초록 ▼

A multi-purpose, movable apparatus (henceforth dolly-truck) for conveying objects, such as, for example, a five-gallon cylindrical industrial bucket is described. The dolly-truck includes a one-piece, molded plastic base having caster wheels and truck wheels. The caster wheels are mounted on a lower

A multi-purpose, movable apparatus (henceforth dolly-truck) for conveying objects, such as, for example, a five-gallon cylindrical industrial bucket is described. The dolly-truck includes a one-piece, molded plastic base having caster wheels and truck wheels. The caster wheels are mounted on a lower surface of the base and provide short distance rolling movement capability in the upright position. Connected to the base are two truck support arms which support an axle with two truck wheels. The truck wheels provide a hand truck capability for negotiating stairs, bypassing obstacles and an omnidirectional capability in conveyance of objects. Centered on the base is a retaining wall for receiving and holding objects. Connected to, and integrated into the retaining wall is an adjustable handle for conveying the dolly-truck by hand. The handle can be used to move the dolly-truck on the caster wheels as a conventional dolly, or alternatively on the truck wheels as a conventional hand truck. The base of the dolly-truck is surrounded by an optional ring which allows the dolly-truck to be conveyed by foot. An annular surface of the base outside the retaining wall and inside the ring forms a spill surface that prevents spillage of liquid from an open bucket onto the floor.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for transporting an object comprising:a single piece integrally formed body comprising a substantially circular base, a plurality of caster wheel supports connected to said base, and a plurality of truck wheel supports connected to and extending forward from said base;

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for transporting an object comprising:a single piece integrally formed body comprising a substantially circular base, a plurality of caster wheel supports connected to said base, and a plurality of truck wheel supports connected to and extending forward from said base;a plurality of caster wheels supported by said plurality of caster wheel supports, each caster wheel support supporting a caster wheel in a substantially coplanar relationship to other caster wheels of said plurality of caster wheels; anda plurality of truck wheels supported by said plurality of truck wheel supports such that said truck wheels have clearance from a ground surface when said plurality of caster wheels are in contact with said ground surface;whereby said apparatus is capable of motion in an upright position or a tilted position, such that a tilt angle between said upright position and said tilted position is sufficiently small to allow said apparatus to be moved by a user who is standing or moving in an upright position and, said apparatus can move in the upright position with only said plurality of caster wheels in contact with said ground surface, said plurality of caster wheels permitting omnidirectional movement of said apparatus in said upright position, and said apparatus can move in said tilted position with at least said truck wheels in contact with said ground surface.