WO2008087274A1

WO2008087274A1 - Mobile bin comprising pull-out handles

Info

Publication number: WO2008087274A1
Application number: PCT/FR2007/002024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pascal Curabec; Laurence Mazoyer
Original assignee: Pascal Curabec; Laurence Mazoyer
Priority date: 2006-12-11
Filing date: 2007-12-10
Publication date: 2008-07-24
Also published as: FR2909629B1; FR2909629A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile bin for transporting and storing a load. Said bin mainly consists of a container (1) in the form of a truncated parallelepiped defining a space for receiving the load and comprising an open face (2) for accessing the load space. The container (1) is provided with rolling bodies (3-4) and a pair of pull-out tubular handles (5). The handles (5) are mounted in a sliding manner on the container (1) and can alternate between a user position for transporting loads, in which the handles (5) project over the container (1), and a retracted storage position, in which the handles (5) are positioned against lateral walls of the container (1). The inventive bin is especially used for storing and transporting wood ergonomically.

Description

DESCRIPTION Folding trunk with retractable stretchers.

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an organized trunk for transporting and storing items and / or heavy loads to move, wood logs for example.

State of the art

WO2004 / 005105 (CURABEC - MAZOYER) describes a trunk forming a basket for receiving articles and / or heavy loads, such as fruits and vegetables, or logs of wood for example. The trunk is organized to be convertible alternately between a transport wheelbarrow and a storage cabinet loads. More specifically, this trunk is mainly composed of a generally parallelepiped body for the receipt of loads. The body is equipped with stretchers and running gear, combining a pair of rear side wheels carried by a common axle, and a median front wheel.

The box of this box has an open front face for access to its interior for loading and unloading articles and / or loads that it is intended to receive. A hinged door on the body makes it possible to seal or release said front face.

The shafts are articulated on the rear face of the body, to be maneuverable between a retracted position of retraction against said rear face, and an extended transport position in which said shafts are arranged in the extension of the body. When the trunk is at the loading and / or transport station, the body rests on the rear side wheels and the stretcher is deployed. The latter are equipped with a kickstand support the body. When the trunk is loaded, it is likely to be moved to the transport station by means of stretchers, rolling on the rear side rolling members.

When the trunk is converted into a storage unit, it is tilted to rest on the rolling members, both on the rear side wheels and the median front wheel, the shafts being retracted. Access to the contents of the cash register is done frontally.

It has become apparent that such a trunk deserves to be improved. Indeed, its handling when empty load is operated in the same way as when the crate is loaded. More specifically, if the organization of the trunk allows its easy handling for the transport of loads, it turns out that such organization is not suitable for easy transportation of the trunk when empty. It appears that the organization of the safe deserves to be improved for to reconcile easy comfort of handling both when it is loaded and when it is empty of load.

In addition, the overall size of such a trunk is unsatisfactory, especially with regard to the passage between their respective positions articulated bodies on the body, door and stretchers more precisely. In addition, the maneuvering of these articulated organs is not satisfactory with regard to the comfort of the use of the trunk.

Furthermore, it is desirable to facilitate the loading and unloading of the trunk, and complete its functionality without unduly impairing its storage capacity. Regarding the technique another document can be quoted. This is GB 2283 945 A (Edwin Peter Willis). This document describes a kind of convertible carriage which certain functions correspond to the proposed invention but does not have any relevant characteristics concerning the shape and the mobility of the stretchers in order to obtain configurations of maneuvering of the ergonomic-type carriage.

Object of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a trunk whose general organization offers satisfactory solutions to the aforementioned drawbacks. More particularly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a trunk whose handling is easy and comfortable, and which is ergonomic and easy to move both in the load situation than empty. It is also the object of the present invention to provide such a trunk whose load-receiving capacity is optimized both in transport station and storage station, without compromising the comfort of the passage of the trunk of one at the other of these stations. The trunk of the present invention is a trunk for transporting and storing a load, such as logs of wood for example. This trunk is convertible between at least one rolling station for transporting the load and at least one storage station and / or loading and unloading the trunk. Structurally, the trunk is mainly constituted by a truncated parallelepiped shaped box delimiting a load-receiving capacity, and having an open front face of access to said capacity. This body is equipped with running gear and a couple of retractable stretchers. According to the present invention, such a trunk is mainly recognizable in that the shafts are slidably mounted along at least one wall of the box being operable between a deployed position of transport of loads in which the stretchers are essentially arranged in the extension of the box, and a retracted storage position in which the shafts are placed against said at least one wall of the box.

Preferably, the stretchers are mounted with a sliding ability along the two side walls of the body.

The trunk is advantageously provided with a gripping handle substantially disposed vertically above the center of gravity of the empty load box, to allow the lifting and easy port of the empty trunk by the user, this handle being preferably formed of a cross member connecting one to the other the proximal ends of said stretcher. This handle is at least substantially overhanging said center of gravity in the retracted position of the shafts, so that the empty trunk can be easily carried in the manner of a basket by the user.

That is to say carried with one hand positioned in the center of the handle.

According to an interesting embodiment, stretchers mounted with a sliding latitude along the two side walls of the body are oriented obliquely, for example with a backward inclination of about 40 ° relative to the vertical .

Preferably, the open front face of the body is inclined rearwardly with respect to the ground, so as to form an outlet of the capacity oriented both forwardly and towards the top of the body.

The distal end of the stretcher is preferably provided with an abutment member to limit their stroke in the deployed position. For example, this abutment member is constituted by a pin, a lug, a shoulder or the like, which is formed at the distal end of the shafts to prevent their escapement out of the slideways which receive them slidably.

Stretchers are preferably equipped with locking means in the deployed and retracted position respectively. It will be noted that these locking means are indifferently discrete or continuous locking means. For example, in the case of a discrete locking, it is of the type by keying or the like, even and preferably consists of a latch device.

More preferably, the proximal ends of the stretchers in the deployed position constitute support members of the trunk in cooperation with at least one of the rolling members. These provisions are intended to provide a stable loading station, according to which said front face is oriented upwards, being mainly open towards the top and disposed substantially horizontally.

The rolling members, on which the trunk rest in the upright position, combine in particular a pair of lateral wheels arranged in the vicinity of the rear edge of the body, and a median caster before. These arrangements make it possible to maneuver the trunk both in the manner of a wheelbarrow as a devil, and facilitate the crossing of obstacles, walking or elevation in particular. The trunk is advantageously equipped with means for receiving and immobilizing utensils against the rear wall of the body, and / or a storage container accessories, preferably disposed on the top of the body.

Description of the figures.

The present invention will be better understood, and details will arise from reading the description that will be made of a preferred embodiment in connection with the figures of the attached plates, wherein:

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are side illustrations of a trunk according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively in a station for transporting a load, in a storage station, and in a loading and unloading station . Figure 4 is a rear view of the trunk equipped with its utensils.

Figure 5 is a detail view and schematic, illustrating an embodiment of a locking mechanism of the shafts fitted to the trunk, in the retracted position or in the deployed position.

Figures 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 and 10 show five trunk maneuver configurations. Reference is made to the said drawings to describe an interesting embodiment, although not limiting, of the convertible trunk according to the invention.

In the remainder of the present description, in order to facilitate the description of the invention, words such as "superior", "bottom", "front", "back", "lateral" and "vertical" are used, considering the upright storage position most usual convertible trunk, that is to say mounted on its three wheels (3 - 4), but it is obvious that these words have no limiting character. In Figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a manually operable trunk for transporting and storing a load. This box mainly comprises a box 1 which has an open front (2a) for access to its capacity, for the loading and unloading of the trunk, a rear face (2b), an upper face (2c) and two faces opposite sides (2d).

This box (1) can be wood, or metal, or rigid plastic, or fiberglass, or wicker, or any other material having the desirable strength. It is equipped with rolling members (3-4) and a pair of stretchers (5). The running gear preferably associates a pair of rear lateral wheels (3) carried by a common axle, and a front center wheel (4). The rear wheels (3) can be mounted in lateral overflow of the body (1). It will be noted that, in a similar manner, the lateral wheels

(3) can be individually rotatably mounted on the body (1).

The median wheel (4) is of a diameter significantly smaller than that of the side wheels (3). This median wheel (4) orientable, in known manner, is rotatably mounted below the base of the body (1). At least one of these rolling members

(3-4) is preferably equipped with blocking means or hard braking, to avoid spontaneous movement of the trunk when it is in storage station.

More specifically, the front center wheel (4) is advantageously orientable and is equipped with a locking means, not shown, for immobilizing it in a position parallel to the rear wheels (5), in particular to facilitate the crossing of steps of stairs.

On the other hand, the front center wheel (4) is provided with a locking means for immobilizing it in rotation, so as to maintain the trunk stationary position, for example when storing the latter at the location reserved for him near a fireplace.

Such means for locking the front wheel (4) in orientation and in rotation are, for example, described in the document WO-2004/0051 05.

Such means for locking the front wheel (4), in orientation and in rotation are for example described in the document WO-2004/0051 05.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the shafts (5) are mounted with an axial sliding ability along at least one vertical wall of the box (1), between an extended position shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a retracted position. Advantageously, the shafts (5) are mounted with longitudinal sliding ability along the opposite side walls (2d) of the box (1). This sliding assembly makes it possible to arrange the ends of the stretchers (5):

- In an extended position according to which said stretchers are essentially placed in the extension of the body:

• for use of the trunk in a rectified position, in the manner of a devil, as shown in Figure 1, for transporting loads on a flat floor; or V for use of said trunk in a reverse position in the manner of a wheelbarrow, as shown in Figure 3, for the loading of the trunk and for its transport on any terrain; in the loading position, the trunk can rest on the ground jointly via its rear wheels (3) and the proximal end of its stretcher (5) whose handle in its left / right parts plays the role of shoe (24), or in a retracted position according to which the stretchers are essentially placed along the side walls (2d) of the trunk for use thereof as a storage or storage unit, as illustrated in the figure 2, the shafts (5) being retracted to reduce the size of said trunk. Its storage is made easy, such as in a traditional pyre or next to any wood heating device, including domestic fireplace. In this last configuration, the stretchers in the retracted position, it is interesting to consider that the empty box, or lightly loaded, can be carried by a user (Fig. 6) with one hand positioned in the center of the handle at the way of a basket (19). According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the box (1) comprises lateral rails (6) within which the shafts (5) are mounted with a sliding ability. These slides (6) are, for example, formed sleeves or the like reported on the side walls (2d) of the body (1). According to a similar embodiment but not preferred, the sliding mounting of the stretchers (5) on the body (1) is obtained from their arrangement telescopic member, associating at least one sheath fixed on the body (1) for receiving an arm extending this sheath. In addition, the stretchers (5) are equipped at their distal end with an abutment member (7) preventing their escape from the slides (6) when moved to the fully deployed position.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the shafts (5) are inclined rearwardly, so that in the retraction and extension positions, their axis forms an angle, for example between 0 ° and 90 °, and preferably an angle of 30 ° with respect to the vertical or rear wall (2b) of the box (1), or an angle of between 50 ° and 90 ° and, preferably, an angle of 60 ° with respect to the bottom (2nd) of the box.

Such an arrangement makes it possible to tilt the trunk easily, to move it in the manner of a devil or a wheelbarrow. The trunk maneuver is easy, including for the crossing of obstacles such as stairs or door sill. The handle by its shape allows precisely to choose grips to better offset the efforts by leverage and to better direct or direct the trunk in his movements. The open face (2) of the box (1) corresponds to its front face in the direction of progression of the trunk, this face (2) preferably being inclined relative to the rolling plane P trunk. Such an arrangement avoids any risk of dispersion of dirt during transport and / or storage of the load. More specifically, the cash register (1) presents in particular a profile substantially shaped rectangle trapezoid or the like, whose open face (2) is delimited by the inclined side of this trapezium. It follows that the loading and unloading of the box (1) are facilitated. Note that said rolling station is also likely to be exploited for easy loading and unloading of the trunk, thanks to the inclination of the open face (2). In addition, the load may exceed the volume defined by the capacity both forward and towards the top of the body (1), at least in the rolling station, if not also in storage station. For example, this load is likely to be a gas cylinder that can be accommodated in the capacity both lying down station and vertical station, emerging out of the space delimited by the capacity. The proximal ends of the stretchers (5) of tabular section are interconnected by a same tube-shaped handle (8) curved and sheathed (18) to choose the best grip for at least each of the five maneuver configurations of the chest. That is to say :

- in the case of retracted stretchers

• the transport of the boot in the manner of a basket (Fig.6).

- in the case of stretchers deployed

• raising the boot after it has been loaded in the upside down position (20) (Fig. 7). This operation is carried out with one or two hands in the center of the handle (8) which is bent to be clear of the ground

• Trunk bearing on any terrain (21) on two wheels (3) with one hand (Fig. 9) or with both hands in wheelbarrow use

• the trunk bearing on flat ground (22) and on its three wheels, one of which can be swiveled (Fig. 8) with two hands in left / right grip on the handle to better direct the boot effortlessly

• Moving the boot down or up (23) (Fig. 10) with two hands left / right on the handle to force and direct the boot.

In Figure 4, the rear face (2b) of the trunk is provided with means for receiving and immobilizing utensils (9). These means are, for example, consist of hooks (10) or a rod for the suspension of utensils, and a chute (11) for receiving the distal end of these utensils (9) provided at the base of the box (1). For example, in an application of the trunk for transporting and storing wood logs for supplying a home, the utensils (9) consist of a shovel, a broom, a poker and a plier . In addition, the upper face (2c) of the box (1) can be provided with a receptacle (12), by example shaped as a bag or the like, for storing accessories. In particular, considering the interesting application mentioned above, the receptacle (12) is likely to contain paper, matches; firelighters, etc.

On at least one of its lateral faces (2d), the trunk is provided with a locking device ensuring the locking of the shafts (5) in the retracted position (FIG. 2) or in the deployed position (FIGS. 1 and 3) .

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, these locking means (13) are of the latch type mounted resiliently to the body (1). More specifically, a latch lever (14) provided with a resilient member (15) is pivotably mounted on the body (1) and is associated with orifices (16) formed on a corresponding stretcher (5). The elastic member (15) makes it possible to keep the latch (14) spontaneously in the locked position inside the orifices (16). Note that in the case where the shafts (5) are connected to each other by means of said handle (8), only one locking means can be used to equip any of the shafts ( 5).

Of course, other suitable locking means, known per se, could be used to lock the stretchers in the retracted position and in the deployed position. The trunk in its use of wood storage and transport can be equipped, on demand, with a hooking system to equip the inside of the box with a mat (17) loaded with insecticide to fight any parasite undesirable and facilitate by its mobility the rapid cleaning of the interior of the trunk.

<EL trunk nomenclature

1 - box 12 - chute receptacle

2a - front opening 13 - locking means

2b - side face 14 - latch

2c - upper face 15 - elastic member

2d - rear face 16 - orifice

3 - rear wheels 17 - mats

4 - front wheels 18 - sheath

5 - Stretcher 19 - Basket (Fig. 6)

6 - side slide 20 - reverse position of the trunk

7 - thrust 21 - trunk rolling on any terrain

8 - handle 22 - trunk rolling on flat

9 - broom - utensils 23 - moving trunk on step

10 - shovel 24 - hoof support member

11 - receiving plate

Claims

<CLAIMS

EL 1 °) Rolling safe organized to improve the transport and storage of a load, by

IUJ example of firewood, this trunk being convertible between at least one rolling position for transporting the load and at least one storage position and / or loading and unloading the trunk and being mainly constituted by a box ( 1) 5 in the form of a truncated parallelepiped which defines a capacity for receiving the load and which comprises an open front face (2a) for access to said capacity, this box (1) being equipped with three wheels (3 - 4) and a couple of stretchers (5) retractable, characterized in that the shafts are interconnected to form a handle (8) for gripping, curved to allow several choices of grip, all made in a single 10 and even tubular part, sliding between a retracted position and an extended position along the outer walls (2d) of the body (1) while being inclined towards the rear of a preferred value of 30 ° relative to the vertical trunk when the latter is placed on three wheels;

2 °) organized rolling chest for improving the transport and storage of a load according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (8) curved gripping is sheathed (18) and that by its shape it promotes; a) the trunk, basket (19), knowing that in this configuration the stretchers (5) are retracted with the handle (8) curved towards the front of the box (1) so as to substantially overhang the center of trunk gravity with a

20 central grip. b) the loading and the transport of the trunk, knowing that in this configuration the stretchers (5) are deployed to favor two functions, that of the loading in reverse position (20) with the left / right parts of the shoe shackle (24) supported on the ground and that of the transport (21), all-terrain rolling on two

25 wheels, with one hand positioned in the center of the handle or with two hands in wheelbarrow use. c) the rolling of the trunk in vertical carriage position (22) on a flat ground and on its three wheels (3 - 4), one of which is adjustable (4) to better direct the trunk with two hands left / right on the handle (8).

30 d) moving the boot downhill or uphill (23) with two hands left / right on the handle to better force and direct the trunk when it is loaded. 3 °) Safe according to claim 1, characterized in that the box (1) is of EL

'J manufacture of metal or plastic or wicker whose interior is equipped with a carpet loaded

"Ϋ insecticide to fight any parasite and facilitate by its mobility the rapid cleaning

Ul fi £ the inside of the trunk.

4 °) trunk according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening front face (2a) 5 of the body (1) is inclined rearwardly relative to the ground so as to form an outlet of the capacity, oriented both forward than towards the top of the box (1).

5 °) Safe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower end of the shafts (5) is provided with a stop member (7) to limit their movements in the deployed position. 10 6 °) Safe according to any one of claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the shafts (5) are equipped with locking means (13) in the deployed and retracted positions respectively.

7 °) trunk according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the three wheels on which the trunk, in upright rolling or storage position, 15 associate a pair of side wheels (3) arranged at the rear edge of the box (1), and a median front swivel caster (4) for good maneuverability but also the crossing of obstacles, walking or altitude (23).

8 °) Safe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is equipped with means (10 - 11) for receiving and immobilizing utensils (9) against the rear wall (2b ) and the box (1) and a receptacle (12) for storing various accessories on the upper wall (2c).