Hand truck and utility carrier system

Abstract

A utility carrier locomoting system comprising a utility carrier comprising a base member having a back portion, a front portion, and a pair of side portions, and at least one utility engaging receptacle extending along a longitudinal axis at a bottom portion of said utility carrier, said utility engaging receptacle having at least one entry opening, and a hand truck comprising a frame construction; a locomoting system mounted to said frame construction for rolling over a ground surface; and at least one utility engaging arrangement projecting from said frame construction and shaped in conformity with said at least one utility engaging receptacle for sliding insertion thereinto through said at least one entry opening, thereby forming a snug, motion-free engagement between said utility carrier and said hand truck.

Description

[0001] HAND TRUCK AND UTILITY CARRIER SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure concerns a utility carrier locomoting arrangement. More particularly the disclosure is directed to a utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system.

[0004] The term ‘utility carrier’ as used herein throughout the specification and claims is used in its broadest sense, and denotes a variety of articles and utility modules such as a carrying / locomoting platform, adapter platform, container of any type, toolbox, power unit, storage container, cooler box, etc.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0007] - US5893572

[0008] - US6131926

[0009] - US6626631

[0010] - US9943955

[0011] - US2015028554

[0012] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0013] BACKGROUND

[0014] US5893572 discloses a portable workstation includes a storage structure and an integrated dolly. The storage structure resembles a generally-upright cabinet having a top platform with upward-folding expansion leaves. The storage structure is defined by a pair of vertical side walls spaced apart by a back wall. One fixed shelf and two folding shelves extend between the side walls. The shelves are useable as steps, but are securable in alternate, bin-forming positions. A box-storage chamber and flexible straps provide storage locations for tools. A wheeled dolly is attached to the storage structure by a pair of slide pins.

[0015] US6131926 discloses a hand truck for safely and securely supporting, storing, and transporting items of various sizes and shapes. The hand truck is comprised primarily of a pair of spaced substantially side rails interconnected by a plurality of cross-members, and one or more load carrying members removably fastened to one or more of the crossmembers.

[0016] US6626631 discloses a load turning device specifically designed to turn paper in a work and turn printing process includes a pair of slides mounted on a pair of parallel tracks. To turn the paper stack, the paper turner is positioned so that a first slide is under the pallet on which the paper stack rests. The second slide is lowered to rest on top of the paper stack, and the slides are locked in position relative to each other. The paper turner is then turned, using wheels to support the weight, until the stack is in a horizontal position.

[0017] US9943955 discloses a portable workstation which includes a hand truck; a toolbox which can be detached from the hand truck, and a tray which can be detached from an upper portion of the hand truck. The hand truck has a mass and angular relation to the toolbox configured to stably oppose a torque created by a weight of the tray and a load supported by the tray if the toolbox is detached from the hand truck portion.

[0018] US2015028554 discloses a wheeled hand truck system is provided having a removable and / or stackable bin or container formed by sidewalls and a bottom surface, the container having a plurality of leg slots and strap slots on one or more of the side walls, and a plurality of base plates secured to or formed with the exterior of the bottom surface and configured for engaging with a load supporting platform or support blade of a hand truck. The truck system may be configured for utilization of one or more bins or containers.

[0019] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, the term "utility carrier" denotes a variety of utility items, such as a carrying / locomoting platform, adapter platform, container of any form, toolbox, power unit, storage container, cooler box, etc., and being carriable or connectable to a hand truck as disclosed herein. A first aspect of the disclosure is directed to a utility carrier locomoting system, the system comprising: a utility carrier comprising a base member having a back portion, a front portion and a pair of side portions; a utility engaging receptacle extending at a bottom portion of the utility carrier and extending along a longitudinal axis parallel with the side portions and having an entry opening at least at the back portion; and a hand truck that comprises a frame construction with a locomoting system at a bottom portion of the frame construction, and a utility engaging arrangement configurable for projecting forwards from a bottom portion of the frame construction, said utility engaging arrangement being shaped and positioned in register with the utility engaging receptacle of the utility carrier, and being slidably displaceable into the utility engaging receptacle of the utility carrier, for snug receiving therewithin, whereby the utility carrier can be transferred over said locomoting system.

[0021] The term 'snug receiving' indicates that, when the utility engaging arrangement is received within the respective utility engaging receptacle, there is substantially no or little tolerance therebetween, eliminating spontaneous disengagement from one another.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the utility engaging arrangement can be a loading plate, and the utility engaging receptacle can be a respective flat slot. The term 'loading plate' as used herein defines a nose or a toe plate, either a solid plate or a frame pattern.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the utility engaging arrangement can be a pair of forks, and the utility engaging receptacle can be a pair of longitudinal fork receptacles, respectively.

[0024] By one embodiment the locomoting system comprises: a utility carrier that comprises a base member having a back portion, a front portion and a pair of side portions; at least two longitudinal fork receptacles extending at a bottom portion of the utility carrier, and spaced apart from one another; said fork receptacles extending parallel to one another, along a longitudinal axis, and having an entry opening at least at a rear portion of the utility carrier; and a hand truck that comprises a frame construction with a locomoting system at a bottom portion of the frame construction, and at least a pair of forks configurable for projecting forwards from a bottom portion of the frame construction, said forks being shaped and positioned in register with the fork receptacles of the utility carrier, and being slidably displaceable into the fork receptacles of the utility carrier, for snug receiving therewithin, whereby the utility carrier can be transferred over said locomoting system.

[0025] A second aspect of the disclosure is directed to a utility carrier that comprises a base member having a back portion, a front portion and a pair of side portions; a utility engaging receptacle extending at a bottom portion of the utility carrier and extending along a longitudinal axis parallel with the side portions and having an entry opening at least at the back portion.

[0026] By a particular embodiment, the utility carrier comprises a base member having a back portion, a front portion and a pair of side portions; at least two longitudinal fork receptacles extending at a bottom portion of the utility carrier, and spaced away from one another; said fork receptacles extending parallel with one another, along a longitudinal axis, and having an entry opening at least at a rear portion of the utility carrier.

[0027] The arrangement is such that the at least two fork receptacles are configured for snugly receiving therein at least a pair of parallel forks extending from a hand truck, said forks are slidably receivable into said fork receptacles from the entry opening thereof.

[0028] The arrangement is further such that, at an assembled position of the utility carrier locomoting system, the forks of the hand truck are snugly received within the fork receptacles of the utility carrier, and whereby when the utility carrier rests over a ground surface the frame structure is disposed upright, at a substantially vertical position, and upon tilting the frame structure backwards, the utility carrier disengages from the ground surface and the utility carrier locomoting system can be transferred over the locomoting system.

[0029] A third aspect of the disclosure is directed to a hand truck that comprises a frame construction with a locomoting system at a bottom portion thereof, and a utility engaging arrangement configurable for projecting forwards from a bottom portion of the frame construction, said a utility engaging arrangement being slidably displaceable into a utility engaging receptacle of a utility carrier, for snug receiving therewithin, whereby the utility carrier can be locomoted by the hand truck over said locomoting system.

[0030] By a particular embodiment, the hand truck comprises a frame construction with a locomoting system at a bottom portion of the frame construction, and a utility engaging arrangement configurable for projecting forwards from a bottom portion of the frame construction, said utility engaging arrangement being shaped and positioned in register with the utility engaging receptacle of the utility carrier, and being slidably displaceable into the utility engaging receptacle of the utility carrier, for snug receiving therewithin, whereby the utility carrier can be transferred over said locomoting system.

[0031] According to an example, the utility carrier is a container comprising at least the base member and one or more walls (front / rear / side walls) extending upright from the base member. The container can comprise a lid.

[0032] According to another example, the utility carrier is a platform, wherein upon articulation with the hand truck, the utility carrier serves as a platform truck.

[0033] According to yet an example, the utility carrier can comprise one or more utility module attachment modules, whereby one or more utility modules (box of any type, power unit, tools, etc.) are detachably attachable over said utility carrier.

[0034] The hand truck can comprise a double utility engaging arrangement comprising a pair of forks and a loading plate, and wherein said double utility engaging arrangement is manipulable between a fully folded position at which the forks and the loading plate are folded against a frame of the hand truck, a fork lift position wherein the two forks project from the frame of the hand truck and the loading plate is folded, and a plate position wherein the loading plate projects from the frame of the hand truck and the two forks are folded.

[0035] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be associated with any one or more of the aspects of the present disclosure, individually or in various combinations thereof:

[0036] • The utility engaging receptacle can extend from either one or both of the front potion and the rear portion of the base member of the utility carrier;

[0037] • The utility engaging receptacle can have an entry opening at either one or both of the front potion and the rear portion of the base member of the utility carrier; the arrangement being such that the hand truck can engage the utility carrier from either a front side or a rear side thereof;

[0038] • The fork receptacles can extend along respective side portions of the base member; • The utility engaging receptacle can be fork receptacles, having a tubular cross section;

[0039] • The fork receptacles can have a rectangular cross section;

[0040] • The utility engaging receptacle can have a flat shape;

[0041] • The utility engaging receptacle can be configured with a friction enhancing arrangement for enhancing snug engagement of the utility engaging arrangement within the utility engaging receptacle;

[0042] • The friction enhancing arrangement can be a narrowing portion at one or more of an inside top wall and a bottom wall and side walls of the utility engaging receptacle;

[0043] • The utility engaging receptacle can taper along at least a portion thereof in along the longitudinal axis thereof, about a vertical plane thereof;

[0044] • Side utility engaging receptacle walls can extend parallel with one another;

[0045] • The utility carrier can comprise ground support members projecting downwards from a bottom face of the base member;

[0046] • An entry portion of the utility engaging receptacle can be chamfered, constituting a gliding surface for smooth receiving the utility engaging arrangement;

[0047] • The utility carrier can be a container, comprising a base member with side walls extending upright therefrom;

[0048] • The utility carrier can comprise an arresting arrangement, for restricting sliding displacement of the utility engaging arrangement within said utility engaging receptacle;

[0049] • The arresting arrangement can be a shoulder portion extending at an entry portion of the utility engaging receptacle;

[0050] • The utility engaging arrangement can comprise one or more drain openings at a bottom wall thereof, for liquid and dirt egress, and pressure discharge;

[0051] • The utility carrier can comprise a locking arrangement for arresting a utility engaging arrangement within the utility engaging receptacle, to thereby prevent spontaneous disengagement from one another; • The utility engaging receptacle can extend integrally at opposite side portions of the utility carrier;

[0052] • The utility engaging receptacle can be reinforced; such reinforcement can be by a metal insert and / or reinforcing ribs;

[0053] • The utility carrier can be made of resin, by injection molding;

[0054] • The utility engaging arrangement of the hand truck can comprise one or both of a pair of forks and a loading plate;

[0055] • One or both of the utility carrier and the hand truck can comprise one or more connectivity elements, for detachably attaching thereto a variety of utility modules (e.g. other containers, tools, hand tools, power tools, etc.);

[0056] • The locomoting system of the hand truck can be a pair of wheels disposed at a rear side of the frame construction;

[0057] • A bottom face of the utility engaging arrangement can extend above a ground engaging portion of the wheels of the hand truck, i.e. ground engaging portion of the wheels of the hand truck can extend below a lowermost face of the utility engaging arrangement;

[0058] • At the assembled position, when a utility carrier is articulated over a utility engaging arrangement of a hand truck, a bottom most surface of the utility carrier can be level with a bottom portion of the wheels of the hand truck;

[0059] • A longitudinal axis of the utility engaging receptacle can extend parallel with a bottom, ground engaging surface of the utility carrier;

[0060] • At an upright position of the hand truck, a bottom face of the utility engaging arrangement can extend above a bottom portion of the wheels of the hand truck.

[0061] • At the assembled position, the utility carrier can rest over a ground surface and the frame construction extends substantially vertically;

[0062] • The utility engaging arrangement of the hand truck can taper from a rear portion towards a front portion thereof;

[0063] • A top wall of the utility engaging arrangement can extend substantially horizonal when the hand truck is at the assembled position;

[0064] • One of a top wall and a bottom wall of the utility engaging arrangement can be inclined with respect to another one of the top wall and bottom wall. By one example, a bottom wall of the utility engaging arrangement can extend inclined with respect to the top wall of the utility engaging arrangement;

[0065] • The utility engaging arrangement can have a rectangle cross section;

[0066] • A back portion of the utility engaging arrangement of the hand truck can comprise a wall portion engageable with a corresponding arresting portion at the utility carrier, for restricting sliding displacement of the utility engaging arrangement into the utility engaging receptacle;

[0067] • The utility engaging arrangement of the hand truck can be displaceable between deployed position at which it projects forwards from the hand truck, and a collapsed position at which it is folded about the frame construction;

[0068] • The forks of the hand truck can be pivotally articulated to a bottom portion of the frame construction, wherein at the collapsed position the forks are disposed substantially parallel with legs of the frame structure;

[0069] • The two forks can assume an open frame shape, with an interconnecting rear bar extending at a rear portion of the forks;

[0070] • At the collapsed position, the two forks can face one another; optionally the two forks can at least partially overlap one another;

[0071] • At the deployed position, the rear bar can serve as a foot bar for assisting tilting of the hand truck into a locomoting mode, wherein the frame structure is tilted over the wheels thereof;

[0072] • Where the utility engaging arrangement of the hand truck is a loading plate it can be foldable about an axis extending parallel with an axis of the wheels of the hand truck;

[0073] • The wheels of the hand truck can be displaceable between an extended position at which the wheels are disposed parallel with one another and the hand truck can be rolled over said wheels, and a folded position at which the wheels are folded and face one another;

[0074] • At the folded position the wheels can extend between legs of the frame structure;

[0075] • The wheels can be swingable about a longitudinal axis of legs of the support structure, between said extended position and folded position; • The frame constructure can comprise a manipulating handle for maneuvering thereof;

[0076] • The frame constructure can be extendable, wherein a pair of legs are telescopically displaceable between a retracted position and a contracted position;

[0077] • The frame constructure can comprise a leg locking arrangement for arresting the legs at the contracted position;

[0078] • The frame constructure can comprise a beam locking arrangement for arresting the beams at either the deployed position and / or the collapsed position;

[0079] • The frame constructure can comprise a wheel locking arrangement for arresting the wheels at either the extended position and / or the folded position;

[0080] • The hand truck can be configured with a limiting arrangement for restricting mounting of a container over the utility engaging arrangement, to thereby maintain a rear wall of said container spaced from the frame constructure, hence permitting pivotal opening of a lid of the container;

[0081] • The hand truck can be configured with a telescoping manipulating handle;

[0082] • A vertical axis of the telescoping manipulating handle can extend before an axis of the wheels of the hand truck;

[0083] • The loading plate is foldable about a plate axis extending parallel with an axis of the wheels of the hand truck, and the two forks are foldable about an axis intersecting said plate axis;

[0084] • A pivot axis of each of the two forks extends distal from side edges of the loading plate, whereby the loading plate can be manipulated between the folded position and the plate position regardless of the position of the two forks;

[0085] • At the fully folded position of the hand truck, the pair of forks are disposed behind the folded loading plate;

[0086] • The forks and / or the loading plate can be retained at their respective folded and deployed position by a retaining arrangement, to prevent spontaneous displacement thereof into the deployed or folded / stowed position.

[0087] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] Fig i is a top, front perspective view of a utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0090] Fig. 2A is a front, top perspective view of the toolbox (utility carrier) of Fig. 1 A;

[0091] Fig. 2B is a rear, top perspective view of the toolbox of Fig. 2A;

[0092] Fig. 2C is a horizontal section along line 2C - 2C in Fig. 2B;

[0093] Fig. 2D is an enlargement of the portion marked 2D in Fig. 2C;

[0094] Fig. 2E is an enlarged vertical section along line 2E - 2E in Fig. 2B;

[0095] Fig. 3A is a perspective front view of the hand truck according to an aspect of the disclosure, the hand truck at a fully folded, upright position;

[0096] Fig. 3B shows the hand truck of Fig. 3 A at a fork lift position;

[0097] Fig. 3C is an enlarged view of the portion marked 3C in Fig. 3B, directed to a fork of the hand truck;

[0098] Fig. 3D shows the hand truck of Fig. 3 A at a plate position;

[0099] Fig. 3E is a vertical a section along line 3E - 3E in Fig. 3 A;

[0100] Fig. 4A is a front perspective view of the hand truck of Fig. 3 A at a collapsed position;

[0101] Fig. 4B is a planar side view of the hand truck of Fig. 4A;

[0102] Fig. 5A is a front perspective view of a hand truck according to another example of the disclosure, at an upright, fork lift position;

[0103] Fig. 5B illustrates the hand truck of Fig. 5 A at fully folded, upright position;

[0104] Fig. 5C is a planar side view of Fig. 5C;

[0105] Fig. 6A is a top, front perspective view of a utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system according to another example of the disclosure, the utility carrier being a connectivity platform and the hand truck being same as that illustrated in Figs. 3 A to 3E;

[0106] Fig. 6B is an enlargement of the section marked 6B in Fig. 6A, sectioned along line 6B - 6B;

[0107] Fig. 6C is a planar side view of Fig. 6A;

[0108] Fig. 6D illustrates the utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system of Fig. 6A at a tilted, locomoting position; Fig. 7A is a top, front perspective view of a utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system according to yet an example of the disclosure, the utility carrier being a toolbox and the hand truck being same as that illustrated in Figs. 3 A to 3E;

[0109] Fig. 7B is a front, top perspective view of the toolbox of Fig. 7A, isolated from the hand truck;

[0110] Fig. 7C is an enlargement of the portion marked 7C in Fig. 7B, sectioned along line 7C - 7C;

[0111] Fig. 7D is a local section along line 7D - 7D in Fig. 7A;

[0112] Fig. 7E is an enlargement of the portion marked 7E in Fig. 7A, sectioned along line 7E - 7E;

[0113] Fig. 7F is a planar side view of Fig. 7D;

[0114] Fig. 8A illustrates the utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system of Fig. 7A with the toolbox at a reversed orientation;

[0115] Fig. 8B is a rear perspective view of the toolbox of Fig. 8A isolated from the hand truck;

[0116] Fig. 8C is a front perspective view of the toolbox of Fig. 8B;

[0117] Fig. 8D is an enlargement of the portion marked 8D in Fig. 8A, sectioned along line 8D - 8D;

[0118] Fig. 9A is a top, front perspective view of a utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system according to yet an example of the disclosure, the utility carrier being a carrying platform and the hand truck being same as that illustrated in Figs. 3 A to 3E;

[0119] Fig. 9B is a front perspective view of the carrying platform shown in Fig. 9A, isolated from the hand truck;

[0120] Fig. 9B is a rear perspective view of the carrying platform of Fig. 9B;

[0121] Fig. 9D is an enlargement of the portion marked 9D in Fig. 9A, sectioned along line 9D - 9D;

[0122] Fig. 10 is a utility carrier according to an example of the disclosure, fitted with a power unit;

[0123] Fig. 11A is a perspective front view of the utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system of Fig. 7 A, with a lid of the toolbox opened;

[0124] Fig. 11B is a side view of Fig. 11 A; Fig. 12A is a top, front perspective view of the hand truck Of Figs. 3 A - 3D, with a cargo item supported over the loading plate

[0125] Fig. 12B is a planar side view of Fig. 12A;

[0126] Fig. 13A is a top, front perspective view of a utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the hand truck comprises a utility carrier locking mechanism;

[0127] Fig. 13B is a partially exploded view of Fig. 13A, the presented elements are rotated away from one another;

[0128] Fig. 13C is a perspective rear view of the hand truck shown in Fig. 13B;

[0129] Fig. 13D is a section along line 13D -13D in Fig. 13 A;

[0130] Fig. 13E is a planar enlargement of the portion marked 13E in Fig. 13D, illustrating the utility carrier locking mechanism at a locked position;

[0131] Fig. 13F is the same as Fig. 13E, with the utility carrier locking mechanism at an unlocked position;

[0132] Fig. 14A is a top, front perspective view of a utility carrier and hand truck locomotion system according to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the utility carrier is articulated to the hand truck over the loading plate;

[0133] Fig. 14B is a partially exploded view of Fig. 14A;

[0134] Fig. 14C is a rear perspective view of a bottom portion of Fig. 14B;

[0135] Fig. 14D is a lower portion of Fig. 14A, sectioned along line 14D - 14D;

[0136] Fig. 14E is a planar side view of Fig. 14D; and

[0137] Fig. 14F is a portion sectioned along line 14F - 14F in Fig. 14A;

[0138] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0139] Fig. 1 illustrates a utility carrier locomoting system according to an embodiment of the disclosure, generally designated 10, and comprising a utility carrier, in the illustrated example a container / toolbox 12, and a hand truck 14.

[0140] With further reference also to Figs. 2A-2E, the utility carrier 12 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to also as a container or toolbox) comprises a base member 20 having a back portion 22, a front portion 24 and a pair of side portions 26 and a lid 27 pivotally articulated at along axis Z at a top portion of the back portion 22. Container 12 further comprises a carrying handle 28 and a pair of lid-latched 29. Utility carrier 12 further comprises a utility engaging receptacle, which in the present example is a pair of longitudinal tubular receptacles 30, extending at a bottom portion of the utility carrier 12, particularly at a bottom portion of the side portions 26, along a longitudinal axis X, parallel with the side portions 26 and having an entry opening 32 at the back portion 22.

[0141] In the example of Figs. 1 to 2E, the utility engaging receptacles 30 have a generally rectangular cross section, with a top receptacle wall 36, a bottom receptacle wall 38 and two side receptacle walls 40 that extend orthogonally along the longitudinal axis X. In the present example, the utility engaging receptacles 30 are sealed at their front end by a wall portion 44, though, as will be explained hereinafter, the utility engaging receptacles can alternatively be open channels.

[0142] The utility carrier 12 is made of injection molded resin. For sake of reinforcing the utility engaging receptacles 30, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 31 are formed externally to said utility engaging receptacles. Otherwise, the utility engaging receptacles can be reinforced by metal inserts and / or reinforcing ribs (not shown), etc.

[0143] As can further be seen in Figs. 2C-2E, the utility engaging receptacles 30 comprise a friction enhancing arrangement in the form of a ramp-like projection 48, with a chamfered portion 49, extending from the bottom receptacle wall 38 for enhancing snug, motion free engagement of a utility engaging arrangement within the utility engaging receptacles 30, as will be clarified hereinafter.

[0144] As illustrated in Fig. 2E, the utility engaging arrangement 30 comprises one or more drain openings 37 at a bottom wall thereof, for liquid and dirt egress, and pressure discharge upon insertion of a fork (this being relevant in case of utility engaging receptacles sealed at one end).

[0145] Turning now to Figs. 3 A to 4B, reference is made to the hand truck 14. Hand truck 14 comprises a generally H-shaped frame construction 52 with telescopic side post segments 53 and 55, and a telescopically articulated handle frame 54 manipulable by a retraction mechanism (operable by knob 56) between an extended position (e.g., Figs. 1, 3A, 3B, 3E) and a retracted / collapsed position (Figs. 4A and 4B), along the line of operation designated 57.

[0146] The hand truck 14 comprises a locomoting system, which in the present disclosure is a pair of wheels 58 at a bottom portion of the frame construction, mounted for revolving about a wheel axis W. The arrangement is such that when the hand truck 14 is at an upright position, a bottom portion of the wheels is tangent over a ground surface G, whereby the hand truck can be supported upright over the wheels 58 and a bottom end 60 of the telescopic handle frame projecting through a pair of support legs 62 downward projecting from the frame construction 52.

[0147] Hand truck 14 further comprises a utility engaging arrangement at a bottom portion of the frame construction 52. In the illustrated example, the utility engaging arrangement is a dual system comprising a pair of forks 72 and a loading plate 74, as will be explained herein. However, it is appreciated that according to other examples (not shown) the hand truck can comprise a pair of forks or a loading plate.

[0148] Forks 72 are articulated at respective side portions of the frame construction 52 and are swingable in direction of arrows 75 about a fork axis FX, between a deployed position (Fig. 3B), at which the forks 72 project forward at a substantially right angle with respect to the frame construction 52, and a folded position (Figs. 3A, 3d) at which the forks 72 are inwardly folded flush against the frame construction 52 and are received within a fork receptacle 78.

[0149] The forks 72 have a reinforced cross section (e.g. I-shaped or U-shaped section as in the illustrated example; seen in Fig. 7D) with a generally rectangular shaped footprint, configurable for snug receiving within the utility engaging receptacles 30. A fore end 76 of the forks 72 is chamfered for smooth insertion into the utility engaging receptacles 30 through entry openings 32 (which are also chamfered at 33).

[0150] The forks have a top surface 80 and a bottom surface 82, wherein when received within a utility engaging receptacle 30 the top surface 80 bears against the top receptacle wall 36 and the bottom surface 82 bears against the friction enhancing arrangement 48 (Figs. 6B and 7D).

[0151] At their open position, the forks 72 are parallel one to the other and project at a right-angle form the frame construction 52. The forks being spaced apart in register with the distance between the utility engaging receptacles 30 of the utility carrier 12. The arrangement being such, as already mentioned, that said forks are configurable for sliding into the utility engaging receptacles 30 and fitted for snug, motion-free receipt therein.

[0152] The loading plate 74 is a flat, frame-shaped element, articulated to ta bottom portion of the frame construction 52, between the forks 72, and is swingable about a plate axis PX (orthogonal to axis FX) in direction of arrow 85 between a deployed position (Fig. 3D) at which it projects forwards from the frame construction 52, at a right angle, and a stowed / folded position (Figs. 1, 3 A, 3B,4A and 4B) at which the loading plate 74 is upright and substantially flush agist the frame construction 52.

[0153] The forks 72 and the loading plate 74 can be retained at their respective folded and deployed position by a retaining arrangement, such as a snap arrangement, a capture element, friction engagement, etc.

[0154] With further reference being made now to Figs 5A to 5C, there is illustrated an embodiment of a hand truck according to the disclosure, said hand truck generally designated 100.

[0155] Hand truck 100 comprises a generally H-shaped frame construction 102, with telescope side posts 104 and 106 configurable between an extended position (Fig. 5A) and a retracted position (Figs. 5B and 5C), with a release knob 108 at a middle bar 110 of the frame construction 102, for selective contracting / retracting the top post segments 104 from the bottom post segment 106.

[0156] The frame construction 102 comprises at a top portion a manipulating handle 112, and a locomoting system, namely a pair of wheels 114 at a bottom portion thereof, projecting backwards, and being swingable by sleeve 116 about a longitudinal axis Y of the post segments 106, between an extended position (Fig. 5 A) at which the wheels 114 are disposed parallel with one another, facing backwards, such that the hand truck 100 can be rolled over the wheels, and a folded position (Figs. 5BA and 5C) at which the wheels are folded and face one another, in between the post segments 106. The frame construction further comprises a wheel locking arrangement (not seen) for arresting the wheels 114 at either the extended position or at the folded position, respectively.

[0157] Pivotally secured at a bottom end portion of each of post segments 106, there is a fork 120, projecting forwards. The forks 120 have a generally rectangular cross section shaped in conformity with the utility engaging receptacles 30 of a utility carrier 12 as described herein and are slidably receivable within said utility engaging receptacles 30. It is noted that the forks 120 are shaped and positioned in register with the utility engaging receptacles of a container 12, so as to ensure smooth entry and snug fitting therewithin. The shape and structure of forks 120 is similar with that disclosed in connection with the previous example. In the example of Figs. 5A-5C, the forks 120 are pivotally secured at 124 over an external side of the post segments 106 and are displaceable between a deployed position (Fig. 5 A) at which they project forwards and are disposed parallel with one another (and substantially 90° with respect to longitudinal axis Y), and a collapsed / folded / stowed position, at which they are folded about the frame construction (Figs. 5B and 5C) and are disposed substantially parallel to the post segments 106.

[0158] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame structure 102 can comprise a fork locking arrangement (not seen) for arresting the forks 120 at either the deployed position or the collapsed position.

[0159] In addition, a bottom, rear portion of the forks 120 may comprise a projecting stopper portion 130 (Figs. 5A-5C, 11 A and 1 IB) for restricting insertion of the forks 72; 120 into the utility engaging receptacles 30, as will be discussed herein after in connection with Figs. HA and 11BB.

[0160] Further noted, the hand truck comprises at a bottom portion thereof a foot bar 140 extending between the bottom side post segments (54,106) of the frame construction 52,102, respectively. The foot bar 140 is useful in tilting the utility carrier locomoting system 10 into its locomoting position in direction of arrow 141 arrow (Fig. 6C).

[0161] Turning to Figs. 6A to 6D, there is illustrated another example of a utility carrier locomoting system, generally designated 150, wherein the hand truck 14 is the same as that disclosed in connection with Figs. 3A to 5C, whereby same reference numbers are used. However, the utility carrier 152 is a wheeled dolly-type platform. For sake of clarity, in the example of Figs. 6A to 6D elements similar with those described hereinabove are designated with same reference numbers, with a (') indication.

[0162] Utility carrier 152 is a wheeled platform, i.e. a dolly platform comprising a base structure with a top flat bed 158 supported over four swivel / caster wheels 160. Similar to the example of Figs. 2A-2E, the utility carrier 152 comprises a pair of utility engaging receptacles 30', however, as opposed to utility engaging receptacles 30, utility engaging receptacles 30' are open at both the front side and the rear side thereof, i.e. comprising a rear entry opening 32' at the back portion 22', and a front entry opening 161 at a front portion 162. It is appreciated that the structure and shape of the utility engaging receptacles 30' is similar with utility engaging receptacles 30, and reference is made back thereto. The arrangement of utility carrier 152 system disclosed in Figs. 6A to 6D is such that the utility carrier 152 can be wheeled by casters 160 over a ground surface. However when required to transfer the utility carrier 152 by hand truck 14, the pair of forks 72 are introduced into the rear or front utility engaging receptacles entry opening 32' or 161, respectively. The snug arrangement, as discussed herein above, ensures motion-free engagement of the forks 72 within the utility engaging receptacles 30', such that the later remines steadily attached to the hand truck, in a motionless fashion and prevention spontaneous detachment.

[0163] Once tilted in direction of arrow 141 (Fig. 6C), e.g. by applying force on the foot bar 140 (not seen in Fig. 6C) and grabbing at the handle bar 54, the casters 160 of the utility carrier 152 disengage from the ground surface G, whereupon the wheels 58 of the hand truck 14 engage the ground surface G, for easy locomotion thereof.

[0164] It is appreciated that the utility carrier according to the present disclosure can be configured at any portion thereof with one or more connectivity arrangements for detachably attaching thereto any one or more other utility item, such as toolbox, various containers, power unit, etc.

[0165] With further reference to Figs. 7A to 7E directed to yet an example of a utility carrier locomoting system according to the present disclosure, generally designated 200, wherein the hand truck is same as disclosed hereinabove, for example with reference to Figs 3 A to 4B, to which reference is made back. In the present example the utility carrier 204 is a modification of the utility module 12 discussed in connection with Figs. 2A to 2E, hence like elements are designated with like reference numbers, with a (") indication.

[0166] The utility carrier 204 is in fact similar with utility carrier 12, however with a difference residing in that the utility engaging receptacles 30" are longitudinal channels open at both a rear end and a front end.

[0167] As seen in the drawings, the utility engaging receptacles 30" are located at a bottom portion of the side portions 26", extending along a longitudinal axis X", parallel with the side portions 26" and having a front entry opening 212 at a front portion 24" and a rear entry opening 32" at the back portion 22", and wherein both entry openings are chamfered at 33".

[0168] The utility engaging receptacles 30" have a generally rectangular cross section, with a top receptacle wall 36", a bottom receptacle wall 38" and two side receptacle walls 40", said walls orthogonally extending along the longitudinal axis X". A friction enhancing ramp-like projection 48", with two chamfered portions 49", extends from the bottom receptacle wall 38", for enhancing snug motion free engagement of a utility engaging arrangement within the utility engaging receptacles 30", as mentioned hereinabove.

[0169] The arrangement is such that the forks 72 of the hand truck 14 are introducible into the utility engaging receptacles 30" through either rear entry opening 32" at the back portion 22" (as illustrated in Figs. 7A the rear side of the container 30" or through front entry opening 212 at a front portion 24", as the utility engaging receptacles 30" is symmetrically oriented.

[0170] It is appreciated that for obtaining smooth insertion of the forks 72 into the longitudinal tubular receptacles 30" of a utility carrier according to the disclosure, it is desires that the longitudinal tubular receptacles extend in register with the utility engaging arrangement of the hand cart, i.e. that the a top surface 80 of the forks 72 (or loading plate; as will be discussed below) and the top receptacle wall 36" of longitudinal tubular receptacles coextend at a height D from a ground plane GP of the base member of the utility carrier and a tangent of wheels 58 of the hand truck 14 (over which the hand truck stands). Namly, since at least a vertical cross section of the forks matches the cross section of the utility engaging receptacles, their longitudinal axes coincide.

[0171] Figs. 8A to 8D illustrate the container (utility carrier 204) of Figs. 7A to 7D at a reverse mounting arrangement, namely wherein the utility engaging arrangement (forks 72) are engaged within the utility engaging receptacle 30” through the front entry openings 212 at a front portion 24" of the container 204.

[0172] Articulating the utility carrier over the hand truck takes place by pushing the hand cart so that forks 72 slide into a front or rear entry opening 32”, 212 at the back portion 22” or front portion of the utility carrier, respectively, whilst the hand cart is at an upright position and the forks 72 extending level and coaxial with axes X” of the utility engaging receptacles. The hand cart is pushed against the utility carrier (or vice versa) until the forks are fully received within the utility engaging receptacles. Similar to the previously disclosed embodiments, once the forks 72 are introduced into the utility engaging receptacle they assume a snug fit therein, eliminating displacement / movement between the utility carrier and the hand truck. It is realized that when using the forks 72 as a utility engaging arrangement, the loading plate 74 is folded (i.e. into its upright position, parallelly disposed against the frame construction 52.

[0173] The example illustrated in Figs. 9A to 9D shows yet a utility carrier locomoting system according to an embodiment of the disclosure, generally designated 300, wherein the hand truck is the same as hand truck 14 disclosed hereinabove. A utility carrier 304 according to the disclosed example is a pallet style carrying platform, or a connectivity platform, having a flat top face 306 and optionally connectivity arrangements (not shown) for detachably attaching thereto a variety of utility modules. For sake of simplicity, element similar with those discussed in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 2A-2E are designated with like reference numbers, however shifted by 300.

[0174] The utility carrier 304 is symmetric and has identical front and back sides, comprising two side portions 326, each configured with a longitudinal tubular receptacle 330 extending between a rear portion 320 and a front portion 324. The longitudinal tubular receptacles 330 extend along a longitudinal axis X and each comprise a back entry opening 332 at the back portion 322 and a front entry opening 312 at the front portion 324, and wherein each of the entry openings 312 and 332 comprise a chamfered gliding surface 333.

[0175] The utility engaging receptacles 330 have a generally rectangle cross section, with a top receptacle wall 336, a bottom receptacle wall 338 and two side receptacle walls 340, said walls orthogonally extending along the longitudinal axis X, with a friction enhancing ramp-like projection 348, with two chamfered portions 349, extending from the bottom receptacle wall 338, for enhancing snug, motion free engagement of a utility engaging arrangement within the utility engaging receptacles 330, as mentioned hereinabove.

[0176] Symmetricity of the front side and back side of the utility carrier 304 render it suitable for either front loading or back loading. Furthermore, as discussed hereinabove in connection with Fig. 7E, the longitudinal tubular receptacles 330 extend slightly above a bottom plane BP (Fig. 9C) of the base member 320, with top receptacle wall 336 extending at a distance D from the bottom plane BP, corresponding with elevation of a top face 80 of the forks 72 of the fork lift 14, to ensure smooth insertion of the forks into the longitudinal tubular receptacles 330. Fig. 10 of the drawings illustrates a utility carrier 400 supporting a utility module (which in the present example is a power unit, e.g. a generator) 402, wherein the utility carrier 400 is a carrying platform of the type disclosed in connection with Figs. 9A to 9D, and the power unit 402 is supported over the top surface thereof and optionally secured thereto. Alternatively, the utility module can be integrally configured with the utility carrier, wherein the utility carrier is ready for locomotion by a hand truck as discussed herein before.

[0177] Figs. 11A and 11B illustrate a utility carrier locomoting system according to an embodiment of the disclosure, generally designated 450, comprising a hand truck 452 and a utility carrier 454, both of similar design as described hereinabove, however wherein a bottom, rear portion of the forks 120 comprises a projecting stopper portion 130, for restricting insertion of the forks into the utility engaging receptacles of the utility carrier, whereby a bottom edge 455 of the utility carrier is configurable for encountering said projecting stopper portion 130. This is useful in order to maintain a top surface 456 of a lid 458 of the container 454 at an open, upright position, such that at the open position it can be displaced at least by 90°.

[0178] In Figs. 12A and 12B there is illustrated a hand cart 14, similar to that disclosed herein before, illustrated with the loading plate 74 at the deployed / open position, extending at 90° at a bottom portion of the frame construction 52. The loading plate 74 is a thin plate or frame shaped support, and at the deployed position a bottom surface 470 extends over the supporting ground surface G, coplanar with a tangent point T of locomotive wheels 58, supporting the hand truck at its upright position.

[0179] The thin loading plate 74 renders it suitable for introducing under a cargo / load, e.g. box 476, with a bottom surface thereof 478 supported over top face 480 of the loading plate 74, ready for locomoting by the hand truck 14.

[0180] Turning now to Figs. 13 A to 13F, there is illustrated an embodiment of the disclosure directed to a utility carrier locomoting system 500 comprising a utility carrier locking mechanism for preventing unintentional detaching of the utility carrier 502 from the hand truck 504.

[0181] The utility carrier 502 in the illustrated example is a toolbox similar to that disclosed in connection with Figs. 7A to 7E, and reference is made thereto. The utility carrier 502 further comprises at a back wall 508 and backward facing arresting notch 510. It is appreciated that a similar notch can be configured at either or both the back wall or a front wall of the utility carrier.

[0182] The hand truck 504 comprises a foot activated arresting lever 516 with an arresting hook 518 projecting from a front face 522 at a bottom portion of the frame construction, disposed in register with the arresting notch 510 of the utility carrier 502 (when mounted on the hand truck, as will be hereinafter explained).

[0183] Arresting lever 516 is a pedal-like element, pivotally mounted at the bottom portion of the frame construction about a swing axis SA and is normally biassed by a spring member 528 into a normally arresting position (which in the illustrated example is biased in a counterclockwise direction, i.e. in direction of arrow 532 shown in Fig. 13E). Arresting lever 516 comprises a foot portion 536 at a rear end thereof, and a hook member 538 at a front end, with a chamfered nose portion 542, said hook member configurable for snapingly arresting the arresting notch 510 of the utility carrier 502.

[0184] The arrangement is such that upon mounting the utility carrier 504 on the forks 505 of the hand truck 504, as explained herein before in connection with the previous examples, the utility carrier reaches its final, rear-most position, whereupon the chamfered nose portion 542 encounters the arresting notch 510 of the utility carrier 502, resulting in spontaneous momentarily swinging of the arresting lever 516 into an unlocking position (Fig. 13F), in direction counter to that of arrow 532, against the biasing effect of spring 528, and then, under the biassing effect the arresting lever 516 swings back into its normal, locking position (Fig. 13E), with hook member 538 displacing into engagement with the arresting notch 510, so that the utility carrier 502 is now secured to the hand truck 504.

[0185] When it is required to remove the utility carrier 502 from hand truck 504 the foot portion 536 is depressed by one's foot, in direction of arrow 540 (Fig. 13F), resulting in swinging of the arresting lever 516 into the unlocking position so that the hook member 538 disengages from the arresting notch 510 and the utility carrier 502 can be removed.

[0186] Yet an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated in Figs. 14A to 14F of the drawings, directed to a utility carrier locomoting system generally designated 600.

[0187] The utility carrier locomoting system 600 comprises a hand truck 14 similar to that described in connection with the previous embodiments and reference is made back thereto, and wherein same elements are designated with same reference numbers as in Figs. 3 A to 3E, and in particular as in Fig. 3D.

[0188] The utility carrier 606 is, by way of example, similar to wheeled dolly-type platform 152 of Figs. 6A to 6D, however with a difference residing in that the utility carrier 606 further comprises a utility engaging receptacle in the form of a central, wide, extending from a back portion 614 to a front portion 616 of the utility carrier 606 (though is appreciated that the flat slot can extend from either one or both of the back portion 614 to a front portion 616). The flat slot 610 has a width WS (Fig. 14F) similar to or slightly greater than the width WP of the loading plate 74, and wherein the thickness TS (Figs.14E and 14D) of the flat slot 610 is similar to (or very slightly more) than the thickness TP of the loading plate 74, to ensure tight fitting therebetween.

[0189] The flat slot 610 has a widened inlet opening at 618, to facilitate easy introducing of the loading plate 74 into the slot.

[0190] In use, the hand truck 14 is converted into the deployed, plate position, i.e. wherein the forks 72 are folded inwards and stowed within the fork receptacle 78, with the loading plate 74 deployed and projecting forwards. The loading plate 74 is then introduced into the tight flat slot 610, and the utility carrier locomoting system 600 is ready to go.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A utility carrier locomoting system comprising: a utility carrier comprising a base member having a back portion, a front portion, and a pair of side portions; and at least one utility engaging receptacle extending along a longitudinal axis at a bottom portion of said utility carrier, said utility engaging receptacle having at least one entry opening; and a hand truck comprising a frame construction; a locomoting system mounted to said frame construction for rolling over a ground surface; and at least one utility engaging arrangement projecting from said frame construction and shaped in conformity with said at least one utility engaging receptacle for sliding insertion thereinto through said at least one entry opening, thereby forming a snug, motion-free engagement between said utility carrier and said hand truck.

2. The utility carrier locomoting system of claim 1, wherein said at least one utility engaging receptacle comprises a pair of longitudinal tubular receptacles disposed at respective side portions of said utility carrier, extending parallel with said side portions along said longitudinal axis.

3. The utility carrier locomoting system of claim 2, wherein each of said longitudinal tubular receptacles has a generally rectangular cross section comprising a top receptacle wall, a bottom receptacle wall, and two side receptacle walls extending orthogonally along said longitudinal axis.

4. The utility carrier locomoting system of claim 3, wherein said at least one utility engaging receptacle further comprises a friction enhancing arrangement in the form of a ramp-like projection with at least one chamfered portion extending from said bottom receptacle wall.

5. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one utility engaging receptacle extends through said utility carrier from said back portion to said front portion, comprising a rear entry opening at said back portion and a front entry opening at said front portion.

6. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said utility engaging arrangement comprises a pair of forks projecting from said frame construction, said forks being spaced apart in register with a distance between a pair of utility engaging receptacles of said utility carrier.

7. The utility carrier locomoting system of claim 6, wherein said forks are articulated to said frame construction and swingable about a fork axis between a deployed position at which said forks project forward at a substantially right angle from said frame construction and a folded position at which said forks are inwardly folded substantially flush against said frame construction.

8. The utility carrier locomoting system of claim 6 or 7, wherein each of said forks has a reinforced cross section with a generally rectangular shaped footprint configured for snug receiving within said utility engaging receptacles, said forks having a chamfered fore end for smooth insertion.

9. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said forks have a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein when received within said utility engaging receptacle said top surface bears against a top receptacle wall and said bottom surface bears against a friction enhancing arrangement.

10. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein a bottom rear portion of said forks comprises a projecting stopper portion for restricting insertion depth of said forks into said utility engaging receptacles.

11. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said utility engaging arrangement comprises a loading plate articulated to said frame construction and swingable about a plate axis between a deployed position at which said loading plate projects forward from said frame construction and a stowed position at which said loading plate is disposed substantially flush against said frame construction.

12. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said hand truck comprises both a pair of forks and a loading plate as utility engaging arrangements, each independently swingable between a deployed position and a stowed position.

13. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said frame construction comprises telescopic side post segments configurable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a telescopically articulated handle frame manipulable between an extended position and a retracted position.

14. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said locomoting system comprises a pair of wheels mounted to said frame construction for revolving about a wheel axis, said wheels being swingable about a longitudinal axis ofsaid frame construction between an extended position at which said wheels are disposed parallel with one another and a folded position at which said wheels are folded and face one another.

15. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said utility carrier is a container comprising a lid pivotally articulated at a top portion of said back portion.

16. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said utility carrier is a wheeled platform comprising a base structure with a top flat bed supported over a plurality of caster wheels.

17. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a locking mechanism comprising an arresting notch disposed at a wall of said utility carrier and a foot-activated arresting lever mounted to said frame construction, said arresting lever comprising an arresting hook configured for engaging said arresting notch.

18. The utility carrier locomoting system of claim 17, wherein said arresting lever is pivotally mounted to said frame construction and biased by a spring member into a normally arresting position, said arresting lever comprising a chamfered nose portion configured to encounter said arresting notch upon mounting said utility carrier, causing spontaneous swinging into an unlocking position and subsequent return to said arresting position.

19. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said at least one utility engaging receptacle comprises one or more drain openings at a bottom wall thereof, and wherein said entry opening comprises a chamfered surface.

20. The utility carrier locomoting system of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a foot bar extending between bottom side post segments of said frame construction for tilting said system into a locomoting position.

21. A utility carrier for use with a hand truck, comprising a base member having a back portion, a front portion, and a pair of side portions; and a pair of longitudinal tubular receptacles extending at a bottom portion of said utility carrier along a longitudinal axis, parallel with said side portions, each of said tubular receptacles having at least one entry opening and being shaped to receive a fork of said hand truck in a snug, motion-free engagement.

22. The utility carrier of claim 21, wherein each of said longitudinal tubular receptacles has a generally rectangular cross section comprising a top receptacle wall, a bottom receptacle wall, and two side receptacle walls extending orthogonally along said longitudinal axis.

23. The utility carrier of claim 22, further comprising a friction enhancing arrangement in the form of a ramp-like projection with at least one chamfered portion extending from said bottom receptacle wall.

24. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein each of said longitudinal tubular receptacles extends through said utility carrier from said back portion to said front portion, comprising a rear entry opening at said back portion and a front entry opening at said front portion, each entry opening comprising a chamfered surface.

25. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein said longitudinal tubular receptacles comprise one or more drain openings at a bottom wall thereof, and further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs formed externally to said longitudinal tubular receptacles.

26. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein said utility carrier comprises a lid pivotally articulated at a top portion of said back portion.

27. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein said utility carrier is a wheeled platform comprising a plurality of caster wheels mounted to a bottom surface thereof.

28. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein said utility carrier is a pallet-style platform having a flat top face and optionally comprising connectivity arrangements for detachably attaching utility modules thereto.

29. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 28, further comprising an arresting notch disposed at said back portion for engaging a locking mechanism of said hand truck.

30. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein said utility carrier further comprises a central flat slot extending longitudinally through said base member from said back portion to said front portion, said flat slot having a width and thickness configured to receive a loading plate of said hand truck in tight fitting engagement, said flat slot comprising a widened inlet opening.

31. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein said utility carrier is made of injection molded resin, and wherein said longitudinal tubular receptacles are reinforced by at least one of metal inserts and reinforcing ribs.

32. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein said at least one entry opening is sealed at a front end by a wall portion, said entry opening being disposed at a rear end of said utility carrier.

33. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein said utility carrier is symmetric with identical front and back sides, rendering it suitable for either front loading or back loading.

34. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 33, wherein said longitudinal tubular receptacles extend slightly above a bottom plane of said base member.

35. The utility carrier of any one of claims 21 to 34, further comprising a bottom edge configurable for encountering a projecting stopper portion of said fork to restrict insertion depth and maintain a lid of said utility carrier at an open, upright position.

36. A hand truck comprising: a frame construction comprising telescopic side post segments; a locomoting system mounted to said frame construction for rolling over a ground surface; a manipulating handle disposed at a top portion of said frame construction; and at least one utility engaging arrangement projecting from a bottom portion of said frame construction, said utility engaging arrangement being shaped to slidably engage within a utility engaging receptacle of a utility carrier to form a snug, motion-free connection therewith.

37. The hand truck of claim 36, wherein said utility engaging arrangement comprises a pair of forks articulated to said frame construction and swingable about a fork axis between a deployed position at which said forks project forward at a substantially right angle and a folded position at which said forks are inwardly folded substantially flush against said frame construction, said frame construction comprising a fork receptacle for receiving said forks in said folded position.

38. The hand truck of claim 37, wherein each of said forks has a reinforced cross section with a generally rectangular footprint and a chamfered fore end, said forks being spaced apart and disposed parallel with one another at said deployed position.

39. The hand truck of claim 37 or 38, wherein a bottom rear portion of said forks comprises a projecting stopper portion for restricting insertion depth into said utility engaging receptacle.

40. The hand truck of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein said utility engaging arrangement comprises a loading plate articulated to said frame construction and swingable about a plate axis between a deployed position at which said loading plate projects forward and a stowed position at which said loading plate is disposed substantially flush against said frame construction, wherein at said deployed position a bottom surface of said loading plate extends coplanar with a tangent point of said locomoting system.

41. The hand truck of any one of claims 36 to 40, comprising both a pair of forks and a loading plate as utility engaging arrangements, each independently swingable between a deployed position and a stowed position, said forks and loading plate being swingable about orthogonal axes.

42. The hand truck of any one of claims 36 to 41, further comprising a telescopically articulated handle frame manipulable between an extended position and a retracted position by a retraction mechanism.

43. The hand truck of any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein said locomoting system comprises a pair of wheels swingable about a longitudinal axis of said frame construction between an extended position at which said wheels are disposed parallel with one another and a folded position at which said wheels face one another and extend between said telescopic side post segments.

44. The hand truck of any one of claims 36 to 43, further comprising a foot-activated arresting lever pivotally mounted to said frame construction and biased by a spring member into a normally arresting position, said arresting lever comprising an arresting hook with a chamfered nose portion and a foot portion at a rear end thereof.

45. The hand truck of any one of claims 36 to 44, further comprising a foot bar extending between bottom side post segments of said frame construction for tilting said hand truck into a locomoting position.

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