GB2498415A - A collapsible trolley for transferring heavy loads across rough terrain which can also be used as a camp bed - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible trolley in which a main frame, consisting of two parallel side rails A, is spanned by a fabric top cover (J, figure 6) which is held in tension by hinged cross brace spreaders E providing it with structural rigidity. A single, centrally located, large diameter wheel B is provided. An under-slung carry pocket K may be attached to the underside of the fabric cover, said pocket allowing balanced loading of heavy items. A four- legged, triangulated, support structure may secure the wheel to the parallel side rails such that it transfers further tension into the fabric top cover of the trolley making it more rigid the heavier it is loaded. The four support legs D may be hinge mounted to the parallel side rails such that they can be folded away under the device and secured to the underside of the fabric top cover, meaning that the trolley can also be used as a camp bed when the wheel is removed. The fabric top cover and integral under-slung carry pocket section can also be removable allowing a range of alternative fabric pocket inserts, such as a seat, to be installed. The trolley frame can be dismantled and folded up for transport.

Description

TITLE: MULTI FUNCTION COLLAPSIBLE TROLLEY FOR TRANSFERING HEAVY LOADS ACROSS ROUGH

TERRAIN WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED AS A CAMP BED

BACKGROUND:

This invention relates to the creation of light weight, collapsible trolley for transferring heavy loads across rough terrain at outdoor events such as music festivals. Once the load has been successfully transferred from a person's vehicle to their chosen camping location, then the trolley can be simply converted into a comfortable camp bed. After the event, the bed is again converted into a trolley and used to transfer ones belongings back to your vehicle.

Many people attend outdoor events such as music festivals, the biggest of which can last up to 5 days. The car parks of such events are normally fields and often several miles from the eventual camp sites at which the person will stay. In order to get all their camping equipment, clothing, food and drinks from the car park to the camp site without making multiple laborious trips a trolley is often utilised. Due to the rough terrain that has to be crossed a very robust trolley is required and other examples of such are typically too large to fit in the boot of a normal car or the storage hold of a coach or bus. Also, such existing trolley designs are large and must be stored in the user's tent or else transferred back to their vehicle until required for the return journey. This invention is a robust trolley on which heavy loads can be easily carried over significant distances across rutted fields which are often muddy. The trolley collapses to a size that easily fits in the boot of any normal car and also converts into a comfortable camp bed on which the owner can sleep until it is time to return their belongings back to their vehicle.

Furthermore, the trolley can be constructed such that the fabric structure of the trolley can be easily removed and replaced with a different item with a new specific function. The shape of the fabric pocket can be tailored to suit the load to be carried. In this way the trolley can be a multipurpose yet bespoke trolley, which folds away and is easily transported. This opens up in many additional industrial and domestic functions for this collapsible trolley.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION:

To overcome the aforementioned problems, the present invention proposes the production of a rectangular, collapsible trolley frame spanned by a tensioned fabric top cover which sits on a single, centrally located, large diameter wheel. The support legs for the wheel are secured to the side rails of the frame by hinged mounts which allow them to be laid parallel and secured to the frame when not in use meaning that the trolley can be also utilised as a camp bed when the wheel is not fitted.

Secured to and hanging below the (in tension) fabric top cover is a carry pocket in which heavy items can be located such as cans or even cases of drink, a tent, canned food items etc. all of which maintaining a low centre of gravity for stability. Access to this pocket can be via a closable access flap through the canvas cover, or through an opening in the end of the pocket or in the case of the quickly removable carry pocket, the top of the pocket is open. By carefully loading the carry pocket plus strapping the bulkier but lighter items (such as clothes, sleeping bags etc.) onto the top of the trolley the trolley can be balanced such that minimal effort is required to lift the carry handles.

Movable tie down loops can be positioned as required or at regular intervals along both sides of the trolley for use with straps, bungees or elastic cargo nets to secure items to the top of the trolley. The large diameter single central wheel makes the trolley extremely manoeuvrable and easy to move over quite challenging terrain, carrying significant loads. The diagonally opposed forces generated by the 4 legs supporting the wheel mean that the trolley becomes more rigid and stable the more weight is loaded into it.

Should an assistant not be available to support the trolley during loading, optional props can be installed at the far end of the trolley which allow the trolley to stand unsupported with a slight downward slope away from the carry handle end. Once loaded, and contents secured, the props can be removed and stored for transport and then, if required, the trolley can be tipped forward (or backwards) for rest periods during transfer of belongings to required location.

A special extruded section can be used to make the parallel side rails such that the fabric top cover and integral carry pocket can be made very easily removable by simply releasing the tension on the spreaders and sliding out the fabric unit. This allows for an alternative fabric insert to be installed which can be configured for use as a camp bed or if installed differently used as a reclined chair. This quick change feature also allows for the installation of specific, custom made pocket inserts to suit any specific load within the constraints of the space available and as it is a fabric construction it will always be possible to collapse the trolley with any pocket insert installed.

If the bed function is not required then a shorter version of the trolley frame can be produced which still utilizes all the design features mentioned above but is simply shorter in length. Also, In this configuration, a customised, bespoke carry pocket can be produced with a shape and form designed to suit any specific application and load within the constraints of the space available and the maximum designed load capacity. In this way, a customised trolley can be made to fulfil a specific purpose and carry a specific load but utilising the same basic frame construction and stretched fabric principal to give it its rigidity.

ADVANTAGES: This Trolley is extremely robust but light weight and collapsible such that it can fit into the luggage compartment of any normal car.

The single, central, large diameter wheel means that if loaded correctly heavy loads can be transported easily over long distances on challenging terrain.

The trolley has multi functions when used with different bespoke fabric pocket inserts.

The trolley can be quickly reconfigured without the need for tools into a comfortable camp bed or reclined chair.

The wheel spindle for the trolley may be supplied with a quick release mechanism which requires no tools.

The under-slung carry pocket allows the transport of very heavy items such as large quantities of canned drinks at the lowest possible height making the trolley very stable.

When not in use the trolley can be folded up and stored in minimal space.

The trolley can be used alternatively as a very comfortable camp bed if the trolley function is not required.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure la shows the trolley fully assembled with a basic triangular design of under-slung carry pocket, Figure lb shows the trolley in bed mode with the wheel removed, the pocket replaced with the bed insert and the 4 off hinged legs folded away and secured under the bed, and, Figure lc shows the trolley reconfigured to make a comfortable reclined chair Figure ld shows the trolley fully collapsed (with the pocket insert installed) and ready to be retained in a fabric transport! storage bag.

Figure le shows an alternative embodiment of the trolley which is shorter in length and thus does not allow the alternative use as a bed however the construction of this embodiment is fundamentally the same as the bed version. The pocket can still be made easily removable and interchangeable if required but it is not entirely necessary and this embodiment could be produced with simple round section parallel side rails and a captive fabric top cover and pocket insert.

Figure 2 shows the trolley frame / structure fully assembled but with the fabric top cover and integral under-slung carry pocket removed for clarity, with 2 off Parallel side rails (A), a single, large diameter, centrally located wheel (B), 2 off centrally located, lockable, double hinge joints (C), 4 off hinge mounted legs (D), 2 off hinged cross brace "spreaders" (E), 2 off carry handles (F), 4 off combined bed raiser and mounting support for 2 off "spreaders" (G), and finally, 2 off removable loading props (F-I). Note -the fabric top cover and integral carry pocket do not need to be removed to collapse the trolley for storage) FigureS shows the trolley structure in bed mode with wheel (B) removed, 4 off hinged legs (D) folded away and secured under the bed. The 2 off double hinge joints (C) are now locked straight and the 4 off bed raisers (G) keep the bed up off the ground for maximum comfort for the user. Also shown is the quick release wheel spindle (M).

Figure 4 shows the first stage of the collapse of the trolley for storage! transport. The 2 off Spreaders (E) are released to remove the tension from the fabric top cover and then fully folded allowing the 2 parallel side rails (A) to be brought completely together. The double hinged joints (C) must now be unlocked to allow the frame to be folded in half as shown in figure 5.

Figure 5 shows the trolley frame fully collapsed with the 2 off double hinge joints (C) released and the parallel side rails (A) folded in half making the unit as small as possible. The assembly is retained closed by an integral strap (secured to the fabric top cover) of elastic or alternatively a fabric band closed by Velcro or similar means (I) allowing the whole frame to be held closed before retention in a fabric transport! storage bag.

Figure 6 shows an end view of the trolley with a fabric top cover (J) and integral under-slung carry pocket (K) installed and held in tension by the spreaders (E) which are positioned towards each end of the trolley. The under-slung, carry pocket (K) is shown with an open area at the bottom of the pocket (L) allowing water to drain if used in bad weather. A single wheel spindle (M) secures the wheel (B) in between the 4 off hinged legs (D) with each pair of legs overlapping on each side of the wheel. Also shown are a number of tie down loops (N) which can be located as required at regular intervals down both sides of the trolley and allow straps, bungees or elastic cargo nets to be used to safely secure items to the top of the trolley.

Figure 7 shows the side view of the trolley showing the centrally positioned, extended length of the under-slung carry pocket (K) for maximum heavy load capacity and designed such that it remains clear of the wheel even when fully loaded.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the trolley frame (again, the fabric top cover (J) complete with under-slung carry pocket (K) are not shown for clarity of the drawing) showing the 2 off locked out spreaders (E) and the overlapping of the pairs of hinged legs (D) Figure 9 shows the trolley in its tipped position for resting whilst transferring a well secured load.

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the trolley in which the loading props (H) are hinged off the main frame and can be clipped up out of the way by spring clips (03 when the trolley is being moved.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the trolley in which an additional articulation is added at the end opposite the carry handles utilising 2 off ratcheted hinges (R) allowing the end section of the trolley to be folded and locked up or down. This more sophisticated design shortens the trolley making it less cumbersome and the upturned end section can be used as an end stop for items secured to the top of the trolley. It would also be possible to add telescopic extensions (S) to the end section which extend making props to support the trolley during loading as shown in Figure llb. This embodiment of the trolley can also be tipped forward for resting whilst transferring a well secured load as shown in Figure lic. Finally a further 2 ratcheted hinges and telescopic extensions could be added to the carry handle end, allowing the trolley to be fully stabilised on 4 legs for loading as shown in Figure lid.

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the trolley in which the additional articulation as described in figure 11 above is by means of a simple pull out disengagement (T) allowing the end section of the trolley to be folded back on itself and laid on top of the trolley as shown in Figure 12a.

This simpler design still shortens the trolley making it less cumbersome but will require additional removable loading props (H) to be installed if required for single handed loading as shown in Figure 12b.

Figure 13 shows a basic form of the fabric top cover (J) and under-slung carry pocket (K) removed from the frame. Tie down loops (N) are shown located along both sides of the cover as well as a number of reinforced "scollops" (M) which clear the various items secured to the main side rails - (the lockable double hinge joints (C), the hinge mounts for the legs (D), and the combined bed raiser and mounting support for spreaders (G)). In this configuration the fabric top cover and under-slung carry pocket are not removable and the bed and pocket are combined, with access to the pocket via an opening (U) at the carry handle end. Finally, 4 off elastic or Velcro loops (0) are shown which are used to retain the legs (C) when folded away under the frame.

Figure 13a shows an alternative embodiment of the fabric top cover (J) and under-slung carry pocket (K) removed from the frame. The centre, pocket section of this item can be quickly removed from the frame by means of a zip, catches or other suitable means and a different shaped pocket can be inserted in its place. Tie down loops (N) are shown located along both sides of the cover as well as the various reinforced "scollops" (M) which again clear the various items secured to the main side rails. Also shown in hidden detail are reinforcing straps (V) complete with snap connections for a pocket access flap (W) which can be secured closed by means of zips, Velcro or similar means if the trolley is required to be used as a camp bed.

Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the trolley in which a 2 channelled extrusion (X) is used for the parallel side rails (A). The innermost of the twin channels of the extrusion is used to slide in and locate the fabric top cover (J) and carry pocket (K) which has an integral bead (Z) running down each side of the fabric top cover which slides easily into the channel. This embodiment has significant advantages as only a single gap is required in the securing of the fabric top cover to the parallel rails, to clear the double hinge joint (C) when the trolley is collapsed. The fabric top cover is slid into the channel in the side rails before the cross brace spreaders (E) are locked out to achieve the required tension on the fabric This means that the fabric top cover can be very easily and rapidly removed and replaced with an alternative one with a different function. In this embodiment the fabric top cover and integral carry pocket are likely to be produced with an open top as shown in Figure 14a but structural strength is maintained by means of a number of underlying straps (Al) which bridge the opening with snap fitting connections (Bi) and before the unit can be used as a bed, an alternative fabric insert (Cl) is installed as shown in Figure 14b. The outermost channels of the extrusion are used to affix movable tie down loops (Y) which can slide along the channel and be positioned wherever required. The outer channels can also be used to locate and position additional cross straps (Dl) to retain heavy items such as cases of drink centrally within the pocket above the wheel as shown in Figure (15). By keeping the heaviest items in the centre of the trolley and evenly distributing the remaining load items in a balanced way the trolley becomes much easier to manoeuvre and minimises the effort required to support the trolley when loaded. This can of course also be achieved by installing dividing walls into the pocket to suit the size and form of the load to be carried again allowing customisation of the pocket of the trolley whilst retaining its easily collapsible feature.

Figure 14a shows this third embodiment of the fabric top cover (J) and under-slung carry pocket (K) removed from the frame. In this embodiment a special channelled extrusion is used for the parallel side rails as shown in Figure 14 and described above. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the fabric top cover are produced with an integral beading (Z) which slides into and is secured within the innermost channels. Utilising this construction allows the fabric top cover (J) and under-slung carry pocket (K) to be simply slid out of the frame once the tension has been released on the spreader bars (E). In this embodiment, it is so simple to change the fabric parts that a fully open topped pocket is employed for use as a trolley and this is removed and changed out for a plain flat fabric top cover (Cl) when the bed or chair function is required.

Figure 14b shows a fabric bed insert (Cl) which can be slid into the frame in place of the fabric top cover with integral carry pocket (J and K) shown in Figure 14a. The bed insert is a simple flat rectangular sheet of fabric with the same integral bead (Z) running along both long edges. In this embodiment there are 2 gaps in the bead (El) which allow it to be installed either fully engaged to create the continuous flat surface of a bed (with the wheel (B) removed), or alternatively, if the centre section is not installed into the channel and allowed to droop with the amount of droop controlled by extensions to the bead (Fl) fitted with end stops (Gl), then a comfortable reclined chair is created when the trolley is tipped with the wheel still in place as shown in Figure 16.

Figure 17 shows a further alternative embodiment of the trolley in which a symmetrical 4 channelled extrusion (Hi) is used for the parallel side rails (A). The top 2 channels are used as described above and the bottom channels can be used to locate slide in leg fixings (H2) which can be positioned as required to adjust the working height of the trolley and then locked in place without the need for fabrication. These alternative configurations utilising special extrusions do however require that the double hinge does not interfere with the alignment and continuity of the channel through which the fabric top cover slides. The bottom 2 channels can also be used to reinforce the hinge joint which can be generated as shown in figure 18.

Figure 18 shows a method of producing a double hinge joint (C) which seamlessly aligns the extrusion channels, latches closed and also reinforces the joint by means of an internal slider (Ii) as well as an external slider (ii) and utilizes a simple internal flexible cord (K1) to create a ligament joint which can be folded i80 degrees. The ligament cord is retained in place by emerging from the outer extrusions on either side of the joint and either tied off with a stop knot (Li) or else fitted with a crimped end stop. A simple flat spring clip (Ml) is installed into the internal slider (Ii) which engages through holes (P1) into matching holes (Ki) in the sides of the outer extrusion which now form the parallel side rails (A). The internal slider (Ii) is secured to the external slider (ii) by a bolt (Ni) via an elongated slot (01) through the outer extrusion, which also controls the stroke of both sliders. With the sliders fully retracted, only a small portion of the internal slider (Ii) protrudes from the end of the outer extrusion allowing the mating outer extrusion to be engaged and aligned before the sliders are slid forward until the spring clip latches the assembly into a locked position. To release the joint, the protruding nodes of the spring clip are pressed in releasing the slider assembly to move back to its original folding position. The internal slider is produced with a channel (01) through which the flexible cord (Kl) passes meaning only minimal slack is required in the cord to allow the joint to be folded (this slack is nominally created by the inherent stretch in the flexible ligament cord).

Figure 18a shows the spring clip (Ml) which is inserted into the hollow centre of the internal slider (Ii) until the outer nodes spring out through the holes (P1). This assembly is then inserted into the outer extrusion (Hl) which now forms the 2 halves of each parallel side rail (A), until the hole for bolt (Nl) aligns with the end of the slot (01)-(the protruding nodes of the spring clip (Ml) will need to be pushed in to fully insert this). The external slider (ii) is now slid into the appropriate channels of the outer extrusion (Hi) until the holes align such that bolt (Ni) can be fitted locking the inner and outer sliders together. The Ligament cord (Ki) is then threaded through the assembly via the channel (01) in the internal slider and pulled through until the stop knot (Li) locks it in position, then the free end is threaded through the mating half of the outer extrusion and back out through its hole allowing the assembly to be drawn together as shown in Figure 18b. The second stop knot (Li) is then tied off with minimal or no slack then the cord can be trimmed to remove the excess length.

The outer slider (ii) and the inner slider (Ii) are now pushed forward by means of the bolt (Ni) to the maximum stroke at the end of the slot (01) at which point the outer nodes of the spring clip engage through holes (P1) and into holes (Ki) thus locking the assembly together with the internal slider (Ii) bridging the joint as well as the outside of the joint being supported by the external slider (ii). To release the joint, the protruding nodes of the spring clip (Ml) are depressed and the slider mechanism slid back as shown in Figure 18c then the joint can be folded 180 degrees with the ligament cord holding the joint together. When the joint is latched straight the 4 channels of the extrusion remain perfectly aligned for installation of whatever fabric insert is required.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS: 1) A collapsible trolley the frame of which utilises 2 parallel side rails spanned by a fabric top cover which is held in tension between said side rails by hinged cross brace "spreaders" giving the structure rigidity, and which has a single, centrally located, large diameter wheel which, with careful balanced loading, creates a very manoeuvrable device capable of transferring heavy loads over long distances on rough terrain with minimal effort.</claim-text> <claim-text>2) A collapsible trolley according to claim 1 in which said wheel is secured to the parallel side rails of the frame by means of 4 hinge mounted support legs which create a triangulated structure in which the diagonally opposed loading forces generated, impart greater tension into the fabric top cover which means that the trolley becomes more rigid and stable the more weight is loaded onto it, up to its designed maximum working limit.</claim-text> <claim-text>3) A collapsible trolley according to claim 1 in which the in tension fabric top cover incorporates an integral fabric under-slung carry pocket of varying design which retains heavy items at low level creating a very stable trolley with a low centre of gravity.</claim-text> <claim-text>4) A collapsible trolley according to claim 1 where an axle of the wheel comprises a quick release spindle such that no tools are required to assemble or dismantle the trolley for storage or transport.</claim-text> <claim-text>5) A collapsible trolley according to claim 1 which can be very simply converted into a camp bed when the single, centrally positioned wheel is removed and the 4 off hinged support legs are folded away and secured under the fabric top cover.</claim-text> <claim-text>6) A collapsible trolley according to claim 1 which folds down to a small enough size such that it can be put into a fabric storage bag and easily transported to a venue in the luggage compartment of a conventional car or in the baggage hold of any form of public transport.</claim-text> <claim-text>7) A collapsible trolley according to claim 1 in which the fabric top cover and integral under-slung carry pocket insert are easily removable and interchangeable such that alternative items can be installed which can be tailor made to fit the shape or size of any item within the constraints of the space available, such that a single frame can have multiple specific applications.</claim-text> <claim-text>8) A collapsible trolley according to claim 7 which utilises a special extrusion for the parallel side rails with a number of channels in which the top cover and integral Under-slung carry pocket can be easily slid into place and secured by means of a beaded edging to the top cover, thus making a very simple and fast method for changing out the fabric insert.</claim-text> <claim-text>9) A collapsible trolley according to claim 8 which utilises lockable hinge joints in the parallel side rails based on a flexible ligament cord, spring clip, internal and external support sliders which seamlessly aligns the channels used to retain the fabric insert and integral under-slung carry pocket.</claim-text> <claim-text>10) A collapsible trolley according to claim 8 which, with installation of a simple drooped fabric top over, can also be used as a reclined chair if the frame is placed in the tipped position with the wheel installed.</claim-text> <claim-text>11) A collapsible trolley according to claim 8 which includes a number of movable tie down attachments for straps, elastic bungees or elastic cargo nets to be used to secure less heavy but bulkier items to the top of the trolley.</claim-text> <claim-text>12) A collapsible trolley according to claim 8 in which reinforcing straps with quick release connections are used to reinforce the structure of the trolley when an access flap to the under-slung carry pocket is opened or if an open topped pocket is utilised without an access flap.</claim-text> <claim-text>13) A collapsible trolley according to claim 8 in which additional movable reinforcing straps with quick release connections can be used to centrally locate and secure heavy items such as cases of drink into the under-slung carry pocket and thus by keeping the heaviest items in the centre of the trolley, above the wheel, and by evenly distributing the remaining load items in a balanced way the trolley becomes much easier to manoeuvre and minimises the effort required to support the trolley when loaded</claim-text>