Wheelbarrow for normal and transverse unloading

Abstract

A wheelbarrow which having two transverse wheels (7, 8) in addition to the main wheel (4) is presented. Several embodiments are disclosed which are especially designed to elevate the lifting work of the operator. The two transverse wheels (7, 8) have each their circumference in a same or a parallel plane and take over the load pressure when the wheelbarrow is lifted sufficiently which makes it easier to the operator to unload the load in a desired position and in heaps of desired size.

Description

[0001] Wheelbarrow for normal and transverse unloading

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a wheelbarrow for carrying a load a distance and unloading the load.

[0004] The operator of a wheelbarrow must tilt the wheelbarrow on its wheel to unload material. As this material is often heavy it implies that the operator must lift a lot of load many times in total a long distance to perform the unloading.

[0005] The wheelbarrow of US5531463A has two assisting wheels in addition to the main wheel. Each of these two assisting wheels is useful for unloading when the unloading must be done with a narrower flow stream of the material to one of the two sides. Unloading along a longer distance requires many of these operations.

[0006] None of the wheelbarrows of prior art are for unloading with a single lift in an easy and efficient way.

[0007] Thus, the objective problem is to provide a wheelbarrow for unloading material in a single operation in an easy and efficient way.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] The above problem has surprisingly been solved by providing a wheelbarrow having a frame, where the frame has a main section, a forward end section extending from a first end of said main section and a rearward end section extending from a second end of said main section. The rearward end section is configured to be gripped by an operator, who in use then propel the wheelbarrow in a forward direction. Further the frame of the main section has a pan atop, a first wheel, which has an axle attached to the frame such that the first wheel supports the wheelbarrow when the wheelbarrow is propelled in the forward direction; and an auxiliary wheel set carried by the forward end section, which comprises a first transverse wheel mounted on an axle and a second transverse wheel mounted on another axle The transverse wheels are for driving the wheelbarrow in another direction than the driving direction of the first wheel when unloading. The first wheel has a circumference lying in a first plane and the first and second transverse wheels have respective circumferences lying each in a second plane, where the second plane is transverse to the first plane. At least a portion of the respective circumferences of the first and second transverse wheels is disposed forwardly ahead of the circumference of the first wheel and the frame. When the operator raises the rearward end section upwards, the operator can tilt the wheelbarrow to a position in which the frame and pan are supported by the first and second transverse wheels, so that the wheelbarrow can be propelled in a direction transverse to the forward direction on the first and second transverse wheels.

[0010] Although the illustrated embodiments have only one first wheel, this is not essential. There may be multiple first wheels, for example, two first wheels disposed side-by- side in parallel spaced apart relation as for a twin-wheel.

[0011] An embodiment is anticipated where the respective circumferences of the transverse wheels lying in a common second plane and the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane.

[0012] An embodiment is anticipated wherein the forward end section comprises a first arm, a second arm opposite the first arm, and a transverse element from the first arm to the second arm such that the first wheel is disposed between the arms and rearwardly of the transverse element.

[0013] An embodiment is anticipated where the forward end section is a separate section and is connected to the main section.

[0014] An embodiment is anticipated where it is possible to release the forward end section relative to the main section to move and select a positional adjustment of the forward end section relative to the main section.

[0015] An embodiment is anticipated where the main section has a first frame arm having a free end and a second frame arm having a free end, where the first arm of the forward end section is connected with the free end of the first frame arm and the second arm of the forward end section is connected with the free end of the second frame arm such that the forward end section is adjustably slideable with respect to the main section.

[0016] An embodiment of this is anticipated where the adjustable slidable action is obtained by a telescopic action.

[0017] An embodiment is anticipated wherein the forward end section is adjustably pivotable relative to the main section.

[0018] An embodiment is anticipated where the first and second arms of the forward end section are connected with respective mounting members that depend from the first and second frame arms.

[0019] An embodiment is anticipated where the mounting member are brackets to which the axle of the first wheel is mounted.

[0020] An embodiment is anticipated where the axles for the first and second transverse wheels are mounted on the forward end section at the front end.

[0021] An embodiment is anticipated where the transverse element is disposed at the front end of the forward end section and the axles for said first and second transverse wheels are mounted on the transverse element.

[0022] An embodiment is anticipated which have any of the features of the above embodiments wherein the axles of the transverse wheels are fixed relative the front end section.

[0023] Brief description of the Drawings

[0024] In order that the invention may be well understood, some non-limiting examples will now be described in which, Fig. l is a drawing of a conventional wheelbarrow,

[0025] Fig. 2 is a drawing of an embodiment of a wheelbarrow according to the invention where the first and second transverse wheels are above the plane containing the first and second arms,

[0026] Fig. 3 is a drawing of the wheelbarrow of Fig 2 seen from the front,

[0027] Fig. 4 is a drawing of an embodiment of a wheelbarrow according to the invention where the first and second transverse wheels are under the plane containing the first and second arms,

[0028] Fig. 5 is a drawing of an embodiment of a wheelbarrow according to the invention having a slideable arm on each side of the wheelbarrow whereby the position of the first transverse and second transverse wheel is adjustable along the longer side of the wheelbarrow,

[0029] Fig. 6 is a drawing of a side view of the details of the slideable arms on the front of the embodiment of the wheelbarrow shown in Fig. 5,

[0030] Fig. 7 is a drawing of the front in more details of the frame of the wheelbarrow in Fig 5 showing features of the slideable arms 9, 10 in detail,

[0031] Fig. 8 is a drawing of an embodiment of a wheelbarrow according to the invention where the angle of the plane containing the circumference of the first transverse and second transverse wheels relative to the plane of the front downwards leaning surface of the pan is adjustable. It is a side view of the wheelbarrow shown in Fig. 1 except for the arms on each side of the forward end section of the frame,

[0032] Fig. 9 is a drawing of a front view of a wheelbarrow shown in Fig. 8,

[0033] Fig. 10 is a side view drawing showing details of the adjusting mechanism of the wheelbarrow shown in Fig. 8 and 9,

[0034] Fig. 11 is a drawing of an embodiment of a wheelbarrow according to the invention where the first and second arms are fixed to a bracket or the axle of the main wheel (not shown).

[0035] Detailed Description

[0036] Fig. 1 is a drawing of a conventional wheelbarrow 1. It has a frame 2 and a pan 3. The front end of the frame has two frame arms 13 one on each side of a first wheel 4. The first wheel 4 is rotatable on an axle 5 mounted on respective brackets 6 which are attached to the two frame arms 13. The pan 3 is attached atop the frame. The first wheel carries or supports the pan when the wheelbarrow 1 is propelled in a forward direction. Referring to Fig 2 and 3, a first embodiment of a wheelbarrow 1 according to the invention comprises a frame 2 having a main section 2.2, a forward end section 2.1 extending from a first end of the main section and a rearward end section 2.3 extending from a second end of the main section. A pan 3 is mounted on the main section. The rearward end section 2.3 of the frame 2 is configured to be gripped by an operator, in use, to propel the wheelbarrow in a forward direction. Although not essential, in the illustrated embodiment, the rearward end section comprises two spaced apart handles that project rearwardly of the main section and the pan 3 in a conventional manner that will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0037] In the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 2 and 3, the main section 2.2, forward end section 2. land rearward end section 2.3 are integral and comprise a length of metal folded, or bent, to form the frame sections. The main section 2.2 comprises a pair of generally V-shaped sections that are disposed in an opposed spaced apart relation and the rearward end section 2.3 comprises the respective handles projecting rearwardly from the main section. The narrow, or lower, ends of the V-shaped sections define respective feet on which the wheelbarrow 1 can rest when not being propelled by an operator. The forward end section 2.1 comprises first and second arms 13 projecting from the main section of the frame and a transverse element extending between the first and second arms 13 at their ends disposed furthest from the main section such that the forward end section is generally U-shaped.

[0038] The wheelbarrow 1 further comprises a first wheel 4 having an axle 5 that is attached to the frame 2 such that the first wheel supports the wheelbarrow when the wheelbarrow is propelled in a backwards or forwards direction. The axle 5 is attached to respective brackets 6 that depend from the first and second arms 13 and is positioned such that the first wheel 4 is disposed between the first and second arms 13 and rearwardly of the transverse element of the forward end section 2.1, of the frame 2. The wheelbarrow 1 further comprises an auxiliary wheel set carried by the forward end section of the frame 2. The auxiliary wheel set comprises a first transverse wheel 7 mounted on an axle 11 and a second transverse wheel 8 mounted on an axle 12. The axles 11, 12 are mounted on the forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 such that they are in a fixed position relative to the forward end section. The first wheel 4 has a circumference lying in a first plane and the transverse wheels 7, 8 have respective circumferences lying in a plane that is transverse to the first plane. Although not essential, in the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 2 and 3, the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 are disposed in a common second plane that is at least substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the circumference of the first wheel 4 is disposed.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiments, the main section 2.2 defines two feet that are configured to support the rear of the wheelbarrow 1 when it is not in motion supported on the first wheel 4. This is not essential and in other embodiments, the frame may be configured to define just one foot or more than two feet.

[0040] At least a portion of the respective circumferences of the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 is disposed forwardly ahead of both the circumference of the first wheel 4 and the frame 2 so that, in use, by raising the rearward end section of the frame 2 upwards, the operator can tilt the wheelbarrow to a position in which the wheelbarrow 1 is supported by the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 so that it can be propelled in directions transverse to the forward direction on the first and second transverse wheels. Thus, if the operator wishes to offload matter from the pan 3 along a line transverse to the plane of the circumference of the first wheel 4 (and so transverse to the forward direction of the wheelbarrow 1 when supported by the first wheel 4), the wheelbarrow can be tilted forward by raising the rearward end section 2.3 until it is supported by the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8. The wheelbarrow 1 can then be moved sideways on the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 with the first wheel 4 raised from the ground so that it does not contact the ground and impede the transverse movement. Thus, to obtain transverse offloading, the operator does not have to repeatedly tilt the wheelbarrow 1 upwards, unload a part of the matter carried in the pan 3, lower it, manoeuvre it to a new position, thus unloading reducing the workload of the operator and protecting against tiredness and possible injury.

[0041] In the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 2 and 3, the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 are mounted on the forward end section of the frame 2 such that they are disposed above the forward end section of the frame. In this position, the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 are disposed between the forward end section of the frame 2 and the underside of the forward end of the pan 3. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment that corresponds to the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 2 and 3, except that the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 are mounted to the underside of the forward end section of the frame 2 such that the forward end section of the frame is disposed between the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 and the underside of the forward end of the pan 3 and the first and second transverse wheels are disposed between the forward end section of the frame and the ground.

[0042] Fig. 5 to 7 illustrate an embodiment of a wheelbarrow 1 in which the forward end section of the frame 2 is not integral with the main section and is instead a separate section that is attached to, or connected with, the main section. A separate forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 may be convenient for manufacture and fixed to the main section of the frame by, for example, welding. However, in the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 5 to 7, a separate forward end section 2.1 is releasably connected with the main section such that it is movable relative to the main section to enable selective positional adjustment of the forward end section relative to the main section that defines the front, or forward, end of the main section of the frame 2.

[0043] In embodiment illustrated by Fig. 5 to 7, the main section of the frame comprises a first frame arm 13 and a second frame arm 13 projecting forwardly from the respective generally V-shaped sections. The first and second frame arms 13 are disposed in parallel spaced apart relation and carry respective brackets 6 that carry the axle 5 of the first wheel 4. The brackets 6 depend from the first and second frame arms 13. The first and second free arms 13 have respective free ends disposed remote from the main section of the frame 2.

[0044] The forward end section 2.1. of the frame 2 comprises first 9 and second 10 arms that are connected by a transverse element such that the forward end section has a generally U-shaped configuration. The first 9 and second 10 arms of the forward end section are attached to the first and second frame arms 13 by at least one attaching mechanism configured such that the forward end section 2.1 is movable relative to the main section to enable selective positional adjustment of the forward end section 2.1 relative to the main section 2.2 and the pan 3. In this embodiment, the arrangement is configured such that the positional adjustment is provided by relative sliding movement of the forward end section with respect to the main section of the frame.

[0045] As best seen in Fig. 7, the free ends of the first 9 and second 10 arms of the forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 have a reduced diameter sized so that the reduced diameter portions can slide into the hollow first and second frame arms 13 by a telescoping action. The at least one attaching mechanism comprises a first attaching mechanism comprising a pair of diametrically opposed holes provided in the first frame arm 13, a series of opposed holes (not visible in the drawing) provided in the reduced diameter portion of the first arm 9 of the forward end section and a first fastener 17. The at least one attaching mechanism further comprises a second attaching mechanism, which comprises a pair of diametrically opposed holes provided in the second frame arm 13, a series of holes (not visible in the drawing) provided in the reduced diameter portion of the second arm 10 of the forward end section and a fastener 17. The fasteners 17 may take any convenient form and may, for example, take the form of a nut and bolt with the respective nuts, in some embodiments, welded to the first and second frame arms 13. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 17 take the form of split pins. In order to attach the forward end section to the main section of the frame 2, the operator inserts the first and second arms of the forward end section into the ends of the first and second frame arms 13 and brings a selected pair of opposed holes in the first and second arms of the forward end section into alignment with the opposed pairs of holes of first and second frame arms 13 and then pushes the split pins 17 through the aligned holes. The positional adjustment provided allows the operator to increase or decrease the distance between the forward portions of the circumference of the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 and the forward portion of the circumference of the first wheel 4, bringing the first and second transverse wheels closer to the ground and increasing the separation between the first and second transverse wheels and the forward end of the pan 3.

[0046] In some embodiments, the reduced diameter portions of the first 9 and second 10 arms of the forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 may be provided with just one pair of opposed holes for the fasteners 17 such that the extent to which the forward end section projects from the main section 2.2 of the frame 2 is not adjustable. Although not presently preferred, in some embodiments the first and second arms of the forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 may be slideably connected with mounting members fixed to the exterior of first and second frame arms 13. Such mounting members may be hollow mounting members that can receive the free ends of the first 9 and second 10 arms of the forward end section of the frame 2 and holes and fasteners analogous to those shown in Fig. 5 to 7 may be provided for securing the forward end section of the main section. Such mounting members may be mounted on the first and second frame arms 13 so that they project outwardly from opposite sides of the first and second frame arms 13 making it possible to have a forward end section that has a width that is greater than the width defined by the spacing of the first and second frame arms 13. This may be desirable if there is a wish to provide an auxiliary wheel set with more than two transverse wheels or it is wished to increase the spacing between a two-wheel auxiliary wheel set to provide greater stability when the wheelbarrow is supported by the transverse wheels.

[0047] The embodiments of the wheelbarrow allow for a more controlled and easy unloading of content of different viscosity and density.

[0048] Fig. 8 to 10 show a third embodiment of a wheelbarrow 1, which like the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 5 to 7 has a forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 that is not integral with the main section. In this embodiment, the first 9 and second 10 arms of the forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 are respectively attached to the first and second frame arms 13 of the main section 2.2 of the frame by respective attaching mechanisms comprising pivot mountings configured such that the forward end section is adjustably pivotable relative to the first and second frame arms 13. The pivot mounting attaching the first frame arm 13 to the first arm of the forward end section of the frame comprises a fastener 16 that extends through the two arms to secure them to one another, respective plates 18 fixed to the two arms and a fastener 17 that is fitted into respective sets of adjustment holes 19 provided in the plates 18. Specifically, the plates 18 are fixed to facing sides of the first frame arm and the first arm of the forward end section 2.1 of the frame so that the plates 18 are sandwiched between the first frame arm and first arm 9 of the forward end section in facing relationship. The plates 18 may be fixed to the respective arms by any suitable means, for example by welding. The pivot mounting attaching the second frame arm 13 to the second arm 10 of the forward end section 2.1 of the frame may correspond to that attaching the first frame arm to the first arm of the forward end section.

[0049] The plates 18 may have any shape and may, for example be rectangular, circular or semi-circular. The plates 18 may be provided with through-holes to allow penetration by the fasteners 17. Alternatively, for example, if semi-circular plates are used, the plates may be provided with notches in their lower edges (as viewed in the drawings) to accommodate the fasteners 17. The sets of adjustment holes 19 comprises a plurality of through-holes disposed on a fixed arc that defines an adjustment arc for the forward end section of the frame 2. Each pivot mounting comprises a fastener 17 sized to pass through the adjustment holes 19 to position the forward end section of the frame 2 in a desired orientation. The fasteners 17 may be split pins, although, any suitable form of fastening arrangement may be used, for example, a screw in combination with a wing nut.

[0050] In use, if an operator wishes to change the orientation of the forward end section 2.1 of the frame 2 relative to the main section 2.2, the fasteners 17 are withdrawn from the holes 19 and the fasteners 16 are loosened to allow pivoting of the forward end section 2.1 relative to the main 2.2 section. The fasteners 16 passing through the frame arms 13 and first and second arms of the forward end section act as pivot axles about which the forward end section can be pivoted. Once the desired orientation is achieved, the position of the forward end section can be fixed by reinserting the fasteners 17 through suitable aligned ones of the adjustment holes 19 and the fasteners 16 are tightened. It will be appreciated that while for ease of manufacture it may be desirable that the plates 18 are identical, this is not essential and in some embodiments one plate 18 of each pivot mounting may have a series of adjustment holes 19, while the other has just one adjustment hole 19.

[0051] The adjustable attaching mechanisms of this embodiment allow an operator to increase and decrease the spacing between the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 and both the ground and the pan 3 by pivoting the forward end section to a suitable position within the confines of the adjustment arc defined by the adjustment holes 19 and securing the forward end section in a desired orientation.

[0052] In the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 8 to 10, the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 are mounted on the forward end section of the frame 2 such that they are below the forward end section in similar fashion to the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 shown in Figure 4. It is to be understood that this is not essential and that the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 may be mounted above the forward end section of the frame 2, a similar fashion to the first and second transverse wheels shown in Fig. 2 and 3. The wheelbarrow of Fig. 8 is especially suitable for different pan contents.

[0053] This configuration allows adjustment of the position of the first transverse and second transverse wheels 7,8 relative to the first wheel 4. For example, it allows for the distance between the foremost portions of the circumferences of the circumferences of the first and second transverse wheels and the foremost portion of the circumference of the first wheel to be varied. It also allows the distance between the front end of the pan 3 and the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 to be varied. Also, the angle of inclination of the forward end section 2. ld(see Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) and thus the mounted set of a first transverse and second transverse wheels 7, 8 relative to the ground may be varied. Instead of a series of adjustment holes 19, the plates 18 may be provided with arcuate slots, in which case, the fasteners 17 by comprise a nut and bolt. This configuration provides the possibility of a greater range of adjustment positions. Other configurations are also possible.

[0054] Referring to Figure 11, a further embodiment of a wheelbarrow 1 comprises a frame 2 having a main section 2.2, forward end section 2.1 and rearward end section 2.3 in similar fashion to the wheelbarrow 1 shown in Fig. 8 to 10. In this embodiment, the forward end section of the frame 2 is separate from the main section and attached to it in a fixed, non-adjustable manner. Specifically, the first and second arms of the forward end section are attached to respective brackets 6 or the axle of the first wheel 5 (not shown) fixed to the first and second frame arms 13. In the illustrated example, the brackets 6 depend from the first and second frame arms 13 and the axle 5 for the first wheel 4 is mounted in respective holes provided in the brackets 6. The first and second arms of the forward end section of the frame may be fixed to the brackets 6 in any suitable way, for example by use of fasteners such as screws or nuts and bolts, or by welding.

[0055] The embodiment illustrated by Fig. 11 combines the relative simplicity of the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 2 to 4 and the benefit of allowing configurations that provide a small angle between the top of the pan 3 and the ground at the point at which the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 touch when the wheelbarrow 1 is tilted.

[0056] In each of the illustrated embodiments, the forward end section 2.1 has a front end and a rear end with the rear end disposed closest to the main section 2.2 of the frame 2. The axles 11, 12 of the first and second transverse wheels 7, 8 are mounted at the front end of the forward end section of the frame 2. In embodiments in which the forward end section is generally U-shaped, the axles 11, 12 may be mounted on the transverse element or the first and second arms adjacent the transverse element.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiments, the forward end section of the frame 2 is generally U- shaped. This is not essential. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the forward end section may be generally H-shaped.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the shapes of the rearward 2.3 and main section 2.2 of the frame 2 shown in the drawings are purely examples and many other shapes are possible. For example, while in the illustrated embodiments, the connection between the pan 3 and the main section of the frame 2 provides transverse stiffening, this may be augmented by providing the frame with cross members connecting the opposite sides of the frame.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiments, the wheelbarrow 1 has just one wheel 4 to support it when being propelled backwards or forwards. It is to be understood that this is not essential and in other embodiments, multiple wheels may be employed. Thus, for example, two wheels may be disposed side-by-side on the axle 5. In the illustrated embodiments at least a portion of the circumference of the first transverse wheel and the circumference of the second transverse wheel of the wheelbarrows in Fig. 2 to 11 is placed in front of the circumference of the first wheel and ahead of the frame. The circumference of the first transverse and the circumference of second transverse wheel lie in a common plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the circumference of the first wheel.

[0060] The circumference of a first transverse wheel lies in a plane and the circumference of a second transverse wheel lies in a plane that may be the same as the plane of the circumference of the first transverse wheel, and both transverse to the plane of the circumference of the first wheel. The two transverse wheels may lie in respective parallel planes or in the same plane and in either case preferably lie in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the first wheel.

[0061] Reference number list

[0062] 1. Wheelbarrow

[0063] 2. Frame

[0064] 2.1 Forward end section

[0065] 2.2 Middle section

[0066] 2.3 Rearward end section

[0067] 3. Pan

[0068] 4. A first wheel

[0069] 5. Axle of a first wheel

[0070] 6. Bracket on a bar (13) 7. A first transverse wheel

[0071] 8. A second transverse wheel

[0072] 9. A first arm, at the left of the wheelbarrow

[0073] 10. A second arm, at the right of the wheelbarrow 11. Axle of a first transverse wheel

[0074] 12. Axle of a second transverse wheel

[0075] 13. A frame arm of the main section, or a first arm or a second arm of the forward end section

[0076] 14. - 15. -

[0077] 16. A fastener a bolt or a nut fixed on the end of a bolt

[0078] 17. A fastener e.g., a split pin,

[0079] 18. A first disc or a second disc

[0080] 19. A through-hole in either a first disc or a second disc 20. -

[0081] 21. -

[0082] 22. U shaped member or an arm of the U shaped member

Claims

Claims1. A wheelbarrow comprising: a frame (2) having a main section, a forward end section extending from a first end of said main section and a rearward end section extending from a second end of said main section, said rearward end section configured to be gripped by an operator to propel the wheelbarrow in a forward direction; a pan (3) mounted on said main section; a first wheel (4) having an axle (5) attached to said frame (2) such that said first wheel supports the wheelbarrow when said wheelbarrow is propelled in said forward direction; and an auxiliary wheel set carried by said forward end section and comprising a first transverse wheel (7) mounted on an axle (11) and a second transverse wheel (8) mounted on an axle (12), wherein said first wheel (4) has a circumference lying in a first plane and said first and second transverse wheels (7, 8) have respective circumferences lying in a plane that is transverse to said first plane characterized by at least a portion of the respective circumferences of said first and second transverse wheels (7, 8) are disposed forwardly ahead of both said circumference of said first wheel (4) and said frame (2), whereby, in use, by raising said rearward end section upwards, said operator can tilt the wheelbarrow to a position in which said frame (2) and pan (3) are supported by said first and second transverse wheels (7, 8) so that said wheelbarrow can be propelled in a direction transverse to said forward direction on said first and second transverse wheels.

2. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circumferences of said first and second transverse wheels (7, 8) lie in a common second plane that is perpendicular to said first plane.

3. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said forward end section comprises a first arm, a second arm disposed opposite said first arm and a transverse element extending between said first and second arms, said axle (5) being connected with said frame (2) such that at least a portion of said first wheel (4) is disposed betweensaid first and second arms of said forward end section of said frame and rearwardly of said transverse element.

4. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 3, wherein forward end section is a separate section attached to said main section.

5. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 4, wherein said forward end section is releasably attached to said main section by at least one attaching mechanism, said forward end section attached to said main section by said at least one attaching mechanism such that said forward end section is movable relative to said main section to enable selective positional adjustment of said forward end section relative to said main section.

6. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 5, wherein said main section comprises a first frame arm (13) and a second frame arm (13) and said first arm of said forward end section is attached to said first frame arm by a first said attaching mechanism and the second arm of said forward end section is attached to said second frame arm by a second said attaching mechanism, the arrangement being configured such that first and second arms of said forward end section are configured to be adjustably slideable with respect to said first and second frame arms.

7. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first and second frame arms and said first and second arms of said forward end section are configured such that said forward end second is configured to be slideable with respect to said main section by a telescopic action of said first and second frame arms and said first and second arms of said forward end section.

8. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 5, wherein said main section comprises a first frame arm (13) and a second frame arm (13) and said at least one attaching means comprises respective pivot mountings by which said first and second arms (22) of said forward end section are connected with said first and second frame arms, said pivot mountings being configured such that said forward end section is adjustably pivotable relative to said first and second frame arms.

9. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein said main section comprises a first frame arm (13) and a second frame arm (13) and said first (9) and second arms (10) of said forward end section are attached to respective mounting members that depend from said first and second frame arms.

10. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 9, wherein said mounting members are brackets to which said axle (5) of the first wheel (4) is mounted.

11. A wheelbarrow as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein said forward end section has a front end and a rear end, said rear end of said forward end section is disposed closer to said main section than said front end of said forward end section and said axles (11, 12) for said first and second transverse wheels are mounted on said forward end section at said front end of said forward end section.

12. A wheelbarrow as claimed in claim 11, wherein said transverse element is disposed at said front end of said forward end section and said axles (11, 12) for said first and second transverse wheels are mounted on said transverse element.

13. A wheelbarrow as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said axles (11, 12) for said first and second transverse wheels are mounted to said forward end section such that they are fixed relative to said forward end section.

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