GB2421481A

GB2421481A - A wheelbarrow with detachable container

Info

Publication number: GB2421481A
Application number: GB0507373A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Bartlett; Stephen Peter Reader
Original assignee: Stadium Group PLC
Current assignee: TT Electronics ioT Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-24
Filing date: 2005-04-12
Publication date: 2006-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-12
Also published as: GB0428342D0; GB2421481B; GB0507373D0

Abstract

A wheelbarrow 2 is described having a detachable flexible container 32. The wheelbarrow has a support member 16 which supports the sides of the container in use. In one embodiment, the wheelbarrow has a folding frame 6, 8 so that it can be made flat when the container is removed. The container is preferably made of flexible plastic so that it is easy to clean and transport. The container is also preferably provided with handles 34 for when it is placed in or taken from the wheelbarrow. The container may also be supported by a loading base 26, said base connected to the support member 16 by means of extensive straps (30 fig 2). A non-folding frame wheelbarrow is also described.

Description

A wheelbarrow This invention relates to a wheelbarrow, and in particular

to a wheelbarrow having a detachable container.

Traditional wheelbarrows are known. These have a fixed frame or transport base and a trough or container. Such wheelbarrows are difficult to use in small or tight working areas, difficult to store, and inflexible. Additionally, if the container is used for mixing materials, these materials when hardened can make the container difficult to clean.

Summary of the Invention

The invention is defined in the independent claims to which reference should now be made. Advantageous features are set forth in the dependent claims.

Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is top view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a view of a preferred locking mechanism; Figure 4 is a view of the underside of the wheelbarrow; Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment, showing the container disposed within the support member or ring; Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the support ring in an open or unlocked position; Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment showing a small tool holder mounted on the handle; Figure 8 illustrates containers of different shapes that can be used with the preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

A preferred embodiment of a wheelbarrow having a detachable container will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the preferred embodiment, the wheelbarrow is foldable, as this provides additional advantages of ease of use and storage. In an alternative embodiment however the wheelbarrow need not be foldable.

The wheelbarrow 2 comprises a folding transport frame or transport base 4 having first and second tubular frame members 6 and 8, pivoted about each other at pivot 10. As will be appreciated with reference to Figure 2, both first and second members comprise substantially parallel side portions 7 and 9 joined by at least one cross member. Preferably, the frame members are made of metal, although any material that can be weight loaded could also be used.

One end of first frame member 6 is adapted to bear a wheel 12, which in use carries the transport frame over the ground. Preferably, the wheel incorporates a pneumatic tyre, although a solid tyre could also be used.

The other end of the first member is adapted to form a handle 14. Preferably, a handle portion is formed by angling the end of the first member, such that in use the handle portion extends substantially horizontally to the ground, while the rest of the first member extends diagonally downwards between the handle portion and the wheel.

Pivot 10 is arranged such that the first and second members are pivoted about each other at an intermediate point on the side portion 7, 9 of each member. That is to say, a portion of both the first and second members extends either side of the pivot, so that the first and second members may be arranged in a closed or folded position in which they lie substantially parallel to each other, or in an open position in which they extend at an angle to each other in an X-shaped configuration. As shown in Figure 1, the pivot lOis located between the centre of the first member and the point at which the wheel is attached, but at the approximate centre of the second member.

One end of the second member is adapted to form a ground rest, or tilt and support mechanism 15. Preferably, this is achieved by angling the end of the second member so that it extends a small distance horizontally to the ground, when the second member is in the open position.

With reference to Figure 2, the preferred embodiment can also be seen to comprise a support member 16 attached by a hinge or pivot 18 to a cross member 20 of the first frame member 6. The cross member is disposed on the first member at a point between the handle portion 14 and the pivot 10. In the open position, the support member extends between the first member and the end of the second member substantially horizontally to the ground. Thus, in use the support member supports the sides of the detachable container.

A locking mechanism 22, such as a clasp, is preferably provided to join the support member to the cross member 24 of the second member, such that the support member locks the first and second members in the open position. This is shown in more detail in Figure 3. The clasp 22 is flexible and can fit around a portion of the cross member 24 of narrower cross section. Corresponding holes 23 in both the clasp 22 and cross member 24 are provided to receive a locking pin 25. Additionally, the locking pin can be secured in place using a wing nut 27, or similar fastener.

The preferred embodiment also comprises a loading base or platform 26 disposed inside the side portions of the first and second frame members.

Preferably, the loading base 26 is supported by axle member 28 extending between the pivots 10 of the first and second members. A pin extends from the axle member through the frame member holding it in place, but allowing it to rotate independently of the frame. The pin may be secured on the outside of the frame by a nut and bolt. The loading platform is preferably attached to the axle member by U-shaped brackets 29, as shown in Figure 4.

As shown in Figure 2, a number of extensible support straps 30 are attached between the support member and the loading base to hold the detachable container in place. The support straps are extensible so that they can stretch into position when the first and second members are in the open position. The straps are not shown in Figure 1. The support straps are arranged to ensure that the loading base is in a horizontal position on the axle member when the frame is put into the open position.

The loading platform therefore provides a horizontal base on which a detachable container can be placed, and which when the frame is in the open position co- operates with the support member to support the container.

Figure 4, shows a view of the underside of the preferred wheelbarrow in more detail. The support member or ring 16 has been omitted so as not to obscure the details. As shown, an optional support bar 31 running underneath the loading platform can also be provided for extra weight loading applications. The support bar need not be attached to the loading base itself, and is preferably attached to the frame.

The operation of the wheelbarrow will now be described in more detail, with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the barrow with the flexible detachable container 32 in place. Preferably, the container is made of flexible plastic that is strong and durable, so that the clearance and cleaning of dried materials is made easy. Since the container is preferably made of flexible plastic, it would also be suitable for the mixing of materials directly in the container, as should the materials harden before cleaning, the container could be flexed so that the hardened material would fall out. As shown in Figure 5, the support member 16 is arranged, so that in use, the container is supported under its rim by the support member. As a result, when the container is full, the rim is prevented from falling down allowing the contents to escape.

The container 32 has handles 34, so that it can easily be placed onto the loading base and removed from it. The container can therefore be easily removed from the transport frame and located close to where it is needed. This is particularly useful when working in tight or enclosed spaces. The container can then be replaced in the barrow and wheeled away.

When the barrow is to be stored, the container is removed from the loading platform and set to one side. Referring to Figure 6, the locking mechanism is then released and the support member 16 lifted to free the movement of the second member 8. The support member and second member may then be folded to lie substantially flat to the first member.

Preferably, the barrow is supplied with several containers, so that each container can be used to hold different contents, or so that containers can be left at different locations. Preferably, containers may be nested so that multiples of the container can be nested one in each other and taken to a work location.

The preferred embodiment also preferably also comprises a tool holder 36, mounted on the handle portion, as shown in Figure 7. This can be detached when not required.

Thus, a wheelbarrow has been described combining a frame for transport and a removable plastic container. Preferably, the complete unit, that is the barrow and the flexible container, are built to the correct height for mixing to avoid the necessity to stoop over and stress a user's back.

The wheelbarrow according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is therefore completely different to the traditional wheelbarrow in design, use and flexibility. Unlike conventional wheelbarrows, the preferred wheelbarrow has no fixed trough for loading.

By way of illustration, a typical building site situation will now be described in which a traditional wheelbarrow and the preferred embodiment are used.

Using a traditional wheelbarrow, cement is poured from the mixer into the wheelbarrow and is then wheeled to the area of work and transferred to another container for use at the point of work.

With the foldable wheelbarrow according to the preferred embodiment, the cement may be poured into the container, wheeled to the area of work. The container may then be taken out and placed directly at the point of work. After wheeling the barrow, the container can be removed for emptying. Alternatively, if rubbish is to be taken to a disposal site, the container can be placed in the boot of a vehicle and emptied at the site. Additionally, the barrow may be folded for transport and storage, saving space over the traditional wheelbarrow, and is light enough to be lifted and hung on the wall for storage.

The foldable wheelbarrow with detachable container can be used in all industries, at home, in the garden, and for all horticultural or equestrian environments.

Although a preferred embodiment has been described, the folding wheelbarrow could be implemented in a number of alternative embodiments. For example, as mentioned above, the wheelbarrow need not be foldable, and the frame could be fixed. The construction of this wheelbarrow would be identical to the preferred embodiment except that the frame would not pivot at 10, and the support member could be permanently attached between the first and second member. This would still provide the advantages of a flexible detachable container that in use is supported by the support member 16.

Additionally, the flexible container could for example be round, elliptical, square, rectangular or indeed any shape. The barrow, and in particular the support member or ring, would then be made specifically for each shape. A number of containers of different shapes are shown by way of illustration in Figure 8. These generally take the form of flexible rubber or plastic skips. Additionally, the container could also be made with a spout on any location to allow the gradual spreading of materials whilst wheeling the barrow. Although, a strong durable plastic is preferred, the container could be made in any material that is flexible and allows the easy cleaning of dried materials The preferred embodiment has been described as having a tilt and support mechanism in the form of the end of the second member. The mechanism could be placed at other locations such as the front, back, sides or bottom of the frame.

Although the wheelbarrow has been described as having a wheel, it could equally be provided with a ball, or any suitable roller for engaging with the ground.

The locking mechanism can be made in a variety of designs, such as over locking on top, a push through the centre of the frame, or under locking from the bottom of the base.

Claims

Claims 1. A wheelbarrow comprising a folding frame moveable between a

folded and an open position, wherein in the open position the frame is arranged to receive and support a detachable container, and in the folded position the frame is substantially flat.

2. The wheelbarrow of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises first and second members pivoted about each other, and a support member for holding the first and second members in the open position, wherein in the open position the support member extends between the first and second members substantially horizontally to the ground.

3. The wheelbarrow of claim 2, wherein the support member is arranged such that when in the open position, when a container having a rim is placed on the loading platform, the support member supports the container under the rim.

4. The wheelbarrow of claim 2 or 3, wherein the support member is attached at a pivot to the first member 5. The wheelbarrow of claim 4, wherein the ground roller of the wheelbarrow is mounted on one end of the first member.

6. The wheelbarrow of claim 5, wherein the other end of the first member is adapted to form a handle.

7. The wheelbarrow of claim 6, wherein the pivot at which the support member is attached is located between the end of the first member adapted to form a handle, and the point at which the first member is pivoted to the second member.

8. The wheelbarrow of any of claims 3 to 7, comprising a locking mechanism for securing the support member to the second member.

9. The wheelbarrow of any of claims 2 to 8, comprising a load platform on which the container can be received, and which when the frame is in the open position co-operates with the support member to support the container.

10. The wheelbarrow of claim 9, comprising extensible support straps between the load platform and the support member.

11. The wheelbarrow of any of claims 2 to 10, wherein one end of the second member is adapted to engage the ground.

12. A wheelbarrow for carrying a flexible container, the wheelbarrow comprising: a loading base on which the container can be placed; a support ring located above the loading base which in use supports the sides of the flexible container; a frame having diagonally opposed first and second members, one end of the first member having a handle portion, and the other being adapted to bear a roller for engagement with the ground; the support ring extending between the first and second members.

13. The wheelbarrow of any preceding claim comprising a detachable container formed of a flexible material.

14. The wheelbarrow of claim 13, wherein the container has handles.

15. The wheelbarrow of claim 13 or 14, wherein the container has a spout.

16. A wheelbarrow having a detachable container.

17. A wheelbarrow substantially as described herein and with reference to the drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A wheelbarrow comprising a folding frame moveable between a folded and an open position, wherein in the open position the frame is arranged to receive and support a detachable container, and in the folded position the frame is substantially flat, wherein the frame comprises first and second members pivoted about each other, and a support member for holding the first and second members in the open position, wherein in the open position the support member extends between the first and second members such that in use, the support member supports the sides of the detachable container.
2. The wheelbarrow of claim 1, comprising a load platform on which the container can be received, and which when the frame is in the open position co- operates with the support member to support the container.
3. The wheelbarrow of claim 2, wherein the support member is arranged such that when in the open position, when a container having a rim is placed on the loading platform, the support member supports the container under the rim.
4. The wheelbarrow of claim 2 or 3, comprising an axle extending between the first and second members at the pivots, wherein the loading base is supported by the axle member.
5. The wheelbarrow of claim 2, 3 or 4, comprising extensible support straps between the load platform and the support member.
6. The wheelbarrow of any preceding claim, wherein the support member extends substantially horizontally to the ground.
7. The wheelbarrow of any preceding claim wherein the support member is in the shape of a ring.
8. The wheelbarrow of claim 7, wherein the support member is rectangular in shape.
9. The wheelbarrow of claim 7, wherein the support member is square in shape.
10. The wheelbarrow of claim 7, wherein the support member is elliptical in shape.
11. The wheelbarrow of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is attached at a pivot to the first member.
12. The wheelbarrow of claim 11, wherein the ground roller of the wheelbarrow is mounted on one end of the first member.
13. The wheelbarrow of claim 12, wherein the other end of the first member is adapted to form a handle.
14. The wheelbarrow of claim 13, wherein the pivot at which the support member is attached is located between the end of the first member adapted to form a handle, and the point at which the first member is pivoted to the second member.
15. The wheelbarrow of any preceding claim, comprising a locking mechanism for securing the support member to the second member.
16. The wheelbarrow of any preceding claim, wherein one end of the second member is adapted to engage the ground.
17. A wheelbarrow for carrying a flexible container, the wheelbarrow comprising: a loading base on which the container can be placed; a support ring located above the loading base which in use supports the sides of the flexible container; a frame having diagonally opposed first and second members, one end of the first member having a handle portion, and the other end being adapted to bear a roller for engagement with the ground; wherein the support ring extends between the first and second members.
18. The wheelbarrow of any preceding claim comprising a detachable container formed of a flexible material.
19. The wheelbarrow of claim 18, wherein the container has handles.
20. The wheelbarrow of claim 18 or 19, wherein the container has a spout.
21. A wheelbarrow substantially as described herein and with reference to the drawings.