JP7006987B2 - Cart with removable wheelbase - Google Patents

Description

(Explanation of related applications)
This application claims the benefits of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 096,648 filed December 24, 2014 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 109,873 filed January 30, 2015. This is a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 14 / 979,330 filed on December 22, 2015. Also, this application is a partial continuation of US Design Application 29 / 569,050 filed at the same time, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates to the field of clean room equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to the smooth transport of sterile equipment from a non-sterile environment to a sterile environment and vice versa.

A controlled environment (eg, a clean room) is an area or environment in which the levels of contaminants or particles are controlled, for example, an environment controlled by filtering particulate matter from the air entering the room. .. A controlled environment has low levels of pollutants and particles and is used to manufacture or conduct research on specific products. These controlled environments are used to ensure that organic and inorganic contaminants from the external environment do not damage the goods or equipment manufactured or used. However, various articles (eg,) required to support manufacturing operations in a controlled environment without polluting the controlled environment or allowing particles to enter the controlled environment due to other factors (eg,). Feeds, raw materials, etc.) can be difficult to transport to this controlled environment.

Clean rooms can also take advantage of features such as positive pressure and humidity control to optimize the environment in which they are designed for the intended use. Clean rooms come in a variety of sizes and may have an airlock or staging area (temporary storage area) outside the clean room entrance. These airlocks or staging areas isolate the air in the clean room from the external environment. Clean rooms are currently classified using multiple selection criteria that inspect the number and size of particles contained in a given volume of air. Known cleanroom standards in the United States include US FED 209E class, ISO 14644-1 class, and ISO 14644-2 class. Other countries may use individual standards and guidelines.

Pressure sterility is a technique for cleaning articles and equipment transported to a controlled environment. The pressure sterilizer (autoclave) is a pressure and / in the state of steam or superheated water.
Or it is a device used to sterilize articles and devices using heat. Pressure sterilization can also be performed in vacuum. The size of the pressure sterilizer may vary depending on the medium to be sterilized. Since the articles and equipment in the pressure sterilizer are exposed to high heat, pressure, and humidity, the medium subject to such treatment needs to be able to withstand all of them.

Clean room workers often use carts to transport goods between clean rooms. However, it is not possible to put the cart in the clean room because the dirt on the wheels of the cart can allow unwanted particles to get inside the clean room. Therefore, workers need to park the cart outside the clean room entrance (or in the staging area) and then manually move the tray and / or article from the cart into the sterile environment. A second cart may be provided in the clean room, and the goods can be moved between the cart in the clean room and the cart outside the clean room. Such movement is necessary to prevent carts located outside the clean environment from entering a sterile clean room and contaminating the clean room. However, such traditional manual movement between environments entails some risks and difficulties:
(1) Articles may fall or spill.
(2) Careless handling of articles may impair sterility.
(3) Additional personnel are required to support the movement and transportation of goods.
(4) It may take a lot of time and labor.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a transport means that can be used to transport articles and equipment by only one worker. Another object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device that is mobile from an uncontrolled environment (eg, outside a clean room) into a controlled environment (eg, a clean room), from an uncontrolled environment. Transporting goods into a clean room environment. A further object of the present invention is to provide a cart with a removable wheelbase that allows even one worker to replace a non-sterile wheelbase with a sterile wheelbase, an uncontrolled and controlled environment. To prevent the non-sterile wheelbase from entering a controlled environment when transporting goods or equipment to and from. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cart that can withstand the heat and pressure of an industry standard pressure sterilizer as a whole.

Accordingly, an entirely pressure sterilizable cart with a removable wheelbase is provided. The cart can be used to move items and equipment on sterile trays from outside the controlled environment into a clean room or other controlled environment, where the worker manually moves them. You don't have to move the tray with. One wheelbase can be kept outside the clean room and a second wheelbase can be kept inside the clean room. The user brings the cart to the entrance of the clean room or the airlock, replaces the wheel base, leaves the contaminated wheel base outside the clean room, moves the cart onto the sterile wheel base in the clean room, and continues with the goods. Move the cart with the wheel into the clean room.

Also included below are a bottom surface, a plurality of vertical stanchions, and a plurality of horizontal cross members extending between each of the plurality of vertical stanchions and constituting the plurality of side rails. Provided is a feed carrier having a body and a replaceable wheelbase assembly configured to support and connect to the bottom of the body. A plurality of supplies (supplies) placed on the bottom surface of the main body are stably held at their positions (predetermined positions) by the plurality of side rails.

The present invention also comprises a body comprising at least one elongated tray receiving structure and a bottom surface, and a plurality of facing surfaces configured to extend in an orthogonal direction from the at least one elongated tray receiving structure to receive and support the tray. It relates to a tray transfer device having a lip and an interchangeable wheelbase assembly configured to support and connect to the bottom surface of the body. Each of the tray receiving structures extends vertically upwards with respect to the wheelbase assembly.

In the following, a transfer device having wheels equipped with a braking mechanism (brake mechanism) is further provided, and the transfer device has a rotatable actuating mechanism arranged adjacent to the braking mechanism and extends upward from the actuating mechanism. It has a handle that is configured to move the actuating mechanism between an open position to which no stopping force is applied and a braking position in which the actuating mechanism actuates the braking mechanism.

Many of these and other purposes of the invention, as well as the intended advantages of the invention, will be more readily apparent with the following description, along with the drawings.

A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the advantages associated with the invention will be better understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wheelbase and a cart frame from which it has been removed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a cart with a removable wheelbase attached.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a cart with a removable wheelbase attached.

FIG. 2C is a top view of a cart with a removable wheelbase.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the wheelbase wheel assembly of FIG.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the upper rear corner portion of the cart and rear wheelbase locking mechanism taken along the ZZ line of FIG. 2C, showing the locked state of the locking mechanism.

4B is a side view of the wheel assembly of the rear wheelbase shown in FIG. 4A, the locking mechanism of which shows the unlocked state.

FIG. 5A is a top view showing a cart in an uncontrolled environment approaching a wheelbase assembly placed in a controlled environment.

FIG. 5B is a top view showing how a cart replaces the non-sterile wheelbase of the cart with a sterile wheelbase as it moves between an uncontrolled environment and a controlled environment.

FIG. 5C is a top view of the cart when the entire cart is located in a controlled environment after the non-sterile wheelbase of the cart has been replaced with a sterile wheelbase.

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of a rack used to convey the wheelbase assembly of FIG. 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the rack of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the rack of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the rack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7B is a front view of the rack of FIG. 7A.

7C is a side view of the rack of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a supply cart according to a different embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a tray cart according to a different embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of a conventional brake mechanism.

FIG. 10B is a front notched perspective view of an example of a wheelbase having the brake mechanism shown in FIG. 10A.

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, certain terms will be used for clarity. However, the invention is not limited to those selected specific terms, each specific term being all technically equivalent that operates in a similar manner to achieve similar objectives. Including the meaning. Although some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other embodiments not specifically shown in the drawings. Is.

1 and 2 show a transfer device, which corresponds to the cart 10 of the present invention in an example of, but not limited to, embodiments. The cart 10 generally includes a body or frame 100, a wheelbase assembly 200, and a locking mechanism 300 for unlockably locking the body 100 to the wheelbase assembly 200. The cart 10 is generally shown in the shape of an elongated rectangle. The entire cart 10, including these frame 100, wheelbase 200, and locking mechanism 300, is made entirely of a material that can withstand the moisture, heat, and pressure used in pressure sterilization. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as nickel, aluminum, or stainless steel, elastic plastics such as polypropylene, and Pyrex® type glass.
Mainframe 100

As shown, the mainframe or body 100 is a rectangular integral part, with laterally extending sides or ends 102 at the front and sideways or ends 104 extending laterally at the rear. , And two longitudinal sides 106, 108. The body 100 has one or more horizontally extending shelves, each of which is connected to and supported by four vertical columns 120. In the illustrated embodiment, three shelves are provided, including a lower shelf (bottom plate) 112, a central shelf (middle plate) 114, and an upper shelf (top) 116. Each of these shelves 112, 114, 116 carries various objects such as articles and / or equipment. However, in this embodiment and other embodiments of the present invention, the number of shelves and columns 120 may be different, but it is preferable that at least one bottom plate 112 is provided. Each of the shelves 112, 114, 116 may have an edge that is bent downward to form the side wall 118, and the edge also serves to reinforce the shelves 112, 114, 116. In addition, the shelves 112, 114, 116 may have side surfaces that are bent upwards to prevent the transported object from slipping off the shelves.

Further, the main body 100 includes an elongated handle 130. The handle 130 may be a round elongated tube that reaches the full width of the cart 10 from end to end. The handle 130 is connected to the rear end portion 104 of the cart 10 by the support portions of the two outer surfaces 106 and 108. The handle 130 is arranged parallel to the rear end 104, away from the rear end 104, and a gap 132 is provided between the handle 130 and the rear end 104 of the cart 10. The handle 130 is located substantially at the top of the cart 10 and at or above the top shelf 116 (by a support).

The plurality of guide wheel assemblies (auxiliary wheel assemblies) 140 are arranged along the downwardly bent side walls 118 of the bottom plate 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the four guidewheel assemblies 140 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal side wall 118. As shown in FIG. 3, this wheel assembly has one wheel 142 and one axle 144. The axle 144 may be a rod protruding through the opening of the side wall 118, and can be fixed to the side wall 118 from the opposite side of the wall 118 by using a bolt or the like. Alternatively, the axle 144 may extend along the full width of the cart 10, or two wheels 142 may be provided on one axle 144 and fixed to the opposite side surfaces 118 of the cart 10. The guide wheel 142 is relatively wide and rotatably fixed to the axle 144, and the guide wheel 142 freely rotates around the axle 144. These guide wheels 142 project slightly below the side wall 118 so that when the body 100 is slidably housed in the wheelbase assembly 200, the guide wheels 142 can support the weight of the body 100. .. These wheels 142 rotate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 100, that is, in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the guide wheel 142 rotates when the body 100 slides into and is accommodated in the wheelbase assembly 200 and is removed from it. Each axis of rotation of the rotating wheel 142 is perpendicular to the side wall 118, as is the axle 144. Although four guidewheel assemblies 140 are shown, any suitable number of guidewheel assemblies may be used.
Wheelbase assembly 200

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wheelbase assembly 200 includes a plurality of wheel assemblies (wheel assemblies) 210, two parallel longitudinal guide rails 220, and a wheelbase. Includes locking openings 230 located at both ends of the 200 and a chassis (platform) 240. The wheel assembly 210 includes a wheel frame and wheels rotatably connected to the wheel frame. The wheel frame is connected to the bottom of the chassis 240 and each of the four corners of the cart 10 is provided with a wheel assembly 210 so that the user can easily push or pull the cart. can. At least one of those wheel assemblies 210 has a wheel lock mechanism (wheel chock mechanism) 250 (FIG. 4A) that prevents the cart 10 from moving. In one embodiment, one or more wheel assemblies 210 are attached via swivels, each of which is capable of rotating 360 degrees around the vertical axis. Yes, thereby allowing the cart 10 to be pushed and pulled in any direction.

The chassis 240 accommodates the main body 100 so that it can cooperate with the main body 100, and has a size and a shape that fits with the main body 100. Thus, the chassis 240 is a flat, rectangular elongated thin sheet with a laterally extending rear end 242, a laterally extending front end 244, and two longitudinal sides 246 and 248. The chassis 240 has one continuous sheet-like flat top surface 241. However, the chassis 240 may consist of one or more elongated slats (elongated lamellae), which extend over the entire length of the wheelbase assembly 200 from the front end 244 to the rear end 242. It becomes. These chassis 240 and wheelbase assembly 200 provide a stable base that can hold (mount) the body 100 relatively low relative to the ground (3-8 inches, depending on wheel size). .. Therefore, the wheelbase assembly 200 does not include unnecessary elements that increase its height. Therefore, the wheelbase assembly 200 has a plurality of wheels and a chassis 240 as a basic configuration, and these wheels are attached to the lower side (lower side) or the lower surface of the chassis 240.

The guide rail 220 is installed on each of the longitudinal sides 246 and 248 of the wheelbase assembly 200 and is an elongated member over the entire length of the wheelbase assembly 200. These guide rails 220 are best shown in FIG. Each guide rail 220 has an upright portion 222, an inward bending member 224, and an internal guide edge (internal guide end) 226. The upright portion 222 extends vertically upward from the flat top surface 241 to form the outer end of the guide rail 220 as well as the outermost end of the longitudinal sides 246 and 248. The inward bending member 224 extends inward perpendicular to the wheelbase assembly 200, and the inward bending member 224 is substantially parallel to the top surface 241 of the chassis 240 and with the top surface 241 of the chassis 240. A gap is formed between the wheels. The upper surface 241 and the upright portion 222, and the inwardly bent portion 224 are metal (for example, steel) walls and are bent so as to be substantially U-shaped when viewed from the side. A channel 227 is formed between the inward bending member 224 and the upper surface 241 of the chassis.

As shown, the vertical portion 222 causes the inwardly bent portion 224 to be separated from the top surface 241 of the chassis 240 and the guide edge 226 to be a plurality of rotating wheel guide assemblies 140 mounted on the side wall 118 of the body 100. It is formed to match the top of the wheel. The guide wheels 142 slide (longitudinal) along the guide rails 220, with the plurality of wheels 142 rotating. The plurality of rotating wheel guides 140 can support, transport, and guide the body 100, slide it along the chassis 240, and slide the wheelbase assembly 200 under the body 100. These rotating wheel guides 140 can slide and engage (connect) the body 100 to the wheelbase assembly 200 in the longitudinal direction. However, the main body 100 and the wheelbase assembly 200 may be engaged (connected) while sliding the main body 100 laterally with the wheelbase assembly arranged side by side.

The guide wheel assembly 140 prevents the body 100 from coming off the wheelbase assembly 200 during work and guides the body 100 as it slides into and removes from the wheelbase assembly 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of wheels 142 project slightly below the bottom of the side wall 118. This causes the wheel 142 to slide over the top surface 242 of the wheelbase assembly 200. The wheel 142 is further housed in a channel 227 formed between the upper inwardly bent portion 224 and the top surface 242 of the chassis 240. The upper member 224 forms a protrusion that prevents the wheel 142 from coming off. The upper member 224 holds the plurality of wheels 142 in the channel 227, which can only slide forward and backward on the top surface 242 of the chassis. Therefore, even if the cart 10 is tilted or lifted by the user so that the main body 100 is lifted upward with respect to the wheelbase assembly 200, the cart 10 does not come off the wheelbase assembly 200. Rather, the body 100 can be unlocked from the wheelbase assembly 200 by unlocking the locking mechanism 300 and sliding the body 100 forward or backward to pull those wheels 142 out of the end of channel 227. Only when.

It is not necessary to arrange the guide rails 200 side by side so as to be aligned with the downwardly bent side surface 118, but instead, the guide rails 200 are engaged with the plurality of vertical columns 120 of the main body 100 in cooperation with each other. You may. These guide rails 220 may be formed so as to be integrated with the chassis 240, for example, by bending the side surfaces 246 and 248 of the chassis 240. The front and rear corners 228 of these guide rails 220 are tilted to guide the body 100 inside the inner edges 226 of the two guide rails 220 as the body 100 begins to slide onto the wheelbase assembly 200. There is a gradient). Further, the wheel 142 does not have to support the weight of the main body 100, and in that case, it may be arranged above the bottom end portion of the side wall 118. In this case, the side wall 118 slides over the upper surface 242 of the chassis 240, the plurality of wheels 142 guide the main body 100, and prevent the main body 100 from coming off the wheelbase assembly 200.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, further details of the locking mechanism 300 are shown. The locking mechanism 300 includes a vertical rod 302, a release knob 304, an upper stopper 306, a lower stopper 308, a spring 310, and an upper guide hole 124. The vertical rod 302 extends over the entire height of the body 100. Handles such as the knob 304 are located near the end of the rod 302. The vertical rod 302 is connected to the main body 100 of the cart 10 at the rear end portion 104 of the cart 10. The rod 302 is slidably attached to the main body 100 by the upper support member 320 and the lower support member 330. The upper support member 320 is fixedly attached to the upper part of the main body 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper support member 320 is fixed to the upper shelf board 116 (for example, the side wall 118 of the upper shelf board 116), and may be fixed to the inside of the handle 130. The upper support member 320 may be arranged in the gap 132 between the handle 130 and the upper shelf plate 116. The lower support member 330 is fixedly attached to the lower part of the main body 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower support member 330 is fixed to the lower shelf board 112 (for example, the side wall 118 of the lower shelf board 112).

The upper support member 320 has a central opening or an upper through hole (through hole) 322, and the lower support member 330 has a central opening or a lower through hole 332. The upper and lower through holes 322 and 332 are slightly larger than the diameter of the rod 302, and the rod 302 fits snugly into these holes 322 and 332. As a result, the rod 302 is accommodated in the upper and lower through holes 322 and 332. The holes 322 and 332 are large enough to allow the rod 302 to freely slide up and down in the holes 322 and 332, but the rod 302 is not large enough to swing.

The upper stopper member 306 is provided in the vicinity of the uppermost portion of the rod 302, and is fixedly attached to the rod 302. The upper stopper member 306 is arranged under the upper support member 320 at a distance sufficient for providing the spring 310 between the upper stopper member 306 and the upper support member 320. Therefore, the spring 310 is arranged around the rod 302 between the bottom surface of the upper support member 320 and the upper surface of the upper stopper member 306. The diameter of the spring 310 is larger than the diameter of the upper hole 322, but smaller than the width of the upper support member 320. The diameter of the spring 310 is also smaller than the diameter of the upper stopper member 306. The spring 310 is in a slightly compressed state and is pressed against the bottom surface of the upper support member 320 and the upper surface of the upper stopper member 306.

Therefore, the upper stopper 306 is fixed to the rod 302, and the rod 302 slides in the upper support member 320 fixedly attached to the main body 100. As shown in FIG. 4A, the outwardly urged spring 310 pushes the rod 302 downwards (by pushing the upper stopper member 306 fixed to the rod 302 downwards) to the rod 302. The opposite end 312 is pushed down and engages the lock opening 230 of the wheelbase assembly 200. The lower stopper member 308 is fixedly connected to the rod 302 at the bottom of the rod 302, and the rod 302 extends excessively downward in the openings 332 and 230 to hit the ground or hit the ground. It prevents the cart 10 from interfering with its operation.

When the rod 302 is housed in the lock opening 230 of the wheelbase assembly 200, the cart 10 is locked and the wheelbase assembly 200 is locked to the body 100. When in the locked position, the locking mechanism 300 and the locking opening 230 are engaged with each other, and the bottom (lower shelf plate (bottom plate) 112 and / or column 120) is between the guide rail members 220. The position keeps the body 100 stationary from the wheelbase assembly 200. Therefore, when the user pushes or pulls on the cart handle 130, the wheelbase assembly 200 moves with the body 100.

The vicinity of the end of the rod 302 and the knob 304 project above the upper surface of the upper shelf plate (top plate) 116 and the cart handle 130. The knob 304 is arranged at a position where the operator of the cart 100 can easily reach and operate the wheelbase lock mechanism 300 even while holding the handle 130.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the user can lift the knob 304 in the Y direction against the bias of the spring 310. By this operation, the opposite end 312 of the rod 302 can be pulled out from the locking hole 230 of the wheelbase assembly 200. In this position, the cart 10 is in the unlocked or unlocked position, which causes the wheelbase assembly 200 to be unlocked by the body 100. The guide rail 220 does not allow the body 100 to move laterally with respect to the wheelbase assembly 200. However, the main body 100 can be slid in the longitudinal direction X (FIGS. 1 and 4B). More specifically, the bottom surface of the lower shelf plate (bottom plate) 112 slides along the upper surface 241 of the chassis 240. Since both sides are made of flat metal, the main body 100 can be slid without much difficulty even if an object is placed on the shelf boards 112, 114, 116. Therefore, although the element 112 is referred to as a "shelf", it is a flat and durable plate having sufficient rigidity so that the main body 100 can slide on the chassis 240. The chassis 240 is also a sufficiently rigid, flat and durable plate on which the body 100 can slide over its top surface 241.

The opposite end 312 is so high that it pops out of the opening 332 of the lower support member 330, and the rod 302 cannot be pulled up. When the spring 310 is completely compressed between the upper stopper member 306 and the upper support member 320, the rod 302 cannot move upward. Further, the lower support member 330 may be raised or an additional stopper member may be optionally provided on the rod 302 (eg, on the opposite end 312) to limit the upward movement of the rod 302. good. Further, by attaching another support member having a through hole for accommodating the rod 302 to the main body 100 (for example, the intermediate shelf plate 114), the lower stopper member 208 or another stopper member (not shown) can be moved upward. You may limit the movement of.
Operation of cart 10

Next, in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the operation of the cart 10 is shown. In this non-limiting embodiment, the cart 10 is moved from an uncontrolled environment 5 (eg, outside the clean room) to a controlled environment 7 (eg, inside the clean room) by a single operation. It is illustrated that a boundary or boundary line 9 separates the controlled environment 7 from the uncontrolled environment 5. The boundary line 9 may be, for example, the entrance of an airlock located outside the clean room. Alternatively, the boundary line 9 may be inside the airlock and outside the entrance to the clean room. Alternatively, the boundary line 9 may be between two clean rooms having different particle levels (particle levels). For example, the cart 10 can be moved from an ISO146644-1 class clean room to an ISO146644-2 class clean room. A plurality of objects (articles, products, and / or equipment, etc.) can be carried on the plurality of shelves 110 of the cart 10. These items may be sterilized, may be sealed in a sealed package such as a bag, or may not be sealed. 5A-5C show how one worker transports these objects to a clean room or other controlled environment without contaminating them or the controlled environment.

First, in FIG. 5A, the cart 10 is located in the uncontrolled environment 5 and is carried to the boundary line 9. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C as a fully assembled embodiment, the cart 10 includes both a body ₁₀₀ and a first wheelbase assembly 2001. At the same time, a _second wheelbase assembly 2002 is located on the opposite side of the boundary line 9 in the controlled environment 7. Thus, there are _two wheelbase assemblies 200, the _first assembly 2001 is attached to the body 100 in an uncontrolled environment 5, and the second assembly 2002 is a controlled environment 7. It exists independently inside. The plurality of wheels 210 of the _second wheelbase assembly 2002 are locked and the _second wheelbase assembly 2002 does not move.

At this point, the worker pushes the cart 10 to boundary line 9 with the handle 130 so that the first wheelbase assembly 2001 ₁ comes into contact with the _second wheelbase assembly 2002. The user then locks the plurality of wheels 210 of the _first wheelbase assembly 2001 to prevent the _first wheelbase assembly 2001 from moving. The first wheelbase assembly 2001 ₁ and the second wheelbase assembly 2002 ₂ have the same configuration, and the heights of the chassis 240 ₁ and 240 ₂ are the same, respectively. The user aligns (aligns) the _first wheelbase assembly 2001 and the _second wheelbase assembly 2002 so that the sides 246 and 248 are substantially straight to each other. Guide members may be provided at the front end 244 of the _first wheelbase assembly 2001 and / or at the rear end 242 of the second wheelbase assembly so that the user can provide the first wheelbase assembly 2001 and a _first wheelbase. It is easy to align (align) the wheelbase assembly 2002 of ₂ in a straight line (individually or together).

As a result, the first wheelbase assembly 2001 ₁ and the second wheelbase assembly 2002 ₂ are aligned (arranged in a straight line), and the main body 100 (along with the article to be conveyed using it) is the first wheelbase. You will be able to move from assembly ₂₀₀₁ to the _second wheelbase assembly 2002. Therefore, the user lifts the knob 304 of the locking mechanism 300 (FIG. 4A) against the force of the spring 310, pulls out the opposite end 312 from the first locking opening 230 ₁ , and pulls the body 100 first. Unlock from Wheelbase Assembly ₂₀₀₁ . The range in which the operator lifts the knob 304 is limited by the upper stopper 306, where the upper stopper 306 springs between the upper stopper 306 and the surface of the upper support member 320 surrounding the upper guide hole 322. The 310 is compressed to the mechanical limit.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when in the unlocked position, the user pushes the handle 230 and slides the body ₁₀₀ along the top surface 2411 of the chassis 240 of the _first wheelbase assembly 2001, the second. Can be mounted on the _top surface 2412 of the chassis ₂₄₀ of the wheelbase assembly 2002. When the body 100 is slid onto the second wheelbase assembly 2002, the first and _second guide rails 220 ₁ and 220 ₂ guide the body 100 in the longitudinal direction X (FIG. 4B). The support column 120 may come into contact with the slanted corner 228 of the second guide rail 220 ₂ , and the slanted corner 228 allows the body 100 to be guided into the second guide rail 220 ₂ . If the body 100 is slightly pushed out of the first wheelbase assembly 100 ₁ , the rod 302 will be out of alignment with the locking opening 230 and the user may release the knob 304. The opposite end 312 is pushed downward by the force of the spring 310 and moves along the upper surfaces 241 ₁ and 241, respectively of the chassis ₂₄₀ , riding on them. A catch may be provided to hold the knob vertically so that the user does not have to hold it.

The user keeps pushing the handle 130 until the body 100 is completely moved onto the _second wheelbase assembly 2002 in the controlled environment 7. Since the wheels of the _second wheelbase assembly 2002 are locked, the wheelbase assembly ₂₀₀₂ remains stationary and does not move even when the body slides over it. Although both the _first wheelbase 2001 and the _second wheelbase 2002 are locked here, only the _second wheelbase 2002 may be locked. However, in addition, the _first wheelbase 2001 may also be locked to prevent the _first wheelbase 2001 from moving during transport. Locking the _first wheelbase 2001 prepares the body 100 to be re-accommodated when the user exits the controlled environment 7. When the body 100 is fully housed on the _{second wheelbase assembly 2002, the rod 302 is aligned with the locking opening 230 2 (} by the internal edge 226 of the guide rail 220 ₂ ) and out of the spring 210. A downward (downward) force automatically enters the lock opening 230 ₂ .

At this point, the body 100 is locked to a _second wheelbase assembly 2002 (with multiple sterile wheels) in controlled environment 7 and a _first wheelbase assembly 2001 (with multiple non-sterile wheels). Have) remain in the uncontrolled environment 5. As shown in FIG. 5C, the plurality of wheels of the _second wheelbase assembly 2002 can be unlocked by the user, and the cart 10 (main body 100 and the _second wheelbase assembly 2002) can be mounted in the clean room 7. Can be operated to transport the article to an appropriate location in the clean room 7. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the article stays on the shelves 112, 114, 116 of the cart 10 during the transport operation and does not need to be removed from the shelves 112, 114, 116. Further, the body 100 never touches the ground and instead moves directly from the first chassis surface 240 ₁ to the second chassis surface 240 ₂ .

Further, the above-mentioned steps can be similarly performed in the reverse direction. That is, it is a case where the cart 10 is moved from the controlled environment 7 to the uncontrolled environment 5. However, since the sterile and non-sterile wheelbases always remain isolated in their respective environments, cross-contamination by particulate matter (mutual contamination, secondary) as the cart 10 moves between these environments. Contamination) can be prevented. Since these wheelbases are substantially identical, they are interchangeable and easily move the frame 100 from one wheelbase assembly to another without reconfiguring the body 100. be able to. Further, since the openings 230 are located at the front end 244 and the rear end 242 of the wheelbase assembly 200, the body 100 can be mounted on the wheelbase assembly 200 from either direction.

Therefore, the cart 10 can be used to carry the articles on the shelves 112, 114, 116. These articles can be retained on the shelves 112, 114, 166 even when the cart 10 moves between an uncontrolled environment and a controlled environment. In this way, the user does not have to manually remove the items from the cart and bring them to the clean room while leaving the cart outside the clean room. Also, wheels used in an uncontrolled environment do not enter a controlled environment. Also, the wheels used in the controlled environment stay in the controlled environment and do not leave the controlled environment. Therefore, the cart wheel does not allow particles to enter the controlled environment.

As described above and illustrated, one locking mechanism 300 is provided primarily on the body 100 and the wheelbase assembly 200 requires only one opening 230. However, the number is not limited to this, and the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of locking mechanisms may be provided on one or more of the sides 106, 108, or the ends 102, 104 of the body frame 100. The locking mechanism may also include a locking mechanism that is provided, attached (fastenered) or crossed onto the wheelbase assembly so as to cooperate and engage with the locking mechanism on the body 100. .. Also, the locking mechanism 300 does not need to have a long rod 302 and may have a short rod with a knob just above the lower shelf 112, but the user does not bend over to lift the knob. Must not be.

Further, the present invention is shown with one having a shelf plate 112 that slides over the top surface 241 of the chassis 240, all of which articles on the shelf portion 112 move onto a new wheelbase assembly. However, it is also possible to provide other embodiments. As described above, the chassis 240 may be a slats (elongated thin plate) or the like. Further, instead of the bottom plate 112, the support column 120 may have a wheel. Alternatively, a plurality of longitudinal supports with roller bearings may be provided so that the roller bearings engage the corresponding roller bearings on the wheelbase assembly (thus the guide rails). Is unnecessary).

Another feature of the present invention is that the entire cart 10 is made of a material that can be pressure sterilized. Therefore, the entire cart 10 and all the articles carried by it can be placed in a pressure sterilizer and sterilized. Within the spirit and scope of the present invention, further different embodiments of the cart 10 can be provided. Although the invention is described with one having a wheelbase assembly 200 completely separated from the body 100, other embodiments within the scope of the invention can be provided. For example, the body 100 may have a plurality of interchangeable wheel sets, one set of wheels used in a clean environment and another set of wheels used outside the clean environment. The wheels may be individually removable so that each wheel can be replaced one at a time, or the two front wheels and the two rear wheels are connected to each other and the front wheels can be replaced at once. Or you may be able to replace the rear wheels at once. Alternatively, the wheels may be left fixed to the body and operated with a lever to raise one set of wheels and lower the other. For example, a wheel assembly may have two wheels mounted on a pivot plate so that when one of those wheels goes down, the other wheel goes up.
Storage / transport carts or racks 600, 700

Another feature of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. As shown in FIG. 6A, the invention includes a wheelbase transport cart or rack 600, which transports one or more wheelbase assemblies 200 to a pressure sterilizer and the pressure sterilizer thereof. Can be used for storage inside. The rack 600 is roughly formed from one bottom 602 and at least one handle assembly 604. The bottom 602 may be formed from a flat rectangular elongated plate having a top surface 606 and a bottom surface 608. The bottom 602 of the rack 600 accommodates a plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 and is sized and configured to fit within a pressure sterilizer. The handle assembly 604 may consist of a plurality of poles or rods 612, and one handle 610. These poles 612 may extend vertically (as shown in FIG. 6A) or at an angle from the top surface 606 of the end 610 of the bottom 602. These poles 612 and handles 610 are integrally formed or attached to each other. As shown in FIG. 6C, the handle 610 is integrally formed with a plurality of poles 612 and extends at an angle from the tops of those poles 612. The user can use the handle 610 to push the rack 600.

In one embodiment, the bottom 602 and the handle assembly 604 (including the handle 610 and the plurality of poles 612) are formed of a pressure sterilable material, which includes metals and alloys such as nickel, aluminum, or stainless steel. , And elastic plastics such as polypropylene, Pyrex® type glass (ie, low thermal expansion borosilicate glass), but not limited to these. Therefore, the entire rack 600 (and the wheelbase assembly 200 held by the rack 600) can be pressure sterilized.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the rack 600 includes a plurality of poles or stanchions 614, which extend upward from the top surface 606 of the bottom 602 of the rack 600. These columns may be integrally formed with the bottom portion 602 of the rack 600, or may be connected to the upper surface 606 of the bottom portion 602 by pins, screws, or the like. These columns 614 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, or other cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a square, oval, or octagon, which firmly holds the wheelbase assembly 200 and of the guide rail 220. Any shape may be used as long as it fits within the channel 227. In one embodiment, these columns 614 are paired in rows across the rack 600 so that a plurality of pairs are arranged along the length (L ₁ ) of the bottom 602 of the rack 600. Has been done. One of the paired stanchions 614 is spaced apart from the other stanchion 614, with the paired first stanchion 614 being the channel of the guide rail 220 on one side 246 of the wheelbase assembly 200 in the longitudinal direction. The other strut 614, which engages and pairs with 227, engages channel 227 of the guide rail 200 on the other longitudinal side 248 of the wheelbase assembly 200. The columns 614 are high enough to hold the wheelbase assembly 200 in place, for example at least half the length (L ₂ ) of the wheelbase assembly 200.

FIG. 6A shows a total of 12 stanchions 614 to accommodate the 6 wheelbase assemblies 200, but the present invention does not limit the number of stanchions 614. The rack 600 is designed to allow pressure sterility of multiple wheelbase assemblies 200 at one time and preferably has multiple stanchions 614. Similar to the bottom 602 and handle assembly 604 of the rack 600, the plurality of stanchions 614 are also made of pressure sterilizable material as described herein.

The stanchion 614 is configured to hold each of the plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 vertically on the rack 600. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the plurality of stanchions 614 are located within the channel 227 of the longitudinal guide rail 220 of any of the longitudinal sides 246, 248 of the wheelbase assembly 200 and the wheelbase assembly. The flat top surface 241 of the 200 (see FIG. 1) is held so that it is perpendicular to the bottom 602 of the rack 600. These stanchions 614 have a cross-sectional size and shape that fits snugly within the channel 227, prescribing the wheelbase assembly 200 without forcing (force) the wheel assembly 200 to fit into the stanchion 614. Can be held in the position of. These wheelbase assemblies 200 need to be stable enough to prevent them from tipping over or falling, even if they move slightly on the rack 600. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each guide rail 200 engages with one strut 614 to prevent the wheel assembly 200 from moving back and forth on the rack 600 with an inward bending member 224 and a strut 614. It consists of a vertical portion 222 that engages and prevents the wheelbase assembly 200 from moving left and right on the rack 600. In this way, the wheelbase assembly 200 does not move back and forth or left and right on the rack 600 and does not come off.

By arranging the plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 vertically on the rack 600, the rack 600 can accommodate the plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 (shown in FIG. 6C) so that the user cannot easily move or add. It does not require a rack 600 that is too large to fit in a pressure sterilizer. The plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 are arranged on the rack 600 in a state of being arranged parallel to each other. Upon mounting, the user aligns the opening of the channel 227 of the guide rail 220 on each longitudinal side 246, 248 with the two adjacent stanchions 614 and slides each wheelbase assembly 200. Place it on the rack 600. The plurality of columns 614 may be guided into the channel 227 by diagonal corners 228 (see FIG. 3) in front of and behind the guide rail 220. The top of the stanchion 614 may be rounded or tapered to more reliably guide the wheelbase assembly 200 onto the stanchion 614. As shown in FIG. 6C, the plurality of wheels 210 of the wheelbase assembly 200 may face the handle assembly 604 of this rack or may be arranged to face in opposite directions.

The rack 600 may include multiple wheels 616 coupled to the bottom 608 of the bottom 602, allowing the rack 600 to be physically moved from one location to another, eg, a pressure sterilizer from an external environment. , Or you can move to a clean room environment. A plurality of wheels 616 may be arranged at each corner of the bottom surface 602 of the bottom portion 602 to ensure the stability of the rack 600.

In this way, the rack 600 is sized and configured to accommodate, hold, and transport the plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200, allowing the plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 to be efficiently pressure sterilized at the same time. However, the rack 600 may be of a size and configuration capable of transporting other equipment for simultaneous pressure sterilization.

7A-7C show a rack 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The cart or rack 700 may be utilized to store and / or transport one or more wheelbase assemblies 200 and hold them in a pressure sterilizer. The rack 700 has a size and configuration that can accommodate multiple wheelbase assemblies 200 and fit within a pressure sterilizer. In one embodiment, the entire rack 700 is made of materials that can be pressure sterilized, such as metals and alloys such as nickel, aluminum, or stainless steel, or elastic plastics such as polypropylene. And include, but is not limited to, Pyrex® type glass (ie, low thermal expansion borosilicate glass). Therefore, together with the wheelbase assembly 200 held by the rack 700, the entire rack 700 can be pressure sterilized.

The rack 700 has a frame including a base frame portion (bottom frame portion) 702, a top frame portion (upper frame k portion) 704, and four side support poles (side support poles) 706. The bottom frame portion 702 and the top frame portion 704 may be formed into a square having an open center by connecting four elongated support members, respectively. That is, the upper frame portion 704 has a front support member 704a, a rear support member 704c, and side support members 704b and 704d. Alternatively, the bottom frame portion 702 and / or the top frame portion 704 may be a rigid plate.

As best shown in FIG. 7C, the top frame portion 704 may be smaller than the bottom frame portion 702, with the plurality of side support poles 706 extending substantially vertically upwards and slightly. It is inclined inward to connect each corner of the bottom frame portion 702 and each corner of the corresponding upper frame portion 704. By making the base frame portion 702 wider, it has higher stability, and by making the top frame portion 704 smaller, the wheelbase assembly 200 can be inserted and removed more easily. The plurality of support poles 706 form an internal space having a front opening 707a and a rear opening 707b.

As shown in FIG. 7B, one or more hooks 710 are provided. These hooks 710 are connected to the lower side of the upper frame portion 704. In one embodiment, a plurality of hooks 710 are connected to the front and rear support members 704a, 704c and arranged apart from each other so that the wheelbase assembly 200 can be hung between adjacent hooks 710. Each hook 710 on the front support member 704a is aligned (aligned linearly) with the corresponding hook 710 on the rear support member 704c and is paired with each other. These hooks 710 are generally J-shaped and may extend downward from the supports 704a, 704c and then curve upward to form an upwardly curved lip 712. These hooks 710 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the front support 704a and the rear support 704c.

In this way, one or more wheelbase assemblies 200 can be detachably hung on the cart 700 by suspending each wheelbase assembly on each pair of hooks 710. More specifically, the hook 710 can be detachably engaged with one of the guide rails 220 of the wheelbase assembly 200, allowing the assembly 200 to hang vertically sideways. These hooks 710 are hooked on the inwardly bent upper member 224, and the internal guide edge 226 rests on the hook 710. When the wheelbase assembly 200 is placed on top of the hook 710, the hook edge (lip) 712 points upwards into the inside of the guide channel 227, allowing the user to place the wheelbase assembly above the lip 712. The wheelbase assembly 200 cannot be removed without lifting.

Therefore, the rack 700 can hold a plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 at one time, and these wheelbase assemblies 200 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bottom frame portion on the rack. Can be retained. As shown in FIG. 7B, those wheelbase assemblies 200 are located between the two sides of the rack 700. As shown in FIG. 7C, the wheelbase assemblies 200 project outward beyond the front and back of the cart 700 so that the user can grab these assemblies 200 and easily hang them on the hook 710 or hook them. It can be removed from the 710. For attachment / detachment, the user can grab the assembly 200 around the guide rail 220 and put a finger into the channel 227. The user then inserts these assemblies 200 into the front openings 707a between the front support poles 706 of the rack or the rear openings 707b between the rear support poles 706, and then lips the assembly 200 712. Lift up and lower these assemblies onto the hook 710. By reversing this process, the assembly 200 can be removed from the rack 700.

The rack 700 may include multiple wheels 716 connected to the bottom of the bottom frame portion 702, allowing the rack 700 to be physically moved from one location to another, eg, pressure sterilized from an external environment. Can be moved to a vessel or a clean room environment. These wheels 716 can be arranged at each corner of the bottom frame portion 702 to ensure the stability of the rack 700. The user can pull or push the rack 700 by grasping one of the support members 704a, b, c, d.

In this way, the rack 700 is sized and configured to accommodate, hold, and transport the plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200, allowing the plurality of wheelbase assemblies 200 to be efficiently pressure sterilized at the same time. However, the rack 700 may be of a size and configuration capable of simultaneously transporting other equipment for pressure sterilization.
Supply transport / storage cart 800

Another aspect of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a supply transport / storage cart 800 (“Supply Cart (Supply Cart) 800”) is used to provide cans, bottles, or other bulky or uniquely shaped supplies. Can be transported and stored in a clean room environment, and can also be transported and stored in a clean room environment. The supply cart 800 may utilize the wheelbase assembly 200 described herein to move it from one location to another, while the body of the supply cart 800 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. It is different from the embodiment shown in C.

The body 802 of the supply cart 800 is a rectangular parallelepiped, single part, front lateral side or end 804, posterior lateral side or end 806, and two opposing longitudinal sides 808, 810. And they form one frame. The body 802 has four corner vertical support posts (vertical stanchions) 812 extending upward from the wheelbase assembly 200, although any number of stanchions 812 can be used. In one embodiment, the vertical column 812 extends upward from the bottom surface 813 of the body 802. The bottom surface 813 may be a substantially flat surface extending between each of the vertical columns 812. In another different embodiment, the body 802 does not include a bottom surface 813 and may simply be formed as a frame with vertical columns 812 connected by horizontal cross members (cross members), as described below.

In one embodiment, the body 802 may further include a guide wheel assembly (not shown) shown as the guide wheel assembly 140 at the base of the body 802, where the guide wheel assembly slides the body 802 relative to the wheelbase assembly. It is possible to receive and remove it as much as possible. In embodiments where the body 802 includes a bottom surface 813, guide wheel assemblies may be arranged along the outer edge (not shown) of the bottom surface 813. In embodiments where the body 802 does not include a bottom surface 813, the guidewheel assembly may be coupled between the vertical columns 812 to a bottom cross member (not shown) extending from the front end 804 to the rear end 806.

The supply cart 800 may be configured to be mounted on or removed from the wheelbase assembly 200 in the same manner as the cart 10 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. In this embodiment, the body 802 is attached to the wheelbase assembly 200 via the mechanisms described herein with respect to the cart 10, including a locking mechanism 300 that removably locks the body 802 to the wheelbase assembly. On the other hand, it is a size and shape that cooperates to support (mount) and connect (fit). If the body 802 includes a bottom surface 813, the bottom surface 813 is slidably received (supported) on the top surface 241 of the platform 240 of the wheelbase assembly 200. Alternatively, the cross member at the bottom may be strong enough to slide the top surface 241 of the platform 200 of the wheelbase assembly 200 and support the supply cart 800 on it.

In another embodiment, the body 802 of the supply cart 800 is integrally formed with the wheelbase assembly 200.

The body 802 further includes a plurality of horizontal cross members (horizontal cross members) 814 extending between each of the vertical columns 812 at different heights to form side rails. As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 802 has a total of 12 horizontal cross members 814, but any number of horizontal cross members 814 can be used for a particular application. In this embodiment, four horizontal cross members 814a extend between four vertical columns 812 to form a rectangle directly above the wheelbase assembly 200. The other four horizontal cross members 814b extend between the four vertical support posts 812 to form different rectangles directly above the four horizontal cross members 814a. In this way, the can, bottle, or other supply is placed on the bottom surface 813 of the body 802 of the supply cart 800 and held in place by the horizontal cross members 814a, 814b, and the supply cart 800. Does not fall from.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal cross members 814a, 814b form a hinged door (not shown) at the rear end 806 of the supply cart 800. In other embodiments, the hinged door can be formed on the front end 804 or either side surface 808, 810.

Four additional horizontal cross members 814c, 814d extend between the two vertical support posts 812 so that the cross member (cross member) 814d is directly above the cross member (cross member) 814c. This allows taller cans, bottles, and other supplies to be placed in place on the wheelbase assembly 200 without falling from the front lateral end 804 and the rear lateral end 806 of the supply cart 800. Can be held in. In one embodiment, for example, the cans can be tied to the cross members 814c, 814d and held in place. A handle similar to the handle 130 can be used to allow the user to push the supply cart 800. In another embodiment, the user can push the supply cart 800 by the handle 1026 below, as further described in FIG. 10B. In yet another embodiment, the user can use the horizontal cross members 814c, 814d to push and pull the supply cart 800.

The feed cart 800 is preferably made of a material capable of withstanding sufficient humidity, heat and pressure so that the entire feed cart 800 can be pressure sterilized (autoclaved). Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals and metal alloys such as nickel, aluminum, or stainless steel, elastic plastics (resilient plastics) such as polypropylene, and Pyrex® type glass. ..
Tray transport / storage cart 900

Another aspect of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a tray transport / storage cart 900 (“tray cart (tray cart) 900”) is used to transport a flat tray (flat tray) in and out of a clean room environment, or a flat tray. Can be stored inside or outside the clean room. The body of the tray cart 900 is different from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-C and 8, but the wheelbase assembly 200 described herein is used to move the tray cart 900 from one location to another. Can be moved.

The body 902 of the tray cart 900 is a single rectangular parallelepiped component (integrated) defining a front lateral side or end 904, a rear lateral or end 906 and two opposing longitudinal sides 908,910. It is an article that has been made) and is designed to form a frame. In one embodiment, the body 902 includes a cross member (cross member) extending along the base of the longitudinal sides 908, 910. Each of these cross members may include a guide wheel assembly (not shown) such as the guide wheel assembly 140, and the body 902 may be slidably attached to or detached from the wheelbase assembly 200. .. In another embodiment, the body 902 includes a bottom surface 913. The bottom surface 913 may be a substantially flat surface extending from the front end portion 904 of the main body 902 to the rear end portion 906.

The tray cart 900 may be mounted (supported) on or removed from the wheelbase assembly 200 in the same manner as the cart 10 as shown in FIGS. 5A-C. In this embodiment, the body 902 collaborates with the wheelbase assembly 200 via the mechanism described herein for the cart 10, including a locking mechanism 300 that releasably locks the body 802 to the wheelbase assembly 200. It is the size and shape that can be supported and connected (fitted). If the body 902 includes a bottom surface 913, the bottom surface 913 is slidably accepted onto the top surface 241 of the platform 240 of the wheelbase assembly 200. In embodiments where the body 920 does not include a bottom surface 913, the cross members are strong enough for them to slide over the top surface 241 of the platform 240 of the wheelbase assembly 200 and support the tray cart 900 on it. Just do it.

In another embodiment, the body 902 of the tray cart 900 is integrally formed with the wheelbase assembly 200.

The body 902 is generally formed from at least one elongated tray receiving structure 912 extending vertically upward from the wheelbase assembly 200 between each of the longitudinal sides 908, 910. When the main body 902 includes the bottom surface 913, the tray receiving structures 912 each extend vertically upward from the bottom surface 913 and are joined to them. In one embodiment, the body 902 preferably comprises at least three elongated tray housing structures 912. As shown in FIG. 9, each tray accommodating structure (tray receiving structure, tray receiving structure, tray receiving) 912 has a rectangular shape. Each tray accommodating structure 912 may be joined by a rectangular upper joining member 911 so that the tray accommodating structures 912 are fixed to each other. When the main body 902 includes the bottom surface 913, the tray receiving structures 912 are similarly fixed to each other by the bottom surface 913. If the bottom surface 913 is not present, each tray housing structure 912 may be further joined by a rectangular bottom joining member.

The tray receiving structure 912 includes a plurality of opposing lips (edge, lip-like structures) 916 extending orthogonally to the structure 912, which serve as a tray support. The opposing lips 916 are respectively arranged at the same height along the height direction of the tray receiving structure 912, and when the trays are arranged on each of the opposing shelves or lips 916, they are evenly arranged with respect to the ground. And they are generally arranged in parallel. In this way, each pair of opposing lips 916 forms a slot (elongated gap) 914 for placing the tray. The tray is held in slot 914 and the tray can be stored or transported via the tray cart 900. As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of opposing lips 916 are arranged such that they form a plurality of stacked slots 914. In one embodiment, each of the tray receiving structures 912 has at least 8 slots 914 and can hold at least 24 trays at a time throughout the tray cart 900, but for a particular size tray cart 900. Any number of tray housing structures 912 and slots 914 can be used.

A handle similar to the handle 130 can be used to allow the user to push the tray cart 900. In another embodiment, the user can push the tray cart 900 by the handle 1026 described below with reference to FIG. 10B. In yet another embodiment, the tray cart 900 may include a handle 917 at the rear end 906 or front end 904 (as shown in FIG. 9).

Like the feed cart 800, the tray cart 900 is preferably made of a material that can withstand sufficient moisture (moisture), heat, and pressure, just as the entire feed cart 800 can be autoclaved. .. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metals and metal alloys such as nickel, aluminum, or stainless steel, elastic plastics such as polypropylene, and Pyrex® glass.

Each of the Supply Cart 800 and the Tray Cart 900 is an example of several types of carts that can be used with the wheelbase assembly 200. A common feature between each of these designs is that each preferably comprises a bottom surface (813, 913), the bottom surface of which is slidably accepted onto the top surface 214 of the platform 240 of the wheelbase assembly 200. (Supported). In this way, the wheelbase assembly 200 can be used to transport a wide variety of different types of carts, which can be easily replaced and also replaced with other types of carts. In addition, other types of carts with other body designs can also utilize the wheelbase assembly 200 of the present invention. In addition, other mechanisms for fixing the cart to the wheelbase assembly 200, such as pins, screws, and other known coupling mechanisms may be utilized.
Brake mechanism

Other embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 10A-B. The wheel and brake mechanism 1000 (including these, referred to as the "brake mechanism 1000") can be incorporated with the wheel base assembly 200 for use with any of the carts disclosed herein, as a cart. , Cart 10 (FIG. 1), supply cart 800 (FIG. 8) and tray cart 900 (FIG. 9), which may be any of the carts disclosed herein, the cart with a wheel base. It may be a rack 600. In one embodiment, the brake mechanism 1000 may be used with other types of carts other than the inventions of FIGS. 1-9.

The braking mechanism (brake mechanism) 1000 may be integrally formed with the wheelbase assembly 200 or the wheelbase transfer rack 600, or may be attached to the wheelbase assembly 200 or the wheelbase transfer rack 600 after manufacturing. When the latter method is used, the brake mechanism 1000 may be coupled to the wheelbase assembly 200 or the wheelbase transfer rack 600, respectively, instead of the wheel assembly 210 or wheel 616. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, it can be used together with or in place of the wheel lock mechanism 250 of FIG. 4A.

With reference to FIG. 10A, the brake mechanism 1000 generally includes wheels 1002, swivel casters 1004, platform 1006, and stop brake 1008. Wheels 1002 may be coupled to swivel casters 1004, swivel casters 1004 may be coupled to the bottom of platform 1006, and platform 1006 may be coupled to wheelbase assembly 200 or wheelbase transfer rack 600 via the top surface of the platform.

The stop brake 1008 is formed of an L-shaped member having a first end 1020 and a second opposite end 1022. When in the "open" position, the first end 1020 is parallel to the platform 1006 and the second end 1022 is orthogonal to the top surface 1007 of the platform 1006. When the stop brake 1008 rotates to the "closed" position, the second end 1022 of the stop brake 1008 activates a stop mechanism (not shown) that applies a force to the wheel 1002, and the wheel 1002 is caused by frictional force or the like. Stop spinning. Thus, when in the closed position (closed position, closed position), the stop brake 1008 limits or prohibits the rotation of the wheel 1002 and secures it in that position, so that the wheelbase assembly 200 or wheelbase transport rack 600 It stops and doesn't move anymore. When the stop brake is turned to the open position (open position), the second end 1022 releases the stop mechanism (not shown) to allow the wheel 1002 to rotate freely, and thus the wheelbase. The assembly 200 or the wheelbase transfer rack 600 can be moved again.

In order to control the operation of the stop brake 1008, a control or actuation mechanism 1010 is provided, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10B. In this figure, the brake mechanism 1000 is shown for use with the wheelbase assembly 200, where the brake mechanism 1000 is any wheelbase assembly, cart, or rack, or wheel assembly disclosed herein. Can be used with any cart or transport device with (wheel assembly). The actuating mechanism 1010 typically includes a horizontal bar 1024 and an inverted U-shaped handle 1026. In one embodiment, the horizontal bar 1024 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the handle 1026 does not have to be U-shaped, but may have any shape that the user can grip.

In this embodiment, the horizontal bar 1024 is located at the end of the wheelbase assembly 200 (such as the lateral rear end 242 or the lateral front end 244) and each side surface of the wheelbase assembly 200 (longitudinal side surface 246, 248). Etc.). The U-shaped handle 1026 preferably extends vertically upward from the surface of the horizontal bar 1024 to a comfortable height at which the user can grip the handle 1026 and move the wheelbase assembly 200, although the user can use the cart 10. It is desirable that it is not too high so that it does not interfere with gripping, pulling or pushing the frame 100 of the main body. The user may instead grab the handle 1026 and pull / push the cart 10, but it is preferred to grab the body frame 100 and use the handle 1026 only for braking. In one embodiment, the U-shaped handle 1026 is formed integrally with the horizontal bar 1024. In another embodiment, the handle 1026 is coupled to the horizontal bar 1024 using welding or any known mounting method such as bolts or screws.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the horizontal bar 1024 is connected to the first end 1020 of the stop brake (stop brake) 1008. In one embodiment, the horizontal bar 1024 is welded to the first end 1020 of the stop brake 1008. The horizontal bar 1024 is linear and substantially parallel to the end of the rear end 242 of the wheelbase assembly 200 so that it recedes from the rear end 242 so that the rotation of the bar 1024 is not hindered. .. When the user lowers the handle 1026 towards the floor while moving, the horizontal bar 1024 rotates the stop brake 1008 between the open and closed positions described above. Therefore, when the handle 1026 is lowered, the second end 1022 of the stop brake 1008 activates the stop mechanism and exerts a force on the wheel 1002 to prevent the wheel 1002 from rotating. When the handle 1026 is lifted, the second end 1022 of the stop brake 1008 releases the stop mechanism, allowing the wheel 1002 to rotate freely again.

As mentioned above, the braking mechanism 1000 can be used with any of the carts or racks disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an existing wheel on the wheelbase assembly 200 can be replaced with a wheel and brake mechanism 1000. Further, the braking mechanism (brake mechanism) 1000 can also be used in a conventional cart such as an integrated cart that does not have the wheelbase assembly 200 to be separated. In a further embodiment of the invention, the braking mechanism (including the handle 1026) is illustrated and described as being attached to the base 200, but can be attached to the frame 100 instead.

Further referring to FIG. 8, the locking mechanism 300 is located at one end of the cart 10 and the handle 1026 is located at the opposite end of the cart 10. However, the locking mechanism 300 and the handle 1026 can both be located at the same end of each other, and one or both of them can be located on any of the four sides of the cart.

The above includes a bottom surface, a plurality of vertical columns, and a plurality of horizontal cross members extending between each of the plurality of vertical columns and constituting a plurality of side rails. A plurality of supplies placed on the bottom surface of the body having a body including the body and an interchangeable wheel base assembly configured to support and connect to the bottom surface of the body. However, there is disclosed a supply transport device that is stably held at that position by the plurality of side rails. The feed transfer device may further include a locking mechanism configured to releasably connect the body to the replaceable wheelbase assembly. When the locking mechanism engages, the body may be secured to the wheelbase assembly. When the locking mechanism is released, the body may be separable from the wheelbase assembly. The whole body may be pressure sterilizable. The body may include at least four vertical stanchions and at least four horizontal cross members extending between each of the vertical stanchions to form at least one rectangular side rail. The body may be accessible to and from the clean room environment via the replaceable wheelbase assembly.

Further, the above includes a main body including at least one elongated tray receiving structure and a bottom surface, and a plurality of facing surfaces configured to extend orthogonally from the at least one elongated tray receiving structure and to receive and support the tray. Each of the tray receiving structures has an interchangeable wheelbase assembly that supports the bottom surface of the body and is configured to be connected to the bottom surface, each vertically upward with respect to the wheelbase assembly. A tray transfer device extending to is disclosed. The tray transfer device may further include a locking mechanism configured to releasably connect the body to the replaceable wheelbase assembly. When the locking mechanism engages, the body may be secured to the wheelbase assembly. When the locking mechanism is released, the body may be separable from the wheelbase assembly. The whole body may be pressure sterilizable. The body may include at least three tray receiving structures. The body may be accessible to and from the clean room environment via the replaceable wheelbase assembly.

Further, the above is a transport device having wheels provided with a braking mechanism, which is a rotatable operating mechanism arranged adjacent to the braking mechanism and a handle extending upward from the operating mechanism. Disclosed is a transport device comprising an open position to which no stopping force is applied and a handle configured to move the actuating mechanism between a braking position in which the actuating mechanism actuates the braking mechanism. .. The transport device further comprises a stop brake configured with an L-shaped member including a first end and a second opposed end, wherein the actuating mechanism is said between the open position and the braking position. The stop brake may be moved. The rotatable actuating mechanism may include a horizontal bar connected to the handle. The rotatable actuating mechanism may include a horizontal bar connected to the first end of the stop brake. The transport device may be a cart.

Further, in the above, a wheel base assembly having an upper surface and at least two wheels connected to the wheel base assembly, each of which is a wheel including a braking mechanism and arranged adjacent to the braking mechanism. A rotatable actuating mechanism and a handle that is directly connected to the actuating mechanism, extends upward from the actuating mechanism, and extends over the top surface of the wheelbase assembly, in an open position where no stopping force is applied. And a handle configured such that the actuating mechanism is configured to move the actuating mechanism between a braking position in which the actuating mechanism is actuated to apply braking force, the rotatable actuating mechanism is said to be the handle. Disclosed is a transfer device comprising a horizontal bar coupled with and extending horizontally between the at least two braking mechanisms. The transport device further comprises a stop brake configured with an L-shaped member including a first end and a second opposed end, wherein the actuating mechanism is said between the open position and the braking position. The stop brake may be moved. The horizontal bar may be connected to the first end of the stop brake. The transport device may be a cart.

Further, in the above, the bottom surface, the plurality of vertical columns, and the plurality of horizontal cross members extending between the plurality of vertical columns, respectively, and the plurality of horizontal horizontal members constituting the plurality of side rails. A replaceable wheel base assembly configured to support and connect to a body including the material and the bottom surface of the body, and upward over the entire length of each of the longitudinal sides of the wheel base assembly. It has a wheel base assembly that includes a guide rail that extends to a continuous flat front and rear opposite end, and the plurality of supplies placed on the bottom surface of the body are said to have the plurality of sides. Each of the plurality of vertical columns is stably held in its position by a rail, and each of the plurality of vertical columns includes an upper end, a bottom end, and an intermediate portion extending between them, and each of the plurality of horizontal cross members is Disclosed is a supply transport device extending between each of the plurality of vertical columns in the intermediate portion. The feed transfer device may further include a locking mechanism configured to releasably connect the body to the replaceable wheelbase assembly. When the locking mechanism engages, the body may be secured to the wheelbase assembly. When the locking mechanism is released, the body may be separable from the wheelbase assembly. The whole body may be pressure sterilizable. The body may include at least four vertical stanchions and at least four horizontal cross members extending between each of the vertical stanchions to form at least one rectangular side rail. The body may be accessible to and from the clean room environment via the replaceable wheelbase assembly. The body may include at least three tray receiving structures.

As described above, the above description and drawings are intended only to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be configured in various shapes and sizes and is not limited by preferred embodiments. Many applications of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Therefore, it is not desirable to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed, or the precise configurations and operations illustrated and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

A body that includes at least one elongated tray receiving structure and a bottom surface,
With multiple trays
Multiple opposing lips that extend orthogonally from the at least one elongated tray receiving structure and are configured to receive and support the tray, with each pair of lips slidable on one or more trays. The lip that forms the channel to house,
With a replaceable wheelbase assembly configured to support and connect to the bottom of the body,
It has a locking mechanism that releasably connects the body to the replaceable wheelbase assembly.
Each of the tray receiving structures extends vertically upward with respect to the wheelbase assembly .
The bottom surface is a flat surface extending from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the main body.
The body is slidably removed from another replaceable wheelbase assembly, slidably accepted into the replaceable wheelbase assembly, and automatically coupled to the replaceable wheelbase assembly by the locking mechanism. Wheel transport device. In claim 1,
A tray transfer device in which the body is secured to the wheelbase assembly when the locking mechanism engages. In claim 1,
A tray transfer device that, when the locking mechanism is released, allows the body to be separated from the wheelbase assembly. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The main body is a tray transfer device that can be sterilized under pressure as a whole. In any of claims 1 to 4,
The body is a tray transfer device that is accessible to and from a clean room environment via the replaceable wheelbase assembly.

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