Leverage device for use with a hand truck

A leverage device for use with a hand truck, the leverage device includes a body extending from a top end to a bottom end and from a first side end to a second side end, the body having a front surface and a back surface; and an opening extending from the first side end to the second side end; the opening receives an axle of the hand truck; and the front surface receives a user's foot to apply leverage to the hand truck.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to hand truck systems, and more specifically, to a leverage device and system for use with hand trucks to improve leverage for the user and reduce pressure applied to a user's foot.

2. Description of Related Art

Hand truck systems are well known in the art and are effective means to move items, such as boxes. For example,FIG.1depicts a conventional hand truck101having a frame103with a handle105and two wheels107,109connected via an axle111. During use, the user will commonly apply pressure to the axle via their foot to lift the load up and transport it via the wheels.

One of the problems commonly associated with hand truck101is high pressure on the user's foot as well as limited leverage. This can cause discomfort for the user and decrease the efficiency of the system.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of hand truck systems, many shortcomings remain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional hand truck systems. Specifically, the present invention provides for a leverage device that decreases the pressure applied to a user's foot while increasing leverage applied to the hand truck during use. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,FIG.2depicts a side isometric view of a leverage system201for use with a hand truck203in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system201overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional hand truck systems.

In the contemplated embodiment, system201includes the hand truck203, with a frame205and a handle207. The hand truck further having at least two wheels209,211connected via an axle213. It should be appreciated that the hand truck can vary in elements, form, materials, and the like as is known and common in the art. Further, it should be appreciated that the axle213may be permanent or removable.

System201further includes a leverage device215, the leverage device215being secured to the axle213for use. It should be appreciated that the leverage device215may be permanently affixed or removably affixed to the axle.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the leverage device215which provides for improved use of the hand truck. The leverage device215will decrease the pressure applied to the arch of the user's foot during use and gives a convenient foot grip to apply leverage.

As shown inFIG.3, leverage device215includes a body301extending from a top end303to a bottom end305and from a first side end307to a second side end309, the body having a front surface311and a back surface501. In some embodiments, the front surface311is textured, thereby providing for improved grip by the user's foot during use.

As shown inFIG.4, leverage device215further includes an opening401through which the axle213extends. It should be appreciated that the opening401extends from the first side end to the second side end of the body. As shown inFIG.5, in some embodiments, the opening503extends directly inward from the back surface501, thereby allowing for the leverage device215to snap onto the axle.

InFIGS.6A and6B, contemplated dimensions of the leverage device215are shown. It should be appreciated that the dimensions can vary in alterative embodiments. In one contemplated embodiment, the body301has a depth (D) of 1.5 inches, a width (B) of 3.25 inches, and a height (A) of 6.5 inches. The diameter (C) of the opening can vary, however, in one embodiment, the diameter is approximately 11/16thof an inch. The body301in the preferred embodiment is composed from recycled plastic, however, it should be appreciated that alternative materials may be used.

InFIG.7, a flowchart701depicts the method of use of system201. During use, the leverage device is secured to the axle of the hand truck, as shown with box703. It should be appreciated that the leverage device will either be snapped on or the axle will be inserted through the opening. The user will then load the hand truck as needed with items, such as boxes, as shown with box705. Next, the user will utilize the leverage device to raise the cargo up, as shown with box707. The user can then move the cargo as needed, as shown with box709.