US 4,726,602 A · Hand truck for handling bulky freight

Abstract

A hand truck comprising a main frame which is supported by a plurality of wheels on one end and has a handle on the other end is disclosed. The main frame is provided with platforms which extend the load bearing surface of the main frame. Each of the platforms is provided with side members which extend outwardly from the surface of said platforms. Each of the side members in turn have a toe plate extension which is adapted to engage and attach to a toe plate which extends outwardly from the main frame on the side opposite from where the wheels are supported. The platforms, the side members, the toe plate and the toe plate extensions combine to form a three-sided load carrying compartment for handling bulky freight such as loaf bread and the like. Swivel rollers may be provided on the underside of the toe plate for allowing lateral movement of the hand truck. When the hand truck is not being used to transport freight, the platforms and their associated side members and toe plate extensions are adapted to be collapsed and folded to rest upon the surface of the main frame in a manner which causes the hand truck to occupy little more space than a conventinal hand truck.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A hand truck for carrying cargo, comprising:

an elongated main frame having two opposing sides and defining a load bearing surface adjacent said two opposing sides, said main frame including one end terminating into a handle;
at least two wheels attached to the other end of said main frame;
a toe plate attached to said other end of said main frame and adapted to extend outwardly therefrom for forming a load carrying surface;
at least two platform members, each of which being associated with each of said two opposing sides of said main frame, each said platform member being adapted for selectively extending said load bearing surface of said main frame;
a side member connected to each said platform and extending outwardly therefrom for bordering said load bearing surface;
and
a toe plate extension connected for movement relative to each of said side members having means for engaging said toe plate and adapted for extending said load carrying surface of said toe plate, whereby each said platform, each said side member, and each said toe plate extension may be moved with respect to said main frame between an open configuration for forming a partially enclosed cargo-carrying compartment and a compacted configuration adjacent said main frame for facilitating transport and storage of the hand truck.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hand truck for handling bulky freight

Life of this patent

Hand truck for handling bulky freight

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18