Two-wheeled transport apparatus

Abstract

A two-wheeled transport apparatus comprising a tiltable and detachable container 2 which can be lowered from and recovered to the apparatus via a lever action which maintains a parallel orientation of

Description

This invention relates to a system whereby the receptacle can be moved from an elevated position on the apparatus, down to the ground, and lifted back to its original upraised position. Loading a conventional transport system can be physically demanding and may lead to strain or injury due to the effort required to lift heavy loads. The objective of the present invention is to improve the loading process by providing a receptacle that can rest on the ground, reducing the physical effort needed and decreasing the risk of injury. The proposed invention stands to benefit a diverse range of users, particularly in fields that involve frequent material handling. The present invention proposes a two-wheeled transport apparatus comprising, a lifting frame, a receptable with mating bracket attachments to the left and right of the receptacle centre point orthogonal to the apparatus direction of movement, an adaptation of the mechanism on the apparatus consisting of a set of cantilever arms pivotable about a common pivot axis therefrom when the apparatus handlebar is raised it lowers the arms to position them to connect with the mating brackets on the receptacle, the arms are locked in place with catches in its loaded position, and a one-piece looped handlebar with a foam grip providing stable manoeuvrability, and necessary support when raising or lowering the apparatus to load or unload the receptable. According to the first aspect, the present invention features a receptacle designed as a separate component, initially positioned on the ground. Its stationary nature enhances conventional filling methods due to its proximity to the ground. When the need arises to relocate the contents, the lifting frame, which remains a separate entity, can be tilted upwards to engage the cantilever arms with receptacle mating brackets. Once the arms make contact with the pivot point within the bracket, the apparatus handlebar is lowered, leveraging the arm's mechanism to raise the receptacle and tilt it backwards into its’ elevated position on the apparatus. Conversely, when required, the same lever action can be leveraged to lower the receptacle back to the ground, lifting the handlebar of the apparatus will tilt the receptacle forwards as it is lowered to the ground, subsequently, the cantilever arms can then be removed from the mating brackets. Notably, this design offers modularity; the receptacle can be interchanged, enabling the use of multiple receptacles concurrently with a single apparatus for transportation. A further benefit of the present invention is the improved workflow, which is no longer restricted to a sequential process. Multiple users can perform tasks in parallel with a single lifting apparatus, where one receptacle can be filled whilst another is transported and emptied. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cantilever arms are structured to be perpendicular to the apparatus. This orientation allows the frame to maintain an upright 'prepared' state when the handlebar is tilted upwards, where the arms can be positioned directly beneath the mating bracket on the ground prior to raising the receptacle. The design of the apparatus incorporates supporting struts to minimize strain on the cantilever arms. Each cantilever arm's tip is slanted at a 45-degree angle relative to the arm, with rounded apexes aligning with the mating brackets for seamless interaction. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the arms' tips are engineered to connect with the brackets at a 45-degree angle relative to the ground. As the receptacle is raised or lowered, the arms undergo a 90-degree rotation within the brackets, facilitated by a profile that reflects this motion. The catches, positioned on the outer wall of the bracket, secure the arms upon completion of the rotation, restoring them to a perpendicular alignment with the ground. The rounded apex of the mating brackets is concentric with the cantilever arms' apex, enabling a smooth pivot action constrained to a single plane. The strategic positioning of the brackets at the centre of the receptacle ensures that its centre of gravity remains parallel to the ground. According to the fourth aspect of this invention, in the loaded state, the receptacle is secured with catches on the bracket positioned at 45 degrees and 90 degrees, mirrored on the opposite bracket. These catches are critical for locking the arms to the brackets, preventing free pivoting of the receptacle. When the receptacle is locked in position, the apparatus can function conventionally, allowing for effective transportation, tipping, and unloading as intended by the user. According to the fifth aspect of this invention, the inclusion of two wheels at the front underside of the frame enhances balance compared to a one-wheeled design. These wheels, strategically placed on either side of an axle, are mounted to the frame using a bush bearing sleeve, allowing for free rotation. The axle design facilitates a pivot point at the base of the cantilever arms, permitting backward tilting as the frame is elevated, and forwards tilting as the frame is lowered. The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view showing a first embodiment of the two-wheeled transport apparatus in its loaded state according to the present invention. Figure 2 is an isometric view showing a second embodiment of the two-wheeled transport apparatus where the apparatus receptacle is unloaded from the lifting frame. Figure 3 is a front view showing the first embodiment of the two-wheeled transport apparatus in its loaded state. Figure 4 is a side view showing the lifting frame in an upright prepared position to collect the receptacle from the ground. Figure 5 is a side view showing the receptacle raised from the ground as the lifting frame is tilted down in a lever action. Figure 6 is a side view showing the two-wheeled transport apparatus in its loaded state where the cantilever arm is secured to the mating bracket. Figure 7 is a side view showing the two-wheeled transport apparatus in its loaded state, tilting for transport in a conventional manner, the receptacle remains locked as the mating brackets are secured to the cantilever arms. Figure 8 is an isometric view showing an alternative embodiment demonstrating the modularity of the present invention with two unloaded receptacles. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Receptacle assembly 1; Receptacle 2; Mating bracket 3; Over-centre catch 4,5; Mating Bracket 6; Over-centre catch 7,8; Cantilever assembly 9; Cantilever arm 10; Over-centre latch 11,12; Cantilever arm 13; Over-centre latch 14,15; Cantilever base 16; Cantilever support arm 17,18; Cantilever frame brace 19, 20; Lifting frame apparatus 21; Lifting frame 22; Handlebar 23; Foam grip 24; Support strut 25; Axle bush bearing sleeve 26,27; Two-wheeled axle assembly 28; Axle 29; Wheel 30,31; Pneumatic tyre 32,33; Alternate receptacle assembly 34; Alternate receptacle 35; Mating bracket 36; Over-centre latch 37,38; Mating bracket 39; Over-centre latch 40,41. Figure 1 is an isometric view of the two-wheeled transport apparatus according to this embodiment in its loaded state, figure 2 is an isometric view showing a state in which the receptacle is on the ground separate to the lifting frame, figure 3 is a front view showing the two-wheeled transport apparatus in its loaded state, figure 4 is a side view showing a state in which the receptacle is on the ground and the lifting frame is tilted forward in a prepared position, the cantilever arms are in position beneath the corresponding mating brackets on the receptacle, figure 5 is a side view showing a state demonstrating the lever action, where the cantilever arms have connected with the mating brackets and the receptacle is raised as the frame is tilted down, a detail view shows the cantilever arm apex rotating within the mating bracket, figure 6 is a side view showing the two-wheeled transport apparatus in its first embodiment in its loaded state, figure 7 is a side view showing the two-wheeled transport apparatus can be tilted, transported or emptied in a conventional manner, the receptacle remains locked in position as the mating brackets are secured to the cantilever arms. Figure 8 is an isometric view of the two-wheeled transport apparatus in an alternative embodiment, demonstrating two receptacles can be used interchangeably with a single lifting frame for transportation. Figure 1 and 2, two mating brackets 3, 6 are attached to the outer rim of the receptacle 2 on either side. Lifting frame apparatus 21 comprises of a one-piece loop which outlines the shape of the two-wheeled transport apparatus. Handlebar 23 provides support for raising and lowering the frame 22, in addition handlebar 23 is equipped with a foam grip 24, offering improved grip. A support strut 25 reinforces the frame below the handlebar loop. Cantilever support arms 17, 18 are suspended from the cantilever arms base 16 and support strut 25 and provide reinforcement to the frame 22. Cantilever frame braces 19, 20 below cantilever arms base 16 connect the cantilever arm assembly 9 to the lifting frame 21. Wheels 30, 31 can be freely advanced and retracted by operating the handlebar 23 for pushing in a conventional manner. The wheels 30, 31 utilize pneumatic tires 32, 33 to provide optimal grip on uneven terrain. Figure 2 shows the lifting frame is supported by two bush bearing sleeves 26, 27 at either end of the axle 29 in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the twowheeled transport apparatus. In the state shown in figure 2, the receptacle 1 is on the ground, independent to the lifting frame 21. Positioning of over-centre latches 11, 12, 14, 15 and corresponding catches 4,5, 7,8 prevent receptacle 1 rotating freely. Over-centre catches 4, 7 are attached to the edge of the outer wall of mating brackets 4, 6. Over-centre catches 5, 8 are attached to the end of the outer wall of mating brackets 3, 6 perpendicular to the ground. These engage with over-centre latches 11,12,14,15 at corresponding positions on cantilever arms 10, 13. Figure 3 shows, wheels 30, 31 are rotatably supported and pivotally attached to the left and right end of the axle 29. Bush bearing sleeves 26, 27 are pivotally attached to axle 29 at either end behind wheels 30, 31 allowing for free rotation of the twowheeled axle assembly 28. Bush bearing sleeves 26, 27 are fixed in place directly below cantilever arm base 16 to facilitate a pivot point for the apparatus to be tilted, connecting two-wheeled assembly 28 to lifting frame 22. Cantilever arm assembly 9 is formed of cantilever arms 10,13, spaced laterally at either end of cantilever base 16 to fit around receptacle 2, in line with the mating brackets 3, 6. Figure 4 shows lifting frame 21 in its prepared state, the perpendicular cantilever arm 10 is rotated to rest on the ground and is directly below mating brackets 3. The tip of cantilever arm 10 is slanted at a 45-degree angle relative to the arm. Figure 5 shows when lifting frame 21 is pulled down by the handlebar 23, cantilever assembly 9 raises to engage with mating brackets 3, 6. Figure 5 shows a 45-degree concentric rotation about the common horizontal axis, provided by the seamless engagement of the rounded apex of cantilever arm 10 in alignment with the rounded inner wall of mating bracket 3. As lifting frame 21 continues to tilt down in a lever action the centre of gravity of receptacle 1 is preserved as it is raised, by the common horizontal axis. In addition, the two-wheeled axle assembly 28 simultaneously moves freely in the direction of the two-wheeled transport apparatus. Figure 6 shows the completed lever action as receptacle 1 is lifted into its loaded state, in an elevated position above frame 22 and lifting frame 21 is rested on the ground. In addition, figure 6 shows over-centre catches 4, 5 on mating bracket 3 have engaged with over-centre latches 11 and 12 on cantilever arm 10, securing the angled tip of cantilever arm 10 to the inner wall of mating bracket 3, preventing free pivoting of receptacle assembly 1. Figure 7 shows the two-wheeled transport apparatus in its loaded state, mating bracket 3 is locked to cantilever arm 10, securing receptacle 1 for transport. Figure 7 demonstrates receptacle 1 will not pivot freely and frame 21 can be raised at handlebar 23 in a traditional manner as intended by the user. Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment, in which two receptacles 1, 34 can be used interchangeably due to the compatibility of the mating brackets 3,6,36 and 39, with the corresponding cantilever arms 10, 13 on lifting frame 21 for transportation.

Claims

1. A two-wheeled transport apparatus where a receptacle is attached to the frame in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered through a lever-action. This movement is facilitated by a connection between the laterally spaced brackets on the receptacle and the cantilever arms on the frame, with a mechanism that enables the receptacle to move in response to tilting of the frame handlebar. Whilst maintaining its centre of gravity perpendicular to the ground.

2. A two-wheeled transport apparatus, according to claim 1, in which a leveraction is facilitated by the pivoting action of the two-wheel axle arrangement, at the base of the cantilever arms. Provided by two laterally spaced sleeve bush bearings, which rotate independent of the axle, permitting relative movement.

3. A two-wheeled transport apparatus, according to claim 1, in which the cantilever arms, when in a loaded position, are secured to the receptacle mating brackets using a set of catches and corresponding latches, where are positioned at 45 degrees and 90 degrees where the cantilever arm is perpendicular to the ground, mirrored on the opposite bracket.

4. A two-wheeled transport apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, in which multiple receptacles can be interchanged and used concurrently with a single lifting frame, due to the compatibility of the mating brackets and corresponding cantilever arms.