AU2005203201A1 - A trolley - Google Patents

Description

112704882 1.

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 (Cth) Complete Specification QANTAS AIRWAYS LIMITED A Trolley The invention is described in the following statement: Blake Dawson Waldron Patent Services Level 37, Grosvenor Place 225 George Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: 61 2 9258 6000 Fax: 61 2 9258 6999 Ref: ACLC 02 1385 4939 112704882 2.

A Trolley SFIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates broadly to a trolley, and a deck for mounting onto a trolley.

O The invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a low profile trolley and a S 5 roller deck used for transporting freight baggage or other items within such containers such as a unit load device (ULD).

SBACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION ULDs are usually transported between aircrafts and designated terminal buildings of airports by low profile trolleys. These trolleys include profile rollers for facilitating loading and unloading of ULDs. There are limitations in the ability of freight terminals of busy airports, particularly international airports, to absorb a large volume of ULDs into terminal buildings. This, when compounded with an insufficient supply of trolleys, often necessitates the placement of freight (such as ULDs) onto the tarmac or apron area. This placement is effected by lifting the ULD off the low profile trolley using a forklift.

The common practice of forking and lifting ULDs requires forklift operators to wedge the forklift tynes between the profile rollers and the ULD. The profile rollers are located on or form an integral part of the trolley. Incidents and damage reports show that the interaction of the forklift tynes with the profile rollers often results in damage to the trolleys and in particular the rollers, ULDs, contents of ULDs or a combination thereof.

Damage to the trolley and the rollers can cause difficulty in moving ULDs on and off the trolley. This often leads to workers and staff applying excessive forces when attempting to manually move the ULDs off the trolley. Workers may also stand on profiles to aid in this process which itself is an unsafe practice, when attempting to load aircraft, causing damage to the rollers or the trolley.

The various kinds of damage mentioned above often result in injuries, high repair costs, customer claims and upset of the overall flow of freight within the premises of airports.

112704882 O 3.

cI SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a trolley comprising: (a mobile platform including a chassis coupled to one or more wheels; and a deck being removably mounted to the mobile platform, the deck being adapted to support a load and designed to be lifted clear of the mobile platform together with the load.

OAccording to another aspect of the invention there is provided a deck for supporting a load, the deck comprising one or more integrated openings being adapted to receive or engage with lifting means for lifting of the deck together with the load.

Preferably the deck includes one or more integrated openings being adapted to receive or engage with lifting means for lifting of the removable deck. More preferably the lifting means include a pair of tynes of a forklift and the integrated openings are arranged generally parallel to one another and laterally separated so as to substantially align with the pair of tynes.

Preferably the trolley includes one or more rollers coupled to the removable deck.

Alternatively, the trolley includes skids, castors, omnidirectional wheels or ball mats which facilitate the movement of the load across the deck.

Preferably the removable deck includes locating means for laterally positioning the removable deck relative to the mobile platform. More preferably the locating means include one or more recesses within the deck and being adapted to receive respective of one or more locating members connected to the mobile platform. Even more preferably the locating means allows for nesting of the removable deck at least partially within the mobile platform.

Preferably the trolley includes one or more couplings which detachably secure the removable deck to the mobile platform.

Preferably the deck includes a rigid frame to which the rollers are rotatably connected.

More preferably the deck also includes guiding elements connected to the rigid frame and designed to restrict lateral movement of the load.

112704882 4.

Preferably the deck is one of a plurality of decks designed such that they are stackable Zupon each other.

SGenerally the trolley is a low profile trolley. In this case the load is typically a unit load device (ULD).

S 5 According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a deck for supporting a Sload, the deck comprising: a rigid frame; and one or more rollers being rotatably mounted to the frame and adapted to support the (-i load, said rollers being separated a predetermined distance to facilitate the entry of lifting tynes between the rollers for lifting of the load from the deck.

Preferably said one or more rollers are arranged as laterally spaced apart sets of rollers, each set including a series of rollers arranged parallel to one another. More preferably at least one of adjacent sets of the rollers is sufficiently spaced to permit the entry of at least one of the lifting tynes for lifting of the load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention a preferred embodiment of a trolley and a roller deck will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying representations in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a trolley in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a trolley having couplings in accordance with another embodiment of this invention; Figure 3 is an operative and exploded perspective view of the trolley of figure 1; Figure 4 is a side and plan view of the trolley of figures 1 and 3; and Figure 5 is an end and perspective view of the trolley of figure 3.

112704882

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Cl DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in figure 1 there is a trolley 1 generally comprising a mobile platform 2 and a N deck 4 which is removably mounted to the mobile platform 2. The deck 4 is adapted to support a load (not shown) and designed to be lifted clear of the mobile platform 2 together with the load. The mobile platform 2 includes a chassis 6 coupled to one or more wheels a 8, 9, 10 and 12. In this embodiment, the chassis 6 is formed by a framework or grid of N intersecting bars. The mobile platform 2 also includes locating members 14, 16, 18 and in the form of generally square prism-shaped protruding caps connected to four corners of N the chassis 6 and covering the wheels 8, 9, 10 and 12 respectively.

The deck 4 in the present embodiment is a roller deck for holding the load. The deck 4 comprises one or more integrated openings 21 and 22 being adapted to receive or engage with lifting means (not shown) for lifting of the deck 4 together with the load. The deck 4 can therefore be lifted and removed from the mobile platform 2 by the lifting means. The lifting means in this embodiment include a pair of tynes of a forklift. The integrated openings 21 and 22 are in the form of elongate channels, and separated so as to align with the pair of tynes.

As can be seen from figure 1, the trolley 1 includes four rows of rollers 24, 26, 28 and in parallel with each other and coupled to the removable deck 4. The two rows of rollers 24 and 30 on the sides of the deck 4 are shorter in length than the middle rows 26 and 28.

In this example, the removable deck 4 includes four locating means for engaging with the respective locating members 14, 16, 18 and 20 of the platform 2 to laterally position the removable deck 4 relative to the mobile platform 2. The locating means are in the form of recesses or square apertures 32, 34, 36 and 38 within the deck 4. The locating means 14, 16, 18 and 20 allows for nesting of the removable deck 4 at least partially within the mobile platform 2. As a result, the trolley 1 when coupled with the removable deck 4 is maintained as a low profile. As an alternative or addition to the rollers such as 24, the trolley 1 may include skids, castors, omnidirectional wheels or ball mats which facilitate the movement of the load across the deck 4.

The removable deck 4 includes a rigid frame 40 to which the rows of rollers 24, 26, 28 and 30 are connected. Each roller of the rows are rotatable about its axis of rotation thereby 112704882 S6.

1 assisting movement of the load being supported thereon. The deck 4 also includes guiding elements 42 and 44 connected to the rigid frame 40. The guiding elements 42 and 44 are r in the form of elongate barriers with internally slanting top and side edges 50 and 52 designed to restrict lateral movement of the load. Further, the removable deck 4 has locking members 54, 56, 58 and 60 which are provided to restrict the load from sliding from the deck 4.

(Ni r Referring to figure 2, the construction of another embodiment of the supporting structure as shown is fundamentally the same as that shown in figure 1. For ease of reference and to N avoid repetition the same reference numerals have been used for corresponding components/parts of the structure of this alternate embodiment. This embodiment includes locking members such as 56 and 60 which may be disposed in an erected position so as to function as an abutment surface preventing ULDs from sliding off the deck 4. When not in use, the locking members such as 54 and 58 may be disposed in a collapsed position so that they are flush with the surface of the deck 4. Also provided in this embodiment are lugs 55, 57, 59 and 61 which are provided in the two rows of rollers 24 and 30 at the opposite ends of the deck 4. Once again, the lugs 55, 57, 59 and 61 provide an abutment surface to prevent ULDs of, for example, a trapezoidal or rhombic shape from sliding off the deck 4. The lugs such as 55 and 57 can be disposed in an operable and erected position. The lugs such as 59 and 61 can also be disposed in a collapsed position when not in use. The lugs 55, 57, 59 and 61 may operate independently or in conjunction with the locks 54, 56, 58, 60 to secure the position of a ULD during the course of transportation.

The number of rollers in rows 24 and 30 may vary depending on the desired size of the deck 4 and has been reduced in this embodiment compared to that shown in figure 1 to accommodate the lugs 55, 57, 59 and 61. The deck 4 in this embodiment also includes covers 63. The covers 63 are provided as safety features as the square recesses or cavities 32, 34, 36 and 38 may present potential traps for workers. The deck 4 in this embodiment also include couplings 65, 67, 69 and 71 for securing the removable deck 4 to the mobile platform 2. The couplings may be in the form of mechanical couplings such as twist locks.

Alternatively, the couplings may be pneumatic locks.

The removable deck 4 is designed such that they are stackable upon each other to save storage space. As shown in figures 3, 4 and 5, the trolley 1 is maintained as a low profile trolley with the removable deck 4 in its operative position and nested with the mobile 112704882 O 7.

platform 4. The locating members 14, 16, 18 and 20 are snugly received within the locating means 32, 34, 36 and 38 respectively.

r, Generally the trolley 1 is a low profile trolley. In this embodiment the load is typically a unit load device (ULD). Further, the trolley 1 includes a draw bar 62 with a tow coupling 64. The draw bar 62 allows the trolley to be towed by a vehicle such as a tug thereby Cc operating as a trailer. A towing hitch is also provided at the rear of the trolley, thus C allowing multiple trolleys to be connected in the form of a train. It is also contemplated that the trolley of the present invention may take the form of a dolly for conveying C baggage or other freight items.

The trolley of this embodiment can be utilized for transporting freight, baggage or other items (such as in ULDs). When in use, a ULD is loaded or rests on the deck which is typically in its operative position on the mobile platform of the trolley. The lifting tynes of the forklift may be inserted into the integrated openings provided in the removable deck.

The removable deck together with the load may then be lifted from the mobile platform of the trolley. The removable deck and load may then be stored in a freight terminal. The mobile platform is then provided with another deck for subsequent loading of ULDs. For this reason, it is expected that the ratio of decks to platforms will vary from 3:1 to 6:1.

The rollers in a preferred embodiment are separated a predetermined distance to facilitate the entry of the lifting tynes between the rollers for lifting of the load from the roller deck.

The rollers are in this example arranged as laterally spaced apart sets of rollers. Each set includes a series of rollers arranged parallel to one another. At least one of adjacent sets of the rollers is sufficiently spaced to permit the entry of at least one of the lifting tynes for lifting of the load. In the case of the low profile trolley of figures 1, 2 and 3, rows 24 and are located at the opposite ends of the roller deck while rows 26 and 28 are disposed immediately adjacent to each other. As a result of this arrangement, passageways 65 and 67 are provided permitting entry of the lifting tynes between the rows of rollers for lifting of the load. In this embodiment, the locks 54, 56, 58 and 60 do not need to be disposed in a collapsed position before the lifting tynes can be inserted.

It should be noted that the ULDs referred to in this specification are intended to include pellets or transportable containers. It is also possible that the deck 4 can be used as a 112704882 8.

mobile station to facilitate independent building up or breaking down of ULDs of for Sexample a modular construction.

SNow that a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in some detail it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the trolley and deck have at least the following advantages: (Ni the trolley and roller deck prevent the rollers, trolleys, ULDs and/or freight from t being damaged by the tynes of forklift trucks; (ii) the trolley substantially reduces work injury by removing the need of any excessive force when manual moving ULDs; (iii) the trolley permits swift, efficient and safe handling of ULDs thereby reducing congestion; (iv) the trolley by relying on multiple removable decks reduces the number of trolleys required for the operation of an airport; and the mobile platform can be semi-permanently attached by mechanical couplings to the removable deck allowing it to operate as a low profile, if needed.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, the specific configuration and materials of constructions for the removable deck or deck may vary provided it cooperates with a mobile platform.

All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Claims (21)

1. A trolley comprising: a mobile platform including a chassis coupled to one or more wheels; and a deck being removably mounted to the mobile platform, the deck being adapted to S 5 support a load and designed to be lifted clear of the mobile platform together with the load.

2. A trolley as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deck includes one or more integrated Sopenings being adapted to receive or engage with lifting means for lifting of the removable deck. 3, A trolley as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lifting means include a pair of tynes of a forklift and the integrated openings are arranged generally parallel to one another and laterally separated so as to substantially align with the pair of tynes. 4 A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including one or more rollers coupled to the removable deck.

5. A trolley as claimed in claim 4, wherein the deck includes a rigid frame to which the rollers are rotatably connected.

6. A trolley as claimed in claim 5, wherein the deck also includes guiding elements connected to the rigid frame and designed to restrict lateral movement of the load.

7. A trolley as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 including skids, castors, omnidirectional wheels or ball mats coupled to the deck and designed to facilitate the movement of the load across the deck.

8. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable deck includes locating means for laterally positioning the removable deck relative to the mobile platform. 112704882

9. A trolley as claimed in claim 8, wherein the locating means include one or more recesses within the deck and being adapted to receive respective of one or more Slocating members connected to the mobile platform. A trolley as claimed in claim either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the locating means allows for nesting of the removable deck at least partially within the mobile Cc platform. t 11. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including one or more Scouplings which detachably secure the removable deck to the mobile platform.

12. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deck is designed such that it is stackable upon another deck.

13. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims being a low profile trolley.

14. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load is a unit load device (ULD). A deck for supporting a load, the deck comprising one or more integrated openings being adapted to receive or engage with lifting means for lifting of the deck together with the load.

16. A deck as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lifting means include a pair of tynes of a forklift and the integrated openings are arranged generally parallel to one another and laterally separated so as to substantially align with the pair of tynes.

17. A deck as claimed in either of claims 15 or 16 including one or more rollers coupled to the deck.

18. A deck as claimed in claim 17 including a rigid frame to which the rollers are rotatably connected. 112704882 b 11. i 19. A deck as claimed in claim 18 also including guiding elements connected to the rigid frame and designed to restrict lateral movement of the load. A deck as claimed in either of claims 15 or 16 including skids, castors, omnidirectional wheels or ball mats coupled to the deck and designed to facilitate movement of the load across the deck. (Ni

21. A deck as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20 including locating means adapted t to laterally position the deck relative to a mobile platform.

22. A deck as claimed in claim 21, wherein the locating means include one or more recesses within the deck and being adapted to receive respective of one or more locating members connected to the mobile platform.

23. A deck as claimed in either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the locating means allows for nesting of the removable deck at least partially within the mobile platform.

24. A deck as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23 including one or more couplings which detachably secure the removable deck to the mobile platform.

25. A deck as claimed in any one of the claims 15 to 24 being designed such that it is stackable upon another deck.

26. A deck as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the load is a unit load device (ULD).

27. A deck for supporting a load, the deck comprising: a rigid frame; and one or more rollers being rotatably mounted to the frame and adapted to support the load, said rollers being separated a predetermined distance to facilitate the entry of lifting tynes between the rollers for lifting of the load from the deck. 28 A deck as claimed in claim 27, wherein said one or more rollers are arranged as laterally spaced apart sets of rollers, each set including a series of rollers arranged parallel to one another. 112704882 12.

29. A deck as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least one of adjacent sets of the rollers is sufficiently spaced to permit the entry of at least one of the lifting tynes for lifting of the load. Dated: 22 July 2005 QANTAS AIRWAYS LIMITED Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: BLAKE DAWSON WALDRON PATENT SERVICES