Portable platform for immobilizing transport trolleys during transport

Abstract

A portable platform for immobilizing transport trolleys during transport, characterized in that it comprises a substantially flat and rigid body (1) configured to fit onto the base of at least one trolley or cart (8), said body (1) comprising a plurality of elongated, substantially parallel grooves (2) configured to receive and guide the wheels of the trolley or cart (8), each groove (2) extending longitudinally from an area near one side of the body (1) and remaining open to the outside on said side, and at the opposite end of each groove (2) a deeper housing (3) configured to at least partially accommodate two wheels and limit their longitudinal displacement, allowing the trolley or cart (8) to be immobilized during transport.

Description

Portable platform for immobilizing transport trolleys during transport OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention, as its title indicates, is a portable platform for immobilizing transport carts during transport. This innovation offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques. The present invention is characterized by the special functional and constructive characteristics of the elements that form part of the device, so that they all contribute to the creation of a portable platform for immobilizing transport carts during transport, intended to fit into the base of a cart or trolley in order to stabilize and limit the movement of other carts equipped with wheels. TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the technical sector of logistics and freight transport and, more specifically, within the field of auxiliary devices intended for the fixing and immobilization of loads. In particular, the invention relates to platforms or support devices configured to cooperate with wheels of transport carts, such as roll container carts or other mobile carts used in warehouses, distribution centers and logistics operations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the current state of the art, wheeled transport carts, such as logistics carts or roll containers, are commonly used for handling and moving goods in warehouses, distribution centers, and commercial establishments. During normal transport and inside vehicles, such as trucks or vans, these carts can shift due to acceleration, braking, or changes in direction inherent to traffic, which can cause instability or safety hazards. To prevent these shifts, various securing systems are commonly used, such as tie-down straps, retaining bars, individual wheel chocks, or supports against the vehicle walls. However, these solutions have several drawbacks. In many cases, they require additional securing and removal operations, increasing the time needed for loading and unloading. Furthermore, individual wheel chocks can shift if not positioned correctly, and systems based on tie-downs or bars can be awkward to handle or impractical when transporting multiple trolleys simultaneously. There are also solutions that use platforms or support elements to position the wheels of the carts. However, many of these solutions do not allow for direct attachment between the platform and the cart itself, which can lead to relative movement between the two during transport. Therefore, there is a need for a simple, reusable, and easily installed structural solution that not only immobilizes the wheels of the carts but also improves their stability through a direct coupling between the platform and the cart itself, increasing the overall stability during transport. The present invention addresses this need with a portable platform designed to fit onto the base of the carts and facilitate their immobilization within the vehicle. With reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although various designs of trolley fastening devices are known, the existence of any other that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those presented by the invention claimed herein is unknown. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a portable platform intended for immobilizing transport trolleys during normal transport and inside cargo vehicles, such as trucks, vans or other similar means of transport. The invention comprises a substantially flat and rigid body, configured to fit onto the base of carts or trolleys, allowing direct integration with the cart itself. This body has a generally rectangular geometry, or any equivalent shape that provides structural stability and facilitates handling. To this end, the body includes a plurality of fastening means, configured as hooks designed to attach to the carts, ensuring their positioning on the platform, improving retention, and preventing relative movement between the platform and the cart during transport. The body incorporates a plurality of elongated, substantially parallel grooves configured to receive and guide the wheels of transport trolleys. Each groove extends longitudinally from an area near one side of the body, remaining open to the outside on that side, allowing the wheels to be inserted by horizontally moving the trolley. At the opposite end of each groove is a deeper recess, configured to accommodate at least partially two wheels, acting as a locking zone that limits the longitudinal movement of the trolley once it is inserted into the platform. Preferably, the grooves comprise at least one longitudinally arranged through-slot, configured to reduce weight, increase the structural rigidity of the assembly, and allow the drainage of dirt, liquids, or debris that may accumulate during use. Additionally, the body comprises a plurality of holes distributed across its surface, configured to facilitate the removal of dirt and contribute to lightening the assembly while maintaining adequate structural strength. The platform also includes handles integrated into the body, configured to facilitate manual handling and transport. In one mode of use, the platform allows for the accommodation of at least one transport cart in an extended position by inserting its wheels into the corresponding slots, where it is immobilized. Additionally, the parallel arrangement of the slots allows for the accommodation of several carts in a folded position, with their wheels fitting into the corresponding slots and housings, thus optimizing the vehicle's cargo space. The platform remains securely attached to the cart or trolley by the connecting means. The invention is not limited to the exact geometry described, and the dimensions, number and arrangement of the grooves, housings, slots, holes and joining means may vary, provided that the essential principle of providing a portable platform intended to immobilize transport cart wheels during transport and that can be fitted into the base of the cart or trolley is maintained. The platform is designed so that, once fitted to the base of the cart or trolley, it does not impede or impair the main function of said base as a support surface for goods or products, allowing the cart to continue to be used normally for loading, transporting and handling products, while providing the additional function of immobilization during transport. Additionally, the platform can also be used to stabilize or secure folded trolleys in storage areas, such as warehouses or logistics centers. In this case, the platform can be placed directly on the floor, allowing the wheels of the folded trolleys to be inserted into the corresponding grooves, helping to keep them aligned and preventing accidental movement during storage. Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Similar or equivalent procedures and materials to those described herein may be used in the practice of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complete the description being made and in order to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1 is a perspective representation of the portable platform for immobilizing transport carts during transport. Figure 2 is a perspective representation of the portable platform for immobilizing transport trolleys fitted into the base of a trolley or cart (8). Figure 3 is a perspective representation of the portable platform for immobilizing transport carts fitted into the base of a cart or trolley (8) and immobilizing other carts or trolleys (8). PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In view of the figures, a preferred, though not limiting, embodiment of the proposed invention is described below, which consists of a portable platform for immobilizing transport trolleys during their normal transport and inside vehicles, such as trucks or vans. The platform comprises a substantially flat and rigid body (1), configured to fit onto the base of the carts or trolleys (8). This body (1) has a generally rectangular geometry, or any other equivalent shape that provides structural stability and facilitates its handling. To this end, the body (1) comprises a plurality of connecting means (7), configured as hooks intended to attach to the trolleys (8) to secure their positioning on the platform. The body (1) comprises a plurality of elongated slots (2), substantially parallel to each other, configured to receive and guide the wheels of the transport carts. Each slot (2) extends longitudinally from an area near one of the sides of the body (1), remaining open to the outside on that side, which allows the insertion of the wheels by means of horizontal displacement of the cart. At the opposite end of each groove (2) there is a deeper housing (3), configured to accommodate at least partially one wheel of the cart, acting as an interlocking zone that limits its longitudinal movement once it has been inserted into the platform. The grooves (2) comprise at least one through slot (4), arranged longitudinally, configured to reduce weight, increase the structural rigidity of the assembly and allow the evacuation of dirt, liquids or debris that may accumulate during use. The body (1) further comprises a plurality of additional holes (5) distributed on its surface, also configured to increase the structural strength of the body (1) by controlled lightening of the material and to facilitate the evacuation of dirt. The platform also includes handles (6) integrated into the body (1), configured to facilitate manual handling and transport. Additionally, these handles (6) are sized and arranged so that they can act as attachment points for a fastening element located on one side of the cart, allowing the platform to be held in a substantially vertical position when not in use, so that the cart can be folded or stored without interference. In one mode of use, the platform allows at least one transport trolley to be accommodated in the unfolded position by inserting its wheels into the corresponding slots (2), where it is immobilized by locking the wheels into the housings (3). Additionally, the parallel arrangement of the slots (2) allows several trolleys to be accommodated in the folded position, with their wheels fitting into the corresponding slots (2) and housings (3), thus optimizing the vehicle's cargo space. The invention is not limited to the exact geometry described, and the dimensions, number and arrangement of the grooves (2), housings (3), slots (4) and holes (5) may vary, provided that the essential principle of providing a portable platform intended to immobilize transport cart wheels during transport is maintained. In one embodiment, the body (1) has a configuration and dimensions such that, once fitted into the base of the carts or trolleys (8), it allows the functionality of said base to remain operational for supporting goods or products, so that the cart or trolley (8) can continue to be used for its usual function of loading and transporting goods without relevant interference. Alternatively, the platform can be placed directly on the floor of a warehouse or storage area, allowing the wheels of folded trolleys to be inserted into the grooves in the body (1). In this way, the platform can act as a support or positioning element for folded trolleys during storage, keeping them organized and preventing unintentional movement. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A portable platform for immobilizing transport trolleys during transport, characterized in that it comprises a substantially flat and rigid body (1), configured to fit onto the base of at least one trolley or cart (8), said body (1) comprising a plurality of elongated, substantially parallel grooves (2) configured to receive and guide the wheels of the trolley or cart (8), each groove (2) extending longitudinally from an area near one side of the body (1) and remaining open to the outside on said side, and at the opposite end of each groove (2) a deeper housing (3) configured to at least partially accommodate two wheels and limit their longitudinal displacement, allowing the trolley or cart (8) to be immobilized during transport. 2.A platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the grooves (2) comprise at least one longitudinally arranged through-slot (4).

3. A platform according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (1) comprises a plurality of holes (5) distributed on its surface.

4. A platform according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises handles (6) integrated into the body (1).

5. A platform according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of fastening means (7) configured as hooks intended to be coupled to the cart or trolley (8).