GB2514850A

GB2514850A - A goods carrier with an adjustable height base

Info

Publication number: GB2514850A
Application number: GB1310262.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tina Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-06-07
Filing date: 2013-06-07
Publication date: 2014-12-10
Also published as: GB201310262D0

Abstract

A goods carrier, for example a supermarket trolley 10, comprises a wheeled frame 12 supporting a goods carrier, suitably a basket 22, comprising a sidewall 24 and a base 40 movable vertically with respect to sidewall 24. Base 40 has a first fully lowered position, and is liftable above the first position using at least one actuator 42, 44 comprising an electric motor. Actuators 42, 44 may be provided on opposing sides of goods carrier 10 and each may drive a screw to lift a side of base 40. Actuators 42, 44 may comprise controls 50, 52. Basket 22 may comprise an upper open mesh portion and a lower closed mesh portion (60, Figure 3). A ratchet may be provided to support and limit downward motion of base 40. Controls 42, 44 may each comprise an interlock key 54, and base 40 may descend if key 54 is removed.

Description

A goods carrier with an adiustable height base

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wheeled goods carrying devices having an adjustable height and capacity, and in particular to a shopping trolley having a goods carrier with an adjustable height base.

Background

Goods carrying devices in the form of trolleys, for example shopping trolleys, are known which comprise a goods carrying basket mounted on a wheeled frame, the basket having a bottom wall on which the goods stand, being restrained by the sidewall of the basket. To place goods within the basket or to remove them a user needs to bend over to reach down into the basket, which in some cases might be deep. Small items in particular might be hard to retrieve from the bottom of the basket. Use of conventional trolley baskets is difficult for many people, in particular older or infirm people, for whom such bending is difficult or impossible A variety of devices having bottom walls that lift upwards has been developed. Most of these rely.

on the weight of goods within the basket to force the bottom wall downwards, with the implication that heavy items will be used, and will be removed first from the basket in order that the bottom wall should rise to present the smaller and lighter items for removal. In one device, the bottom wall is movable by means of a hydraulic mechanism that needs to be pumped by the user, which again is difficult or impossible for an elderly or infirm person. It is an object or the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a goods carrying device with a base whose position may be controlled easily by a wide range of users.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applicationshave been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: KR20100113414 discloses a three-wheel shopping cart capable of adjusting the height of a loading plate is provided to achieve advantageous effect in an economy aspect since a hydraulic device instead of a motor is used-The three-wheel shopping cart [is] capable of adjusting the height of a loading plate comprises a loading box, a support frame, wheels, a loading plate, a pumping pedal and a hydraulic device. The loading box comprises a goods receiving space and a handle.

The support frame supports the loading box. The wheels are installed on the lower end of the support frame. The loading plate is installed on the lower surface of the inside of the loading box. The pumping pedal is installed on the lower part of the support frame. The hydraulic device is installed on the support frame. The hydraulic device moves the loading plate up and down.

This device provides a shopping cart with a vertically movable loading plate that is actuated hydraulically. The actuator needs a foot pump action to move the loading plate, and as such is unsuitable for elderly or infirm people. No means to lock the loading plate in place is disclosed.

082437944 discloses a shopping trolley that has a spring loaded base that lowers and rises in direct relation to the goods carried in it, so that the goods may be more easily added and removed without the need for the user to reach down. The springs may be concealed within the corner posts of the trolley.

US200501 04307 discloses a shopping cart comprising a shopping cart basket with a vertically movable bottom wall. The vertical movement of the bottom wall is controlled by two pairs of springs. The first pair of springs has a first maximum load capacity, while the second pair of springs has a second maximum load capacity that is greater than the load capacity of the first pair of springs. The first pair of springs is connected to either the fore or aft corners of the bottom wall. The second pair of springs is connected to the side edges of the bottom wall. Low-friction, non-binding rollers are attached to the upper end of each spring and engage respective guide posts.

Preferably, to avoid trapping items (or fingers) in the side walls of the shopping cart basket as the bottom wall lowers, the side walls of the shopping cart are initially collapsed and subsequently expand as the bottom wall lowers. In addition, the shopping cart preferably has a hand brake that prevents movement of the shopping cart unless held open by a user.

US5863054 discloses a shopping cart [that] has a vertically movable horizontal shelf that is normally positioned near the upper rim of the basket of the cart. The shelf is spring biased so that as it becomes loaded with shopping items, it tends to move downwardly within the basket. The upwardly oriented unloaded position of the shelf allows the cart to be nested with another such cart for storage. The shelf is mounted to the front wall of the cart on a pair of spaced apart telescoping tracks with springs biasing the shelf in the upward position. As the shelf is unloaded it tends to move upwardly thereby making it easier to unload the shopping cart.

The above three devices all have goods carriers having a vertically movable base that is spring loaded so as to adapt to the load placed on it. These devices do not act to raise the base so as to present the goods to the user at a convenient height, whatever the weight of the goods, and so are not usable in the manner of the present invention

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for cariying goods comprising: a wheeled frame; a goods carrier supported by the frame, in which the carrier comprises a sidewall and a base and adapted to receive goods within it with the goods resting on the base: the base being arranged to be movable vertically with respect to the sidewall, and in which the base has a first fully lowered position, and in which the carrier further comprises an actuator means adapted to raise the base above the first position; wherein the actuator means comprises an electric motor operable to raise the base.

Preferably the base occupies substantially all the area within the sidewall.

In some embodiments the actuator means comprises a first and a second actuator means, the first actuator means adapted to lift a first side of the base and the second actuator means adapted to lift a second side of the base opposite to the first.

In some embodiments the goods carrier has a long axis and a short axis and four substantially straight sidewalls, two sidewalls being longer and two shorter, the base being dimensioned to fit within the sidewall& Preferably the first side and the second side of the base are arranged to be adjacent to the two longer sidewalls.

In some embodiments the device comprises a plurality of actuation means, for example four actuation means, one located near each corner of the base.

In a preferred embodiment the device is a shopping trolley comprising a wheeled frame. The goods carrier comprises a basket arranged to be mounted on the frame.

The basket preferably has two longer and two shorter sides. The base is preferably located within the sidewalls of the basket and movable upwards within the sidewalls to raise the height of goods placed on the base. The actuator means is preferably arranged to act on the two longer sides of the base. In this way goods may be raised by the actuators under the command of a user in order to make it easy to remove the goods from the basket without bending down low to reach the base when it is in the first, fully lowered position.

In some embodiments the goods carrier comprises a base wall to the goods carrier, the base being moveable vertically with respect to the base wall.

Preferably the actuator means comprises a control means having manual controls usable to raise the base and to lower the base. In some embodiments the actuator means and control means may be provided in a common enclosure mounted on a side of the device.

In some embodiments a first and second actuator means are provided on a first and second side of the device, each comprising a control means and manual controls.

In some embodiments the actuator means are adapted to operate together such that when one is actuated the other is also actuated. In some embodiments a control means operable to control an actuation means also in use controls the other actuation means. In some embodiments the first and the second control means are interlinked such that each controls both the first and the second actuation means.

Such an interlink might comprise a hard-wired linkage such as a cable, or a wireless linkage, for example by means of RF communication such as BluetoothTM, or by means of ultrasonic or infrared communication. Such an interlink might comprise a coding means such that it does not interfere with the interlink forming part of another such device nearby.

In embodiments where there are more than two actuator means all actuator means may by operationally interlinked as described above.

In some embodiments the actuation means comprises a screw thread rotatable by a motor so as to raise or to lower the base.

In some embodiments the device further comprises a ratchet means operable to restrain the vertical movement of the base.

In some embodiments the ratchet means comprises a liner ratchet mounted parallel to the direction of motion of the base, and a projection mounted on the base adapted to inter-fit with the ratchet so as to constrain its motion in a vertical direction.

In some embodiments the ratchet means is adapted to allow upward movement but to limit downward movement of the base.

In some embodiments the actuation means comprises a ratchet means as described above.

In some embodiments the device comprises base support means additional to the actuation means acting in use to support the base.

In some embodiments the device comprises a first actuation means acting in use to support the bas! near a first end of a first side of the base and a first base support means acting to support the base near a second end of the said first side, and a second actuation means acting in use to support the base near a first end of a second side of the base and a second base support means acting to support the base near a second end of the said second side.

In this way the base is supported by actuation means or support means near each corner of the base, so giving stable support in use.

In some embodiment the base support means comprises a ratchet means.

In some embodiments the ratchet means comprises ratchet release means to release the ratchet under control of the control means.

In some embodiments the ratchet release means is operable to allow the base to descend past a stop point on the ratchet.

In this way the ratchet means provides a means of support in addition to the support from the actuation means. A corner of the base near a ratchet means is preferably supported by the ratchet means. In use, in order to lower the base past the ratchet means, the ratchet release means is operated by the control means allowing the base to descend.

In some embodiments the ratchet release means comprises means to withdraw the* projection away from the ratchet stop positions and may comprise a solenoid operable by the control means.

In some embodiments the control means comprises an interlock key and corresponding key receiver operable such that the key must interact with the key receiver before the control means can be operated. In some embodiments the receiver comprises a socket adapted to receive the key. In this way accidental operation of the actuator means, for example by children, may be avoided.

In some embodiments the device comprises means to lower the base directly to the first, lowest position. In some embodiments the control means is adapted such that removing the key acts to lower the base to the lowest position.

In this way the devices may be stacked together with their bases in the lowest position by means of design features as known in the art of design of such goods carrying devices.

In some embodiments the goods carrier comprises an open mesh basket and the base comprises a substantially flat member moving within the basket. In some embodiments the device comprises a guard means mounted on the basket that closes the mesh in the region past which the base may move in use. Preferably the guard means is a transparent polymer sheet mounted on the basket. In this way finger trap accidents may be avoided.

In some embodiments the front end of the trolley is adapted to be openable to allow goods to be introduced to or removed from the basket sideways or laterally. In some embodiments the front end of the trolley comprises a flap openable outwards from the front end of trolley and hinged to a portion of the front side of the trolley. In some embodiments the flap is adapted to open to a height above the bottom wall at, above or below the highest position of the base, wherein the user is enabled to access the base or bottom wall laterally according to preference. In this way large andtor heavy items may be carried on the bottom wall of the basket while smaller items may be carried on the raised base. Or in alternate embodiments larger items may be elevated at shopping end and removed laterally from the base after it has been raised. In either way back strain may be minimised and damage avoided.

Preferably the device comprises a catch arranged to hold the front flap closed when not in use.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a rear view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a shopping trolley.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a first side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a second side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 6 shows atop view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention in the form of a shopping trolley.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 7, an embodiment 10 of a device according to the invention is in the form of a shopping trolley, and comprises a wheeled frame 12 comprising two rear wheel struts 14, two front wheel struts 16, each having mounted thereon a wheel unit 18 as known in the art, and a goods carrier 22 in the form of a wire basket supported by the frame comprising a sidewall 24 comprising a first side 26, a second side 28, a front 30, a rear 32, and a bottom wall 38, the first and second sides being substantially straight and joined to the front wall 30 by curved sections. The rear wall 32 comprises a lifting section as known in the art for shopping trolley design,adapted to allow the front of a second trolley to fit within the basket 22 of a first trolley, so allowing the trolleys to nest together. In this embodiment the frame 12 comprises a first side member 34 and a second side member 36, each contiguous with a rear wheel strut 14 and a front wheel strut 16, and joined by a front cross-member 20. In some embodiments the first and second side members are joined by one or more further cross members. In this embodiment the first and second side members are joined to the good carrier 22, the goods carrier acting to join the side members together and to give rigidity to the frame.

The goods carrier comprises a base 40 that is movable vertically with respect to the sidewall 22 and the bottom wall 38, the base occupying substantially all the area within the sidewall, such that goods placed within the goods carrier will tend to rest on the base, the base having a first fully lowered position adjacent to the bottom wall 36 as shown in figure 1. The device comprises actuator means adapted to raise the base above the first position, comprising a first actuator means 42 and a second 44, the first actuator means 42 being adapted to lift a first side 46 of the base and the second actuator means 44 being adapted to lift a second side 48 of the base opposite to the first. The actuator means each comprise an electric motor operable to raise the base.

As shown, the first side and the second side of the base are adjacent to the two longer sidewalls. In some versions of this embodiment the device comprises four actuation means, one located near each corner of the base.

As shown each actuator means 42, 44 comprises a control means having manual controls 50, 52 usable to raise the base and to lower the base, provided in a common enclosure with the actuator means, mounted on a side of the device.

In this embodiment the actuator means are adapted to operate together such that when one is actuated the other is also actuated, the first and the second control means being interlinked such that each controls both the first and the second actuation means.

In this embodiment the interlink comprises one of: a hard-wired linkage suáh as a cable; a wireless linkage for example by means of RF communication such as BluetoothTM; a means of ultrasonic communication or a means of infrared communication.

The actuation means comprises a screw thread rotatable by a motor so as to raise or to lower the base.

In some versions of this embodiment the device further comprises a ratchet means operable to restrain the vertical movement of the base, comprising a liner ratchet mounted parallel to the direction of motion of the base, and a projection mounted on the base adapted to interfit with the ratchet so as to constrain its motion in a vertical direction, the ratchet means being adapted to allow upward movement but to limit downward movement of the base.

Preferably the control means comprises an interlock key 54, shown mounted on a key chain 56 in figure 1, and corresponding key receiver operable such that the key must interact with the key receiver before the control means can be operated.

Preferably the receiver comprises a socket adapted to receive the key. In this way accidental operation of the actuator means, for example by children, may be avoided.

In some embodiments the device comprises means to lower the base directly to the first, lowest position. In some embodiments the control means is adapted such that removing the key acts to lower the base to the lowest position, such that the devices may be stacked together with their bases in the lowest position by means of design features as known in the art of design of such goods carrying devices.

In this embodiment the device comprises a guard means 60 mounted on the basket that closes the mesh in the region past which the base may move in use. Preferably the guard means is a transparent polymer sheet mounted on the basket.

In the second embodiment as shown in Figure 8 a displaceable flap 50 allows direct access to the base, so as to minimise posture problems for a user accessing or lifting heavy items therefrom. The flap 50 is hinged on a hinge 51, to allow around 180 degrees of movement and at least 90 degrees.

A catch is provided by parts 52 and 53.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for carrying goods comprising: a wheeled frame; a goods carrier supported by the frame, in which the carrier comprises a sidewall and a base and adapted to receive goods within it with the goods resting on the base; the base being arranged to be movable vertically with respect to the sidewall, and in which the base has a first fully lowered position, and in which the carrier further comprises an actuator means adapted to raise the base above the first position; wherein the actuator means comprises an electric motor operable to raise the base.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base occupies substantially all the area within the sidewall.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the actuator means comprises a first and a second actuator means, the first actuator means adapted to lift a first side of the base and the second actuator means adapted to lift a second side of the base opposite to the first.
4. A device as claimed in any claim above wherein the goods carrier has a long axis and a short axis and four substantially straight sidewalls, two sidewalls being longer and two shorter, the base being dimensioned to fit within the sidewalls.
5. A device as claimed in any claim above wherein the device is a shopping trolley comprising a wheeled frame, the goods carrier is in the form of a basket mounted on the frame, the basket having two longer and two shorter sides, the base being provided within the sidewalls of the basket and movable upwards within the sidewalls to raise the height of goods placed on the base.
6. A device as claimed in any claim above wherein the goods carrier comprises a bottom wall to the goods carrier, the base being moveable vertically with respect to the bottom wall.
7. A device as claimed in any claim above wherein the actuator means comprises a control means having manual controls usable to raise the base and to lower the base.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein a first and second actuator means are provided on a first and second side of the device, each comprising a control means and manual controls.
9. A device as claimed in claim 7 or claim B wherein the actuator means are adapted to operate together such that when one is actuated the other is also actuated.
10. A device as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9 wherein a control means operable to control an actuation means also in use controls the other actuation means.
11. A device as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the first and the second control means are interlinked such that each controls both the first and the second actuation means.-
12. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the interlink comprises one or more of a hard-wired linkage such as a cable, a wireless linkage operating by means of RF communication, ultrasonic and infrared communication.
13. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the interlink comprises a coding means such that it does not interfere with the interlink forming part of another such device
14. A device as claimed in any claim above wherein the actuation means comprises a screw thread rotatable by a motor so as to raise or to lower the base.
15. A device as claimed in any claim above further comprising a ratchet means operable to restrain the vertical movement of the base.
16. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the ratchet means comprises a liner ratchet mounted parallel to the direction of motion of the base and a projection mounted on the base adapted to interfit with the ratchet so as to constrain its motion in a vertical direction.
17. A device as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the ratchet means is adapted to allow upward movement but to limit downward movement of the base.
18. A device as claimed in any claim above wherein the device comprises base support means additional to the actuation means acting in use to support the base.
19. A device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the device comprises a first actuation means acting in use to support the base near a first end of a first side of the base and a first base support means acting to support the base near a second end of the said first side, and a second actuation means acting in use to support the base near a first end of a second side of the base and a second base support means acting to support the base near a second end of the said second side.
20. A device as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the base support means comprises a ratchet means.
21. A device as claimed in any of claims 7 to 20 wherein the control means comprises an interlock key and corresponding key receiver operable such that the key must interact with the key receiver before the control means can be operated
22. A device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the control means is adapted such that removing the key acts to lower the base to the lowest position.
23. A device as claimed in any claim above wherein the goods carrier comprises an open mesh basket and mesh is closed in the region past which the base may move in use.