 extending forward of the spine 2. The trolley handle 4 is typically at a operator's elbow height.

The trolley I shows the handle 4 curved ergonomically around the operator's arm space, enabling the operator to tip the trolley I towards him/her with minimum effort. The handle 4 is constructed of tubular extruded aluminium, preferably plasticized or rubber coated. The spine is substantially cylindrical extruded aluminium making it lightweight, despite a girth which can accommodate internal lifting gear.

Tubular extruded aluminium is light and of high torsional strength. The handle 4 is formed of one piece and connected at its lowest ends to the rear of the spine 2 by screws, nuts or other semi-permanent attachment means. As seen in Figure 2, at the top of the spine a brace of similar tubular construction joins the handle to the spine by removable screws, nuts or other removable attachment means. This removable nature allows for the possibility of handle removal to enable easier storage or transportation. In other embodiments spot welding may be used, and/or the brace may be constructed of strip metal. This brace may extend to provide an arrest bar to the operator's torso.

Controls 6 for a lifting mechanism are located centrally on the handle brace.

Typically these controls provide lockable lift control. There may be provided other features such as plumb-line, height and weight gauges.

The tubular construction preferably allows for connecting wires to travel inside the handle. In alternative embodiments lift or lock controls are mounted on or in the handle, enabling the operator to activate and utilise the lift mechanism without shifting grip on the load.

The lifting mechanism comprises a motor 7, a dry cell 8, a gearbox 9 and a lead screw 10. The cell is housed in one wheel 3a and the motor is located within the other 3b. A spindle 11 connects the wheels 3 to the spine 2. The gearbox 9 is contained within the base of the spine 2. Ideally the lead screw rotates in the spine with a seat 16 climbing or lowering in turn, carrying the load-plate.

This spindle 11 internally contains a driveshaft 12, and a gearbox is substantially located in the base of the spine 2. The cell 8 in one wheel and is connected to and providing the electrical supply to the motor in the other wheel.

The load-plate 5 extends forwards of the spine. This allows the trolley to be tipped backwards easily, disposing the weight of the load easily towards the operator.

A drop-down stop 18 is provided on the back of the spine, wherewith the weight of a loaded and lifted trolley will not topple backwards onto an operator.

In some embodiments an operator may stand on a stop 18, to prevent the wheels rotating or the bottom end of the trolley moving away from him/ her when the load is being lifted. This stop may be released for use on operation of the lifting mechanism. Alternatively and in addition brakes may be provided to prevent unwanted rotation of the wheels, which brakes activate automatically or manually.

The wheels 3 include wheel coverings 33 and there is an internal frame of struts 13 running laterally connecting two discs 30 forming outer disc faces 30b of each wheel.

These discs 30 are perforated centrally with holes 15 to allow the lifting mechanism to be connected. The cell and motor are located in and form a part of the rotationally static spindle connected by way of bearings to the rotating wheel coverings 33 and discs 30. This ideally allows disassembly, to enable working or replacement on the mechanism. The inner discs 30a are rotationally static with the spindle, and bearings are provided at the juncture with the wheel coverings 33. Bearings are also provided at the juncture of the spindle I I and the outer discs 30b.

In these alternative embodiments bearings may be positioned between the spindle 11 and the wheel discs 30. At the inner discs 30a the rim of the discs may rotate within a track, provided with ball-bearings or alternatively at least one of the inner discs are connected with the outer disc and rotating centrally about the spindle 11.

The handles are connected to the spine for example by welding. They are connected to the back of the spine at the lowest point and joined to the top and! or front of the spine at a brace 5a. This provides a long section of usable handle, with the curve of the handle providing a variety of ways to interact with the handle, vertically or laterally. This differentiation in attitude permits the best control and the best utilisation of body weight and/ or stance with relation to the load carried.

The wheels 3 have inset and/ or projecting strips of rubber 14 to provide a grip and stable surface to the wheels 3 and trolley 1. These are disposed two to a wheel at the external ends of the wheels 3. The strips project beyond the surface of the rest of the wheels, thereby ensuring the weight of the load is disposed on the rubber. In alternative embodiments the wheels are textured, or the plastic or rubber section is extended over the surface of the wheel.

The spine 2 runs to below the highest point of the handles 4 to enable more control.

The load-plate 5 is connected to the lift mechanism on the spine at a seat 16 that is connected to the load-plate 5 at triangulated attachment points, allowing for a even spread of the load. In this way the load-plate has an elevated and distanced attachment axis point relative to the spine, disposing the weight further below and in front of the tipping point of the trolley. This aids the stability of the loaded trolley.

This seat 16 may contain a weighing facility for the load-plate. This may be connected to a gauge on the handle or spine, whereby a operator can monitor the weight of the load, and additionally a warning signal may be provided for excessive load.

In further embodiments (not shown) a fold-down or fold-out support or stand may be provided below the load-plate. This is particularly for when the loaded trolley has an elevated load. This may enable the operator to rest the load without the trolley tipping forward dangerously. Typically such a stand is composed of separate struts, disposing diagonally or laterally. This may be in addition to the stop 18 on the back of the trolley.

The load-plate is typically constructed of aluminium, with transverse ridges 17, said ridges increasing the rigidity of the load-plate. The load-plate is extendable, with two portions, the upper portion 5a adjustably, extendably or slidably attached to the lower 5b. When retracted the upper portion alone substantially forms the load-plate. The lower portion is attached to the plate 16 at either side of the load-plate. The points of attachment extend along the sides of the load plate, thereby further spreading the load weight and strengthening the right-angle joint between the load-plate and the lift seat 16.

In some embodiments this extending operation may be electric, combining with the powered lifting mechanism (not shown) and ideally utilising a common power source. The connecting cables and gear may be concealed within the spindle and/ or spine. Controls may be located with the other lifting controls.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as iflustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention

Claims

Claims 1. A trolley with a load-plate, at least one wheel and a lifting mechanism for lifting the load plate, characterised in that a power supply for the lifting mechanism is housed in a wheel.
2. A trolley with a load-plate, at least one wheel and a lifting mechanism for lifting the load plate, characterised in that a power supply for the lifting mechanism is housed in a trolley frame.
3. A trolley according to claims 1 or 2 wherein a power cell is contained in one wheel and a motor is contained in another wheel.
4. A trolley according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the trolley has a single spine carrying the load-plate.
5. A trolley according to claim 4 wherein the spine contains lifting gear.
6. A trolley according to claim 5 wherein the lifting gear is a lead screw contained substantially within the spine.
7. A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein the load-plate is extendable.
8. A trolley according to claim 7 wherein the load-plate is extendable by powered means.
9. A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein, in use, the lifting mechanism is rotationally static relative to the wheels.
1O.A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein at least one handle presents a plurality of handle attitudes.
11.A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein warning indicators are included.
12.A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein brakes are provided on at least one wheel.
13.A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein at least one stand is provided.
14.A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein a load weighing facility is provided.
15.A trolley according to any preceding claim wherein the trolley is substantially constructed from aluminium.
16.A moveable trolley according to any preceding claim wherein controls to activate at least one mechanism are situated on at least one handle.