NZ756712B2 - Trolley for Reels - Google Patents

Abstract

trolley for transporting one or more reels, like cable reels or the like, the trolley including: a main frame having a least one wheel mounted thereto, the main frame including an upper portion and a base portion, the upper and base portion connected via a hinged connection; and a rack portion hingedly coupled to the main frame, the rack portion including at least one reel support arm configured to receive a reel thereon, wherein the trolley is adjustable between a folded configuration, for trolley stowage, and a deployed configuration, for reel transport. gedly coupled to the main frame, the rack portion including at least one reel support arm configured to receive a reel thereon, wherein the trolley is adjustable between a folded configuration, for trolley stowage, and a deployed configuration, for reel transport.

Description

Y FOR REELS Field of the invention The present invention relates to a trolley for transporting reels, like cable reels or the like.

Background of the ion To tate human powered transport of large, bulky and/or heavy items, over short distances, hand trolleys are often used. Whilst hand trolleys can be effective for packed or boxed loads, they are often not suitable for more oddly shaped items like reels of cable or the like.

Reels of cable are heavy and awkward for a single person to carry. When using a conventional hand trolley, additional strapping is typically required. This strapping can restrict access to loaded reels, and may prevent, for example, easy de-reeling unless completely off loading from the trolley.

Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary tion appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application. y of the invention In one broad form, the present invention provides a trolley for transporting one or more reels, like cable reels or the like, the trolley including: a main frame having a least one wheel mounted o, the main frame including a upper portion and a base portion, the upper and base portion ted via a hinged connection; and a rack portion hingedly coupled to the main frame, the rack portion including at least one reel support arm configured to receive a reel thereon, wherein the trolley is adjustable between a folded configuration, for trolley stowage, and a deployed configuration, for reel transport.

In one form, the rack is hingedly coupled to the base portion of the main frame.

In one form, in the folded configuration, the trolley is substantially flat.

In one form, the rack portion includes a column with one or more reel support arms cantilevered rom. In one form, the distal end(s) of the evered reel support arm(s) is/are bent so as to facilitate retainment of a reel loaded thereon. In one form, in the deployed uration, the distal ends of the reel support arms extend in a substantially upward direction.

In one form, the rack portion, at a base end thereof, is hingedy coupled to the base portion of the main frame, and, at a top end thereof, the rack portion is releasably securable to the upper n of the main frame.

In one form, when the top end of the rack portion is secured to the upper portion, the trolley is maintained in the deployed configuration.

In one form, the top end of rack portion must be released from the upper portion to allow movement of the trolley from the deployed to the folded configuration.

In one form, in the deployed configuration the trolley has a substantially triangular structure, the base and the upper portion positioned such that the main frame has a ntially L-shape, and the rack portion extends from the distal end of the base potion to an area at the top end of the upper portion.

In one form, the one or more wheel/s are releasably mounted to the base n, at a rear end thereof, at which end the upper portion is connected thereto.

In one form, the base portion includes legs at a front end thereof, to assist with levelling of the base portion.

In one form, the trolley is a hand y and the upper portion includes a handle portion.

Brief description of the drawings A detailed description of a preferred embodiment will follow, by way of e only, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a ctive view of a trolley according to one example of the invention; Figure 2 is a left side view of the trolley of figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the trolley of figure 1; Figure 4 is a right side view of the trolley of figure 1; Figure 5A is an enlarged side view of the hinged connection between main frame and rack n of from figure 1; Figure 5B is a cross sectional view of figure 5A along section line A-A; Figure 6A enlarged side view of wheel mounted to main frame of trolley from figure 1; Figure 6B is a cross sectional view of figure 6A along section line C-C; Figure 7A is an enlarged front view of releasable connection point between top end of rack portion and main frame as per trolley of figure 1; Figure 7B is cross sectional side view of figure 7A along section line B-B; Figure 8 is perspective view of upper n of main frame of trolley of figure 1; Figure 9 is a perspective view of base portion of main frame of trolley of figure 1; Figure 10 is a side view of base portion of main frame of trolley of figure 1; Figure 11 is a perspective view of storage box of trolley of figure 1; Figure 12 is a perspective view of rack portion of trolley of figure 1; Figure 13 is rear view of the trolley of figure 1, in the folded configuration; Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of the trolley of figure 1, in the folded configuration; Figure 15 is a side view of the trolley of figure 1, in the folded configuration; Figure 16 is a bottom view of the trolley of figure 1, in the folded configuration; Figure 17 is a side view of a trolley according to one example of the invention having el attachment and threaded knob locking ism; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the trolley of figure 17; Figure 19 is a rear view of the trolley of figure 17; Figure 20 is an ed view of the threaded engagement between locking knob and top end of rack portion; and Figure 21 is perspective view of an example of a threaded locking knob. ed description of the embodiment or embodiments Embodiments of the present invention provide a trolley for transporting one or more reels, like cable reels or the like. The y includes a wheel mounted main frame having an upper portion and a base portion. The upper and base n are connected via a hinged connection.

Furthermore, a rack portion is hingedly coupled to the main frame, the rack n including at least one reel support arm ured to receive a reel thereon. By virtue of the hinged ngs between the upper portion and the base portion, and between the main frame and the rack n, the trolley is adjustable between a folded configuration, for stowage, and a deployed configuration, for reel transport, support and/or de-reeling. Generally, the rack portion is hingedly d to the base n of the main frame. Although, it will be appreciated that, in other forms, the rack portion may be hinged to other parts of the main frame, such as, for example, the upper portion. lly, in either case, in the folded configuration, the trolley is substantially flat, wherein the base portion and rack are brought into alignment with and/or to lie against the upper portion. This provides a more compact configuration of the trolley, assisting with stowage thereof.

Generally, the rack portion includes a column with one or more reel support arms cantilevered therefrom. The distal end(s) of the cantilevered reel support arm(s) is/are typically bent/angled so as to facilitate retainment of a reel mounted thereon.

Generally, with reference the deployed configuration, the distal ends of the reel support arms extend in an upward direction.

Generally, the rack portion, at a base end thereof is hingedly coupled to the base portion of the main frame, and, at a top end thereof, the rack portion is releasably securable to the upper n of the main frame.

When the top end of the rack portion is secured to the upper portion, the trolley is maintained in the deployed configuration. Typically, the top end of the rack portion must be released from the upper portion to allow movement of the trolley from the deployed to the folded configuration.

In the deployed uration, the trolley typically has a substantially triangular structure, the base and the upper portion positioned such that the main frame has a substantially L-shape, and the rack portion extending from the distal end of the base portion to an area at the top end of the upper portion.

Typically, the trolleys as described herein are hand trolleys, with the upper portions thereof ing a handle portion, via which an operator may manoeuvre the trolley. r, it will be appreciated that, in some forms, the trolleys as described herein may not be human powered, but may include a power system, e.g. may be electrically powered, and may be, for e, remote operated.

Generally, the wheels of the trolley are mounted to the base portion of the main frame. Typically, similar to conventional hand trolleys, the wheels are mounted to the rear/proximal end of the base portion, i.e. the same end where the upper n is mounted. At the opposite front/distal end, the base portion may include legs configured to engage the ground and keep the base portion substantially level (i.e. to counter the height provided at the rear end by the wheels).

When embodied as a hand y, it will be appreciated that the trolleys as described herein may be maneuvered similar to a tional hand trolley. For example, once in the ed configuration, the presently described y may be tilted such that the base portion is lifted off the ground/surface on which the trolley is located, and wheeled therealong to transport reels from one location to another. Also, the trolley may be oriented such that the base portion contacts the ground/surface, so as to support/hold reels loaded n in a stationary position, without human intervention. From the nary position, cable or the like, may be de-reeled from the reels.

Whilst the trolleys as described herein are described as typically used for transporting reels of cable or the like, it will be appreciated that they may be used for transporting reels of any kind of material or reel-like/reel-shaped objects.

Figures 1 to 15 show one example form of a trolley ing to the invention when ed as a hand trolley. The hand trolley (1) includes a wheel mounted main frame (2) and a rack portion (3) for loading cable reels (50) thereon. The hand trolley (1) is adjustable between a deployed configuration, for transport, support and de-reeling of cable reels, and a folded configuration, such that the hand trolley can be compacted for stowage. The deployed configuration is most clearly shown in figures 1 to 4, whilst the folded configuration is most clearly shown in figure 13 to 16.

The main frame (2) includes a base n (4) and an upper portion (5) that includes a handle portion (5b). The upper portion (5) has a substantially U-shaped outer with the legs (5a) thereof hingedly connected to plates (18) at the rear/proximal end (4a) of base portion (4). Bolts (6) are inserted through corresponding holes in the plates (18) and legs (5a) to provide the hinged connection. The hinged connection s folding of the main frame (2) such that the base portion (4) can be aligned up against the upper portion (5).

In addition, the rack portion (3) is hingedly connected to the front/distal end (4b) of the base n (4), such that, as the base portion (4) is folded against the upper portion (5), the angle between the rack portion (3) and the base portion (4) can be straightened out, and the rack portion (3) can also lie substantially flat against the upper portion (5). Thus, as shown in figure is 13 to 16, in the folded configuration, the hand trolley (1) is substantially flat.

The hinged connection n the rack portion (3) and the base portion (4) of the main frame (2) is shown in detail in figures 5A and 5B. Tube/rod connector (14) of rack portion (3) is loosely bolted between mounting plates (15) of the base portion (4) to provide the hinged connection.

The top end (3a) of the rack n (3) is releasably securable/lockable to a cross piece (7) at the top part of the upper portion (5). The cross piece (7) has a substantially C-shaped cross n with the top end (3a) of the rack portion to be received between top and bottom flanges f (e.g. see figure 7B). In use, once the y (1) is unfolded, the top end (3a) of the rack portion (3) is placed against cross piece (7) and releasably secured thereto. In this example, this is achieved using an anti-luce locking mechanism (11) (see figure 7B). Locking of the top end (3a) of the rack portion (3) maintains the trolley (1) in the deployed uration, and, also, prevents detachment of the top end (3a) of the rack portion (3) from the cross piece (7) during de-reeling. To proceed with folding of the trolley, the top end (3a) of rack portion (3) is first disengaged from cross piece (7).

It will be appreciated that, in alternate forms, locking mechanisms other than anti-luce locking mechanisms may be used to releasably secure the top end (3a) of the rack n to the cross piece (7). For example, as shown in the embodiment of figures 17 to 19, and in detail in figures 20 and 21, a screw threaded locking knob (27) may be used. The knob (27) is inserted through cross piece (7a) to edly engage to the top end (3a) of the rack portion (3). Typically, so as to avoid the knob (27) getting lost, the knob does not need to be fully disengaged/removed from the cross piece (7a) after unscrewing from the top end (3a) of rack portion (3). The knob (27) is typically ed in the main frame (2). In the embodiment of figure 20, cross piece (7a) is slightly different to cross piece (7) from the embodiment of figure 1 (i.e. as shown in Figure 7B). The cross piece (7a) is a substantially gular tube rather than having a C-shaped cross n.

It will be appreciated that cross pieces may take various forms.

As shown, the rack portion (3) includes a central column (8) with a plurality of the reel support arms (9) cantilevered therefrom. It will be appreciated that the reel support arms (9) are ed through the centre of the reels (50) during loading. The reels (50) are received loosely around the reel support arms (9) so as to permit rotation of the reels (i.e. for de-reeling of cable). The central column (8) extends from the tube/rod connector (14) at base end of rack portion (3b) to tely form the top end (3a) of the rack portion (3). The reel support arms (9) have upturned ends (10) to help stop reels (50) loaded thereon inadvertently falling off.

The wheels (12) of the hand trolley (1) are mounted to the al/rear end (4a) of the base portion (4) of the main frame (2). As shown in figure 6B, wheels (12) are mounted to axle parts (16) of base portion (4). Wheel caps (17), for ng or the like, are fixed to ends of axle parts (16). At the distal/front end (4b) of the base portion (4), support legs (13) are provided to assist with levelling of base portion (4) when the trolley is in the stationary, de-reeling position. Grip surfaces (e.g. rubber end caps or the like) are included at the underside of the legs (13) to assist with gripping of the ground/surface so as substantially prevent inadvertent movement of the trolley during cable ling. It will be appreciated that during transport of the reels (50), the trolley (1) is tilted, and the t legs (13) of the base portion (4) are lifted from the ground/surface. ent wheel attachments/sets may be used with the trolley (1). In figures 17 to 19, a tri-wheel attachment (30) is shown that makes it easier for the trolley to negotiate stairs. The eel attachment (30) is connected to the base portion such that the entire attachment it is permitted to rotate with respect to the main frame (2). This allows the wheels of the tri-wheel attachment that engage with the ground/stair surface to alternate as the trolley is guided up/down stairs. It will be appreciated that a single wheel, tri-wheel or other wheel attachment may be used interchangeably with the trolley (1) (i.e. wheel attachments are typically releasably attachable to the trolley).

A toolbox/storage box/container (20) is secured to the upper portion (50) to allow for storage of tools or other items. The x may be removable so as to assist with transport of tools etc. to other locations.

Typical use of the hand y (1) may be as follows. The trolley (1) may be removed from stowage and unfolded. The top end (3a) of the rack portion (3) may then be secured/locked to the cross piece (7) to maintain the deployed configuration. Cable reels (50) may then be loaded onto the reel support arms (9) and, by wheeling the trolley, transported to various locations. As cable is required, the trolley (1) may be oriented into a standing position, where the legs (13) of the base portion (4) are in contact with the ground. Cable can then be de-reeled as required, without having to remove the reels (50) from the reel support arms (9). Scissors and other tools can be stored in the toolbox (20) and used to cut de-reeled cable. After a cabling task is complete, the reels (50) may be unloaded from the reel t arms (9) and the trolley then returned/folded to the more compact flat uration for stowage.

It will be appreciated that the presently described trolley provides significant ages for transporting reels when compared to conventional hand trolleys. In ular, the support arms are configured such that reels can be loaded in an ordered and secure manner, and in a manner that permits de-reeling without having to unload the reels from the trolley. Further more, for stowage, the hand trolley can be conveniently folded into a substantially flat configuration that is compact.

Where ever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different ations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present ion may be embodied in other specific forms t departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The t embodiments and examples are therefore to be ered in all ts as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore ed to be embraced therein.

The

Claims (12)

Claims 1.

1. A trolley for transporting one or more reels, like cable reels or the like, the trolley including: a main frame having at least one wheel d thereto, the main frame including a upper portion and a base portion, the upper and base portion connected via a hinged connection; and a rack portion hingedly coupled to the main frame, the rack portion including column with at least one reel support arm cantilevered therefrom, the at least one reel support arm(s) configured to receive a reel thereon, wherein the trolley is adjustable between a folded configuration, for trolley stowage, and a deployed configuration, for reel transport.

2. A trolley as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rack is hingedly coupled to the base n of the main frame.

3. A trolley as d in claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the folded configuration, the trolley is substantially flat.

4. A y as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end(s) of the cantilevered reel support arm(s) is/are bent so as to facilitate retainment of a reel loaded thereon.

5. A trolley as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in the deployed uration, the distal end(s) of the reel support arm(s) extend in a substantially upward direction.

6. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack portion, at a base end thereof, is hingedy coupled to the base n of the main frame, and, at a top end thereof, the rack portion is releasably securable to the upper portion of the main frame.

7. A trolley as clamed in claim 6, wherein, when the top end of the rack portion is secured to the upper portion, the trolley is maintained in the deployed configuration.

8. A trolley as clamed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the top end of rack portion must be released from the upper portion to allow movement of the trolley from the deployed to the folded configuration.

9. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the deployed configuration the trolley has a substantially triangular structure, the base and the upper portion positioned such that the main frame is substantially L-shaped, and the rack portion extends from the distal end of the base potion to an area at the top end of the upper portion.

10. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more wheel/s are releasably mounted to the base portion, at a rear end thereof, at which end the upper portion is connected thereto.

11. A trolley as d in claim 10, n the base portion includes legs at a front end thereof, to assist with levelling of the base portion.

12. A trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding , n the trolley is a hand trolley and the upper n includes a handle portion. ‘._.|.__ F 3 girl/1111471111111.-_-—I'_.._- i .. 1 l,l_l,l_ll.l_l.4i ' .7/////////.. I 's-' s ---rE-‘——_ a_§ L——4-___