Handcart having a pivotal deck and method of operating same

A method for delivering a load using a handcart having a first handcart portion coupled to a second handcart portion where the handcart is selectively supported on at least two sets of running wheels and at least one pivot wheel, the steps of the method comprising:

• providing a rigid handcart that allows the position of a handlebar within a sliding fitting attached to said second handcart portion to engage a lock mechanism that rigidly couples said first handcart portion to a second handcart portion;
• positioning a load on said first handcart portion;
• rolling said rigid handcart toward a selected unloading site;
• converting said rolling rigid handcart to an articulated handcart by adjusting the position of said handlebar within said sliding fitting to disengage said lock mechanism so that said first handcart portion is flexibly coupled to said second handcart portion;
• applying a force to said rolling articulated handcart that rotates said pivot wheel to a position that supports said handcart and tilts said first handcart portion in a forward direction;
• stopping said rolling articulated handcart having a tilted first handcart portion;
• and
• discharging said load from said tilted first handcart portion.

A cart comprising:

• a first wheeled assembly including a load-bearing platform, at least one support wheel and a keeper;
• a second wheeled assembly pivotably connected to said first wheeled assembly and including at least one support wheel;
• and
• a handle attached to said second wheeled assembly and including a catch, said catch being a part of said handle, said handle being shiftable between a first position wherein said keeper retains said catch and a second position wherein said keeper is spaced from said catch.

A cart comprising:

• a first wheeled assembly including a load-bearing platform and at least one support wheel;
• a second wheeled assembly pivotably connected to said first wheeled assembly and including at least one support wheel and at least one pivot wheel;
• and
• a handle attached to said second wheeled assembly, said handle being pivotable about a first axis between a first position in which said support wheel engages a surface supporting said cart and a second position wherein said pivot wheel engages said surface.

A method of moving a load comprising the steps of:

• providing a cart including a first wheeled assembly having a load-bearing platform and least one support wheel, a second wheeled assembly pivotably connected to said first wheeled assembly and having at least one support wheel, a handle attached to said second wheeled assembly, and a lock for locking said first wheeled assembly with respect to said second wheeled assembly;
• moving said handle to a first position to unlock said first wheeled assembly from said second wheeled assembly;
• pivoting said handle to lower an edge of said platform;
• placing a load on said platform;
• pivoting said handle to raise said edge of said platform;
• and
• moving said handle to a second position to lock said first wheeled assembly to said second wheeled assembly.

A cart comprising:

• a first assembly including a load-bearing platform, at least one support wheel and a keeper;
• a second assembly pivotably connected to said first assembly and including at least one support wheel and a catch, wherein said catch is engageable with said keeper to prevent said platform of said first assembly from pivoting relative to said second assembly;
• and,
• a handle movable between a lower position wherein said catch engages said keeper, and an upper position wherein said keeper is disengaged from said catch,
• movement of said handle from said lower position to said upper position causes said keeper to be disengaged from said catch and thereby allows said first assembly platform to pivot relative to said second assembly.