Wheelbarrow Handle

The client was introduced to Hillside by a moulding company who we have a long standing relationship with. They facilitated a meeting between the parties and HPDL was commissioned to develop the design of a sliding wheelbarrow handle. The original concept depicted multiple parts and it was agreed this would benefit from being rationalised to two parts. This required a detailed knowledge of injection moulding toolmaking in order to create the curved dovetail slot needed for the sliding mechanism. Hillside were also tasked with devising an attachment method which would allow a user to fit the handles using only general DIY tools onto the broad range of tubes wheelbarrow manufacturers used. Hillside worked though several iterations of prototypes to refine many elements of the design such as handle dimensions, ergonomics, method of attachment and degree of rotation. 

As the design neared completion Hillside worked with the clients IP team to protect the IP of the concept and put in place extensive protection. Once the IP was secured, the tooling was commissioned and Hillside oversaw the manufacture of the tooling working closely with the client to arrange and review extensive material testing before manufacturing began.

There is growing interest for the i-tip sliding handles as both a retrofit DIY item and for OEM applications. The handles are finding other applications beyond wheelbarrows and are also fitted to sack trucks.