Hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement

Abstract

Provided is a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement (10) comprising a support framework (12) comprised of a plurality of interconnected support members (14) to define a platform (16) on which a hand truck (8) is slidably receivable, and a suspension assembly (18) comprising at least one suspension beam (20) configured, at a first end (22), for attachment to an undercarriage of a vehicle (8) and, at a second end (24), for attachment to the support framework (12) so that the platform (16) is oriented at an angle θ to the horizontal. Also included is a detent mechanism (26) arranged on the support framework (12) and configured releasably to retain said hand truck (8) on the platform (16). In such a manner, a hand truck (8) is urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position by the angled platform (16), and selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism (26).

Description

HAND TRUCK VEHICLE STOWAGE ARRANGEMENTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to on-vehicle stowage for a hand truck or dolly, and more speci fically to a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement and a vehicle , such as a truck, comprising such a hand truck stowage arrangement .BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art i s intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion i s not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] A hand truck ( also known as a hand trolley, dolly, stack truck, trundler, box cart , sack barrow, cart , sack truck, two-wheeler, or bag barrow) is generally an L-shaped box-moving handcart with handles at one end, wheels at the base , with a small ledge protruding laterally from the base on which to set obj ects on, with the small ledge generally flat against the floor when the hand-truck is upright . The obj ects to be moved are tilted forward, the ledge is inserted or slid underneath them, and the obj ects allowed to tilt back and rest on the ledge . The truck and obj ects are then tilted backward until the weight is balanced over the wheels , making otherwise bulky and heavy obj ects easier to move .

[0004] Hand trucks are ubiquitous and almost every delivery performed by a truck driver involves the use of a hand truck .Conventionally, a hand truck is generally stored within a cargo compartment of a truck. Upon completion of a delivery, the driver generally needs to open and secure the door to the cargo space, then manually pick up the trolley from the ground and lift it onto the truck (usually up to around chest height) , then proceed to secure the trolley, lock the doors and move on to his next delivery. Hand trucks generally vary in size and weight with some heavy-duty trolleys weighing up to 18kgs or more .

[0005] As a result, the need to unstow and stow a hand truck from a truck during deliveries presents significant potential for strain and injury. For example, an average truck driver who performs approximately 20 deliveries a day, 5 days a week over 48 weeks a year, would be required to unstow and stow a hand truck around 4800 times, presenting significant opportunity for repetitive strain injuries in simply unstowing and stowing a hand truck to effect deliveries.

[0006] In addition, as refrigerated trucks are often used in the transport of perishable goods, such as food, the need to open a refrigerated compartment in order to unstow and stow a hand truck generally leads to a significant increase in refrigerated compartment temperature, i.e. loss of cooled air, particularly on a warm day, significantly adding to energy requirements for cooling purposes and risking the integrity of the perishable items being transported.

[0007] The current invention was conceived with the goal in mind of ameliorating, at least in part, these shortcomings in the art .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement comprising : a support framework comprised of a plurality of interconnected support members to define a platform on which a hand truck is slidably receivable ; a suspension assembly comprising at least one suspension beam configured, at a f irst end, for attachment to an undercarriage of a vehicle and, at a second end, for attachment to the support framework so that the platform is oriented at an angle to the hori zontal ; and a detent mechanism arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform; wherein a hand truck is urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position by the angled platform, and selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism .

[0009] In an embodiment , the support framework comprises first and second pairs of support members , each support member of a pair arranged opposite the other support member and interconnected with said other pair to define said support framework .

[0010] In an embodiment , the first pair of support members define sliding rails for slidably receiving a hand truck on the platform .

[0011] In an embodiment , at least one of the second pair of support members define a sliding surface for slidably receiving a hand truck on the platform .

[0012] In an embodiment, the sliding rails and the at least one sliding surface defines the platform.

[0013] In an embodiment, the sliding rails and / or at least one sliding surface defines angled portions configured to facilitate guiding a hand truck slidably onto the platform.

[0014] In an embodiment, the suspension beam includes, at the second end, an adjustment bracket configured for attachment to the support framework in an adjustable manner so that the angle of the platform to the horizontal is adjustable.

[0015] In an embodiment, the suspension beam is configured so that the support framework is attachable along a length thereof to facilitate adjusting a distance separation between the support framework and the undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle .

[0016] In an embodiment, the suspension beam includes, at the first end, fastening means configured for attaching to an undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle.

[0017] In an embodiment, the detent mechanism comprises at least one detent finger swivelably arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform.

[0018] In an embodiment, the detent finger is spring-biased to retain said hand truck on the platform unless actuated otherwise .

[0019] In an embodiment , the at least one detent finger extends laterally from one of the support members .

[0020] In an embodiment , the at least one detent finger obstructs a sliding rail and / or at least one sliding surface to retain said hand truck on the platform .

[0021] In an embodiment , the support framework is configured so that a hand truck is slidably supported on the platform such that a ledge of said hand truck is outside the platform .

[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle , such as a truck, including a hand truck stowage arrangement comprising : a support framework comprised of a plurality of interconnected support members to define a platform on which a hand truck is slidably receivable ; a suspension assembly comprising at least one suspension beam attached, at a first end, to an undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle and, at a second end, to the support framework so that the platform is oriented at an angle to the hori zontal ; and a detent mechanism arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform; wherein a hand truck is urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position by the angled platform, and selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism .

[0023] In an embodiment , the support framework comprises first and second pairs of support members , each support member of a pair arranged opposite the other support member andinterconnected with said other pair to define said support framework .

[0024] In an embodiment, the first pair of support members define sliding rails for slidably receiving a hand truck on the platform.

[0025] In an embodiment, at least one of the second pair of support members define a sliding surface for slidably receiving a hand truck on the platform.

[0026] In an embodiment, the sliding rails and the at least one sliding surface defines the platform.

[0027] In an embodiment, the sliding rails and / or at least one sliding surface defines angled portions configured to facilitate guiding a hand truck slidably onto the platform.

[0028] In an embodiment, the suspension beam includes, at the second end, an adjustment bracket configured for attachment to the support framework in an adjustable manner so that the angle of the platform to the horizontal is adjustable.

[0029] In an embodiment, the suspension beam is configured so that the support framework is attachable along a length thereof to facilitate adjusting a distance separation between the support framework and the undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle .

[0030] In an embodiment, the suspension beam includes, at the first end, fastening means configured for attaching to an undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle.

[0031] In an embodiment , the detent mechanism comprises at least one detent finger swivelably arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform .

[0032] In an embodiment , the detent finger is spring-biased to retain said hand truck on the platform unless actuated otherwise .

[0033] In an embodiment , the at least one detent finger extends laterally from one of the support members .

[0034] In an embodiment , the at least one detent finger obstructs a sliding rail and / or at least one sliding surface to retain said hand truck on the platform .

[0035] In an embodiment , the support framework is configured so that a hand truck is slidably supported on the platform such that a ledge of said hand truck is outside the platform .

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for constructing a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement in accordance with the first aspect of the invention above , said kit comprising : a plurality of fasteners ; a plurality of interconnected support members interconnectable via said fasteners to form a support framework defining a platform on which a hand truck is slidably receivable ; at least one suspension beam configured, at a first end, for attachment to an undercarriage of a vehicle and, at a second end, for attachment to the support framework to form asuspension assembly configured to orientate the platform at an angle to the hori zontal ; and a detent mechanism arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform; wherein said kit enables construction of a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement whereby a hand truck may be urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position by the angled platform, and selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism .

[0037] According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement and a vehicle including such a hand truck stowage arrangement , substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of one embodiment of a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement , in accordance with aspects of the present invention, as fitted to a truck;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the stowage arrangement of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is diagrammatic closer perspective-view representation of a front portion of the stowage arrangement of Figure 2 ;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic closer perspective-view representation of the front portion of the stowage arrangement of Figure 3 , showing operation of one embodiment of a detent mechanism;Figure 5 is a photograph of an example of the hand truck stowage arrangement of Figure 2 fitted to a truck; andFigures 6. 1 and 6.2 show photographic representations of constituent parts of a kit for constructing the hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement of Figure 1 , said parts in various stages of assembly .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0039] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0040] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide afunctional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0041] Broadly, the present invention provides for a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement 10 operatively attachable or fittable to a truck 6 , via which a hand truck 8 is stowable underneath the truck 6 in an easy and user- friendly manner . In a typical embodiment , the stowage arrangement 10 comprises a support framework 12 , a suspension assembly 18 and a detent mechanism 26 that cooperate as described herein to enable a hand truck 8 to be urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position onto an angled platform, and to be selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism 26 .

[0042] In general , the support framework 12 comprises a plurality of interconnected support members 14 in order to define a platform 16 on which a hand truck 8 is slidably receivable . In one embodiment , the support framework 12 comprises first and second pairs 14 . 1 and 14 . 2 of support members , each support member 14 of a pair arranged opposite the other support member and interconnected with said other pair to define the support framework 12 . Of course , the support framework 12 may include additional bracing members 38 , but this is optional and requirement dependent .

[0043] In one embodiment, the first pair 14 . 1 of support members define sliding rails 28 for slidably receiving a hand truck 8 on the platform 16 . In one embodiment , at least one of the second pair 14 . 2 of support members define a slidingsurface 30 for slidably receiving a hand truck 8 on the platform 16. In such an embodiment, the sliding rails 28 and the at least one sliding surface 30 typically defines the platform 16 on which the hand truck 8 rests, in use. Of course, variations hereon are possible and anticipated. In one embodiment, the sliding rails 28 and / or at least one sliding surface 30 defines angled portions 32, as shown, that are configured to facilitate guiding a hand truck 8 slidably onto the platform 16.

[0044] In one embodiment, the suspension assembly 18 comprises two suspension beams 20 which are configured, at a first end 22, for attachment to an undercarriage or chassis of a vehicle 6, such as a truck, and, at a second end 24, for attachment to the support framework 12 so that the platform 16 is oriented at an angle 0 to the horizontal, as diagrammatically indicated in Figure 2. The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the angle 0 is typically configured, and may be adjustable, to facilitate the hand truck 8 being urged under the influence of gravity, 'into' the support framework 12 and into a stowed position whilst supported on the platform 14.

[0045] In one embodiment, the suspension beam 20 includes, at the second end 24, an adjustment bracket 34 which is configured for attachment to the support framework 14 in an adjustable manner so that the angle 0 of the platform 16 to the horizontal is adjustable. Such adjustment bracket 34 may, for example, define adjustment slots operatively engaged via suitable fasteners 40, such as nuts and bolts, in order to determine and maintain the platform 16 at a desired angle 0 to the horizontal so that a hand truck is urged into a stowed position on the platform 16. Of course, variations hereon arepossible and anticipated within the principle of mechanical equivalence .

[0046] In one embodiment, the suspension beam 20 is also configured so that the support framework 12 is attachable along a length thereof to facilitate adj usting a distance separation between the support framework 12 and the undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle 6 . Such a configuration may allow the stowage arrangement 10 to be fitted to various types and si zes of vehicles 6 , and to adj ust a height at which such a stowage arrangement 10 is mounted below the vehicle 6 , or the like . In one embodiment , the suspension beam 22 also typical ly includes , at the first end 22 , fastening means configured for attaching to an undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle . Such fastening means may comprise suitable fastening apertures , brackets and / or mountings , as will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0047] Stowage arrangement 10 also includes a detent mechanism 26 which is arranged on the support framework 14 and is configured releasably to retain the hand truck 8 on the platform 16 . In one embodiment , the detent mechanism 26 comprises at least one detent finger 36 which is swivelably arranged on the support framework 12 and which is configured releasably to retain the hand truck 8 on the platform 16 .

[0048] In one embodiment , the detent finger 36 is spring- biased to retain the hand truck 8 on the platform 16 unless actuated otherwise . In one embodiment , the at least one detent finger 36 extends laterally from one of the support members 14 , as shown . In one embodiment , the at least one detent finger 36 obstructs a sliding rail 28 and / or at least one sliding surface 30 in order to retain the hand truck 8 on the platform16. Of course, variations in the number and configuration of the detent finger 36 is possible and anticipated.

[0049] In the manner described, a hand truck 8 is placeable onto the platform 16, typically on the sliding surface 30, and is slidable onto the platform, typically urged under the influence of gravity due to the angle 0 of platform 16, into a stowed position. Conversely, the hand truck 8 is then selectively unstowable from the stowage arrangement 10 upon release of the detent mechanism 26 and manually removable from the platform 16.

[0050] The manner in which the stowage arrangement 10 receives a hand truck 8 may vary. For example, in one embodiment as exemplified in Figure 5, the support framework 12 is configured so that a hand truck 8 is slidably supported on the platform 16 such that a ledge 8.1 of said hand truck 8 is outside the platform 16. Of course, variations hereon are possible and expected. Constituent parts of the stowage arrangement 10 is typically manufactured from robust materials, such as stainless steel, high-density polymer, or the like.

[0051] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that the present invention includes a kit for constructing a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement 10, as described, and a vehicle, such as a truck, including such a hand truck stowage arrangement 10, as described herein. An example of one embodiment of a kit is shown in Figures 6.

[0052] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement 10 able to ameliorate hazards, injuries and driverfatigue typically associated with repeated stowing and unstowing a hand truck from a truck. Stowage arrangement 10 also facilitates reducing time spent in opening and closing truck doors, which may lead to refrigeration savings, as well as an increase in available truck cargo space with a hand truck stored outside such cargo space.

[0053] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth .

[0054] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise .

[0055] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0056] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the contrivance in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the contrivance in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The contrivance may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement comprising : a support framework comprised of a plurality of interconnected support members to define a platform on which a hand truck is slidably receivable ; a suspension assembly comprising at least one suspension beam configured, at a f irst end, for attachment to an undercarriage of a vehicle and, at a second end, for attachment to the support framework so that the platform is oriented at an angle to the hori zontal ; and a detent mechanism arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform; wherein a hand truck is urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position by the angled platform, and selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism .2 . The arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the support framework comprises first and second pairs of support members , each support member of a pair arranged opposite the other support member and interconnected with said other pair to define said support framework .3 . The arrangement of claim 2 , wherein the first pair of support members define sliding rai ls for slidably receiving a hand truck on the platform .4 . The arrangement of either of claims 2 or 3 , wherein at least one of the second pair of support members define a sliding surface for slidably receiving a hand truck on the platform .

5. The arrangement of claims 3 and 4, wherein the sliding rails and the at least one sliding surface defines the platform.

6. The arrangement of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sliding rails and / or at least one sliding surface defines angled portions configured to facilitate guiding a hand truck slidably onto the platform.

7. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suspension beam includes, at the second end, an adjustment bracket configured for attachment to the support framework in an adjustable manner so that the angle of the platform to the horizontal is adjustable.

8. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the suspension beam is configured so that the support framework is attachable along a length thereof to facilitate adjusting a distance separation between the support framework and the undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle.

9. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the suspension beam includes, at the first end, fastening means configured for attaching to an undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle .

10. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the detent mechanism comprises at least one detent finger swivelably arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform.11 . The arrangement of claim 10 , wherein the detent finger is spring-biased to retain said hand truck on the platform unless actuated otherwise .12 . The arrangement of either of claims 10 or 11 , wherein the at least one detent finger extends laterally from one of the support members .13 . The arrangement of any of claims 10 to 12 , wherein the at least one detent finger obstructs a sliding rail and / or at least one sliding surface to retain said hand truck on the platform .14 . The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the support framework is configured so that a hand truck is slidably supported on the platform such that a ledge of said hand truck is outside the platform .15 . A kit for constructing a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement in accordance with any of claims 1 to 14 , said kit comprising : a plurality of fasteners ; a plurality of interconnected support members interconnectable via said fasteners to form the support framework defining the platform on which a hand truck is slidably receivable ; at least one suspension beam configured, at a first end, for attachment to an undercarriage of a vehicle and, at a second end, for attachment to the support framework to form the suspension assembly configured to orientate the platform at an angle to the hori zontal ; anda detent mechanism arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform; wherein said kit enables construction of a hand truck vehicle stowage arrangement whereby a hand truck may be urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position by the angled platform, and selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism .16 . A vehicle , such as a truck, including a hand truck stowage arrangement comprising : a support framework comprised of a plurality of interconnected support members to define a platform on which a hand truck is slidably receivable ; a suspension assembly comprising at least one suspension beam attached, at a first end, to an undercarriage or chassis of the vehicle and, at a second end, to the support framework so that the platform is oriented at an angle to the hori zontal ; and a detent mechanism arranged on the support framework and configured releasably to retain said hand truck on the platform; wherein a hand truck is urged, under the influence of gravity, into a stowed position by the angled platform, and selectively unstowable therefrom upon release of the detent mechanism .

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