SE545149C2 - Trolley - Google Patents

Abstract

A trolley (1) for transport of a hose during distribution of flowing material on a constructions site, which trolley (1) comprises a chassis (2) comprising multiple arms (4), each of said multiple arms (4) is provided with a wheel (3), further said trolley (1) comprises a holder (5), each of said multiple arms (4) is attached to said holder (5),each of said multiple arms (4) comprises a first section (7) and a second section (8),said first section (7) of each of said multiple arms (4) is attached to said holder (5) and said second section (8). Further each of said multiple arms (4) comprises an arm section (14) adapted to be slidable within and relative to said second section (8) of each of said multiple arms (4), each arm section (14) of each of said multiple arms (4) is provided with said wheel (3).

Description

TROLLEY Technical field of the invention The present invention relates to a trolley for transport of a hose during distribution of flowing material on a constructions site.

Backqround of the invention At distribution of flowing material through hoses e.g. casting operating on construction sites, free-lying hoses or pipes are manually carried or dragged by hand by construction workers, this to avoid that the hoses or pipes get caught in reinforcement bars or irregularities in an underlying floor surface. When free-Iying hoses or pipes are dragged on reinforcement bars or on an underlying floor surface a frictional force is created between the hose or pipe and the underlying surface, which makes it difficult and heavy to operate the hose or pipe. To reduce this friction force, the hose is more or less carried by an operator. Further, multiple hoses may be interconnected with each other by means of couplings. When the hose or pipe is dragged directly onto e.g. reinforcement bars, these interconnection couplings may get caught in the reinforcement bars and be disconnected from each other, whereas a dangerous situation may occur. ln general, at least two operators are needed to operate one hose during e.g. casting. A first operator carries the hose on his shoulder and ensures that the hose does not get caught in reinforcement bars or irregularities during movement between different spots on the construction site and a second operator carries the mouth part of the hose and distributes e.g. concrete over the surface to be coated. Further, the first operator also reduces the friction force against the ground surface as the hose does not need to be dragged against the ground surface when operated. On the market today, there are harnesses which only help the construction workers to hold the hose or pipe. These harnesses are not designed to relieve the pressure on the constructions workers body nor to be anatomically designed this to reduce strain injuries. As the hose duringoperation is filled with construction material that is to be distributed, the hose becomes heavy and ungainly to operate. Thus, the work shifts are often long, so this wears a lot on the constructions workers bodies.

Summary of the invention lt is an object of the present invention to improve the current state of the art and to mitigate at least some of the above mentioned drawbacks. These and other objects are achieved by a trolley according to the accompanying independent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention a trolley for transport of a hose during distribution of flowing material on a constructions site is provided. The trolley comprises a chassis comprising multiple arms, each of said multiple arms is provided with a wheel, further said trolley comprises a holder, each of said multiple arms is attached to said holder, each of said multiple arms comprises a first section and a second section, said first section of each of said multiple arms is attached to said holder and said second section, further each of said multiple arms comprises an arm section adapted to be slidable within and relative to said second section of each of said multiple arms, each arm section of each of said multiple arms is provided with said wheel. The slidable arm sections may provide the advantage of changing or varying the distance between the wheels of the. The greater distance between the wheels, the more stable trolley which means less risk of tipping during operation. Another advantage of being able to change the position of the wheels in relation to the center area of the trolley or carrier is that the carrier more easily may be moved through narrow passages e.g. door openings.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention each of said multiple arms comprises at least one arresting means which is adapted to arrest said arm section relative to said second section, thus allowing the distance to the center area of the trolley to be varied.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said second sections of said multiple arms are provided in a first plane and saidholder is provided in a second plane, which first and second planes are offset from each other. One advantage of providing the holder for e.g. the hose holder on a low level in close vicinity to an underlying support surface, is that the center of gravity for the hose holder may be as low as possible, which result in a more stable trolley during operation.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said wheels are pivotable wheels adapted to pivot around a pivot axis for each of said wheels. One advantage with pivotable wheels is that the trolley may be easily operated in different directions when dragged or operated behind the operator during operation.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said multiple arms may be oriented at an angle in relation to each other, said angle is at least 90, at least 180, at least 270 degrees.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said trolley comprises a hose holder comprising a hose holder bracket and at least one holder arm, further said hose holder bracket is adapted to be attached to said holder arm. This is advantageous as the hose is supported and thus the friction force against an underlying surface is reduced.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said holder arm comprises at least one a hose bracket.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention the at least one hose bracket is a C-shaped bracket provided with at least one fastener.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said hose holder is provided below the first plane.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said hose holder is provided with at least one hose bracket which is provided above said first plane.

According to at least one example embodiment of the invention said hose holder comprises a support arm which is adapted to be pivotable attached to said holder arm, which holder arm is provided with said at least one hose bracket.

Brief description of the drawinqs The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view, isometric view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic view, plan view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic view, side view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 shows a schematic view, side view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 shows a schematic view, isometric view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 shows a schematic view, side view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 shows a schematic view, isometric view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 shows a schematic view, side view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 9 shows a schematic view, isometric view of a trolley in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the drawinqs ln the present detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. lt should be noted that this by no means limits the scope of the invention, which is also applicable in other circumstances for instance with other types or variants of trolleys encompassed by the scope of the claims than theembodiments shown in the appended drawings. Further, that specific features are mentioned in connection to an embodiment of the invention does not mean that those features cannot be used to an advantage together with other embodiments of the invention. ln the description below there may be directions given relating to the individual relation between features and their relation to the surrounding environment. Examples of such expression may be up, down, side, center etc. These directions are to be interpreted in relation to a trolley in a position ready to be used on an underlying surface.

Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 show a trolley 1 in accordance with at least a first aspect of the invention. The trolley 1 may be used for transport of e.g. hoses, pipes or any other elongate devices on constructions sites or other places with an uneven underlying surface whereupon the trolley 1 may be operated. Thus, the hose or pipe may be easily maneuvered when applied onto the trolley 1 as the friction force against an underlying surface is reduced.

The trolley 1 comprises multiple wheels 3 provided on a chassis 2. The chassis 2 comprises multiple arms 4 which are attached to each other. Each of the multiple arms 4 is provided with one of said multiple wheels.

Fig. 1 shows a trolley 1 with four arms and one wheel provided on each arm, the invention is not limited to this, thus the trolley may be provided with three, five or any other number of arms and wheels. The multiple wheels may e.g. be air-filled or foam-filled, One advantage with air-filled wheels is that they create a low friction force against the surface they are rolled on, thus they are easy to manoeuvre and operate when rolled on an uneven surface e.g. reinforcement bars. One advantage with foam-filled wheels is that they are not punctured if they run into any sharp edges or objects.

Each of said multiple arms 4 is connected to each other in a center area of the trolley 1 and each of said multiple wheels 3 are provided in a peripheral area of each of said multiple arms 4. ln the center area there is provided a holder 5 for a hose holder 6. ln the first aspect of the invention the trolley 1 may be provided with four arms extending from the center area of the trolley or carrier 1. ln Fig. 1 each of the four arms 4 is attached to a holderprovided in the center area of the trolley. According to the first aspect of the invention the holder 5 may be shaped as a hollow square tube, with one of its apertures facing towards the multiple arms 4. Each of the multiple arms 4 is attached to one of the side surfaces of the square tube, thus each of the multiple arms 4 is perpendicular provided in relation to another nearby arm, shown in Fig. 1. The arms 4 may be oriented at an angle in relation to each other, e.g. at least 90, at least 180, at least 270 degrees with respect to another one of the multiple arms Further, the holder 5 may be shaped as a hollow triangular tube, in the event the multiple arms is to be oriented at an angle in relation to each other, e.g. at least 120, at least 240 degrees with respect to another nearby arm.

Further, the invention is not limited to a hollow square tube, the holder 5 may be shaped as a hollow pentagonal tube, or a hexagonal tube in the event the number of multiple arms 4 and wheels 3 needed are five or six. The number of sides of the holder may be customized to the number of arms and wheels needed.

Each one of the said multiple arms 4 comprises a first section 7 and a second section 8. The first section 7 of each of the multiple arms 4 is attached to the holder 5 and the second section 8. The first sections 7 are preferably attached to external surfaces of the holder All the second sections 8 are preferably provided in a first plane which is substantially parallel to an underlying support surface whereupon the trolley may be operated. The first section 7 is elongated and provided with a first end 10, attached to the holder 5, and a second end 11, attached to the second section 8. The second section 8 is elongated and provided with a first end 12 and a second end 13. The first end 12 of the second section 8 may be attached to the second end 11 of the first section 7. The first and second sections 7, 8 may preferably be manufactured of hollow square tubes or any other shape. The holder 5 and the multiple arms 4 are preferably manufactured of metal and attached to each other by means of welding.

Two first sections 7 of said multiple arms 4 provided on the holdermay preferably be arranged opposite each other, this when using a holder 5 with a hollow square tube. Thus, together the two first sections 7 form a V- shape, shown in Fig. 1. The first section 7 of each of the multiple arms 4 is inclined in relation to a center axis of the holder 5. Thus, a first inclination angle oi between the first section 7 and the center axis of the holder 5 being selected from a range comprising at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70 and/or at least 70 degrees. An advantage of providing the holder 5 for e.g. the hose holder 6 on a low level in close vicinity to an underlying support surface, is that the center of gravity for the hose holder 6 may be as low as possible, which result in a more stable trolley during operation.

The first section 7 of each of the multiple arms 4 is inclined in relation to a second section 8 of each of the multiple arms 4. Thus, a second inclination angle ß between the first and second sections 7, 8 being selected from a range comprising at least 100, at least 110, at least 120, at least 130, at least 140, at least 150, at least 160 and/or at least 170 degrees.

Each of the multiple arms 4 comprises an arm section 14. The arm section 14 is adapted to be slidable within and relative to the second section 8 of each of the multiple arms 4. Each arm section 14 comprises a first end 15 and a second end 16, which first end 15 is provided in an area above and/or in the vicinity of the holder 5 and the second end 16 of the arm section 14 is provided in the peripheral area of the trolley. Thus, each wheel 3 is provided in the second end 16 of the arm section The external dimension of the cross-section of an arm section 14 is preferably smaller than the internal dimension of the cross-section of the second section 8 of each of the multiple arms 4, this to allow the arm section 14 to be slid inside and in relation to the second section 8. The slidable arm sections 14 allows the distance between the wheels of the trolley to be changed or varied. The greater distance between the wheels 3, the more stable trolley which means less risk of tipping during operation. Further, each arm section 14 is provided with at least one recess 36 which may mesh with an arresting meansEach of the second sections 8 of the multiple arms 4 may be provided with at least one arresting means 18, which is adapted to arrest the arm section 14 relative to the second section 8. The arresting means 18 may be spring biased pin or any other similar device, which may be arrested in an unlocked position and a locked position. ln the locked position the arresting means 18 may mesh with the at least one recess of the arm section 14, this to arrest the arm section in a suitable position. ln the unlocked position, the arm section 14 is slidable within the second section 8 this to adjust the distance between the wheels of the trolley. Further, in the unlocked position the arresting pin may be in contact with and slid along an external surface of the arm section Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the arm sections 14 arrested by means of the arresting means 18 in their innermost positions, thus two wheels 3 provided on two opposite arms 4 are in their innermost positions, this in relation to the holder 5. One advantage of being able to change the position of the wheels in relation to the center area of the trolley or carrier is that the carrier more easily may be moved through narrow passages e.g. door openings.

Fig. 4 show the arm sections 14 arrested by means of the arresting means 18 in their most outer positions, thus two wheels 3 provided on two opposite arms are in their most outer positions. One advantage of being able to change the position of the wheels 3 in relation to the center area of the trolley or carrier 1 is that the carrier may increase its the abutment area against a floor surface, thus the greater distance between the two opposite wheels the more stable trolley. The adjustable position of the arm sections 14, shown in Fig. 2 and 3, allows the width of the trolley to be adjusted, this to be able to adapt the overall size of the trolley when passing through narrow openings.

The trolley may be provided with at least three wheels 3. ln the shown example embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the trolley is provided with four wheels 3. The wheels 3 are preferably swivel wheels or castors which may pivot around a pivot axis. The wheels may preferably pivot 360 degrees, this facilitates that the trolley may be easily operated in different directions whenmoved or operated behind the operator during operation. The force exerted on the trolley and the driving direction of the trolley is determined by the direction the hose is dragged by the operator.

To achieve a low center of gravity for the trolley 1, the second section 8 of each of said multiple arms 4 is provided offset from or at a distance from said holder. Expressed in another way the second sections 8 of said multiple arms 4 are provided in a first plane and said holder 5 is provided in a second plane, which first and second planes are offset from each other. The first and second planes are preferably parallel to each other.

Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 show different embodiments of hose holders 6; 21; 22 according to the invention. The hose holders 6; 21; 22 may be interchangeable with each other, this to be able to adapt the trolley to the current performed task.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show one example embodiment of the hose holder 6, which is used when a low center ofgravity is needed during operation of the hose or pipe 33. An example when low gravity is needed is during pouring of concrete, then a hose with a relatively large diameter is needed. When concrete is pumped through the hose during operation, the hose weights a lot. Thus, a low center of gravity is needed to support the concrete filled hose this to achieve a stable trolley during operation. The shown hose holder 6 may be substantially V-shaped. The hose holder 6 may comprise one or more holder arms 19. As shown in Fig. 5 and 6 the hose holder 6 comprises two holder arms 19 which are attached to a hose holder bracket 20. ln order to achieve a low centre of gravity, the holder arms of the hose holder may be arranged below the second sections 8 of the multiple arms Further, the holder arms 19 are inclined in relation to a center axis of the hose holder bracket 20. The inclination angle of the holder arms 19 being selected from a range comprising at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70 and/or at least 80 degrees. Each holder arm 19 comprises a first holder arm end 23 and a second holder arm end 24. The first holder arm end 23 is attached to the hose holder bracket 20 and the second holder arm end 24 is preferably free-hanging and provided with a support section 25. The support section 25 supports and keeps the hose or pipe 33 in place during operation. When the hose or pipe 33 is applied in the support section 25 it should be understood that the hose or pipe may be supported by the holder arm 19 during operation. Each support section 25 may be provided with e.g. a C-shaped bracket, within which the hose or pipe 33 may rest upon operation. Each support section 25 may be provided with a fastening device, which arrests the hose or pipe 33 on the hose holder 6 during operation. The fastening device may for example be a strap.

Fig. 7 shows one example embodiment of the hose holder 21 mounted onto the chassis 4. The hose holder 21 may be used when a large amount of rolled out hose or pipe 33 is needed. The friction force between the hose and underlying surface increases with increasing amount of hose dragged against the underlying surface. By means of the hose holder 21 shown in Fig. 7, the friction force may be decreased when a large amount of hose is used or operated. An example when this embodiment is needed is for example when larger floor areas are to be screeded with a self-levelling material. During screeding a hose with a smaller dimension may be used compared to when concrete is distributed. As the hose during screeding weights less compared to a hose filled with concrete, a center of gravity for the hose holder 21 may be provided somewhat higher. Due to that the support point for the hose is provided at a distance from a underlying surface the hose holder 21 facilitates operation of the hose over a large area. The hose holder 21 may comprise a holder arm 19 which is attached to the hose holder bracket 20. The holder arm 19 may extend along a center axis of the holder 20. The holder arm 19 may preferably extend in the extension direction of the holder 5, in an assembled state. The holder arm 19 is provided with a first holder arm end 23 and a second holder arm end 24. The first holder arm end is attached to the hose holder bracket 20. The second holder arm end may be provided with the support section 25. Each support section 25 may be provided with a C-shaped bracket, within which the hose or pipe 33 may rest upon operation. Each support section 25 may be provided with a fastening device, which arrests the hose or pipe onto the hose holder 21 duringoperation. The fastening device may for example be a strap or any other fastener.

Fig. 8 shows one example embodiment of the hose holder 22 The hose holder 22 may comprise a holder arm 19 which is attached to the hose holder bracket 20. The holder arm 19 may extend along the center axis of the holder 5. The holder arm 19 may preferably extend in the extension direction of the holder 5, in an assembled state. The hose holder arm 19 is provided with a first holder arm end 23 and a second holder arm end 24. The first holder arm end 23 is attached to the hose holder bracket 20. Further, the hose holder 22 may also comprise a support arm 32. The support arm 32 may be articulated attached to the holder arm 19, this to achieve sufficient ground clearance so that the hose or pipe 33 does not get caught in irregularities in an underlying surface. The hose holder 22 according to Fig. 8 may be used when a certain clearance or resilience within the hose 33 is needed during application of e.g. concrete. The hose holder 22 according to Fig. 8 may eliminate the need of a second operator during operation.

The support arm 32 comprises a first support arm end 34 and a second support arm end 35. At least one of the support arm ends 34, 35 may be provided with a support section 25. The support section 25 may be provided with a substantially C-shaped bracket, within which the hose or pipe 33 may rest upon operation. Each support section 25 may be provided with a fastening device, which arrests the hose or pipe on the hose holder during operation. The fastening device may for example be a strap.

The support arm 32 may be manufactured of a first support arm and a second support arm. The first support arm may be slidable in relation to the second support arm, this to create an appropriate length of the support arm 32, which is sufficient to support a hose or pipe 33 arranged on the hose holder 22. As the support arm 32 of the hose holder 22 is pivotable attached to the holder arm the hose holder 22 has the function of a lever. The operator may be placed at the portion 35 of the support arm 28 which is positioned closest to an underlying surface, shown in Fig. 8. Thus, as the operator lifts the hose, a part of the weight of the hose is supported by portion of thesupport arm provided on an opposite side of the attachment point between the holder arm 19 and the support arm 32 and the weight of the hose acts as a counter weight. Thus, the weight of the hose that the operator needs to support during distribution of e.g. screed is reduced. An example when this embodiment is needed is for example when larger floor areas are to be screeded with a self-levelling material.

Fig. 2 shows the arm sections 14 of the multiple arms 4 in their innermost positions. ln this innermost position the first ends 15 of the arm sections 14 may abut against the hose holder 21, 22, this to apply additional support to the elongated hose holder 21, 22 and provide a more stable mounting. The additional support may be advantageous when the hose holder 21, 22 is elongated avoiding skew mounting.

Fig. 9 shows the hose holder bracket 20 provided on the hose holder 6. The hose holder bracket of the hose holders 21, 22 is designed in a similar way as the hose holder bracket for the hose holder 6. The hose holder bracket 20 may be designed with a similar external shape as the internal shape of the holder 5. The external dimension of the hose holder bracket 20 is smaller than the internal dimension of the holder 5, this to allow the hose holder bracket 20 to be fitted within the holder 5. To restrain the hose holder bracket 20 from falling through the holder 5, the hose holder bracket may be provided with an anvil section 30. The anvil section 30 is provided between the hose holder bracket 20 and the holder arms 19. Further, the anvil section 30 is larger in dimension than the external dimension of the holder 5. The anvil section 30 is provided between the hose holder bracket 20 and the holder arm or holder arms 19. The holder arms 19 may constitute the anvil section 30, which is shown in Fig.

The skilled person realizes that a number of modifications of the embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. Trolley (1) for transport of a hose during distribution of fiowing material on a constructions site, said trolley comprising: a chassis (2), comprising multiple arms (4) and a holder (5) for a hose holder (6), wherein each of said multiple arms (4) is provided with a wheel (3), and each of said multiple arms (4) is attached to said holder (5); each of said multiple arms (4) comprises a first section (7) and a second section (8), said first section (7) of each of said multiple arms (4) being attached to said holder (5) and said second section (8), characterized in that said first section (7) of each of said multiple arms (4) is inclined in relation to said second section (8) of each of said multiple arms (4), and each of said multiple arms (4) comprises an arm section (14) adapted to be slidable within and relative to said second section (8) of each of said multiple arms (4), and wherein each arm section (14) of each of said multiple arms (4) is provided with said wheel (3).

2. Trolley according to claim 1, wherein each of said multiple arms (4) comprises at least one arresting means (18)which is adapted to arrest said arm section (14) relative to said second section (8).

3. Trolley according to any of claims 1-2, wherein said second sections (8) of said multiple arms (4) are provided in a first plane and said holder (5) is provided in a second plane, which first and second planes are offset from each other.

4. Trolley according to any of claims 1-3, wherein said wheels (3) are pivotable wheels adapted to pivot around a pivot axis for each of said wheels.

5. Trolley according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said multiple arms (4) are oriented at an angle in relation to each other, said angle is at least .ä .F ,. degrees with respect to another nearby arm.

6. Trolley according to any of claims 1-5, wherein said trolley comprises a hose holder (6; 21; 22) comprising a hose holder bracket (20) and at least one holder arm (19), further said hose holder bracket (20) is adapted to be attached to said holder arm (19).

7. Trolley according to claim 6, wherein said holder arm (19) comprises at least one support section (25).

8. Trolley according to claim 7, wherein said at least one support section (25) is a C-shaped bracket provided with at least one fastener.

9. Trolley according to any of claims 6-wherein said hose holder (6) is provided below the first plane.

10. Trolley according to any of claims 7-wherein said support section (25) is provided above said first plane.

11. Trolley according to any one of claims 6-10, wherein said hose holder (6; 21; 22) comprises a support arm (32) which is adapted to be pivotably attached to said holder arm (19), which holder arm (19) is provided with said at least one support section (25).

12. Trolley according to claim 11, wherein said holder arm (19) and/or said support arm (32) is adapted to be extendable.