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Title:
NON-HITCHING CART MOVER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/035059
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention is a compact, powered device that incorporates a lifting mechanism (such as from a manual pallet jack) mounted into a chassis with steerable motive wheel(s) located behind the load lifting point and with stability wheels mounted in front of the load lifting point and which together provide a stable, compact device to engage with and maneuver carts. A quick-change system on the lifting frame assembly allows customizing of the hitching componentry that assembles to it to suit different types of carts, negating the need for cart-side hitches.

More Like This:
WO/2017/036964CARGO TRANSPORT TROLLEY
Inventors:
NEWELL GREGORY (PT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/056203
Publication Date:
February 21, 2019
Filing Date:
August 16, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
NEWELL GREGORY (PT)
International Classes:
B62B5/00; B62B3/06
Foreign References:
EP0628463A11994-12-14
US20160368747A12016-12-22
US20080101903A12008-05-01
EP2641809A22013-09-25
Other References:
None
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

A cart moving device comprising: a mounting system that allows rapid interchanging of hitching componentry to allow quick and secure hitching to many different forms of carts or other wheeled loads without the need for a mating hitch on the cart; a jacking assembly, such as but not limited to that from a manual pallet jack, that has a vertically oriented pivot axis centered through the piston rod and about which the connected handle frame and driven steering wheel of the device pivot; a handle frame connected to the lifting assembly that an operator can pump (in the vertical axis) to hydraulically raise the hitching componentry to engage with a cart, simultaneously transferring some of that load to the steering wheel for greater device traction, or lower to disengage the hitching componentry from a cart; a handle frame that the operator can rotate (in the horizontal axis) to steer the device, reorienting the steering wheel in the device's chassis as the handle is rotated, changing the travel direction of the device and any attached load; a quantity of stability wheels located on the opposing side of the device's load lift point as the steering wheel, providing a triangle load structure as a stable and steerable multi-point support platform to the device when moving a load; a chassis that houses, supports and connects the assemblies and components of the cart moving device.

The cart moving device as recited in Claim 1 wherein the front stability wheels are castors or omni-directional wheels so that as the handle is turned relative to the device (and the cart that the device is attached to), the forward mounted stability wheels can move laterally to allow the combined connected load to pivot about the rear wheels of the cart.

The cart moving device as recited in Claim 1 wherein a power source for the driven steering wheel and motor driver that controls it is included, such as from removable, replaceable, rechargeable batteries.

The cart moving device as recited in Claim 1 wherein spring(s), or other compliant components or mechanisms, are attached in compression between the universal mounting system and the steering wheel so when uneven ground such as ramps or other transitions are encountered, some of the cart load continues to be transferred from the load to the steering wheel, for great control of the load being moved.

The cart moving device as recited in Claim 1 wherein spring(s), or other compliant components or mechanisms, are attached in compression between pivoting rear omni-directional support wheels to provide a more stable 5-point contact support plaform to the ground, providing more stability when pumping the unhitched cart and still allowing navigation over uneven ground such as ramps or other transitions.

6. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 1 wherein spring(s), or other compliant components or mechanisms, are attached in tension between the universal mounting system and the lifting assembly to pull the universal mounting system back down when the device is to be disengaged from a load.

7. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 1 wherein a center handle lock engages with the lifting frame when it is in the entirely lowered state, but is clear of and therefore the lock released as soon as the lifting frame is raised. Therefore when raised, such as when the device is engaged with a cart, the handle can be rotated (in the horizontal plane) by the operator and this turns the steering wheel connected to it, but not the device (which is hitched to the load) to allow steering of the load. When the device is disengaged from the load and the lifting frame assembly is lowered, the handle and attached steering wheel will be constrained from any rotation so that when the operator turns the handle it now turns the entire device, allowing the operator to maneuver the machine as he needs.

8. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 1 wherein the handle and hydraulic liftnig assembly, including the hydraulic lifting cylinder with piston rod, the handle frame and pump release lever are the same as from a conventional manual pallet jack, with the pallet jack frame and attached forks, push-rod assemblies and front wheels mounted inside those forks and the lifting arms that rotate the cross shaft to actuate the push rods are all removed.

9. A cart moving device comprising: a mounting system that allows rapid interchanging of hitching componentry to allow quick and secure hitching to many different forms of carts or other wheeled loads without the need for a mating hitch on the cart; a jacking assembly, such as but not limited to that from a manual pallet jack, that has a vertically oriented pivot axis centered through the piston rod and about which the driven steering wheel, or steering wheels (in the case of a differential drive) of the device can pivot; a means to raise the lifting assembly, either by operator intervetion or by other powered means, the hitching componentry to engage with a cart, simultaneously transferring some of that load to the steering wheel or steering wheels (in the case of a differential drive) for greater device traction, or lower to disengage the hitching componentry from a cart; a means to to steer the device by reorienting the steering wheel or steering wheels (in the case of a differential drive) in the device's chassis, changing the travel direction of the device and any attached load; a quantity of stability wheels located on the opposing side of the device's load lift point as the steering wheel or steering wheels (in the case of a differential drive), providing a triangle load structure as a stable and steerable multi-point support platform to the device when moving a load; a chassis that houses, supports and connects the assemblies and components of the cart moving device.

10. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 9 wherein the handle can be used for pumping the hydraulic lifting assembly, but then not used for steering of the device, either being left on the device but not used, removed from the device, folded or pivoted out of the way or telescoped down to be out of the way.

11. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 9 wherein no handle is required to raise the lifting frame assembly as the lifting process is powered, such as by a separate powered motor running a hydraulic pump or actuating a cam or other such means to depress the pump rod of a manual pallet jack pump.

12. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 9 wherein the device can be operated by remote control, such as by a nearby operator with the throttle connected by long cable (tethered) or operation is wirelessly controlled (untethered) such as by WiFi or Bluetooth communication.

13. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 9 wherein the device can be operated by remote control, such as by a computer and the operation is wirelessly controlled (untethered) such as by WiFi or Bluetooth communication.

14. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 9 wherein the steering of the drive wheel is by an independent motor that rotates the handle assembly (connected to the steering wheel) or the steering wheel assembly directly, such as by gears or a linear actuator.

15. The cart moving device as recited in Claim 9 wherein the steering is effected by application of a differential drive approach where there are two adjacent driven wheels and driving one wheel at a faster or slower speed than the other elicits a turning effect on the steering wheels assembly, with a rotary potentiometer, rotary encoder or other equivalent measuring device being mounted between the rotating steering wheels assembly and the non-rotating device to determine the orientation of the steering wheels assembly and to make continuous adjustments to the motor speeds to achieve the required travel direction.

Description:
NON-HITCHING CART MOVER

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D [0001] Not related to this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is a compact, powered device that incorporates a lifting mechanism (such as from a manual pallet jack) mounted into a chassis with steerable motive wheel(s) located behind the load lifting point (where the lifting components engage with the cart) and with stability wheels mounted in front of the load lifting point and which together provide a stable, compact device to engage with and maneuver loaded carts. The device does not require a cart-side hitch be mounted to the cart as quick change-out hitching components can be fitted to suit the type of cart that is to be moved. With the hitching componentry correctly located relative the cart, lifting the device-side lifting components engage with the cart and transfer some portion of the cart's weight through the lifting mechanism through the steerable motive wheel and to the ground, providing additional traction for moving of the cart.

[0003] This machine is unique due to its compact size, high level of stability (both in an unattached state and when attached to a load), its speed of engagement and release, its versatility, easy maneuverability and its very low manufacture cost.

[0004] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with the reference to the following accompanying drawings:

[0006] Figure 1 is a front-side perspective view of the key components of the highest level disassembly of the present invention, being the drive system and chassis it resides in and, detached from that, a simple hydraulic, mechanical or electro-mechanical lifting mechanism, such as that shown which is a commonly used handle and hydraulic jacking assembly from a conventional manual pallet jack.

[0007] Figure 2 is a front-side perspective view of the fully assembled Non-Hitching Cart

Mover of the present invention, with the lifting arms fully lowered and nested between the battery housing and the front leg asemblies.

[0008] Figure 3 is a back-side perspective view of the same fully assembled Non-Hitching

Cart Mover of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 4 is a front-side perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover in an exploded state showing the key components.

[0010] Figure 5 is a front-side perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the lifting arms in a raised position and the handle frame angled back.

[0011] Figure 6 is a front-side perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the handle frame raised to vertical and the lifting frame assembly partially lowered. [0012] Figures 7-9 are side sectioned views of the hinged rear leg supports angled up, flat and down to illustrate the effect of encountering ramps, the omni-directional wheels maintaining contact with the ground surface as its height varies.

[0013] Figure 10 is a back-side view of the present invention with each (rear) omnidirectional wheel mounted in its respective hinged rear leg support at a different height, illustrating how it can accommodate irregular floors.

[0014] Figure 1 1 is a bottom view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover that shows the five wheels (two front fixed omni-directional wheels, two rear spring-loaded omni-directional wheels and one center driven wheel) that are always in contact with the floor.

[0015] Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the present invention approaching a cart.

[0016] Figures 13-14 show a side view un-sectioned (Fig. 13) and sectioned (Fig. 14) of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover as it reaches the hitching location to a cart it will engage with, showing the lifting arms partially lifted.

[0017] Figure 15 is a close-up side section view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the lifting arm raised and beginning to engage with the cross member of the cart.

[0018] Figure 16 is a full-machine side view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover fully engaged with the cart where it has pulled the Non-Hitching Cart Mover forward and against the cart such that the cross member of the cart is fully inserted into the lifting arms.

[0019] Figure 17 is a side section view of the same view as in Fig. 16, now showing the compliance in the lifting frame compression spring as I is compresses and is beginning to lift and tension in the traction spring that will bring the lifting frame back down after the move has been completed.

[0020] Figure 18 is a close-up side section view of the same view as in Figures 16 and

17 showing the compliance in both springs as the piston rod is raised.

[0021 ] Figure 19 is a back-side perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover now engaged with a cart and with the handle rotated, which allows that end of the cart to be moved laterally, changing accordingly the orientation of the cart.

[0022] Figure 20 is a top view of the present invention showing the maneuverability that the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 is capable of with the handle and steering wheel assembly able to be pivoted through 190 degrees of rotation, relative to the cart that it is hitched to.

[0023] Figures 21 -24 are side section views showing the lifting arms, being one example of hitching componentry, being assembled into a higher position to engage with a cart that has a higher engagement point.

[0024] Figures 25 and 26 show the same side view of the lifting arms and how the lifting hooks shown can accommodate same variation in cart engagement. In this case two different carts being shown, the cart in Fig. 25 having a wide rectangular cross-tie for its engagement points and the cart in Fig. 26 having a smaller cylindrical cross-tie for its engagement points.

[0025] Figure 27 is a rear lower perspective view of the centering guide's operation with the lifting frame assembly fully lowered and the centering guide inserting into a slot in the underside of the lifting frame assembly, thereby preventing the rotation of the handle assembly - allowing easy maneuvering of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover when not attached to a cart. [0026] Figure 28 is the same rear lower perspective view of Figure 27, this time with the lifting frame assembly raised, as it needs to be when engaged with a load, and therefore the centering guide below and no longer constraining the rotation of the handle assembly - allowing turning and maneuvering of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover when attached to a cart.

[0027] Figure 29 is a side perspective view of a narrow-nose version of the Non-Hitching

Cart Mover that is able to engage with narrow carts.

[0028] Figure 30 is a bottom view of the narrow-nose version of the Non-Hitching Cart

Mover that is able to now engage with narrow carts.

[0029] Figure 31 is a front perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover on the left and on the right, an alternative example of hitching componentry that once installed into the Non-Hitching cart mover, allows it to engage with the front wheel/tire of a light aircraft, allowing it to be moved in the much the same way as a cart.

[0030] Figure 32 is a side view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the aircraft wheel engagement assembly installed approaching a light aircraft that it will subsequently move.

[0031 ] Figures 33 and 34 show respectively a full machine side view and close up side view of the aircraft wheel engagement assembly of the Non-Hitching cart mover as it contacts the wheel and raises it up.

[0032] Figure 35 is a side view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the aircraft wheel engagement assembly having lifted the aircraft wheel up onto the bottom deck of the device. [0033] Figure 36 is a side view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the aircraft wheel engagement assembly having lifted the aircraft wheel up off the deck and engaging the opposing wheel stop to fully cradle the aircraft wheel/tire.

[0034] Figure 37 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the aircraft wheel engaged and the aircraft now able to be moved around, in approximately the same way as a cart could be moved.

[0035] Figure 38 is a side section view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover without the handle to actuate the pump of the hydraulic lifting assembly, but instead an electric motor shown that chain drives an eccentric roller which actuates the push rod of the pump on each rotation, raising the lifting frame assembly without the need for operator involvement.

[0036] Figure 39 consists of two side views of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover with the aircraft wheel engaged and the aircraft now able to be moved around. The right-side image shows how it would be moved by the operator actuating the throttle on the handle frame, while the left-side image shows how an operator can remotely control the Non-Hitching Cart Mover wirelessly.

[0037] Figure 40 is a side section view of one type of combined driving and turning system that could, with minor modifications to the machine and no significant modifications to the concept of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover, be applied to allow remote steering of the device. In this case, a differential drive is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] In manufacturing, in many different industries, and in warehousing and distribution and other sectors, product and materials are often moved between locations using either standardized or custom carts. Generally, a cart includes a chassis of some type and most commonly four wheels, however there are many different versions including carts with two wheels at one end and two legs at the other end, so that to move the cart the non-wheeled end of the cart needs to be lifted from the ground, and carts with 5 or 6 wheels where the center wheel(s) do not swivel. However, many combinations of wheels of various sizes and types and in various quantities affixed in various locations are used in carts according to the application requirements.

[0039] In some situations products that need to be moved can have wheels, have wheels temporarily attached or can have a skid with wheels inserted between the product or materials and the ground to aid movement. While not carts themselves, where products or materials can in some way include at least one wheel underneath for the purpose of movement, it can be considered to be a cart in purpose. An example is illustrated in this application where a light aircraft includes 3 non-swivel wheels mounted between it and the ground. In this case, the front wheel can be lifted from the ground by the present invention and the aircraft moved around in the same way as if it were a cart, so in such situation can be considered for the purposes of this analysis, a cart or equivalent.

[0040] In some cases carts may be heavy so for an operator to move them can be arduous or lead to injury. Sometimes, the carts may not be particularly heavy, but for other reasons such as imperfections on the ground, occasional encumbrances the interfere with the smooth rolling of the wheels, ramps or slopes or just the frequency of movements can result in worker injuries in moving carts. As a result, the benefit of having a small, maneuverable, quick connecting and disconnecting powered cart mover is clearly understood and it is for such purpose the present invention of a non-hitching cart mover was developed.

[0041 ] Many of the components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art or science to understand the invention; therefore, will not be described in detail.

[0042] The present invention comprises a compact powered cart mover, characterized by its high level of stability, both when being maneuvered around without being attached to a load (5-point ground contact) and also when attached to a load (2-point load contact and 3-point ground contact). The stability comes from the spread of the contact points to the ground, with the Forward Mounted Omni-Directional Wheels of the Front Leg inserting under the load that is to be engaged and moved, providing load stability when accelerating, decelerating and/or turning and which also allows it to operate on uneven floors and ramps, increasing its usability and versatility.

[0043] The present invention also comprises a rapid engagement and rapid release means of attaching carts or other loads by incorporating a simple, compact and low-cost hydraulic lifting assembly, such as that used in conventional manual pallet jacks. This also provides exceptional maneuverability and allows for a very low manufacture cost to be achieved.

[0044] Lifting arms can be easily yet securely inserted into the Lifting Frame Assembly to fit with a very wide range of potential cart shapes, sizes and features. The system comprises a rapid engagement and rapid release means of affixing and removing hitching componentry which is simple, compact and low-cost. This system then allows the present invention to engage with many different types of carts or other loads, usually wheeled loads, in different positions and at different heights. Lifting arms can be standardized to accommodate the more common types of carts or loads, can be customized to a particular type of cart or load or instead of lifting arms other attachments can be used such as ball hitches, pin-in-socket hitches, U-hooks, J- hooks, or even full mechanical assemblies can be easily affixed as in the case of the light aircraft moving attachment. This makes the Non-Hitching Cart Mover extremely versatile for different applications - even within the same facility or work area

[0045] The handle frame can also be changed easily to longer, shorter or different shaped versions to allow engagement with loads where access can be difficult, such as under the load on a loaded cart.

[0046] The handle frame can also be removable (so the operator pumps up to engage the load) and then removed or left attached but not used and the operator can operate the machine remotely either via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, through a tethered cable connection or the device can be controlled by a non-human operator, such as a computer.

[0047] Further than as above, the lifting can be powered, either by a conventional hydraulic piston rod from hydraulic cylinder where a powered pump can be attached, or by running a motor and eccentric to depress the same pump rod as on a manual jack, or by non- hydraulic or many other methods. Therefore the act of raising or lowering the lifting frame assembly can be automated to there is no operator intervention required to hitch or unhitch.

[0048] The handle frame can also be removable (so the operator pumps up to engage the load) and then removed or left attached but in either event not used so that the operator can operate the machine remotely either via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, through a tethered cable connection to a remote throttle, or the device can be controlled by a non-human operator, such as a computer. This can be helpful for safety reasons in certain environments or just for reasons of increased productivity or convenience. [0049] The driven steering wheel assembly can also have its turning powered and remotely controllable to provide a fully remotely controllable machine. Either the operator can run the machine remotely via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, through a tethered cable connection to a remote throttle, or the device can be controlled by a non-human operator, such as a computer. The turning of the steering mechanism can also be effected by a common form of autonomous vehicle steering, known as a differential drive where two driven wheels are spaced offset but parallel to the vertical rotation point of the steering mechanism, then driving any one wheel faster than the other elicits a turning effect on the assembly.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1 , this shows the separated driven wheel assembly 20 of the

Non-Hitching Driven Cart and separate from this a standard handle and hydraulic pump 30 such as from a common manual pallet jack.

[0051 ] Figures 2 and 3 shows the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 of the present invention fully assembled and composed by right 51 and left 52 leg supports, both with forward mounted omni-directional wheels 56 plus aft-mounted, spring-loaded omni-directional wheels 56 at rear. In the center of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 is the lifting frame assembly 40 and battery assemblies 90 both fore and after of that lifting frame assembly 40. The handle and hydraulic lifting assembly 30 have a throttle assembly 110 attached to the top and are mounted into the central frame assembly 80 which has below it the steering wheel assembly 100.

[0052] On Figure 4 is shown the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 in an exploded view with sub-assemblies and parts visible. On both front leg assemblies 51 and 52, are mounted omnidirectional wheels 56 about support axles 57. On each front leg assemblies are mounted hinged, pivoting rear leg supports 53 in which are mounted additional support axles 57 constraining mounted omni-directional wheels 56. Adjustable compression springs 55 for the hinged rear wheel stabilizers push the rear wheels down to the ground to provide support to the entire chassis when either maneuvering the machine around unhitched to a load (so that the machine does not tip backwards when the operator pivots down the handle 32) and stabilize the machine when the operator is pumping the handle frame 32 to jack up the lifting frame assembly 40. A motor drive/controller 113 can be mounted into either leg assembly or elsewhere in the chassis, such as below the battery 91 . The central chassis assembly 80 is comprised of a central A- frame structure 81 , central pump supporting guide 82, rear battery assembly 91 and, the latter being easily removable and replaceable with a charged battery pack 91 when it becomes discharged, rear battery pack (and controller) support bracket 92. An additional front battery pack 91 can also be installed between the front leg assemblies 51 and 52. On the lifting frame tower 42 is assembled the compression spring housing 43, the lifting frame compression spring 48 that provides compliance when engaged into a wheeled cart and a compression spring retainer 44. Lifting arms / hooks 41 are affixed to the mounts for attachment of lifting componentry 45 which are in guided in the vertical travel and when loaded by the guides 46. Both lifting frame assembly 40 and central frame assembly 80 have connected a lifting traction spring 84 that applies enough force to fully retract the lifting frame assembly 40 when the operator wishes to disengage from a cart or other load the device is engaged with. Steering wheel assembly 60 is comprised of the steering wheel supporting frame 61 and steering wheel with internal hub motor, gearing and axle 62 assembled rotatably into the central frame assembly 80, while being covered (to protect the operator from having his feet run over) by the formed rear battery housing and cover for steering wheel 63. A throttle bracket 112 is attached to the handle frame 32 to which a throttle and cable 111 are attached to provide the control instructions to the motor of the driven steering wheel 62. Finally, the hydraulic pump 33 is mounted into the lifting frame assembly 40 and central chassis assembly 80.

[0053] Figure 5 shows how the lifting frame assembly 40 is lifted. With the pump lever 31 in a lowered position, pivoting the handle frame 32 up and down pushes the hydraulic oil into the hydraulic cylinder 33 which lifts the lifting frame assembly - the same principle as a standard pallet jack.

[0054] Figure 6 is shows how the lifting frame assembly 40 is lowered. Pulling the pump lever 31 up, the hydraulic fluid circuit is opened and the hydraulic cylinder 33 is allowed to lower with the traction spring for lift return 84 assisting in pulling down that lifting frame assembly 40.

[0055] Figures 7, 8 and 9 show how the spring-loaded hinged rear leg supports 53 that pivots in a guiding axle 54 allow the machine to operate in a more stable fashion and better accommodate uneven floors. Compression springs 55 mounted in the rear of each pivoting leg assembly 50 push the omni-directional wheels 56 down against the floor so that the Non- Hitching Cart Mover 10 can pass over the transition of a gradient, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 9. A flat floor is shown in Figure 8. These spring loaded omni-directional wheels 56 assist in the stages of both pumping the handle 30 to lift the lifting frame assembly 40 when attaching to a loaded cart, and in moving the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 around on the floor unhitched, ensuring it remains stable (so unlikely to tip over). To achieve this balanced stability, the spring force from the float compression springs 55 mounted in the rear of each pivoting leg assembly 50 must be adjusted to be only sufficient to stabilize the device, but not so much as to lift the driven steering wheel off the ground (when unloaded). The driven steering wheel 102 and fixed forward mounted omni-directional wheels 56 form the stable three point contact structure once a load force is applied in the approximate midpoint between these three ground contact points.

[0056] Figure 10 shows how the rear, spring-mounted omni-directional wheels 56 and the driven steering wheel 62 are always in contact with the ground, even when navigating uneven floors. [0057] Figure 1 1 illustrates the stable structure of the five wheels (3 fixed and 2 compliant) that are always in contact with the ground. The "loaded" stable structure consists of the 3-point triangle of driven steering wheel 62, front left omni-directional wheel 56 and front right omni-directional wheel 56. This triangle provides a stable structure when the device is loaded as the transfer point of the load from the lifting arm assembly 40 to the device, being the midpoint between the lifting arms, is in the approximate center of this triangle, but biased a little back towards the driven steering wheel 62 to transfer slightly more of the load to the driven wheel 62 rather than the undriven front omni-directional wheels 56. Note that in its loaded state, the rear spring-loaded omni-directional wheels are still in contact with the ground but as they are not load-bearing, being "compliant" due to the hinged pivot of the arms they are retained in and the spring compliance, they are not relevant to the load triangle. The "unloaded" stable structure consists of a 5-point triangle, being the 3-point triangle of the driven steering wheel 62 with the front corner omni-directional wheels 56 plus the compliant rear corner omni-directional wheels 56 mounted to the hinged and pivoting rear leg supports 54. This structure provides stability to the device when it is unloaded, preventing it from tilting back when the handle is pumped, plus keeps the machine falling backwards when being accelerated forwards or sideways (handle rotated as in Figure 19) in either a loaded or unloaded state.

[0058] Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 approaching a cart that it is to engage with.

[0059] Figures 13 and 14 show side views of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10, respectively un-sectioned and sectioned, with the front leg assemblies 50 inserted under the cart and the lifting arms 41 raised from their lowest position, but not yet raised high enough to make contact with the rectangular cross-tie of the cart. As can be seen in the sectioned view of Figure 14, the compression spring for the lifting frame compliance 48 is uncompressed at this stage while the traction spring for the automatic lowering of the lifting frame assembly 84 is only partially extended.

[0060] Figures 15 through 18 show side views of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10, un- sectioned and sectioned and in full machine view and in close-up view to illustrate the interaction of the springs when a loaded cart is engaged. As can be seen in these views, as the lifting arms 41 are further raised to the point that they make contact with the rectangular cross-tie of the cart, and as can be seen clearly in Figures 16 and 17 actually lift the wheel of the cart off the ground, transferring a good portion of the loaded cart's weight to the Cart Mover 10, the compression spring for the lifting frame compliance 48 becomes compressed while the traction spring for the automatic lowering of the lifting frame assembly 84 continues to be extended further.

[0061 ] Note that it is not necessary to completely raise the hitched end of the cart from the ground to move it with the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10. More frequently, if castor wheels are mounted on this end of the cart it may only be necessary to lift up into the cart enough to compress the compression spring for the lifting frame compliance 48 so that some of the load of the cart is transferred through the chassis 20 to the steering wheel assembly 60 to provide sufficient traction to move the load safely and securely. This could be preferable when the cart is very heavy compared with the rolling resistance of the cart to move it. Also, in some cases, the rolling resistance of the cart is within the drive capacity of the drive wheel but the weight of that end of the cart is beyond the lifting capacity of the hydraulic lifting assembly 30 of the Non- Hitching Cart Mover 10. Sometimes also, the extra stability of having all the wheels of the cart on the ground is preferred. Further, it also saves some of the operator's time as less lifting is required when only lifting enough to compress the spring for traction, vs. continuing to lift the entire end of the cart up off the ground. [0062] The other advantage of the compliance in the compression spring for the lifting frame 48 is in navigating uneven floors, as this allows variation in height between the Drive Wheel 71 and the attachment point where the lifting arms 41 attach to the cart. Without that spring compression, the cart may be lifted (high ground) or may be released when it should not be (low ground) while a load is being moved.

[0063] However, if non-castor wheels are at the hitched end of the cart or legs on the cart rather than wheels, the operator would simply continue to lift the cart until it is raised up off the floor and is able to be moved. So, the benefit of the present invention is that there is a great deal of flexibility in how carts can be engaged with and moved.

[0064] Figure 19 is showing the handle frame and hydraulic lifting assembly 30 and driving wheel assembly 60 rotated to move the rear, attached end of the cart laterally, to reorient the direct of travel of the cart. Note the spread between the front leg assemblies 51 and 52, which provide lateral stability as well, particularly important when connecting with narrow, inherently unstable carts. In such cases, using a Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 to move the cart can actually be much safer than moving a narrow cart by hand.

[0065] Figure 20 is a top view of the present invention showing the maneuverability that the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 is capable of with the handle and steering wheel assembly able to be pivoted through 190 degrees of rotation, relative to the cart that it is hitched to. Note that as carts are typically mounted on wheels to allow them to be moved around, this typically creates a cavity below the bottom of the cart and between the cart's wheels where the front leg assemblies 51 and 52, can be inserted. Thus, a stable device can be built yet the footprint of the machine remains extremely small, and the compactness of the machine is an advantage in many cases for its maneuverability, particularly in tight spaces. [0066] Figures 21 to 26 illustrate how a given pair of lifting arms 41 can be easily and quickly removed, without the use of tools, from the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10. The lifting arms 41 are in fact sandwiched (laterally) and hooked at multiple points (vertically) providing a secure locking system. As shown, it is possible to assemble the lifting arms 41 in a higher position if necessary for higher engagement point carts or other shapes of standard or custom shapes of lifting arms 41 can be inserted to engage with various types or sizes or heights of carts.

[0067] Figure 27 shows how the centering guide system for the lifting frame tower 47, constrain the handle and hydraulic lifting assembly 30 and attached the steering wheel assembly 60 centered and facing straight, parallel with the lifting frame assembly 40 and attached front leg assembles 50. Thus, when the lifting frame assembly 40 is fully lowered, it can no longer turn. This is a simple but functionally very important feature to have as it is necessary to allow the operator to maneuver the device when not engaged with a load. Without this feature, which can be achieved in numerous ways, the machine will pivot and articulate about the piston rod of the lifting cylinder 33 and be very difficult to maneuver.

[0068] Figure 28 shows the same rear lower perspective view of Figure 27, this time with the lifting frame assembly 40 raised above the centering guide system for the lifting frame tower 47, as it needs to be when engaged with a load, and therefore the centering guide below and no longer constraining the rotation of the handle and hydraulic lifting assembly 30. This then allows turning and maneuvering of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover when attached to a cart.

[0069] Figure 29 is a side perspective view of a narrow-nose version of the Non-Hitching

Cart Mover that is able to engage with narrow carts. While this version of cart mover will be less stable laterally than the standard version where the front leg assembles 50 have a wider stance, this is still a good option for moving narrow format carts, as illustrated. [0070] Another option in this situation where greater stability is required is to locate the front leg assembles 50 outside the wheels of the narrow format cart. This increases the lateral stability of the device and therefore the combined device and cart when loaded, but it does require extra space be available either side of the cart for the front leg assembles 50 to ride.

[0071 ] Figure 31 is a front perspective view of an example of an alternative hitching componentry that could be installed into the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 and in the left image of Figure 31 it is shown installed. This aircraft wheel capture system 130 is an assembly that allows the device to engage with the front wheel/tire of a light aircraft, allowing the aircraft to be moved in the much the same way as a cart.

[0072] Figure 32 is a side view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 with the aircraft wheel capture system 130 installed and approaching a light aircraft that it will subsequently move.

[0073] Figures 33 and 34 show respectively a full machine side view and close-up side view of the aircraft wheel engagement assembly 130 of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 as it contacts the aircraft wheel and loads it into the assembly.

[0074] Figure 35 is a side view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 with the aircraft wheel engagement assembly 130 having lifted the aircraft wheel up onto the bottom deck of the device and engaging the opposing wheel stop to fully cradle the aircraft wheel/tire.

[0075] Figure 36 is a side view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 with the aircraft wheel further raised clear from the ground as a result of having lifted the lifting frame assembly 40 which raises the entire aircraft wheel capture system 130 up higher off the ground. [0076] Figure 37 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover

10 with the aircraft wheel capture system 130 up higher off the ground. In this case the aircraft can now be moved around, in approximately the same way as a cart could be moved.

[0077] Figure 38 is a side section view of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 without the handle frame 32 attached to actuate the pump of the hydraulic lifting assembly 30. Instead an electric motor is represented that chain drives an eccentric roller which actuates the same push rod of the pump, pumping hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder with piston rod 33 and thereby raising the lifting frame assembly - without the need for operator involvement.

[0078] It should be noted that the stable format of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 is such that with powered control being given to the steering, it would not require any significant modifications for this machine to be able to be wirelessly controlled. The means to effect powered steering to a drive wheel design such as this is widely known and there are many means of effecting it.

[0079] Figure 39 consists of two side views of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 with the aircraft wheel engaged and the aircraft now able to be moved around. The right-side image shows how it would be moved by the operator actuating the throttle assembly 111 on the handle frame 32, while the left-side image shows how an operator can wirelessly control the Non- Hitching Cart Mover 10 and be distanced in a safer location or where he has a better view of the load being moved. Further, it is also equally feasible to add sensors and additional computer processing in the device for image, Lidar or other sensor processing to enable the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10 to operate autonomously and/or to act according to instructions provided to it by an operator or even a computer control system, such as one that is integrated with a facilities warehouse inventory management system. [0080] Figure 40 is a side section view of one example of a type of combined driving and turning system that could, with minor modifications to the machine and no significant modifications to the concept of the Non-Hitching Cart Mover 10, be applied to allow remote steering of the device. In this case, a differential drive is illustrated.

PARTS DESCRIPTION:

10 - Non-Hitching Cart Mover

20 - Chassis Assembly with Drive System

30 - Handle and Hydraulic Lifting Assembly

31 - Pump Release Lever

32 - Handle Frame

33 - Hydraulic Cylinder with Piston Rod

40 - Lifting Frame Assembly

41 - Lifting Arms / Hooks (being one example of hitching componentry)

42 - Lifting Frame Tower

43 - Compression Spring Housing for Tower

44 - Compression Spring Retainer, Tower to Piston Rod

45 - Mounts for attachment of Hitching Componentry

46 - Guides for the vertical travel of Hitching Componentry

47 - Centering Guide for the Lifting Frame Tower

48 - Compression Spring for Lifting Frame Compliance

50 - Front Leg Assemblies

51 - Right Leg Support and Forward Wheels Housing

52 - Left Leg Support and Forward Wheels Housing

53 - Hinged Rear Leg Supports for Rear Wheel Stabilizers

54 - Pivot Pin for Pivoting of Hinged Rear Leg Supports

55 - Compression Springs for Hinged Rear Wheel Stabilizers

56 - Omni-Directional wheels

57 - Omni-Directional Support Axles

58 - Counterweights for Legs

59 - Wheel Covers for Omni-Directional Wheels

60 - Steering Wheel Assembly

61 - Steering Wheel Supporting Frame

62 - Steering Wheel with Internal Hub Motor, Gearing and Axle

63 - Formed Rear Battery Housing and Cover for Steering Wheel

70 - Differential Drive Steering Wheels Assembly

71 - Differential Drive Steering Wheel with Internal Hub Motor, Gearing and Axle

72 - Center Pivoting Axle that Supports the Differential Drive Wheels Assembly

73 - Alternative Cover to enclose the Differential Drive Wheels Assembly 80 - Center Chassis Assembly

81 - Central A-Frame Structure

82 - Central Pump Supporting Guide

83 - Retainer and Adjustable Eyebolt for Traction Spring 84 - Traction Spring for Lift Return

90 - Battery Assemblies

91 - Rear Battery Pack

92 - Rear Battery Back (and Controller) Support Bracket

93 - Front Battery Pack

94 - Front Battery Pack Pivoting Housing

95 - Chassis Bottom Plate with Support for Front Battery Pack 100 - Powered Lifting Assembly

101 - Motor to Actuate Cam Roller

102 - Gear Chain Drive Transfer

103 - Eccentric Pump Actuating Roller

1 10 - Throttle and Controller Assemblies

1 1 1 - Throttle and Cable

1 12 - Throttle Bracket

1 13 - Motor Drive/Controller

120 - Wireless Remote-Control System

121 - Provider of High Level Instructions (Operator or Computer)

122 - Wireless Transmitting Device

123 - Wireless Signal (Sending)

123 - Wireless Signal (Receiving)

130 - Aircraft Wheel Capture System