Two Wheel, Manually Propelled Vehicle Pivotable About Axis Of Wheels (e.g., Hand Truck, Etc.) And Provided With Attendant-operated, Load-handling Means Patents (Class 414/490)
  • Publication number: 20040057821
    Abstract: A wheeled, hand-cart that has been configured to facilitate loading and carrying landscaping stones and boulders. A first embodiment is most suited to carrying stones and smaller boulders. A second embodiment is more suited to carrying larger boulders. The first embodiment is configured to have the maneuverability of a hand cart, but at least twice the capacity of a wheel barrow. It employs narrowed spaced handles located closer to the center of gravity of the rock-load cart to prevent injury to the hands while passing through gates and the like. A long V-shaped cage is configured with a deep angular receptacle with steep side walls to safely hold a large quantity of stones with minimal risk of fall through. The second employs a longer platform which provides a horizontal plane that is elevated several inches to be even with wheel axle height and to be pallet height to permit a boulder to be slid onto the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Kirk D. Samis
  • Patent number: 6709222
    Abstract: A durable medical equipment transport system having a frame with a top and a bottom. Attached to the bottom of the frame is a foot having a top and bottom surface and an axle having two wheels. Attached to the top of the frame are two arms which are adjustable between a folded position generally parallel to the frame and an extended position generally normal to the frame. The invention further has a pair of extension forks attached to the bottom of the frame. The extension forks are adjustable between a folded position generally parallel to the frame and an extended position generally normal to the frame. The invention further has a C shaped bracket attached to the top surface of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Inman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040028512
    Abstract: A durable medical equipment transport system having a frame with a top and a bottom. Attached to the bottom of the frame is a foot having a top and bottom surface and an axle having two wheels. Attached to the top of the frame are two arms which are adjustable between a folded position generally parallel to the frame and an extended position generally normal to the frame. The invention further has a pair of extension forks attached to the bottom of the frame. The extension forks are adjustable between a folded position generally parallel to the frame and an extended position generally normal to the frame. The invention further has a C shaped bracket attached to the top surface of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Inman
  • Publication number: 20040001748
    Abstract: A collapsible, wheeled dolly designed for enhanced portability and storage capabilities having at least one axle member, one frame member, a means for carrying a load and at least one wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: David Landefeld
  • Publication number: 20030235487
    Abstract: A manhole cover remover, including an attachment; a support; a pivot arm having a proximal end hinged to the support and the pivot arm having a distal end; a connector joining the attachment to the distal end of the pivot arm; a wench joined to the distal end of the pivot arm; and a power source, the power source in operable communication with the wench and method of use including the steps of rotating a pivot arm down toward a manhole cover; connecting the pivot arm to the manhole cover; and wenching the pivot arm upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dave Roberts
  • Patent number: 6663120
    Abstract: A hand-propelled truck is provided which includes a frame and a pair of wheels for supporting the frame above a floor. For each wheel of the pair of wheels, a wheel support is connected to the frame and mounts the associated wheel for rotation about an axis of rotation. The wheel support is rotatable relative to the frame about an indexing axis between a first indexed position, in which the axis of rotation of the wheel is oriented in a first direction, and a second indexed position, in which the axis of rotation of the wheel is orientated in a second direction. A wheel indexing and latching device includes a first latching member on the wheel support and a co-operating second latching member on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Zaniboo Hus & Maskin AB
    Inventor: Björn Fagerqvist
  • Patent number: 6655892
    Abstract: A series of transport carts (21) are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van (22) to leave an aisle (58) between them. The carts have wheel supported frames (28) with bottom supports (131) for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts (58) which are disengageably locked in track sections (66, 67) provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets (30) with discs (34) projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack (31) from the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
  • Patent number: 6637761
    Abstract: A special duty hand truck for maneuvering folding tables and folding chairs having a wheeled base with a transverse shaft, a handle extending outwardly from said shaft, a pair of support arms mounted for pivotal movement on said shaft between an upright position extending away from said base and a folded position extending along the handle, an auxiliary arm pivotally mounted on the shaft between an upright position extending away from said base and a folded position along said handle, and standards extending down from the handle operable to engage the ground surface and provide a fulcrum for the handle which is effective to permit the wheels to be lifted off the surface when the free end of the handle is displaced towards the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Lloyd Boettcher
  • Patent number: 6616173
    Abstract: Apparatus for starting a direct drive go-cart which includes a frame having front and rear end portions as well as a handle portion. Wheels are attached to the front and rear end portions of the frame for moving the apparatus along a road or track. The front end portion is provided with a rotatable shaft to which is attached an engagement member or holding member which is adapted to engage a go-cart to lift the rear end of the same off of the ground. The shaft and the engagement member are movable between latched and unlatched positions to either hold a go-cart or release the same. A latchable member is operatively connected to the shaft and when latched holding the engagement member in latched condition to keep the rear end of a go-cart off of the ground. A latch member serves to hold the latchable member in latched condition and is connected to the latch member to release it from the latched condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Henry H. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6561745
    Abstract: A wheeled dolly for transporting and/or storing a floor sander to maintain the rubber tired wheels of the sander in a no load state and thereby preventing flat spots from forming in the tires resulting in variations in the depth of sanding process. Also disclosed is a dolly with a hand operable brake for selectively restraining rotation of at least one of the dolly wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy R. Rountree
  • Patent number: 6557869
    Abstract: A hand truck with a generally upright skeletal frame carried on spaced apart wheels connected with the lower portion of the frame incorporates a noseplate and a pallet-supporting fork structure configured to enter a pallet. The noseplate and fork structure are carried on the frame to be interchangeably movable to and from vertically spaced operative positions projecting forwardly at generally right angles to the lower end of the frame and removed stowed positions generally vertically adjacent the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Magline, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Gillette, Thomas A. Gillette, Nathan J. Hull, Bruce L. Hailston
  • Patent number: 6554300
    Abstract: A wheeled hand dolly for loading, unloading, and transporting cylindrical objects from one location to another including a pair of vertical support members cooperating to form a forwardly facing contact area and joined by a cross member having a recessed portion. An adjustable restraining strap includes a free end with an attachment member and an opposing anchor end for attachment to either side of the cross member to substantially encircle the cylindrical object and having a second contact area to sandwich the cylindrical object between the contact surfaces and frictionally retain it thereto such that the object may be transported along with the dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 6530740
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hand truck with an electrically operated lifting platform. The hand truck includes a frame on both sides of which two guide rails are formed. The frame is provided with a screw shaft vertically supported on the frame to be vertically moved, one or more stabilizing bars forwardly extended from the frame, and two wheels rotatably attached to the rear portion of the frame. A lifting platform is guided by the guide rails and engaged with the screw shaft. A platform moving unit is comprised of a first drive motor for providing rotating force. The platform is situated in the lifting platform to allow the lifting platform to be moved selectively upward and downward along the screw shaft by the operation of the first drive motor. A control unit is electrically and controllably connected to the first drive motor and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jin Yu Kim
  • Publication number: 20030021663
    Abstract: A wheeled dolly for transporting and/or storing a floor sander to maintain the rubber tired wheels of the sander in a no load state and thereby preventing flat spots from forming in the tires resulting in variations in the depth of sanding process. Also disclosed is a dolly with a hand operable brake for selectively restraining rotation of at least one of the dolly wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy R. Rountree
  • Publication number: 20020187030
    Abstract: A detachable push plate assembly for handtrucks is disclosed. A user applies downward pressure on a lever arm causing a push plate to move forward and discharge cargo, or to discharge the handtruck out from underneath cargo from the bottom of the handtruck. The push plate assembly comprises four major components: a one piece integral housing; a push plate; a projection bar connected to the push plate; and a one piece pedal assembly coupled to the projection bar. The assembly also comprises a spring that biases the push plate to a retracted position when not in use, and a wear plate or shim to prevent deterioration of the housing base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph E. Boyanich
  • Publication number: 20020187031
    Abstract: A detachable push plate assembly for hand trucks is disclosed. A user applies downward pressure on a lever arm causing a push plate to move forward and discharge cargo, or to discharge the hand truck out from underneath cargo from the bottom of the hand truck. The push plate assembly comprises four major components: a one piece integral housing; a push plate; a projection bar connected to the push plate; and a one piece pedal assembly coupled to the projection bar. The assembly also comprises a spring that biases the push plate to a retracted position when not in use, and a wear plate or shim to prevent deterioration of the housing base. Alternatively, the push plate assembly may have an electrically driven gear wheel engaging the projection bar, the limits of travel being defined by a limit switch actuated by stops on the gear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph E. Boyanich
  • Patent number: 6481694
    Abstract: A combined utility cart and lifting device, the cart having a tongue adapted to receive an elongated rod containing a winch and cable. The cart can be placed to position the rod and winch in a vertical position enabling a cable on the winch to move vertically to act as a lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: David A. Kozak
  • Publication number: 20020168259
    Abstract: A wheeled hand cart for transporting large flower or plant pots. A vertically upright handle has a pair of parallel sides terminating in lower frame plates. An arcuate hand grip facilitates handling. An axle extending between the plates supports wheels at opposite sides. An elongated rod extending between the plates supports a pair of forwardly projecting arms. The laterally adjustable arms emanate from rigid sleeves slidably captivated by the rod. Arm rotation is limited by an offset stabilizer. The arms pass below the stabilizer, and when the cart is parked, stabilizer-arm contact enables the cart to stand vertically. A detent plate projecting from the axle comprises an outer, serrated edge with numerous notches for cradling the cart arms when loaded. Pressure from the load borne presses the arms into the detent notches to prevent lateral displacements, so that the arms firmly grasp and bear against the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Tyron J. McConnell
  • Patent number: 6474626
    Abstract: A lawn mower rack is formed of a structural base for resting on a support surface. First and second spaced apart longitudinal rails supported by the base and adapted to receive wheels of a lawn mower thereon. A first manually operated lifter is provided for elevationally supporting rearward portions of the longitudinal rails above the base and a second manually operated lifter, independent of the first lifter, is provided for elevationally supporting forward portions of the longitudinal rails above the base so that thereby only approximately one half of the weight of a lawn mower need be lifted at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Clyde Box
  • Patent number: 6474930
    Abstract: A wheeled hand truck adapted to carry lightweight three-point tractor hitch equipment. The hand truck has a frame made from two vertical rails, a handle, and some transverse ribs. An axle and a pair of wheels serve as the pivot point of the frame when the device is lifting objects. An extensible, upper support arm has a near end that is pivotally mounted to an upper rib. The support arm pivots up and down along a vertical plane, and has an apertured far end for attaching to the upper point of a three-point hitch connection. The hand truck also has a pair of lower lift arms that pivot from side to side along a substantially horizontal plane so as to be adjustably connectable to the lower two points of a three-point hitch connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: James S. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6457727
    Abstract: A hand truck includes an automatic height adjusting load platform, or alternatively, a kit of components provides for adding an adjustable load platform to an existing hand truck. The load platform position is held in a raised position while under no load conditions. A user places an article including a package on the raised platform, which is configured to rest at approximately waist level. In response to the weight of the article, the platform lowers, but the downward motion of the platform is inhibited by a platform arrestor. Preferably, the platform arrestor is configured such that the distance the platform will drop due to the weight of the load is proportional to the height of the article placed upon the platform. Thus the top of the article first placed upon the load platform is now substantially at waist level. This process can continue until the platform is lowered to the bottom of the shaft that the platform is slidably mounted to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Randal Lee Tolly
  • Patent number: 6425724
    Abstract: A hand truck includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a cargo support pivotally attached to the lower portion of the frame. A pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, and an unload mechanism having a latched position and an unlatched position is pivotally coupled to the cargo support and the frame. In the unlatched position, pulling the upper portion of the frame rearward causes the unload mechanism to urge the load off of the cargo support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Gary L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6398477
    Abstract: An electric hand truck having positive and negative lift capability. The hand truck can lower objects from stairs, loading docks, or trucks. The hand truck can also lift objects from the floor upward and climb stairs. It has a platform with caster wheels for easy of mobility in tight places. It has brakes and an adjustable tilt with a dolly such that the cargo hauled can be wheeled on the hand trucks main wheels and on the dolly wheels which support the object at an angle. The objects are raised or lowered by an electric motor run on a battery. The switch for the motor is a strip switch running the length of the rail extrusions for ease of access. The hand truck is lightweight and maneuverable. The dolly tilts the rail extrusions are easily adjustable angles to suit the load. Handles attached to the rail extrusions make the hand truck easy to maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Fox
  • Publication number: 20010038786
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hand truck with an electrically operated lifting platform. The hand truck includes a frame on both sides of which two guide rails are formed. The frame is provided with a screw shaft vertically supported on the frame to be vertically moved, one or more stabilizing bars forwardly extended from the frame, and two wheels rotatably attached to the rear portion of the frame. A lifting platform is guided by the guide rails and engaged with the screw shaft. A platform moving unit is comprised of a first drive motor for providing rotating force. The platform is situated in the lifting platform to allow the lifting platform to be moved selectively upward and downward along the screw shaft by the operation of the first drive motor. A control unit is electrically and controllably connected to the first drive motor and a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Jin Yu Kim
  • Patent number: 6309168
    Abstract: A detachable lifting device can be attached to and works in conjunction with an upright portion of a hand truck. The invention allows the user to move heavier loads than would be possible with the hand truck alone, and to lift the loads to table or counter levels. The invention is formed with a preferably rectangular frame, including laterally spaced-apart lift rails. A winch assembly, lifting cable, cable winding element, and a pulley operate with the frame to slide a lifting platform upwardly and downwardly along lift rails in a space formed by a spacer attached between the hand truck and the lift rail. The platform attachment is inventively designed with a bolt, bushing, and nut assembly, wherein the bushings frictionally engage with and rotate circularly against the lift rails as the platform moves up and down them. Preferably, the invention is operated via remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Jerry Holmes
  • Patent number: 6227789
    Abstract: A hand truck includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a cargo support pivotally attached to the lower portion of the frame. A pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the frame, and an unload mechanism having a latched position and an unlatched position is pivotally coupled to the cargo support and the frame. In the unlatched position, pulling the upper portion of the frame rearward causes the unload mechanism to urge the load off of the cargo support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Gary L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6210095
    Abstract: A carpet loading system for easily loading, transporting and unloading a roll of carpet without requiring significant physical exertion by an individual. The inventive device includes an elongated frame, a pair of rear wheels, a pair of front caster wheels, a plurality of support rollers rotatably attached within the frame, an endless belt surround the support rollers forming an inclined plane with respect to the ground, an elongated handle extending from the rear portion of the frame, a first motor driving the belt and a second motor driving the rear wheels. Preferably, a plurality of side rollers are positioned about the sides of the endless belt to prevent the carpet from rolling off of the cart during loading and transporting. The drive axle between the pair of rear wheels preferably has a differential to allow easy turning when a heavy carpet roll is placed thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Paul Hempel, Keith Allen
  • Patent number: 6170589
    Abstract: A snowmobile including side grips attached to the right and the left side surfaces of a body of a snowmobile at a position corresponding to a position at a distance towards the front of the snowmobile from the center of gravity of the body. The side grips project from the right and the left side surfaces to define a maximum width (Wmax) of the body. A rear grip is attached to the rear end of a floor member at a distance toward the rear of the snowmobile from the center of gravity. When the snowmobile is inclined, the side grips first come into contact with packed snow (the ground) and serve as a bumper so that a body cover of the snowmobile is not damaged. When carrying the snowmobile, the snowmobile is supported at the right and the left side grip and the rear grip on a snowmobile carrier. A front portion of the body includes an engine compartment in front of the floor which is covered with a body cover. A maintenance opening which is covered with a lid is formed in the back wall of the body cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shizuo Kawano, Tadaaki Nagata, Akihiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 6131927
    Abstract: A hand truck for carrying stacks of nested trays and other products has a vertically disposed back frame with an upper handle surface, supported for travel by a pair of rearward spaced apart wheels. The back frame provides a pair of side rails joined by horizontal brace rails. The hand truck further has an elongate nose plate pivotally connected to the lower ends of the side rails and foldable from an operable horizontal position to a stowed position swung up to lie in a plane substantially parallel to and adjacent the back frame. The nose plate has a back plate which fits between the side rails when the nose plate is swung up to stowed position. A hanger member securing to the nose plate and pivotally secured on the interior side of each side rail has a back flange extending angularly outwardly and providing a rigid abutment stop engaging the rear side of the side rail on which it mounts when the nose plate is swung to operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Magline, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Krawczyk
  • Patent number: 6123345
    Abstract: A backflow preventor caddy is provided including a pair elongated rails and a plurality of cross supports having a first cross support mounted between the rails, a second cross support mounted perpendicularly between the rails the first distance from the first cross support, and a third cross support mounted perpendicularly between the rails the second distance from the first cross support. The cart further includes at least one wheel assembly mounted on the rails for transporting the cart with the back flow preventor/meter mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6109856
    Abstract: A two part hay bale carrier of simplified economical construction is formed by a wheel unit and a handle member. The wheel unit comprises a pair of wheels journaled by respective ends of an axle which rigidly supports normally upright tines intermediate its ends which are inverted and manually inserted into an end corner surface of a rectangular bale. The bale and wheel unit is then righted. The handle member comprises a pair of parallel tines joined at one end in U-shaped fashion by a bight portion which projects outward of the opposite end of the bale after the hand member tines are longitudinally inserted into the bale end opposite the wheel unit enabling an operator to substantially balance the mass of the hay bale on the wheel unit and move the bale in two-wheel dolly fashion across the surface of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Joe D. Mings
  • Patent number: 6086311
    Abstract: A transporter for lifting and transporting a paper reel having a central core. The transporter has an upright frame at the base of which are provided a pair of ground engaging wheels. A generally cylindrical mandrel, arranged to be received by the core of a reel to be lifted, projects from the front of the frame. The mandrel comprises a deflector member which is arranged to be deflected outwardly relative to the mandrel axis as the transporter frame is tilted backwards to cause the mandrel to take the weight of a paper reel. The deflector member is thus forced against the inside of the reel core, causing the mandrel to self-lock within the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: John Campbell
  • Patent number: 6062802
    Abstract: A paver installer (10) is described for receiving and carrying a paver from one location to another location. The paver installer has frame (12) comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members (18) and a longitudinal axis disposed between. To add strength, at least one brace member (24) is disposed between the frame members. Proximate the lower portion of the frame is a wheel assembly(26). So that pavers (62) can be place on pedestals (72) having varying heights above grade, the paver installer has a U-shaped platform (46) slidably mounted to the facing away from the wheel assembly. Substantially cylindrically shaped sleeves (54) are mounted to the platform which respectively slidably engage the frame members. To move the platform along the longitudinal axis, a self locking screw lift (34) is mounted to the at least one brace member and the platform. A shim (60) is provided on the platform to prevent damage to the paver and provide an adjustable fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory L. Aenchbacher
  • Patent number: 6059512
    Abstract: A manual lifting and moving apparatus comprises a rigid bar having a pair of rollers on an axle at one end and a handle at the other end. Struts pivoted to the roller axle have a boom pivotally connected to their opposite ends. One end of the boom is received in a channel mounted on the rigid bar and connectible to the channel by a pin extending through a pair of aligned holes in the sidewalls of the channel, there being multiple pairs of aligned holes to provide plural selectable attachment points. The other end of the boom has a hook which can be engaged with a loading ramp adapter or used to lift various objects. The boom can also be secured in a collapsed position along the rigid bar, allowing the apparatus to be used as a pry bar, to maneuver a skid truck or lift a material-containing drum, and also allowing attachments, such as a hand truck adapter or a pallet truck adapter to be connected to the channel and to one end of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kielinski
  • Patent number: 6059515
    Abstract: A hand truck has a pivoting wedge that initiates a fracture within a bale of hay, straw and similar materials and assists in retaining the material onto the truck. The wedge pivots out of the way when not in use. A toe consists of long slender tines which may serve the dual purpose of sliding under and/or piercing baled material. The toe is removable from the hand truck for shipping and storage purposes. A guard rack is also provided to provide enhanced support for loose material carried by the truck and to prevent the material from getting caught up in the tires or being dragged inadvertently. According to a method of the invention, the hand truck is engaged with the bale, the wedge used to separate a flake, and then the flake is transported on the hand truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: William A. Keller, Sharon L. Keller
  • Patent number: 6050576
    Abstract: A manually driven wheeled ground level loading cart 10 is provided. The cart 10 has a container 20 in which a load can be supported and a frame 40, pivotably attached to the container 20 and including a handle 44. The frame 40 can be pivoted with respect to the container 20 between two orientations including a loading orientation where the container 20 rests flat on the ground G and a transport orientation where the container 20 is supported through the frame 40 upon wheels 70. The cart 10 is maintained in the transport orientation by having a latching mechanism 80 releasably attached to a rear bar 35 affixed to the container 20. The wheels 70 are coupled through axles to the frame 40 at a location elevated above the pivotable attachment means between the frame 40 and the container 20. A latching mechanism 80 is located above the axles 73 of the wheels 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas J. Tanner, Theodore R. Tanner
  • Patent number: 6042130
    Abstract: A new carrier device for holding a container, such as a propane gas tank. The inventive device includes a back member having top and bottom ends and a pair of sides extending between the top and bottom ends of the back member. The bottom end of the back member has a plurality of ground engaging members. Each of the sides of the back member has a pair of spaced apart belt slots and the back surface of the back member has a handle slot. The back end of are base member is pivotally coupled to the back member. The rear end of a top member is coupled to the back member with the forward end of the top member outwardly extending from the front surface of the back member. The forward end of the top member has a holding bracket which is downwardly extended from the lower face of the top member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Peter R. Souza
  • Patent number: 6015254
    Abstract: A snowmobile dolly comprising a first elongated member; a plurality of wheels disposed along the first elongated member; a second elongated member; a mount for securing the second elongated member relative to the first elongated member so that a longitudinal axis of the first elongated member and the second elongated member are substantially parallel to each other, the second elongated member being sized so as to support a front end of the snowmobile; a third elongated member having a first end portion which is attached to an end of the first elongated member; and a hook for securing a back end of the snowmobile to the third elongated member so as to substantially balance the snowmobile on the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Michael E. Keeler
  • Patent number: 5993134
    Abstract: A hand truck has a frame with a pair of wheels and a platform attached thereto for supporting a load during transport. A lifting arm is provided to assist in placing the load onto the platform without the user having to touch the load. The lifting arm is pivotally coupled to the frame and has a plurality of teeth. When loading the hand truck, the teeth initially contact and penetrate the box containing the load. Further movement of the hand truck toward the load causes the load to be raised by the lifting arm which allows the platform to slide underneath the load. Continued movement of the hand truck results in the lifting arm pivoting against the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Gary Williamson
  • Patent number: 5975826
    Abstract: A two-wheeled hand-truck with attachments, with an elevating mechanism incorporated into the body. The upright rails are tubular, and open on the bottom ends. A crank operated cable and pulley system forcibly extends the elevator downwardly. The attachments allow the body to be converted into a four wheel cart with a variable width wheelbase, and a crank operated, pulley assisted, fork lift, or hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Perry L. Scholder
  • Patent number: 5971693
    Abstract: The present invention is an extension assembly for use in combination with a handtruck which includes a load plate having a load carrying surface, a side rail assembly extending upwardly from and in mechanical communication with the load plate, and a pair of wheels in mechanical communication with the side rail assembly. The unload assist mechanism includes a push plate positioned above the load plate, the push plate having a load engaging surface extending substantially perpendicular to the load carrying surface. An extension assembly in mechanical communication with the handtruck and push plate, moves the push plate between a loading position and an unloading position while maintaining the perpendicular orientation of the load engaging surface with respect to the load carrying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Joseph L. Story, Jerry B. Klock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5971691
    Abstract: Business forms are stacked using a cart having first and second portions pivotally movable with respect to each other from a substantially L-shaped configuration to a substantially in-line configuration with each portion having a conveyor associated with it, and a docking station. The cart with the first and second portions in the substantially L-shaped configuration is moved into operative association with the docking station. The cart is lifted and rotated in the docking station so that the second portion is substantially horizontal, and the first portion of the cart is pivoted with respect to the second portion so that the first portion is in the substantially in-line configuration with respect to the second portion. The conveyors are operated so that business forms are moved onto the first portion, and then onto the second portion, with the second conveyor operating at a speed of at least fifty percent greater than the first conveyor (e. g. about ten times as fast).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Moore U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Patrick Munson, Jr., Wilbur Drew, Daniel James Nicols, Ross A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 5967734
    Abstract: An elevator handtruck having four wheels for allowing loads to be moved like an elevator and raised and lowered out from the raised rear edges of a truck such as a pickup truck, moving van, and the like. Safety straps can attach the handtruck to flanges mounted on the wheel wells within a flat bed of the truck vehicle. A motorized carriage having a set of wheels can be slidably mounted on shafts on the rear of a two wheeled handtruck. The carriage wheels can be folded downward when not in use. During use, the carriage wheels sit on the edge of the truck bed such as the tailgate. A user holding a hand control can press buttons causing the carriage to slide up and down causing the entire handtruck to raise upward to the flat bed or downward to the ground. Power can be supplied by attaching jumper cable clip ends connected to the carriage motor on the handtruck to the terminals on the standard vehicle battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jimmy Liu
  • Patent number: 5938396
    Abstract: A tool box carrier to carry a tool box on level surfaces and allowing the tool box to be carried in stairs is described herein. The tool box carrier includes a wheeled base provided with a longitudinal frame and a tool box support assembly so mounted to the frame as to be longitudinally movable thereon. A hand operated winch is mounted between the frame and the tool box support assembly to assist the longitudinal movements of the tool box support assembly. The tool box is mounted in a pivotable portion of the tool box support assembly to maintain the tool box in a horizontal position when the tool box carrier is tilted during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Bernard Audet
  • Patent number: 5897283
    Abstract: A dumping device is disclosed comprising a container rotatably connected to a support structure, so that the axis of rotation of the container is rearward and/or below the center of gravity of the container. A releasable stop prevents the container from rotating forward. At least one actuator is provided which exerts a force forward and above the center of gravity of the container, whereby the speed of rotation of the container may be controlled and the container may be maneuvered between its upright and dumping positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Gibson Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David Lenguyen
  • Patent number: 5885047
    Abstract: A transport device, or hand truck (10), having a load carrying surface (26) that is mounted to move up and down along the hand truck (10). The level of the load carrying surface (26) is changed by the amount of air within a pneumatic cylinder (40). The amount of air in the pneumatic cylinder (40) is determined by a pneumatic adjustment subsystem (42) and the load on the load carrying surface (26). Preferably, the pneumatic adjustment subsystem (42) is set so that the top item located on the load carrying surface (26) is always at waist level. The pneumatic adjustment system (42) permits the pneumatic cylinder (40) to be offset an incremental amount respective to items of identical weight and height being removed from or placed upon the load carrying surface (26). Thus, as items are removed from the load carrying surface (26), the load carrying surface indexes upward so that the top item is readily available at waist level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Davis, Richard M. Curtin, John Busuttil
  • Patent number: 5813680
    Abstract: A handtruck for transporting and supporting in a generally horizontal position liquid dispensing drums, the handtruck having a secondary containment means to retain any spills or leakage, the secondary containment means having one or more expandable containment means connected in fluid communication, such that a large volume of liquid will force the expandable containment means into the expanded state, thereby greatly increasing the liquid retention capacity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 5810543
    Abstract: A ground-loading conveyance for refuse or heavy objects. The frame is tipped with the handle to allow a two wheel carriage on pivoting support legs to swing beneath the frame, so as to support the load for transporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: John R. Hall
  • Patent number: 5791855
    Abstract: This invention provides a mechanical device which can be easily positioned around an object to be moved, such that the object is securely held by the device and able to be easily moved to a new location. The invention is a lifting device which comprises an open chassis arrangement such that the object to be lifted can enter the device, and as it does so at least one moveable arm will engage and secure the object within the lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Dixon
  • Patent number: 5782600
    Abstract: A cost-effective system and method for quickly and easily moving a fully loaded shelf unit is provided. The shelf unit includes first and second opposing vertical feet supporting the shelf unit on a ground surface. The system and method employ a first prying arm, a second prying arm, and a rolling device. The first and second prying arms each include a pushable member and a lifting member joined to each other. The rolling device includes first and second end supports and an intermediate cross bar extending between the end supports. The rolling device includes a pair of casters mounted to an underside of the cross bar for allowing the rolling device to be rolled along the ground surface. The end supports are located closer than the cross bar to the ground surface when the rolling device is positioned with its casters contacting the ground surface. To move the shelf unit, the prying arms are used to lift the respective vertical feet at least partially off the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Michael D. Walsh