JAKOBSEN, Arne (Dalstrøget 22, Vordingborg, DK-4760, DK)
| A barrow of the kind comprising a container (2,82,104), one or more wheels (5, 84, 106) and one or more handles (3,83,111), characterised in that the one or more handles (3,83,111) are pivotally attached to the container (2,82,104) and the barrow (1,81,101) comprises fastening means (18,19,20) arranged to fasten the one or more handles in relation to the container. A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 1, characterised in that the one or more handles (3,83,111) pivots around an axis going through the container (2,82,104) . A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1 or 2, characterised in that a pivot axis (4) of the one or more handles (3,83,111) and a rotation axis (4) of the one or more wheels are coincident. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the one or more handles (3,83,111) are arranged to pivot more than 120° in relation to the container. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the handles are arranged to pivot more than 180° in relation to the container, preferably more than 210° in relation to the container, more preferably more than 240°, even more preferably more than 270°, further more preferably more than 300°, and most preferably more than 330° in relation to the container. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the handles are arranged to pivot more than 360° in relation to the container. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 6, characterised in that the fastening means (18,19,20) is arranged to fasten the one or more handles (3,83,111) in numerous positions in relation to the container (2,82, 104) . A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 7, characterised in that the one or more handles (3,83,111) have at least three, preferably at least four, more preferably at least five, and most preferably at least seven different fastening positions in relation to the container. A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 7, characterised in that the one or more handles (3,83,111) have at least ten, and most preferably at least different fifteen fastening positions in relation to the container. A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 7, characterised in that the one or more handles (3,83,111) have at least twenty different fastening positions in relation to the container . A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least two of said fastening positions are displaced at least 70° in relation to each other . A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least two of said fastening positions are displaced at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, and most preferably at least 150° in relation to each other. 13. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least two of said fastening positions are displaced at least 170° in relation to each other . 14. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least three of said fastening positions are all displaced at least 50° in relation to each other. 15. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least three of said fastening positions are all displaced at least 70°, and most preferably at least 90° in relation to each other. 16. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least three of said fastening positions are all displaced at least 110° in relation to each other. 17. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least four of said fastening positions are all displaced at least 40° in relation to each other. 18. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least four of said fastening positions are all displaced at least 50° in relation to each other, preferably at least 60°, and most preferably at least 70° in relation to each other. 19. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 7 - 10, characterised in that at least four of said fastening positions are all displaced at least 80° in relation to each other. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 19, characterised in that the barrow (1,81,101) has two or more wheels (5,84,106) . A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 20, characterised in that the barrow (1,81,101) comprises braking means arranged for braking the one or more wheels (5,84,106) . A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 21, characterised in that the barrow (1,81,101) comprises two or more wheels (5,84,106) and that the braking means is arranged to brake each wheel independently. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 22, characterised in that at least one first base (6,85,107) and at least one first side (7,86,109) of the container (2,82,104) are arranged mainly perpendicular to each other. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 23, characterised in that the container (2,82,104) has a volume of at least 40 litres. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 23, characterised in that the container (2,82,104) has a volume of at least 50 litres, preferably a volume of at least 60 litres, more preferably a volume of at least 90 litres, and most preferably a volume of at least 120 litres. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 23, characterised in that the container (2,82,104) has a volume of at least 150 litres. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 26, characterised in that the one or more wheels (5,84,106) have a axis of rotation going through the container, and the container has at least one free edge with a radius of curvature defining a centre, where the radius of curvature is larger than a centre-axis distance between the centre and the axis of rotation. A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 27, characterised in that the radius of curvature is at least 1.4 times the centre-axis distance. A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 27, characterised in that the radius of curvature is at least 1.6 times the centre-axis distance, and preferably at least 1.8 times the centre-axis distance. A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 27, characterised in that the radius of curvature is at least 2.0 times the centre-axis distance. 31. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 27 - 30, characterised in that the radius of curvature is smaller than 10 times the centre-axis distance. 32. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 27 - 30, characterised in that the radius of curvature is smaller than 8 times the centre-axis distance, preferably smaller than 5 times the centre-axis distance, and most preferably smaller than 4 times the centre-axis distance. 33. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 27 - 30, characterised in that the radius of curvature is smaller than 3 times the centre-axis distance. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1 - 33, characterised in that a ratio between the radius of curvature and a diameter of the one or more wheels is less than 3. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1 - 33, characterised in that a ratio between the radius of curvature and a diameter of the one or more wheels is less than 2, preferably less than 1.5, more preferably less than 1.3, even more preferably less than 1.2, and most preferably less than 1.1. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1 - 33, characterised in that a ratio between the radius of curvature and a diameter of the one or more wheels is less than 1. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of claims 1 - 36, characterised in that the barrow comprises at least one leg for resting the barrow, said leg is arranged for being folded and unfolded. 38. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of claims 1 - 37, characterised in that the axis of rotation of the one or more wheels does not go through a mass-symmetry line of the container. A barrow (1,81,101) according to any of claims 1 - 38, characterised in that the one or more wheels (5, 84, 106) comprises means to be moved from a first position in relation to the container to at least one second position in relation to the container and the barrow (1,81,101) comprises means to fasten the one or more wheels (5,84,106) at the at least one second position. A barrow (1,81,101) of the kind comprising one or more handles (3,83,111), one or more wheels (5,84,106) in contact with a support, and a container (2,82,104) having at least one plane surface (85), characterised in that the plane surface (85) defines a first plane, and the area of the wheels (5,84,106) contacting said support, defines a second plane and wherein the first and second plane are located in the same plane, or wherein the first plane are parallelly displaced about 15 cm from the second plane. A barrow (1,81,101) according to claim 40, characterised in that the first plane preferably is parallelly displaced at most about 9 cm from the second plane; more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 6 cm from the second plane; even more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 3 cm from the second plane; yet more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 12 cm and at least about 9 cm from the second plane; yet even more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 12 cm and at least about 6 cm from the second plane; and most preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 12 cm and at least about 3 cm from the second plane. A method for using the barrow (1,81,101) according to claims 40 or 41 characterised in that the method comprises the steps of placing the barrow (1,81,101) on the ground (63,92) so that the first plane and the second plane are located in the same plane, sweeping or shovelling debris, soil, sand or gravel into the container (2,82,104), and raising the barrow (1,81,101) so that the barrow stands on the one or more wheels (5,84,106) . A method according to claim 42 characterised in that the method also comprises the steps of rotating the barrow (1,81,101), releasing the fastening means (18,19,20) between the one or more handles (3,83,111) and the container (2, 82, 104) , rotating the one or more handles in relation to the container, fastening the fastening means between the one or more handles and the container, rotating the barrow further, and emptying the barrow. A method for using the barrow (1,81,101) according to claims 1 - 41 characterised in that the method includes the steps of rotating the barrow (1,81,101) so that the container (2,82,104) has an edge of a base surface that rests on the ground, rotating the one or more handles (3,83,111) in relation to the container so that the one or more handles are less than 25° from the vertical direction, fastening the one or more handles in relation to the container, and pushing or pulling the one or more handles more than 40° to a position on the other side of the vertical direction so that the base surface is made more vertical . Use of the barrow (1,81,101) according to any of the claims 1 - 41 for providing easy emptying of the container (2, 82, 104) . |
The present invention relates to a barrow of the kind comprising a container, one or more wheels and one or more handles .
Barrows have been used for a long time. The traditional barrow consists of a container, two handles, one wheel and a leg for supporting the barrow in the up-right position. Using a traditional barrow and placing a heavy weight in the container often has the consequence that it will be too heavy for the user to carry and move the barrow.
Long objects placed in a conventional container will cause an unbalance in the barrow. Either the weight will be heavy on the handles or the weight will be at the front of the container so that the barrow is about to turn over and the user needs to press the handles down in order to keep the barrow in the desired position of use.
Yet another problem with a barrow with a conventional container is that gas tubes are not very well supported. A gas tube must not fall off the barrow, since that could eventually break off the tubes neck transforming the tube to a life-threatening rocket. It is therefore essential that such a gas tube is well supported during transport.
Furthermore, when filling a traditional barrow the traditional barrow has to stand on the wheel and the leg. The soil or debris or heavy stone must be lifted over the edge of the container. Such a lift is not only strenuous but may very well cause injury to the user's back.
If the container is filled with soil or clay or anything sticky it is well known that it will be difficult to totally empty the container. The soil or clay will stay on the walls of the container, contaminating the next load of the container.
Several attempts have been made in order to meet the above problems with the conventional barrow. One of said attempts is a scoop shovel on wheels is disclosed in US 4,302,894. Said shovel does not require stooping and bending by the user. It does, however, need a great moment around the rear wheel axle to raise the scoop shovel when filled, and it is therefore not convenient for use as a conventional barrow.
The US patent with no. 3,043,033 also discloses a wheeled scoop. The scoop consists of a container, two wheels and a handle. The angle between the handle and the container can be adjusted so that the loaded container is more balanced over the wheels than a traditional barrow. But the construction only allows a small change in the angle between the handle and the container, and the user can therefore not balance long objects or large loads. According to the construction the container can only be very small since the load in the container otherwise will cause a large moment around the wheel axis and the container cannot be raised. The container is due to the complex and unergonomic construction also troublesome to empty and the barrow will be difficult to move on an uneven surface or ground.
Hence, there is a need to provide an alternative more adjustable barrow, without compromising the benefits of the conventional barrow.
In a first aspect according to the present invention is provided a barrow that is easy to empty.
In a second aspect according to the present invention is provided a barrow that is easy to fill. In a third aspect according to the present invention is provided a barrow arranged for transporting gas tubes in a safe manner . In a fourth aspect according to the present invention is provided a barrow that is well balanced.
In a fifth aspect according to the present invention is provided a barrow that does not need any carrying force when moved.
In a sixth aspect according to the present invention is provided a barrow that does not need any lifting force when emptied .
In the following, the different parts of the barrow is named in relation to a user standing behind the barrow ready to lift and move said barrow. In this respect the rear end of the barrow or container is considered to be the end closest to the user. Accordingly, the front end of the barrow or container is the end furthest from the user and the right end and left end of the barrow or container are the right side and left side of the barrow or container when seen from the user's perspective, respectively .
The novel and unique features whereby one or more of the above aspects are achieved according to the present invention consists in that the at least one handle is pivotally attached to the container and that the barrow comprises fastening means to fasten the at least one handle in relation to the container.
The handles are preferably able to pivot in a direction parallel to the sidewalls of the container, i.e. in the same plane as the barrow is moved when said barrow is pushed forward or pulled backwards. By releasing the fastening means the one or more handles can be pivoted freely in relation to the container to find another position between the handle and the container. In this way the optimal position of the handle and the container can be found. The optimal position will be where the load in the container and the container are balanced over the one or more wheels so that no carrying force is necessary when moving the barrow and where the handle (s) is in the most ergonomically correct position for the user.
For reasons of simplicity the one or more handles are in the remaining of the present specification designated handle, however it is to be understood that said handle can comprise several independent handles. The term "handle (s) " within the present application means at least the handgrip and the shaft.
In the same way, the one or more wheels are designated wheels, however it is to be understood that said wheels can comprise one, two or more wheels.
The fact that the one or more handles can be pivoted freely in relation to the container provides an especial advantage when emptying the container. The fastening means can easily be released, thereby ensuring that the user only have to use very little force when lifting the barrow. In this respect, when emptying the barrow, said barrow is first rotated so that the container is more or less vertical and the barrow is balancing on the resting edge, i.e. the edge furthest from the user. In this position the handle will be more or less vertical. To turn the barrow any further the fastening means can thereafter easily be released and the handle rotated down towards the user. The handle is fastened to the container in the new position, where the user now without additional effort easily has power to further rotate the barrow and turn the barrow upside down. The use of releasable fastening means between the handle and the container gives the user more control compared to a traditional barrow. When turning a traditional barrow upside down the traditional barrow is raised vertically and pushed over the balance and the barrow is allowed to fall upside down without control. There is a risk that the barrow will break when it falls down. When the barrow is about to be raised again the handle is on the ground, which means an unergonomic movement is needed when the barrow is raised back to the normal position standing on the wheels and the legs of the traditional barrow. That the barrow according to the invention can be turned upside down in a controllable way reduces the risk that the barrow is damaged and that the user will get back problems. The means for pivoting the handle in relation to the container can be any means arranged for ensuring the desired pivoting. In a preferred example the pivoting means comprises a pin in mesh with cogs of a cogwheel. Said cogwheel is fixed to both the container and the pin, and manipulating the pin in relation to said cogwheel can easily ensuring a pivoting of the handles. E.g. when the pin is retracted from the cogwheel the pin is free to rotate in relation to the cogwheel and so the handle is free to rotate in relation to the container. The person skilled in the art will understand that other means providing the same function is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention .
In a similar way the fastening means can be any means arranged to fasten the at least one handle in relation to the container. As an example can be mentioned that by using braking pads connected to a disc fixed to the container an ungraduated fastening means can be achieved.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one or more handles can be pivoted around an axis going through the container. An advantage of having the axis going through the container is that if the handle is pivotally attached to the container close to the centre of the container, the barrow will function in a similar manner independently of the direction the barrow is pulled or pushed in, i.e. the barrow will function more or less similar when pushed or pulled in one direction as in the opposite direction. The handle does only need to be pivoted around the container so that the handle, which previously was placed in the front end, now will be placed at the other end of the container and so that the old front end is the new rear end. If the container is formed differently in the front end compared to the rear end, the two ends of the container can be used in different situations.
Advantageously, a pivot axis of the one or more handles and a rotation axis of the one or more wheels can be coincident, and both the rotation axis and the pivot axis can preferably be an axis going through the container. This means, that when the weight of the barrow and the load is balanced on and carried by the wheels and not at all or very little by the user through the handle, the wheels will automatically be placed under the centre of gravity. In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention the one or more handles can preferably be arranged to pivot more than 120° in relation to the first position of the handle on the container. When being able to rotate the handle in relation to the container to such a degree, it is much easier to turn the barrow upside down in a controllable way.
In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention the one or more handles can be arranged to pivot more than 180° in relation to the container, preferably more than 210° in relation to the container, more preferably more than 240°, even more preferably more than 270°, further more preferably more than 300°, and most preferably more than 330° in relation to the container. The more the handles are being able to be rotated the larger flexibility the user will have when using the barrow. It must be understood that one rotation degree will be convenient in one situation and a different degree in a different situation. As an example can be mentioned that in order to be able to effectively empty the container it is an advantage that the one or more handles can be rotated more than 180° in relation to the container. The user can then have the same position of the one or more handles in relation to the container both when pushing or pulling the barrow with the opening of the container pointing upwards and when emptying the barrow with the opening of the container pointing downwards, ensuring that the user always will have the best ergonomic position of the handles, preventing strenuous lifting and that the user have to stand in one or more awkward positions. Accordingly, the more the handle can pivot or rotate in relation to the container the higher is the probability that the user will find a suitable and ergonomic position both when pulling or pushing the barrow and when emptying the barrow.
It can be an advantage to be able to turn the handle around and move the barrow backwards or forward. If the container is formed differently in the front end compared to the rear end the two ends can be used in different situations. The container could have the form of a triangle when seen from above with a peak at the front end and a straight edge at the rear end. Using the barrow with the peak as the front end the barrow will be very suitable to be placed in a corner. Most corners are perpendicular so preferably the peak in the front end is perpendicular. Other angles of the containers front are also possible depending on the angle of e.g. the corner. When filling the container with debris, soil, sand or gravel or something else, the debris, soil, sand or gravel can be thrown onto the walls in the corner above the barrow and the debris, soil, sand or gravel will then fall down in the container. Such a shape of the container will make it easier to fill the container especially from a distance. To be able to use both ends of the container as the front end and at the same time be able to rotate the barrow upside down in both positions, it will be beneficial that the handle can rotate at least 270°.
In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention the one or more handles can be arranged to pivot more than 360°. Even better is to be able to rotate the handle more than one revolution or at least 360°. Then the handle can have any orientation and there will not be any situation where the handle cannot have the ideal orientation in relation to the container. The best option is of course to have no restriction in the number of revolution the handle can make around the container. There will then never be a situation where the handle has to rotated 350° backward instead of the more convenient 10° forward.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the fastening means can be arranged to fasten the one or more handles in numerous positions in relation to the container, as this ensures a high degree of flexibility and accordingly the use of the barrow according to the invention.
In the present document the term numerous means any number more than one. In the present document the terms position and angle position are interchangeable when reference is made to the handles .
The barrow can preferably comprise a lever, which is connected to the fastening means and arranged for controlling said fastening means. Such levers are well known in the art, but a convenient lever could be arranged such that a pin, which is part of the fastening means, can be released by the lever. Said pin will preferably be in mesh with cogs of a cogwheel. The cogwheel is fixed to the container and the pin is connected to the handle. When e.g. the pin is retracted from the cogwheel by the lever the cogwheel is free to rotate in relation to the pin and so the handle is free to rotate in relation to the container .
An alternative fastening means can be braking pads acting on a disc. Using the braking pads connected to the handle acting on the disc fixed to the container an ungraduated fastening means can be achieved. When engaged, the braking pads are pressed onto the disc by the lever so that the braking pads and the disc are not able to rotate in relation to each other. When the lever is loosened, the braking pads are disengaged from the disc by e.g. a spring so that the braking pads and the disc can rotate independently of each other as well as the handle and the container.
The lever can be situated on at least one of the one or more handles. For a convenient use of the barrow it must be easy to release the handle in relation to the container and then also easy to fix the handle in a new angle position in relation to the container. Therefore the best position of the lever is to have it on the handle close to the grip of the handle or close to the place of the handle where the user has the hands during operation .
Advantageously, the handle can be fastened in unlimited number of positions in relation to the container, as this ensures a very high degree of flexibility and use of the barrow according to the invention.
In one embodiment the one or more handles can have at least three, preferably at least four, more preferably at least five, and most preferably at least seven fastening positions in relation to the container. Advantageously, the one or more handles can have at least ten, and most preferably at least fifteen fastening positions in relation to the container. It is important that the one or more handles can be fastened in many different positions in relation to the container. In this way the optimal position of the handle and the container can be found when pushing, pulling, loading, and/or emptying the barrow. The optimal position for pulling or pushing the barrow will in many situations be where the load in the container and the container are balanced over the wheels so that no carrying force is necessary when moving the barrow and where the handle is in the most ergonomically correct position for the user.
Advantageously, the one or more handles can have at least twenty fastening positions in relation to the container. With twenty different fastening positions, it will be nearly impossible not to find the right ergonomic position between the handle and the container for any user. To be able to push or pull the barrow in both directions two different fastening positions should in a preferred embodiment be displaced at least 70° in relation to each other.
Preferably, two different fastening positions can be displaced at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, and most preferably at least 150° in relation to each other. To be able to push or pull the barrow in both directions it is even better if two fastening positions are displaced at least 90° in relation to each other. To be able to push or pull the barrow and also to turn the container upside down with the handle more or less in a vertical upright position to enable the user to shake debris out of the container two fastening positions should be displaced at least 120° or preferably at least 150° in relation to each other. In yet another embodiment of the invention, two fastening positions can be displaced at least 170° in relation to each other . In a preferred other embodiment, three fastening positions can be all displaced at least 50° in relation to each other.
It is an advantage if the fastening positions are spread out in a wide-angle distribution. With at least 50° between each of three fastening positions the handle can have a first fastening position so that the barrow can be pushed or pulled. In a second fastening position displaced at least 50° away from the first fastening position and also away from the vertical direction, the barrow can easily be raised from a position, where the barrow rests both on the front end and the wheels to only rest on the wheels. In a third fastening position displaced at least 50° away from the second fastening positions and at least 50° further away from the first fastening position, the user with the container upside down can easily shake the barrow and have the debris out of the container.
In another preferred embodiment, three fastening positions can be all displaced at least 70°, and most preferably at least 90° in relation to each other.
When the fastening positions are spread out in a wide-angle distribution this provides a further advantage. In all the three fastening positions of the handle in relation to the container for the four operations the user is able to stand on the same side of the barrow, which means that each operation can be performed faster.
In another preferred embodiment, three fastening positions can be all at least 110° in relation to each other. Preferably, when the barrow comprises four fastening positions these can be at least 40° in relation to each other.
When the handle in the second fastening position is too far away for the user, the handle can be switched to the third fastening position and then to a fourth fastening position that is displaced at least 40° in relation to each of the other three fastening positions. In the fourth fastening position the barrow can in a controlled way be turned over upside down, where debris can be shaken out of the container.
In another embodiment, four fastening positions can be all displaced at least 50° in relation to each other, preferably at least 60°, and most preferably at least 70° in relation to each other.
In yet another embodiment, when the barrow comprises four fastening positions these can each be displaced at least 80° in relation to each other.
In order to ensure that the weight of the barrow and the load is balanced on and carried mainly by the wheels and only to a small extent by the user through the handle, the wheels can preferably be placed under the centre of gravity.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the barrow has two or more wheels. Two or more wheels make the barrow easier than just one wheel to balance especially with a heavy load. In yet another embodiment of the invention the barrow can comprise braking means arranged for braking the one or more wheels. Braking means can be very useful when carrying a heavy load down a slope. The brakes can give control over the barrow. Especially when e.g. gas tubes are transported it is very important that the user does not lose control over the barrow and the gas tubes fall and eventually explode.
In a further embodiment of the invention the barrow can comprise at least two wheels and the braking means can be arranged to brake the at least two wheels independently. It is preferred that the braking means can be operated from the handles, e.g. in a similar way as a hand brake on a bicycle. However other ways or means for braking the wheels is also contemplated within the scope of protection. The use of the braking means provides the possibility to steer the barrow when going down a slope especially with a heavy load in the barrow. If the user wants to turn the barrow to the right the user brakes the right wheel or anyway the right wheel more than the left wheel. If the user wants to turn the barrow to the left the user brakes the left wheel or anyway the left wheel more than the right wheel.
In yet a further embodiment of the invention at least one first base, i.e. bottom of the container, and at least one first side of the container can be arranged perpendicular to each other.
To transport e.g. gas tubes the gas tubes must not turn over and must be well supported. With a base and a side that are perpendicular to each other the gas tubes will be very well supported .
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the container can have a volume of at least 40 litres. The weight of a larger container can make the rotation of the container in relation to the handle easier.
In still another embodiment of the invention, the container can have a volume of at least a volume of at least 50 litres, preferably a volume of at least 60 litres, more preferably a volume of at least 90 litres, and most preferably a volume of at least 120 litres as this meets the conventional demands of a barrow .
In yet another embodiment of the invention the container can have a volume of at least 150 litres. It must be noted that even with such large volumes the barrow according to the invention can easily be manoeuvrable, emptied and loaded for a person with ordinary or less than ordinary physical strength, even when e.g. a load of up to 200 of kilograms are placed in the barrow.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the one or more wheels can have an axis of rotation going through the container, and the container can comprise at least one free edge with a radius of curvature defining a centre of curvature, wherein the radius of curvature is larger than a centre-axis distance, i.e. the distance between the centre of curvature and the axis of rotation. The container of a traditional barrow has four sides, where the edge of each side surrounding the opening is straight or non- curved. The result is that the opening is flat - when turning the container upside down on flat ground, the ground and the container creates a volume totally surrounded by the container and the ground - unless the barrow rests on the handles and the front edge of the opening of the container when the barrow is placed upside down.
The term "free edge" shall within the context of the present invention be understood as the upper edges surrounding the opening of the container.
If two opposing walls and preferably the right side and the left side or sidewalls - which are parallel to the rotational plane of the handle - of the container have a shape or profile of a convex arc it will be much easier to turn the barrow of the present invention upside down and then back again on the wheels. The curved edge of the two sidewalls means that the barrow when positioned upside down is able to roll to and fro. When rotating the barrow from a position upside down back to resting on the wheels the curved edge or edges will mean a lower moment of force compared to a container without the curved edge or edges. The reason is that the centre of gravity is higher up for a barrow having a container with curved edge or edges. The curved edge of the two sidewalls also enables the user to rotate the container one turn from and to the position where the barrow rests on the wheels. Meanwhile the container is emptied. The curved edge of the two sidewalls enables the rotational speed to be transferred through the whole turn. With flat sidewalls such an easy and fast turn is impossible since the container would get stuck upside down.
In an embodiment, the radius of curvature can be at least 1.4 times the centre-axis distance. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature can be at least 1.6 times the centre-axis distance, and preferably at least 1.8 times the centre-axis distance. In yet another embodiment, the radius of curvature can be at least 2.0 times the centre-axis distance.
To easily rotate the barrow when upside down and resting on the free edge, it is an advantage that the wheels do not protrude outside the free edge, since the wheels will be an obstacle, like a bump, over which the barrow has to be lifted when the container is pivoted fro and to during emptying of the container. When the radius of curvature is at least 2.0 times the centre-axis distance the wheels can be positioned so that the wheels do not protrude outside the free edge. If the container, where the bottom of the container and the rear side of the container meet, is cut off so that the centre of curvature is outside the sidewalls of the container the container will be shallower. Then the ratio between the radius of curvature and the centre-axis distance can be lower and the wheels will still be large enough so that the bottom of the container does not touch the ground while at the same time the wheels will be small enough to not protrude outside the free edge. Such a cut off container enables the ratio between the radius of curvature and the centre-axis distance to be at least 1.4, at least 1.6, and preferably at least 1.8.
In a further embodiment, the radius of curvature can be smaller than 10 times the centre-axis distance. In yet a further embodiment the radius of curvature can be smaller than 8 times the centre-axis distance, preferably smaller than 5 times the centre-axis distance, and most preferably smaller than 4 times the centre-axis distance. In still another embodiment, the radius of curvature can be smaller than 3 times the centre-axis distance.
The smaller the ratio between the radius of curvature and the centre-axis distance, the higher up on the sidewalls the rotation axis of the wheels will be positioned. When the bottom of the container is filled with debris or if the bottom of the container is made of a heavy material, the mass centre of the barrow will be below the rotation axis of the wheels and the barrow is able to balance without being supported by anything. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a ratio between the radius of curvature and a diameter of the one or more wheels can be less than 3.
On an uneven ground a barrow with large wheels can more easily be pushed. Smaller wheels will more easily get stuck in a pit or behind a stone and make the mobility of the barrow difficult. In a preferred embodiment, a ratio between the radius of curvature and a diameter of the one or more wheels can advantageously be less than 2, preferably less than 2, more preferably less than 1.3, even more preferably less than 1.2, and most preferably less than 1.1, as this will ensure that the barrow can be easily manoeuvrable.
In another preferred embodiment, a ratio between the radius of curvature and a diameter of the one or more wheels can be less than 1.
In yet another preferred embodiment the barrow can comprise at least one unfoldable leg on which the barrow can rest.
The barrow can comprise one or more length adjustable legs connected to the container. By adjusting the length of the legs e.g. by unfolding, the barrow according to the invention will be able to stand stably. That the legs can be folded up means that during operation the barrow will be very adjustable and be able to rotate more freely around the wheel axis than if the legs were not folded. With the legs folded the barrow can be rotated backwards around the axis of the wheels so that the opening of the container points at the user and the container rests on the ground. In this way the user will be able to easily sweep debris, soil, sand or gravel without having to walk around the barrow to the front end.
In a further preferred embodiment the axis of rotation of the one or more wheels does not go through a mass-symmetry line of the container. The mass-symmetry line of the container is the line of the container where in each point on the line the mass of the container on one side of the point is equal to the mass of the container on opposite side of the point. That the axis of rotation is displaced in relation to the mass-symmetry line results in that, when the handle is in an angle position so that the centre of mass of the handle is placed on the same side of the mass-symmetry line as the rotation axis the total weight of the barrow is balanced over the rotation axis. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the one or more wheels can have means to be moved from a first position to at least one second position, preferably also to at least a third, more preferably also to at least a fourth, and most preferably also to at least a fifth position and the barrow has means to fasten the one or more wheels at one or more of said positions. More positions will give a higher possibility to find the precise position of the wheels for the particular purpose. The means to fasten the one or more wheels to the barrow can be what is used e.g. for some wheelchairs and prams, where a wheel axle fits into a cylindrical hole of the frame of the wheelchair and where the wheel axle and the cylindrical hole is connected to each other using a snap-on system as disclosed in e.g. US 4, 768, 797. Another possibility is that the rod is a rail and the wheel axle can be clamped in or on the rail.
It shall be understood that the feature "that the barrow has means to fasten the one or more wheels in at least two different positions for each of the one or more wheels" can be combined with any other feature or combination of features of a barrow described or mentioned in the present patent application . The present invention also relates to a barrow of the kind comprising one or more handles, one or more wheels in contact with a support, and a container having at least one plane surface, said plane surface defines a first plane, and the area of the wheels contacting said support, defines a second plane and wherein the first and second plane are located in the same plane, or wherein the first plane are parallelly displaced about 15 cm from the second plane.
If the first plane and the second plane are located in the same plane the plane surface can be placed on an even ground and flush with the surface of the ground. Debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar can then easily be swept into the container and the debris, soil, sand or gravel will stay in the container and not fall out. It is also easy to roll a big stone or other heavy item into the container due to the low inclination and that is not necessary to lift the item. To avoid a situation where a first edge, which is the edge of the plane surface that partly defines the opening of the container, is some centimetres above the ground the first edge can advantageously have a lip bending away from the opening down into the ground when the barrow is resting on the plane surface.
Instead of having a bending lip at the front of the container the rear end of the container can be slightly raised when the first edge at the front rest on the ground. The plane surface will then not rest on the ground but the first edge will rest on the ground and the plane surface will incline somewhat. Any small stone or gravel under the plane surface will not result in the first edge not being able to totally rest on the ground. It will still be possible to easily sweep or shovel debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar into the container and the debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar will not fall out again since the inclination is so small. It is also easy to roll a big stone or other heavy item into the container due to the low inclination and that is not necessary to lift the item.
It shall be understood that the feature that the first and second plane are located in the same plane or the feature that the first plane are parallelly displaced about 15 cm from the second plane can be combined with any other feature or combination of features of a barrow described or mentioned in the present patent application.
In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention the first plane preferably is parallelly displaced at most about 9 cm from the second plane; more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 6 cm from the second plane; even more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 3 cm from the second plane; yet more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 12 cm and at least about 9 cm from the second plane; yet even more preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 12 cm and at least about 6 cm from the second plane; and most preferably the first plane is parallelly displaced at most about 12 cm and at least about 3 cm from the second plane. A low inclination of the plane surface means that it is easy to sweep or shovel debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar into the container and keep the debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar in the container. But a somewhat higher inclination is also an advantage since then it is easier to have the front edge to rest totally on the ground. When sweeping debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar into the container no or very little debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar will then be swept or pressed under the front edge.
The invention also relates to a method for using the barrow where the method includes the steps of, placing the barrow on the ground so that the first plane and the second plane are located in the same plane, sweeping or shovelling debris, soil, sand or gravel into the container, and raising the barrow so that the barrow stands on the wheel.
When the barrow is placed on an even ground resting on the at least one plane surface and when the first plane and the second plane are located in the same plane the plane surface will lie directly on the ground having more or less the same normal vector as the ground. That the plane surface is resting directly on the ground means that it is easy to sweep or shovel debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar things into the container. When the container is filled or the heap to be swept or shovelled into the container is in the container, the container is raised to stand on and preferably balance on the one or more wheels. The method may advantageously further comprise the steps of, rotating the barrow, releasing the fastening means between the one or more handles and the container, rotating the one or more handles in relation to the container, fastening the fastening means between the one or more handles and the container, rotating the barrow further, and emptying the barrow.
It is described how the barrow is emptied by rotating the barrow around the front edge or the rear edge so that the container eventually is upside down. In this position the barrow can be shaken to have the last debris, soil, sand, gravel or similar things out of the container. The invention also relates to a method for using the barrow where the method includes the steps of, rotating the barrow so that the container has an edge of a base surface that rests on the ground, rotating the one or more handles in relation to the container so that the one or more handles are less than 25° from the vertical direction, fastening the one or more handles in relation to the container, and pushing or pulling the one or more handles more than 40° to a position on the other side of the vertical direction so that the base surface is made more vertical .
The invention will be explained in greater detail below, describing preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a barrow according to the invention from the side, fig. 2 shows the same barrow in a perspective view, fig. 3 shows a first fastening means between the handle and the container, figs. 4a and 4b show a second fastening means between the handle and the container, figs. 5a and 5b show a third fastening means between the handle and the container, where fig. 5b is a cross-section along the line Vb in fig. 5a, figs. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d show how the barrow is emptied, fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a barrow according to the invention from the side, fig. 8 shows the same barrow in the same position as in fig. 7 but viewed from behind, fig. 9 shows the barrow from the side with a container having a plane surface resting on the ground, fig. 10 shows the barrow with the container resting on a pallet , fig. 11 shows a third embodiment of a barrow according to the invention from the side, fig. 12 shows the wheel shown in fig. 11, fig. 13 shows the same barrow as in fig. 11 when the container rests on the ground, and fig. 14 shows the same barrow as in fig. 11 when the container is rotated 90°.
Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of a barrow 1 according to the present invention. In fig. 1 the barrow 1 is shown from the side while in fig. 2 the barrow is seen in a perspective view. The barrow has a container 2, a handle 3 that is pivotally attached to the container so that the handle can rotate around an axis 4, and two wheels 5. The container comprises a first surface 6 and a second surface 7, which are preferably plane. The first and second surfaces are preferably oriented 90° to each other and form a fold 8 in between. That the angle between the first and second surfaces is perpendicular means that e.g. a gas tube will be able to stand stably on one of the two first and second surfaces and be supported nearly all the way from the bottom to the top of the gas tube by the other one of two first and second surfaces. In fig. 2 the lower part of the handle 3 and one wheel is not seen . The container 2 comprises also a first sidewall 9 and a second sidewall 10. To enable the handle to be rotated around the container the first sidewall and second sidewall are preferably plane and parallel and are perpendicular to the fold 8 and to the first surfaces 6,7. The first sidewall and second sidewall will then be able to further support the gas tube mentioned above. That a gas tube is well supported during transport is very important, because as mentioned above it is very dangerous if a gas tube falls. A first edge 11 of the first sidewall and a second edge 12 of the second sidewall have the shape of a quarter circle or anyway a rounded shape as seen in fig. 1. The shape of the first and second edge enables the barrow to easily be turned upside down and also easily be turned back again to the position, where the barrow is standing on the wheels. During transport operation of the barrow, the handle will normally be fixed in relation to the container by an engaged fastening means. To be able to rotate the handle in relation to the container a lever 13 can be activated. In the embodiment shown, the lever stretches a wire 14, which disengage the fastening means between the handle and the container. Figures 3, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b show three different fastening means 18,19,20 between the handle and the container. A first fastening means 18 is shown in fig. 3, where a cogwheel 21 having many cogs 22 is fixed to the container. In fig. 3 the lower part of the handle 23 is seen schematically. On the lower part of the handle 23 a holder 24 is attached for holding a first pin 26. The holder has two holes in which the first pin 26 is movable in the direction of its extension. The end of the first pin 26 is pressed down between two cogs 22 by a first spring 28 that is compressed between one wall of the holder 24 and a second pin 29 placed through a hole in the first pin 26. By pulling a first wire 30, the first pin 26 is disengaged from the cogs 22 and the handle 23 can freely rotate and be fastened to the container 2 in another angle position. By releasing the first wire and letting the first pin 26 engage the cogwheel 21 between two other cogs 22 for the new position of the handle 23 in relation to the container 2. The first fastening means 18 is space saving, enabling the user to change the position of the handle in relation to the container fast and easy. The first fastening means 18 can be made very robust, in order to ensure that heavy loads can be transported. For illustrative reasons the holder 24 is placed rather far from the cogs 22 but in practice to make the first fastening means 18 robust the holder 24 can be placed very close to the cogs 22.
Figures 4a and 4b show a second alternative fastening means 19, much resembling the hand brake of a bike. Fig. 4a shows the second fastening means when the second fastening means is in the released not fastening mode while fig. 4b shows the second fastening means when in the fastening mode. The second fastening means 19 comprises a first disc 31 fixed to the container and a yoke 33 comprising two callipers 34 with braking pads 35. The two callipers 34 pivot around an axle 32. The axle 32is fixed to the handle. By pulling a second wire 36 the callipers will be pressed together like a pair of scissors and the braking pads 35 will act on the first disc 31 so that the handle and the container are fastened and/or fixed to each other. It is an advantage if the lever (not shown) pulling the second wire has a locking mechanism so that the lever can stay in the position where the braking pads are pressed on the first disc 31 and where the handle and the container are fastened together. When the locking mechanism is released or when the lever is not pulling the second wire anymore a second spring 37 opens the callipers so that the braking pads 35 no longer press against the first disc 31. The second fastening means enables the user to change the position of the handle in relation to the container very fast and also enables the handle and the container to have any angle position between them.
A third alternative fastening means 20 is shown in figs. 5a and 5b. The third fastening means comprises a second disc 38 fixed to the container 39, a rod 40 fixed to the second disc 38. A frame 41 including a ring 42 can freely rotate around the second disc. A pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder from now on only called cylinder 43 comprises a piston 43a, which can move inside the cylinder. The cylinder 43 has a first opening 44 and a second opening 45. The first and second openings are connected via two tubes 46, 47 and a valve 48. The valve is preferably placed on the handle close to the position where the user will hold the hands. The cylinder is attached by a third axle 49 to the rod 40 and the piston 43a is attached by a fourth axle 50 to the frame 41. When the valve is closed no gas or liquid can move from one end of the cylinder via the first opening to the other end of the cylinder via the second opening or vice versa and the piston 43a cannot move in relation top the cylinder 43. When the piston and the cylinder cannot move in relation to each other the frame which is part of the handle cannot rotate in relation to the container 39, either. But when the valve is opened gas or liquid can flow between the two ends of the cylinder via the first and the second openings and the handle can be pivoted in relation to the container. Like the second fastening means, the third fastening means has the advantage that the handle can be fastened at any angle position in relation to the container. The third fastening means is also robust and can handle heavy load.
Common for the three fastening means 18,19,20 is that fastening means all comprises a first fastening part fixed to the container and a second fastening part connected to the handle. The first fastening part is the cogwheel 21, the first disc 31, and the cylinder 43 connected to the second disc 38. The second fastening part is the first pin 26 positioned in the holder 24, the two callipers 34 with braking pads 35 pivoting around the axle 32 and the piston 43a.
Figures 6a to 6d disclose how the container according to the invention is emptied when it is filled with a load 61 e.g. mud. In fig. 6a the barrow 1 is tilted so that a third edge 62 of the first surface 6 touches the ground 63. In fig. 6b the lever 13 is activated so that the handle 3 can freely rotate in relation to the container 2. The handle is pivoted backwards and downwards so that when the lever is deactivated and the handle is fixed in relation to the container again the whole barrow can be turned nearly upside down as shown in fig. 6c. The lever is activated again and the container rolls over on the first edge 66 and the second edge as in fig. 6d. The barrow can in this position be tilted to and fro but all the time resting on the first edge. To simplify the tilting and to make it easier for the user to turn around the barrow with the opening of the container turning upward the profile of the container seen from the side or the contour of the first edge is that of a quarter circle or close to a quarter circle.
Both figs. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of a barrow according to the invention. Said barrow 81 is shown in the same position, i.e. a position of moving the barrow forwards. The barrow comprises a container 82, a handle 83 and four wheels 84. In fig. 7 the barrow is viewed from the side and in fig. 8 from behind. The wheels 84 are positioned so that at least a part of the perimeter of the wheels flush with a first plane surface 85 of the container. The barrow, as the barrow in preferably all other figures, is designed so that by changing the angle position of the handle in relation to the container the barrow can be pushed with either the first plane surface 85 at the front or with a second plane surface 86 at the front. The handle 83 can be rotated without limitations around the axis 87 since the wheels 84 are all positioned inside sidewalls 88 as seen in fig. 8.
The lever 89 is used via the wire 90 to disengage the fastening means between the handle 83 and the container 82 so that the handle can rotate in relation to the container.
To avoid that the wheel holders 91, i.e. the means for holding the wheels in position correctly, are bent due to too heavy weight in the container, one wheel is positioned on each side of each wheel holder.
As mentioned above the wheels 84 are positioned so that at least a part of the perimeter of the wheels flush with the first plane surface 85 of the container. This is clearly seen in fig. 9, where the first plane surface is resting on the ground 92. In this position it is very easy to sweep or shovel debris, soil, sand or gravel into the container.
Fig. 9a is a magnification of the circle at the front edge of the container in fig. 9. In fig. 9a a curved lip 93 finish the first plane surface 85 of the container. The curved lip will rest on the ground even though a small stone is between the first plane surface 85 and the ground 92 enabling easy sweeping or shovelling of debris, soil, sand or gravel into the container. If the size of the wheel corresponds to the height of a pallet 94 it will be easy to move things between the container and the pallet as seen in fig. 10. In this situation the barrow is wheeled with the second plane surface 86 at the front.
It is evident with the construction of the barrow shown in fig. 7 to 10, simply from the figures, that by manipulating the position of the wheels and handles in the relation to the container, the barrow according to the invention can be used in many different positions and ways. In one position, shown in fig. 9 the container abuts the ground thereby preventing heavy lifting when a load is to be placed in the container from the ground or vice versa. In a similar manner as shown in fig. 10, simply by changing the position of e.g. the wheels and/or handles, the container can be placed abutting a raised surface, again reducing the force required for loading or emptying the container .
Fig. 11 discloses a similar barrow 101 as the barrow disclosed in Fig. 1. The difference between the two barrows are that the barrow 101 in fig. 11 has three holes 102a, 102b, 102c in a rod 103 on the side of a container 104, in order to ensure that the wheels can be positioned in a position relative the container that is most suitable for the purpose at hand. A wheel axle 105 on a wheel 106 viewed in fig. 12 fits the holes. The wheel axle has some sort of attachment means (not shown) so that the wheel axle will stay in the holes 102a, 102b, 102c as long as the attachment means is not released. The attachment means can be a ball in the wheel axle 105, where the ball protrudes outside the cylindrical surface of the wheel axle 105. The wheel 106 and/or the wheel axle 105 have means to release the ball so that the ball does not protrude outside the cylindrical surface of the wheel axle 105. Each hole 102a, 102b, 102c has a circumferential groove (not shown) into which the ball fits when the wheel is attached to the barrow. In fig. 11 the wheel axle is placed in the upper hole 102c on the container and a bottom surface 107 of the container is consequently close to the ground as shown in fig. 13. The low position of the container 104 means that when a front edge 108 of the bottom surface is resting on the ground the bottom surface has only a marginal slope. The bottom surface is nearly horizontal and it is easy to sweep or shovel debris, soil, sand or gravel into the container. It is also easy to roll a big stone or other heavy item into the container due to the low inclination and it is not necessary to lift the item. Since the bottom surface has a small inclination and is not wholly resting on the ground the ground does not necessarily need to be free from small stones or gravel for the front edge to rest fully on the ground. The position of the container means that the container is close to the ground and there is a risk that bottom surface 107 could bounce into a small elevation in the ground. For that reason the edge between the bottom surface and a rear side surface 109 is cut off and replaced by a angled surface 110 approximately 45° to bottom surface 107 and the rear side surface 109.
In fig. 14 the container and the handle 111 are rotated from the position shown in fig. 13 so that the bottom surface is a new rear side surface 112 and the rear side surface is a new bottom surface 113. In this position the container will be in an elevated position with little risk that the container will bounce into a stone.
With many holes 102a, 102b, 102c in which the wheel axle 105 can be positioned it will be easy to find the right position of the wheel 106 for the specific purpose at hand. As mentioned above, big items can easily be placed in the container and the barrow can be pulled or pushed on a very uneven ground. When loading something from a pallet it would be suitable to use a hole 102a, 102b, 102c that enables the container to rest on the pallet with the bottom surface of the container parallel with the upper surface of the pallet.
When displacing the wheel 106 in relation to the container also the handle 111 as well as the fastening means have to be displaced .
The first fastening part can comprise a square axle 114 with a square cross section that is fixed to the centre of the cogwheel 21, first disc 31 or the second disc 38. The square axle 114 fits into a groove 115 in the rod 103 so that the square axle 114 cannot rotate in relation to the container. The square axle 114 has a cylindrical hole in which the wheel axle 105 can rotate and further engage into any hole 102a, 102b, 102c . When the wheel axle 105 is disengaged from the holes 102a, 102b, 102c, then the square axle can be displaced in the groove 115.
The square axle 114 is fixed to the second fastening part so that the second fastening part cannot rotate either.
When the wheel 106 is moved from one hole 102a, 102b, 102c to another hole 102a, 102b, 102c, the handle as well as the fastening parts are moved as well. The square axle 114 with the square cross section can be moved in the groove 115.
The barrow according to the invention has a simple and inexpensive design, and can therefore be used equally well both privately and in industrial facilities where known barrows valve are too troublesome and complicated to use.
Modifications and combinations of the above principles and designs are foreseen within the scope of the present invention.