Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Handle – handle component – or handle adjunct – Detachable handle
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-30
2002-01-08
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Handle, handle component, or handle adjunct
Detachable handle
C016S427000, C016S436000, C072S367100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06336254
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a curved handle adapted for attachment to a wheelbarrow, and a method of manufacturing the same. The handle attachment enables a smooth, continuous repositioning of the hands of an operator during each phase of wheelbarrow operation. As such, the handle attachment provides for a safer, more efficient and less strenuous use of a wheelbarrow, particularly when operating a wheelbarrow with heavier loads on hillsides and during dumping.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
As shown in
FIG. 1
, conventional wheelbarrows W include a tub
1
, at least one front wheel
3
, multiple legs
4
, and a pair of wooden handles
2
extended to the rear of the wheelbarrow W. An operator holds the handles
2
from a position that is behind the wheelbarrow W. From that position, the operator grasps the rounded portion
5
of the handles
2
to lift and move the wheelbarrow W.
The stock of the handles
2
is generally straight, having a square/rectangular cross-section that changes into a circular cross-section at a transition area
6
, the portion of the handle
2
having a circular cross-section being used for gripping of the wheelbarrow W by an operator. The straightness of the handle shaft
2
can render the wheelbarrow W unsafe and difficult to use, especially when ascending or descending a hillside or while dumping the contents of the wheelbarrow.
For instance, because of the straight handle design, an operator must quickly change from an above-the-handles grip to a below-the-handles grip to dump the contents of the wheelbarrow W. This requires an incredible amount of agility and dexterity, especially when heavier loads are carried by the wheelbarrow W. If the operator is not able to effectively change grips, the load may be damaged and the operator or those nearby may be injured due to tipping or loss of control of the wheelbarrow W. In addition, an undue amount of strain is experienced by the operator while changing grips as described. This strain may cause injury and weariness to the operator, which can lead to further injuries. Also, in order for an operator to fully dump the contents of a conventional wheelbarrow W, the operator must stand fairly close to the legs of the wheelbarrow, exposing their legs or shins to injury caused by contact with the legs of the wheelbarrow W, especially when twisting the wheelbarrow to empty the last of its contents.
In addition to the above-described dumping problems experienced by conventional wheelbarrows, safety and maneuverability are compromised when moving a conventional wheelbarrow on hillsides or backwards. In either case, the straight design of the wooden handles
2
causes the wrists of an operator to be bent at an awkward and strenuous angle while ascending or descending an inclined hillside and while moving the wheelbarrow backwards.
Furthermore, when holding or moving a conventional wheelbarrow on a declined hillside, gravity naturally causes the wheelbarrow to pull away from the operator. To prevent separation between the operator and the wheelbarrow in this situation, the operator must grip the handle tighter, increasing forearm and hand fatigue and causing the angle of wrist inclination to increase to an undesirable angle. Consequently, while holding or moving a conventional wheelbarrow on declined slopes, the natural tendency of the operator is to crouch, rendering the operator susceptible to lower back and leg strain. These problems are extenuated by heavier loads because the strain experienced by the wrist, forearms, legs and back is increased with weight, making the operator more likely to lose their grip of the handles or lose control of the wheelbarrow. Wet hands also extenuate the above-described problems since the grip of an operator is less easily maintained with wet hands or gloves.
To improve upon conventional wheelbarrow designs, the wheelbarrows of
FIGS. 2A-3B
have been proposed. However, as discussed hereinafter, each is susceptible to many of the problems experienced by the conventional wheelbarrow as in
FIG. 1
, as well as some new problems not experienced by the conventional wheelbarrow of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 2A
shows a conventional wheelbarrow having a handle forming a rectangular loop that extends in an upward direction, away from the ground. Similarly,
FIG. 2B
shows a wheelbarrow having a handle forming a loop that extends in an upward direction, away from the ground. As such, the handles shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B
have curved portions that extend above the longitudinal axis of the straight handle of the wheelbarrow. Handles that are curved in this direction reduce the ability of an operator to provide normal clearance of the wheelbarrow legs over any surface above which the wheelbarrow is operated, regardless whether the surface is level, downhill or uphill. For instance, when a handle has a curved portion that extends above the longitudinal axis of the straight portion of the wheelbarrow stock, the operator is required to lift the wheelbarrow an additional height equal to the distance between the grip position along the curved portion and the longitudinal axis of the straight portion of the handle. Otherwise, the leg-to-surface clearance of the wheelbarrow is diminished. By lifting the wheelbarrow the additional height, the physical stresses experienced by the operator are increased.
FIGS. 3A and 3B
show wheelbarrows having handles forming curved portions that extend in the downward direction, toward the ground. However, each of the wheelbarrows shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
are subject to the same clearance problems as the wheelbarrow assemblies as shown in
2
A and
2
B, rendering the operator susceptible to the same physical stresses. Specifically, the stock of the wheelbarrows shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
is bent in an upward direction to offset the handle region in a position above the longitudinal axis of the straight portion of the wheelbarrow stock. As such, the operator is required to lift the wheelbarrow an additional height to clear objects in its path. Thus, an operator of the wheelbarrow assemblies shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
is subject to the same increases in physical stresses experienced by an operator of the wheelbarrow assemblies shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B
.
Furthermore, each of the handles shown in
2
A-
3
B form a loop that is substantially or completely closed, making an operator susceptible to discomfort and injury. Specifically, loops that are closed more than 180° like those shown in
FIGS. 2A-3B
, are more difficult to release in emergency situations to prevent injury. In fact, a handle having a closed loop, such as those shown in
FIGS. 2A-3A
, renders the arm or hand of an operator susceptible to injury since the hand or arm may become lodged inside such a closed loop, particularly if the wheelbarrow moves out of control. In addition, such a closed loop design may cause the fingers to be pinched.
While the wheelbarrows shown in
FIGS. 3A-3B
have handles forming curved end portions, it is also important to note that each of these curved portions are integrated into the single structure that constitutes the handle stock. As such, the length of the handle stock is permanently increased and additional storage space is required for the wheelbarrow. In addition, because the curved portion is integrated as a part of the handle, damage to the curved portion renders the wheelbarrow unusable. Also, because the assemblies shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
include a unitary handle design, implementation of those handles requires replacement of conventional wheelbarrows rather than retrofit. As such, energy and raw materials are wasted.
In addition, any decrease in cross-sectional diameter of the straight, weight-bearing portion of the wheelbarrow stock or handle relative to the cross-sectional diameter of an ordinary conventional wheelbarrow may result in the application of additional pressure on the hands of a wheelbarrow operator, leading to pain and fatigue. For instance, the stock and handle of the wheelbarrow shown in
Cirucci Steve A.
Graff Warren D.
McCormick William W.
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Knight Anthony
The Idea Guys, Inc.
LandOfFree
Curved handle adapted for attachment to a wheelbarrow or the... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Curved handle adapted for attachment to a wheelbarrow or the..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Curved handle adapted for attachment to a wheelbarrow or the... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2821694