WO2001085525A1

WO2001085525A1 - Carrier for flower pots or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2001085525A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/000531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Greg Mulley
Original assignee: Mulley, Jo-Anne
Priority date: 2000-05-10
Filing date: 2001-05-10
Publication date: 2001-11-15
Also published as: NZ523093A

Abstract

A carrier for pots (P), etc includes wheeled frame (12) having two parallel uprights (32, only one shown) on which plate (40) slides. Fork (52) is adjustable horizontally and vertically with respect to plate (40) and is carried by it so that sliding of plate (40) down frame (12) allows prongs (60), depending from fork (52), to be inserted into pot (P) to maintain it on frame (12). In an alternative (not shown) spaced prongs are carried by a horizontal rod arranged to slide, via a bar, on uprights (32). Spring-loading of the rod with respect to the bar serves to clamp the prongs against pot (P).

Description

A CARRIER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a carrier for a pot or the like, for example a pot for plants. However, the invention can be used to carry other articles such as barrels, barriques, kegs, tubs, produce bags, drums, hay and mulch bails and even furniture etc.

Background Art Carriers and transporters for potted plants are known in the art. For example, US 5,215,427 discloses apparatus for carrying a plurality of pots on the end of a forklift, wherein a plurality of pots are carried on and between a plurality of laterally (forwardly) extending tines, in turn affixed to a frame on the forklift.

US 5,193,304 discloses a circular ring of lesser diameter than the top of a pot and in which the pot is supported, with flexible straps extending up from opposite sides of the ring which define a carry handle. However, the full brunt of the pot weight must be born by a user.

JP 1,122,7609 discloses a flower pot carrier for carrying multiple flower pots and includes a somewhat complex recessed top plate with support arms for fitting between the pots. This carrier would be relatively costly and complex to manufacture.

AU 81113/91 discloses a carrier for a pot plant having a central member tube 1, with a collar 2 slidable on the tube and having a hook 3 for fitting inside the open upper end of a pot . At a lower end of the tube 1 a foot 6 is positioned, and an axle 7 is mounted near the lower end and has a pair of wheels 5 and 9 at opposite ends thereof . Extending out from the tube 1 intermediate its ends are support arms 4 and 8 which receive the pot therebetween. In testing this arrangement, the applicants have found it to be inherently unstable and difficult to operate. O97/09219 discloses a somewhat similar arrangement to AU81113/91 in that a retainer 27 including a tongue 28 is slidable on a frame member 3. However, two such frame members spaced apart are required, with each having a respective retainer slidable thereon. The arrangement of WO97/09219 is used for handling heavy objects such as 200 litre drums. Again, because of the similarity of the arrangement in WO97/09219 to that employed in AU81113/91, the applicants have ascertained that the arrangement is not easy to use with pots of potted plants for example. Accordingly, it would be advantageous if an alternative arrangement could be provided which provides for the stable transportation of a variety of pots, especially larger and heavier pots, and which can also be used for transporting other articles such as barrels, barriques, kegs, tubs, drums etc.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention in a first aspect provides a carrier for a pot or the like, including: a frame for receiving and supporting the pot thereon; and a pot engaging device including two or more arms extending from a single base member, the two or more arms being positionable in an upper end of the pot to maintain it on the frame, and the base member being slidably mountable to the frame such that the two or more arms can move together with the base member. The applicants have surprisingly discovered that when the pot engaging device includes two or more arms extending from a single base member, the pot can be quickly and stably maintained on the frame, and be more evenly balanced when so positioned. In a second aspect the present invention provides a carrier for a pot or the like, including: a frame for receiving and supporting the pot thereon and having two spaced apart generally upright members; and a pot engaging device mounted on the frame for operation between the upright members such that it can be positioned in an upper end of the pot or the like to maintain it on the frame, wherein a portion of the pot or the like when mounted on the frame can be received at the members on one side of the portion, with the pot engaging device being received on the other side of the portion and aligned between the members . When the term "portion" is used, it usually refers to a wall or rim of a pot or similar, but can include part of another item, such as a segment of a bag or sack, part of a hay bail etc.

By configuring the carrier in this manner, there is no need for laterally extending support arms (such as disclosed in AU 81113/91) . In addition, the upright members on one side and the pot engaging device on the other provide opposite retention forces at at least three separate locations along the portion, thus further stabilising the pot or the like on the carrier.

The upright members also have the added advantage of providing a trolley backing frame to which an upper handle can be attached to render the carrier easily manoeuvrable.

Preferably in the second aspect the pot engaging device includes a base member slidably mounted to the upright members . Preferably at least one arm extends from the base member for positioning in the upper end of the pot. Typically two such arms are provided.

Preferably in both the first and second aspects the arms are prongs. The use of prongs facilitates deep insertion into the pot or the like, especially when soil or other matter is held within the pot etc. The sliding mounting of the base member enables it to be retracted when the pot etc is to be loaded or removed on and from the carrier, and also enables a variety of different pot sizes etc to be accommodated.

Optionally the arms can project down from either side of a limb portion that is itself slidably mounted with respect to the base member. This provides for further degrees of freedom in accommodating various pot sizes, and enables fine adjustments to be made to the arms.

Preferably the limb portion includes an extendable section for moving the arms closer towards or further away from the frame. This extendable section can also be spring loaded, such that the arms are generally urged towards the frame by the spring. Thus pots of differing wall thicknesses can readily be accommodated. In an alternative embodiment, the limb portion can be detachable from the base member, for interchanging with a different size limb portion for different pot types.

Preferably in the first aspect the frame includes two spaced apart members, with a part of the pot etc being supported against those members, and with the pot engaging device preferably being slidably mounted to the members.

Such an arrangement overcomes the cumbersome construction of AU 81113/91, where the support arms 4 and 8 are fixed and thus only a limited range of pot sizes can be accommodated. In one embodiment, in front elevation, the arms of the pot engaging means are aligned with the members of the frame. This alignment means that the pot can, in effect, be clamped between each arm and the respective member thus further stabilising the pot on the carrier. In another embodiment, in front elevation, the arms of the pot engaging device are inset (i.e. more narrowly spaced) with respect to the members of the frame. This arrangement tends to pull a pot wall portion between the members (especially when curved) . Preferably each member has a join intermediate upper and lower ends thereof, the join enabling an upper part of the member to be detached from a lower part of the member, which in turn enables the pot engaging device to be slidably loaded onto the lower part of the member. This also enables the member upper parts to be joined to each other, eg, by a handle, and thus makes the construction of the carrier far simpler, in that the upper parts can be formed with the handle first (eg. as a unitary piece) , in a separate stage, whereas the pot engaging device can be mounted on the lower parts in a separate stage, and then the upper and lower parts attached together to complete the construction.

Preferably the frame includes a platform at a base thereof for receiving and supporting the pot thereon. Preferably wheels are also arranged at a base of the frame. The platform enables easy support of the pot etc underside, and the wheels enable the carrier to be readily moved about. In addition, the platform enables a pot catchment plate to be loaded on the carrier (ie. together with a pot) .

Brief description of the drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred 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 side elevation of a preferred pot carrier in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front elevation of the pot carrier of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a front elevational detail of an alternative pot carrier in accordance with the present invention; with Figure 4 showing the detail of Figure 3 in side elevation; and

Figures 5 to 10 show perspective schematic views of a preferred pot carrier in accordance with the present invention, carrying various different articles. Modes for carrying out the Invention

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , a pot carrier in the form of pot trolley 10 is shown for lifting and carrying plant pots or the like. It should be appreciated that the pot carrier can be used for carrying a wide variety of articles, especially articles having some sort of upper opening or recess, including barrels, barriques, kegs, drums, containers, boxes etc (see Figures 5 to 10) .

The pot trolley 10 includes a support frame 12 having a platform 14 attached at its lower end and protruding forwardly therefrom. A short portion 16 of the platform also projects rearwardly, and a pair of axle support braces 18 are connected to the short portion and extend up to a lower frame section 20. An axle 22 is attached to the support braces, and wheels 24 are mounted for rotation at opposite ends of the axle. The axle support braces can also be modified for a six wheel "stair climber" configuration.

An upper frame section 26 is detachably mounted to the lower frame section at join 28 (or can be welded thereto) . The upper frame section includes a pair of upper frame members 30, whereas the lower frame section includes a pair of lower frame members 32. Typically the upper frame members 30 are angled towards a user for ease of use of the trolley. However, they may also align with the lower frame members to define a straight back frame. The upper ends of the upper frame members are connected together by a handle bar 32, and the lower ends of the lower frame members are connected together by the platform 14. The lower ends of the upper frame members and the upper ends of the lower frame members are further connected together via a common interconnecting brace 36 located at join 28.

Mounted for sliding on the lower frame members is a pot engaging device including a first base member embodiment in the form of fork support plate 40. The support plate has a pair of opposing sleeves 42 which each receive a respective lower frame member 32 therethrough for sliding. The fork support plate can be fixed against sliding on the frame members but more preferably is freely slidable at all times along the lower frame section. For example, the plate can be fastened against sliding via spring-loaded pins 44 at a plurality of hole locations 46.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 , the central part of the fork support plate has a further central sleeve 48 (parallel to the outer sleeves 42) and connected thereto by webs 49. The central sleeve receives a shank 50 of a pot engaging fork 52. The shank 50 is slidable within the central sleeve and can be locked against sliding by screw locking pin 54. Thus the fork can be moved up and down relative to the fork support plate. The fork 52 further includes an extendable arm 56 connected to the shank 50, the arm in turn connecting the shank to a transverse limb member 58. At least one, but typically a pair of prongs 60 having pointed ends 62 extend downwardly from opposite ends of the limb member 58 and are adapted for being inserted into the open end of a pot (or the recess of a barrel, keg, or the open end of a box, crate etc) . In this embodiment the prongs 60 align with the lower frame members 32 (as shown in Figure 2) . This alignment enables the wall of a pot to, in effect, be clamped between the prongs and frame members, thus enhancing securement of the pot on the trolley.

In this embodiment arm 56 is typically telescopically extendable to enable the prongs to be moved closer towards or further away from the lower frame section 20. This enables pots etc of varying wall thicknesses to be positioned between the prongs and lower frame section. An extended position of the extendable arm 56 is shown in dotted outline in Figure 1.

As an alternative, because the shank 50 can be readily removed from plate 40 through the release of locking pin 54, forks of varying sizes (eg, of varying lengths of arm 56, and also of varying prong and limb member sizes) can be rapidly interchanged to accommodate different pot types and other articles.

Figure 1 shows a pot P with a lower catchment plate C, both in dotted outline, illustrating how such articles can be supported on the platform and frame, with the fork inserted into an open upper end thereof. If the pot contains fill material (eg soil, mulch etc) , then the pointed ends of the prongs enable the fork to be readily inserted into such material, thus further enhancing the mounting of the pot on the trolley. The trolley arrangement is configured such that the pot P and plate C can be loaded simultaneously (ie. together as a unit) on the trolley, this being a substantial improvement over prior art arrangements. Referring now to figures 3 and 4, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a second pot engaging device has a base member embodiment in the form of fork support bar 70. The support bar has a pair of opposing sleeves 72 which each receive a respective lower frame member 32 therethrough for sliding. Again, whilst the fork support bar can be fixed against sliding on the frame members, preferably it is freely slidable at all times to enable differing sized items to be carried and easily interchanged on the trolley 10.

Rather than employing a central sleeve 48 (as in the embodiment of figures 1 and 2) a square support tube 74 is fixed to the underside of support bar 70 (e.g. via welding 75) . The square support tube provides a sleeve within which fork rod 76 can slide.

As in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 , a transverse limb member 78 is attached at one end to fork rod 76 (e.g. via welding 79) . At least one, but typically a pair of prongs 80 having pointed ends 82 extend downwardly from opposite ends of the limb member 78, and are adapted for being inserted into the open end of a pot etc . When a single prong is employed it is typically centrally aligned between the frame members (as viewed in front elevation) .

In this embodiment, the prongs 80 are inset from the lower frame members (i.e. the lower frame members are spaced more widely apart than the prongs 80) . This enables the employment of the single prong arrangement wherein an item is in effect captured on one side by the at least one prong, and is typically urged against the frame members on the other side (e.g. by a spring (described below) or by gravity-when the trolley is tilted etc) . This means that the item is supported at at least three separate locations, further stabilising its mounting and carrying on the trolley.

Attached to the opposite end of rod 76 is a locking nut 84. The opposite end of the rod can be threaded so that the locking nut can be screw tightened onto the end of rod 76. The locking nut enables a spring 86 (typically a coil or helical spring) to be captured on rod 76, between the square support tube 74 at one end and the nut 84 at the other. The spring has the effect of urging the locking nut away from the square tube, thus drawing the prongs 80 towards frame members 32. This has the effect of clamping anything that is captured between the prongs and the frame members, such as a pot side wall etc. The arrangement also allows for adjustability of the distance between the prongs and the frame members 32, in that a user can push the fork rod forwardly to compress the spring, thus moving the prongs away from the frame members .

To facilitate movement of fork rod 76, typically a ball handle 88 is mounted (e.g. screwed) onto the end of rod 76. The ball handle can either be welded or fastened to the nut and then screwed onto the end of rod 76, or can have an internally threaded aperture which is screwed onto an appropriately threaded remote end of the rod. Alternatively, the ball can be adhesively fastened, welded etc to the end of rod 76. The ball makes for ease of gripping of the rod end, and facilitates push and pull sliding of the rod within tube 74, the ball also makes it easy to rotate the rod within the tube, and this can enable the prongs to be inverted and make for easier loading and unloading of a pot etc on the trolley. This also means that the fork support bar 70 does not necessarily have to be slid upwardly for pot etc removal or loading.

When loading a pot or the like onto the trolley, typically the plate 40 or bar 70 is slid upwardly on the frame members 32, to provide sufficient clearance between the lower ends of the prong (s) and the pot etc. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 the support plate is slid upwardly after firstly releasing the pins 44 (when present) . However, in some cases all that may be required is that either the pot engaging fork 52 is raised upwardly, by releasing pin 54 and sliding the shank 50 up within the central sleeve 48, or that fork rod 76 is rotated to invert prong (s) 80.

The platform 14 is then positioned under the pot etc and urged thereunder (eg, by tilting the pot slightly forwards) . The plate 40 or bar 70 is then lowered (in a reverse manner) until the prong (s) engage into or against the pot etc. Typically the prong (s) are spaced away from¹ the lower frame section such that the wall of the pot etc is close fitted (eg. "clamped") between the lower frame members 32 and the prong (s) . Spring 86 helps facilitate such clamping.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 10, the trolley 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown carrying various articles. In Figure 5 the trolley is shown carrying a pot P having a plate C positioned thereunder. In Figure 6, the trolley is shown carrying a pot P without a plate C thereunder. In Figure 7 the trolley is shown carrying a box or crate B. In Figure 8 the trolley is shown carrying a produce bag or sack X, which although not having an open end, is deformable such that the prongs can be inserted thereinto to retain the bag or sack on the trolley. In Figure 9, the trolley is shown carrying a drum D, wherein the prongs sit inside the upper rim R of the drum. In Figure 10 the trolley is shown carrying a hay bail H into which the prongs can be readily inserted. With pots and other curved wall articles such as drums, barrels, pipes, tubes, cylinders, boxes, etc. the curved wall then extends into a space S (Figures 2 and 3) defined between the lower frame members, and thus is supported on either side by the members 32. In addition, the curved side of any catchment plate is also supported between the lower frame members. This, in conjunction with the prong (s) 60, minimises lateral movement of the pot (or other articles) on the trolley. Where the pot is mounted on a catchment plate, the side wall of the catchment plate can also extend into space S. Thus an inherently stable and easy to manoeuvre pot transport arrangement is provided, without the need for laterally projecting arms or rings etc. Accordingly, a wide variety of sizes of pots and other articles can easily be loaded onto and removed from the trolley with a minimum of fuss.

Whilst a fork having two prongs has been described and is preferred, a single prong or three, four or other multiple prong arrangements can be employed as appropriate . The employment of two prongs in conjunction with two frame members, essentially eliminates any lateral movement of a pot etc in a trolley. The two prongs press on one side wall of the pot etc, whereas the two frame members press against the other side. This is particularly enhanced when the prong (s) are inset from the frame members (as viewed in front elevation) . Thus the pot cannot rotate or shift laterally and is restrained against such movements. When three prongs are employed, the middle prong can be set back, closer to the frame, to follow the inside curvature of a pot etc, when positioned on the trolley.

Typically most components of the support frame are formed from a metal or metal alloy material, preferably a mild steel for cost effectiveness, which is optionally painted or powder coated. The prongs can be formed from a stainless steel to reduce corrosion from any acidity in the soils or other substances into which they are inserted. The wheels and wheel hubs may be formed from polymeric materials as appropriate.

Whilst 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 .

It is to be understood that, if any reference to prior art is made herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. A carrier for a pot or the like, including: a frame for receiving and supporting a pot thereon; a pot engaging device including two or more arms extending from a single base member, the two or more arms being positionable in an upper end of the pot to maintain it on the frame, and the base member being slidably mountable to the frame such that the two or more arms can move together with the base member .

2. A carrier for a pot or the like, including: a frame for receiving and supporting the pot thereon and having two spaced apart generally upright members; and a pot engaging device mounted on the frame for operation between the upright members and such that it can be positioned in an upper end of the pot or the like to maintain it on the frame, wherein a portion of the pot or the like when mounted on the frame can be received at the members on one side of the portion, with the pot engaging device being received on the other side of the portion and aligned between the members.

3. A carrier as claimed in claim 2 wherein the pot engaging device includes a base member slidably mounted to the upright members, with at least one arm extending from the base member for positioning in the upper end of the pot .

4. A carrier as claimed in claim 3 wherein two arms extend from the base member for positioning in the upper end of the pot .

5. A carrier as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4 wherein the arms are prongs .

6. A carrier as claimed in claim 5 wherein the arms project down from either side of a limb portion, which is itself slidably mounted with respect to the base member, the limb portion including an extendable section for moving the arms closer towards or further away from the frame .

7. A carrier as claimed in claim 6 wherein the extendable section is spring loaded such that the arms are generally urged towards the frame by the spring.

8. A carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame includes two spaced apart members, with a part of the pot or the like being supported against those members, and with the pot engaging device being slidably mounted to the members.

9. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein, in front elevation, the arm(s) of the pot engaging device are either aligned with the members of the frame, or are inset with respect to the members of the frame.

10. A carrier as claimed in any one of the preceding claims that is in the form of a trolley, including a platform at a base of the frame for receiving and supporting the pot or the like thereon, with a pair of wheels also being arranged at the base of the frame.