MULTI-WHEEL WHEEL BARROW DEVICE FOR MANEUVERING A STAIR ASSEMBLY

A wheel barrow device is disclosed. The wheel barrow device includes a receptacle configured to retain one or more materials. The wheel barrow device includes an elongated support comprising a base secured to a bottom exterior of the receptacle, and a set of fixed handles positioned on a first end of the elongated support. The wheel barrow device includes a rear barrow support positioned on a bottom portion of the support configured to contact a ground surface. The wheel barrow device includes a front tire assembly secured to a second end of the elongated support, wherein the front tire assembly comprises of a first wheel, a second wheel, and a third wheel. The wheel barrow device includes a wheel lock configured to retain one of the first wheel, the second wheel, or the third wheel for single wheel maneuvering.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to wheeled apparatus for transporting loads. It is applicable to such apparatus which is designed to carry a load placed on it, for example, a dolly, cart, trolley, or wheelbarrow, as well as to apparatus where there is some form of container which is fitted with wheels to assist in transporting the container, for example, an article of luggage such as a suitcase or rucksack.

Such items are known in very many forms. In all of them, the motive power to move the load is supplied by the person using the apparatus, and the wheel or wheels is/are mounted so as to be freely rotatable about its/their axes (hereinafter called wheel axes for simplicity). In some such apparatus, for example, luggage trolleys, it is known to provide means to brace the apparatus against movement down a plurality of steps of a step assembly, typically through the use of user-supplied force and adjustment. Often times the user-supplied force and adaption can come with challenges when navigating a step assembly that may have turns, uneven steps, or a steep incline that may make it difficult to maneuver. As such, there is a long-felt need for a wheelbarrow design that can overcome these challenges and ease the ability to transport materials from one location to another across varied terrain, inclines, declines, and specifically stair assemblies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A wheel barrow device is disclosed. The wheel barrow device includes a receptacle configured to retain one or more materials. The wheel barrow device includes an elongated support beam comprising a base secured to the bottom exterior of the receptacle and a set of fixed handles positioned on the first end of the elongated support. The wheel barrow device includes rear barrow supports positioned on a bottom portion of the support configured to contact a ground surface. The wheel barrow device includes a front tire assembly secured to a second end of the elongated support, wherein the front tire assembly comprises a first wheel, a second wheel, and a third wheel. The wheel barrow device includes a wheel lock configured to retain one of the first wheel, the second wheel, or the third wheel for single wheel maneuvering.

This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein.

In one example, the set of fixed handles comprising a flat portion proportionate to the elongated portion, and a rounded portion opposite the flat portion.

In one example, the receptacle barrow is comprised of durable material including plastic, stainless steel, iron, a rubber-based material, or aluminum.

In one example, the receptacle barrow is comprised of durable material including plastic, stainless steel, iron, a rubber-based material, or aluminum.

In one example, the front tire assembly comprises a mount configured to retain the first wheel, the second wheel, and the third wheel at each of a first, second, and third intersection point of one or more sides of the mount.

In one example, the mount is a triangle.

In one example, the first, second, and third wheels are mounted on the mount via a plurality of rotating axles.

In one example, the mount is mounted to the second end of the elongated support via a rotating axle assembly.

In one example, the rotating axle assembly of the mount is configured to rotate the first second, and third wheel while being maneuvered in an upward or downward direction of a stair assembly.

In one aspect, the wheel barrow device includes a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a triangle-shaped wheel mount mounted to a support structure, wherein the triangle-shaped wheel mount is configured to rotate about an axle assembly. The wheel assembly includes a plurality of wheels attached to each intersection of one or more sides of the wheel mount. The plurality of wheels comprises a first wheel, a second wheel, and a third wheel. The wheel assembly includes a plurality of rotating axles secured to each intersection point of the wheel mount. Each of the rotating axles is configured to retain each of the first, second, and third wheels.

In one aspect, a method of assembling a multi-wheel assembly is disclosed. The method includes attaching the first plate of a triangle-shaped mount to the first side of a support structure. The triangle-shaped mount is configured to rotate about an axle assembly. The method includes securing a plurality of wheels to a plurality of rotating axles. The rotating axles are positioned at each intersection of one or more sides of the wheel mount. The method includes fastening a second plate of the triangle-shaped mount to a second side of the support structure and an opposite end of each of the plurality of rotating axles.

This summary is provided merely for purpose of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms “wheel” and “wheeled” used herein are intended to cover both standard wheels—usually discs with or without an outer peripheral cover or tire, and other rotatable members which function as wheels, for example hemispherical or spherical rollers.

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The present disclosure provides for embodiments of a wheel barrow device that is configured for navigating rough terrain and/or multiple steps of a stair assembly. In some instances, a stair assembly comprises of a plurality of steps that may vary in distance, height, angle, incline, or position. The steps in some cases may have multiple landings, may have a winding pattern, a zig-zag pattern, or even be uneven.

The wheel barrow device described herein allows a user to navigate a stair assembly while carrying a load of materials. The materials therein may vary in weight, distribution of weight, length, height, and amount. Based on these factors, the wheel barrow may require the user to adjust how they carry the load of materials, and the angle of the wheel barrow receptacle in response to the load of materials' varying characteristics, especially when navigating an incline such as a stair assembly.

FIG.1illustrates an embodiment of the wheel barrow device100, in accordance with one embodiment. The wheel barrow device100is constructed to navigate terrains that a single wheel wheel barrow would be unable to maintain stability within. Accordingly, the wheel barrow device100replaces a single wheel on a wheel barrow with three wheels112a-cconfigured on a triangle front wheel assembly110. The wheels112a-care configured with a central axle114so that the triangulated wheels112a-crotate individually and also can rotate on the central axle114, therefore making negotiating steps possible. The central axle is secured through a retainer that is mounted on the elongated support106.

The elongated support106is configured to evenly distribute a load of materials that is being retained by a receptacle102. The receptacle is curved in nature in order to carry liquid, solid material, or other compounds while preventing the spillage of the materials from the receptacle102. The receptacle102is supported by the elongated support106by a raised base116. The receptacle102can be retained on the base116with a plurality of securing members that ensures the receptacle102is securely attached to the base116. The elongated support further includes a plurality of rear barrow supports108a-b.The rear barrow supports108a-bare configured to contact a ground surface when a user decides to rest a load of materials in the receptacle102from a carrying position. The rear barrow supports108a-bare secured to the elongated support106by an additional set of securing members that are configured to retain the rear barrow support108a-bto the elongated support106in at least two locations. A bottom portion of the rear barrow support108a-bincludes a flat portion in order for the wheel barrow100to evenly set on a ground surface and adequately support the materials in the receptacle102.

The elongated support106further comprises of the front wheel assembly on one end and a set of handles104a-bon a second end. The handles104a-bare configured to be secured to the second end of the elongated support106, where a straight portion of the handles104a-btakes on the shape of the elongated support106. The additional portion of the handles104a-bnot contacting the elongated support106is configured to take on a curved shape. Because the tool is designed to navigate a hillside, mountainside or stair assembly, the handles104a-bare mounted on with the rounded portion facing upwards in order to provide additional support for the user when attempting to support materials in the receptacle102while navigating an incline.

FIG.2illustrates a side view of the front wheel assembly200of the wheel barrow device in accordance with one embodiment. The front wheel assembly200is configured to operate as a triangle-shaped wheel mount110. The triangle-shaped wheel mount110is configured to support a plurality of wheels112a-c.The plurality of wheels112a-cincludes a first wheel112a,a second wheel112b,and a third wheel112c.In some examples, additional wheels could be added to the front wheel assembly200in order to provide for additional variations of supporting the load while facing an incline of varying angles and terrain. Each of the plurality of wheels112a-care supported on the triangle shaped wheel mount110by a plurality of wheel axles202a-c.The plurality of wheels112a-ccomprises of a first wheel axle202a,a second wheel axle202b,and a third wheel axle202c.The triangle shaped wheel mount110is mounted to the elongated support106via an axle of the front tire assembly204. The axle of the front tire assembly204is retained in an axle retainer208, that is secured to the elongated support106via a first bolt and nut securing device206aand a second bolt and nut securing device206b.The plurality of wheels112a-care attached to each intersection of one or more sides of the wheel mount, wherein the plurality of wheels comprises a first wheel112a,a second wheel112b,and a third wheel112c.Further the plurality of wheel axles202a-care secured to each intersection point of the triangle-shaped wheel mount110. Each of the plurality of wheels112a-care configured to rotate about their retention locations and configured to retain each of the plurality of wheels112a-c.

In some examples, the first wheel112a,second wheel112b,and third wheels112care configured to rotate about the rotating axles in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

In some examples, the front wheel assembly200can further include a pair of support plates configured to retain the first wheel112a,second wheel112b,and third wheels112con a first side and a second side.

In some examples, the receptacle102can be retained and secured to the elongated support106with a first barrel securing device212and a second barrel securing device210.

FIG.3illustrates a perspective view of the front wheel assembly of the wheel barrow device in operation on a stair assembly, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown inFIG.3the front wheel assembly200as shown inFIG.2is able to stabilize a wheel barrow device as it is descending or ascending a stair assembly302or another inclined location such as a hillside or mountainside, while retaining material within its receptacle102. For example, as a user descends the wheel barrow down a stair assembly302the plurality of wheels112a-care configured to rotate in a counterclockwise motion, with each of the first wheel112a,the second wheel112b,and the third wheel112ccontacting each step, one after the other until a flat surface is reached. As the plurality of wheels112a-crotate end over end, sequentially, the wheels are able to ensure a smooth descent down the steps without jarring loose material from within the receptacle102(FIG.1).

Alternatively, as the user decides ascend a stair assembly302or a hillside or mountainside, the plurality of wheels112a-care configured to rotate in a clockwise fashion, sequentially. As the user ascends the incline or the stair assembly302, each of the first wheel112a,the second wheel112b,and the third wheel112care configured to touch the next step or next inclined location sequentially while maintaining the proper weight distribution and balance across the elongated support106to prevent the loss of material from the receptacle.

For example, the first and second support plates are configured to rotate about the axle assembly attached to the support structure in a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction.

In some examples, the first and second support plates are configured to rotate the plurality of wheels about the axle assembly in a clockwise direction upon being maneuvered in a backward direction while being pulled up a stair assembly.

In some examples, the first and second support plates are configured to rotate the plurality of wheels about the axle assembly in a counterclockwise direction upon being maneuvered in a forward direction while being pushed down a stair assembly.

FIG.4illustrates an exploded view of a wheel barrow device100, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown inFIG.4, the wheel barrow device100can comprise of many components in order to function in accordance with an embodiment of the wheel barrow device100as shown inFIG.1. The parts as shown can include, but are not limited to a first wheel112a,a second wheel112b,a third wheel112c,a front tire assembly110, a first securing device206a,a second206b,a plurality of elongated supports106and a plurality of barrel securing devices210and212. The assembly of each of these components within an embodiment of the disclosure is provided below in a method illustrated by a flowchart ofFIG.5.

FIG.5illustrates a flow chart for assembling a multi-wheel wheel barrow device, in accordance with one embodiment. In some examples, the multi-wheel wheel barrow device can have multiple applications. Accordingly, various applications of the device can also be tied to multiple users who may have different methods of carrying loads of materials while also varying in strength capability and material weight.

According to some examples, the method includes attaching the first plate of a triangle-shaped mount to the first side of a support structure at block502. In some examples, the triangle-shaped mount is configured to rotate about an axle assembly. Accordingly, the first plate and the second plate can be positioned parallel to each other. The first and second support plates can further be configured to rotate about the axle assembly attached to the support structure in a clockwise and plate counter-clockwise direction. In some examples, the first and second support plates are configured to rotate the plurality of wheels about the axle assembly in a clockwise direction upon being maneuvered in a backward direction while being pulled up a stair assembly.

Additionally, the first and second support plates are configured to rotate the plurality of wheels about the axle assembly in a counterclockwise direction upon being maneuvered in a forward direction while being pushed down a stair assembly. In some examples, the rotation of the first and second support plates is configured to rotate the plurality of wheels to reduce the bouncing of the support structure while being maneuvered about the stair assembly. In some examples, the axle assembly is mounted within a retaining location affixed to at least one portion of the support structure.

According to some examples, the method includes securing a plurality of wheels to a plurality of rotating axles, wherein the rotating axles are positioned at each intersection of one or more sides of the wheel mount at block504.

Accordingly to some examples, fastening a second plate of the triangle-shaped mount to a second side of the support structure and an opposite end of each of the plurality of rotating axles at block506.

FIG.6illustrates an embodiment of a wheel locking device600of the multi-wheel wheel barrow device, in accordance with one embodiment. The wheel locking device600comprises of a receptacle support wire602configured to provide the receptacle102additional support when the weight of the materials within the receptacle102may lean more forward when the wheel barrow device100is maneuvered down an incline or stair assembly302. For example, often times materials, especially if moveable like rocks, sediment, or sand, are likely to shift in a forward direction, which could provide stress on the front portion of the receptacle102. In order to prevent early wear and tear and over stressing the receptacle102, the receptacle support wire602can provide additional support that allows the receptacle102to maintain its strength and resiliency. The receptacle support wire602is secured to the receptacle102via a first receptacle support securing device604aand a second receptacle support securing device604b.Each of the first and second receptacle support securing devices604a-604bare secured through the inside of the receptacle102via a bolt that is passed through a receiving location of the barrel securing device210and212and secured with a fastening nut. The wheel locking device600further includes a receptacle support606aand606b,which each includes receiving locations that are configured to retain a wheel lock608. The wheel lock608is a bar that passes through each of the receiving locations when the front tire assembly110is in a multi-wheel mode or the user has decided to use the front tire assembly110to maneuver an incline or decline terrain. An example embodiment is depicted inFIG.7.

FIG.7illustrates an embodiment of the wheel locking device of the multi-wheel wheel barrow device as described inFIG.6, in accordance with one embodiment. As depicted, the wheel locking device600is configured to provide a user the ability to lock the front tire assembly110in place where only one wheel is configured to contact the ground, without the ability to rotate as discussed in the above embodiments. In some examples, a user of the wheel barrow device100may find it necessary to prevent the front tire assembly110from rotating as the stair assembly302or incline has already been navigated, and a setting for a flat terrain is needed. As such, the user may remove the wheel lock608from the receptacle supports606aand606b,and place the wheel lock608through an additional set of receptacle supports in a first locking device location612aand a second locking device location612b.The wheel lock is placed through a matching locking device location on the second plate of the front tire assembly110, in order to create a barring, which prevents the front tire assembly110from rotating in either direction. The wheel lock608can be secured in place through either of the wheel locking device locations612aand612bor the receptacle support606aand606bwith a wheel lock pin610that passes through an insert in the wheel lock.

In some examples, the front tire assembly110can be rotated in either direction in order to secure an intended wheel that is desired to be maneuvered. The wheel lock608is then placed in between either of the plurality of wheels112a-c,and secured by the wheel lock pin610. In some instances the front tire assembly110can include more than three wheels as depicted inFIG.7. Accordingly, the wheel lock608could be placed in additional locking device locations that may cause more than one wheel to contact the ground in order to provide additional support.

In some examples. Each of the plurality of wheels112a-cmay vary in size, tread type, or terrain type in order to provide additional support for the materials that are being carried in the receptacle102. A wheel can be chosen accordingly, that fits the terrain that will be maneuvered by the user, and the wheel lock608placed accordingly.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to these embodiments. Modification within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in any manner.