Abstract:
A wheel for a wheelbarrow wherein the wheel body forms wide spokes is provided. The spokes are formed by openings between the hub and the rim in the bodies that form the wheel. While such spokes are known, the openings that create the spokes provide additional points of entry for debris and water into the enclosed space. Thus, a sealed, fragmented seam coupling the wheel bodies is further provided.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a wheel for wheelbarrows and/or carts and, more specifically, to a wheel with spokes that is sealed against infiltration of debris and water. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Wheel assemblies for wheelbarrows include a wheel and a tire. Due to the work environments experienced by such wheel assemblies, the wheel must be very robust. Presently, wheelbarrow wheels are typically made from metal configured substantially as a disk having a central hub opening, a rim, and a solid body therebetween. A common alternative is to have two disk-like bodies that are joined together. The bodies may be convex, or have convex portions, whereby, when the bodies are joined, the wheel forms an enclosed space. That is, the disk-like bodies are joined at the outer surface, i.e. about the rim, and about the hub opening. This configuration creates a substantially sealed, enclosed space. The sealing of the hub enclosed space is important as a cause of wheel and/or tire failure is the infiltration of debris and water into the enclosed space. While such wheel assemblies serve their purpose, the full disk-like body, which is typically made from metal, are both heavy and expensive, and are not generally considered to be aesthetically pleasing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The disclosed and claimed concept provides for a wheel for a wheelbarrow wherein the wheel body forms wide spokes. The spokes are formed by openings between the hub and the rim in the bodies that form the wheel. While such spokes are known, the openings that create the spokes provide additional points of entry for debris and water into the enclosed space. Thus, the disclosed and claimed concept further provides for a sealed, fragmented seam on the wheel bodies. That is, the seam is the gap between the wheel bodies. This seam is fragmented as it is divided into a plurality of openings. When the seam is sealed, there is no, or no substantial, entry point into the wheel enclosed space. The seam is, preferably, sealed by a hemmed-over inwardly extending rib that extends about each opening. Alternatively, the rib may be an axially, inwardly extending rib that abuts a similar rib on the opposing body or contacts the opposing body. Another alternative is a grommet that extends about each opening. In any of these configurations, the openings are substantially sealed, thereby substantially resisting the infiltration of debris and water. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a wheelbarrow. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the wheel. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is an cross-sectional view of the wheel. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is an cross-sectional view of spoke. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is an isometric detail view of an alternate embodiment. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a spoke in an alternate embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a spoke in an alternate embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a spoke in an alternate embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs. 
         [0014]    As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. 
         [0015]    As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. The fixed components may, or may not, be directly coupled. 
         [0016]    As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. 
         [0017]    As used herein, a “rim” is a body shaped substantially as a torus and having one or more fellies. 
         [0018]    As used herein, and in reference to the ribs disposed at each window, “inwardly” means that the rib extends into the space defining the window. 
         [0019]    As used herein, and in reference to the ribs disposed at each window, “axially, inwardly” means that the rib extends into the enclosed space between two wheel bodies. 
         [0020]    As used herein, “associated” means that the identified components are related to another component and/or interact with each other. For example, a body that has a plurality of spokes includes a space between adjacent spokes, thus the two adjacent spokes are “associated” with the space therebetween. A component may be independently “associated” with more than one other component. For example, a first spoke is “associated” with the spaces and adjacent spokes located both clockwise and counterclockwise thereto. This does not mean, however, that the two other spokes are “associated” with each other; rather the first spoke is independently “associated” with each space and adjacent spoke. 
         [0021]    As used herein, and with reference to a rib, the “height” of a rib means the distance from the base, or proximal end, of the rib to another point on the rib. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a wheelbarrow  10  includes a frame assembly  12  and a tray  14 . The tray has a front side  16  and a rear side  18 . The frame assembly  12 , which includes a plurality of elongated members  20 , forms a handle assembly  22  and a yoke  24 . The handle assembly  22  is disposed at the tray rear side  18  and the yoke  24  is disposed under the tray front side  16 . The yoke  24  includes two spaced frame members  20 . The frame assembly  12  includes a wheel assembly  30 . The wheel assembly  30  includes a bearing  31 , a tire  32  and a wheel  34 . The tire  32  may be inflatable, solid, or partially solid and is disposed about the wheel  34 . 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the wheel  34  includes a first body  40  and a second body  42 . Except as noted below, the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are substantially similar and/or a mirror image of each other. The wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are generally disk-like, but also have a generally convex shape and/or convex portions. The wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  each have an outer side  44 ,  45  and an inner side  46 ,  47 . The wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are coupled with the inner sides  46 ,  47  facing each other. The convex shape of the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  thereby form an enclosed space  48 . 
         [0024]    The wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  each include a hub  50 ,  51 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , a plurality of radial spokes  52 ,  53 , and a rim  54 ,  55 . Each hub  50 ,  51  includes opening  90 ,  91 . Each rim  54 ,  55  is a torus defined by a sidewall  92 ,  93 . The sidewalls  92 ,  93  are angled, ninety degrees, or less as shown, toward the associated wheel body outer side  44 ,  45 . When the wheel bodies  40 ,  42  are coupled, the two rims  54 ,  55  form a channel  94  in which the tire  32  is partially disposed. It is noted that between the wheel first and second body rims  54 ,  55  there is a continuous seam  56 , that is, a narrow gap or interface between the two bodies  40 ,  42 . This continuous seam  56  is sealed. Further, when the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are coupled together, the hub openings  90 ,  91  are aligned. The bearing  31  is disposed in the hub openings  90 ,  91  and defines an axis of rotation for the hub  50 ,  51  and, therefore for the wheel  34 . 
         [0025]    The spokes  52 ,  53  extend between the associated hub  50 ,  51  and the associated rim  54 ,  55 . Each spoke  52 ,  53 , preferably, has a convex cross-section. Thus, when the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42 , are coupled to each other, each spoke  52 ,  53  defines part of the enclosed space  48 . Between each spoke  52 ,  53  and an adjacent spoke  52 ,  53  (on the same wheel body  40 ,  42 ) there is a space. The space between adjacent spokes  52 ,  53  and bounded by the portion of the rim  54 ,  55  between the adjacent spokes  52 ,  53  define a window  60 ,  61 . 
         [0026]    Each window  60 ,  61  has a rib  62 ,  63 . That is, each side of a spoke  52 ,  53  has a rib  62 ,  63  which continues over the portion of the rim  54 ,  55  between the spokes  52 ,  53 . As this space is defined as a window  60 ,  61 , the following description shall identify the rib  62 ,  63  as being associated with the window  60 ,  61 . Each first wheel body window  60  has a first rib  62  and each second wheel body window  61  has a second rib  63 . Each rib  62 ,  63  extends substantially about, i.e. completely around, the associated window  60 ,  61 . It is understood that each window  60 ,  61  and associated rib  62 ,  63  on each wheel body  40 ,  42  are substantially similar. Thus, the following description shall address a single pair of windows  60 ,  61  but it is further understood that the description applies to all windows  60 ,  61 . 
         [0027]    When the wheel bodies  40 ,  42  are coupled, the mirror image spokes  52 ,  53  are aligned with each other. Thus, the windows  60 ,  61  between adjacent spokes  52 ,  53  are aligned as well. When the wheel bodies  40 ,  42  are coupled, there is a seam or narrow gap/interface between the two bodies  40 ,  42  at each window  60 ,  61 . Each seam is a path for debris and/or water into the enclosed space  48 . Hereafter, the group of seams created at the windows  60 ,  61  shall be identified collectively as a “fragmented seam”  58 . To prevent the infiltration of debris, water or any other contaminant; the fragmented seam  58  is sealed. 
         [0028]    In a first embodiment, Shown in  FIG. 4 , the rib  62 ,  63  in each window  60 ,  61  extends inwardly; i.e. into the window and, preferably, generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel  34 . It is noted that in each figure showing a cross-section of a spoke  52 ,  53 , the ribs  62 ,  63  on one side of the spoke  52 ,  53 , e.g. the upper side vs. the lower side as shown, are in a different window  60 ,  61  than the ribs  62 ,  63  on the lower side of the spoke  52 ,  53 , as discussed above. 
         [0029]    In a first variation ( FIG. 4 ), the first body first rib  62  extends further inwardly than the second body second rib  63 . When the wheel bodies  40 ,  42  are being coupled and the windows  60 ,  61  are aligned, the first body first rib  62  extends further into the associated window  60 , as shown in ghost. The first body first rib  62  extends at least, and preferably more than, the thickness of the second body second rib  63 . In this configuration the first body first rib  62  may be folded over the second body second rib  63 , thereby coupling the wheel bodies  40 ,  42  but also sealing the windows  60 ,  61 . 
         [0030]    More specifically, the first body first rib  62  has three portions, a proximal portion  70 , a transition portion  72 , and a distal portion  74 . The first body first rib proximal portion  70  has a height, as defined above, substantially equal to the height of the second body second rib  63 . The first body first rib transition portion  72  has a height substantially equal to the thickness of the second body second rib  63 . The first body first rib distal portion  74  has a height that is, preferably, less than the height of the second body second rib  63  and, more preferably, about half the height of the second body second rib  63 . In this configuration, the first body first rib  62  may be folded over the second body second rib  63  and, more specifically, the folded over distal portion  74  extends over about half of the second body second rib  63 . That is, the folded over distal portion  74  preferably extends from the distal end of the second body second rib  63  to about a mid-point of the second body second rib  63 . 
         [0031]    During assembly, the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are placed adjacent to each other with the inner sides  46 ,  47  facing each other. Preferably, the two ribs  62 ,  63  are immediately adjacent each other and/or in contact with each other. The first body first rib  62  is then folded over the second body second rib  63 , bending at the interface between the first body first rib proximal portion  70  and the first body first rib transition portion  72 . Once the first body first rib proximal portion  70  and the first body first rib transition portion  72  are at about a right angle to each other, the bending at the interface between the first body first rib proximal portion  70  and the first body first rib transition portion  72  is stopped. The first body first rib  62  is then bent at the interface between the first body first rib transition portion  72  and the first body first rib distal portion  74 . The bending at the interface between the first body first rib transition portion  72  and the first body first rib distal portion  74  continues until the first body first rib distal portion  74  sealingly engages the second body second rib  63  and/or the two ribs  62 ,  63  sealingly engage each other at the interface of their inner sides. 
         [0032]    It is noted that, because the windows  60 ,  61  have a curved perimeter, the first body first rib distal portion  74  may be swaged at any corner. That is, the material forming the first body first rib distal portion  74  may be thinned so as to cover the radial portions of the window  60 ,  61  perimeter. Alternatively, the first body first rib distal portion  74  may be split at the radial portions of the window  60 ,  61  perimeter so long as the split does not extend to the first body first rib transition portion  72 . 
         [0033]    In this configuration, the hemming, or coupling by bending, of the first body first rib  62  accomplishes two tasks: first the two ribs  62 ,  63  couple the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  together. Second, because the two ribs  62 ,  63  sealingly engage each other, either at the interface of the first body first rib distal portion  74  and the second body second rib  63  and/or at the interface of the inner side of the two ribs  62 ,  63 , the hemming further seals access at the windows to the enclosed space  48 . While typically not required, a sealing agent, or gasket, may be disposed between the two ribs  62 ,  63  at either the interface of the first body first rib distal portion  74  and the second body second rib  63  and/or at the interface of the inner side of the two ribs  62 ,  63 , so as to ensure a complete seal. 
         [0034]    In the variation described above, the two wheel bodies  40 ,  42  are different in that the first body first rib  62  has a different height than the second body second rib  63 . In another variation, the two wheel bodies  40 ,  42  may be identical to each other. In this variation the longer rib  62  is split between the two wheel bodies  40 ,  42 . That is, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the first body first rib  62  has an extended portion  62 A and a shortened portion  62 B. The extended portion  62 A extends along one spoke  52  and half of the portion of the rim  54  of the pair of windows  60  associated with the spoke  52 . The extended portion  62 A has a height greater than the shortened portion  62 B. That is, the extended portion  62 A has a height sufficient to be folded over the associated shortened portion  63 B, discussed below. In this instance, the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are identical and are not mirror images. Thus, the second wheel body  42  also has a second body second rib  63  with an extended portion  63 A and a shortened portion  63 B. The extended portion  63 A extends along one spoke  53  and half of the portion of the rim  55  of the pair of windows  61  associated with the spoke  53 . 
         [0035]    When these two windows  60 ,  61  are aligned and the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are placed adjacent to each other with the inner sides  46 ,  47  facing each other, the first body first rib extended portion  62 A is aligned with the second body second rib shortened portion  63 B, and vice-versa. In this configuration, each extended portion  62 A,  63 A may be hemmed over the aligned shortened portion  62 B,  63 B. Because the extended portion  62 A,  63 A is split, this variation preferably includes a gasket or sealing material (not shown). 
         [0036]    In a second variation, the first body first rib  62  and the second body second rib  63  have substantially the same height. In this variation, however, the two ribs  62 ,  63  are not generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel  34 . Instead, the two ribs  62 ,  63  are angled toward each other, i.e. each rib  62 ,  63  is angled toward the inner side  46 ,  47  of the associated wheel body  40 ,  42 . As before, during assembly, the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are placed adjacent to each other with the inner sides  46 ,  47  facing each other. When wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are coupled, e.g. by welding the continuous seam  56  at the interface of the wheel first and second body rims  54 ,  55 , the two ribs  62 ,  63  are in sealing contact with each other. As before, a sealing agent, or gasket, may be disposed between the two ribs  62 ,  63  at the interface of the inner side of the two ribs  62 ,  63 , so as to ensure a complete seal. 
         [0037]    In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 7 , the rib  62 ,  63  in each window  60 ,  61  extends inwardly; i.e. into the window  60 ,  61  and, preferably, generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel  34 . The first body first rib  62  and the second body second rib  63  have substantially the same height. Each first body first rib  62  and each second body second rib  63  extend about the perimeter of each associated window. During assembly, the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are placed adjacent to each other with the inner sides  46 ,  47  facing each other. Preferably, the two ribs  62 ,  63  are immediately adjacent each other and/or in contact with each other. In this configuration, the wheel assembly  30  includes a plurality of grommets  80 . The grommets  80  are loops shaped to correspond to the shape of the windows  60 ,  61 . As before, in the following discussion only a single, aligned pair of windows  60 ,  61  will be addressed, and therefore only a single grommet  80  will be discussed. It is understood that each aligned pair of windows  60 ,  61  has its own grommet  80 . 
         [0038]    The grommet  80 , when viewed in cross-section as in  FIG. 7 , are U-shaped, with the open side facing outwardly. Thus, the grommet  80  may be placed over the fragmented seam  58  located at each aligned pair of windows  60 ,  61 . That is, because the two ribs  62 ,  63  have substantially the same height and are disposed immediately adjacent each other and/or in contact with each other, the two ribs  62 ,  63  may be disposed in the groove of the grommet  80 . The grommet  80  is structured to sealingly engage the pair of ribs  62 ,  63 . In this configuration, the fragmented seam  58  disposed about the pair of windows  60 ,  61  is sealed. 
         [0039]    In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , the pair of ribs  62 ,  63  extend axially inwardly. That is, each of the pair of ribs  62 ,  63  are disposed about the perimeter of a window  60 ,  61 , but extend generally parallel to the axis of rotation for the wheel  34  and toward the inner side  46 ,  47  of each wheel body  40 ,  42 . In this configuration, and during assembly when the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are placed adjacent to each other with the inner sides  46 ,  47  facing each other, the two ribs  62 ,  63  extend toward each other. Thus, when the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are coupled, e.g. as described above, the pair of ribs  62 ,  63  abut, i.e. are directly coupled to, each other in a sealing manner. To ensure that there are no paths of entry for debris and water, each first body first rib  62  and each second body second rib  63  extend substantially about each associated window  60 ,  61 . 
         [0040]    The ribs  62 ,  63  may be configured complimentary to each other. That is, as used herein “complimentary to each other” means that the two ribs  62 ,  63  together extend about the entire perimeter of the aligned pair of windows  60 ,  61 . For example, the wheel first body  40  may include an axially inwardly extending rib  62  along both spokes  52  associated with a window  60 . While the wheel second body  42  has the second body second rib  63  extending about the portion of the rim associated with the window  61 . When the wheel first and second bodies  40 ,  42  are placed adjacent to each other with the inner sides  46 ,  47  facing each other, the complimentary ribs  62 ,  63  form a seal about the aligned windows  60 ,  61 . It is noted that the ends of each rib  62 ,  63  may be shaped, e.g. cut at a 45 degree angle, to engage each other. 
         [0041]    While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.