Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
RDE0003/CA
TRANSPORT CART
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/731,167
filed November 29, 2012 and titled TRANSPORT CART; of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/817,464 filed April 30, 2013 and titled TRANSPORT CART; of
U.S. Application No. 13/974,539 filed August 23, 2013 and titled TRANSPORT
CART; and of U.S. Application No. 14/056,587 filed October 17,2013 and titled
TRANSPORT CART.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002J This application is directed to a cart, dolly or hand truck for
transporting an item.
More particularly, this application is directed to a cart, dolly or hand truck
for
transporting and lifting an item such as bucket.
BACKGROUND
[00031 Carts, dollies and hand trucks are very useful for moving items that
are heavy and/or
cumbersome. However, many cart designs have a number of disadvantages. For
example, for particularly heavy items, the mere action of placing the item on
the
support platform of the cart may be difficult. Similarly, it may be difficult
to
remove a particularly heavy item from the support platform after it has been
moved
to the desired location. Depending on the desired final location of the item,
moving
the item to its final location may still require manually lifting the item.
This is
particularly true for elevated final locations, such as on a shelf or ledge.
[0004] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a cart, dolly or hand
truck that is
particularly well adapted to moving items, such as containers, including
lifting and
lowering those items as desired.
SUMMARY
[00051 The present invention addresses the aforementioned need by providing a
cart for
lifting, moving and lowering an item, such as a bucket. The hand cart of this
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,
disclosure includes an engagement mechanism configured to engage the item
being
lifted by its sidewalls rather than its bottom surface. The cart of this
disclosure also
includes a vertical position adjustment mechanism, to lift and lower the item.
The
vertical position adjustment mechanism has a displacement multiplier that
provides
an advantage when lifting and lowering the item.
[0006] The present invention addresses the aforementioned need by providing a
cart for
lifting, moving and lowering an item, such as a bucket. The cart of this
disclosure
includes an engagement mechanism configured to engage the container being
lifted
by either or both of its sidewall and an outwardly extending circumferential
flange
on a sidewall rather than its bottom surface; the cart may additionally
include a
surface to lift the container by its bottom surface. The cart of this
disclosure also
includes a vertical position adjustment mechanism, to lift and lower the item.
[0007] In any of the methods of this disclosure, the bucket to be picked up
may be located
on the same surface as the wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on
which
the wheeled cart is, or on a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.
Additionally or alternately, the bucket may be deposited on the same surface
as the
wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on which the wheeled cart is,
or on
a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart, such as a pallet, bench or
shelf,
without requiring lifting by the user.
[0008] One particular set of embodiments of this disclosure is to a cart that
has a vertical
position adjustment mechanism, which optionally includes a displacement
multiplier
that results in a positional advantage. For example, the disclosure provides a
transport cart comprising a frame having a first wheeled end and a second end,
an
engagement feature moveably connected to the frame, and a position adjustment
system configured to adjust the position of the engagement feature between the
first
end and the second end of the frame, at least a portion of the position
adjustment
system moveable in relation to the frame. The engagement feature is configured
to
engage with an outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the
item,
such as a bucket. The position adjustment system may comprises a cable
management system having at least one wheel, and a cable connected to the
cable
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management system at a cable first end and to the engagement feature at a
cable
second end. In other embodiments, the position adjustment system may comprise
a
hydraulic cylinder. Movement of the portion of the position adjustment system
moveable in relation to the frame results in movement of the engagement
feature.
100091 Another particular set of embodiments of this disclosure is to methods
of moving an
item, such as a bucket. For example, this disclosure provides a method of
moving a
bucket by bringing a wheeled cart in close proximity to the bucket, engaging
an
outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket with an
engagement feature of the wheeled cart by raising the engagement feature,
tipping
the wheeled cart to elevate the bucket, transporting the elevated bucket with
the cart,
leveling the bucket, and lowering the engagement feature to disengage the
outwardly
extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.
[001.01 In another example, this disclosure provides a method of moving a
bucket by
bringing a wheeled cart in close proximity to the bucket, engaging an
outwardly
extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket with an
engagement
feature of the wheeled cart, tipping the wheeled cart with the engaged bucket,
transporting the engaged bucket with the cart, and untipping the cart to
disengage
the outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of the bucket.
mill In any of the methods of this disclosure, the item to be picked up may be
located on
the same surface as the wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on
which
the wheeled cart is, or on a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.
Additionally or alternately, the item may be deposited on the same surface as
the
wheeled cart, on a surface even with the surface on which the wheeled cart is,
or on
a surface elevated in relation to the wheeled cart.
[0012] The above summary of the various embodiments of the disclosure is not
intended to
describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the
disclosure.
These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a
reading of
the following detailed description.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the
following
detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection
with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cart according
to this
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a vertical
adjustment
mechanism of the cart of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a cart
according to this
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the cart of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a vertical
adjustment
mechanism of the cart of FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a kick plate of the cart of
FIGS. 1 and 2,
with the kick plate in a first position.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the kick plate of the cart of
FIGS. 1 and 2,
with the kick plate in a second position.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a cart
according to this
disclosure, particularly, showing a pivoting kick plate.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the cart of FIG. 9, with the
cart and kick
plate in a first position.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the cart of FIG. 9, with the
cart and kick
plate in a second position.
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10025] FIG. 12 is a partial back perspective view of another embodiment of a
cart according
to this disclosure, particularly, showing an upper vertical adjustment stop in
a first
position.
[00261 FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of the cart of FIG. 12 with the
upper vertical
adjustment stop in a second position.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a partial back perspective view of another embodiment of a
cart according
to this disclosure, particularly, showing a hydraulic cylinder of the vertical
adjustment mechanism.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a partial side perspective view of another embodiment of a
cart according
to this disclosure, particularly, showing an adjustable handle in a first
position.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the cart of FIG. 15 with the
adjustable handle
in a second position.
[0030] FIGS. 17 through 20 are side perspective views of the cart of FIGS. 1
and 2 lifting,
transporting, and placing a bucket, as per this disclosure.
[00311 FIG. 21A is a perspective view, FIG. 21B is a side elevational view,
and FIG. 21C is
a front elevational view of another cart according to this disclosure
supporting two
buckets, the cart in a first position.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the cart of FIGS. 21A-21C
supporting two
buckets, the cart in a second position.
[0033] FIGS. 23 and 24 are top perspective views of the cart supporting two
buckets.
[00341 FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cart and buckets taken along
line A-A of
FIG. 24.
100351 FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a first foot lever of the cart, as
taken along line
A-A of FIG. 24.
100361 FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a second foot lever of the cart,
as taken along
line A-A of FIG. 24.
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[0037] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart, particularly
the frame, showing
the elevation adjustment mechanism in a raised position.
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart, particularly
the frame, showing
the elevation adjustment mechanism in a lowered position with the release
lever
depressed.
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a portion of the elevation adjustment
mechanism,
including a cover thereon, in a lowered position.
[0040] FIG. 31 is side elevational view of a portion of the cart, particularly
the handle and
release lever.
[0041] FIG. 32 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the cart,
particularly the handle,
release lever, and the elevation adjustment mechanism.
[0042] FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a portion of the cart, particularly the
bucket
engagement feature and the elevation adjustment mechanism.
[0043] FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the cart of FIGS. 21A-21C
supporting two
buckets, the cart in a third position.
[0044] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart, particularly
the frame, wheels
and brake assembly.
[0045] FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of a portion of the cart,
particularly the wheels
and brake assembly.
[0046] FIGS. 37A and 37B are perspective views of a portion of the cart,
particularly the
mechanism for moving the bucket engagement feature.
[0047] FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the cart elevating two buckets
from off of a
pallet.
[0048] FIG. 39A is a perspective view, FIG. 39B is a side elevational view,
and FIG. 39C is
a rear elevational view of a battery-powered cart according to this
disclosure, the
cart supporting two buckets.
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-
[0049] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart of FIGS. 39A-
39C, particularly,
the control panel mounted proximate the cart handle.
[0050] FIG. 41 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery control panel and
cart handle.
[0051] FIG. 42 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the battery control panel
and handle.
[0052] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support tray
positioned in a
first, operational position.
[0053] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 43 in a second
position.
[0054] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable item
engagement
feature, the engagement feature in a first, retracted position.
[0055] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the adjustable item engagement feature
of FIG. 45
in a second, extended position.
100561 FIG. 47 is a partial perspective view of a cart having a two-piece
adjustable support
shelf, the shelf in a back position and in an open position, with the cart
supporting
two buckets.
[0057] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the two-piece shelf of FIG. 47, the
shelf in a closed
or operational position, and with the shelf in a forward position.
[0058] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the two-piece shelf of FIG. 48, the
shelf in an
intermediate position and in the forward position.
[0059] FIG. 50 is a side elevational view of the shelf of FIG. 49 in the
intermediate and
forward positions.
[0060] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a two-piece
support shelf,
the shelf in a closed or operational position.
[0061] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 51 in an open
position.
[0062] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cart including
a box or
bucket carton retention bar.
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[0063] FIG. 54 is a side view of the cart of FIG. 53 supporting three buckets.
[0064] FIG. 55 is a side view of the cart of FIG. 53 cart supporting four
boxes.
[0065] FIGS. 56A through 56C are partial side views of the cart of FIG. 53
with the
retention bar shown in a first position (FIG. 56A), in a second position (FIG.
56B)
and in a third position (FIG. 56C).
[0066] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms,
specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will
be
described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is
not to
limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the
intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the
spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] The present disclosure provides carts, dollies or hand trucks for
lifting, transporting
and an item or container, such as a bucket. The carts of this disclosure are
particularly suited for lifting, moving, and lowering 5-gallon buckets and
other items
having an outwardly directed circumferential flange.
[00681 It should be understood that although the description herein refers to
the device as a
"cart", the device may alternately be referred to as a "dolly", "hand truck",
"hand
cart", "mover", "2-wheeler", "pallet truck", etc. It should further be
understood that
although the description herein refers to the item moved by the cart as a
"bucket" or
"5-gallon bucket", the cart can be configured to lift, transport and lower
other items.
[0069] The carts of this disclosure include a lifting system that raises and
lowers the item.
The lifting system includes an engagement feature and a position adjustment
system.
In some embodiments, the position adjustment system includes a feature that
provides a positional advantage for lifting and lowering the engaged item; the
position adjustment system includes a displacement multiplier.
[0070] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying
drawing that
forms a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration at least one
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specific embodiment. The following description provides additional specific
embodiments. It is to be understood that still other embodiments are
contemplated
and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken
in a
limiting sense. While the present disclosure is not so limited, an
appreciation of
various aspects of the disclosure will be gained through the discussion
provided
below.
[0071] Referring now to the figures, various carts and features according to
the present
disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 56A-56C. In some of these
figures, a
cart is illustrated retaining a bucket, such as a 5-gallon bucket; it should
be
understood that any of the carts illustrated or described herein can be
modified to
lift, hold, transport and lower other items, whether cylindrical or not.
[0072] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a cart 10 is shown. Cart 10 has a structural frame 12
sufficiently
strong and rigid to withstand tilting and moving of cart 10 while cart 10 is
supporting and/or lifting an item. Examples of suitable materials for frame 12
include steel, iron, aluminum and other metals, reinforced plastics, and
polymeric
composite materials. In this embodiment, frame 12 has a generally rectangular
configuration, having a first end 14, an opposite second end 16, and members
15
extending therebetween. Other configurations of frame 12 may alternately be
used.
[0073] At first end 14, cart 10 includes two wheels 18 upon which cart 10 can
roll. In
FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 10 is positioned at rest on a surface such as a floor, in
a generally
vertical position, supported by first end 14 and wheels 18. At or proximate to
second end 16, cart 10 includes a handle 20 to facilitate moving of cart 10 by
a user.
Cart 10 includes a lifting system that raises and lowers items, e.g., buckets,
that are
engaged by cart 10. This lifting system includes an engagement feature 22 and
a
position adjustment system 28.
[0074] Engagement feature 22 is configured to engage sidewalls or an element
present on
the sidewalls of an item (e.g., a circumferentially outwardly extending flange
on a 5-
gallon bucket) and support the item. In the illustrated embodiment, engagement
feature 22 does not fully encircle the bucket, but encircles the bucket only
so much
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as to sufficiently secure the bucket against cart 10 when cart 10 is tipped
while
allowing the bucket to be slid into and out from engagement feature 22,
without the
need to open clasps, straps, buckets, or the like when cart 10 is not tipped.
In other
embodiments, a removable or replaceable strap or other mechanism may used to
better secure the bucket into engagement feature 22.
[00751 As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, engagement feature 22 includes an upper
member 24 and
a lower member 26, with each member 24, 26 composed of opposite arms. At least
upper member 24, and in some embodiments lower member 26, has an arcuate inner
surface to better engage with the sidewall of a cylindrical item, such as a
bucket. In
use, when retaining a bucket, upper member 24 seats below the circumferential
outwardly extending flange commonly found on 5-gallon buckets. As engagement
feature 22 is raised, upper member 24 engages and provides lift to the bucket
due to
its contact with the bottom of the flange. Lower member 26 stabilizes the
bucket,
inhibiting swinging and/or swaying of the bucket.
[0076] Engagement feature 22 is moveably mounted to frame 12, moveable between
first
end 14 and second end 16. In one embodiment, engagement feature 22 is mounted
to frame 12 via compliant guide rollers, having some amount of slack or play.
Such
compliant rollers may slightly pivot in relation to frame 12, facilitating
correct
positioning of upper member 24 of engagement feature 22 against the item to be
engaged.
[00771 Position adjustment system 28 is operably connected to and configured
to raise and
lower engagement feature 22. Position adjustment system 28 has a displacement
multiplier that provides a displacement advantage for raising and lowering
engagement feature 22 in relation to frame 12. By use of the terms
"advantage,"
"displacement advantage", and variations thereof, what is intended is, for
example,
vertical motion of one unit due to the direct action of the cart user will
result in
movement of the engagement feature of more than one unit. For cart 10 of FIGS.
1
and 2, position adjustment system 28 includes an activation lever 30 (in this
embodiment a foot-activated lever) operably connected to a hydraulic cylinder
31
that in turn is connected to a pinion gear 32 which meshingly engages with
gear rack
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34. Activation of hydraulic cylinder 31 via lever 30 results in movement of
gear 32
along rack 34. Hydraulic cylinder 31 is configured to move gear 32 toward end
16
or away from end 16; the direction of movement can be controlled by a release
switch 31a on cylinder 31. FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of activation
lever 30
and hydraulic cylinder 31; of course, hydraulic cylinders, their
configurations and
uses are well known, and other variations can be used. FIG. 3 illustrates an
enlarged
view of pinion gear 32 and gear rack 34.
100781 Also shown in FIG. 3 is a wheel 36 fixedly connected to pinion gear 32.
Preferably,
the central axis of wheel 36 is aligned with the central axis of gear 32 so
that wheel
36 rotates together with gear 32. Thus, as pinion gear 32 moves along rack 34,
wheel 36 also rotates. Connected to the outer periphery or circumference of
wheel
36 is a first end of a cable 38, the second end of which is connected to
engagement
feature 22. It is to be understood that a rope, wire, cord, chain, tape or
other element
could be used in lieu of a cable. As wheel 36 rotates one direction (in FIG.
3,
clockwise), cable 38 is wound on wheel 36, and as wheel 36 rotates the other
direction (in FIG. 3, counterclockwise), cable 38 is unwound from wheel 36.
Wheel
36, in essence, manages the amount of available cable 38 extending to
engagement
feature 22.
[0079] Wheel 36 has a greater diameter (and thus circumference) than gear 32,
so that in
accordance with this disclosure, wheel 36 is a displacement multiplier.
Because the
circumference of wheel 36 is greater than the circumference of gear 32 to
which it is
locked, the same angle of rotation will produce a greater distance with wheel
36 than
with gear 32. Thus, when hydraulic cylinder 31 via lever 30 moves gear 32 so
that it
travels one distance unit (e.g., inch) along rack 34, wheel 36 will move cable
38 and
thus engagement feature 22 more than that one unit.
[0080] The displacement advantage provided by wheel 36 results in greater than
a 1:1
movement of engagement feature 22 in relation to rack 34, in some embodiments
greater than 1:2 (meaning, one distance unit of movement of gear 32 results in
greater than 2 distance units of movement of engagement feature 22). In some
embodiments, the ratio of movement is greater than 1:3, in other embodiments
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greater than 1:4, in other embodiments greater than 1:5, and in other
embodiments
greater than 1:6 or greater than 1:8. The displacement advantage realized is
based
on the relative radius of gear 32 to the radius of wheel 36; that is, the
displacement
advantage realized is a ratio of the radius of gear 32 to wheel 36.
100811 FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a cart having a
position
adjustment system having a displacement multiplier that provides a
displacement
advantage. Similar to cart 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 100 of FIGS. 4 and 5 has
a
structure frame 112 having a first end 114, an opposite second end 116, and
members 115 extending therebetween. At first end 114, cart 100 includes two
wheels 118 upon which cart 100 can roll. At or proximate to second end 116,
cart
100 includes a handle 120 to facilitate moving of cart 100 by a user. Similar
to cart
10, cart 100 includes a lifting system that raises and lowers items that are
engaged
by cart 100. This lifting system includes an engagement feature 122 configured
to
engage a bucket (e.g., a 5-gallon bucket) and support the bucket. Engagement
feature 122 includes an upper member 124 and a lower member 126.
[0082] The lifting system includes a position adjustment system 128, shown in
FIGS. 4 and
and also in FIG. 6, that includes a displacement multiplier for raising and
lowering
engagement feature 122. Position adjustment system 128 includes an activation
lever 130 (FIG. 5) positioned close to first end 114 of cart 100 that is
operably
connected to engagement feature 122 via a pulley system 140, which includes a
cable 142, an adjustable pulley assembly 144 including a wheel 145, and a
fixed
pulley 150. Adjustable pulley assembly 144 has an adjustable distance between
its
first end 146 and its second end 148. In this embodiment, activation lever 130
controls the distance between first end 146 and second end 148 by moving
second
end 148 in toward or away from first end 146. Cable 142, which winds between
first end 146 and second end 148, is connected at one end to engagement
feature 122
and at its other end to wheel 145 of adjustable pulley assembly 144. Pulley
assembly 144 manages the available length of cable 142.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, position adjustment system 128 provides
an 8x
displacement advantage due to the eight loops of cable 142. Thus, a change in
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distance between first end 146 and second end 148 results in a movement 8
times as
much for the opposite end of cable 142. For example, an increase of 1 inch
between
first end 146 and second end 148 results in engagement feature 122 being
lifted 8
inches.
[0084] The illustrated pulley system 140 is a compound system with eight
loops, and it
should be understood that other pulley systems, providing more or less
displacement
advantage, could be used.
[0085] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 10 includes, at first end 14 proximate
wheels 18, a
kick plate or foot rest 40 to facilitate tipping or tilting cart 10 back
toward the user
during movement or transport of cart 10. Positioned on the bottom side of kick
plate
40 are casters 42, to facilitate stabilization of cart 10 when in the tipped
position. In
some embodiments, casters 42, together with wheels 18, may completely support
a
tipped cart 10, allowing the user to release hold of the cart.
[0086] The angle of kick plate 40 in respect to frame 12, although locked
during use of cart
10, can be adjustable to modify the tip of cart 10 as desired. In FIGS. 1, 2
and 7, a
support member 44 connects kick plate 40 to frame 12 at an angle of about 45
degrees. This angle may be adjusted by modifying the distance between kick
plate
40 and frame 12, and/or by altering the position of connection of member 44 to
frame 12. In FIG. 8, the connection of support member 44 to frame 12 has been
moved closer to first end 14 than in FIG. 7, resulting in a greater angle
between kick
plate 40 and frame 12, and thus allowing less tipping of cart 10. An angle of
30 to
60 degrees between kick plate 40 and frame 12 allows easy tipping of cart 10
and
also good stability during transport.
[0087] FIGS. 9 through 11 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a cart, this
one having a
readily pivotal kick plate. Similar to cart 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, cart 200 of
FIGS. 9
through 11 has a structural support frame 212 having a first end 214, an
opposite
second end 216, and members 215 extending therebetween. At first end 214, cart
200 includes two wheels 218 upon which cart 200 can roll. At or proximate to
second end 216, cart 200 includes a handle. Cart 200 includes an engagement
feature 222 and a position adjustment system 228.
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[0088] Cart 200 includes a pivotal kick plate or foot rest 240 to facilitate
tipping or tilting
cart 200 back toward the user during movement or transport of cart 200.
Positioned
on the bottom side of kick plate 240 are casters 242. Kick plate 240 includes
a slot
245 therein, slot 245 having a first end 246 and an opposite second end 248.
Fixedly
connected to frame 212 is a pin 250 that fits within slot 245. As pin 250
moves in
slot 245, the angle between kick plate 240 and frame 212 changes, thus
modifying
the angle of possible tipping of cart 200. In FIGS. 9 and 10, pin 250 is
positioned
proximate second end 248 of slot 245, providing an angle of essentially 90
degrees
between kick plate 240 and frame 212. In FIG. 11, pin 250 is positioned
proximate
first end 246 of slot 245, providing an angle of about 45 degrees between kick
plate
240 and frame 212. By having a kick plate 240 that is readily pivotally
adjustable,
all four wheels (i.e., wheels 218 and casters 242) may remain in contact with
the
ground as cart 200 is pivoted forward.
[0089] The carts of this disclosure (e.g., cart 10, cart 100, cart 200) may
include any
number of various features to limit the movement of the item or bucket
engagement
feature (e.g., feature 22, 122, 222) along the cart frame (e.g., frame 12,
112, 212).
Referring to FIG. 12, a stop 46 on frame 312 is illustrated, limiting further
movement of bucket engagement feature 322 toward end 316 of the cart. The
position of stop 46 may be adjustable; see FIG. 13, where stop 46 is
illustrated in a
different position. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to position stop
46 at a
height corresponding to a specific unloading height. In addition, the carts of
this
disclosure may include a lower stop to limit movement of the engagement
feature
toward the wheeled end of the cart.
[0090] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, as indicated, cart 10 includes a handle 20
at or close to
second end 16. Handle 20 includes a horizontal member (extending between frame
members 15) and terminal handle ends. Cart 100 of FIG. 5 has an alternate
handle
120, having no horizontal member but two handle ends. Handle 20, and other
handles, may be adjustable in respect to frame 12. In FIG. 15, handle 20 is
positioned on frame 12 farther from end 16 than in FIG. 16, where handle 20 is
closer to end 16.
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[0091] As indicated above, the various carts of this disclosure can be used to
lift, transport,
and lower items, particularly buckets. FIGS. 17 through 20 illustrate such an
activity with cart 10, described above.
=
[0092] First, as illustrated in FIG. 17, cart 10 is moved into position so
that engagement
mechanism 22 engages a bucket. Engagement mechanism 22 may require
movement upwards (i.e., toward end 16) or downward (i.e., toward end 14) so
that
upper member 24 is positioned under and in contact with an outwardly extending
flange or ridge on the bucket, and lower member 26 is positioned preferably
against
the sidewalls of the bucket. At this step, cart 10 is resting on wheels 18
optionally
balanced by the engaged bucket.
[0093] In FIG. 18, cart 10 is shown tipped back on casters 42. This may be
accomplished
by the user, who would be standing to the right of cart 10 in the figures,
placing a
foot on kick plate 40 while holding handle 20 and tipping cart 10 back toward
himself. At this step, cart 10 is resting on wheels 18 and casters 42, with
the bucket
lifted off the ground by the engagement of upper member 24 against the bottom
of
the outwardly extending flange or ridge on the bucket. In this manner, cart 10
can
readily and easily move the bucket to a desired location.
[0094] In FIG. 19, the bucket is shown lifted to an elevated position on cart
10 via the
position adjustment system which includes lever 30, wheel 36 and cable 38. To
move the bucket from the position of FIG. 18 to that of FIG. 19, the user
activates
(e.g., pumps) lever 30, thus rotating the pinion gear and wheel 36. Rotation
of
wheel 36 pulls cable 38 and thus engagement mechanism 22 toward end 16.
Because of the displacement advantage provided by wheel 36 (due to wheel 36
having a larger radius than the pinion gear), engagement mechanism 22 and the
bucket move quicker toward end 16 than the pinion gear. By having the bucket
in
an elevated position, it can be easily placed in a raised location, such as a
bench or
shelf without requiring lifting by the user.
[0095] In FIG. 20, the bucket is shown deposited on a roller conveyor by cart
10. This is
accomplished by moving cart 10 with the bucket to the desired location,
tipping cart
back to an essentially upright position, and lowering the bucket via the
position
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
adjustment system. The tipping and lowering may be done in either order or
simultaneously. After the bucket has been placed at the desired location,
engagement mechanism 22 is sufficiently lowered to disengage upper member 24
from the outwardly extending flange or ridge on the bucket, and cart 10 can be
removed.
[0096] In another alternate method, the bucket may be lifted (in a manner
similar to
illustrated in FIG. 17) but from a location that is elevated in relation to
the location
of the cart. That is, carts of this disclosure can be used to pick up buckets
and other
items that are at an elevated location, such as on a shelf, pallet, conveyor
system, on
another similar item, etc. In some methods, it may not be necessary to
activate the
position adjustment system of the cart. Merely tipping the cart back may be
sufficient to raise the bucket sufficiently so that it can be moved.
Similarly, merely
tipping the cart forward may be sufficient to release and deposit the bucket
in the
desired location.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 21A through 38, but particularly to FIGS. 21A,
21B, 21C
and 22, a cart 1010 is shown. Cart 1010 has a structural frame 1012 having a
first
end 1014 at the bottom of cart 1010 when cart 1010 is in use, an opposite
second
end 1016 at the top of cart 1010 when cart 1010 is in use, defined by various
members extending vertically and horizontally, and with various braces and
brackets, e.g., cross-member 1015. In the illustrated embodiment, frame 1012
is
formed having a channel 1013 (FIG. 21A). Other configurations of frame 1012
may
alternately be used.
[0098] At first end 1014, cart 10 includes two primary wheels 1018. To
increase stability,
particularly when parked, cart 1010 includes a pair of front support arms 1030
that
support the cart, with or without a load, when the cart is in an upright
position.
Optionally, each front support arm may comprise at least one secondary wheel,
such
as a caster 1032. Casters 1032 on front support arms 1030, together with
wheels
1018, allow cart 1010 to stand up-right, whether loaded or not, without
assistance; in
other words, with front support arms 1030 and casters 1032, cart 1010 is
sufficiently
stable to not require additional stabilization or support. It is noted that in
the upright
16
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
=
position, with wheels 1018 and casters 1032 resting on the floor, cart 1010
can be
moved (rolled) if any item supported by cart 1010 is sufficiently lifted to
not be in
contact with the supporting surface (e.g., the ground).
[0099] In FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C, cart 1010 is positioned at rest on a surface
such as a
floor, in a generally vertical position, supported by wheels 1018 and casters
1032.
At or proximate to second end 1016, cart 1010 includes a handle 1020 with a
cross
brace 1025 (seen in FIG. 32) to facilitate controlled tipping and moving of
cart 1010
by a user. The height of handle 1020 is adjustable in the illustrated
embodiment, as
best seen in FIGS. 31 and 32 which illustrate apertures 1060 in handle 1020
configured to receive a removable and movable quick-release locking pin 1062.
Other locking mechanisms and/or adjustable designs could certainly be used. In
other embodiments, the handle may have a fixed height.
wool Cart 1010 includes an engagement feature 1022 configured to engage
sidewalls or
an element present on the sidewalls of an item (e.g., a 5-gallon bucket) and
support
the item. Engagement feature 1022 includes a lower support member 1022a (as
seen, for example, in FIG. 22) that provides support and stabilization for the
bucket
when being loaded onto, or unloaded from, the cart. In other embodiments, a
removable or replaceable strap or other mechanism may used to better secure
the
bucket to cart 1010. See, for example, FIG. 47 (described further below),
which
includes a removable strap 1290 to secure a bucket to a cart. Cart 1010
includes a
stabilization structure 1050, best seen in FIGS. 22, 24 and 33, fixed to and
extending
along at least a portion of frame 1012 parallel with frame 1012. Stabilization
structure 1050 inhibits lateral or transverse movement of the bucket(s) held
by
engagement feature 1022, particularly when cart 1010 is tipped back toward the
cart
user. This embodiment of stabilization structured 1050 is a wing-like
structure,
having two wings or wedges angling in toward a center axis of frame 1012,
although
other variations can be used.
1001011 FIG. 33 illustrates engagement feature 1022 having an arcuate inner
surface 1023 to
better engage with the sidewall of a cylindrical item, such as a bucket, and
also
illustrates lower support member 1022a. Inner surface 1023 includes a
clearance or
17
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
=
recessed segment 1023a that provides added bail clearance when loading or
unloading buckets or containers from the cart. Clearance segment 1023a allows
buckets or containers to rest further against the engaging portions of
engagement
feature 1022 when the bail of the bucket, for example, is positioned or turned
90
degrees as seen in FIG. 34. Lower support member 1022a supports the bucker or
container while transferring a load to or from the cart as it provides a rest
for the
lower portion of the bucket or container and further stabilizes and positions
the
bucker or container during release and transfer. In use, when retaining a
bucket,
engagement feature 1022 seats below a circumferential outwardly extending
flange
commonly found on 5-gallon buckets, as seen in FIG. 21A. As engagement feature
1022 is raised, an upper ledge 1027 (seen in FIG. 21A and FIG. 33) of
engagement
feature 1022 engages and lifts the bucket due to contact on the bottom of the
flange.
001021 FIG. 21A and FIG. 22 illustrate engagement feature 1022 moveably
mounted to
frame 1012, moveable between first bottom end 1014 and second top end 1016.
Cart 1010 includes an item elevation adjustment system that moves (i.e.,
raises and
lowers) items that are engaged by engagement feature 1022. FIGS. 23 through 33
and 37A, 37B illustrate various additional features of the elevation
adjustment
system. In FIGS. 37A and 37B, engagement feature 1022 is shown moveably
engaged with frame 1012. In particular, engagement feature 1022 includes
rollers
1028 configured to move within channel 1013 of frame 1012, thus allowing
controlled movement of engagement feature 1022 between bottom end 1014 and top
end 1016.
1001031 Turning to FIGS. 23 through 27, as part of the elevation adjustment
system, cart
1010 includes a first or fast elevation adjustment lever 1024 and a second or
slow
elevation adjustment lever 1026. Each of fast elevation adjustment lever 1024
and
slow elevation adjustment lever 1026 is foot-activated, positioned and
configured to
readily receive a user's foot thereon, to activate an elevation adjustment
mechanism
1040 (FIG. 25) to raise the item held by cart 1010. Both foot levers 1024,
1026, are
operably connected to a lifting mechanism 1042, in this embodiment a hydraulic
cylinder, that is in turn connected to a sprocket 1045 (seen in FIG. 25) and
protected
by cover 1041, which is operably connected to engagement feature 1022.
18
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
[00104] Activation of hydraulic cylinder 1042 via either foot lever 1024, 1026
results in
movement of sprocket 1045 in relation to frame 1012 and thus the movement of
engagement feature 1022 in relation to frame 1012. Hydraulic cylinder 1042 is
configured to move sprocket 1045 between bottom end 1014 and top end 1016.
Sprocket 1045 may be reinforced by any suitable structure to inhibit twisting.
As
seen in FIGS. 30 and 33, cart 1010 includes two reinforcing arms 1046
extending
from hydraulic cylinder 1042 and/or sprocket 1045 to rollers 1048, which are
moveably engaged in channel 1013 of frame 1012. Seen in FIGS. 28 and 29, a
cable
1044 connects release lever 1021 to cylinder 1042, particularly to switch 1043
(e.g.,
a pressure release valve) on cylinder 1042, which changes the direction of
movement of engagement feature 1022. In some embodiments, foot levers 1024,
1026 move engagement feature 1022 up frame 1012, toward top end 1016, and
activation of release lever 1021 automatically lowers engagement feature 1022
toward bottom end 1014. In other embodiments, activation of release lever 1021
changes the direction of travel of engagement feature 102, so that activation
of foot
levers 1024, 1026 controllably moves engagement feature 1022 toward bottom end
1014. The various figures illustrate an embodiment of activation foot levers
1024,
1026, hydraulic cylinder 1042, release lever 1021, etc.; of course, lifting
mechanisms such as hydraulic cylinders, their configurations and uses are well
known, and other variations can be used.
[00105] FIGS. 25 through 27 illustrate fast elevation adjustment foot lever
1024, configured
to produce a larger distance of travel of sprocket 1045 than slow elevation
foot lever
1026, which is configured to produce a shorter distance of travel, but which
is
configured to easier manage heaver items being held. That is, fast elevation
adjustment lever 1024 is preferred for lighter, low weight items, and a higher
force
is needed on lever 1024 to move the item, whereas slow elevation adjustment
lever
1026 is preferred for heavier, high weight items, and a lower force is need on
lever
1026 to move the item. In sum, lever 1024 requires more foot force by the
user's
foot but provides fast movement of light loads, whereas lever 1026 provides an
easier activation by the user's foot for heavier loads, but provides slower
movement.
19
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
[001061 Returning to FIGS. 21A, 21B and 22, cart 1010 includes, rigidly fixed
to frame
1012, a rear stop bar 1029 to inhibit tipping or titling cart 1010 too far
back toward
the user during transport of cart 1010. In some embodiments, stop bar 1029 may
be
used to completely support a tipped cart 1010, allowing the user to release
hold of
the cart; see FIG. 34. Rear stop bar 1029, in the illustrated embodiments,
allows cart
1010 to tip no more than 75 degrees from vertical, in some embodiments no more
than 45 degrees from vertical.
[00107] As indicated above, cart 1010 also includes a pair of support arms
1030 having
secondary wheels such as casters 1032. The angle of front support arms 1030 in
respect to frame 1012 may be fixed or may be adjustable. Any adjustment,
accomplished either manually or automatically, can be based on the angle or
amount
of tip of cart 1010. See for example, FIG. 21B, where cart 1010 is positioned
so that
frame 1012 is at an angle of about 90 degrees to the ground and support arms
1030
form a 90 degree angle with frame 1012. In FIG. 22, cart 1010 is tipped so
that
frame 1012 is at an angle of about 60 degrees to the ground and support arms
1030
form an angle of about 120 degrees with frame 1012. In FIG. 34, cart 1010 is
tipped
so that frame 1012 is at an angle of about 30 degrees to the ground and
support arms
1030 form an angle of about 120 degrees with frame 1012. In some embodiments,
support arms 1030 may be configured with only several set relative positions
between frame 1012 and support arms 1030, whereas in other embodiments,
support
arms 1030 may have a range of angles relative to frame 1012. In FIGS. 28 and
29, a
slot 1031 is shown in a bracket to which support arms 1030 connect. Support
arms
1030 may be pivotally connected to the bracket and thus frame 1012, and thus
provided with a range of possible angles between frame 1012 and support arms
1030, e.g., between 90 and 120 degrees. The pivotal connection may be
sufficiently
loose that the angle adjusts automatically with tipping of cart 1010,
particularly
when sliding arms 1030 into or under a pallet.
1001081 Support arms 1030 include inclined distal ends 1033 (see, e.g., FIGS.
21A, 22, and
34) which facilitate positioning cart 1010 when picking up or depositing items
on to
elevated surfaces. As seen in FIG. 38, supports arms 1030 with inclined distal
ends
1033 can readily be slid into or under a pallet 1080 under the item-retaining
surface;
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
this allows engagement feature 1022 to be closer to the item and improve the
stability of the item when lifted off from pallet 1080 or when deposited on to
pallet
1080.
[00109j To further improve control of cart 1010 during the transport of items,
cart 1010 can
include a braking system; FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate an embodiment of a
suitable
braking system. Moveable into contact with and away from wheels 1018 are
friction
brake pads 1034a, 1034b (one for each wheel 1018), which, when in contact with
wheels 1018, create friction therebetween to slow the turning wheels 1018.
Brake
pads 1034a, 1034b are connected and work in unison via connector bar 1035,
which
is activated by brake lever 1038 in turn connected to connector 1035 by cable
1036.
As lever 1038 is depressed, cable 1036 pulls upward on connector bar 1035,
which
pivots pads 1034a, 1034b to contact wheels 1018. Through connector bar 1035
and
cable 1036, the force on pads 1034a, 1034b is balanced, so that engagement of
brake
lever 1038 provides substantially equal pressure from each pad 1034a, 1034b
onto
their respective wheel 1018. Brake lever 1038 may include a locking mechanism,
such as a button, to retain brake lever 1038 and thus pads 1034a, 1034b in an
engaged position.
loom] FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C through 42 are directed to another embodiment of a
cart,
similar to cart 1010 in many aspects. The cart of FIGS. 39A, 139B, 139C
through
42 includes an electrically (e.g., D/C) powered lifting mechanism. Unless
indicated,
features from cart 1010 are applicable to cart 1100.
[00111] Cart 1100 has a structural frame 1112 and two primary wheels 1118 and
a pair of
front support arms 1130 that support the cart, with or without a load, in an
upright
position. Optionally, each front support arm may comprise at least one
secondary
wheel or caster 1132. A handle 1120 with a cross brace 1125 is present to
facilitate
tipping and moving of cart 1100 by a user. Cart 1100 includes an item
engagement
feature 1122 movable along frame 1112 by an elevation adjustment mechanism
1140, in this embodiment, a powered lifting mechanism 1142, such as a linear
actuator. Cart 1100 may also include any suitable structure to inhibit
twisting of
elevation adjustment mechanism 1140 and any of the elements thereof; in FIG.
39C,
21
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
two reinforcing arms 1146 extending from the elevation adjustment mechanism to
rollers (not shown) that are moveably engaged to frame 1112.
[00112] Cart 1100 includes a self-contained power source, such as a battery
1150, supported
on bracket 1152 connected to frame 1112. Battery 1150 is operably connected to
linear actuator 1142 to move engagement feature 1122 along frame 1112. Battery
1150 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery. The movement of engagement
feature 1122 is controlled by control module 1155 positioned on cross brace
1125 of
handle 1120, which can include a speed adjustment control and a reverse switch
to
change the direction of travel of linear actuator 1142.
[00113] Either or both cart 1010 or 1100 could include a solid supporting
element, in
addition to engagement feature 1022, 1122. Referring to FIGS. 43 and 44, an
engagement feature 1222 is illustrated, configured to engage with sidewalls of
an
item, such as a bucket. Engagement feature 1222 includes an upper ledge 1227,
configured to engage with an outwardly extending flange on the sidewalls of a
5-
gallon bucket. Also illustrated is a supporting element 1230 with a top
surface 1232,
configured to support an item by its bottom surface. Examples of items that
could
be placed on top surface 1232 include boxes (e.g., boxes having paint cans
therein),
cans, or buckets. Supporting element 1230 is configured to move along the
frame of
the cart in the same fashion as engagement feature 1222. Supporting element
1230
can be integral with or fixed to engagement feature 1222; in this embodiment,
supporting element 1230 is hingedly connected to engagement feature 1222 via
hinge 1225. In FIG. 43, supporting element 1230 is positioned to receive an
item on
surface 1232. In some embodiments, when supporting element 1230 is in this
operational position, top surface 1232 is co-planar with upper ledge 1227,
thus
expanding the available surface area to support the item. When not in use,
supporting element 1230 can be pivoted or retracted, as in FIG. 44, to inhibit
interference with engagement feature 1222.
[00114] Additionally, all or a portion of the item engagement feature, either
with or without
having a solid supporting element, may be adjustable. Referring to FIGS. 45
and 46,
engagement feature 1222 is shown composed of a first extension member 1228 and
22
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
a second extension member 1229. First extension member 1228 is inwardly and
outwardly adjustable in relation to second extension member 1229 and to upper
ledge 1227 and also in relation to the frame of the cart. In FIG. 46, first
extension
member 1228 is shown extended outward away from second extension member
1229. First extension member 1228 is configured to extend the reach of
engagement
feature 1222, for example, to engage an item (e.g., bucket) that is positioned
in from
the edge of a pallet. First extension member 1228 may include an upper ledge
1226
to partially support an outwardly extending flange on the sidewalls of a 5-
gallon
bucket until first extension member 1228 is retracted and the flange can
engage with
upper ledge 1227.
[00115] As an example for a use of such a forward (outward) and backward
(inward)
adjustable engagement feature, when extended, first extension member 1228 can
reach and lift a 5-gallon bucket from the middle of a pallet. The forward
casters
(e.g., casters 1032 on support 1030) inhibit the cart from tipping forward.
The
bucket can be lifted off from the center of the pallet and set down on the
edge of the
pallet or on the ground, where the cart can be pushed toward the bucket, thus
pushing in extension member 1228. With extension member 1228 pushed in and
aligned with extension member 1229, the bucket is filly supported by upper
ledge
1227 and can be moved.
1001161 FIG. 47 through FIG. 52 show alternate supporting elements for a
transport cart, the
supporting elements being two-piece elements configured to hold an item by its
bottom surface. FIGS. 47 through 50 illustrate an embodiment where the two-
piece
support element is laterally movable, toward and away from the frame of the
cart,
whereas FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate an embodiment where the two-piece support
element is laterally fixed in relation to the frame of the cart.
[00117] Referring to FIGS. 47 through 50, an engagement feature 1242 having an
inner
surface 1244, a portion of which is arcuate, is illustrated, configured to be
in close
contact with sidewalls of an item, such as a bucket. Engagement feature 1242
includes an upper ledge 1247, configured to engage with an outwardly extending
flange on the sidewalls of a 5-gallon bucket. Also illustrated is a supporting
feature
23
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
1250 having a first support element 1250a and a second support element 1250b,
each having a top surface 1252. Either alone or together, support elements
1250a,
1250b are configured to support an item by its bottom surface on top surface
1252.
Examples of items that could be placed on top surface 1252 include boxes,
cans, and
buckets.
[001181 Supporting feature 1250 is fixed to engagement feature 1242 and
configured to
move along the frame of the cart in the same fashion as engagement feature
1242.
Supporting elements 1250a, 1250b are hingedly connected to engagement feature
1242 by hinges 1255 and are movable from an "open" position (FIG. 47) to a
"closed" position (FIG. 48). When supporting elements 1250a, 1250b are in
their
"open" position, as in FIG. 47, and in the intermediate position, as in FIGS.
49 arid
50, engagement feature 1242 is available to engage buckets or other items. In
the
"closed" position, as in FIG. 48, top surface 1252 is available to accept and
support
an item thereon. When closed, supporting feature 1250 is not planar with but
is
positioned on or above engagement feature 1242. Upper ledge surface 1247 of
engagement feature 1242 may support and/or reinforce feature 1250.
1001191 Supporting elements 1250a, 1250b and hinges 1255 are configured to
allow
outwardly forward and inwardly back movement of supporting elements 1250a,
1250b in relation to engagement feature 1242 and to the cart's frame. This
movement facilitates centering of supporting elements 1250a, 1250b under the
item
being supported. Additionally, depending on the size of elements 1250a, 1250b
and
the configuration of the cart's frame and other elements, the ability of
outward and
inward movement allows constructions and configurations that might otherwise
not
be readily feasible. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 47 through 50,
the
cart includes wing-like stabilization structure 1050 (identified in FIG. 50)
to inhibit
lateral movement of items held by engagement feature 1242. Depending on the
distance structure 1050 extends down toward engagement feature 1242, and the
size
of elements 1250a, 1250b, the presence of stabilization structure 1050 may
block
movement between the open and the closed position of elements 1250a, 1250b,
due
to structure 1050 extending into the path of elements 1250a, 1250b. Moving
elements 1250a, 1250b outwardly forward provides clearance around
stabilization
24
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
structure 1050. See, for example, FIG. 50, which illustrates supporting
element
1250b clearing stabilization structure 1050.
[00120] When elements 1250a, 1250b are open (as in FIG. 47) and in an
intermediate
position (as in FIGS. 49 and 50), they are able to freely moved inward and
outward.
For example, if elements 1250a, 1250b are extended outward and they hit
something
such as an adjacent bucket, box or other item, elements 1250a, 1250b will
readily
slide back, out of the way. When elements 1250a, 1250b are closed (as in FIG.
48),
they may be locked or otherwise inhibited from inward and outward movement. In
some embodiments, the closed position may only be achieved in an outward
position, whereas in other embodiments the closed position may only be
achieved in
an inward position.
[00121] FIGS. 51 and 52 show an embodiment of a two-piece supporting feature
1260
having a first support element 1260a and a second support element 1260b, each
hingedly connected to an engagement feature 1262 by hinges 1265. Similar to
the
previous embodiment, support elements 1260a, 1260b are movable from an "open"
position (FIG. 52) to a "closed" position (FIG. 51). In this embodiment
however,
elements 1260a, 1260b are fixed in relation to hinges 1265 and no outward or
inward sliding motion is experienced.
[00122] As indicated above, in FIG. 47 the illustrated cart includes a
removable safety strap
1290, shown placed around the top of the two buckets being held by the cart.
Strap
1290 increases the securement of the bucket to the cart and inhibits lateral
movement of the bucket, particularly during movement of the cart.
(00123] FIGS. 53 through 56A, 56B and 56C are directed to yet another
embodiment of a
cart, similar to cart 1010 and cart 1100 in many aspects. Cart 1300 of FIGS.
53
through 56A, 56B and 56C includes a retention or retaining bar to stabilize
and
inhibit shifting of items loaded onto the cart. The retention or retaining bar
is an
alternative to strap 1290 of FIG. 47, Unless indicated, features from carts
1010,
1100 and other features and elements described above are applicable to cart
1300.
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
[00124] Cart 1300 has a structural frame 1312 with two primary wheels 1318 and
a pair of
front support arms 1330 that support the cart, with or without a load, in an
upright
position. Optionally, each front support arm may have at least one secondary
wheel
or caster 1332. A handle 1320 is present to facilitate tipping and moving of
cart
1300 by a user. Cart 1300 includes an item engagement feature 1322 for
engaging
the sidewall and/or flange of an item such as a bucket; engagement feature
1322 is
movable along frame 1312 by an elevation adjustment mechanism 1340.
Engagement feature 1322 includes a hinged supporting feature 1350 configured
to
support an item by its bottom surface. Supporting feature 1350 may be
laterally
moveable, toward and away from the frame of the cart, or may be laterally
fixed in
relation to the frame of the cart.
[00125] Cart 1300 includes a retention bar 1360 configured to stabilize and
inhibit shifting of
items carried by engagement feature 1322 or by supporting feature 1350.
Retention
bar 1360 includes a retention frame 1362 connected to cart frame 1312 via a
control
linkage having an over center linkage 1364 by which retention frame 1362 can
be
moved to various positions in relation to frame 1312. Retention frame 1362, in
the
illustrated embodiment, has a quasi-circular shape, best seen in FIG. 53;
retention
frame 1362 may have other shapes, including circular, oval, square,
pentagonal,
hexagonal, octagonal, etc. Present on retention frame 1362 is a latch 1370,
configured to engage with or latch over or onto certain items carried by cart
1300.
In the illustrated embodiment, latch 1370 has a "W" shape, which inhibits
latch 1370
from catching on a bucket when lifting or lower pails on to cart 1300 after
retention
frame 1362 has been engaged. Additionally, the W shape is particularly useful
for
catching sidewalls of a carton (e.g., box) for example, when sudden stops
occur or
when the cart is tipped up from a tilted-back position.
[00126] FIGS. 54 and 55 illustrate retention bar 1360 engaging a stack of
buckets (FIG. 54)
and a stack of boxes (FIG. 55). Retention frame 1362, with a quasi-circular
shape,
encircles at least the top bucket of the stack of three buckets being
supported by cart
1300, thus inhibiting shifting of the stack as cart 1300 is moved. Latch 1370
on
retention frame 1362 latches over the top box of the stack of four boxes being
supported by cart 1300, thus inhibiting shifting of the stack as cart 1300 is
moved.
26
CA 02834468 2013-11-26
[00127] The movement of retention frame 1362 in relation to frame 1312 is
produced by
control linkage having an over center linkage 1364, which includes an actuator
1366
and a biased link 1368, with actuator 1366 pivotally connected to frame 1312
at a
joint 1371 and to biased link 1368 at a joint 1373, and with biased link 1368
further
pivotally connected to retention frame 1362 at a joint 1375. Biased link 1368,
in the
illustrated embodiment, is a spring-loaded link having an adjustable length.
[00128] FIGS. 56A, 56B and 56C are enlargements of over center linkage 1364
and show
three different positions of retention frame 1362. In FIG. 56A, frame 1362 is
positioned in a generally 'middle' positioned, as it would be when engaged
with a
stack of buckets or boxes (see, e.g., FIGS. 54 and/or 55). Retention frame
1362 is
pivotal about joint 1375 to adjust the level of retention frame 1362, for
example, to
engage with taller or lower buckets or boxes. FIG. 56B shows retention frame
1362
in a position lower than that of FIG. 56A. To move from the position of FIG.
56A
to that of FIG. 5613, retention frame 1362 pivots around a point 1377.
[00129] Another position for retention frame 1362 is shown in FIG. 56C, where
retention
frame 1362 is fully upright, out of the way of any items that might be stacked
on cart
1300. To move from the position of either FIG. 56A or FIG. 56B to the position
of
FIG. 56C, retention frame 1362 pivots around point 1377. To lock retention
frame
1362 in the upright position, actuator 1366 is pivoted around joint 1371,
moving
actuator 1366 backwards and resulting in biased link 1368 and thus retention
frame
1362 pivoting in an over center manner in relation to actuator 1366.
pool Numerous alternate embodiments of carts and numerous embodiments of
features of
the carts have been described above. Generally, the carts of this disclosure
include
any or all of: a frame; a pair of primary wheels; a front support structure
supporting
at least one caster; an item engagement feature moveably connected to the
frame, the
engagement feature configured to engage with the sidewall of an item, such as
an
outwardly extending circumferential flange on a sidewall of a bucket, the
engagement feature optionally having a laterally extendable portion; a
position
adjustment system configured to adjust the position of the engagement feature
between the first end and the second end of the frame, the position adjustment
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CA 02834468 2013-11-26
system comprising a hydraulic cylinder or a linear actuator; one or more foot
levers
to control the hydraulic cylinder, optionally one foot lever being a fast
elevation
adjustment or movement lever and the second foot lever being a slow elevation
adjustment or movement lever; a bucket stabilization structure fixed in
relation to
the frame, such as angled wings or wedges extending parallel to the frame; a
release
lever operably connected to a reverse switch to change the direction of travel
of the
engagement feature; a rear stop bar to inhibit backward tipping of the cart; a
hand-
operated brake operably connected to at least one of the primary wheels; and a
battery to actuate the linear actuator. In some embodiments, the item
engagement
feature may include an element with a support surface to engage with the
bottom of
an item.
[00131] As indicated above, the various carts of this disclosure can be used
to lift, transport,
and lower items, particularly buckets. An exemplary method of lifting a stack
of
buckets off of a pallet includes the following steps.
[001321 First, as illustrated in FIG. 38, cart 1010 is moved into position
with support arms
1030 under the surface of pallet 1080 and with engagement feature 1022
engaging
the lower bucket. Engagement feature 1022 may require movement upwards (i.e.,
toward top end 1016, not indicated in FIG. 38) or downward (i.e., toward
bottom
end 1014, not indicated in FIG. 38) so that upper ledge 1027 (see, e.g., FIG.
33) of
engagement feature 1022 is positioned under and in contact with an outwardly
extending flange or ridge on the bucket. At this step, cart 1010 is resting on
wheels
1018 and casters 1032 (not seen in FIG. 38).
[00133] Before moving cart 1010, either or both foot levers 1024, 1026 (see,
e.g., FIG. 23)
are pumped to raise the buckets off from pallet 1080 to a desired level. With
the
buckets raised, cart 1010 can be moved so that support arms 1030 withdraw from
pallet 1080. When tipped, the buckets are stabilized laterally by stabilizing
structure
1050. Cart 1010 can be tipped back any desired amount, lifting casters 1032
off of
the ground, to roll cart 1010 with the buckets to a new location. Alternately,
cart
1010 may be rolled in an upright position, with all of wheels 1018 and casters
1032
on the ground.
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[00134] In the final location, the buckets can be lowered to the ground or
another surface
(e.g., pallet, bench, shelf) by activating switch 1043 via release lever 1021
(see, e.g.,
FIG. 29) on handle 1020 of cart 1010.
[00135] In some methods, it may not be necessary to activate the position
adjustment system
of the cart to lift the buckets. Merely tipping the cart back may be
sufficient to raise
the buckets sufficiently so that it can be moved. Similarly, merely tipping
the cart
forward may be sufficient to release and deposit the bucket in the desired
location.
[00136] Thus, various embodiments of the TRANSPORT CART are disclosed. The
implementations described above and other implementations are within the scope
of
the following claims. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
invention
can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed
embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and
the
present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.
29
