AU2008207388B2 - Hand trolley - Google Patents

Description

1 AUSTRALIA FB RICE & CO Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys Patents Act 1990 JOHN BRISCOE COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Hand trolley The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- 2 Cross-Reference to Related Applications The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2007904671 filed on 20 August 2007 and Australian Provisional Patent 5 Application No 2008900664 filed on 12 February 2008, the content of which -are incorporated herein by reference. Field of the Invention 10 The present invention relates to a hand trolley, and in particular a hand trolley suitable among other things for transporting loads between at least two levels, such as a step or a set of steps. Background Art 15 Hand trolleys, in the form of two wheeled frames, are widely used for transporting heavy or cumbersome loads. Such hand trolleys typically comprise a chassis having a base plate upon which the load is supported and an elongate frame member which extends substantially perpendicular from the base and which has a 20 handle for gripping by a user to manoeuvre the trolley. A pair of wheels is typically provided along a common axis at each side of the base plate such that when in an upright position the trolley is supported on a ground surface with the base plate substantially flush with the ground surface to receive the load to be carried. 25 To use such a trolley, the user typically tilts the frame member such that the frame member is an angle to the vertical and the load is carried by the base plate and the frame member, with the wheels acting as the interface between the ground surface and load. The user then pushes or pulls the trolley in a desired direction to transport the load to a desired location. To unload the trolley, the frame member is typically 30 returned to the upright position such that the base plate is flush with the ground surface, thereby allowing the base plate to be slid from under the load such that the trolley can be removed. Trolleys of this type are typically employed by removalists or department stores 35 for moving large and heavy goods such as whitegoods, boxes and the like. The trolleys are very suited to moving a heavy load from one location at ground or floor level to 699162 1.doc 3 another location at the same level; however, they do not assist the user in picking up or setting down a load to an elevated or lowered level. If the surface has more than one level, accessible by a step or steps, ramps are typically employed to provide a surface upon which the wheels of the trolley can ride to facilitate movement between different 5 levels. The use of a ramp provides additional stress upon the user to push/pull the load and can result in the load being dislodged from the trolley, causing potential damage to the load and/or the user. In instances where the load is to be transported between levels accessed by a 10 number of steps, the use of a ramp may not be possible. In such instances trolleys have been developed having a pair of three rotating wheels which enable the trolley to "walk" up the steps. Whilst such an arrangement provides an ability to move the trolley up a series of steps/stairs, it is not a smooth movement and occurs in a series of jolting steps, which can cause considerable physical stress on the user operating the trolley, as 15 well as the load being carried, significantly jeopardizing the safety of the user and/or the integrity of the load. It is therefore desirable to provide a hand trolley that enables a relatively smooth transportation of loads between levels, without compromising the integrity of the load 20 and/or the safety of the operator/user. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of 25 these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary of the Invention 30 Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 35 According to a first aspect, the present invention is a trolley comprising: 699162_1.doc 4 a chassis having: a base for receiving a load; and at least one support member connectable or connected to said base; one or more primary wheels attachable to said chassis to facilitate movement of 5 said chassis along a first surface; and one or more auxiliary wheels mounted to said chassis to facilitate movement of said chassis along at least a portion of a second surface, the second surface being vertically displaced from the first surface; wherein the or each auxiliary wheel is attached to the chassis such that the axis 10 of rotation of the or each auxiliary wheel is vertically and laterally offset from the axis of rotation of at least one of said one or more primary wheels. In one embodiment, the trolley is operable by hand, for example by a single user. 15 In one embodiment, the base is a substantially horizontal plate upon which the load is positionable. In another embodiment, the base can comprise two or more spaced members that provide an area for receiving a load. In a further embodiment, one or more edge members can be positioned around the perimeter of the base. The 20 one or more edge members can be at least substantially parallel to the base. The base can be square or rectangular and have four edge members. In one embodiment, the support member may extend substantially orthogonal to the base. The support member can be mounted to an edge of the base. The support 25 member may comprise a handle for gripping by a user of the trolley to facilitate movement of the trolley in a desired direction along either the first and/or second surface. In one particular embodiment, the one or more primary wheels are attached to 30 the support member and share a common axis of rotation. The one or more primary wheels may be attached to the support member such that when the chassis is in a first, for example substantially upright, position to receive the load, the one or more primary wheels are in contact with the first surface to facilitate movement of the trolley upon the first surface. 35 699162_1.doc 5 In this position, the one or more auxiliary wheels may be mounted to the support member in a location such that they are spaced from or remote from the first surface. The one or more auxiliary wheels may each share a common axis of rotation. The one or more auxiliary wheels can be mounted to the support member such that the lateral 5 distance between the common axis of rotation of the auxiliary wheels and the support member is greater than the lateral distance between the common axis of rotation of the one or more primary wheels and the support member. In one form, the one or more auxiliary wheels may be mounted to the support 10 member such that they extend outwardly at least partially beyond the diameter of the one or more primary wheels. In one form, the one or more auxiliary wheels extend fully beyond the diameter of the one or more primary wheels. In this arrangement, the one or more auxiliary wheels may be positioned to contact said second surface to facilitate transfer motion of said trolley to said second surface. 15 In another embodiment, the one or more primary wheels can be mounted to the base. The one or more primary wheels may support the base above the first surface. The one or more primary wheels may have a plurality of axes of rotation. In this embodiment, the one or more auxiliary wheels may be mounted to the support member 20 such that they are located distal from the first surface. The one or more auxiliary wheels may each share a common axis of rotation, said axis of rotation being laterally offset from the axes of rotation of the one or more primary wheels. In one embodiment, the diameter of the auxiliary wheels can be less than about 25 50% of the diameter of the primary wheels. Still further, the diameter of the auxiliary wheels can be less than about 30%, 25% or 20% of the diameter of the primary wheels. In another embodiment, the width of the auxiliary wheels can be less than about 50% of the width of the primary wheels. Still further, the width of the auxiliary wheels 30 can be less than about 30%, 25% or 20% of the width of the primary wheels. In a still further embodiment, the primary wheels can be pneumatic tyres and/or formed from a relatively hard rubber or equivalent material. The auxiliary wheels can also be pneumatic tyres and/or formed from a relatively hard rubber or equivalent 35 material. The primary and/or auxiliary wheels can have a tread pattern. 699162_i.doc 6 In this aspect, the trolley can be mountable to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the trolley can have a coupling suitable for removably attaching the trolley to a vehicle. The coupling can be suitable for attaching to a tow hitch or tow mount on a vehicle. 5 In addition, the trolley can have a storage member mounted thereon. The storage member can incorporate the base and the at least one support member as described herein and comprise further sidewalls to form a box or the like. In another embodiment, the storage member can comprise a box having solid or mesh sidewalls 10 extending upwardly from the base. Still further, a box or crate can be positionable on the base and have its own base and sidewalls. In a further embodiment, the box can have a lid. The lid can be lockable if desired. 15 According to a further aspect, the present invention is a trolley comprising: a chassis having: a base for receiving a load; at least one support member connectable or connected to said base; 20 one or more wheels attachable to said chassis to facilitate movement of said chassis along a surface; and a coupling for removably attaching the trolley to a vehicle. In this aspect, the trolley can have one, some or all of the features of the trolley 25 defined herein according to the first aspect. In this further aspect, the coupling can be suitable for attaching to a tow hitch or tow mount on a vehicle. The base can further have sidewalls to form a storage chamber, such as a box or the like. The sidewalls in this embodiment can be solid or 30 mesh in form. In a further embodiment, the box can have a lid. The lid can be lockable if desired. By being mountable to a vehicle, the trolley can have a dual function. That is, it can be used to transport loads across a surface but can also be relatively readily 35 mounted to a vehicle whilst still supporting the load and so used to store the load whilst the trolley is transported by the vehicle. 699162_1.doc 7 Brief Description of the Drawings By way of example only, the invention is now described with reference to the 5 accompanying drawings: Fig. I is a side view of a hand trolley in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 10 Fig. 2 is a rear view of the hand trolley of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged side view of the wheel arrangement of the hand trolley of Fig. 1; 15 Figs. 4A and 4B depict the hand trolley of Figs. 1-3 in one possible use; Fig. 5 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the hand trolley of Figs. 1-4B employing a coupling element for coupling the trolley to a tow hitch or two mount of a vehicle; and 20 Figs. 6A-6C show side and front views of an alternative embodiment of the hand trolley according to the present invention. Detailed Description of an Exemplary Embodiment of the Present Invention 25 The hand trolley of one embodiment of the present invention is generally shown in the accompanying drawings as 10. The trolley 10 comprises a chassis having a base in the form of a base plate 12 30 and a support member comprised of a frame 14. In the depicted embodiment, the base plate 12 is a substantially flat surface upon which the load is placed prior to transportation. The base plate 12 is typically in the form of a thin metal sheet, such as cast iron, which is able to be slid under a load with relatively minimal effort. 35 As shown more clearly in Fig. 2, the frame 14 is in the form of a substantially rectangular grid structure comprising a peripheral portion 13 and a series of crossing 699162_1.doc 8 strut members 15. The peripheral portion 13 is made from a tubular metal, such as a steel tube, which is shaped into a substantially rectangular form. The strut members 15 are shortened tubular metal portions or metal strips welded between the vertical sides of the outer portion 13 to form a structure upon which the load to be carried can be 5 received. In this regard, the frame 14 provides a load supporting surface 11 and a rear surface 19 as is shown more clearly in Fig. 1. The spacing between the strut members 15 can be selected to ensure that the supporting surface 11 of the frame 14 provides a surface upon which the load can be supported without passing therethrough. 10 A handle 16 is provided which extends from the rear surface 19 of the frame 14 to enable a user to grip and manoeuvre the trolley 10 as desired. As shown, in one form the handle 16 may comprise a tubular metal bar that is shaped at its uppermost point to extend from the rear surface 19 of the frame 14. The metal bar may be welded to the frame 14 and the struts 15 such that it aids in providing structural integrity to the 15 frame 14 and supports the struts 15 in a central region, between the vertical sides of the peripheral portion 13, as shown in Fig. 2. In this arrangement, the user is able to grip the handle 16 and tilt the frame 14 backwards in direction of arrow A (Fig. 1) such that the load 5 is carried by the combination of base plate 12 and surface 11 of the frame 14, with the primary wheels 18 forming the interface between the trolley 10 and the ground 20 surface. In an alternative arrangement, as shown by the ghosted line in Fig. 4A, the handle 16 may extend towards the supporting surface 11 of the frame 14, i.e. the upper portion of the frame 14 may be angled forward with respect to the rear surface 19 at an 25 angle of about 45* as shown. Such an arrangement increases clearance between the rear surface 19 of the frame 14 when the trolley is tilted backwards, as shown in Fig. 4B. Similarly, the handle 16 may be extendible and retractable as depicted by the arrow E, to improve manoeuvrability of the trolley 10. 30 The primary wheels 18 are mounted to the rear surface 19 of the frame 14 at a lower end thereof, such that the wheels 18 can support the trolley on the ground surface in use. The wheels 18 are mounted on an axle 17 which is attached to the frame 14 by way of a pair of braces 21, which are welded to the vertical members of the peripheral portion 13. The distance of separation between the axle 17 and the frame 14 may vary, 35 depending on the loads to be carried by the trolley 10. The wheels 18 may be of a pneumatic type having an inflated tyre to distribute the load to the ground upon which 699162_1.doc 9 it is supported. Each wheel 18 may rotate independently of the other to provide enhanced mobility of the trolley 10. The wheels 18 and axle 17 are mounted to the frame 14 such that when the trolley is in its upright position, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3; both the wheels 18 and the base plate 12 are supported on the ground surface to enable 5 a load 5 to be placed on the trolley 10. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the wheels 18 may vary to include a plurality of wheels 18 arranged in a triangular formation, as is known in the prior art for climbing stairs and the like. One or more auxiliary wheels 22 are also mounted to the rear surface 19 of the 10 frame 14 to facilitate transport of the trolley 10 between surface levels, such as up steps, gutters or the like. In the embodiment as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, two auxiliary wheels 22 are provided and are mounted to the rear surface 19 of the frame 14 by way of individual brackets 23. The auxiliary wheels 22 are positioned such that their rotational axes are both vertically and horizontally displaced from the rotational axis of 15 the primary wheels 18. In this regard, the rotational axis of the auxiliary wheels 22 are displaced above and further away from the rear surface 19 of the frame 14 than the rotational axis of the wheels 18. The vertical spacing between the periphery of the auxiliary wheels 22 and the bottom of the peripheral portion 13 (shown as X in Fig. 3) is sufficient to accommodate a rise of a standard step or gutter that will be 20 accommodated during use of the trolley 10. Once the vertical spacing X has been set for the auxiliary wheels 22, the horizontal spacing Y of the auxiliary wheels 22 from the rear surface 19 of the frame 14 is set such that the diameter of the auxiliary wheels fully extend beyond the 25 circumference of the wheels 18. As shown in Fig. 3, the auxiliary wheels 22 may be positioned such that the outer circumferences of the auxiliary wheels 22 are flush with the outer circumference of the wheels 18. In this arrangement, as will be discussed below, the auxiliary wheels 22 are able to act both independently of each other, and the wheels 18. 30 As depicted, the diameter and width of the he auxiliary wheels can be less than that of the primary wheels. In the depicted embodiment, the diameter and width of the primary wheels is less than about 30% of the diameter and width, respectively of the primary wheels. Other ratios of diameter and/or width can be envisaged. 35 699162 1.doc 10 The arrangement as discussed above and as shown in relation to Figs. I to 3, facilitates relatively more straightforward transport of a load between different levels, such as up a gutter or one or more step(s). This is achieved as is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. 5 In Fig. 4A, a trolley 10 loaded with a load 5 is moved toward the step/gutter 30 in the direction of arrow B. Upon coming into contact with the gutter/step 30 the trolley 10 can be brought into an upright position, as shown, such that the auxiliary wheels 22 are positioned above the surface of the step/gutter 30. In this position a user 10 then applies a tilting force against the handle 16 in the direction of arrow C, thereby causing a transfer of the load to the auxiliary wheels 22 which contact the surface of the step/gutter 30. Upon a full transfer of the load to the auxiliary wheels 22, the user then applies a force against the handle 16 in the direction of arrow D which causes the trolley to move in the direction of arrow D under action of the auxiliary wheels 22, as 15 shown in Fig. 4B. As will be appreciated, this arrangement enables a smooth transfer of the trolley and load between levels, which can be repeated where more than one step needs to be navigated. Such an arrangement minimises the lifting action which can cause undue 20 strain on the user, thereby satisfying Operational Health and Safety (OH&S) requirements. As shown in Fig 5, in order to facilitate easy transport of the trolley 10, a coupling 35 can be provided to couple to a tow hitch or two mount or the like of a 25 vehicle to allow the trolley 10 to be readily mounted to a vehicle. The coupling 35 may be in a variety of forms to conform to the tow hitch or tow mount of the vehicle, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. While not depicted, the trolley can have a storage member mounted thereon. 30 The storage member can incorporate the base and the at least one support member and comprise further sidewalls to form a box or the like. In another embodiment, the storage member can comprise a box having solid or mesh sidewalls extending upwardly from the base or have its own base and sidewalls and be mounted on the trolley. In a further embodiment, the box can have a lid. The lid can be lockable if 35 desired. 699162_1.doc 11 Referring to Figs. 6A-6C, an alternative embodiment of the trolley 10' is shown. The trolley 10' has chassis comprising a base 40 upon which a load 41 is received and supported and a rear frame member 44 which defines a rear wall against which the load 41 can be placed. As best seen in Fig. 6C, the rear frame member 44 is in the form of 5 two vertically extending tubular members 43 having one or more cross members 45 extending horizontally therebetween to define a rear wall of the trolley 10'. The rear frame member 44 also comprises a handle 42 which can be gripped by a user of the trolley 10'. The handle 42 is configured to extend at an angle forward with 10 respect to the rear frame member 44, as shown. The handle 42 is telescopically received within the tubular members 43 of the rear frame member 44 such that the height of the handle 42 can be adjusted to suit the particular load 41 carried by the trolley 10'. As shown in Fig. 6B, the handle 42 may also be adjustable between a 45* angle, as required by the user. 15 The trolley 10' has a pair of rear primary wheels 18, as in the trolley 10 of Figs. 1-5, which are joined by a common axle 17 and are located proximal the rear frame member 44. Two auxiliary wheels 22 are also mounted to the rear frame member 44 in the manner as described with respect to the trolley of Figs. 1-5, such that the rotational 20 axis of the auxiliary wheels 22 is vertically and horizontally displaced from the rotational axis of the wheels 18 when the base 40 and rear frame member 44 are in the orientation depicted in Fig. 6A. As shown Fig. 6A, the positioning of the auxiliary wheels 22 with respect to the wheels 18, is sufficient to accommodate the rise of a standard step or gutter such that load can be transferred from the wheels 18 to the 25 auxiliary wheels 22 to transform motion of the trolley 10' between levels, in the manner as previously described. A front wheel 46 is connected to the base 40 at an end distal the rear frame member 44 to stabilise the trolley 10' to enable the trolley to be manoeuvred by a user. 30 The front wheel 46 is centrally mounted to the base 40 such that it is free to rotate about axis AA as shown in Fig. 6C. Such a mounting arrangement provides a degree of steering control to the user of the trolley 10', such that the trolley can be easily moved in a desired direction. It will be appreciated that more than one wheel could also be employed to achieve stability of the trolley 10'. .35 699162 1.doc 12 As shown in Fig. 6B, to facilitate transport of the trolley 10', the rear frame member 44 may be foldable relatively forward, such that the rear frame member 44 and the handle 42 extend substantially parallel to the base 40. In this state, the trolley 10' can be easily carried and stored as desired. A coupling 35 may be provided on the 5 underside of the base 40, as shown, to facilitate mounting of the trolley 10' to a tow hitch or tow mount of a vehicle, in the manner as previously described. In the embodiment of the trolley 10' as shown in Figs. 6A-' 6C, the trolley is able to carry a wider variety and size of goods than may be the case in the trolley 10 as 10 shown in Figs. 1-5. In this regard, the trolley 10' may be used in a variety of multi purpose applications such as transporting sporting and camping goods as well as foodstuffs and the like, particularly where transport of the goods up steps and surfaces of different levels is required. 15 While the drawings depict a trolley that is movable up a series of steps, it will be appreciated that a trolley having the following combination of features and being suitable for being removably attached to a vehicle is also part of the present invention: a chassis having: a storage chamber for receiving a load; and 20 at least one support member connectable to the storage chamber; one or more wheels attachable to the chassis to facilitate movement of the chassis along a surface; wherein the coupling is suitable for removably attaching the trolley to a vehicle. 25 Such a trolley can have the features of the trolleys 10 and 10' as depicted but not be provided with the auxiliary wheels 22. The coupling of this trolley can be suitable for attaching to a tow hitch or tow mount on a vehicle. The storage chamber can comprise a base and sidewalls to form a box or the like. The sidewalls in this embodiment can be solid or mesh in form. In a further embodiment, the box can have a 30 lid which can be lockable if desired. By being mountable to a vehicle, the trolley can have a dual function. That is, it can be used to transport loads across a surface but can also be relatively readily mounted to a vehicle whilst still supporting the load and so used to store the load whilst 35 the trolley is transported by the vehicle. 699162_1.doc 13 It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative 5 and not restrictive. 699162 I.doc

Claims (20)

1. A trolley comprising: a chassis having: a base for receiving a load; and at least one support member connectable or connected to said base; one or more primary wheels attachable to said chassis to facilitate movement of said chassis along a first surface; and one or more auxiliary wheels mounted to said chassis to facilitate movement of said chassis along at least a portion of a second surface, the second surface being vertically displaced from the first surface; wherein the or each auxiliary wheel is attached to the chassis such that the axis of rotation of the or each auxiliary wheel is vertically and laterally offset from the axis of rotation of at least one of said one or more primary wheels; and further wherein the trolley has a coupling suitable for removably attaching the trolley to a vehicle.

2. The trolley of claim 1 wherein the support member extends substantially orthogonal to the base and comprises a handle for gripping by a user of the trolley.

3. The trolley of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein two or more primary wheels are attached to the support member, said two or more wheels sharing a common axis of rotation.

4. The trolley of claim 3 wherein the two or more auxiliary wheels are mounted to the support member in a location, said two or more wheels sharing a common axis of rotation.

5. The trolley of claim 4 wherein the auxiliary wheels are mounted to the support member such that the lateral distance between the common axis of rotation of the auxiliary wheels and the support member is greater than the lateral distance between the common axis of rotation of the primary wheels and the support member.

6. The trolley of claim 5 wherein auxiliary wheels are mounted to the support member such that they extend outwardly at least partially beyond the diameter of the primary wheels. 15

7. The trolley of claim 6 wherein the auxiliary wheels extend fully beyond the diameter of the primary wheels.

8. The trolley of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the one or more primary wheels are mounted to the base and the one or more auxiliary wheels are mounted to the support member.

9. The trolley of any one of the preceding claims wherein the diameter of the auxiliary wheels is less than about 50% of the diameter of the primary wheels.

10. The trolley of claim 9 wherein the diameter of the auxiliary wheels is less than about 30%, 25% or 20% of the diameter of the primary wheels.

11. The trolley of any one of the preceding claims wherein the width of the auxiliary wheels is less than about 50% of the width of the primary wheels.

12. The trolley of claim 11 wherein the width of the auxiliary wheels is less than about 30%, 25% or 20% of the width of the primary wheels.

13. The trolley of claim I wherein the at least one support member comprises a rear frame member.

14. The trolley of claim 13 wherein: - the rear frame member comprises at least two vertically extending members having one or more cross members which together against which a load is placeable; or - the rear frame member comprises at least two vertically extending members having one or more cross members which together against which a load is placeable and a handle.

15. The trolley of claim 14 wherein the handle extends at an angle forwardly with respect to the rear frame member.

16. The trolley of claim 15 wherein: - the handle is telescopically receivable within the rear frame member to allow adjustment of the height of the handle relative to the height; or 16 the angle of the handle is adjustable with respect to the frame member.

17. The trolley of any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the rear frame member is foldable relatively forwardly towards the base

18. The trolley of any one of the preceding claims wherein the chassis further comprises a storage chamber.

19. The trolley of any one of the preceding claims wherein the coupling is mounted to the underside of the base.

20. A trolley substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.