Handtruck for manipulating cylindrical containers

Abstract

Provided is a handtruck for manipulating cylindrical containers, the handtruck including a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of the frame for engaging the cylindrical container, a handle pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot towards and away from a rear of the frame, and a cylindrical container latch coupled to the frame for securing a lip of the cylindrical container, whereby when the frame is in a generally vertical position, the handle is movable between a first position coupled to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angled relative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments. Also provided is a method of using the handtruck to manipulate cylindrical containers in a low clearance environment.

Description

HANDTRUCK FOR MANIPULATING CYLINDRICAL CONTAINERSReference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 585,309, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.Technical Field

[0002] In general, the present disclosure relates to a handtruck, and in particular to a handtruck for use with cylindrical containers.Background of the Invention

[0003] A handtruck or dolly generally includes a frame, two wheels attached to a bottom of the frame, and a ledge extending from the bottom of the frame. To use the handtruck, the ledge is placed under an object and the handtruck is tilted backward onto the wheels until the weight of the object is balanced over the wheels. The handtruck is then moved to a desired location and tilted forward to place the object on the ground.

[0004] The handtruck can additionally or alternatively include fingers spaced from the bottom of the frame for engaging a container below a top of the container, such as a bucket containing paint. The fingers engage with the container such that when the handtruck is tilted backward onto the wheels, the weight of the container is balanced over the wheels. The handtruck is then moved to a desired location and tilted forward to place the container on the ground.

[0005] Handtrucks are commonly used for moving cylindrical containers that package liquids, such as coatings and paints, which are often sold in one gallon or five gallon containers. Filled five gallon containers of paint can often weigh eighty pounds of more each. Thus, a stack of three such containers will often weigh upwards of two hundred pounds. Packaged paints and coatings are often stored in warehouses or sales locations in stacks of three or more within a storage rack or storage room. There is a need to prevent potential overturning of the container during movement and handling. Although storage racks provide for efficient use of vertical space, they also decrease the vertical clearance available above a stack of containers when the containers must be moved. Thus, there is a need for a handtruck that provides for safe and secure movement of stacked or unstacked heavy cylindrical containers such as paint or stain containers, including in low clearance environments.Summary of the Invention

[0006] Disclosed is a handtruck for manipulating cylindrical containers such as paint or stain or raw material containers, the handtruck including a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of the frame for engaging the cylindrical container, a handle pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot towards and away from a rear of the frame, and a cylindrical container latch coupled to the frame for securing a lip of the cylindrical container, whereby when the frame is in a generally vertical position, the handle is movable between a first position coupled to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angled relative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments.

[0007] These aspects may be combined with one or more additional, optional aspects as disclosed herein. In some approaches, the cylindrical container latch includes a body movable vertically to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and a gate pivotable relative to the body to pivot when contacted by a cylindrical container to secure the lip of the cylindrical container.

[0008] In some approaches, a latch actuator is provided for moving the cylindrical container latch vertically from a first position to a second position to release the cylindrical container.

[0009] In some approaches, the latch actuator includes a linkage assembly and a resilient member, wherein the linkage assembly is movable to move the cylindrical container latch vertically to the second position to compress the resilient member, and wherein when the linkage assembly is released, the resilient member moves the cylindrical container latch toward the first position.

[0010] In some approaches, a stop is provided serving as a rotational limit to the handle preventing movement beyond the second position.

[0011] In some approaches, one or more brackets coupled to the handle serve as the stop.

[0012] In some approaches, the one or more brackets include a hooked portion that engages with the frame in the second position to prevent movement beyond the second position.

[0013] In some approaches, a hinge is provided pivotally coupling the handle to the frame.

[0014] In some approaches, the frame has a height, and wherein the hinge is coupled to the frame at or below a midpoint of the height.

[0015] In some approaches, a handle latch is provided coupled to the frame for holding the handle in the first position.

[0016] In some approaches, the handle latch is a gate-type latch.

[0017] In some approaches, in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

[0018] In some approaches, the fingers have a curved inner surface corresponding to a curvature of the cylindrical container for engaging the cylindrical container.

[0019] In some approaches, one or more stabilizing feet are provided at the bottom of the frame projecting away from the front of the frame.

[0020] Also disclosed is a handtruck for manipulating a stack of cylindrical containers, the handtruck including a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of the frame on opposite sides thereof for engaging a bottommost cylindrical container of the stack of the cylindrical containers, a handle pivotally coupled to the frame, a first latch coupled to the frame for holding the handle in a first position relative to the frame, and a second latch coupled to the frame for securing to a topmost cylindrical container of the stack of cylindrical containers, wherein the handle is movable between the first position allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angled relative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments.

[0021] In some approaches, a stop is provided serving as a rotational limit to the handle preventing movement beyond the second position.

[0022] In some approaches, one or more brackets are provided coupled to the handle serve as the stop.

[0023] In some approaches, the one or more brackets include a hooked portion that engages with the frame in the second position.

[0024] In some approaches, a hinge is provided pivotally coupling the handle to the frame.

[0025] In some approaches, in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

[0026] In some approaches, a latch actuator is provided coupled to the second latch for releasing the second latch.

[0027] Also disclosed is a method of manipulating a stack of cylindrical containers stored in a low clearance environment with a handtruck, the handtruck including a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of theframe, and a handle pivotally coupled to the frame. The method includes moving the handle from a first position generally aligned with the frame to a second position angled relative to the frame, advancing the handtruck towards the stack of cylindrical containers via the handle until the fingers engage a lowermost one of the stack of cylindrical containers, withdrawing the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers from the low clearance environment via the handle, moving the handle from the second position to the first position, and tilting the handtruck backwards onto the wheels to move the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers to a desired location.

[0028] In some approaches of the method, the method further comprises moving a body of the latch of the cylindrical container vertically to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and pivoting a gate of the cylindrical container latch relative to the body.

[0029] In some approaches of the method, moving the handle from the second position to the first position the handtruck comprises pivoting a hinge coupling the handle to the frame.

[0030] In some approaches of the method, the frame has a height, and wherein the hinge is coupled to the frame at or below a midpoint of the height.

[0031] In some approaches, the method further comprises holding the handle in the first position by a handle latch coupled to the frame.

[0032] In some approaches, the handle latch is a gate-type latch.

[0033] In some approaches, in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

[0034] In some approaches, the method further comprises releasing the cylindrical container by moving the cylindrical container latch vertically from a first position to a second position.

[0035] In some approaches, the stack of cylindrical containers includes a single container, and in other approaches, the stack of cylindrical containers includes two or more containers.

[0036] These and other aspects of this disclosure will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

[0037] The summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The description that follows more particularly exemplifies illustrative embodiments. In several places throughout the disclosure, guidance is provided through lists of examples, which examples may be used in various combinations. In each instance, any recited lists serve only as a representative group and should not be interpreted as an exclusive or exhaustive list. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited tothe specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather extends at least to the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any of the elements that are positively recited in this specification as alternatives may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded from the claims, in any combination as desired. Although various theories and possible mechanisms may have been discussed herein, in no event should such discussions serve to limit the claimable subject matter.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, aspects of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary handtruck.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a front view of the handtruck.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the handtruck.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handtruck with a handle in a first position.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a side view of the handtruck with the handle in a second position.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a front view of a second latch of the handtruck.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handtruck manipulating a plurality of cylindrical containers with the handle in the second position.

[0046] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the handtruck manipulating the plurality of cylindrical containers with the handle in the second position.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another second latch of the handtruckDetailed Description of the Invention

[0048] Disclosed is a handtruck for manipulating cylindrical containers. The handtruck includes a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of the frame for engaging the cylindrical container, a handle pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot towards and away from a rear of the frame, and a cylindrical container latch coupled to the frame for securing a lip of one of the cylindrical containers. When the frame is in a generally vertical position, the handle is movable between a first position coupled to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angledrelative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments. The handtruck is capable of manipulating a stack of one or multiple cylindrical containers.

[0049] With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0050] Turning initially to FIGs. 1-5, an exemplary handtruck is illustrated at reference numeral 10. The handtruck 10 may include a frame 12, at least two wheels 14 disposed on each side of the frame 12 at a bottom of the frame 12, fingers 16 projecting from a front of the frame 12 for engaging one of a stack of cylindrical containers 18, composed of cylindrical containers 18A, 18B, 18C . .. (FIG. 7), and one or more stabilizing feet 20 at the bottom of the frame 12 projecting away from the front of the frame 12. The wheels 14 may be attached to the frame 12 in a suitable manner. For example, wheel supports 22 may project from a back of the frame 12 for receiving an axle 24 for the wheels 14. The fingers 16 may project from opposite sides or the front of the frame 12 and may have curved inner surfaces corresponding to a curvature of the cylindrical container for engaging one of the cylindrical containers, for example for engaging a container below a lid of the container. The fingers 16 may be adjustable widthwise to accommodate cylindrical containers of various diameters, and may be adjustable heightwise to accommodate cylindrical containers of various heights. The one or more stabilizing feet 20 may include a pair of stabilizing feet 20 that project from the front of the frame 12 on opposite sides thereof to rest on a surface, may be a single foot spanning a width of the frame, etc.

[0051] The handtruck 10 may additionally include a handle 30 pivotally coupled to the frame 12 to pivot towards and away from the back of the frame 12, a first latch or handle latch 32 coupled to the frame 12 for holding the handle 30 in a first position against the frame 12, and a second latch or cylindrical container latch 34 coupled to the frame 12 for securing a lip of one of stack the cylindrical containers 18. When the frame is in a generally vertical position, for example with the stabilizing feet 20 resting on a surface, the handle 30 can be moved from the first position as shown in FIG. 4, where the handtruck can be operated in high clearance environments, to a second position angled relative to the frame 12 as shown in FIG. 5 allowing for operation of the handtruck 10 in low clearance environments.

[0052] A high clearance environment is an environment where there is no structure impeding the use of the handtruck, for example outdoors or in a high ceiling room. A low clearance environmentis an environment where there is a structure, such as a shelf, ceiling, etc. that would impede the use of a standard handtruck. For example, the cylindrical containers 18, such as five gallon buckets containing paints, coatings, drywall compound, or other coating materials, may be stacked upon one another below a shelf in a store, for example in a stack of two or three, with a top of the topmost cylindrical container in the stack being adjacent bottom of the shelf. The shelf thereby impedes the removal of the stack of cylindrical containers by a standard handtruck due to a height of the handtruck being higher than the shelf, resulting in the cylindrical containers being moved by hand risking spillage, and more importantly, operator injury. In addition, when a stack of two or more cylindrical containers is manipulated using a standard handtruck, the user risks the stack tipping away from the handtruck during manipulation, risking spillage. By providing a frame 12 having a height less than the height of the shelf, and a handle 30 pivotable relative to the frame 12, the handtruck 10 may be positioned below the shelf to engage a lowermost one of the stack of cylindrical containers, and then withdrawn from under the shelf to allow for typical handtruck operation.

[0053] Turning now to the handle 30 in detail, the handle 30 has a first end 40 pivotally coupled to the frame 12 and a second end 42 serving as a griping area for a user. The handle 30 may be generally U-shaped with the second end 42 being angled relative to the first end 40 for ease of use. The handle 30 may extend above a top of the frame 12 such that in the first position, the second end 42 of the handle 30 would extend above a shelf or other low environment structure. The handle 30 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 12 in a suitable manner, for example by a hinge 44 coupled to the frame 12 and the first end 40 of the handle 30. The hinge 44 may be coupled to the frame 12 at or below a midpoint of a height of the frame 12, and in an implementation, at a location about one third of the height of the frame 12. The hinge 44 may include a first portion 46 coupled to the frame 12, second and third portions 48 and 50 coupled to opposite sides of the handle 30, and a pin 52 extending through openings in the first, second, and third portions 46-50.

[0054] The handle 30 is pivotable about the hinge 44 to move from the first position to the second position where one or more stops 60 serve as a rotation limit to prevent movement of the handle 30 beyond the second position. The one or more stops 60 may include one or more brackets, and as shown two brackets coupled to opposite sides of the handle 30 above the hinge 44. Each bracket 60 includes a first portion 62 that engages with a back of the frame 12 in the first position as shown in FIG. 4 and a second portion 64 that engages with a front of the frame 12 in the second position as shown in FIG. 5. The second portion 64 may be a hooked portion that is angled relative to the first portion 62 to increase contact area with the frame 12 while allowing the handle 30 to be angled relativeto the frame 12. The handle 30 may be angled relative the frame 12 between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees. In an implementation, the handle 30 may be angled relative to the frame 12 approximately forty-five degrees.

[0055] Turning now to the first latch 32, the first latch 32 is coupled to the frame 12 and may be a suitable latch, such as a gate-type latch, to hold the handle 30 relative to the frame 12 in the first position and to release the handle 30 to allow for movement of the handle 30 to the second position. The first latch 32 includes a body 70 and a latch arm 72 pivotable relative to the body 70 in a first direction to receive the handle 30 to be held against the frame 12. The handle 30 is prevented from being released in a second direction opposite the first direction by the latch arm 72 to hold the handle 30 in the first position. Release of the handle 30 for movement in the second direction opposite the first direction may occur by movement of the latch arm 72 in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second direction, for example in an upward direction to allow the handle 30 to be released from the first latch 32. As shown, the handle 30 can include a suitable element, such as a bar 74 extending between sides thereof that is received in the first latch 32 in the first position to hold the handle 30 relative to the frame 12.

[0056] Turning now to the second latch 34, the second latch 34 is coupled to the frame 12 and may be a suitable latch, such as a floating latch, for securing a lip of one of the cylindrical containers. The second latch 34 may include a body 80 movable vertically to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and a gate 82 pivotable relative to the body 80 to pivot when contacted by a cylindrical container to secure the lip of the cylindrical container. The gate 82 is pivotable relative to the body 80 in a first direction to receive the cylindrical container and blocks movement of the cylindrical container in a second direction opposite the first direction to retain the cylindrical container. The gate 82 is pivotable relative to the body 80 about a pivot pin 84 and held between a pair of ears 86 extending from the body 80. The body 80 may be held by a bracket 90 coupled to the frame 12 and is movable vertically relative to the bracket 90 to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and to allow for the cylindrical containers to be released by moving the gate 82 vertically away from the lip of the cylindrical container. Inclusion of a latch to secure the lip of a topmost cylindrical container 18 can prevent the cylindrical containers from tipping during loading, movement, and unloading.

[0057] The handtruck 10 additionally includes a latch actuator 100 to move the second latch 34 vertically from a first position holding the topmost cylindrical container in position and a second position to release the cylindrical container. The latch actuator 100 may include a linkage assembly102 and a resilient member 104. The linkage assembly 102 is movable to move the second latch 34 vertically to the second position thereby compressing the resilient member 104, and when the linkage assembly 102 is released, the resilient member 104 moves the second latch 34 toward the first position. The linkage assembly 102 may include a knob 106 for a user to grasp, a first link 108 extending from the knob 106, a second link 110 coupled to the body 80, and a pivot assembly 112 pivotally coupled to the frame 12 and to the first and second links 108 and 110.

[0058] The body 80 of the second latch 34 may include a slot 114 having a first end 116 and a second end 118, and the second link 110 may be coupled to the body 80 at the slot 114 to move from the first end 116 of the slot 114 to the second end 118 of the slot 114. When the knob 106 of the latch actuator 100 is actuated, for example by pressing the knob 106 downward, the first link 108 is moved downward to move the pivot assembly 112 downward thereby moving the second link 110 upward. The second link 110 moves in the slot 114 until it contacts the first end 116 of the slot 114 and pushes the body 80 upward to move the second latch 34 to the second position. When the knob 106 is released, the resilient member 104 will move the second link 110 downward to move the pivot assembly 112 downward thereby moving the first link 108 upward. As the second link 110 moves downward it moves in the slot 114 until it contacts the second end 118 of the slot 114 to push the body 80 downward and returns the second latch 34 to the first position. It will be appreciated that the second latch 34 may allow for cylindrical containers of varying heights to be accommodated automatically without actuation of the latch actuator. It will also be appreciated that the latch actuator 100 may be used to move the second latch 34 to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and to allow for the cylindrical containers to be released.

[0059] Turning now to FIGs. 7 and 8, operation of the handtruck 10 will be described in detail. To operate the handtruck 10 in a high clearance environment, the handle 30 is placed in the first position coupled to the frame 12 and the handtruck 10 is moved towards the stack of cylindrical containers 18 until the fingers 16 engage a bottommost cylindrical container 18A of the stack of cylindrical containers 18. The handtruck 10 can then be tilted backward onto the wheels 14 with the weight of the cylindrical containers 18 being balanced over the wheels 14, and moved to a desired location. The handtruck 10 can then be tilted forward placing the cylindrical container 18A on the ground and the handtruck 10 withdrawn from the cylindrical containers 18.

[0060] To operate the handtruck 10 in a low clearance environment, the latch arm 72 of the first latch 32 can be moved in the third direction upward to allow the handle 30 to be released from the first latch 32. The handle 30 is then pivoted about the hinge 44 away from the rear of the frame 12to move from the first position to the second position where the stops 60 will prevent movement of the handle 30 beyond the second position. For example, the first end 40 of the handle 30 will be moved away from the rear of the frame 12 until the second portion 64 of each stop 60 engages with the front of the frame 12 to hold the handle 30 at an angle relative to the frame 12.

[0061] The user can then push / pull the handtruck 10 via the handle 30 to position the frame 12 below a structure, such as a shelf 120 as shown in FIG. 7. The handtruck 10 is moved towards the stack of cylindrical containers 18 that are stacked below the shelf 120 until the fingers 16 engage the bottommost cylindrical container 18A of the stack of cylindrical containers 18. The gate 82 of the second latch 34 will pivot relative to the body 80 in the first direction to receive the lip of a topmost cylindrical container 18C and then returns to its original position to secure the lip of the topmost cylindrical container 18C to prevent tipping of the stack of cylindrical containers 18 when moved.

[0062] The user can then withdrawal the handtruck 10 and the stack of cylindrical containers 18 from below the shelf 120 either by pulling the handtruck 10 backwards via the handle 30 and / or by tilting the handtruck 10 backwards and then pulling the handtruck 10 backwards via the handle 30 until the stack of cylindrical containers 18 is no longer below the shelf 120. In this way, the user can use the handtruck 10 to move the stack of cylindrical containers 18 from under the shelf 120, which would otherwise impede the use of a standard handtruck having a height higher than the shelf 120. The user thereby reduces or eliminates the risks of moving the cylindrical containers 18 by hand, including spillage and operator injury.

[0063] The user can then move the handle 30 from the second position to the first position where the latch arm 72 of the first latch 32 will engage the bar 74 of the handle 30 to hold the handle 30 relative to the frame 12. The handtruck 10 can then be tilted backward onto the wheels 14 with the weight of the cylindrical containers 18 being balanced over the wheels 14 and moved to a desired location. The handtruck 10 can then be tilted forward placing the cylindrical container 18A on the ground in a high clearance environment and the handtruck 10 withdrawn from the cylindrical containers 18. It will be appreciated that if it is desired to place the cylindrical containers 18 in a different low clearance environment, the operation discussed above may be repeated. It will also be appreciated that the user may move the handtruck 10 with the stack of cylindrical containers 18 to a desired location without returning the handle 30 to the first position.

[0064] When using the handtruck 10 in a low clearance environment but where the stack of cylindrical containers includes either just the lowermost cylindrical container 18A or the lowermost cylindrical container 18A and a middle cylindrical container 18B, the operation will be similar to thatdescribed above but without one of the cylindrical containers 18 being engaged by the second latch 34. In these instances, the one and two high stacks of cylindrical containers is stable and would not tip forward during movement as a three high stack might without the use of the second latch 34.

[0065] Turning now to Fig. 9, an exemplary embodiment of the second latch is shown at 134. The second latch 134 is substantially the same as the above-referenced second latch 34, and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by 100 are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the second latches. In addition, the foregoing description of the second latch 34 is equally applicable to the second latch 134 except as noted below.

[0066] The second latch 134 may be coupled to the frame 12 and may be a suitable latch, such as a rigid latch, for securing a lip of one of the cylindrical containers. The second latch 134 may include a first portion 180, which is substantially vertical, a second portion 178, which is substantially horizontal, extending from the first portion 180 substantially perpendicular to the first portion 180, and a third portion 182, which is substantially vertical, extending from the second portion 178 downward substantially perpendicular to the second portion 178 and parallel the first portion 180. The third portion may be substantially triangular in shape with a bottom portion being curved to match a radius of the cylindrical container.

[0067] The body 180 of the second latch 134 may include a slot 214 having a first end 216 and a second end 218, and the second link 110 may be coupled to the body 180 at the slot 214 to move from the first end 216 of the slot 214 to the second end 218 of the slot 214. When the knob 106 of the latch actuator 100 is actuated, for example by pressing the knob 106 downward, the first link 108 is moved downward to move the pivot assembly 112 downward thereby moving the second link 110 upward. The second link 110 moves in the slot 214 until it contacts the first end 216 of the slot 214 and pushes the body 180 upward to move the second latch 134 to the second position. When the knob 106 is released, the resilient member 104 will move the second link 110 downward to move the pivot assembly 112 downward thereby moving the first link 108 upward. As the second link 110 moves downward it moves in the slot 214 until it contacts the second end 218 of the slot 214 to push the body 180 downward and returns the second latch 34 to the first position.

[0068] The aforementioned systems, components, (e.g., frame, handle, latches, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and / or elements. It should be appreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements or subelements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and / or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and / or sub-elements may be combined into a singlecomponent to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

[0069] While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the apparatus, systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein.

[0070] The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present application, wherein equivalent alterations and / or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component that performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition, although a particular feature of the application may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and / or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0071] This written description uses examples to disclose the application, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the application, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The protectable scope of the application is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0072] In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” or “approximately” is not to be limited to the precise value specified and means an amount of a measurement accounting for error associated with the measurement technique and manufacturing variability. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms “first,” “second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0073] As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and / or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

[0074] The best mode for carrying out the application has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the application, including making and using devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the application, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The application has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The patentable scope of the application is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.List of Exemplary Embodiments

[0075] Embodiment 1 : A handtruck for manipulating a cylindrical container, the handtruck comprising: a frame; at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of theframe; fingers projecting from a front of the frame for engaging the cylindrical container; a handle pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot towards and away from a rear of the frame; and a cylindrical container latch coupled to the frame for securing a lip of one of the cylindrical containers, whereby when the frame is in a generally vertical position, the handle is movable between a first position coupled to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angled relative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments.

[0076] Embodiment 2: A method of manipulating a stack of cylindrical containers stored in a low clearance environment with a handtruck, the handtruck including a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of the frame, and a handle pivotally coupled to the frame, the method comprising: moving the handle from a first position generally aligned with the frame to a second position angled relative to the frame; advancing the handtruck towards the stack of cylindrical containers via the handle until the fingers engage a lowermost one of the stack of cylindrical containers; withdrawing the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers from the low clearance environment via the handle; moving the handle from the second position to the first position; and tilting the handtruck backwards onto the wheels to move the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers to a desired location.

[0077] Embodiment 3: The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the cylindrical container latch includes a body movable vertically to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and a gate pivotable relative to the body to pivot when contacted by a cylindrical container to secure the lip of one of the cylindrical containers.

[0078] Embodiment 4: The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the handtruck further includes a latch actuator for moving the cylindrical container latch vertically from a first position to a second position to release the cylindrical container.

[0079] Embodiment 5: The handtruck or method of Embodiment 4, wherein the latch actuator includes a linkage assembly and a resilient member, wherein the linkage assembly is movable to move the cylindrical container latch vertically to the second position to compress the resilient member, and wherein when the linkage assembly is released, the resilient member moves the cylindrical container latch toward the first position.

[0080] Embodiment 6: The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the handtruck further comprises a stop serving as a rotational limit to the handle preventing movement beyond the second position.

[0081] Embodiment 7 : The handtruck or method of Embodiment 6, wherein one or more brackets coupled to the handle serve as the stop.

[0082] Embodiment 8: The handtruck or method of Embodiment 7, wherein the one or more brackets include a hooked portion that engages with the frame in the second position to prevent movement beyond the second position.

[0083] Embodiment 9: The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the handtruck further comprises a hinge pivotally coupling the handle to the frame.

[0084] Embodiment 10: The handtruck or method of Embodiment 9, wherein the frame has a height, and wherein the hinge is coupled to the frame at or below a midpoint of the height.

[0085] Embodiment 11 : The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the handtruck further comprises a handle latch coupled to the frame for holding the handle in the first position.

[0086] Embodiment 12: The handtruck or method of Embodiment 11, wherein the handle latch is a gate-type latch.

[0087] Embodiment 13: The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

[0088] Embodiment 14: The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the fingers have a curved inner surface corresponding to a curvature of the cylindrical containers for engaging one of the cylindrical containers.

[0089] Embodiment 15: The handtruck or method of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the handtruck further includes one or more stabilizing feet at the bottom of the frame projecting away from the front of the frame.

[0090] Embodiment 16: A handtruck for manipulating a stack of cylindrical containers, the handtruck comprising: a frame; at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame; fingers projecting from a front of the frame on opposite sides thereof for engaging a bottommost cylindrical container of the stack of the cylindrical containers; a handle pivotally coupled to the frame; a first latch coupled to the frame for holding the handle in a first position relative to the frame; and a second latch coupled to the frame for securing to a topmost cylindrical container of the stack of cylindrical containers, wherein the handle is movable between the first position allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angled relative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments.

[0091] Embodiment 17: The handtruck of Embodiment 16 further comprising a stop serving as a rotational limit to the handle preventing movement beyond the second position.

[0092] Embodiment 18: The handtruck of Embodiment 17, wherein one or more brackets coupled to the handle serve as the stop.

[0093] Embodiment 19: The handtruck of Embodiment 18, wherein the one or more brackets include a hooked portion that engages with the frame in the second position.

[0094] Embodiment 20: The handtruck or method of any one of Embodiments 16 to 19 further comprising a hinge pivotally coupling the handle to the frame.

[0095] Embodiment 21 : The handtruck or method of any one of Embodiments 16 to 20 wherein in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

[0096] Embodiment 22: The handtruck or method of any one of Embodiments 15 to 21 further including a latch actuator coupled to the second latch for releasing the second latch.

[0097] Embodiment 23: A method of manipulating a stack of cylindrical containers stored in a low clearance environment with a handtruck, the handtruck including a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of the frame, and a handle pivotally coupled to the frame, the method comprising: moving the handle from a first position generally aligned with the frame to a second position angled relative to the frame; advancing the handtruck towards the stack of cylindrical containers via the handle until the fingers engage a lowermost one of the stack of cylindrical containers and securing a lip of one of the cylindrical containers by actuating a cylindrical container latch coupled to the frame; withdrawing the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers from the low clearance environment via the handle; moving the handle from the second position to the first position; and tilting the handtruck backwards onto the wheels to move the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers to a desired location.

[0098] Embodiment 24: The method according to Embodiment 23, further comprising moving a body of the latch vertically to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and pivoting a gate relative to the body.

[0099] Embodiment 25: The method according to any one of Embodiments 23 or 24, wherein moving the handle from the second position to the first position the handtruck comprises pivoting a hinge coupling the handle to the frame.

[0100] Embodiment 26: The method according to Embodiment 25, wherein the frame has a height, and wherein the hinge is coupled to the frame at or below a midpoint of the height.

[0101] Embodiment 27: The method according to Embodiment 23, further comprising the step of holding the handle in the first position by handle latch coupled to the frame.

[0102] Embodiment 28: The method according to Embodiment 27, wherein the handle latch is a gate-type latch.

[0103] Embodiment 29: The method according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 27, wherein in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

[0104] Embodiment 30: The method according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 29, further comprising releasing the cylindrical container by moving the cylindrical container latch vertically from a first position to a second position.

[0105] Embodiment 31: The handtruck according to any preceding Embodiment, wherein the stack of cylindrical containers includes a single container.

[0106] Embodiment 32: The handtruck according to any preceding Embodiment, wherein the stack of cylindrical containers includes two or more containers.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is Claimed is:

1. A handtruck for manipulating cylindrical containers, the handtruck comprising: a frame; at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame; fingers projecting from a front of the frame for engaging the cylindrical container; a handle pivotally coupled to the frame to pivot towards and away from a rear of the frame; and a cylindrical container latch coupled to the frame for securing a lip of the cylindrical container, whereby when the frame is in a generally vertical position, the handle is movable between a first position coupled to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angled relative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments.

2. The handtruck according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical container latch includes a body movable vertically to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and a gate pivotable relative to the body to pivot when contacted by a cylindrical container to secure the lip of the cylindrical container.

3. The handtruck according to claim 1 or 2, further including a latch actuator for moving the cylindrical container latch vertically from a first position to a second position to release the cylindrical containers.

4. The handtruck according to claim 3, wherein the latch actuator includes a linkage assembly and a resilient member, wherein the linkage assembly is movable to move the cylindrical container latch vertically to the second position to compress the resilient member, and wherein when the linkage assembly is released, the resilient member moves the cylindrical container latch toward the first position.

5. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, further comprising a stop serving as a rotational limit to the handle preventing movement beyond the second position.

6. The handtruck according to claim 5, wherein one or more brackets coupled to the handle serve as the stop.

7. The handtruck according to claim 6, wherein the one or more brackets include a hooked portion that engages with the frame in the second position to prevent movement beyond the second position.

8. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, further comprising a hinge pivotally coupling the handle to the frame.

9. The handtruck according to claim 8, wherein the frame has a height, and wherein the hinge is coupled to the frame at or below a midpoint of the height.

10. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handle latch coupled to the frame for holding the handle in the first position.

11. The handtruck according to claim 10, wherein the handle latch is a gate-type latch.

12. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, wherein in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

13. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, wherein the fingers have a curved inner surface corresponding to a curvature of the cylindrical containers for engaging the cylindrical container.

14. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, further including one or more stabilizing feet at the bottom of the frame projecting away from the front of the frame.

15. A handtruck for manipulating a stack of cylindrical containers, the handtruck comprising:a frame; at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame; fingers projecting from a front of the frame on opposite sides thereof for engaging a bottommost cylindrical container of the stack of the cylindrical containers; a handle pivotally coupled to the frame; a first latch coupled to the frame for holding the handle in a first position relative to the frame; and a second latch coupled to the frame for securing to a topmost cylindrical container of the stack of cylindrical containers, wherein the handle is movable between the first position allowing for operation of the handtruck in high clearance environments and a second position angled relative to the frame allowing for operation of the handtruck in low clearance environments.

16. The handtruck according to claim 15, further comprising a stop serving as a rotational limit to the handle preventing movement beyond the second position.

17. The handtruck according to claim 16, wherein one or more brackets coupled to the handle serve as the stop.

18. The handtruck according to claim 17, wherein the one or more brackets include a hooked portion that engages with the frame in the second position.

19. The handtruck according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising a hinge pivotally coupling the handle to the frame.

20. The handtruck according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

21. The handtruck according to any one of claims 15 to 20, further including a latch actuator coupled to the second latch for releasing the second latch.

22. A method of manipulating a stack of cylindrical containers stored in a low clearance environment with a handtruck, the handtruck including a frame, at least two wheels disposed on each side of the frame at a bottom of the frame, fingers projecting from a front of the frame, and a handle pivotally coupled to the frame, the method comprising: moving the handle from a first position generally aligned with the frame to a second position angled relative to the frame; advancing the handtruck towards the stack of cylindrical containers via the handle until the fingers engage a lowermost one of the stack of cylindrical containers and securing a lip of one of the cylindrical containers by actuating a cylindrical container latch coupled to the frame; withdrawing the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers from the low clearance environment via the handle; moving the handle from the second position to the first position; and tilting the handtruck backwards onto the wheels to move the handtruck and the stack of cylindrical containers to a desired location.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising moving a body of the cylindrical container latch vertically to accommodate cylindrical containers of varying height and pivoting a gate of the cylindrical container latch relative to the body.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein moving the handle from the second position to the first position the handtruck comprises pivoting a hinge coupling the handle to the frame.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the frame has a height, and wherein the hinge is coupled to the frame at or below a midpoint of the height.

26. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of holding the handle in the first position by a handle latch coupled to the frame.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the handle latch is a gate-type latch.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein in the second position the handle is angled relative to the frame between approximately thirty degrees and approximately ninety degrees, optionally approximately forty-five degrees.

29. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 28, further comprising releasing the cylindrical container by moving the cylindrical container latch vertically from a first position to a second position.

30. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, wherein the stack of cylindrical containers includes a single container.

31. The handtruck according to any preceding claim, wherein the stack of cylindrical containers includes two or more containers.

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