Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds four 60-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments. Embodiments of the foldable solar array system are constructed from steel components, and feature proprietary integrated hinges to minimize the size and complexity of the system. The hinges are specially-cut sections of steel angle iron that force a solid stop point in the open or closed positions. These may be 90° hinges on the panel arms and swing arms, and may be 180° hinges on panel-to-panel hinges. The panel-to-panel hinges also allow for an offset based on the thickness of the solar panels and make the solar panels lay flat when open and stack face to face when closed. The weight from the use of steel is useful to help stabilize the array in windy conditions. Additional weight and/or ground anchors can also be easily applied and are recommended for use in windy environments.

The present inventions provides a lifting device 101 comprising a main body 105 being of a generally elongate form, said main body 105 having at one end thereof a transport means 102, 120 to allow said device to translate relative to the ground, a boom portion 103 cooperating with said main body 105 and adapted to support a load at its end, a motive power means 115 to lift or lower said load, said main body 105 being able to be pivoted by a user with respect to a fulcrum 102, 120 formed by either said transport means 102, 120 and a ground location or said transport means 102, 120, around an axis generally parallel to the ground, to transfer or arcuately move a load carried by said boom portion 103, thereby providing a functionally variable horizontal reach 1013 to said device 101.

A movement assisting tool (23) includes an attachment portion (24) that can be attached to and removed from a main body portion (11) of a battery unit (4), leg portions (25) that are coupled to the attachment portion (24) and extend from the attachment portion (24), and moving wheels (26) that are supported by extension portions of the leg portions (25). In a state where the attachment portion (24) has been attached to the main body portion (11) of the battery unit (4) and the moving wheels (26) are touching the ground, the battery unit (4) can be kept in an inclined orientation in which the wheels (13) are touching the ground and ground contact portions (14) are raised above the ground.

A collapsible utility cart includes an elongate frame having upper and lower ends. A handle is formed proximate the upper end of the frame. A pair of wheels are axially rotatably connected to the frame and are pivotable between an open condition wherein the wheels are axially aligned with one another and a folded condition wherein the wheels are axially parallel to one another. Upper and lower support element are interconnected pivotally to the frame and are alternatable between collapsed conditions folded against the frame and open conditions extending forwardly from the frame. A plurality of clips are carried by the upper support element for securing a collection bag to the upper support element.

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds two multi-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds two multi-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing portable or fixed solar array support systems. Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus that holds four 60-cell rooftop-grade solar panels and folds up into a relatively small portable device that easily fits in a garage or shed. When open, the panels are displayed at near the nominal angle to the sun for the region. Adjustable angle supports are available in alternative embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention are designed to be improvements over existing wheelbarrows. Certain embodiments comprise a frame, one or more weight-bearing wheels, and a pan. In certain embodiments, a wheelbarrow comprises a bight or a bumper having wheels. The wheels on the bight or bumper are located to the sides of a weight-bearing wheel. In certain embodiments, wheels located on each side of a bight or bumper portion allow a user to maneuver a wheelbarrow up or down a curb, or navigate stairs without causing damage to surfaces. Certain embodiments of the invention allow more efficient unloading of the contents of a wheelbarrow bed. Certain embodiments are designed to retrofit on existing wheelbarrows.

A pivot bracket for a wheelbarrow having a bight with a ground-engaging portion positioned so as to enable a large pivoting angle of the wheelbarrow. In some preferred embodiments, the ground engaging portion is positioned forward of the wheel of the wheelbarrow and above the axis of rotation of the wheel.

A handcart may include: a front wheel; a rear wheel; a support frame supporting the front wheel and the rear wheel; a receptacle pivotable relative to the support frame; a load sensor configured to detect a load applied to the rear wheel; and a control unit. When the load detected by the load sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined load, the control unit may be configured to determine that the rear wheel is predicted to lift from a ground.