FR2643601A1 - TRANSPORTATION DEVICE FOR SALE OR AMBULANT DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD PRODUCTS WITHIN A TRAIN, AIRPLANE OR OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORT - Google Patents

Abstract

This device is constituted by the combination of a trolley 1 proper comprising simply a lower platform 4 and an operating stretcher 3 and a removable transport cage 2, made of metal wires or the like, containing baskets 13, 24 for storing food products and receptacles for packaging boxes or the like. The platform 4 of the carriage comprises means capable of ensuring the removable fixing in place of this cage on this carriage. As for the transport cage 2, it is provided with rollers 8 at its lower end. Thus this cage can be filled in advance in a supply center to then be brought in a train or other means of transport within which an itinerant sale or distribution of food products must take place. Optionally, this cage can be transported in a container also containing baskets or other replenishment receptacles.

Description

* Transport device for the sale or itinerant distribution of

  The present invention relates to devices used for the sale or itinerant distribution of food products inside a train, an aircraft.

or other means of transportation.

  Currently, for this purpose, carts are used which are narrow enough to pass through the circulation corridors existing between the passenger seats. These trolleys include a chassis, generally made of metal wires, which carries different storage receptacles containing the products to be distributed. In addition, this chassis usually contains one or more tanks containing different types of drink. So while pushing in front of him, or pulling him, such a cart, the attendant in the distribution or sale of food products can pick them up in the

  corresponding storage receptacles for putting them back

to travelers.

  However, the use of carriages currently provided for this purpose has a number of drawbacks. The first of these lies in the fact that before any sales or distribution operation, it is necessary to replenish the various storage receptacles and fill the beverage tanks. This therefore requires a certain number of operations to be carried out on site in poor conditions. Good

  heard this implies that previously the re-

  supplies were routed and placed in storage lockers provided inside one of the cars of a passenger train or in an airplane or other form of transportation. In addition, this solution is completely unsuitable in the case of food products

  requiring cold storage.

  This is why the subject of the present invention is a transport device specially designed so as to

  avoid the various drawbacks mentioned above.

  To this end, this device is characterized in that it is constituted by the combination of an actual carriage simply comprising a lower platform and a maneuvering stretcher, and a removable transport cage, made of metal wires or the like, containing food product storage baskets and receptacles for packaging boxes or the like, the platform of the trolley comprising means capable of ensuring removable fixing

  in place of this cage on this cart.

  Thus, the operation of filling the removable transport cage can take place beforehand in a supply center so that this cage is transported to the train, plane or the like while being completely filled. It then suffices to adapt it on the platform of a corresponding trolley

  so that the set is immediately ready for use.

  In an advantageous embodiment of the present device, it further comprises a container comprising several compartments, at least some of which are refrigerated and one of which contains a cage for

  transport according to one of the preceding claims,

  ready to be mounted on the platform of a trolley intended to receive it, while one or more other compartments contain baskets or the like

  replenishment receptacles.

  The container thus provided is intended to be filled in a supply center to be then transported and placed inside a train, a

  a sale or distribution of food products,

  these therefore remain placed inside this container, this

  which ensures their perfect conservation.

  However, other features and advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent during the

  following description. This is given with reference to

  drawings attached for information only, and in which: FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the two main constituent elements of the transport device according to the invention, these being represented

before assembly.

  Figure 2 is an elevational view of one end of the same device after adaptation of the

  transport cage on a corresponding trolley.

  Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the fixing means of the cage

  transport on the platform of the corresponding trolley.

  Figure 4 is a front elevational view of a transport and storage container containing both a fully equipped transport cage and a cart

intended to receive it.

  Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view

along line V-V in Figure 4.

  Figure 6 is a similar view illustrating the operation of placing a transport cage on

a corresponding carriage.

  In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the device according to the invention consists solely of the combination of a carriage 1 and a transport cage 2, made of metal wires, containing baskets for storing the products to distribute. The carriage 1 is of a particular type, since it simply comprises an operating stretcher 3 and a lower platform 4 intended to receive the cage 2 for serving it

of support.

  In the example shown, the cage 2 is made of metal wires. On each side it has a vertical frame 5 of rectangular shape which is joined to the frame on the opposite side by a number of crosspieces 6.

  In the lower part, there are also crossings

  his. At each of the corners of the lower part, there are rollers 8 mounted in yokes 7. These rollers make it possible to roll the whole of this cage on the

ground.

  To adapt the cage 2 to the platform 4, it suffices to present it opposite the end of the carriage i which is opposite to the maneuvering stretcher 3 and the

  then roll on platform 4 using the rollers-

  tes 8, and this until it is placed against the operating stretcher 3, that is to say in its fixing position. To secure the cage 2 on the platform

  Form 4, this has two slides on each side

  sockets 9 intended to receive a horizontal flange 40

  provided on the lower edge of the yokes 7 of the rollers 8.

  Closer to the base of its operating stretcher 3, the carriage 1 comprises locking means capable of

  secure the cage 2 in its fixing position

tion.

  In the example shown, these locking means consist of a movable cross member 41, one and the other ends of which constitute locking tabs 42 intended to engage in notches 43 provided in the slides 9. These notches are provided at a certain distance from the operating stretcher 3, in this case a sufficient distance so that the yokes 7 of the corresponding end of the cage 2 can be placed in

  a position 7a beyond the retaining tabs 42.

  The movable cross member 41 is carried by a flat iron arch 44 constituting with it a closed frame which is pivotally mounted around two horizontal axes 45. These are carried by two tubes 47, of rectangular section, inside which are placed the lateral branches 48 of the arch 44. The position of the axes 45, on the sides of the frame 41-44, is such that under the effect of its own weight it tends to remain in its blocking position shown in Figure 3. However, the transverse end of the arch 44 protrudes slightly outside, beyond the operating stretcher 3. Under these conditions, it is possible to apply pressure with the foot on this end in the direction of arrow F1 to rotate the entire frame 41-44 around the axes, in order to lift the locking tabs 42 and release them outside the slides 9. This makes it possible to release the yokes 7 from the rollers 8 of so that it is possible to withdraw the cage 2 outside of the carriage 1 by a

  reverse operation to that described above.

  With regard to the maneuver of fixing in place of the cage 2, it is quite obvious that the locking tabs 42 must be raised at the desired time to allow the passage of the rim 40 of the yokes 7. However this rim 40 can advantageously be provided a ramp 46 capable of ensuring by itself the lifting of the leg

  42 when it comes into contact with it.

  Under these conditions, it is only for the release of the cage 2 that it is necessary to actuate the pivoting frame.

41-44.

  To facilitate the operation of placing the cage 2, the height H of the platform 4 of the carriage relative to the ground is substantially equal to the height of the threshold 11 existing at the entrance to the storage cupboard 12 inside which the cage 2 is stored before use, and even inside a railway wagon, an airplane or the like. So just present the

2643601.

  trolley 1 opposite this cupboard as illustrated in FIG. 1 so that the

cage 2 on this carriage.

  In its lower half, this cage contains a certain number of storage baskets 13 containing different food products. These baskets rest on horizontal plates 14 provided inside the cage 2. However, they can also be mounted on slides provided on the internal face of the two sides of this cage. In any event, these different baskets are removably mounted inside the cage 2, so that they can be replaced by similar re-supply baskets. One of these baskets is used to support a series of cups 16

  intended for drink consumers.

  At its upper half, the cage 2 contains two reservoirs 17 for drinks. These are arranged near the face of the cage 2 which is intended to be placed against the operating stretcher 3 of the carriage 1. Thus the user can easily operate the taps 18 fitted to these tanks. Behind these two tanks 17 there is provided a box 19 intended to serve as a receptacle for waste or refuse. On at least one of its sides this box has an access opening 20 -which can possibly be closed by a hinged door or the like. In this same upper half, the cage 2 contains two metal wire slides 21 which are bent in an L so that their vertical branch is disposed behind the garbage box 19, while their horizontal branch extends below this same box. and reservoirs 17. These slides are arranged to contain a series of boxes 22 for packaging beverages, which are arranged flat in these slides. The arrangement is such that one of these packaging boxes 22a is located on the access face to the cage 2 so that it can be immediately removed. By gravity, the other boxes then slide in the slides so that one of them comes to replace the box thus removed. Finally, at its upper end, the cage 2 is equipped with a horizontal plate 23 intended to receive other baskets still containing 24 containing;

food products To distribute.

  Thanks to the present device, a very great simplification of the preparation and handling operations is obtained which must be carried out before a traveling sale or distribution inside a train, an airplane or the like. In fact the trolley (s) proper 1 remaining in place inside the train or the like, the transport cages 2 are brought inside of it after having been filled and equipped in a preparation center. These cages therefore arrive on site in a ready-to-use state, which avoids any on-site recharging operation. Of course, the transport and handling operations of

  these cages are facilitated by the fact that they.

  are fitted with rollers 8 at their lower end.

  These cages can then be placed in cupboards

  storage 12 provided inside a train or the like.

  When there is a need to make an itinerant sale or distribution, it suffices to adapt such a cage on a trolley 1 as shown in FIG. 1. When this cage has been emptied almost completely of its contents, it can be easily and quickly replaced by another fully equipped cage, which was previously stored waiting in a cupboard 12. At the end of service, the various transport cages are taken up to be again equipped in a specialized outdoor center, the

carriage 1 remaining in place.

  Of course the storage cupboards 12, which are intended to receive the transport cages 2, can be refrigerated in order to ensure good preservation of the

  food products contained in these cages ..

  Figures 4 & 6 illustrate an improved embodiment in which there is further provided a container 25 intended to facilitate the transport of a cage 2 and re-supply baskets to the place of use inside the 'a train, plane or similar. This container is preferably isothermal and it can advantageously include refrigerated compartments by means of eutectic plates placed therein. This container is closed on the front by two doors 26. Furthermore, at its lower end this container is equipped with four feet 27 intended to allow its handling by means of the fork of a pallet trolley. The height of these feet is such that the height H1 of the bottom of this container is equal to the height H of the plate 4 of a trolley 1. This makes it possible to easily transfer, onto such a trolley, a transport cage 2 located at the inside a container 25, as

shown in Figure 6.

  The interior space of the container 25 is subdivided into two parts by a vertical partition 28. One of these two parts comprises a single compartment 29 inside which is housed a transport cage 2 such

as previously described.

  As for the other part, it is subdivided into two superimposed compartments 30 and 31. On one side of each of these two compartments, there is provided a perforated sheet 32 or 33 providing a space inside which are arranged one or more refrigeration blocks 34 constituted by eutectic plates, removably mounted. Furthermore, the walls of these two compartments g are equipped with trays or a series of slides 35

  intended to serve as supports for waste baskets

  supply 13 and 24 of the same type as those contained inside a transport cage 2. These baskets contain food products whose good conservation implies their storage inside

a refrigerated enclosure.

  However, the bottom 36 of the lower compartment 30 reserves a free space above the bottom 37 of the container, so as to be able to accommodate there the lower platform 4 of a trolley whose operating stretcher 3 is then disposed.

  on the front, as shown in figure 5.

  Under these conditions, the container 25 contains all the elements necessary for the production of a transport device allowing the sale or the

  itinerant distributin of food products.

  Of course this container is intended to be fully equipped and supplied in a special preparation center. Thanks to its lower legs 27, it can be easily transported and inserted inside a railway wagon, or an airplane, by means of a pallet trolley. This container can then be placed on standby until the moment when it is planned to carry out a distribution or a itinerant sale of products.

food.

  At this time, it is sufficient to remove the carriage 1 to place it opposite the compartment 29 of the container in order to transfer the transport cage 2 to the platform of this carriage, as shown in FIG. 6. The various baskets 13 and 24 contained in the two other compartments 30 and 31 are then left there waiting, which ensures perfect preservation of their content since these compartments are refrigerated. These baskets can be used later to replace baskets in cage 2, the contents of which have

been distributed.

  Of course the container thus represented does not

  constitutes only one possible example of realization.

  Optionally, this container could be designed to contain two fully equipped cages 2, without any carriage 1 being contained therein, the carriage then being intended to remain inside trains, planes or the like, waiting to be team. In such a case, the container compartments containing these two transport cages could both be refrigerated to

  ensure good preservation of the products contained.

  However, many other alternative embodiments can be provided, in particular depending on the cases and applications. Thus the container 25 could be fitted with rollers, at one or the other end, to facilitate

its handling.

  Furthermore, the mobile cages 2 can

  advantageously be produced in a symmetrical form.

  Their attachment to the platform 4 of a carriage 1 can then be carried out either in one direction or the other. For this purpose, the yokes 7 of the different lower rollers 8 all have a flange 40 intended to be engaged in the slides 9 of the plate

shape of carriages 1.

2643601.

Claims (10)

  1. Transport device for the sale or itinerant distribution of drinks and light foods, such as sandwiches, cakes and the like, characterized in that it is constituted by the combination of a trolley (1) proper comprising simply a lower platform (4) and a maneuvering stretcher (3) and a removable transport cage (2), made of metal wires or the like, containing baskets (13, 24) for storing food products and receptacles for boxes of packaging or the like, the platform (4) of the carriage comprising means capable of - ensuring the removable fixing in place of this cage on this carriage. 2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport cage (2), which contains baskets or other receptacles containing food products, is provided with rollers (8) at its lower end, and the arrangement is such that this cage can thus roll on the platform (4) of an additional carriage (1) as far as its position fixing on this platform.   3. Transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that the carriage (1) comprises means capable of ensuring the locking of a movable cage (2) in its fixing position.   4. Transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that the platform of the carriage comprises two slides (9) intended to receive a horizontal flange (40) provided on the yokes (7) for mounting the rollers of the mobile cages (2 ) and the locking means of these cages consist of a pivoting frame (41-44) carrying locking tabs (42) placed in notches (43) of the slides (9) so as to retain the yokes (7) of the rollers (8) after their installation beyond these locking tabs.   5. Transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that the pivoting locking frame (41-44) is mounted so as to automatically maintain itself in its locking position under the effect of its own weight, one of the ends of this frame projecting slightly beyond the maneuvering stretcher of the carriage 1 so that it can be actuated in order to release the legs blocking (42).   6. Transport device according to one of   previous claims, characterized in that in its   lower half the transport cage (2) comprises trays or slides capable of serving as supports for storage baskets (13, 24), while in its upper half it comprises a space equipped with reservoirs (17) for drinks, arranged on one of the faces of the transport cage, and a receptacle (19) of refuse placed behind but comprising one or more openings side (20).   7. Transport device according to claim 6, characterized in that in its upper half, the transport cage (2) comprises slides (21) bent in L serving as guide supports for boxes (22) for packaging beverages , the vertical branch of these slides being disposed behind the receptacle (19) for garbage, while their horizontal branch extends below this receptacle and reservoirs (17) of beverages to end on the corresponding face of the transport cage.   8. Transport device according to one of   previous claims, characterized in that it   further comprises a container (25) comprising several compartments, at least some of which are refrigerated and one of which contains a transport cage (2) according to one   of the preceding claims, ready to be mounted on the   platform (4) of a carriage (1) intended to receive it, while one or more other compartments contain baskets (13, 24) or other receptacles re-supply.   9. Transport device according to claim 8, characterized in that at its lower end, the container (25) is provided with feet (27) allowing its handling with the fork of a pallet transport trolley and the bottom of this container is located at a height (H1) from the ground which is equal to the height (H) of the platform (4) of a carriage (1) intended for receive a transport cage (2).   10. Transport device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the container (25) is arranged to also contain a carriage (1) capable of receiving a transport cage (2), so that this container contains all the elements necessary to constitute a trolley for sale or distribution   food and beverage vendor.