Transport Device
A transport device having a removable bucket. The bucket includes one or more tracks on opposite sides. The transport device includes a frame assembly having one or more arms corresponding to and capable of engaging the tracks. It also includes one or more movement mechanisms such as wheels or tracks. A latching assembly is also included. The latching assembly is rotatably coupled to the frame assembly and is also coupled to a handle assembly.
Wheel barrows and other similar devices are used in a wide variety of industries to transport countless materials and items from one location to another. Traditional wheel barrows are typically characterized by a large drum or tub having a single wheel near the nose and two legs near the rear of the tub. Two elongated handles extend from the tub and are grasped by the user to raise the barrow off the legs and thereby place the weight of the contents on the front wheel for transport.
Wheel barrows and other similar devices have several flaws that make them poorly suited for many commercial and domestic applications—including, but not limited to, farming, landscaping, construction and manufacturing. For example, wheel barrows are poorly balanced and tend to tip over when being moved—especially if the tubs are filled or heavily laden. Additionally, because of their shape, existing transport devices are difficult to store—especially in volume—when not in use. They are generally not capable of being stacked one on another. Nor are they generally well-suited for large-volume lateral placement.
The present invention in its various embodiments is a transport device that has a removable bucket or tub. It is well-balanced and has a comparatively small storage footprint. It can be adapted to a wide variety of uses and applications and is particularly useful in farming. The present invention in its various embodiments can be easily emptied and has high maneuverability.
The foregoing advantages as well as others are provided for by the invention in its various embodiments.
SUMMARYThe invention in its various embodiments includes the following features. It is a transport device having a removable bucket. The bucket includes one or more tracks on opposite sides. The transport device includes a frame assembly having one or more arms corresponding to and capable of engaging the tracks. It also includes one or more movement mechanisms such as wheels or tracks. A latching assembly is also included. The latching assembly is rotatably coupled to the frame assembly and is also coupled to a handle assembly.
The transport device can include a locking pivot mechanism in the handle assembly. The handle assembly can also be removably coupled to the latching assembly. In one embodiment, handle assembly is slightly bent.
The latching assembly of the transport device includes a hook latch. In one embodiment, the hook latch is rotatably secured to the latching assembly with a u-shaped fastening piece. The hook latch can be two or more hook pieces connected substantially parallel to one another and separated by a spacer or it can be a single piece. The hook latch can include a threaded receptacle, such as a nut between the two or more hook pieces.
The arms of the frame can include one or more catchers that correspond to notches in the tracks on the buckets. The arms can also include one or more guide rails. Friction reducers can be incorporated into the device. In one embodiment, these are wheels on the arms.
The bucket of the transport device can be stackable and can also include wheel wells.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Referring now to
Suitable wheels for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, 13 inch wheels with 0.625 inch hubs available from Marathon Industries, Inc. (Kent, Wash.).
In the present embodiments, the frame 104 is stainless steel tubing, but could be numerous other materials that would be apparent to one skilled in the art including but not limited to iron; aluminum; combinations and alloys thereof; wood; plastics; and fiberglass and combinations thereof. It is also noted that the frame 104 need not necessarily be tubing. This provides lighter weight and strength, but in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to have the frame made of a solid material. In other embodiments, it may be advantageous to have the frame 104, or portions thereof, have different cross-sectional shapes (other than substantially circular). The frame 104 is bent to substantially 90 degree angles at corners 108. This could be accomplished with 90 degree joints or bending a single piece.
The frame 104 includes at least two arms 130 that, as described further below, engage the bucket 200 at track 210. Near the ends of the arms 130, catchers 128 can be included. As is discussed further below, the catchers 128 can be used to pull the bucket 200—especially when full—to a more accessible location for loading onto the frame 104. The frame 104 can also include guide pieces 110 that help direct the placement of the bucket 200 and help secure bucket track 210 to arms 130 when in use—particularly when dumping. In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to secure the guide pieces 110 to the bucket 200 rather than to the frame. In yet other embodiments, it may be advantageous to remove the guide pieces 110 altogether. The guide pieces 110 can be made of numerous materials that would be apparent to one skilled in the art including, but not limited to, steel, iron, aluminum and combinations and alloys thereof.
The transport device 100 also includes a handle assembly 112. Referring more particularly to
The handle assembly 112 can include a handle portion 114 which in the present embodiments is a T-shape that can be equipped with grips or other similar mechanisms to improve grip and/or comfort. The handle assembly 112 can include a bend 116 and extension 121. The bend 116 and extension 121 helps the user provide more leverage in driving the device 100 forward, as well as tipping to engage and unload the bucket 200. It also provides greater comfort and control in turning—especially in embodiments having a rotating handle assembly (
The transport device 100 also includes a latching assembly. Referring now more particularly to
Fastener 122—which in the present case is a u-shaped fastener—is secured to connection piece 140. This fastener 122 is equipped with holes 151 corresponding to holes 150 in the hook latch 124. Thus, with a nut and bolt, or numerous other mechanisms that would be apparent to one skilled in the art, the hook latch 124 is coupled to the fastener 122 in a manner that allows it to rotate and thereby engage and disengage latching post 152 (
As best seen in
It is noted that the hook latch 124 is shown in the present embodiments as two substantially parallel side pieces 142, 144. However, in other embodiments, the hook latch 124 could be a single piece.
As best seen in
When the handle assembly 112 is pushed upward and forward, as when emptying the bucket 200, the bottom edge 134 of connection piece 140 rotates forward until it substantially abuts latching post 152. This allows the hook latch 124 to disengage from the hooking post 152 and swing forward. As depicted in
In the present embodiments, the latching assembly 123 connects to handle assembly 112 at sleeve 118. In certain embodiments, sleeve 118 can be used to both secure the handle assembly 112 to the latch assembly 123, and also to allow pivoting the handle assembly 112 in a variety of orientations (
For example,
By tightening or otherwise securing fastening mechanism 127—which in one embodiment is a screw or pin—the rotational movement of handle piece 121 can be substantially stopped. In like manner, by loosening the fastening mechanism 127, the handle piece 121 is able to rotate freely within the sleeve, but not fall out. Sleeve 118 is also connected to the connection piece 140 of the latch assembly 123 with fastening mechanism 119—which in one embodiment is a screw or pin. By loosening or removing fastening mechanism 119, the handle assembly 112 can be completely removed (e.g. for storage or transportation).
The rotational movement of the handle assembly could also be accomplished by having the pivot point on the connection piece 140 of the latch assembly 123. For example, as seen in
The end of the connection piece 140 could then be inserted into sleeve 118. Afterward, the bottom edge of sleeve 126 could be fashioned to decrease its internal diameter. Again, numerous mechanisms for doing so would be apparent to one skilled in the art including, but not limited to, welds, hardware, etc. By tightening or otherwise securing fastening mechanism 119, the rotational movement of the handle assembly 112 can be substantially stopped. In like manner, by loosening the fastening mechanism 119, the connection piece 140 is able to rotate freely within the sleeve, but not fall out—which rotation is transferred to the handle assembly 112. In such an embodiment, the handle piece 121 would be non-rotatably attached to sleeve at 127.
Of course, it is noted, that in some embodiments, it may be desirable to have rotational mechanisms on both the handle piece 121 and the latch piece 123. In yet other embodiments, it may be desirable to remove the rotational mechanism features altogether. In
The rotational movement of the handle assembly is advantageous in that it allows the transport device 100 to be easily moved in a relatively small space. Specifically, rotating the handle assembly 112 allows maneuverability comparable to that found in one-wheeled transport devices but does so with much greater stability and balance.
The base pieces 136 and 138 of latching assembly 123 engage the back bar 133 of frame 104 and in this manner connect the latching assembly 123 to the frame 104. Specifically, in the present embodiments, the back bar 133 of frame 104 has a smaller exterior diameter relative to the interior diameter of the base pieces 136, 138. This allows the latching assembly 123, when attached, to rotate around the back bar 133.
This rotatability can be accomplished in several ways. For example, as best seen in
Once the latching assembly 123 has engaged the back bar 133 of the frame 104, a latching post 152 (
The transport device 100 also includes a removable bucket 200. It is noted that the term “bucket” is not intended to be limited to any particular shape and is intended to include numerous configurations of a defined enclosure. In some embodiments, the buckets 200 have a substantially rectangular profile; in others, the profile is substantially square; in some, the bottom is rounded on both sides; in others the bottom is rounded on only a single side.
Referring now to
The track 210 can include one or more notches 214 that are capable of being engaged by catchers 128 on the arms 130 of frame 104. In the present embodiments, the notches 214 are small cuts into the track 210. However, it is noted that in other embodiments, the track 210 could be engaged by catchers 128 in numerous other ways. For example, the catchers 128 could be recesses in the arms 130 and the track 210 could include a protrusion, such as a post, that is capable of being engaged by the catchers 128. In yet other embodiments, the catchers could be hooks substantially on the end tips of the arms 130 that are able to engage the bucket 200. In yet other embodiments, there could be hooking mechanisms on the bucket 200 and corresponding loops or other engagement mechanisms on the arms 130.
The track 210 in the presently described embodiments is angled such that it slopes toward the front of the bucket 200. This allows a user to more easily place the arms 130 underneath the track and thereby engage the bucket 200. It also allows for the bucket 200 and contents thereof to remain more level when the bucket 200 is lifted—thus minimizing spillage. However, it is noted that in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the track 210 to be substantially parallel to the bottom of the bucket 200.
It is also noted that in certain embodiments the bottom front of the bucket 200 can be rounded—which, as noted above, allows for easier emptying. In other embodiments, the bucket can be rounded on the rear side 216 to allow for easier tipping when transporting. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to have rounded corners on both the front and rear of the bucket 200.
Method of Operation
For purposes of better understanding the present invention, illustrative examples are provided. They are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.
Referring to
Once the bucket 200 is placed where desired, a user would then disengage the catchers 128 from the notches 214 and slide arms 130 underneath tracks 210. The weight of the bucket 200—especially when filled—helps keep bucket 200 in place while the user pushes the handle assembly 112 in a substantially forward direction. The handle assembly 112 can then be pushed in a substantially downward direction. This will raise the bucket 200 off the ground and as the handle assembly 112 is pushed farther downward, the bucket 200 will slide fully into place and can then be transported where desired.
Referring now to
The user would push the handle assembly 312 which forward motion would move the bucket 400 and its contents to the desired location. As seen in
In certain embodiments, friction reduction features can be added to the transport device to facilitate sliding the bucket onto the conveyance mechanism. For example, as seen in
It is understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the basic principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.
For example, base pieces 136, 138 as discussed above, are shown to be substantially tubular. On the inside of pieces 136, 138, this is advantageous so the base pieces 136, 138 can rotate around back bar 133 of frame 104. However, the exterior of the base pieces 136, 138 could be numerous other shapes in cross section including but not limited to substantially square; substantially pentagonal; substantially hexagonal; etc.
It is also noted that in certain embodiments described above, base pieces 136, 138 and connection piece 140 are three separate pieces connected together with a weld, adhesive, mechanical means or other connection mechanism that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. However, in other embodiments, this feature could be single molded piece.
In the above-described embodiments, the back bar 133 includes a smaller diameter piece of frame 132—this is the axis along which latch piece 123 (as well as handle assembly 112 when engaged) rotates. This is advantageous as it keeps the latch piece 123 in substantially the same lateral position. However, it is noted that in some instances, it may be desirable to have the frame, or at least the back bar piece 133 be of substantially uniform in diameter or even other variations in diameter. The latch piece could easily be adjusted to accommodate such diameters and could be held in place by a variety of mechanisms that would be apparent to one skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A transport device comprising:
- a) a removable bucket having a first and a second side;
- b) a first track on an outside surface of the first side;
- c) a second track on an outside surface of the second side;
- d) a frame assembly having:
- i) one or more arms corresponding to and capable of engaging the first and second tracks;
- ii) one or more movement mechanisms;
- e) a latching assembly rotatably coupled to the frame assembly, wherein the latching assembly includes a hook latch comprising two or more hook pieces connected substantially parallel to one another and separated by a spacer; and
- f) a handle assembly coupled to the latching assembly.
2. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the one or more movement mechanisms are wheels.
3. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a locking pivot mechanism.
4. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly is removably coupled to the latching assembly.
5. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a bend.
6. (canceled)
7. The transport device of claim 6, wherein the hook latch is rotatably secured to the latching assembly with a u-shaped fastening piece.
8. (canceled)
9. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the hook latch further includes a threaded receptacle between the two or more hook pieces.
10. The transport device of claim 9, wherein the threaded receptacle is a nut.
11. The transport device of claim 6, wherein the hook latch is a single piece.
12. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms further include one or more catchers.
13. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms further include one or more guide rails.
14. The transport device of claim 1, further including one or more notches in the first track.
15. The transport device of claim 1, further including one or more notches in the first and second track.
16. The transport device of claim 1, further including one or more friction reducers.
17. The transport device of claim 16, wherein the one or more friction reducers are one or more wheels on the one or more arms.
18. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the bucket is stackable.
19. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the bucket includes wheel wells.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 8, 2011
Publication Date: Sep 26, 2013
Inventor: Dale Cooper (American Falls, ID)
Application Number: 13/314,345
International Classification: B60P 1/64 (20060101);