WO1999036232A1

WO1999036232A1 - A trolley

Info

Publication number: WO1999036232A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Radu Iliuta
Original assignee: Bruin, Matthew, Charles
Priority date: 1998-01-15
Filing date: 1999-01-15
Publication date: 1999-07-22

Abstract

A hand trolley (10) has an upright frame (12), a load-carrying plate (14) and is supported in use by a pair of wheels (20). To enable the trolley to move sideways as well as backwards and forwards the wheels can be mounted on the frame in different orientations (shown in dotted outline in the drawings). In the depicted arrangement this is achieved by the detachable stub axles carrying each wheel being inserted into the open ends (25, 18) of orthogonally arranged hollow tubes (16A, etc) of the frame. In an alternative arrangement the wheels can pivot with their stub axles to orthogonal positions. In a further arrangement a pair of wheels is carried by an axle which can be detached from a position on the rear of the frame, turned through 90°, and magnetically engaged in a groove in plate (14) to allow sideways movement of the trolley.

Description

A TROLLEY

FIELD OF I.VE.TION

The present invention relates to a trolley for transporting articles. More specifically, the invention relates to a trolley which is provided with adjustable wheels which allow the trolley to move in two or more directions while transporting articles.

BACKGROUND .ART

Trolleys are widely used to transport a whole range of articles. It is often necessary to move heavy articles with a trolley or cart, particularly where the article is too large to move by hand or where it might require the assistance of a number of people to carry it.

Conventional trolleys have usually been able to move only in one direction, however it is sometimes necessary to be able to move articles in a number of directions. In furniture removal work, for example, the furniture may have to be moved within narrow places, such as through a doorway which leads directly into a passageway. In situations such as this, it is not possible to turn the trolley in another direction and so the article must firstly be taken off the trolley so that it can be re-positioned and moved in an alternate direction.

Other articles have been proposed in the prior art to transport articles in more than one direction, one such document is German Patent specification No. DT 2,421,890 (Below) which discloses a trolley with two fixed wheels and two castor wheels. The problem with using this device is that the direction of the trolley changes only upon the application of significant force by the user to the trolley. This is particularly disadvantageous when the device is carrying a substantial load as a significant exertion of force may be required to change direction. Furthermore, it may not be possible to do this within a tightly confined space such as in a passageway.

SUMMARY OF THE I.NVE.NTION

The present invention provides a trolley for transporting articles including;

- a frame for carrying the articles; and

- wheels for supporting the frame in use; wherein the frame and wheels are adapted such that all of the wheels can be mounted to the frame in at least two different positions for enabling trolley movement in at least two directions.

Such arrangement enables, for example, the trolley to be moved forwards/backwards or sideways.

Preferably the wheels are mounted to opposing ends of one axle which in one position extends from side to side of the frame and in another position extends from front to back of the frame, whereby the positioning of the wheels in said another position enables the trolley to be moved sideways . Alternatively, each wheel can be mounted to one end of a respective axle such that in a first position the axles are mounted to the frame so that the trolley can be moved forwards and backwards, and in a second position such that the trolley can be moved sideways. In this alternative arrangement, it is preferred that in the first position the axles are aligned to each extend towards the other from a respective trolley side, and in the second position the axles are parallel, to each extend from the back towards the front of the frame. Preferably either:

(i) each axle is detachable from the frame and movement between the first and second positions is effected by detaching the axle from the frame at one of those positions and reattaching it to the frame at another of those positions; or (ii) each axle is pivotable with respect to the frame for movement between the first and second positions.

With option (i) each axle can be a stub axle and can be positioned within a respective bush of the frame in both the first and second positions, and be adapted for locking to the frame. With option (ii) each axle can be mounted to extend laterally out from a respective sleeve, which in turn can be mounted to rotate on part of the frame for movement between the first and second positions, the sleeve being adapted for locking to the frame against rotation in both the first and second positions.

Again, with option (i) preferably each stub axle is releasably locked within its respective bush in both the first and second positions by a spring-loaded pin extending out from the axle and for location in a respective hole in the bush; and preferably with option (ii) each sleeve is releasably locked to its respective frame part in both the first and second positions by a screw or pin that extends from and through the sleeve for engagement with the frame part.

Preferably the frame includes a longitudinally extending back frame and a platform extending out from a lower end of the back frame, the back frame and platform combining to carry articles in use. Preferably a pair of generally right-angled supports are mounted to extend rearwardly from the back frame, with said one axle being mountable to the supports in use.

Preferably the one axle is mountable to a first pair of bearings attached to the supports when it extends from side to side of the frame, and preferably the one axle is mountable to a second bearing attached to an underside of the platform when it extends from front to back of the frame.

Preferably the one axle is locked into the first bearing pair by respective releasable locking pins associated with each first bearing, whereas the one axle can be freely located in the second bearing and held there in use by the weight of the trolley (and any load thereon) . Alternatively, with the axle pair arrangement, preferably a hollow connecting bar extends between the supports and connects the supports to each other. In option (i) , in the first position, the bushes can be located at opposing ends of the connecting bar so that each wheel's respective axle can be mounted therein. In this regard, preferably either: (a) a lower section of each right-angled support is hollow and the bush is located at an outwardly extending end of each lower section for receipt of a respective stub axle in the second position; or (b) the supports each include a further hollow member located on a respective side of the frame and each extending rearwardly out from the back frame, each for receiving a respective stub axle in the second position. This second position corresponds to the position where the trolley can be moved from side to side. Preferably in (ii) each sleeve is mounted to an upper section of a respective right-angled support for rotation thereon between the first and second positions. In this regard it is preferred that the upper section of each support has a square cross-section for enabling easy fastening thereagainst of the screw or pin, whereas each sleeve is circular in cross-section for ease of rotation on its respective upper section.

Preferably each of the first bearings is defined by a cup-shaped member within which the axle can be located and supported for rotation. As indicated above each cup-shaped member can include a locking means which locks the axle therein during forward/backwards movement of the trolley.

Advantageously the second bearing can include at least one axle engagement groove formed under the platform in a transverse direction with respect to the back frame, which receives the axle so that it can rotate within the groove, thereby allowing sideways movement of the trolley.

As a further alternative the engagement groove can be magnetic and the axle can be made of a paramagnetic material so as to maintain engagement of the axle with the platform.

Typically said one axle includes at least one abutting surface that extends radially out from the axle to be adjacent to at least one of the wheels so that the frame of the trolley does not restrict the rotation of the wheels when the trolley moves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, various forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention in side view in which the axle has been placed in a parallel plane with respect to the plane of the back frame so that the trolley can move in a forward/backward direction;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment of Figure

1;

Figure 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in which the axle has been positioned on the frame such that the wheels are in a transverse plane with respect to the back frame so that the trolley can move sideways;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the trolley of Figure 3 ;

Figure 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 fitted with an adjustable stop so that the articles can be held on the trolley while it is used;

Figures 6 to 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention, being a variation of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, with Figure 6 being a rear view of the trolley, Figure 7 being a side view of the trolley in one wheel position and Figure 8 being a side view of the trolley in a second wheel position;

Figure 9 depicts a third embodiment of the invention in side elevation, in which a single axle with two side wheels is connected in a parallel plane with respect to the back frame so that the trolley can move in a forward/backward direction;

Figure 10 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows the trolley of Figures 9 and 10 in side view, with the axle detached and depicted in front view;

Figure 12 is a side view of the trolley of Figure 9, in which the axle is coupled to the trolley such that the trolley can move in a transverse (sideways) direction; Figure 13 is a plan view of the trolley of Figure 12;

Figures 14 to 18 show a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 14 depicts a side view of the trolley of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 15 shows a front view of the trolley of Figure 14; and

Figures 16 to 18 depict various detailed views of the wheel adjustment mechanism for the trolley of the fourth embodiment .

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a trolley

10 for transporting articles. The trolley includes a back frame 12 which is provided with a platform in the form of a rectangular shaped plate 14 for carrying articles during use of the trolley. There is also provided on the trolley 10 a wheel support means which includes two support frames in the form of a pair of generally right-angled support struts 16, 16' located on opposing sides of frame 12. The support struts are typically connected to the back frame 12 by welding, however, it should be appreciated that the support struts could be connected by bolting, pop riveting etc . The support struts 16, 16' are also transversely connected by a connecting bar in the form of tube 18. The tube 18 is hollow at both ends to define respective bushes for receiving respective stub axles of each of the wheels 20 for location and selective locking therein. A first axle 26 is located in the first end 22 of tube 18 and a second axle 26' is located in the second end 22' of tube 18.

A second pair of hollow tubes 24, 24' are mounted to extend rearwardly from frame 12 and intersect with tube 18. The tubes 24, 24' have openings 25 located at the point at which the support struts 16, 16' meet with tube 18 to define respective axle receiving bushes thereat. It should be noted that in this example of the invention, each of the tubes 18 and 24, 24' are provided with pin receiving holes 28, 28'.

Each wheel 20 is rotatable on its respective stub axle 26, 26' and each axle includes a bearing member 27, 27' which allows the wheels to freely rotate about the axle 26, 26' (to be spaced from struts 16, 16').

Each axle 26, 26' is also provided with spring-loaded pins 29 which align with and are urged into holes 28, 28' in the tube 18 to hold the axles in the tube and hence the wheels 20 in place. In use, the trolley may move in forward and backwards directions (in the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2). The wheels 20 are here conventionally arranged transverse to the back frame 12.

When the operator of the trolley needs to move it in a sideways direction, the axles 26, 26' (and the wheels 20) are removed from tube 18 and are inserted into tubes 24, 24' so that they are parallel to the back frame 12 (Figure 3). For example, if the trolley is initially in the configuration of Figures 1 and 2 , typically the operator then places the trolley in an upright position with the level taken by plate 14, releases the pins 29 from the pin receiving holes 28, 28' and removes the axles 26, 26' from the tube 18. The operator then inserts the axles into tubes 24, 24' (as shown in Figures 3 and 4). The wheels 20 are again held in place by inserting pins 29 which are received in holes 28, 28'. The load is taken back on the wheels by tilting frame 12 and the trolley may then be moved in a sideways direction while it is carrying a load.

Figure 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in which plate 14 is provided with a stop 30A which ensures that articles are held within the trolley during transport. It will be appreciated that the trolley may be of any particular shape (or even in the form of a cart) , without departing from the inventive concept of an adjustable wheeled trolley as disclosed herein. For example, the means by which the wheels are fixed to the trolley frame may vary. That is, the pin receiving holes and the pins, can easily be substituted for other fastening devices such as a clip arrangement, detent arrangements etc.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 8 (where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts) a second embodiment of the trolley 10 is in all essential respects similar to that defined in Figures 1 to 5 , but in this case, rather than employing hollow tubes 24, 24', the lower part 16A of each support 16 is hollow and receives the stub axle 26 of a respective wheel (as depicted schematically in Figure 8) . In this case, the opening 25 is formed in the outer end of the lower part 16A. The obvious advantage of this embodiment is that a separate pair of tubes 24, 24' are not required to be fitted during manufacture, although potentially more trolley tilt is required to bring the wheels into ground contact from the position of Figure 8.

Referring to Figures 9 to 13 (where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts) a third embodiment of the trolley 10 has a pair of connector members 30 that are attached to the support structure 16

(ie. instead of employing tube 18) . The connector members 30 are cup shaped and are open outwardly (rearwardly) so as to allow a connecting bar in the form of axle 31 to be inserted therein. There is also provided through the body of each of the connector members 30, a pin receiving hole that can receive a locking pin 32.

The axle 31 has two wheels 20 attached at each end thereof and also includes an abutting plate 36 (refer to Figure 11) located thereon adjacent to at least one of the wheels 20 (although in other embodiments of the invention there may be an abutting plate provided on both of the wheels 20) . The abutting plate 36 prevents the wheels from coming into contact with members 30 which would otherwise restrict movement of the wheels 20 as the trolley 10 moves.

When the trolley 10 is to be moved in a forward direction, the axle 31 is located within the connector members 30 (as best seen in Figure 9) and the locking pins 32 are inserted into the pin receiving holes so that the axle 31 is captured between each connector member 30 and locking pin 32. In the third embodiment of the invention, trolley transverse (sideways) movement is facilitated by axle engagement groove 34 (and optionally grooves 36 and 38) located across the underside of plate 14 (perpendicular to back frame 12 ) . When the trolley 10 is to be moved in a transverse direction, the user removes the locking pins 32 from the connector members 30, and the axle 31 is then removed from the connector members 30. The trolley 10 is raised so that the axle can be placed in engagement groove 34 (or optionally 36, 38), thereby locating the plate 14 between the wheels 20. Figures 12 and 13 show the trolley 10 positioned on the axle 31 in engagement groove 34. The grooves 34, 36, 38 can be formed from a magnetic material and the axle 31 can be formed from a paramagnetic material so that the axle can be easily maintained in groove 34 in use. However, if necessary any other releasable retention mechanism (as described herein) can be employed. Alternatively the weight of the trolley (and any load thereon) can hold the axle in place.

The engagement grooves 36 and 38 can be used for unevenly distributed loads so that they can be balanced on the plate 14 by counteracting the uneven distribution of weight, thereby ensuring the stability of the load during transportation. Also, with heavy loads the trolley can be tilted just sufficiently sideways to position the axle in one of grooves 36, 38.

Referring now to Figures 14 to 18 (where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts) a fourth embodiment of the trolley 10 has a pair of sleeves 40, each mounted for rotation on an upper length of respective strut 16. Each sleeve includes an upper collar 42 and a lower collar 44 attached thereto (eg. welded or otherwise fastened to the sleeve for rotation therewith) . Upper collar 42 supports a bolt 46 (Figure 18 - the function of which is described below) and has a threaded bore 48 formed therethrough for receiving the bolt.

Each lower collar 44 has stub axle 26 extending outwardly therefrom (ie. orthogonally to sleeve 40) and wheel 20 is attached to each stub axle. Typically the stub axle is welded to lower collar 44 or is fastened in some other way (eg. using a recessed grub screw fastening etc) .

Thus, when each sleeve is rotated on support strut 16, each respective stub axle 26 rotates therewith, so that the axles can be moved from a position in which they project laterally outwards from the trolley (Figure 15 - ie. parallel with back frame 12) to a position where the axles project rearwardly from the trolley (ie. orthogonal to back face 12 - akin to the wheel position of Figures 3 and 4) .

Similar to the tube 18, extending between support struts 16 to strengthen and stabilise the same is a connecting rod 50. Figures 16 to 18 show greater detail of the wheel pivoting mechanism and locking mechanism therefor. In particular, Figure 18 shows how the sleeve 40 can be locked against rotation on strut 16 by bolt 46. Typically in this regard the support strut has a square cross-section to facilitate better fastening against a given external face thereof by bolt 46. However, the support strut can have a circular cross-section, and then two (or more) holes can be formed therein and into which the bolt extends to lock the sleeve against rotation. As also shown, typically the sleeve has at least a circular internal cross-sectional shape to facilitate its ease of rotation on strut 16.

Rather than employing a bolt, a spring-loaded pin or other fastening-type pin, screw, grub screw etc can be employed as appropriate. Further, an enlarged head can be provided to the screw to enable it to be tightened and loosened by hand.

While the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms .

Claims

1. A trolley for transporting articles including: a frame for carrying the articles; and wheels for supporting the frame in use; wherein the frame and wheels are adapted such that all of the wheels can be mounted to the frame in at least two different positions for enabling trolley movement in at least two directions .

2. A trolley as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the wheels are mounted to opposing ends of one axle which in one position extends from side to side of the frame and in another position extends from front to back of the frame, whereby the positioning of the axle in said another position enables the trolley to be moved sideways.

3. A trolley as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each wheel is mounted to one end of a respective axle such that in a first position the axles are mounted to the frame so that the trolley can be moved forwards and backward, and in a second position such that the trolley can be moved sideways.

4. A trolley as claimed in Claim 3 wherein in the first position the axles are aligned to each extend towards the other from their respective trolley side, and in the second position the axles are parallel, to each extend from the back towards the front of the frame.

5. A trolley as claimed in Claim 4 wherein:

(i) each axle is detachable from the frame and movement between the first and second positions is effected by detaching the axle from the frame at one of those positions and reattaching it to the frame at another of those positions; or

(ii) each axle is pivotable with respect to the frame for movement between the first and second positions.

6. A trolley as claimed in Claim 5 wherein: in (i) each axle is a stub axle and is positioned within a respective bush of the frame in both the first and second positions, and is adapted for locking to the frame; and in (ii) each axle is mounted to extend laterally out from a respective sleeve, which in turn is mounted to rotate on part of the frame for movement between the first and second positions, the sleeve being adapted for locking to the frame part against rotation in both the first and second positions.

7. A trolley as claimed in Claim 6 wherein: in (i) each stub axle is releasably locked within its respective bush in both the first and second positions by a spring-loaded pin extending out from the axle for location in a respective hole in the bush; and in (ii) each sleeve is releasably locked to its respective frame part in both the first and second positions by a screw or pin that extends from and through the sleeve for engagement with the frame part.

8. A trolley as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the frame includes a longitudinally extending back frame and a platform extending orthogonally out from a lower end of the back frame, the back frame and platform combining to carry articles in use.

9. A trolley as claimed in Claim 8 wherein a pair of generally right-angled supports are mounted to extend rearwardly from the back frame, with said one axle being mountable to the supports in use .

10. A trolley as claimed in Claim 9 wherein said one axle is mountable to a first pair of bearings attached to the supports when it extends from side to side of the frame, and said one axle is mountable to a second bearing attached to an underside of the platform when it extends from front to back of the frame.

11. A trolley as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the axle is locked into the first bearing pair by respective releasable locking pins associated with each first bearing, whereas the axle is freely located in the second bearing and is held therein use by the weight of the trolley (and any load thereon) , or by magnetic force.

12. A trolley as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the frame includes a longitudinally extending back frame and a platform extending orthogonally out from a lower end of the back frame, with the back frame and platform combining to carry articles in use, and wherein a pair of generally right-angled supports are mounted to extend rearwardly from the back frame .

13. A trolley as claimed in Claim 12 wherein a hollow connecting bar extends between the supports and connects the supports to each other, and for (i) wherein in the first position the bushes are located at opposing ends of the connecting bar so that each wheel's respective axle can be mounted therein.

14. A trolley as claimed in Claim 13 wherein either:

(a) a lower section of each right-angled support is hollow and a bush is located at an outwardly extending end of each lower section for receipt of a respective stub axle in the second position; or

(b) the supports each include a further hollow member located on a respective side of the frame and each extending rearwardly out from the back frame for receiving a respective stub axle in the second position.

15. A trolley as claimed in Claim 12 wherein in (ii) each sleeve is mounted to an upper section of a respective right-angled support for rotation thereon between the first and second positions.

16. A trolley as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the upper section of each support has a square cross-section for enabling easy fastening thereagainst of the screw or pin, whereas each sleeve is circular in cross-section for ease of rotation on its respective upper section.

17. A trolley as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein each of the first bearings is defined by a cup-shaped member within which the axle can be located and supported for rotation.

18. A trolley as claimed in any one of Claims 10, 11 or 17 wherein the second bearing includes at least one axle engagement groove formed under the platform in a transverse direction with respect to the back frame, which receives the axle so that it can rotate within the groove, thereby allowing sideways movement of the trolley.

19. A trolley as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the engagement groove is magnetic and the axle is made of a paramagnetic material so as to maintain engagement of the axle with the platform.

20. A trolley for transporting articles substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings .