GB2503874A

GB2503874A - A trolley convertible into a chair, bed or table

Info

Publication number: GB2503874A
Application number: GB201209579A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Murphy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-30
Filing date: 2012-05-30
Publication date: 2014-01-15
Also published as: GB201209579D0

Abstract

A convertible trolley with a load carrying platform mounted on wheels wherein the platform can be converted into a chair, bed or table. The platform may have parts 24 and 26 which can, translate, rotate, slide or telescopically extend and one of these may be a backrest 26. The platform may have a plurality of alternating longitudinal intermeshed ribs which can pull apart. A frame may be provided with cross members to form a ladder like structure and there may be releasable portions. The device may take the form of a trolley which can be taken to festival whilst camping then used as a seat.

Description

Convertible Trolley The present invention relates to a trolley which is convertible to a chair and optionally additional configurations. The trolley has particular utility in leisure activities which involve transporting a significant amount of equipment and/or supplies from a vehicle to another location.

In many recreational and other situations there is a need to transport a relatively large amount of supplies and equipment from one location (e.g. a vehicle) to another (e.g. a camping location or a spectator position). A particularly common example is festivals, where attendees often have to carry camping equipment, seating, food, drink, clothing and other paraphernalia from a car park to a camping field. Taken together, all this adds up to a considerable load. The distances to transport this load can often be considerable, and the amount of equipment to be transported means that it is not practical for a person to carry all they need in a single trip and thus multiple trips may be required.

Conventional load lugging equipment such as a wheelbarrow could be used to make the process easier, but such devices are relatively large and are therefore difficult to transport to and from a venue. The same applies for other conventional load carrying options such as conventional garden trollies or the like.

In order to provide a better device for transporting loads there is a need for a device which can carry a substantial load but which can be transported relatively easily. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the device were able to fulfil multiple roles, thus allowing some pieces of equipment to be omitted from the load. Additionally, the device would desirably be easy to use, ergonomic and environmentally friendly.

Statements of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a convertible trolley comprising a load-carrying platform mounted on wheels, the load carrying platform being convertible to form a chair, bed or table.

The platform suitably has a substantially rectangular shape, which provides a convenient load carrying surface. A load to be transported can be placed on the trolley, which can then be pulled or pushed to the destination. Once the load has been removed from the trolley, it can then perform a secondary function as a chair. If required, the chair can be taken to any desired location, e.g. a suitable location for spectating at an event.

Suitably the load carrying platform comprises a plurality of portions which are adapted for translation and or rotation relative to one another.

Preferably the platform comprises a movable portion which can be moved into a suitable position to form the backrest of the chair, wherein at least a portion of the platform (e.g. a fixed portion) provides the seat of the chair. The movable portion can suitable be provided in hinged association with the fixed portion of the platform such that it can pivoted about the hinge into the desired backrest position. The movable portion can be fixed in the back rest position by any suitable means, e.g. a support member. Optionally the angle of the movable portion can be altered to adjust the backrest angle to allow for a suitable reclining angle for the user.

In a preferred embodiment the platform is extendible to an extended conformation. For example, the platform may comprise one or more extendible portions which are adapted to slidably extend from the platform, thus increasing the load bearing area of the platform. Generally it is preferred that the platform can be extended in length. This allows the surface area of the platform to be increased and allows it to perform as a sun lounger or even as a bed. For ease of storage or transportation the extendible portion is retracted.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the platform comprises at least one movable portion which is adapted for translation and rotation relative to the remainder of the platform. The platform may suitably comprise a fixed portion and at least one movable portion, preferably two or more moveable portions. In a preferred embodiment the movable portion is adapted to extend and also be rotated to form a backrest.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the platform comprises two movable portions, the movable portions being adapted to extend from opposite ends of the platform. Suitably one, other or both of the extendible portions is adapted to provide a back rest panel.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the platform comprises a plurality of ribs. The ribs define at least part of the load bearing surface of the platform. Preferably the fixed portion and the at least one movable portion comprise ribs. The term ribs' refers to a plurality of substantially parallel elongate members of similar shape and dimensions which have a substantially constant profile along their length. The ribs are typically fixed at one, other or both ends to a spar. The term ribs is intended to include slats, for example.

Suitably the extendible portions comprise a plurality of ribs, wherein the ribs of the extendible portion are adapted to intermesh with the ribs on the remainder of the platform, e.g. on a fixed portion.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform comprises a fixed main portion comprising a plurality of ribs and a movable portion with comprises a plurality of ribs adapted to intermesh with the ribs of the main portion. Preferably the movable portion is adapted for translation and rotation relative to the main portion. The platform may suitably comprise two or more moveable portions, each of which is adapted to intermesh with the fixed portion.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the platform comprises a central portion comprising a central spar from both sides of which project a plurality of ribs. Preferably the ribs are spaced apart by substantially equal distances, and are evenly spaced along the entire length of the spar. The ribs preferably have a substantially constant cross-section along their length.

Suitably the central portion is substantially symmetrical, i.e. with the ribs on one side being a mirror image of those on the other side. Alternatively the ribs on one side could be offset relative to those on the other, though this is generally less preferred. The platform suitably further comprises a first movable side portion and a second movable side portion, the ribs of the side portions being adapted to intermesh with the ribs of the central portion. For example each side portion suitably comprises a spar from which project a plurality of parallel ribs, the ribs being adapted to mesh with the ribs of the central portion, i.e. the ribs of a side portion lie in the interstitial space of the central portion. Typically the side portions will comprise a terminal spar from one side of which the ribs extend.

In this embodiment, it can be appreciated that the side portions can extend or be rotated relative to the central portion. When the platform is in a non-extended conformation, the ribs of the side portions are suitably substantially fully intermeshed with the ribs of the central portions. As a side portion is extended, the ribs of the central portion and the side portions slide relative to each other.

When a side portion is rotated, e.g. to form a backrest, then the major part of the ribs of the side portion move out of the interstices defined by the ribs of the central portion.

A significant advantage of the intermeshing rib arrangement of the embodiments described above is that it allows the various portions of the platform to be intermesh when in a compact position, i.e. fully retracted and flat. However, when the side portions are extended or raised, a load bearing surface is maintained on all portions, albeit with interstitial spaces between the ribs. The system of intermesbing ribs also provides significant advantages in that it allows for simple methods of manufacture, avoids the need for multiple moving parts are flexible materials. Furthermore, such an arrangement is aesthetically pleasing.

It is preferred that the trolley comprises a frame to which the platform and the wheels are mounted. Suitably the frame is made of tubular steel, aluminium or the like. However, the particular materials are not particularly significant, provided that the frame is strong enough to perform the roles required of it.

In an alternative embodiment the trolley might not comprise a frame (e.g. where the platform is designed to be self-supporting). However, from the point of view of simplicity of manufacture and costs, it has been found that providing a separate frame and platform is generally preferred.

In a preferred embodiment the frame comprises a ladder-like arrangement of longitudinal rails and cross-members. Preferably the frame comprises two longitudinal rails and a plurality of cross-members. The longitudinal rails are suitably adapted to engage with corresponding longitudinal channels on the underside of the platform. The cross-members are suitably adapted to engage with corresponding lateral channels on the underside of the platform.

In a preferred embodiment the frame comprises an extendible frame portion.

More preferably the frame comprises two extendable frame portions. The one or more extendible frame portions can suitably extend from opposite ends of the frame, e.g. extending parallel to the longitudinal rails. In a particularly preferred embodiment the extendable frame portions are adapted to extend telescopically from the longitudinal rails.

Preferably the trolley comprises one or more support members to support the frame and/or platform. A preferred support member is adapted to support the frame and/or platform when the frame and/or platform are in an extended position. For example, a suitable support member extends from an extendible frame portion to the ground. In a particularly preferred embodiment the support member is adapted to support a panel when in a backrest position. Suitably the frame is adapted such that the support member can be stowed in a stowing position when not in use. Preferably the support member is bingedly attached to the extendable frame member. Alternatively, the support member could be attached to the platform.

Suitably the frame comprises wheel brackets extending from the frame to permit attachment of wheels. Preferably the frame comprises two pairs of wheel brackets, each pair providing suitable mounting points for a pair of wheels. In a preferred embodiment the frame comprises an axle extending between and fixed to the wheel brackets. The axles provide a suitable attachment point for the wheels and also provide a structural support to the frame and particularly to the wheel brackets. Wheels could be attached to the platform directly, e.g. where no frame is used.

Preferably at least a portion the platform can be releasably attached to the frame, e.g. by clipping it to the frame via notches provided on the platform. More preferably the movable portions of the platform are releasably attached to the frame.

Suitably the wheels of the trolley may be steerable, e.g. a pair of wheels may be mounted on an axle which can pivot relative to the rest of the trolley to allow steering via that pair of wheels.

Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -Fig 1 shows an isometric view of a trolley according to the present invention; -Fig 2 shows the same view of the trolley with two extendible portions in the extended position with one support member extended; -Fig 3 shows the same trolley with one extendible portion extended and a portion of the platform rotated to form a backrest; -Fig 4 shows the central portion of the platform of the trolley; -Fig 5 shows a side portion of the platform of the trolley; -Fig 6 shows the main frame of the trolley; -Fig 7 shows an extendable frame portion; and -Fig 8 shows a support member.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs 1 to S in various conformations. Fig 1 shows the convertible trolley 10 in its compact form, with the platform 20 flat and fully retracted. The platform 20 can be loaded with luggage and wheeled to the desired location. Fig 2 shows the trolley 10 with the platform 20 flat and fully extended. One support 80 leg is shown in the support position, i.e. extending to the ground from the end of the extendable frame portion. There is another support leg which can extend from the other end of the trolley, but it is in the stowing position and thus cannot be seen. In this conformation the convertible trolley can function as a table or bed. Fig 3 shows the trolley 10 with one movable portion 24 of the platform 20 extended and the other movable portion 26 hinged up to form a backrest. In this conformation the convertible trolley 10 can function as a lounger' style seat. In another useful conformation (not illustrated) the extended portion 24 can be retracted, thus forming a shorter seat.

The trolley 10 comprises a platform 20. The platform comprises a fixed central portion 22 and two movable side portions 24,26. The platform is mounted on a frame 50 to which the wheels 70 are also mounted.

In more detail, the central portion of the platform 22 comprises a central spar 27.

From opposite longitudinal sides of the central spar 27 sets of ribs 28 project straight outwards. The ribs 28 are substantially equally spaced along the length of the spar, and are essentially symmetrically arranged, with the central spar being the axis of symmetry. The ribs 28 define interstitial space therebetween, and the spaces are slightly wider than the width of the ribs. In the embodiment shown there are seven ribs extending from each side of the central spar 27, with the two outermost ribs 30 on each side being slightly truncated relative to the five inner ribs 31 on each side. The central spar 27 and ribs 28 have a generally U-shaped cross-section, with the base of the U defining the top of the load bearing surface of the central portion 22 of the platform 20. The ribs 28 on each side of the central spar 27 are spaced such that they are aligned, i.e. a rib on one side of the central spar aligns with a corresponding rib on the other side. As can be seen in Fig 4, the undersides of the ribs have generally semi-circular notches 32 provided therein. There is one set of notches provided at the proximal end of the ribs, the notches being positioned such that they define an intermittent channel 34 running across the ribs parallel to the central spar 27. Another set of notches 32 is provided at the distal end of the ribs, again defining a channel 34. These channels 34 are adapted to engage with a cross members on the frame, as will be described further below. The outermost surface of the outermost ribs 30 do not have notches because the cross members on the frame does not extend beyond the longitudinal rails 52,54, and hence the cavity of the outermost ribs, and thus notches are not required.

The side portions of the platform 24,26 likewise comprise a spar and ribs. Fig 5 shows one side portion 26 which comprises a terminal spar 40 from one longitudinal side of which a set of ribs 42 extend. The ribs 42 are arranged in a similar manner and have a similar form to those of the central portion 22, in particular they are equally spaced, define interstitial spaces, and have a U-shaped cross-section. On the side portions 24,26 it can be seen that six ribs are provided. The ribs 42 of the side portions comprise semi-circular notches 44 in similar locations to those of the central portion, i.e. one set of notches proximal to the terminal spar, and one set near the distal end of the ribs. Thus, as with the central portion of the platform, the side portions 24,26 also have notches which define intermittent channels 46 adapted to engage with cross members on the frame 50. However, unlike the central portion 22, in the side portions 24,26 the notches are present on both sides of the outermost ribs.

The ribs of the central portion 22 and the side portions 24,26 are adapted such that they can intermesh, i.e. the ribs of the side portions can fit into the interstitial gaps of the central portion, and vice versa. This provides the advantage that the central portion 22 and side portions 24,26 can fit together, and yet it freely allows translation and pivoting of the side portions relative to the central portion.

The central and side portions are constructed from vacuum formed high strength plastics materials, e.g. HDPE. However, other materials, such as metals, could be used. In a particularly preferred embodiment the platform is made substantially entirely from recycled plastics, e.g. plastics reclaimed from discarded materials at festivals.

The trolley 10 comprises a frame 50 which comprises two parallel longitudinal rails 52,54, a central cross-member 56 and four cross-members 57,58,59,60, thus providing a ladder-like' chassis. Two pairs of brackets 62,64 extend downwards from the longitudinal rails to provide mounting points for the wheels 68. Between each pair of brackets 62,64 a tubular axle 66 runs which provides a the mounting point for the wheels 68 and also reinforces the brackets.

The wheels 66 comprise pneumatic tyres.

The frame can be conveniently formed from tubular steel or aluminium or the like, which provides high strength and durability. Other suitable materials could of course be used. The various components can be welded together or alternative techniques such as lugs and adhesive could be used as appropriate.

In more detail, the two longitudinal rails 52,54 are joined together at their mid-point by a central cross-member 56. The central cross-member 56 runs perpendicular to the longitudinal rails. Proximal cross-members 57,58 run parallel to the central cross-member and are positioned one on either side of the central cross-member, and spaced slightly therefrom. Distal cross-members 59,60 run parallel to the other cross-members, and are positioned near the distal ends of the longitudinal rails 52,54. The proximal and distal cross-members are all configured such that they curve slightly downwards at each end, i.e. near the longitudinal rails 52,54 before straightening out for the majority of their length.

The frame 50 has a generally symmetrical shape about an axis defined by the central cross member 56, as can be seen clearly in Fig 6.

The frame 50 further comprises two extendible frame portions 70, shown in Fig 7, each of which comprises a lateral tube 72, from each end of which a longitudinal tube 74,76 extends. The two longitudinal tubes are parallel to each other, and the extendible frame portions therefore generally have a square cornered U-shape. The longitudinal tubes are sized and positioned such that they can slide into the open ends of the longitudinal rails. Thus the extendible frame portion 70 is able to telescope in and out from the longitudinal rails.

A support member 80 is hingedly attached to each extendible portion. The support member comprises a tube bent into a square cornered U-shape, thus comprising a lateral tubular portion 82 and two parallel longitudinal tubular portions 84,86. The ends of the longitudinal tubular portions are hingedly connected to the ends of the lateral members of the extendible portions. The support members 80 have two roles -they can extend downwardly from the end of the extendible members 70 to support the platform, particularly when in an extended conformation, and they can extend upwardly to support the side portions 24,26 of the platform 20 when they are in a backrest position. This will be described in a little more detail below, and is best illustrated in Fig 3.

The central portion 22 of the platform is mounted on the frame 50 with the central cross-member 56 running in the channel of the central spar 27 and the longitudinal rails 52,54 running in the channel of the outermost ribs 30. The intermittent channels 34 defined by the notches on the ribs accommodate the cross members 57,58,59,60. The central portion of the platform 22 can be affixed to the frame by any convenient means, e.g. by fasteners such as screws.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the relative dimensions of the frame and platform and their component parts are configured to allow them to be conveniently connected together and used as described below.

The side portions 24,26 of the platform 20 are mounted on the frame 50. When the platform is in a flat and non-extended conformation, the lateral tubes 72 of the extendible portions 70 run in the channels defined by the terminal spars 50 of the side portions 24,26. Furthermore, the intermittent channels 54 defined by the notches in the ribs accommodate the cross members 57,58,59,60. The side portions 24,26 are not permanently fixed to the frame 50, but can be releasably retained in position by clips or the like.

The platform 20 can be extended by lifting a side portion 24,26 of the platform to disengage the intermittent channels 54 from the cross members. The extendible frame portions 70 can the telescope outwards until the distal intermittent channel of the side portion 24,26 is in alignment with the distal cross-member 59,60. The side portion 24,26 is then lowered so that the distal cross member 59,60 engages with the intermittent channel. To support the extended platform the support member 80 is lowered so that it touches the ground.

The side portion 24,26 of the platform can be raised by lifting the terminal spar such that the side portion 24,26 pivots about the proximal cross member 57,58. When the side portion 24,26 is in the correct position the support member is rotated such that it engages with the proximal intermittent channel, thus securing the side portion 24,26 at the desired angle and providing a backrest.

For transportation and storage the platform 20 is fully retracted and flattened, thus making it easier to put in a vehicle. Furthermore, the wheels 68 are removably mounted so that they can be conveniently removed, further recuing the space taken up by the trolley.

When a user arrives at a desired location they remove the trolley 10 from the vehicle, attach the wheels 68 and place the load on the platform 20. The trolley is then wheeled to the desired location and unloaded. Once it has been unloaded, the trolley can be altered to a desired conformation, e.g. to function as a chair, sun lounger, table or bed. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the trolley can converted to several different forms. However, the conformations considered to be most useful are described above.

The present invention thus provides a useful device for use at events, particularly at recreational events such as festivals, races or the like. Without limitation, the trolley provides the following advantages: -It can fit in a car boot without taking up too much room.

-It has a heavy load capacity.

-It can be used as a chair, sun-lounger, bed or table.

-It has removable wheels.

-It can be made at least partially from recycled plastic waste (e.g. reclaimed from festivals).

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, a separate frame could be omitted and the frame could, in essence, be integrated into the platform by making the platform structurally self-supporting. The platform need not use the preferred intermeshing rib system of the preferred embodiment, e.g. the platform trolley could comprise several solid panels. A towing means could be provided, e.g. a pole, bar or cord with a handle to allow a user to conveniently pull the trolley.

The trolley may be steerable, e.g. a pair of wheels could be mounted on an axle which can pivot relative to the trolley; steering could be controlled, for example, by a bar or pole connected to the axle to allow the direction of travel to be altered by moving the bar. The bar could also be a useful for towing the trolley.

Claims

Claims 1. A convertible trolley comprising a load-carrying platform mounted on wheels, the load carrying platform being convertible to convert the trolley to a chair,bed or table.
2. The convertible trolley of claim 1 wherein the load carrying platform comprises a plurality of portions which are adapted for translation and/or rotation relative to one another.
3. The convertible trolley of claim 1 or 2 wherein the platform comprises a movable portion which can be moved into a suitable position to form the backrest of the chair, wherein at least a portion of the platform provides the seat of the chair.
4. The convertible trolley of any preceding claim wherein the platform is extendible to an extended conformation.
5. The convertible trolley of claim 4 wherein the platform comprises one or more movable portions which are adapted to slidably extend from the platform.
6. The convertible trolley of any preceding claim wherein the platform comprises at least one movable portion which is adapted for translation and rotation relative to the remainder of the platform.
7. The convertible trolley of any preceding claim wherein the platform comprises a fixed portion and at least one movable portion.
8. The convertible trolley of any preceding claim wherein the platform comprises a plurality of ribs which define at least part of the load bearing surface of the platform.
9. The convertible trolley of any preceding claim wherein the platform comprises a fixed portion and at least one movable portion, all of which comprise ribs.
10. The convertible trolley of claim 9 wherein the ribs of the extendible portion are adapted to intermesli with the ribs on the fixed portion of the platform.
11.The convertible trolley of claim 9 or 10 wherein the platform comprises a fixed main portion comprising a plurality of ribs and a movable portion with comprises a plurality of ribs adapted to intermesh with the ribs of the fixed main portion.
12.The convertible trolley of any one if claims 9 to 11 wherein the platform comprises a fixed central portion comprising a central spar from both sides of which project a plurality of ribs.
13. The convertible trolley of any preceding claim comprising a frame to which the platform and the wheels are mounted.
14.The convertible trolley of claim 13 wherein the frame comprises a ladder-like arrangement of longitudinal rails and cross-members.
15.The convertible trolley of any preceding claim which comprises a Irame comprises an extendible frame portion.
16.The convertible trolley of claim 15 wherein the extendable frame portion is adapted to extend telescopically from longitudinal rails of the frame.
17.The convertible trolley of any preceding claim which comprises one or more support members to support the frame and/or platform.
18.The convertible trolley of claim 17 wherein the support member is adapted to support a movable portion of the platform when in a backrest or extended position.
19.The convertible trolley of any preceding claim wherein at least a portion the platform is releasably attached to a frame.