WO1996001202A1

WO1996001202A1 - Height adjustable trolley

Info

Publication number: WO1996001202A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1995/000058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Newman Garryck Leet
Original assignee: Newman Garryck Leet
Priority date: 1994-07-04
Filing date: 1995-07-03
Publication date: 1996-01-18
Also published as: AU2810095A

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for conveying display objects including a platform (3) for supporting the display object, capable of being raised and lowered, and a platform support means (2) for supporting the platform in a substantially level position, wherein the platform support means (2) has a number of struts (6, 7, 8, 9) connected together to form a parallelogram.

Description

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TROLLEY

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an improvement in and relating to a conveying device.

In particular it is envisaged that the conveying device will be most commonly used to convey objects such as televisions, videos, or similar appliances. However the present invention could have application outside this field.

BACKGROUND ART

It is often necessary to transport equipment such as televisions, videos, stereos, computers, microwave ovens and other objects from one room in a building to another. Educational institutes, businesses and homes all transport objects from one location to another as convenient.

Conventional conveying devices require the object to be transported to be manually lifted and put onto the conveying device. When the intended destination is reached the object must once more be lifted from the conveying device to a convenient position for use.

For example, if a television is being transported it must be lifted onto the trolley, transported to the room where it is to be viewed and lifted from the conveying device onto an appropriate viewing platform such as a table.

This may take more than one person and can be a labour intensive operation. Lifting heavy objects on and off a conveying device can cause back problems and other injuries. In addition, in some countries, regulations restrict the weight employees may lift.

Furthermore, the lifting process puts the object being transported at risk. There is a risk that the lifter or lifters may drop the object or that they may knock the object. If the object contains delicate parts or electronic componentry damage caused to the object by dropping or by knocks may be substantial.

Conventional conveying devices often transport an object at a height that makes the conveying device, and the object unstable. The object is susceptible to jolts and to falling off the conveying device.

Sometimes equipment may need to be transported from one building to another. For example, schools have a limited budget and equipment such as televisions and videos are often shared. Conveying equipment from a classroom in one building to a classroom in another building may involve travelling up and down steps and across rough pavement.

Conventional conveying devices are only able to be used on level ground and would be unsuited to such a task. The object supported by the conveying device is not secured thereto. Such devices are unsuitable for use on slopes, ramps, rough ground, stairs and lifts where bumps may cause the object to be damaged or even to fall off the conveying device onto the ground.

What is required is a device for conveying equipment in a safe, efficient manner that is operable by one person. Such a device would reduce the effort and risk to the carried object associated with conventional conveying devices.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for conveying display objects including a platform for supporting the display object and capable of being raised and lowered, a platform support means for supporting the platform in a substantially level position, wherein the platform support means has a number of struts connected together to form a parallelogram.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for conveying display objects substantially as described above wherein a biasing means controls the rate of descent of the carrying means and wherein the biasing means can be adjusted to change the rate of ascent or descent of the platform.

The term conveying apparatus as used in the present specification shall mean any device which may carry or support or transport objects. In particular it is envisaged that the conveying apparatus will take the form of a trolley. The use of the term "trolley" is not intended to limit the scope of this specification in any way, and may include any form of conveying apparatus. The term platform is used in this specification to mean a surface, area, or device for carrying or supporting an object.

The term struts is used in this specification to mean a bar, rod, or brace and may include any other structural member.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the platform is substantially level and rectangular.

There may be attached to the platform a support frame to securely hold an object on the platform. In further preferred embodiments there may be an attachment means to secure the object to the platform.

Thus, the object is held securely on the platform, and is unlikely to sustain damage caused by moving or by falling from the trolley when transported over rough ground and even over steps.

The platform and the object carried thereon may be raised or lowered.

In the lowered position the trolleys centre of gravity is lowered. This improves the stability of the trolley for transportation.

In the raised position the trolley's centre of gravity is higher and the trolley is less stable. The trolley may be easily viewed in this position.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the platform support means comprise a number of struts supporting the platform.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the struts are arranged in a parallelogram. Two vertical parallel struts remain fixed. The other two parallel struts making up the parallelogram are capable of moving to raise or lower the platform. It has been found that constructing the platform support means in a parallelogram provides advantages in raising and lowering the platform.

A load placed on the platform acts as a counter-balance, thus the force required to raise the platform and the load thereon is minimal.

The platform is maintained in a level position during ascent and descent. Furthermore, parallelogram construction of the platform support means helps maintain a smooth descent of the platform, avoiding the jerking and sudden movements that cause damage to the object being transported.

Therefore, the object is easily raised. There is reduced risk of damage to the object being conveyed. The object is maintained in a level position and is unlikely to be damaged by sudden or jerky movements.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the biasing means may include one or more objects such as gas cylinders. Gas cylinders are commonly used to reduce the rate doors close. In the present application the use of gas cylinders controls the rate at which the object transported on the platform may be raised or lowered.

The biasing means may assist the raising of the platform. When the platform is lowered, the pressure in the gas cylinders is such that it provides a positive force in raising the platform. The load maintains the platform in a lowered position. A small amount of force applied beneath the platform by a person provides sufficient force to overcome the load weight and to combine with the pressure in the gas cylinders to raise the platform and the load thereon. Thus, the object contained on the platform may be raised by a small application of force from below the platform. For example, a television may be raised to an appropriate viewing height.

Alternatively, the platform may be raised to be level with a table or bench to which the object transported is to be transferred.

For example, a microwave may be easily transferred from the conveying apparatus to a kitchen bench if the conveying apparatus is on the same level as the bench.

Thus, injury caused by lifting the object is avoided. Furthermore, there is a reduced risk of damaging the object by dropping it or knocking it.

The biasing means may control the lowering of the platform. The pressure in the gas cylinders is such that a small amount of force applied by a person is sufficient to overcome the resistance in the biasing means and lower the platform. The opposing force provided by resistance in the gas cylinders is sufficient to limit the rate at which the platform may descend.

For example a television may be lowered for transportation. This lowers the trolley's centre of gravity increasing stability for transportation.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention adjustment means allow the position of the biasing means to be adjusted. By adjusting the position of the biasing means the rate of ascent or descent of the object to be transported during the raising and lowering operation may be controlled. In preferred embodiments of the present invention the adjustment means are apertures in one member of the platform support means.

It has been found that by mounting the biasing means in a non-vertical position small adjustments in the position of the biasing means have a substantial impact on the load capacity thereof.

The ability to control the rate of ascent or descent has particular advantages when transporting heavy objects. Heavy objects place a greater load on the biasing means. A heavy load will descend at a greater rate than a lighter load and a sudden stop may damage delicate parts and electronic componentry. Adjusting the biasing means to increase the load capacity and reduce the rate of descent avoids potential damage caused by fast descent and sudden stop. Adjustable biasing means enables the conveying apparatus to carry different loads.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the object is clearly visible from the side of the conveying apparatus. This has a number of advantages. The trolley is able to be transported easily through doorways and other such apertures. When the conveying apparatus reaches its destination the object is clearly visible.

For example, if the object is a television, it can be mounted on the conveying apparatus, transported through a building, through doorways, halls and other such narrow apertures. When the conveying apparatus has reached its destination, the television is plainly visible to be viewed. It does not need to be moved. It may be raised to the desired viewing position. There is no risk to the television caused by moving it from the conveying apparatus to an appropriate viewing platform, and thus no risk to a person having to lift the television from one position to another. In some further embodiments of the present invention the object may be mounted in such a way that it faces the direction of travel of the conveying apparatus. Thus, when the conveying apparatus is no longer being used to transport the object, the object may remain on the conveying apparatus and be viewed in the transported position.

Further preferred embodiments of the present invention may include a number of other features to assist in the transportation of objects mounted on the conveying apparatus. For example, handles may be attached to the conveying apparatus to allow the person transporting the object to steer efficiently. The handles may act in combination with a foot bar to allow the trolley to be tipped and thus better able to negotiate obstacles such as stairs, ramps and rough ground.

In addition, there may be provided castor wheels on the front of the trolley. This has been found to be a considerable advantage over previous trolleys, as it allows the trolley to be transported without accidentally tipping and damaging the object.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of conveying display object using a conveying apparatus characterised by the steps of: a) placing the object on a substantially level platform provided on the conveying apparatus, and b) utilising platform support means comprising of struts configured in a parallelogram to raise or lower the platform to allow for balance during transportation of the object, and c) adjusting the biasing means to control the rate of ascent or descent of the platform, the conveying apparatus being characterised in that the platform support means maintains the object in a substantially level position during the raising and lowering operations.

It can be seen that the present invention has substantial advantages over prior conveying apparatus. The ability of the platform to be lowered improves the stability of the trolley during transportation. Thus the trolley is unlikely to accidentally tip and damage its load.

In addition, the height of the object may be raised to the viewer's satisfaction. This is performed while the object is maintained in a level position. Smooth movement of the platform ensures that no damage is caused to the delicate parts or electronic componentry of an object by a rough descent or ascent.

A further advantage is that the apparatus is capable of raising or lowering a variety of loads. A minor adjustment to the apparatus means that a hundred pound television can be transported just as easily as a twenty pound video.

The object transported by the conveying apparatus may be viewed in its transported position. There is no need to incur the risk of damage to the object being transported or to the person lifting the object from conveying apparatus to a viewable platform. The object may be viewed in its transported position.

BRTEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a prospective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With regard to Figure 1 there is illustrated a trolley 1. The trolley 1 includes a number of features included to assist the transportation of objects.

The trolley 1 includes platform support means generally indicated by 2, platform 3, a pair of large driving wheels 4, and a pair of smaller castor wheels 5.

The platform support means includes a pair of vertically extending rods 6, 7 and a pair of struts 8, 9 on each side of the frame. Rods 6, 7 and struts 8, 9 are configured in a parallelogram.

It has been found that the platform support means 2 configured in a parallelogram allows the platform 3 to be raised and lowered smoothly and in a level position. In addition, the parallelogram configuration is such that the load on the platform acts as a counter balance, thus the force required to raise the platform and the load thereon is minimal.

The platform 3 may be lowered to lower the centre of gravity of the trolley 1 to improve stability during transportation. The platform 3 may be raised when the trolley 1 is at rest to a height suitable for the object to be viewed.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 is designed to transport objects such as televisions and/or video units. The television (not shown) is placed on the platform 3 and secured by rods 7 and 12. Further securing the television to the platform 3 may be an attachment means (not shown). Handles 13 provide effective means of manoeuvring the trolley.

In addition casters 5 allow the trolley to be moved by either pushing the conveying apparatus 1.

Gas cylinders 10 are mounted to struts 8 and 9 on both sides of the trolley 1. The struts 8 and 9 include a number of adjustment means to alter the position of the gas cylinders 10.

Adjusting gas cylinders 10 from one to any other of the adjustment means 11 affects the rate of descent or ascent of the platform. As described above, changing the position of the cylinder enables the conveying apparatus 1 to carry a variety of loads. Placing the biasing means 10 on a different adjustment means 11 alters the leverage of the biasing means 10 while keeping the length of the cylinder constant. In this way it has been found that the carry platform can be controlled very easily during the raising and lowering operations. With regard to Figure 2 there is illustrated a side view of trolley 1. In this figure, solid lines indicate the position of rods 6,7 and struts 8, 9 when the platform 3 is in its lowered position.

Dotted lines 14 indicate positions of rods 6, 7 and struts 8, 9 when the platform 3 is in its raised position.

With regard to Figure 3 there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of trolley 16. This trolley operates in a similar manner to the trolley described in Figures 1 and 2. However trolley 16 includes a platform 3 which enables an object to be mounted on the platform 3 in such a way that it faces the direction of travel.

Trolley 16 includes wheels 4 which are provided to transport the object. A foot bar 17 enables the conveying apparatus 16 to be tipped and the weight of the conveying apparatus and the load transported thereon rests on the wheels 4. Handles 13 are provided to assist in balancing the conveying apparatus.

In operation it is envisaged that this conveying apparatus is transported by tipping the conveying apparatus 16 in the way described, and then pushing the conveying apparatus. This embodiment is particularly suited for use on steps.

In addition a number of catches 18 may be provided to secure the platform 3 in a lowered position.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. An apparatus for conveying display objects including a platform, for supporting the display object capable of being raised and lowered, and a platform support means for supporting the platform in a substantially level position, wherein the platform support means has a number of struts connected together to form a parallelogram.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus is a trolley.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform is substantially level.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform support means raise and lower the platform in a smooth and level position.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the members comprising the platform support means are struts and rods.

6. Apparatus for conveying display objects as claimed in claim 1 wherein a biasing means controls the rate of descent of the carrying means and wherein the biasing means can be adjusted to change the range of ascent or descent of the carrying means.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the biasing means includes at least one gas cylinder.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 which includes adjustment means capable of adjusting the biasing means non-vertically.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the adjustment means are apertures in the frame.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 9 wherein the biasing means interacts with the platform support means to raise and lower the platform.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform include structural members to secure an object thereto.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the side of the carried object having the greatest area may face any direction on the platform.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 12 wherein there is a control means attached to the frame to aid manoeuvrability.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the control means includes at least one handle.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 14 wherein there is provided a foot bar to enable the apparatus to be tipped.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 15 wherein there is provided at least one safety catch to secure platform support means in a lowered position.

17. A method of conveying display objects using a conveying device characterised by the steps of:

1) placing the object on a substantially level platform support means provided on the conveying device, and

2) utilising platform support means configured in a parallelogram to raise or lower the platform to allow for balance for convenience during transportation of the object, and 3) adjusting the biasing means to control the rate of ascent or descent of the platform support means.

the conveying device being characterised in that the platform support means maintains the object in a substantially level position during the raising and lowering operations.

18. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of conveying an object substantially herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.