Patent ID: 6039332
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B62B

Abstract:
A steerable hand truck, comprising:an elongated rigid frame having an upper end, a lower end, and a pair of opposed sides;a load platform extending forwardly from the lower end of said elongated rigid frame for supporting loads to be transported;a pair of handles pivotally connected to the upper end of said elongated rigid frame;a pair of wheel axles pivotally connected to the lower end of said elongated rigid frame, one wheel axle being positioned on each side of said frame;a pair of wheels, one wheel being rotatably mounted on each of said wheel axles; anda steering mechanism includinga sheathed steering cable that is operatively connected to each of said pivotable handles and each of said wheel axles, wherein said steering cable transmits pivotal movement of said handles to said wheel axles such that pivotal articulation of said handles effects turning of said wheel axles and said wheels attached thereto,a pair of spindle brackets operatively mounted to the lower end of said elongated rigid frame, one spindle bracket being positioned on each side of said frame, a pair of axle spindles, one axle spindle being pivotally mounted to each of said spindle brackets, said wheel axles being mounted to said axle spindles such that one wheel axle extends outwardly from each axle spindle, andan inner axle sleeve directly mounted to said elongated rigid frame and a central axle concentrically positioned within said inner axle sleeve and free to rotate therein, said central axle having opposed ends extending from said inner axle sleeve, one spindle bracket being rigidly mounted to each of said opposed ends of said central axle such that said spindle brackets are maintained in parallel relationship.