AU2015200297B2

AU2015200297B2 - Stackable transport trolley

Info

Publication number: AU2015200297B2
Application number: AU2015200297A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ayhan ACIKGÖZ; Hermann Eichele; Thomas Gasche; Bernd Kraus; Ralf MÜLLER; Stefan Remmele; Markus Riesenegger
Original assignee: Wanzl GmbH and Co KgaA
Current assignee: Wanzl GmbH and Co KgaA
Priority date: 2014-02-06
Filing date: 2015-01-22
Publication date: 2017-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-22
Also published as: EP2907723B1; DE202014010278U1; ES2712133T3; PL2907723T3; AU2015200297A1; EP2907723A1; DE102014101504A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a stackable transport trolley with a bogie (2) and a wire basket (3), where the bogie (2) is equipped with two side-pieces (4), and where a push 5 handle (5) is fitted on the side-pieces (4), where the bogie (2) is equipped with castors (7), and where a platform (6) is fitted to the bogie (2). The invention is characterized by a basket (3) aligned outwards in the lower area (3.1) and inwards in the upper 10 area (3.2). 6138855_1 (GHMatters) P99140.AU BELAG 9, 9.2 13 9, 9.1 3 .1 9, 9.3 1 *10, 9, 9.4 9, 9.5 Fig. 1

Description

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DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a stackable transport trolley with the features described in the preamble of the main claim. 5 Stackable transport trolleys are known from the prior art. One such as this has a bogie with castors and side-pieces. A basket which is normally made of wire is positioned on the side-pieces. In addition, the bogie is eguipped with a push handle to which a coin-operated lock can be attached. 10 The bogie also has a loading platform.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a stackable transport trolley with a bogie and a wire basket, the basket comprising two opposing side walls, a front wall and a flap, where the bogie is equipped with two side-15 pieces, and where a push handle is fitted on the side-pieces, where the bogie is equipped with castors, and where a platform is fitted to the bogie, wherein the front wall of the basket extends outwards in a lower region and inwards in an upper region. 20 This invention may provide an improved and cost-effective stackable trolley.

Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims . A small stack depth may be achieved due to the shape of 25 the basket.

The trolley may be produced inexpensively through the use of numerous plastic parts such as the push handle, protectors and platform, which are preferably made in an injection moulding process. 30 In addition, the reduced weight of the trolley, attributable to the use of numerous plastic parts, may act positively on the steering behaviour.

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Simple assembly may reduce the assembly costs and can be achieved through an improved technique for connecting components. The two lower protectors may be fixed to each other on the basket in a simple way. The upper protector 5 may be easily latched onto the edge of the basket. The remaining protectors on the castor connection, the side-piece and the connecting part between the handle and the bogie may easily be inserted or attached to the bogie and, if necessary, may be mounted inexpensively and permanently 10 fixed to the side-piece using rivets or other fasteners.

Improved steerability may be achieved through the use of different castors, preferably with different diameters.

The invention is explained in more detail using an illustrative embodiment. It shows 15 Fig. 1 perspective view of a transport trolley

Fig. 2 side view of the same transport trolley.

Fig. 3 side view of a sign.

Fig. 4 perspective view of a protector for a side-piece.

Fig. 5 a, b perspective view from inside the basket of two 20 protectors on the basket.

Fig. 6 perspective view of the outside of the same two protectors on the basket.

Fig. 7 a, b perspective view of a lower protector with outer and inner part, 25 Fig. 8 a, b perspective view of a protector for use in the area of the castor connection.

Fig. 9 a-g different views of a protector on the front area of the bogie.

Fig. 10 a-f different views of a platform.

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σ^ (N O o (N in O (N of the connecting part - 3 -

Fig. 11 a top view of the protector connection to the front area of the bogie with the platform on the bogie of the trolley.

Fig. 11 b protector, platform, bogie (section A-A),

Fig. 11 c exploded view of the protector connection to the front area of the bogie with the platform on the bogie of the trolley.

Fig. 12 perspective view handle/bogie, and 10 Fig. 13 perspective view of a flap with a child seat.

The invention relates to a stackable transport trolley 1 with a bogie 2 and with a basket 3 formed of wires. The bogie 2 is equipped with two side-pieces 4. The trolley 1, as shown in figures 1 and 2, can be stacked onto trolleys 15 of the same product series. A stack depth of approx. 240 mm for the trolley 1 is aimed for here and has been proven to be advantageous. The basket 3 is shaped accordingly for this purpose, as shown in the two above-mentioned figures, i.e. it has a tapered shape at the 2 0 front end. Correspondingly, the shape of the two side- pieces 4 is not vertical, but formed at an angle a of approx. 110 ° to 120 ° in the direction of the front end of the basket. A push handle 5 is positioned on the side-pieces 4. This 25 can be attached either directly to the upper ends of the side-pieces 4, or by means of a connecting part 13 which is provided between side-piece 4 and push handle 5. One such as this is shown in figures 1, 2 and 12. Depending on the version of the push handle 5, it is possible to 30 incorporate the connecting part 13 into an opening not shown in detail at the ends of the push handle 5. A latching between the two parts 5, 13 is advantageous and cost-effective here. The end of the connecting part 13, which is directed toward the side-piece 4, is preferably

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r- σ^ (N O o (N O (N - 4 - pushed over the exterior of the side-piece 4 and additionally secured, for example, using an inexpensive riveted joint. The push handle 5 can be equipped with a coin deposit lock system. Furthermore, additional 5 accessories like a holder for a scanner, a mobile phone, a cup, etc. can be provided. It has been proven to be practical to produce the connecting part 13 out of plastic. The colour of the plastic parts described below is an option which can be matched for the sake of 10 appearance.

The bogie 2 is equipped with castors 7. It has been proven to be practical to use four castors 7. Conventional rubber castors can be used here. It is also conceivable that castors be used with such a trolley 1 on a travelator. In 15 the example shown, compare figures 1 and 2, the front casters 7 are smaller than at the rear. A diameter of approximately 125 mm for the two front and of approximately 200 mm for the rear castors 7 has proven to be advantageous. As the example shows, different types of 20 castors 7 are used due to the different sizes.

In contrast, the use of 4 identical castors 7 with a diameter of approx. 125 mm has proven to be advantageous if travelator castors are used. A platform 6 is fitted next to the basket 3 on the bogie 2 25 which, in addition to the previously described two side- pieces 4, has a U-shaped base frame 18 with preferably two connecting cross-connections 17. This platform 6 is made of plastic. To ensure the stackability of identical trolleys 1, the platform 6 is rotatably mounted towards 30 the basket 3 at the front of the bogie 2 and is additionally secured. Figure 1 shows a trolley 1, on which such a platform 6 is fitted. On the one hand, it is mounted rotatably at the front of the bogie 2, and in particular on a cross-connection 17 as shown in figure 35 11c, on the other hand, the platform 6 is supported by an

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σ^ (N O o (N O (N - 5 additional cross-connection 17 that has a fixed position between the side-pieces 4 and the base frame 18. The platform 6 is constructed in one piece. Figures 10 a to f show examples of the different views of such a platform 6. 5 The platform 6 has a horizontal and a curved section.

There is a multitude of openings 6.1 provided. In addition, the platform 6 has a multitude of holders 6.2 that are intended to secure goods located on the platform 6 against sliding, but not shown in detail here. These 10 holders 6.2 rise up above the surface of the platform 6. Even on the side, it has proven to be advantageous that these holders 6.2 project beyond the sides. This is shown in figures 10 a, c, d, for example. The platform 6 is slightly curved. Consequently, this allows the height 15 difference between the two cross-connections 17 to be bridged ideally. In addition, this guarantees a small stack depth. An area of about 300 x 400 mm for the platform 6 has proven to be practical. With regard to the load capacity, it is assumed that the trolley is loaded 20 with a beverage crate weighing about 25 kg.

Figures 1 and 2 show the basket 3 that differs to conventional baskets and baskets known to date in that the basket 3 is directed at the bottom area 3.1 outwards and in the upper area 3.2 inwards. The basket 3 is fitted in a 2 5 known way using a support wire that is attached to the side-pieces 4, and on which the basket 3 with its bottom rests. Other types of attachment are possible. A size of approx. 125 to 190 litres is being considered as a basket volume; other volumes are conceivable accordingly. 30 A sign 8 can be attached to the basket 3. It has proven to be practical that the sign 8 has a planar design and is attached to the side panels of the basket 3. It is inexpensive to produce due to the simple profile cut. Such a sign 8 is shown in figure 3. The basket 3 is mainly 35 composed of vertically running wires that are connected with horizontal wires and give the basket 3 stability. It

9164330_1 (GHMatters) P99140.AU ο Ο (Ν i Ον (Ν Ο Ο (Ν Η Ο (Ν - 6 has proven to be advantageous for the sign 8 to have latching lugs 8.1 which allow it to be easily placed on the basket 3. It has proved to be practical to have at least three of these lugs 8.1 on each side as shown in 5 figure 3. The width of the lugs 8.1 shall be designed so that the distance between the vertical wires of the basket 3 is considered. The sign 8 is bordered and fixed in place by a horizontal wire adjacent to the top of the basket 3.

Positioning the wires in this way allows the sign 8 to be 10 latched to the basket 3. Due to the shape of the basket 3, the sign 8 is preferably provided on one side with a rounded edge 8.2 accordingly. As a result, the lower latching lugs 8.1 are, if need be, implemented in a different direction than the upper latching lugs 8.1. 15 Changing such a sign 8 is simple. This is appropriate if the sign 8 bears advertising on it which is changed at regular intervals. In this case, the information can be printed on the sign 8. A film or similar that is glued to the sign 8 can also be used. The sign 8 can be mounted on 20 the right and/or left side of the basket 3. For example, plastic parts are ideal as a material.

The trolley 1 has protectors 9 made of plastic. An upper protector 9.2 and a lower protector 9.3 are provided on the basket 3. Figures 1 and 2 show the position of the two 25 protectors 9.2, 9.3 on the basket 3.

The upper protector 9.2 is mounted on the upper rim wire of the basket 3. This is shown in detail in figures 5a, 5b and 6. The upper protector 9.2 is latched onto both upper rounded corners of the basket 3. 30 The lower protector 9.3 is located at mid-height of the basket 3 on a horizontal running wire of the basket 3. This protector 9.3 also protects other objects from unwanted damage that may be caused by careless manoeuvring with the trolley 1. The protector 9.3 preferably has a 35 two-piece design for easy attachment. The protector 9.3 on

9164330_1 (GHMatters) P99140.AU Ο (Ν i σ^ (Ν Ο Ο (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν - 7 - the basket 3 is formed of an outer part 9.3.1 and an inner part 9.3.2. Both parts 9.3.1, 9.3.2 interlock and are attached to the basket interchangeably. In a further variant, the connection between the two parts 9.3.1, 9.3.2 5 is made through the design in such a way that loosening the protector 9.3 from the trolley 1 can only be done by destroying the protector 9.3.

Figure 5a shows the protector 9.3 joined together. Figure 5b shows that the two-piece protector 9.3 is formed out of 10 an outer part 9.3.1 and an inner part 9.3.2. The inner part 9.3.2 has rails that can be pushed into guides in the outer part 9.3.1. This makes it easy to attach, and also quick to change the protector 9.3. Due to the shape of the basket 3, the two parts 9.3.1 and 9.3.2 which form the 15 protector 9.3 are adjusted accordingly, i.e. with a curved design in particular. This is illustrated once again in figures 7a and 7b. This also shows that the outer part 9.3.1 has two guides which are intended to fix the two rails onto the inner part 9.3.2. It has proved to be 20 practical that the guides to the bottom of the basket 3 are designed to be conically shaped. This results in clamping when the end position is reached. By using this method of joining two components 9.3.1 and 9.3.2, the manufacturing tolerances of the wires can be compensated 25 at the corner areas of the basket 3. A protector 9.5 is provided to secure the platform 6 to the base frame 18 in the front area of the trolley 1. This also serves as a protection strip and prevents damage to objects in a supermarket. 30 Figures 9 a to g show various views of the protector 9.5. As shown in figure 11 c, the protector 9.5 is inserted into the bogie 2. The bogie 2 has a horizontal wire 12. On the one hand, this is used as a cross-connection 17, and on the other, as a mount for platform 6 and protector 9.5. 35 First, the platform 6 is positioned, then the protector

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r- σ^ (N O o (N O (N r- 9.5 is placed over it. The protector 9.5 surrounds the horizontal wire 12 of the bogie 2. This wire 12 is provided as a rotation axis for the platform 6. Under certain circumstances, it can prove practical to provide 5 the platform 6 with a wire support not shown in greater detail.

Furthermore, it is practical to provide a fixing method between protector 9.5 and platform 6. The protector 9.5 has a lock means 19 to fix the platform 6 in place. These 10 lock into openings 11 of the platform 6 and create a secure connection. It has proven practical to have three means of locking 19 and three openings 11. Another number is conceivable.

Furthermore, the side-pieces 4 are provided with 15 protectors 9.1. Figures 1 and 2 show the protectors 9.1 fitted to the side-pieces 4 Figure 4 shows a protector 9.1. Preferably, this is to be attached to the side-piece 4 with fasteners which are not shown in detail. It has proved to be practical to provide a protector 9.1 per 20 side-piece 4. The protector 9.1 shall be manufactured according to the shape of the side-piece 4.

Another protector 9.4 is provided in the area of the castor connection 10. This is also apparent from figures 1 and 2. Figures 8a, b show the protector 9.4 in detail. It 25 can be placed on the castor connection 10 and secured using fasteners. These protectors 9.4 can be fitted interchangeably or in a fixed position. A change can be carried out in a simple way, for example, if the protector 9.4 is damaged. This protector 9.4 is preferably attached 30 to both rear castor connections 10 on the bogie 2.

Figure 13 shows a child seat assembly. This features a flap 14 on the basket 3. It has openings for the legs of an infant. In addition, a child seat 15 and a back part 16 are moveably attached to the flap 14. Preferably the child 35 seat 15 and back part 16 are made of plastic. There is a

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σ^ (N O o (N O (N - 9 - caterpillar-like recess in the upper area of the back part 16 which serves as a reinforcement. In addition, there is also the option of having a further flap so that the openings for the legs of a child can be closed and the 5 child seat assembly can be used as an additional storage for goods.

In addition, accessory components, such as small items tray, partitions or inserts, bag hooks or other elements can be used on the trolley 1. 10 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, 15 i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute 20 an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Reference sign list 25 1 Transport trolley, trolley 2 Bogie 3 Basket 3.1 Lower area (basket) 3.2 Upper area (basket) 30 4 Side-piece 5 Push handle, handle

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r- σ^ (N O o (N O (N 10 15 20 25 - 10 - 6 Platform 6.1 Opening 6.2 Holder 7 Castor 8 Sign 8.1 Latching lug 8.2 Rounded edge 9 Protectors 9.1 Protector (side-piece) 9.2 Upper protector (basket), upper protector 9.3 Lower protector (basket), lower protector 9.3.1 Outer part 9.3.2 Inner part 9.4 Protector (castor connection) 9.5 Protector (front area of bogie) 10 Castor connection 11 Openings 12 Wire 13 Handle/bogie connecting part 14 Flap (basket) 15 Child seat 16 Back part (child seat) 17 Cross-connection 18 U-shaped base frame 19 Lock means

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Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Stackable transport trolley with a bogie and a wire basket, the basket comprising two opposing side walls, a front wall and a flap, where the bogie is equipped with two side-pieces, and where a push handle is fitted on the side-pieces, where the bogie is equipped with castors, and where a platform is fitted to the bogie, wherein the front wall of the basket extends outwards in a lower region and inwards in an upper region.
2. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with claim 1, wherein a sign fixed to the basket.
3. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the trolley being fitted with protectors made of plastic.
4. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with any one of the previous claims, further comprising protectors fitted to the basket.
5. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with any one of the previous claims, further comprising upper protectors fitted onto the basket at the top and lower protectors fitted onto the basket at medium height.
6. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with claim 5, wherein the lower protectors on the basket comprise an outer part and an inner part where the outer part and the inner part interlock.
7. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with any one of the previous claims, further comprising side protectors fitted to the side-pieces and castor protectors fitted in an area of a castor connection that are interchangeable.
8. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising protectors fitted to the side-pieces and protectors fitted in an area of a castor connection that have a fixed position.
9. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with any one of the previous claims, further comprising a front protector fitted to a front area of the bogie which is fitted interchangeably, wherein the front protector also surrounds a horizontal wire of the bogie that is intended as a rotation axis for the platform.
10. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with claim 9, wherein the front protector has lock means for affixing the platform thereto.
11. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with claim 10, wherein the platform provides a plurality of openings, the lock means latching into the openings and creating a secure connection.
12. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with any one of the previous claims, wherein the platform comprises plastic and is rotatably mounted towards the front of the bogie and securable thereto.
13. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with any one of the previous claims, wherein the front wall of the basket has a tapered shape.
14. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with claim 13, wherein the two side-pieces are tapered to correspond to the tapered shape of the front wall.
15. Stackable transport trolley in accordance with claim 14, wherein each of the two tapered side-pieces form an angle from 110 ° to 120 °, the angle projecting towards the front wall of the basket.