Wheelbarrow stand with tilt leveling mechanism

Abstract

A tilting mechanism incorporated into a conventional wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow including a bucket portion, a pair of elongated handles supporting the bucket portion, and a front wheel. The tilting mechanism includes a frame adapted to being secured to a rearwardly extending location of the elongated handles and such that the bucket portion is disposed between the frame and the front wheel. A pair of elongated supports are incorporated into the frame and, in combination with the front wheel, support the wheelbarrow upon a surface. The frame includes structure for establishing an angle or incline, relative to an uneven or peaked surface, and is actuated to facilitate tilting of the bucket portion about a longitudinal axis extending through the wheelbarrow.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to wheelbarrow support and adjustment devices. More specifically, the present invention discloses a wheelbarrow stand incorporating a tilt leveling mechanism for providing a compensating and sideways tilting support to the wheelbarrow when supporting on an angled or pitched surface, such as a roof.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] The prior art discloses a variety of wheelbarrow support and transport mechanisms. In particular, the prior art discloses a variety of mechanisms for supporting and pivoting a bucket portion of the wheelbarrow.

[0005] A first example of this is set forth in Eicher, U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,496, which teaches an adapter apparatus for assisting in transportation of a wheelbarrow and which teaches the forward pivoting of the load carrying container portion of the wheelbarrow. Bisaillon et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,708 teaches a steer-support mechanism for a wheelbarrow and incorporating a pair of “L” shaped axles carrying wheels and which is rotatably mounted in vertical sleeves on the frame of the wheelbarrow.

[0006] Givens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,463, teaches a support attachment for ease in side emptying a wheelbarrow and which includes a “U” shaped bracket positioned orthogonal to the front portion of a wheelbarrow wheel and the legs of the bracket extending along and attached to associated front end locations of the wheelbarrow handles. Pharoah, U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,376 teaches a foldable wheelbarrow (see FIGS. 3a-3d) and which collapses in the manner shown.

[0007] Armstrong, U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,843 teaches a power driven wheelbarrow incorporating a pair of frame members connected at a front portion thereof, a drive wheel rotatably mounted at the front portion of the frame members and a motor for providing rotational motion to a first shaft about an axis having a direction substantially normal to a direction of an axis of rotation of the drive wheel. A sealed gear box converts the rotational motion provided by the first shaft to a direction substantially parallel to the direction of rotation of the drive wheel and outputs the converted rotational motion. A roller selectively engages and disengages the rotational motion output by the sealed gear box to and from the drive wheel.

[0008] Donze, U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,116 teaches a multi-wheel wheelbarrow with a balanced center of gravity caused by the axis of the wheelbarrow being removably mounted in bearings and disposed at the front end of the wheelbarrow. The wheel axle is adapted to accommodate different wheel arrangements for use on different kinds of ground or terrain.

[0009] Porter, U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,171 teaches a multipurpose barrow vehicle which, similar to Eicher previously described, allows for forward tilting of the container carrying portion. Terhune, U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,128 teaches a modified wheelbarrow construction with a built-in and automatic brake assembly. Finally, Mattox, U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,786 discloses a dumping wheelbarrow capable of providing a forward tilt while maintaining the legs of the wheelbarrow on the ground. The barrow is pivoted at a forward barrow point and is caused to dump by the action of a hydraulic piston affixed at one end to the frame and at the other end to the bottom of the barrow.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0010] The present invention discloses a tilting mechanism incorporated into a wheelbarrow, and which in particular operates to adjust an angle established by the bucket portion relative to an uneven or peaked surface, such as is further typical of a peaked roof or the like. It is an objective of the invention to enable a wheelbarrow device incorporating the tilting mechanism to be utilized and supported upon a peaked roof or other uneven surface and by virtue of permitting the angular orientation, or tilt, of the bucket to be altered about its longitudinal axis and relative to the angle or peak established by the support surface.

[0011] In a first preferred embodiment, the frame includes a base plate from which extend bracket supports for securing the frame to selected underside locations of the elongated support handles associated with the wheelbarrow. An arcuate extending member, typically spring-biasing and essentially “U” shaped, is rotatably secured to the frame by means of a cross member, and supports the wheelbarrow device upon a surface.

[0012] An arcuate shaped gear plate is fixedly secured to the cross member and arcuate extending member and is further rotatably secured to the base plate by a rotational bearing. A spring loaded projection extends through the main plate and engages a selected serrated edge location of the gear plate. The spring loaded projection is retracted from the gear plate, typically through the use of a pivotally secured and elongated handle, and in order to readjust the sideways angle or tilt of the wheelbarrow device relative to the longitudinal axis extending through the wheelbarrow and established with such as a peaked or inclined ground surface.

[0013] A secondary embodiment of the invention discloses the elongated supports as including first and second telescoping support legs and associated first and second elongated and downwardly extending housings from which the support legs telescope. Each of the support legs further includes a plurality of spaced apart and axially extending apertures, the elongated housings each further incorporating an inwardly directed pin which seats within a selected support leg aperture and in order to define an overall tilt associated with the wheelbarrow.

[0014] A brake cable actuating device is provided for successively adjusting each of the telescoping support legs. A clutch handle is mounted to a selected wheelbarrow handle, such that the brake cable extends from the clutch handle at a first end and connects to each of the pins at second spaced apart ends. In order to secure the frame to the wheelbarrow, a pair of brackets extend angularly between the downwardly extending housings and forwardly disposed locations of the elongated wheelbarrow handles, whereas a cross wise bracket extends proximate an upper edge location of said frame and secures to additional locations associated with the handles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the tilt mechanism incorporated into the wheelbarrow stand according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tilt mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is front view of the tilting mechanism according to the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of the tilting mechanism according to the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the tilt mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6 is an environmental view in perspective of the tilting mechanism according to the present invention fitted to a conventional wheelbarrow device;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a side view in section of a tilt mechanism according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tilt mechanism according to the second preferred embodiment and illustrating the brake cable actuating device for successively adjusting each of the telescoping wheelbarrow support legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, a series of views are illustrated of a tilt mechanism 10 incorporated into a wheelbarrow device, see further at 12 in FIG. 6, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As previously explained, the present invention discloses a tilting mechanism incorporated into a wheelbarrow, and which in particular operates to adjust an angle established by the bucket portion relative to an uneven or peaked surface, such as is further typical of a peaked roof or the like. It is also an objective of the invention to enable a wheelbarrow device incorporating the tilting mechanism to be utilized and supported upon a peaked roof or other uneven surface and by virtue of permitting the angular orientation, or tilt, of the bucket to be altered about its longitudinal axis and relative to the angle or peak established by the support surface.

[0025] As is further conventionally known in the art, the wheelbarrow 12 includes a bucket portion 14 and a frame, further constructed of main handlebar members 16 and 18 and front wheel 20. As will be further described in detail, the feature of the rear wheels is removed in the retrofitted wheelbarrow illustration of FIG. 6 and by which the mechanism is operated to establish an overall tilt, as further illustrated by bi-directional and angled arrow 22 taken about a longitudinal axis extending through the wheelbarrow 12, and its associated front wheel 20. As is also evident from FIG. 6, and in the first preferred embodiment, the conventional rearwardly disposed supports of the wheelbarrow are substituted by the supporting structure incorporated into the tilting mechanism.

[0026] In the first preferred embodiment, and referring again to each of FIGS. 1-6, a frame associated with the tilting mechanism 10 is constructed of a strong and durable material, typically a metal and includes a base plate 24. The base plate 24 is preferably constructed of a durable metal having a selected outline, in the illustrations of FIGS. 1-6 being shown as a six-sided or hexagonal plate.

[0027] Bracket supports secure the frame to selected underside locations of the elongated support handles associated with the wheelbarrow 12 and further such that the bucket portion 14 is disposed between the tilting mechanism frame and the front wheel 20. The bracket supports include a pair of elongated brackets 26 and 28 extending rearwardly from the base plate 24, a cross wise bracket 30 extending proximate an upper edge location of the base plate 24. As illustrated, each of the bracket supports 26, 28, and 30 include a substantially “L” shape in cross section. As further best illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of apertures, see further at 32, 34, and 36, respectively are provided for the bracket supports 26, 28 and 30 and which, in combination with screw fasteners or the like, engage to the selected underside locations of the wheelbarrow handles 16 and 18, as further best shown in FIG. 6, and in order to mount the tilting mechanism 10 to the wheelbarrow.

[0028] An arcuate extending member, typically a spring-biasing and essentially “U” shaped as illustrated at 38, is rotatably secured (as will be shortly described) to the main plate 24 by means of a cross member 40 and in order to support the wheelbarrow device upon a surface, such as again a peaked or inclined surface (not shown). The “U” shaped member 38 includes a pair of downwardly directed and terminating ends, 42 and 44, which engage upon the selected locations of the peaked or inclined surface. It is further understood that other possible configurations can be substituted for the “U” shaped member and which are constructed to both adequately support the wheelbarrow at its rearward position, as well as permit its pivoting adjustment and as will now be explained.

[0029] An arcuate shaped gear plate is illustrated at 46 and is fixedly secured to the cross member 40 and arcuate extending member 38. The gear plate 46 exhibits any desirable configuration, further exhibiting such as a rounded or arcuate shaped exterior surface, and is rotatably secured to the base plate 24 by a heavy duty rotational bearing 48.

[0030] The gear plate 46 further exhibits a plurality of spaced apart and exteriorly facing serrations 50 extending along a lower arcuate edge thereof. A spring loaded projection 52 is mounted to a bracket 54 on a first selected side of the base plate 24 and extends through a slot 56 defined in the plate 24, in proximity to the serrated edges 50, and in order to engage a selected serrated edge location of the gear plate 46.

[0031] The spring loaded projection 52 is retracted from contact with the gear plate 46, typically through the use of a pivotally secured and elongated handle 58 being actuated in a direction indicated by arrow 60 in FIGS. 1 and 6, and in order to readjust the sideways angle or tilt of the wheelbarrow 12 relative to the longitudinal axis 22 extending through the wheelbarrow and established with such as a peaked or inclined ground surface. As further best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1, the bracket 54 provides the intermediate linkage between the handle 58 and the projection 52 and typically houses the spring element (see at 55 in FIG. 1) necessary for establishing the biasing engagement. The projection 52 is further typically unseated from the gear plate 46 upon being depressed by the user's foot and tilted in a given direction by the user's grip on the handles 16 and 18.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a secondary embodiment of the tilting mechanism of the invention is illustrated at 62 according to the present invention. As is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, only the tilting mechanism 62 is illustrated, along with the pair of elongated handles 16 and 18 associated with the wheelbarrow, it being understood that the remaining components are the same as previously described.

[0033] The tilting mechanism 62 discloses the elongated supports as including first 64 and second 66 telescoping support legs and associated first 68 and second 70 elongated and downwardly extending (interiorly hollowed) housings from which the support legs 64 and 66 telescope. Each of the support legs 64 and 66 further include a plurality of spaced apart and axially extending apertures, see at 72 and 74, respectively in FIG. 8. The elongated housings 68 and 70 each further incorporate an inwardly directed pin, see at 76 and 78, respectively, and which seats within a selected support leg aperture 72 and 74, in order to define an overall tilt associated with the wheelbarrow. A brake cable actuating device is generally referenced at 80 for successively adjusting each of the telescoping support legs 64 and 66. A clutch handle 82 is mounted to a selected wheelbarrow handle, such as handle 16 illustrated, and further such that a brake cable 84 associated with the cable actuating device extends from the clutch handle 82 at a first end and operatively connects to each of the pins 76 and 78 at second split and spaced apart ends 86 and 88.

[0034] In a preferred arrangement, the cable device 80 includes an outer insulating sheath and one or more inner, flexible and axially translatable wire elements for selectively withdrawing and reseating the pins 76 and 78 relative to selected apertures associated with each downwardly telescoping leg. It is further within the understanding of the present invention that the pins 76 and 78 are spring loaded (see at 77 and 79 in FIG. 8) to their engaged position and further that the legs may be hydraulically or pneumatically charged, as well as possible spring-loaded in their downwardly telescoping direction, and so that they are influenced in a direction out of the outer housings 68 and 70 upon retraction of the pins 76 and 78. As is also contemplated, the downward force applied upon the legs 64 and 66, upon being released by the pins 76 and 78, is counteracted by the tilting and collapsing force applied to a selected leg 64 or 66 by the user.

[0035] Finally, and in order to secure the frame to the wheelbarrow, a pair of brackets 90 and 92 extend angularly between the downwardly extending housings 68 and 70, respectively, and forwardly disposed locations of the elongated wheelbarrow handles 16 and 18. A cross wise bracket 94 extends proximate an upper edge location of said frame, see in FIG. 8 extending from top edge locations of the housings 68 and 70, and secures to additional locations associated with the handles 16 and 18. Additionally, a lower cross wise support is noted at 96 and contributes to the integrity of the mechanism 62.

[0036] Having described my invention, additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tilting mechanism incorporated into a conventional wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow including a bucket portion, a pair of elongated handles supporting the bucket portion, and a front wheel, said tilting mechanism comprising:

a frame adapted to being secured to a rearwardly extending location of the elongated handles and such that the bucket portion is disposed between said frame and the front wheel;

a pair of elongated supports incorporated into said frame and, in combination with the front wheel, supporting the wheelbarrow upon a surface; and

said frame being actuated to facilitate tilting of the bucket portion about a longitudinal axis extending through the wheelbarrow.

2. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 1, said frame further comprising a base plate from which extend supports for mounting said frame to underside locations of the elongated wheelbarrow handles.

3. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 2, said mounting supports further comprising a pair of brackets extending rearwardly from said base plate, a cross wise bracket extending proximate an upper edge location of said base plate.

4. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 2, said elongated supports further comprising an arcuate extending member having first and second downwardly directed ends, a cross beam securing opposite sides of said arcuate extending member and in rotative fashion with said base plate.

5. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 4, further comprising an arcuate shaped gear plate secured to said cross plate, a rotational bearing interconnecting said cross beam and gear plate with said base plate.

6. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 5, said gear plate further exhibiting a plurality of spaced apart serrations along a lower arcuate edge thereof, a slot formed through said base plate in proximity to said serrations and a spring-loaded projection extending through said slot and engaging a selected serration to define a specified tilt of the bucket portion relative to the supporting surface.

7. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 6, further comprising an elongated handle pivotally secured to said spring-loaded projection via a support tab extending from a surface of the base plate.

8. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 1, said elongated supports further comprising first and second telescoping support legs.

9. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 8, further comprising first and second elongated and downwardly extending housings from which said support legs telescope.

10. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 9, each of said legs further comprising a plurality of spaced apart and axially extending apertures, said elongated housings each further comprising an inwardly directed pin which seats within a selected support leg aperture and in order to define an overall tilt associated with the wheelbarrow.

11. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 10, further comprising a brake cable actuating device for successively adjusting each of said telescoping support legs.

12. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 11, further comprising a clutch handle mounted to a selected wheelbarrow handle, said brake cable extending from said clutch handle at a first end and connecting to said pins at second spaced apart ends.

13. The tilting mechanism as described in claim 9, further comprising a pair of brackets extending angularly between said downwardly extending housings and forwardly disposed locations of the elongated wheelbarrow handles, a cross wise bracket extending proximate an upper edge location of said frame and securing to additional locations associated with the handles.

14. A tilting mechanism incorporated into a conventional wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow including a bucket portion, a pair of elongated handles supporting the bucket portion, and a front wheel, said tilting mechanism comprising:

a frame adapted to being secured to a rearwardly extending location of the elongated handles and such that the bucket portion is disposed between said frame and the front wheel, said frame further comprising a base plate from which extend supports for mounting said frame to underside locations of the wheelbarrow handles, said supports further including a pair of brackets extending rearwardly from said base plate, a cross wise bracket extending proximate an upper edge location of said base plate;

a pair of elongated supports incorporated into said frame and, in combination with the front wheel, supporting the wheelbarrow upon a surface, said elongated supports including an arcuate member having first and second downwardly directed ends, a cross beam securing opposite sides of said arcuate extending member in rotative fashion with said base plate; and

an arcuate shaped gear plate secured to said cross plate, a rotational bearing interconnecting said cross beam and gear plate with said base plate, a spring loaded projection engaging said gear plate;

said projection being actuated relative to said gear plate to facilitate tilting of the bucket portion about a longitudinal axis extending through the wheelbarrow.

15. A tilting mechanism incorporated into a conventional wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow including a bucket portion, a pair of elongated handles supporting the bucket portion, and a front wheel, said tilting mechanism comprising:

a frame adapted to being secured to a rearwardly extending location of the elongated handles and such that the bucket portion is disposed between said frame and the front wheel;

a pair of elongated supports incorporated into said frame and, in combination with the front wheel, supporting the wheelbarrow upon a surface, said elongated supports further comprising first and second telescoping support legs, first and second elongated and downwardly extending housings associated with said frame and from which said support legs telescope; and

a brake cable actuating device operatively connecting to each of said telescoping supports and being actuated to facilitate tilting of the bucket portion about a longitudinal axis extending through the wheelbarrow.