The present invention relates generally to a hand trolley which has particular, but not exclusive, utility in the field of transporting heavy goods or items to a desired location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART The problems associated with transporting heavy goods or items have long been recognised. One common way of transportation is by means of a hand trolley, which typically includes an elongated, tubular chassis or frame having a handle mounted at an upper end thereof and a loading platform that extends perpendicularly from a lower end thereof. A set of wheels connected by an axle are usually mounted behind the loading platform at the lower end of the chassis or frame.

In the use of a conventional hand trolley, a user places the hand trolley in a loading position, in which the frame is substantially vertically oriented so as to be perpendicular to a ground or floor surface. Whilst in the loading position, the user places one or more items onto the loading platform. To manoeuvre the load, the user tips the hand trolley into an inclined position by tilting the chassis or frame backwardly relative to the load on the platform. In this position, the loading platform is no longer on the ground and the centre of gravity for the load is balanced above the axle of the hand trolley. As a result, the user is able to pull or push the load to a desired location.

Unfortunately, there are several drawbacks with conventional hand trolleys. For example, it can be very difficult for a single user to tilt the hand trolley from the loading position to the inclined position. The heavier or more bulky the load, the more difficult it is to tilt the hand trolley. During tilting, the user must also ensure that the load placed on the loading platform is stable and tilts backward along with the chassis and does not tilt forward or laterally relative to the hand trolley. Also, during the tilting procedure, the user must brace the hand trolley at the lower portion thereof to prevent rolling of the wheels and therefore forward movement of the hand trolley. Further, the initial tilting of the trolley may result in muscle strain or fatigue. Should the user exert more force than is necessary, the centre of gravity may shift beyond a point above the axle of the trolley, overpowering the user and forcing the hand trolley to the ground.

Furthermore, when not in use, conventional hand trolleys require a not insignificant amount of space for storage. It would be desirable if the space required for storage of the hand trolley was minimised.

Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a hand trolley having a tilting mechanism designed and developed to overcome, or at least substantially ameliorate, the disadvantages and shortcomings of conventional hand trolleys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a hand trolley according to the following claims.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention resides broadly in a trolley comprising a frame comprising at least one axle support member, the frame extending along a longitudinal axis; and a pair of wheels disposed alongside the frame, said wheels being rotatable about a common wheel axis which extends substantially transversely across the frame, wherein the wheel axis is movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the frame. Preferably, the at least one axle support member includes an axle support slot, and the wheel axis is movable within the axle support slot.

In some embodiments, the axle support slot is arcuate. The trolley may further comprise at least one axle positioning assembly, which is movable with respect to the frame. The at least one axle positioning assembly may be pivotable with respect to the frame for positioning the wheel axis between a first position and a second position. The wheel axis is located substantially adjacent a first end of the axle support slot at the first position and the wheel axis is located substantially adjacent a second end of the axle support slot at the second position.

In a particular embodiment, the at least one axle positioning assembly comprises an axle support bracket and the at least one axle positioning member further comprises an operating member which when actuated allows the wheel axis to move between the first position and the second position.

In some embodiments, the axle support slot is linear, and the trolley comprises a resilient member which urges the wheel axis towards a lower end of the frame. The resilient member connects the axle to a point near the lower end of the trolley, such as at the rear of a loading platform.

The resilient member comprises at least one tension spring, and in a preferred embodiment comprises two tension springs located proximal to each axle support slot. Preferably, the at least one tension spring uses the lowest spring rating possible to overcome the unladen weight of the trolley.

Preferably, the trolley further comprises a pivot brace located over the axle and pivotably attached to the frame.

In a further aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trolley comprising a frame comprising at least one axle support member, the frame extending along a longitudinal axis; a pair of wheels disposed alongside the frame, said wheels being rotatable about a common wheel axis which extends substantially transversely across the frame, wherein the wheel axis is movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the frame; and wherein each wheel of the pair of wheels comprises at least one wheel plate upon which at least six secondary wheels are rotatably mounted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated by those of relevant skill that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, and that the invention may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The invention will now be described in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 is a left front perspective view of an adjustable hand trolley embodying the principles of the invention;

Figure 2 is a right front perspective view of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 3 is a left rear perspective view of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 4 is a right rear perspective view of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 5 is a right rear perspective view of the axle positioning assembly of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the axle positioning assembly of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 7 is a rear view of the axle positioning assembly in a first position;

Figure 8 is a front view of the axle positioning assembly in a first position;

Figure 9 is a front view of the adjustable hand trolley; Figure 10 is a rear view of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 11 is a left side view of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 12 is a right side view of the adjustable hand trolley; Figure 13 is a plan view of the adjustable hand trolley; Figure 14 is a bottom view of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a rear support assembly;

Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of the rear support assembly; Figure 17 is a rear view of the rear support assembly adjustment mechanism;

Figure 18 is an enhanced view of the left side of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 19 is a side view of the adjustable hand trolley with the rear support assembly in an extended position;

Figure 20 is a right front perspective view of the adjustable hand trolley in an angled position; Figure 21 is left side view of the adjustable hand trolley in an angled position;

Figure 22 is a front perspective view of a retaining member;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of an alternative frame design;

Figure 24 is a side view of the adjustable hand trolley fitted with a stair- climbing wheel assembly;

Figures 25 and 26 are a side view of the adjustable hand trolley shown climbing a flight of stairs;

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a wheel plate of the stair-climbing wheel assembly; Figure 28 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable hand trolley;

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the trolley of Figure 28 which automatically tilts when loaded;

Figure 30 is a side view of the trolley of Figure 28 when in the unloaded position; and Figure 31 is a side view of the trolley of Figure 28 when loaded.

It will be appreciated by those of relevant skill that the figures are not necessarily to scale, and that some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Like numerals in the drawings refer to like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following discussion, the term "invention" and the like mean "the one or more inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "alternative embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless expressly specified otherwise. A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise. Numerous references to a particular embodiment does not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, and similarly references to the description of embodiments which all include a particular feature does not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not include that particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not include" or by the phrase "cannot perform".

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a trolley 10 includes an elongated chassis or frame 20 having a front subframe 22 and a rear subframe 24. The chassis or frame 20 extends generally along a longitudinal axis, and has an upper end 25 and a lower end 26. A handle 27 extends between the front subframe 22 and rear subframe 24 at the upper end 25 of the chassis or frame 20. Alternatively, the handle 27 may be attached to the chassis or frame 20 so that it projects rearwardly. A user may also grasp the upper end 25 of the chassis or frame with one or both hands.

Upper cross member 30, mid cross member 32 and lower cross member 34 span front subframe 22 and provide additional strength to the trolley 10. A central strut 36 is connected at its lower end to front brace member 38 and is connected along its length to cross members 30, 32 and 34.

At the lower end 26 of the elongated chassis or frame 20, a loading platform 50 is provided which extends generally perpendicularly from the front subframe 22 of the chassis or frame 20. The loading platform 50 includes an upper surface 51 upon which one or more items to be transported may be placed.

Preferably, loading platform 50 is pivotably mounted to the chassis or frame 20 by pivot arms 52 and 53. The pivot arms 52 and 53 are preferably secured to the chassis or frame 20 by cooperating bolts and nuts, though other known conventional fastening techniques which allow for rotational motion of the pivot arms may be used. When not in use, the pivot arms 52 and 53 may be pivoted upwards so that loading platform 50 is located near the upper end 25 of the chassis or frame 20. Preferably, the loading platform 50 is pivotably attached to pivot arms 52 and 53 allowing for the loading platform to be pivoted parallel to the chassis or frame 20. This facilitates storage of the trolley 10 in a smaller area than conventional hand trolleys.

Although the loading platform 50 is shown as being pivotably mounted to chassis or frame 20, in alternative embodiments, the loading platform may be fixedly attached to the chassis or frame. Fixed forms of attachment include welding, brazing, riveting, bonding (preferably by use of an epoxy adhesive), or the like.

A set of axle support members, in this case axle support plates 60, are secured to the front subframe 22 and rear subframe 24 at the lower end 26 of the chassis or frame 20. The axle support plates 60 are in a fixed, immovable relationship to the chassis or frame 20 and may be secured to the chassis or frame by any suitable means including welds, rivets, cooperating nuts and bolts, screws, and the like. Alternatively, axle support plates 60 may be integrally formed with the chassis or frame 20. A rear brace member 68 is connected to the axle support plates 60 to provide further strength to the trolley 10.

A loading fork 70 is welded, or otherwise suitably affixed, to a pair of collars 72 located upon rear brace member 68. Preferably, the loading fork 70 is made from 16 mm round bar and each tine is approximately 'z' shaped to allow the loading fork to contact the ground when extended. The collars 72 allow loading fork 70 to be rotatably lowered from a first position in which the loading fork may be retained by fork retaining means 76 to a second position in which the loading fork extends generally perpendicularly to frame or chassis 20. The ability to retain the loading fork 70 in a substantially parallel relationship to the chassis or frame 20 also facilitates storage of the trolley 10 in a smaller area than conventional hand trolleys.

Preferably, loading fork 7Q is made of steel and the fork retaining means 76 comprise a magnetic latch. In one alternative embodiment, fork retaining means 76 may comprise a clip or similar retaining means, which may be moved or otherwise actuated to release the loading fork 70 from the first position in which the loading fork is retained. In another alternative embodiment, collars 72 allow loading fork 70 to be slid along rear brace member 68 from a first position in which the loading fork is securely retained to a position where the loading fork is free to be lowered to the second position. Because loading platform 50 and loading fork 70 are pivotably mounted independently of each other, the user has the option of using hand trolley 10 in a variety of configurations. In particular, the trolley can be used with either the loading platform, the combination of the loading platform and loading fork, or just the loading fork in the extended position ready to receive items or goods.

As may be seen in Figures 5 to 8, an axle support slot 80 is formed in each axle support plate 60 to support an axle 82. In a preferred embodiment, axle support slot 80 is generally arcuate or curvilinear in shape, with an inner radius of 122 mm, an outer radius of 139 mm, a width of 17 mm and a length of 84.6 mm. The outer diameter of axle 82 will depend on the width of axle support slot 80. In the preferred embodiment, to allow for the smooth movement of axle 82 within axle support slot 80, the outer diameter of the axle is 16 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the axle 82 includes a single shaft. Although a single axle is shown in the drawings, the axle may be formed by two spaced stub shafts. Therefore, the term "axle" as described and claimed in this application includes both a single member or a pair of members or shafts.

To allow for movement of the hand trolley 10, a pair of wheels 92 is located at the lower end 26 of the chassis or frame 20. Each of the wheels 92 is mounted adjacently to opposing ends of the axle 82 about a common wheel axis which extends substantially transversely across the chassis or frame 20. Each end of the axle 82 is retained by the axle support slot 80 located in the axle support plate 60. The axle support slot 80 allows axle 82 and thus the wheel axis to be movable with respect to the chassis or frame 20. The axle support slot formed upon an axle support plate is an elegant mechanism for allowing the wheel axis to move in a longitudinal direction relative to the chassis or frame. Such a configuration avoids the problems of durability, complexity and _^ cost inherent in alternatives such as tilting undercarriages or complicated suspension arrangements.

Whilst the preferred embodiment shows conventional wheels with an axle and hub, the term "wheel" is used herein in a generic sense and encompasses other types of rolling elements including endless-loop tracks, multi-directional wheels, wheel assemblies in which three secondary wheels are mounted in an equilateral triangle configuration, and wheel assemblies comprising four or more secondary wheels, such as the stair-climbing wheel assembly shown in Figure 24. An axle positioning assembly 100 is movable with respect to chassis or frame 20 for positioning the wheel axis at a first position adjacent the lower end 80a of the axle support slot and a second position adjacent the upper end 80b of the axle support slot. Preferably, the axle positioning assembly 100 is pivotably mounted to the axle support plates 60 by cooperating bolts and nuts, though other known conventional fastening techniques which allow for rotational motion of the axle positioning assembly may be used. The axle positioning assembly 100 comprises axle support brackets 102 and an operating lever 104. Axle support bracket 102 comprises a pair of notches 106 and 108 which are designed to engage with axle 82. When axle 82 is positioned in notch 106, the wheel axis is located substantially adjacent a first end (that is, lower end 80a) of axle support slot 80, and the hand trolley 20 is substantially upright with respect to the ground upon which the hand trolley rests. By urging the operating lever 104 upwards, axle positioning assembly 100 is pivoted such that notch 106 disengages from axle 82, thus allowing hand trolley 20 to tilt backwards with respect to the vertical as axle 82 moves upwards with respect to the chassis or frame 20 such that the wheel axis is located substantially adjacent a second end (that is, upper end 80b) of axle support slot 80. Operating lever 104 may then move downwards such that the axle 82 is positioned and securely retained in notch 108. The angled hand trolley 10 thus substantially decreases the amount of leverage required by a user to balance the load above the axle of the hand trolley for transport.

The axle support plate 60 is shaped or formed such that it does not impede the tilting of the hand trolley 10 towards the user as the wheel axis moves from- the lower end 80a to the upper end 80b of axle support slot 80. As shown in Figure 7, axle support plate 60 is formed with a beveled edge 96 that joins rear edge 94 at a position near axle 82 to bottom edge 98 at a position near front brace member 38.

Figures 9 through 14 illustrate the preferred dimensions in millimetres of one embodiment of the hand trolley. The person having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the stated dimensions are exemplary, and that other dimensions are suitable for the adjustable hand trolley of the present invention. Furthermore, the hand trolley, or components thereof, can be manufactured from a number of various materials in various forms, but is preferably made of metal such as various grades of hot-rolled steel, various grades of cold-rolled steel, or from stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, and the like. The trolley, or components thereof, can also be made of any other suitably rigid material such as plastics (e.g. nylon) or composites (e.g., fibreglass and/or carbon fibre construction) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Factors involved in choosing a construction material include durability, tensile strength, hardness, and cost. The chassis or frame, and various other components can be formed, for example, from a solid bar, a hollow tube, or may be solid in part and hollow in part in a variety of configurations. To minimise weight and improve ease of use, the front subframe and rear subframe are preferably constructed from a length or lengths of elongated tubing, which may be of any shape; for example round, square, hexagonal or oval cross-section, formed or extruded to the desired size. To ensure sufficient rigidity and strength, the wall thickness of the tubing used to form the front and rear subframes is about 1.6 mm, but may be more or less depending on the specific material chosen. Of course, it will be understood that the invention may be manufactured using tubing of either constant or variable wall thickness, as the situation and user desires.

Hand trolley 10, or various components thereof, may be painted, powder coated, chrome-plated, cadmium-plated, anodised or otherwise finished to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to protect the apparatus from environmental effects. Other suitable coatings may include moulded rubber, fusion bonded epoxies, extruded polyethylene, coal tar enamel, asphalt enamel and combinations thereof or the like. Alternatively, hand trolley 10, or various components thereof, may be covered with a protective sleeve. The protective sleeve may comprise fabric, foam, aluminium alloy, a polymer coating, a glass reinforced thermoset material (such as, for example, a glass or fibreglass reinforced plastic) or the like. Individual components of the hand trolley 10 may be protected by differing materials.

Hand trolley 10 can also be provided with a rear support assembly which assists the user in stabilising the trolley while in use. As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the rear support assembly 120 comprises a pair of support wheels 22 mounted upon support axle 124. The support axle is connected to pivot brackets 126 and 128 which are rotatably mounted to the axle support plates at pivot points 130 and 132. A brace 134 connected between the pivot brackets carries a pair of locking arms 136 which cooperate with a plurality of holes or detents 140 formed in the axle support plates 60. The rear support assembly 120 can be fixed at a plurality of angular positions with respect to the chassis or frame 20 by rotating lever 142 to disengage locking arms 136 from the holes or detents 140, pivoting the rear support assembly to the desired position, and rotating the lever in the opposite direction such that the locking arms reengage with the holes or detents. The rear support assembly 120 stabilises the hand trolley at a specific angle and prevents the hand trolley falling to the ground should the user exert more force than is necessary when initially tilting or moving the trolley. Figure 19 shows the rear support assembly 20 adjusted to its lowermost position, with the hand trolley tilted such that wheels 92 and support wheels 122 are in contact with the ground. To use the hand trolley 10, a user places the trolley in a rest position, in which the elongated chassis or frame 20 is substantially perpendicular to the ground so that the loading platform 50 and/or loading fork 70 rests upon the ground. In this position, the user places a load, such as several boxes, onto the load support platform or loading fork. After the load is placed on the loading platform or loading fork, the user urges the operating lever of the axle positioning assembly upwards, resulting in trolley 10 moving into an angled orientation. Figures 20 and 21 show the hand trolley in the angled orientation, with axle 82 located at the upper end of the axle support slot, the axle being securely retained by notch 108 of the axle positioning assembly 100. In this orientation, the hand trolley is tilted approximately 35° to 45°, and preferably approximately 40°, from the upright position. The user may then use manual pressure to further tilt the trolley wherein the load is supported by the trolley and is ready for transportation.

One of the benefits of the invention is that the amount of force required to tip the hand trolley 10 from the angled orientation to the tilted orientation ready for transportation is minimised. Because less force or effort is required, the user can pay more attention to stabilising the load to ensure that the load remains properly engaged with the chassis or frame 20 during tilting. As shown in Figure 22, to ensure that the load remains properly engaged, a retaining member 142 may be provided on central strut 36. The retaining member comprises a sleeve 44 and a gripping member 146. The sleeve 144 is slidably engaged with central strut 36 so as to allow the position of the retaining member to be adjusted depending on the height of the load that is being carried. The retaining member may either directly retain the load being carried, or may be used in combination with a strap or straps (not shown) to securely retain the load. An alternative frame design is shown in Figure 23. In this embodiment, the hand trolley 150 comprises a frame 170, a handle 177 and a set of axle support plates 180. The axle support plates 180 comprise an axle support slot 182 that allows an axle and thus the wheel axis to be movable with respect to the frame 170. An axle positioning assembly (not shown) operates in a manner which allows the trolley to be tilted as previously discussed. For a given construction material, this alternative frame design has the advantage of being lower in weight than the embodiment shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 24, the hand trolley may be fitted with a stair-climbing wheel assembly 240. The wheel assembly 240 comprises at least one wheel plate 242 upon which several secondary wheels are rotatably fixed.

Preferably, the wheel assembly comprises two wheel plates arranged to rotate about axle 82. The wheel plates 242 are preferably formed as two parallel, spaced apart, plate-like members having a central bore to accommodate a sealed bearing unit which allows for rotation of the wheel assembly around the axle. At least six secondary wheels 248 are each rotatably mounted between wheel plates 242 by means of an secondary axle extending between wheel plates 242 and secured in place by a nut or other locking means. Secondary wheels 248 are spaced apart at a distance that is greater than the diameter of each secondary wheel, and are located equidistant from each other. In this arrangement, there is no need to have the wheels offset from each other, as would be required if the diameter of each secondary wheel was greater than the distance between the secondary wheels. Preferably, the secondary wheels are located equidistant from axle 82. Each secondary wheel is preferably between 65 - 105 mm in diameter, and is most preferably either 75 mm or 90 mm in diameter. Figures 25 and 26 show the adjustable hand trolley climbing a flight of stairs. When the wheel assembly 240 traverses a staircase or other obstacle, the secondary wheels in contact with the surface of the stairs or the obstacle follow a single track. This single track arrangement has been found to be more stable and more effective at climbing stairs than arrangements in which the secondary wheels are offset from each other, and thus must follow separate parallel tracks.

Furthermore, it has been found that a greater purchase is obtained on the leading edge of a stair 260 by having the diameter of the secondary wheels smaller than the distance between the secondary wheels. This arrangement allows the leading edge of the stair to be securely gripped between the secondary wheels which are in contact with the tread and riser of the stair. Due to the rotational movement of both the primary wheel and the secondary wheels, the amount of force required by a user to move the hand trolley over an obstacle is minimised.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a wheel plate 242 of the stair-climbing wheel assembly. The wheel plate has a "star" shape, and can be made of any suitably rigid material such as sheet steel, aluminium, titanium, plastics (e.g. nylon) or composites (e.g., fibreglass and/or carbon fibre construction) or the like. Between each point of the star the wheel plate is "scalloped" so as to allow the secondary wheels to make effective contact with the surface upon which they are travelling. Each point of the "star" carries a secondary wheel, preferably six to nine, and most preferably seven.

In one embodiment, the wheel plate is made from 1.2 - 2.4 mm thick, and most preferably 1.6 mm thick, sheet steel. Wheel plate 242 has an outer diameter between 200 - 270 mm, and most preferably 235 mm. A central bore 248 for accepting an axle is approximately 38.5 mm in diameter, but may be sized as is required. Secondary axle bores 250 have a pitch circle diameter (PCD) between 177 - 247 mm, and most preferably have a PCD of 212 mm. An alternative frame design is shown in Figure 28. In this embodiment, the hand trolley 300 comprises a frame 320, a handle 327 and a set of axle support members 340. Each axle support member 340 comprises an outer support arm 341 and an inner support arm 342 which form an axle support slot that allows an axle 82 and thus the wheel axis to be movable with respect to the frame 320. The axle support slot has a width greater than the diameter of the axle to allow the axle 82 to move freely between the upper and lower ends of the axle support slot. Preferably, the axle support slot is linear, and substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the trolley. The outer support arm 341 and the inner support arm 342 may be formed as an integral unit, or each arm may be comprised of several sections connected together. Alternative configurations of the axle support members 340 are also possible, such as a central axle support member which is joined to the frame by an upper support arm and a lower support arm. The central axle support member may comprise an elongated metal bar through which an axle support slot has been formed, either by casting, cutting, drilling or stamping.

Rather than using an axle positioning assembly as shown in Figure 6 to position the wheel axle within the axle support slot, the position of the wheel axle is controlled by a resilient member which operates to urge the wheel axle towards the lower end of the axle support slot. In this manner, the wheel axis is forced towards the lower end of the frame of trolley 300, thereby forcing the trolley into a generally upright loading position. The wheel axis has a transverse axis of rotation, said axis being the radial centre of the axle support slots.

Preferably, the resilient member comprises a pair of tension springs, with each tension spring 350 located proximal to the axle support slot. Tension spring 350 uses the lowest spring rating possible to overcome the unladen weight of the trolley and to automatically return and hold the trolley in the upright position. Absent the tension springs, the trolley is designed to balance with the axle located at the upper end of the axle support slot.

Tension spring 350 connects the axle 82 to a point near the lower end of the trolley, such as at the rear of the loading platform 50. The tension spring comprises a central helical section which is bounded by an upper spring loop at the top end of the spring and a lower spring loop at the bottom end of the spring. The upper spring loop may be connected to the axle in a variety of ways. For example, the upper spring loop may be slid over the axle, or it may be welded to an attachment member that slides over the axle. However, replacement of the spring would involve removal of the axle. To avoid this inconvenience, the tension spring may be connected to the axle by a removable upper retaining pin which is supported by a pin retaining cradle. The pin retaining cradle essentially comprises two diametrically opposed members which extend radially from the outer surface of the axle. The opposed members define a slot or notch which retains the upper spring loop which is secured to the pin retaining cradle by the retaining pin. In a similar fashion, the lower spring loop is connected to a lower pin retaining cradle at the rear of the loading platform 50 by a retaining pin, which may also be removable. Alternatively, the lower spring loop may be threaded through a small opening formed at the rear end of the loading platform.

Other arrangements of the resilient member are possible. For example, the resilient member may comprise a single tension spring which is centrally located along the axle and the rear of the loading platform 50. Furthermore, a compression spring or torsion spring may be used as the resilient member, though this will require reconfiguration of the attachment point between the axle and the frame of the trolley as would be clear to those skilled in the art.

As shown in Figure 29, when a load is placed upon the platform 50, the weight of the load is transferred through the spring to axle, which causes tension spring 350 to extend. This extension of the tension spring allows the axle to move from the lower end of the axle support slot to the upper end of the axle support slot, thereby urging the trolley to move from the upright position to a rearwardly tilted position. Thus, when loaded with a sufficient weight, the trolley is designed to tilt rearwardly, thereby eliminating the need for the user to perform initial tilting of the trolley. A user may place pressure on pivot brace 360 to assist with pivoting the trolley such that the load is balanced above the axle of the hand trolley for transport.

To remove a load, the user may tilt the trolley in a forward direction, with the user placing pressure on pivot brace 360 to prevent the trolley from rolling rearwardly. The pivot brace is located over the axle and pivotably attached to the frame As the trolley is tilted forward, the platform 50 engages with the ground, and the load may be removed from the trolley. By virtue of the tension springs 350, the trolley remains in the vertical position, with the load being easily slid off from the platform. Figures 30 and 31 demonstrate the extension of the spring 350 and the movement of the axle within the axle support slot 80 when the trolley is in the unladen and laden position, respectively. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without departing from the invention.

Although the invention has been disclosed in its preferred forms, it is to be understood that the above embodiments have been provided only by way of exemplification of this invention, and that further modifications and improvements thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the current invention described and claimed herein.