MULTI-PURPOSE HANDCART DEVICE

Abstract

A multi-purpose handcart device comprises of a rectangular frame 101 having a pair of handles 102 accessed by a user to position the frame 101 on a ground surface, a pair of rods 103 arranged underneath the frame 101 for supporting the frame 101 , plurality of telescopically operated rods 104 arranged in the frame 101 accommodate multiple objects, a microphone 105 integrated in the frame 101 for user input, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 determine dimensions of the accommodated objects, a robotic arm 107 installed on the frame 101 gripping the rods 104, a rain sensor detects rainy weather conditions, plurality of electromagnets arranged on the frame 101 engaging a curved plate 108, a pair of hydraulically operated links 109 arranged underneath the frame 101 by means of a motorized sliding unit, and an inflatable member 201 arranged on the frame 101 providing resting platform to the user.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to multi-purpose handcart device that is capable of providing a multipurpose handcart for transporting the multiple objects and providing a comfortable resting platform for the user in order to assist the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks. In addition, the device is capable of detecting rainy weather conditions, accordingly protecting the accommodated objects from the detected rainy weather conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The handcart, also known as a hand truck or dolly, has a rich history dating back centuries which evolved from basic sleds and wheeled carts used for transporting goods, with its design refined over time to meet the changing needs of transportation and commerce. Hand-operated carts were essential tools for workers, tradespeople, and merchants who needed to move heavy or bulky objects over short distances. These early carts typically consisted of a simple frame with two wheels and a handle for pushing or pulling.

[0003] Although the traditional method of manually transporting objects using hand operated carts that has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. Handcarts rely on human power for propulsion, which is physically demanding, especially when transporting heavy loads or navigating inclines. This manual labor is lead to fatigue and increase the risk of strain or injury for users. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of transporting object from one place to another where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] KR20230032745A discloses a hand cart equipped with an object transport function allowing one surface of a basket accommodating an object to be opened, and enabling easy loading or unloading of objects on and from the hand cart with little force by adding a transport device for convenience of transporting objects on the one side that is open. The hand cart equipped with an object transport function comprises: a basket with one side of a body open to form an inclined surface and having a space for storing objects; a plurality of wheels rotatably formed at the bottom of the basket; and a handle fixedly installed on one side of the basket and used to move the hand cart, wherein the transport device is provided in an inner surface of the inclined surface for convenient storage and withdrawal of objects. Though KR'745 relates to a hand cart with goods transport function, however, the present invention lacks in providing a comfortable resting platform for a user in order to assist the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks along with capability of transporting objects as per user's requirement.

[0005] CN204415466U discloses a handcart for transporting fireproof materials. The problem that a handcart with heavy loads is inconvenient to turn is solved. The handcart for transporting the fireproof materials comprises a loading plate and push rods. The loading plate is rectangular, and four idler wheels are arranged on the bottom face of the loading plate and located at the four corners of the loading plate respectively. The top face of the loading plate comprises four edges, the two ends of each edge are each provided with a fixing hole, and the distance between the two fixing holes in one edge is the same as the distance between the two fixing holes in any other edge. The push rods include the transverse rod and the two fixed rods, the two fixed rods are perpendicular to the transverse rod and are connected with the two ends of the transverse rod, the fixed rods and the transverse rod are of an integrated structure, the two fixed rods can be inserted into the two fixing holes in one edge of the loading plate respectively, and a buffering device is arranged on the lateral side of the loading plate. The turning requirement of the handcart with the heavy loads can be completely avoided. Though CN'466 relates to a handcart for transporting fireproof materials, however, the present invention limits in providing a comfortable resting platform for a user thereby assisting the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks along with capability of transporting objects as per user's requirement.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices many devices have been developed in order to transport goods, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to provide multi tasks facility to a user with the capability of transporting objects.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a comfortable resting platform for the user in order to assist the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks along with the capability of transporting multiple objects.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a multipurpose handcart for transporting the multiple objects.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting rainy weather conditions, accordingly protecting the accommodated objects from the detected rainy weather conditions.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a comfortable resting platform for the user in order to assist the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to multi-purpose handcart device that is capable of providing a multipurpose handcart providing a comfortable resting platform for the user in order to assist the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks and capable of transporting the multiple objects and. In addition, the device is capable of detecting rainy weather conditions, accordingly protecting the accommodated objects from the detected rainy weather conditions.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, multi-purpose handcart device comprises of a rectangular frame having a pair of handles that is accessed by a user to position the frame on a ground surface, wherein a pair of rods arranged underneath the frame for supporting the frame on the surface, a slider arranged on peripheral portion of the frame, wherein plurality of telescopically operated rods are arranged in the frame in a crisscross manner for enabling the user to accommodate multiple objects over the crisscrossed structure, a microphone integrated in the frame for enabling a user to provide input voice commands regarding a user-desired requirement, wherein in case the user-desired operation corresponds to transporting the multiple objects, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the frame, respectively to determine dimensions of the accommodated objects with respect to gaps in between the rods, a robotic arm installed on the frame that is actuated by the microcontroller to acquire a grip of the rods individually for adjusting the rods by translating along the slider, in view of maintaining a suitable gap for properly accommodating the objects, thereby enabling the user to transport the objects, a rain sensor embedded on the frame for detecting rainy weather conditions, wherein in case the rainy weather is detected, the microcontroller actuates a curved plate integrated on one end of the frame to get deployed over the frame for positioning end of the plate across the frame.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises of curved plate and the frame is integrated with a drawer arrangement to increase/decrease dimensions of the plate and the frame to properly cover and accommodate the objects, followed by actuation of plurality of electromagnets arranged on other end of the frame to create a magnetic field for engaging the plate in view of creating a shed over the frame, thereby protecting the accommodated objects from the detected rainy weather conditions, a pair of hydraulically operated links arranged underneath the frame, each by means of a motorized sliding unit, wherein in case the user-desired requirement corresponds to horizontal placement of the cart, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to provide translation to the links towards end of the frame, followed by actuation of the links to extend/retract for getting positioned on the surface, in view of arranging the frame in the horizontal manner with respect to the surface, a suction unit is integrated on end of the links that are actuated by the microcontroller to adhere to the surface for restricting movement of the frame over the surface, in case the user-specified requirement corresponds to the horizontal placement of the frame, an inflatable member arranged on inner periphery of the frame, wherein in case the user-specified requirement corresponds to resting, the microcontroller actuates the inflatable member to get inflated over the rods for providing a comfortable resting platform for the user, thereby assisting the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of multi-purpose handcart device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of inflated member associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to multi-purpose handcart device that is capable of providing a multipurpose handcart for transporting the multiple objects as well as provides a comfortable resting platform for the user in view of assisting a user in user-specified multi-utility tasks. In addition, the device is capable of detecting rainy weather conditions, accordingly protecting the accommodated objects from the detected rainy weather conditions.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an perspective view of a multi-purpose handcart device and a perspective view of an inflated member associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprises of a rectangular frame 101 having a pair of handles 102, a pair of rods 103 arranged underneath the frame 101, plurality of telescopically operated rods 104 arranged in the frame 101, a microphone 105 integrated in the frame 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on the frame 101, a robotic arm 107 installed on the frame 101, a curved plate 108 integrated on one end of the frame 101, a pair of hydraulically operated links 109 arranged underneath the frame 101, a suction unit 110 integrated on end of the links 109 and an inflatable member 201 arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a rectangular frame 101 that is developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The body is rectangular in shape, made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. The body is having a pair of handles 102 that is accessed by a user in order to position the frame 101 on a ground surface. The frame 101 is configured with a pair of rods 103 that are arranged underneath the frame 101 for supporting the frame 101 on the surface.

[0024] Upon positioning the frame 101 on the ground surface, a slider that is arranged on peripheral portion of the frame 101 and integrated with plurality of telescopically operated rods 104 (ranging in between from 4 to 6 in numbers) enables the user to accommodate multiple objects over the crisscrossed structure.

[0025] Upon accommodation of multiple objects over the structure, a microphone 105 integrated in the frame 101 enables the user to provide input voice commands regarding a user-desired requirement. The microphone 105 turns the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the user carry energy towards the microphone 105. Inside the microphone 105, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal.

[0026] A microcontroller (not shown in figure) linked to the microphone 105 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the user regarding user-desired requirements such as user-desired operation corresponds to transporting the multiple objects, user-desired requirement corresponds to horizontal placement of the cart, user-specified requirement corresponds to resting, and user-specified requirement corresponds to the horizontal placement of the frame 101.

[0027] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0028] Now, in case the user requirement corresponds to transporting the multiple objects, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the frame 101, respectively. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 comprises of a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol and a camera which upon actuation captures multiple images of the frame 101 for determining dimensions of the accommodated objects with respect to gaps in between the rods 104.

[0029] The camera of the imaging unit 106 comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor of the imaging unit, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on the digital camera sensor, creates a digital image and the processor performs various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which are then transmitted to the microcontroller for further processing.

[0030] The microcontroller processes the received signal from the imaging unit 106 in order to determine dimensions of the accommodated objects with respect to gaps in between the rods 104. Further, a slider is arranged on peripheral portion of the frame 101. Now, according to the detected dimensions of the accommodated objects, the microcontroller activates a robotic arm 107 installed on the frame 101 for gripping the rods 104 individually in view of adjusting the rods 104 via translation along the slider, thereby maintaining a suitable gap for properly accommodating the objects, consequently, enabling the user to transport the objects.

[0031] The robotic arm 107 comprises, motor controllers, arm 107, end effector and sensors. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm 107 that allows the upper part of the arm 107 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm 107 and attached to the end effector thereby the end effector works as a hand for gripping the rods 104.

[0032] Simultaneously, the microcontroller activates the slider in view of maintaining a suitable gap for properly accommodating the objects, thereby enabling the user to transport the objects. The slider includes sliding rack and rail, such that the rods 104 are mounted over the rack that are electronically operated by the microcontroller for moving over the rail. The microcontroller activates the slider for performing the sliding operation. The slider is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the rack to provide sliding movement to the rods 104 in order to properly accommodate the objects, thereby enabling the user to transport the objects.

[0033] Further, a rain sensor (not shown in figure) embedded on the frame 101 detects rainy weather conditions in surrounding of the frame 101. The rain sensor comprises of two modules, a rain-board module that detects rain and a control module, which compares the analog value and converts it into a digital value. The rain-board module comprises of copper tracks that serves as a variable resistor, wherein the resistance of the track varies with respect to the wetness on the rain-board. The analog value of the varying resistance is then converted into the digital value by the control module, wherein the digital value is digitally sent to the microcontroller to determine rainy weather condition in surrounding of the frame 101.

[0034] Based on the determined rainy weather condition, the microcontroller actuates a curved plate 108 integrated on one end of the frame 101 to get deployed over the frame 101 for positioning end of the plate 108 across the frame 101. The extension of the curved plate 108 is operated by the microcontroller by employing a drawer arrangement installed within the curved plate. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend the curved plate 108 to get deployed over the frame 101 for positioning end of the plate 108 across the frame 101 and to increase/decrease dimensions of the plate 108 and the frame 101 to properly cover and accommodate the objects.

[0035] Post deployment of the curved plate 108 across the frame 101 r, plurality of electromagnets arranged on other end of the frame 101 is activated by the microcontroller to create a magnetic field for engaging the plate 108 in view of creating a shed over the frame 101. The electromagnet consists of wire wound into a coil and a current through the wire creates a magnetic field which is concentrated in the hole, denoting the center of the coil. The wire turns are wound around a magnetic core made from a ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material such as iron; the magnetic core concentrates the magnetic flux to create a magnetic field for engaging the plate 108 in view of creating a shed over the frame 101, thereby protecting the accommodated objects from the detected rainy weather conditions.

[0036] Further, a pair of hydraulically operated links 109 are arranged underneath the frame 101, each by means of a motorized sliding unit. Now, in case the user-desired requirement corresponds to horizontal placement of the cart, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to provide translation to the links 109 towards end of the frame 101.

[0037] The sliding unit consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit results in the translation of the links 109 towards end of the frame 101.

[0038] Post translation of the links 109 from the sliding unit, the microcontroller actuates the links 109 to extend/retract for getting positioned on the surface, in view of arranging the frame 101 in the horizontal manner with respect to the surface.

[0039] The links 109 are powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the links. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the links 109 and due to applied pressure the links 109 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the links 109 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the links 109 for arranging the frame 101 in the horizontal manner with respect to the surface.

[0040] Then, in case the user-specified requirement corresponds to resting, the microcontroller actuates an inflatable member 201 arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101 to get inflated over the rods 104 in view of providing a comfortable resting platform for the user, thereby assisting the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks.

[0041] The inflatable member 201 is inflated by an inflation unit consists of an air compressor that provides the required air towards the member 201 via a pipe for inflating the member, as commanded by the microcontroller, for providing a comfortable resting platform for the user.

[0042] Moreover, in case the user-specified requirement corresponds to the horizontal placement of the frame 101, the microcontroller actuates a suction unit 110 integrated on end of the links 109 to adhere to the surface for restricting movement of the frame 101 over the surface.

[0043] The suction unit 110 works by atmospheric pressure such that when the piston is raised, creating a partial vacuum, atmospheric pressure outside forces air into the cylinder, whence it is permitted to escape by an outlet valve. The suction cup is supplied with a motor that creates a vacuum continuously and holds the links 109 with the surface tightly.

[0044] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0045] The present invention works best in the following manner, a rectangular frame 101 having the pair of handles 102 that is accessed by the user to position the frame 101 on the ground surface, followed by the pair of rods 104 arranged underneath the frame 101 for supporting the frame 101 on the surface. Then enables the user to accommodate multiple objects over the crisscrossed structure. Then, the enables the user to provide input voice commands regarding the user-desired requirement. Further, in case the user-desired operation corresponds to transporting the multiple objects, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 determine dimensions of the accommodated objects with respect to gaps in between the rods 104. Then, the robotic arm 107 acquires the grip of the rods 104 individually for adjusting the rods 104 by translating along the slider, in view of maintaining the suitable gap for properly accommodating the objects, thereby enabling the user to transport the objects. Further, the rain sensor detecting rainy weather conditions, and in case the rainy weather is detected, the microcontroller actuates the curved to get deployed over the frame 101 for positioning end of the plate 108 across the frame 101 , followed by actuation of plurality of electromagnets arranged on other end of the frame 101 to create the magnetic field for engaging the plate 108 in view of creating the shed over the frame 101 , thereby protecting the accommodated objects from the detected rainy weather conditions. Then, in case the user-desired requirement corresponds to horizontal placement of the cart, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to provide translation to the links 109 towards end of the frame 101, followed by actuation of the links 109 to extend/retract for getting positioned on the surface, in view of arranging the frame 101 in the horizontal manner with respect to the surface. Then, in case the user-specified requirement corresponds to resting, the microcontroller actuates the inflatable member 201 to get inflated over the rods 104 for providing the comfortable resting platform for the user, thereby assisting the user in user-specified multi-utility tasks.

[0046] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A multi-purpose handcart device, comprising:

i) a rectangular frame 101 having a pair of handles 102 that is accessed by a user to position said frame 101 on a ground surface, wherein a pair of rods 103 arranged underneath said frame 101 for supporting said frame 101 on said surface;

ii) a slider arranged on peripheral portion of said frame 101, wherein plurality of telescopically operated rods 104 are arranged in said frame 101 in a crisscross manner for enabling said user to accommodate multiple objects over said crisscrossed structure;

iii) a microphone 105 integrated in said frame 101 for enabling a user to provide input voice commands regarding a user-desired requirement, wherein in case said user-desired operation corresponds to transporting said multiple objects, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said frame 101 , respectively to determine dimensions of said accommodated objects with respect to gaps in between said rods 104;

iv) a robotic arm 107 installed on said frame 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to acquire a grip of said rods 104 individually for adjusting said rods 104 by translating along said slider, in view of maintaining a suitable gap for properly accommodating said objects, thereby enabling said user to transport said objects;

v) a rain sensor embedded on said frame 101 for detecting rainy weather conditions, wherein in case said rainy weather is detected, said microcontroller actuates a curved plate 108 integrated on one end of said frame 101 to get deployed over said frame 101 for positioning end of said plate 108 across said frame 101 , followed by actuation of plurality of electromagnets arranged on other end of said frame 101 to create a magnetic field for engaging said plate 108 in view of creating a shed over said frame 101 , thereby protecting said accommodated objects from said detected rainy weather conditions;

vi) a pair of hydraulically operated links 109 arranged underneath said frame 101 , each by means of a motorized sliding unit, wherein in case said user-desired requirement corresponds to horizontal placement of said cart, said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit to provide translation to said links 109 towards end of said frame 101 , followed by actuation of said links 109 to extend/retract for getting positioned on said surface, in view of arranging said frame 101 in said horizontal manner with respect to said surface; and

vii) an inflatable member 201 arranged on inner periphery of said frame 101, wherein in case said user-specified requirement corresponds to resting, said microcontroller actuates said inflatable member 201 to get inflated over said rods 104 for providing a comfortable resting platform for said user, thereby assisting said user in user-specified multi-utility tasks.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said curved plate 108 and said frame 101 is integrated with a drawer arrangement to increase/decrease dimensions of said plate 108 and said frame 101 to properly cover and accommodate said objects.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a suction unit 110 is integrated on end of said links 109 that are actuated by said microcontroller to adhere to said surface for restricting movement of said frame 101 over said surface, in case said user-specified requirement corresponds to said horizontal placement of said frame 101.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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