Steering mechanism for wheelbarrow
A steerable wheelbarrow includes a pair of handles rotatably connected to the rear end of the frame of the wheelbarrow for rotation around a horizontal axis, and a pair of linkages connecting the handles to L-shaped, wheel carrying axles, which are interconnected by a separate linkage, whereby rotation of the handles in opposite directions around the horizontal axis results in rotation of the axles around parallel, vertical axes to turn the wheelbarrow. A stop mechanism limits turning of the wheels to decrease the likelihood of tipping during turning.
1. A wheelbarrow comprising:
a frame;
a container on the frame for carrying a load;
a pair of axles proximate a front end of the frame rotatable around vertical axes relative to the frame;
a pair of spaced apart handles extending rearwardly from and pivotally connected to the rear of the frame for independent rotation around a horizontal axis;
first levers extending downwardly from said handles;
second levers on said axles for rotating the axles around said vertical axes;
a pair of first linkages connecting said first and second levers; and
a second linkage interconnecting said pair of axles, whereby rotation of said handles in opposite directions around said horizontal axis results in rotation of both said axles around said vertical axes.
2. The wheelbarrow of claim 1 , including a stop assembly for limiting rotation of said axles during turning of the wheelbarrow.
3. The wheelbarrow of claim 2 , wherein said stop assembly includes a pin extending forwardly from said second linkage beneath said frame, a crossbar suspended from said frame, and a pair of spaced apart posts on said crossbar for engagement by said pin when the wheelbarrow is turned by a predetermined limit in either of two directions.
4. The wheelbarrow of claim 1 , wherein said first linkage includes first and second rods connected to one said first lever and to one said second lever, coupler for connecting said rods end-to-end, whereby the length of said first linkage and the orientation of free ends of the rods can be adjusted.
5. The wheelbarrow of claim 1 , including a pair of spaced apart sleeves extending downwardly from said frame for rotatably receiving said axles for rotation around said vertical axes.
6. The wheelbarrow of claim 5 , wherein each said axle is L-shaped, including a vertical arm rotatable in one said sleeve, and a horizontal arm for supporting a wheel.
7. The wheelbarrow of claim 5 , wherein said second linkage includes third levers on said axles perpendicular to said second levers, and a cross arm extending between and rotatably connected to said third levers.