Trolley for receiving and transporting small legged display platforms
By designing the lateral support structure and extendable front support of the small display platform trolley, the problems of unstable and low efficiency of the transportation of the existing small and medium display platform are solved, and fast and safe transportation is achieved to meet the needs of the retail industry.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380039930.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-31
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-20
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing pallet trucks and traditional trolleys are unstable when transporting small display platforms, which can easily lead to accidents and are inefficient in time, making them unable to meet the retail industry's demand for speed, safety and space savings.
A small display platform trolley is designed with a lateral support structure that provides lateral support by engaging with the legs of the display platform, ensuring that the platform does not tilt or slide during transportation, and includes an extendable front support for for lifting and transport.
The fast, safe and space-saving transportation of the small display platform is achieved, the time and space efficiency of the retail industry is improved, the dependence on heavy machinery is reduced, and the changing passenger flow model is adapted to.
Smart Images

Figure CN119173433A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a trolley for receiving and transporting display platforms with legs. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention may be embodied as a small display platform trolley with legs for receiving and transporting small display platforms with legs, such as European quarter pallets, North American half display platforms or Australian sixth pallets. Background Art
[0002] Small display platforms (also referred to in the art as small display units) are used to transport goods to, from, and around retail floors, in particular. Small display platforms are called "small" because they are smaller than a typical full-size pallet, and standard sizes are approximately half, one-quarter, one-sixth (etc.) the size of a typical full-size pallet. Examples of small display platforms include the European quarter pallet (measuring 600×400 mm), the North American half display platform and quarter display platform (e.g., measuring 40×24" and 20×48"), and the Australian sixth pallet (measuring 582×387 mm). The legged small display platform includes a loading surface or table for receiving items to be transported thereon by the display platform, the loading surface being supported above the ground (when the small display platform is placed on the ground) by legs, typically four legs, one of which is typically located at each corner of the small display platform, and the small display platform is typically rectangular in shape. Small display platforms can be used in a variety of ways, but are typically used within retail stores such as supermarkets, typically for transporting goods for sale to and from the store floor and around the store floor. Small display platforms are particularly useful as point of sale displays or for transporting them thereon. Figure 1A An example of a prior art small display platform suitable for use with the present invention is shown in Figure 1C.
[0003] Currently, the standard method for transporting small display platforms is to use a pallet jack. Of course, pallet jacks are designed to be used with full-size pallets, not intended or designed to transport small display platforms, and when so designed have two very large and spaced apart tines on which a full-size pallet can be supported. Therefore, transporting small display platforms on a pallet jack is a precarious task, because according to standard practice, small display platforms are loaded onto the pallet jack by balancing one small display platform on each tine of the jack. The tines of the jack are of specific dimensions and spaced apart from each other to engage with the blocks of the full-size pallet, so it is impossible to position the small display platform so that it is properly supported by both tines. This means that a small display platform, or a stack of small display platforms (usually empty small display platforms are transported by stacking them on top of each other), or a point of sale display carried thereon is prone to tipping over or sliding and falling off the pallet jack. Coupled with the poor maneuverability, heavy weight and large size of the pallet jack, the risk of accidents is increased. Furthermore, due in part to the reasons listed above, pallet jacks are very time inefficient, and time efficiency and speed of deployment (eg, of point-of-sale displays) are often critical factors in the logistics and retail industries.
[0004] In contrast, hand trucks are also known. These are conventional L-shaped user-operated devices, typically constructed of a tubular frame, with a handle at one end, two coaxial motor wheels at the base, and a small straight and usually rectangular platform or ledge to carry items on top of the hand truck when it is tilted backwards. Hand trucks have traditionally (and to this day) been used to carry items such as boxes and bags. While addressing some of the problems of pallet jacks, hand trucks encounter some of the same problems as pallet jacks, such as point of sale displays loaded on conventional hand trucks are unstable, and are also prone to accidents because conventional style hand trucks are not intended or designed for carrying small display platforms with legs. Therefore, the use of hand trucks to carry small display platforms is not standard practice, and despite the problems of pallet jacks, pallet jacks remain the preferred device for transporting small pallets, such is the severity of the problems associated with hand trucks used to transport small display platforms.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for transporting small display platforms that is faster, cheaper, more flexible, more time-saving and more space-saving, and can transport a small display platform (or a pile of small display platforms) thereon in a safer, more stable and more convenient manner. Summary of the invention
[0006] The present invention aims to at least alleviate this problem to some extent and / or to at least solve to some extent the difficulties associated with the prior art.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a small display platform trolley for receiving and transporting (and optionally also for lifting) a small display platform with legs, the small display platform having a loading surface for carrying items on the small display platform and at least one leg for supporting the loading surface, the trolley comprising: a first display platform leg lateral support structure, which is used to provide lateral support for the display platform; a second display platform leg lateral support structure, which is used to provide lateral support for the display platform; wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley, so that the first display platform leg lateral support structure provides lateral support for the tray on the trolley in a first lateral direction; and the second display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley, so that the second display platform leg lateral support structure provides lateral support for the display platform on the trolley in a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction.
[0008] Thus, the present invention solves the problem of how to transport small display platforms quickly, safely, and in a space-efficient manner by providing a cart (e.g., a manually operated cart) for receiving and transporting small display platforms. Thus, the present invention is particularly useful for moving inventory and point-of-sale display units between storage areas of a store and, for example, the store floor, and for repositioning inventory and display units around the store floor without the need for cumbersome and potentially dangerous heavy machinery (e.g., forklifts or pallet trucks with poor maneuverability), greatly increasing the time and space efficiencies associated with moving small display platforms around the store, thereby greatly increasing the ability of retail stores to adapt to changing demand and customer traffic patterns. When the display platform is received by the cart and during transportation of the display platform on the cart, the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure laterally support the display platform so that the display platform leg lateral support structure prevents or at least resists lateral movement (i.e., side to side movement, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the normal travel direction of the cart, i.e., parallel to the axles of the wheels of the cart, such as the rear wheels) that might otherwise cause the display platform or a stack of display platforms to rock, tilt or slide or otherwise fall off the cart, or cause the stack to collapse, when one or more other display platforms are stacked and received by the cart. The term "cart" (or sometimes "hand truck") is a term of art and describes a completely different class of carts than pallet trucks (or sometimes "pallet trucks") such as hand pallet trucks (or hand pallet trucks) or forklifts. The legged mini display platform of any or all aspects of the invention may form part of a point of sale display or display unit (e.g. the mini display platform may be integrally formed with the point of sale display or display unit), or the point of sale display or display unit may be carried by, loaded onto, supported by, attached to, or otherwise associated with the legged mini display platform. The legged mini display platform of any or all aspects of the invention may be a European quarter pallet, an Australian sixth pallet, a North American half display platform or a North American quarter display platform, or any other such suitable legged mini display platform or mini pallet.
[0009] Optionally, both the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are configured to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support for the first leg in both the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction. Therefore, the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are configured to engage with the same leg of the display platform to provide lateral support for the trolley by laterally supporting the legs of the display platform, and can be configured to interlock or cooperate with the legs.
[0010] Optionally, the lateral support structure of the first display platform leg is constructed to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to laterally support the first leg of the display platform in a first lateral direction; the lateral support structure of the second display platform leg is constructed to engage with the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to laterally support the second leg of the display platform in a second lateral direction.
[0011] Thus, the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are configured to engage with corresponding (i.e., different) legs of the display platform to provide lateral support for the trolley by laterally supporting different legs of the display platform. Optionally, the first lateral support and the second lateral support are configured to be slidingly received by corresponding holes or guides provided in the first leg and the second leg, respectively, so that moving the trolley toward the display platform causes the first support and the second support to be received by the corresponding holes or guides of their corresponding display platform legs.
[0012] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure includes a support member configured to engage (e.g., slideably engage) one side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart in a first direction, and optionally, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure includes another support member configured to engage (e.g., slideably engage) an opposite side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received (e.g., slideably received) by the cart to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart in a second direction. The support member may optionally include a protrusion or finger.
[0013] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure includes at least one finger, which is configured to be slidingly received by a corresponding hole set in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart, optionally to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart.
[0014] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure includes two fingers, optionally laterally spaced apart, configured to be slidingly received by corresponding holes disposed in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support for the display platform on the trolley. Optionally, the fingers may be disposed on respective sides of a centerline of the first leg of the display platform.
[0015] Optionally, the two fingers define a finger void space therebetween, the finger void space being configured to receive (e.g., slidably receive) the first leg of the display platform. Thus, the two fingers may define a boundary or extent of the finger void space. Optionally, the finger void space may extend directly between the two fingers.
[0016] Optionally, the second display platform leg lateral support structure includes a support member configured to engage (e.g., slideably engage) one side of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received (e.g., slidably received) by the cart to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart in the second direction, and optionally, wherein the second display platform leg lateral support structure includes another support member configured to engage (e.g., slideably engage) an opposite side of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received (e.g., slidably received) by the cart to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart in the first direction. The support member may optionally include a protrusion or finger.
[0017] Optionally, the second display platform leg lateral support structure includes at least one finger configured to be slidingly received by a corresponding hole provided in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart, optionally to provide lateral support for the tray on the cart.
[0018] Optionally, the second display platform leg lateral support structure includes two optionally laterally spaced apart fingers configured to be slidingly received by corresponding holes disposed in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart. Optionally, the fingers may be disposed on respective sides of a centerline of the first leg of the display platform.
[0019] Optionally, the two fingers define a finger void space therebetween, the finger void space being configured to receive the first leg of the display platform. Thus, the two fingers may define a boundary or extent of the finger void space. Optionally, the finger void space may extend directly between the two fingers.
[0020] Optionally, the trolley further comprises a display platform top for receiving and subsequently transporting a small display platform with legs thereon when the small display platform with legs is received by the trolley. Optionally, the trolley further comprises a display platform top for receiving a small display platform thereon when the small display platform is received by the trolley.
[0021] Optionally, the display platform top includes a ledge disposed between the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure, the ledge being configured to extend (e.g., slide under) the display platform and between the first and second legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to support the display platform thereon, the ledge being optionally substantially planar. Thus, the ledge can slide under an elevated base (elevated relative to the ground) of the display platform, the base being supported by one or more display platform legs to pick up or lift the display platform thereon.
[0022] Optionally, the ledge comprises a guide portion of reduced width, for example, the guide portion comprises a first angled or rounded guide edge and a second angled or rounded guide edge on respective opposite lateral sides of the ledge to facilitate engagement of the ledge between the first leg and the second leg of the display platform. Thus, the ledge may optionally comprise a rounded or chamfered end, optionally, the rounded or chamfered end being disposed at or towards the front end of the display platform top.
[0023] Optionally, the display platform top is substantially planar. Optionally, the display platform top may be formed from a sheet material, such as sheet metal.
[0024] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure are integrally formed with the display platform top. Thus, the display platform top and the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure (which may optionally include support members or fingers) may be formed from the same piece of material.
[0025] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure (which may optionally include support members or fingers) are substantially coplanar with the display platform top or ledge.
[0026] Optionally, the display platform top includes: a first display platform leg lateral support surface or edge, which is configured to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the first leg of the display platform in a second lateral direction; and a second display platform leg lateral support surface or edge, which is configured to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the first leg of the display platform in a first lateral force upward direction.
[0027] Optionally, the supporting members of the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure, the fingers of the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure, and / or the display platform table top (or its ledge) are arranged in a common plane.
[0028] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are configured to provide interlocking engagement with the first leg and the second leg of the display platform, respectively.
[0029] Optionally, the finger gap space is configured as a slot in the display platform top.
[0030] Optionally, the display platform top is substantially planar, and the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are defined by a contour edge (e.g., a cutout) of the display platform top, for example, the support member is defined by a contour edge (e.g., a cutout) of the display platform top, and / or the finger is defined by a contour edge (e.g., a cutout) of the display platform top. Thus, the support member, the ledge, and the finger may all be defined by a common or continuous contour edge.
[0031] Optionally, the contour edge is disposed on the front edge of the display platform top. The front edge is the frontmost edge in the normal direction of travel of the trolley, which is furthest spaced from the handle or the vehicle wheel (or rear wheel).
[0032] Optionally, the trolley comprises at least one locomotive wheel, the at least one locomotive wheel comprising a wheel rotation axis, and the user can tilt the trolley about a tilt axis (preferably the tilt axis is coaxial with the locomotive wheel rotation axis) for lifting the display platform onto the trolley to enter a wheeled transport mode for transporting the display platform on the trolley. Thus, when transporting a small display platform thereon, the trolley can be tilted backwards, as trolleys normally do. Optionally, the locomotive wheel is a rear wheel of the trolley.
[0033] Optionally, the finger has a longitudinal axis extending in a direction generally or substantially perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis, optionally in a forward direction of the trolley. Optionally, the finger has a longitudinal axis extending in a direction generally or substantially perpendicular to the lateral axis.
[0034] Optionally, the trolley includes at least one handle, preferably two handles, for manipulating the trolley, wherein at least one handle is arranged on one side of the tilt axis and the display platform top is arranged on the other side of the tilt axis, so that pushing the handle in one direction (e.g., downward) on one side of the tilt axis causes the display platform top to move in the opposite direction (e.g., upward), so that the trolley tilts about the tilt axis to lift the display platform received by the trolley.
[0035] Optionally, the trolley comprises a substantially or generally upright support or frame to which the vehicle wheels, display platform top and at least one handle are attached. Optionally, the trolley is substantially L-shaped. Optionally, the display platform top defines one branch of the L-shape and the upright support or frame defines the other branch. Optionally, the frame may include two upright members and a plurality of structural members or crosspieces extending therebetween.
[0036] Optionally, the cart includes a substantially planar display platform deck for receiving and (thereafter) transporting a quarter display platform thereon, and the frame extends generally upwardly to define an obtuse angle with the planar loading surface. Thus, when not tilted rearwardly in the transport mode and when resting on the ground, the generally upright supports tilt rearwardly or rearwardly with their tops spaced further from the display platform deck than their bottoms.
[0037] Optionally, the motor vehicle wheel is a rear wheel of the cart, which rear wheel includes a rear wheel rotation axis; the cart also includes: an extendable front support member, which is arranged at an interval in front of the rear wheel rotation axis; the extendable front support member can be reconfigured between an extended structure and a retracted structure, wherein the height of the front support member in the extended structure is greater than the height in the retracted structure, so that compared to when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support member and when the extendable front support member is in the extended structure, when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support member and when the extendable front support member is in the retracted structure, the display platform (e.g., the front of the display platform countertop) is lowered toward the ground (e.g., tilted, for example, its front portion is tilted) more.
[0038] Optionally, the extendable front support comprises a front support member and a bracket for mounting the front support member to the cart.
[0039] Optionally, the front support member includes a front wheel having a front wheel axle, and the extendable front support can be reconfigured between a front wheel extended structure and a front wheel retracted structure, wherein the distance between the front wheel axle and the display platform table top is smaller in the front wheel retracted structure than in the front wheel extended structure, so that the display platform table top (e.g., the front portion of the display platform table top) is lowered (e.g., tilted) toward the ground more when the cart is supported on the ground by at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel extended structure than when the cart is supported on the ground by at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel retracted structure.
[0040] Optionally, the bracket includes a first stop and a second stop, wherein the first stop and the second stop are both configured to receive the front support member; wherein the first stop is arranged closer to the display platform countertop than the second stop, so that the first stop defines a front wheel retracted position and the second stop defines a front wheel extended position; a guide configured to slidably guide the front wheel axle to and from the first stop and the second stop. Optionally, wherein the first stop and the second stop are both configured to receive the front wheel axle.
[0041] Optionally, the first stopper is spaced further from the rear wheel rotation axis than the second stopper.For example, the first stopper is arranged more towards the front of the trolley than the second stopper.
[0042] Optionally, the guide is provided as a slot in the bracket, optionally wherein the first stop and the second stop are provided at opposite ends of the slot.
[0043] Optionally, the first stopper and the second stopper are configured as first and second recesses respectively within the slot, and optionally, the recesses extend from the slot toward the display platform top.
[0044] Optionally, the slot defines a track for guiding the front support member along. Optionally, the track includes a generally or substantially linear portion, optionally, the display platform top is generally or substantially planar, and the linear portion is inclined relative to the plane of the display platform top. Optionally, the slot defines a track for guiding the front wheel axle along.
[0045] Optionally, the extendable front support is arranged towards the front of the display platform top, such as attached to the front of the display platform top.
[0046] Optionally, the extendable front support is configured such that tilting the cart about the rear wheel rotation axis (e.g., rearwardly) causes the extendable front support to be reconfigured into an extended configuration (e.g., a front wheel extended configuration) and a retracted configuration (e.g., a front wheel retracted configuration) and reconfigured from the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.
[0047] Optionally, an extendable front support is provided on the underside of the display platform top.
[0048] Optionally, the trolley is manually propelled. Therefore, the trolley may not have other propulsion means except being propelled (e.g., pushed or pulled) by the user.
[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a small display platform with legs and a trolley according to the first aspect, for example as a kit. Optionally, the display platform comprises at least two legs, each leg comprising one or more (preferably two) holes configured to receive fingers of a first display platform leg support structure and a second display platform leg support structure, respectively.
[0050] According to the third force aspect of the present invention, a method for receiving and transporting a small display platform with legs on a small display platform trolley according to any of the preceding claims is provided, the trolley comprising a display platform deck for receiving the small display platform with legs thereon when the small display platform with legs is received by the trolley and thereafter transporting the small display platform with legs thereon, the method comprising the following steps: when the display platform is positioned on the ground, receiving the small display platform with legs on the trolley by positioning the display platform deck below the loading surface, so that the first display platform leg lateral support structure is slidably engaged with the first leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the first leg, and so that the second display platform leg lateral support structure is slidably engaged with the second leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the second leg, so that the display platform is laterally supported relative to the trolley by the first display platform leg lateral support member and the second display platform leg lateral support member.
[0051] Optionally, the trolley includes at least one locomotive wheel, which includes a wheel rotation axis, and the user can tilt the trolley into a wheeled transport mode around the locomotive wheel rotation axis for transporting the display platform on the trolley. After the step of receiving the display platform on the trolley, the method includes the following steps: tilting the trolley into the wheeled transport mode of the trolley around the locomotive wheel rotation axis so that the display platform table top lifts the trolley off the ground; and transporting the display platform on the trolley when the trolley is tilted into the wheeled transport mode.
[0052] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trolley for lifting and transporting a small display platform thereon, the trolley comprising: at least one rear wheel comprising a rear wheel rotation axis, the rear wheel being configured to rotate around the rear wheel rotation axis; a display platform top for receiving the small display platform thereon; an extendable front support member disposed at intervals in front of the rear wheel rotation axis; the extendable front support member being reconfigurable between an extended structure and a retracted structure, wherein a height of the front support member in the extended structure is greater than a height in the retracted structure, so that the display platform top (e.g., a front portion of the display platform top) is inclined more toward the ground when the trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support member and when the extendable front support member is in the extended structure than when the trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support member and when the extendable front support member is in the retracted structure.
[0053] Optionally, the extendable front support comprises a front support member and a bracket for mounting the front support member to the cart.
[0054] Optionally, the front support member includes a front wheel having a front wheel axle, and the extendable front support can be reconfigured between a front wheel extended structure and a front wheel retracted structure, wherein the distance between the front wheel axle and the display platform table top is smaller in the front wheel retracted structure than in the front wheel extended structure, so that the display platform table top (e.g., the front portion of the display platform table top) is inclined more toward the ground when the cart is supported on the ground by at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel extended structure than when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel retracted structure.
[0055] Optionally, the bracket includes a first stop and a second stop, wherein the first stop and the second stop are both configured to receive the front support member; wherein the first stop is arranged closer to the display platform countertop than the second stop, so that the first stop defines the front wheel retracted position and the second stop defines the front wheel extended position; a guide configured to slidably guide the front wheel axle to and from the first stop and the second stop. Optionally, wherein the first stop and the second stop are both configured to receive the front wheel axle.
[0056] Optionally, the first stop is spaced further from the rear wheel rotation axis than the second stop. Optionally, the first stop is arranged further towards the front of the trolley than the second stop.
[0057] Optionally, the guide is provided as a slot in the bracket, and optionally, the first stop and the second stop are provided at opposite ends of the slot.
[0058] Optionally, the first stopper and the second stopper are configured as first and second recesses respectively within the slot, and optionally, the recesses extend from the slot toward the display platform top.
[0059] Optionally, the slot defines a track for guiding the front support member along. Optionally, the track includes a generally or substantially linear portion. Optionally, the display platform top is generally or substantially planar and the linear portion is inclined relative to the plane of the display platform top. Optionally, the slot defines a track for guiding the front wheel axle along.
[0060] Optionally, the extendable front support is arranged towards the front of the display platform top, such as attached to the front of the display platform top.
[0061] Optionally, the extendable front support is configured such that tilting of the cart about the rear wheel rotation axis (e.g., rearward) causes the extendable front support to be reconfigured into an extended configuration (e.g., a front wheel extended configuration) and a retracted configuration (e.g., a front wheel retracted configuration) and reconfigured from the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.
[0062] Optionally, an extendable front support is provided on the underside of the display platform top. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] The present invention can be implemented in various ways, and a preferred embodiment of a small display platform trolley for receiving and transporting a small display platform according to the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0064] Figures 1A to 1C is a perspective view of a small display platform according to the prior art suitable for use with the present invention. Figure 1A A European quarter pallet is shown. Figure 1B An Australian sixth pallet is shown, and Figure 1C A North American quarter display platform is shown.
[0065] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of a small pallet cart according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side view of a cart is shown showing a set of handles at the rear of the cart and a display platform surface at the front of the cart for receiving and transporting a display platform thereon.
[0067] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A plan view of a cart showing a set of handles at the rear of the cart, the rear portion or frame of the cart, and a display platform surface at the front of the cart for receiving and transporting a display platform.
[0068] Figure 5 is also a part of the present invention, received in Figure 2 A perspective view of a small display platform on an optional display platform top of a cart showing first and second display platform leg lateral support structures that slidably engage with corresponding legs of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the display platform on the cart. This optional display platform top and Figure 2 The display platform top shown in FIG. 1 differs only in that the guide edge, the first and second angled edges are omitted, and the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure each include two fingers, but do not include one of the support members configured to engage with one side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart. The engagement of the fingers of the display platform top is shown, the fingers are slidingly received by corresponding holes or slots provided in the two legs of the display platform, and the two fingers are received in two corresponding holes in each leg.
[0069] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6L The first display platform leg support structure and the second display platform leg support structure of the present invention are shown in various ways in which they can be implemented. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6L Alternative configurations of first and second display platform leg support structures are shown that fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0070] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Shows Figure 2 Implementation, but instead of Figure 2 Fixed wheels are shown, and an extendable front support, here in the form of wheels and brackets, is provided for supporting the front of the trolley on the ground. Figure 2 All other aspects of the embodiments are the same.
[0071] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C The arrangement of the bracket is shown. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The process of FIG. 1 shows the manner in which the front wheel axle is moved from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration of the extendable front support by tilting the cart rearwardly.
[0072] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C The arrangement of the bracket is shown. 9A to 9C The process of FIG. 1 shows the manner in which the front wheel axle is moved from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration of the extendable front support by tilting the cart rearwardly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0073] Figure 1A A small display platform 1 with legs according to the prior art is shown in . This small display platform 1 with legs is suitable for use with the present invention and is exactly the size of a European quarter pallet, but the present invention is suitable for use with other small display platforms with legs of other standard sizes and types, such as Figure 1B The small display platform shown and Figure 1C Pallet shown. A small display platform 1 with legs includes a loading surface 2 for carrying items thereon, such as a point of sale display. In this particular example as a quarter pallet, the loading surface 2 is approximately one-quarter the size of a standard full-size pallet (i.e., the area of the loading surface is approximately one-quarter the surface area of the loading surface of a standard full-size pallet) and is generally rectangular in shape, but other shapes may also be used as part of the present invention and may be selected to correspond to the shape or packaging arrangement of the items to be placed thereon (and in some embodiments, because the display platform may include features such as upstanding walls that define a perimeter or boundary for receiving items therein). The loading surface 2 is part of a display platform base 3 that is supported or elevated above the ground (when the display platform 1 is placed on the ground) by at least one display platform leg 4 to provide a gap 5 between the ground and the display platform base 3. The gap 5 is sized to receive a display platform top 9 (such as a trolley 7) therein. Figure 2 In this example, four display platform legs 4 are provided, each leg being generally arranged at a corresponding corner of the display platform 1, but examples with one, two, three or more legs are also contemplated as part of the present invention. The display platform legs 4 may also be referred to as display platform blocks, which is a term in the art.
[0074] exist Figure 1A In the exemplary display platform 1 of , two of the four legs 4 of the display platform include holes 6 or slots 6 extending therein. The two legs 4 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. In this example, each of the two legs 4 includes two holes 6 or slots 6 (the second slot 6 of the leg 4 closest to the observer and the two slots 6 of the leg on the left hand side of the image are hidden from view by the base 3), but embodiments are also envisaged in which each leg has only one hole or slot. The two slots 6 of each leg are spaced apart from each other laterally on each leg so that each slot is disposed on opposite sides of its respective leg, i.e., one slot 6 is disposed on one side of the centerline of the leg 4 and the other slot 6 is disposed on the other side of the centerline. The slots 6 are generally or substantially parallel to each other and, as described below, each slot defines a respective lateral support finger 26, 29 ( Figure 2), when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, the engagement of each slot 6 with its corresponding lateral support finger 19 provides lateral support or stability to the display platform. Figure 1B The display platform is similar to Figure 1A The display platform is similar to the display platform of FIG. 1 and further includes two spaced-apart legs 4 to Figure 1A In the same manner as the display platform of FIG. 1C , each leg has two holes, slots or recesses 6. In contrast, the display platform of FIG. 1C , which is also suitable for use with the present invention, has a single hole or slot 6 extending through each of the four legs 4 of the display platform (although examples are also contemplated in which only one or two of the four legs (e.g., two legs on the same side of the display platform) include such a hole or slot 6, and such examples are also suitable for use with the present invention).
[0075] exist Figure 2 An example of a trolley 7 according to the invention is shown in FIG. The trolley 7 is generally L-shaped and comprises: a generally upright rear portion 8 (here in the form of a frame 8) as one "leg" of the L-shape; and a generally horizontal display platform top 9 as the other "leg" of the L-shape. As can be seen in FIG. Figure 3 As seen in the side view of , the display platform top 9 and the rear portion 8 define an obtuse angle A therebetween, but other embodiments are also contemplated in which the rear portion 8 and the display platform top 9 are substantially perpendicular to each other, or define an acute angle therebetween.
[0076] The rear portion 8 or frame 8 comprises two laterally spaced apart upright supports 10 or members 10 and a plurality of structural members or crosspieces 11 extending therebetween. In this example, a tubular member is bent into an inverted U-shape to define the two upright members 10 and the uppermost crosspiece 11, and three additional crosspieces 11 are provided as generally or substantially horizontal tubular members, the three additional crosspieces 11 being equidistant along the length of the upright members 10.
[0077] Two handles 12 are provided midway along the rear portion 8 , each handle 12 being attached to a respective upright support 10 by an inclined handle support 13 extending rearwardly and upwardly from the rear portion 8 .
[0078] In this embodiment, two motor wheels 14 are provided at the rear of the base of the trolley 7 (but one of the two wheels 14 is obscured by the particular angle of the perspective view), but embodiments are envisaged in which only one such wheel 14 is provided, for example similar to a wheelbarrow. Each rear wheel 14 is laterally spaced apart from each other and defines a rear wheel rotation axis 15 about which the rear wheels 14 rotate when the trolley 7 moves. In this example, the two rear wheels 14 are coaxial with each other (but this is not required) so that they share a common rear wheel rotation axis 15. Therefore, by the user applying downward pressure on the handle 12, the trolley 7 can be tilted or tipped backwards about the wheel rotation axis 15, and therefore, the wheel rotation axis 15 in this embodiment also serves as a tilt axis 16, and in this way, the trolley 7 is used as a first-class lever to lift the small display platform 1 on the display platform deck 7, the handle 12 being provided on one side of the tilt axis 16, and the display platform deck 7 being provided on the other side. Therefore, the tilt axis 16 in this embodiment is coaxial with the wheel rotation axis 15. Thus, the trolley 7 can be tilted backwards (or rearwards) in the usual manner for a trolley while transporting the small display platform 1 thereon, into a wheeled transport mode for transporting the display platform 1 on the trolley 7. The tilt axis 16 may of course be provided in other ways, for example a short post engageable with the ground may be provided on the underside of the trolley 7 to define the tilt axis 16 about which the trolley 7 can pivot or tilt, which would then be separate from (or in addition to) the wheel rotation axis 15. In the embodiment shown, the rear wheels 14 are free-rotating and therefore not powered, but this is not essential and powered wheels may be used instead.
[0079] like Figure 2 As best seen in FIG. 1 , in addition to the locomotive wheels 14 disposed at the rear of the base of the cart 7, the cart 7 also includes display platform deck wheels 17 or front wheels 17 disposed toward the front of the cart 7 and attached to the underside of the display platform deck 9, the front wheels 17 being configured to support the display platform deck 7 on the ground when the cart is not tilted backward. The front wheels 17 or display platform deck wheels 17 help position the display platform deck 9 below the display platform 1 to receive the display platform 1 before the display platform 1 is lifted off the ground by tilting the cart 7 backward about the tilt axis 16. In some embodiments, the display platform deck wheels 17 may be casters, or in other embodiments (as in this embodiment) they may not be casters but may have a fixed axle or a rotation axis. In this embodiment, the display platform deck wheels 17 are attached to the underside of a ledge 18 of the display platform deck 9. The ledge 18 is discussed in further detail below.
[0080] The trolley 7 includes a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21, which are used to provide lateral support for the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 is constructed to engage with the first leg 4 of the display platform when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, so as to laterally support the first leg 4 of the display platform in a first lateral direction (indicated by the dotted arrow 22); and similarly, the second display platform leg lateral support structure is constructed to engage with the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley, so as to laterally support the second leg of the display platform in a second lateral direction (indicated by the dotted arrow 23) opposite to the first lateral direction through the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21. However, embodiments of the trolley 7 are also contemplated to have a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 22, both of which are configured to engage with the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7 to provide lateral support for the first leg 4 in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23, i.e., the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are configured to engage with the same leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7. It is worth noting that the phrase "when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7" means: when the display platform 1 is positioned relative to the trolley 7 so that one or more legs 4 of the display platform 1 engage with the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 and are ready to be lifted or otherwise transported by the trolley 7.
[0081] Although the present invention can be implemented in many different ways, Figure 2 The embodiment shows the preferred structure of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21, as shown in FIG. Figure 41, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are laterally spaced apart from each other with the ledge 18 disposed therebetween. The first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are configured to provide interlocking engagement with the first leg 4 and the second leg 4 of the display platform 1, respectively. In this embodiment, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 includes a (lateral) support member 24 configured to slidably engage with one side of the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7 to provide lateral support for the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 in a first lateral direction 22. Also in this embodiment, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 includes another (lateral) support member 25, here arranged as an edge 25 of the ledge 18 of the display platform table top 9, configured to slidably engage with the opposite side of the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7 to provide lateral support for the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 in a second lateral direction 23 opposite to the first lateral direction 22. Thus, one of the support members 24 slidably engages one side of the display platform leg 4, while the other support member 25 slidably engages the opposite side of the display platform leg 4, so that the two support members 24, 25 laterally support the first display platform leg 4 therebetween, so that the display platform leg 4 is laterally supported in the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23. The ledge 18 is configured to be positioned below the base 3 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the cart 7 and thus extend below the base so that the display platform 1 is mostly supported on the ledge 18 (i.e., the center of gravity of the display platform is located above the ledge 18). Therefore, when the display platform 1 is received by the cart 7, the ledge 18 can extend beyond the middle of the display platform 1 to extend in front of the center of gravity of the display platform 1 (i.e., in a forward direction).
[0082] In this embodiment, the first lateral display platform leg support structure 20 also includes two (although other embodiments may include only one, or may include more than two) laterally spaced apart fingers 26 or protrusions 26 configured to be slidingly received by corresponding holes 6 or slots 6 provided in the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is slidingly received by the cart 7 to provide lateral support for the display platform 1 on the cart 7. The two fingers 26 define a void space, here provided as a slot 32 ( Figure 4 ), configured to slidingly receive (at least a portion of) the first leg 4 of the display platform 1. The fingers 26 of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the lateral support members 24 and 25 are all arranged together in a common plane and extend in a forward direction of the trolley 7, i.e., away from the axis 16.
[0083] Similarly, the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 includes a (lateral) support member 27, which is configured to be slidably engaged with one side of the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7 to provide lateral support for the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 in the second lateral direction 23. Also in this embodiment, the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 also includes another (lateral) support member 28, which is here arranged as an edge 28 of the ledge 18 of the display platform table top 9, and is configured to be slidably engaged with the opposite side of the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7 to provide lateral support for the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 in the first lateral direction 22. Therefore, one of the support members 27 slidably engages one side of the display platform leg 4, and the other support member 28 slidably engages the opposite side of the display platform leg 4, so that the two support members 27, 28 laterally support the second display platform leg 4 therebetween, so that the display platform leg 4 is laterally supported in the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23.
[0084] In this embodiment, the second lateral display platform leg support structure 21 also includes two (although other embodiments may include only one, or may include more than two) laterally spaced apart fingers 29 or protrusions 29 configured to be slidingly received by corresponding holes 6 or slots 6 provided in the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is slidingly received by the trolley 7 to provide lateral support for the display platform 1 on the trolley 7. The two fingers 29 define a void space, here provided as a slot 32 ( Figure 4 ), which is configured to receive (at least a portion of) the second leg 4 of the display platform 1. The fingers 29 of the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 and the lateral support members 27 and 28 are all arranged together in a common plane and extend in the forward direction of the trolley, i.e. away from the axis 16.
[0085] The fingers and lateral support members of the first display platform leg support structure 20 and the fingers and lateral support members of the second display platform leg support structure 21 all lie in the same common plane, and indeed the ledge 18, which is itself substantially planar, also lies in the same common plane. In this embodiment, the display platform deck 9 includes the fingers and lateral support members of the first display platform leg support structure and the fingers and lateral support members of the second display platform leg support structure and the ledge 18. Thus, the fingers and all lateral support members of the first display platform leg support structure and the fingers and all lateral support members of the second display platform leg support structure and the ledge 18 are integrally formed with the display platform deck 9. In this embodiment, the display platform deck 9 is formed of a substantially planar sheet of material, but this is not necessary, and the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are defined by a contour edge 33 of the display platform deck 9, which is provided on the front edge of the display platform deck 9.
[0086] If you can also Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 1 , the ledge 18 includes a guide portion 34 of reduced width compared to a second portion of the ledge 18. The guide portion 34 includes a first angled or rounded guide edge 35 and an opposing second angled or rounded guide edge 36 on respective opposite sides of the ledge 18. Thus, the guide portion 34 facilitates engagement of the ledge 18 between the first leg 4 and the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 as it helps position the display platform 1 on the trolley 7.
[0087] Now go to Figure 5 , the display platform 1 is shown as being received by the display platform top 9. For illustrative purposes, the remainder of the trolley 7 is omitted from view. The first display platform leg support structure 20 and the second display platform leg support structure 21 are shown as being slidably and matingly received within corresponding holes 6 provided in each leg 4 of the display platform 1. The display platform top 9 shown here is Figure 2The display platform top of the trolley 7 differs only in that one of the support members 24, 27 of each of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 is omitted, so that each of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 includes a support member 25 and 28, here in the form of an edge of the ledge 18, configured to slidingly engage with one side of the corresponding leg of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the display platform top 9 of the trolley 7. The two laterally spaced apart fingers 26 of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 are matingly and slidingly received in corresponding holes or slots 6 of the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 to provide lateral stability to the display platform 1 by laterally supporting the first display platform leg 4. Similarly, the two laterally spaced apart fingers 29 of the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are matingly and slidably received in corresponding holes or slots 6 of the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 to provide lateral stability to the display platform 1 by laterally supporting the second display platform leg 4. Thus, the first display platform leg and the second display platform leg 4 are laterally supported in the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23 by each of the set of two fingers 26 and 29. The first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are integrally formed with the display platform top 9 having a ledge 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the ledge extends beyond (i.e. in front of) the centerline of the display platform (in a forward direction relative to the cart) so that when the display platform 1 is received by the display platform deck 9, the center of gravity of the display platform 1 is located above the ledge 18 so that when lifted, the display platform 1 is supported on the display platform deck 9. This means that when the display platform 1 is evenly loaded on its loading surface 2 with items to be carried by the display platform 1, the display platform 1 will not tip over from the display platform deck 9.
[0088] As will be appreciated, the present invention may take many different forms. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6L Some of the various embodiments and configurations of the display platform top 9 of the present invention are schematically shown in plan view. In each display platform top, there are first display platform leg lateral support structures 20 and second display platform leg lateral support structures 21, which are configured to slidably engage with the display platform legs 4 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6L In the figure, the display platform legs 4 are shown in dotted lines.
[0089] Fig. 6AAn embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 including one support member 24 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 including another support member 27, each of the support members 24, 27 being configured to slidingly engage a side of a respective leg 4 of the display platform 1 to provide lateral stability to the display platform 1 in a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7. This particular embodiment does not have a display platform top 9, but Figure 6G The same embodiment including a display platform top 9 is shown in FIG.
[0090] Figure 6B An embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21; the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 includes a first support member 24 and a second support member 25 configured to slidably engage and thereby laterally support the first display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23; the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 includes a first support member 27 and a second support member 28 configured to slidably engage and thereby laterally support the second display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7. This particular embodiment does not have a display platform top 9, but embodiments providing a display platform top 9 are also envisaged.
[0091] Figure 6B An embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21; the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 includes a first support member 24 and a second support member 25 configured to slidably engage and thereby laterally support the first display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23; the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 includes a first support member 27 and a second support member 28 configured to slidably engage and thereby laterally support the second display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7. This particular embodiment is without a display platform top 9, but the same embodiment providing a display platform top 9 is also envisaged.
[0092] Figure 6CAn embodiment of a display platform table top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown, which has a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21; the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 includes a finger 26, which is configured to be slidably engaged and cooperatively received in a corresponding hole 6 provided in the first leg 4 of the display platform 1, and thereby laterally supports the first display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in at least a first lateral direction 22 (but optionally in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction); the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 includes a finger 29, which is configured to be slidably and cooperatively received in a corresponding hole 6 provided in the second leg 4 of the display platform 1, and thereby laterally supports the second display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in at least a second lateral direction 22 (but optionally in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction). Thus, when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, the display platform 1 is laterally supported in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23. This particular embodiment does not have a display platform top 9, but Fig.6D The same embodiment including a display platform top 9 is shown in FIG.
[0093] Fig. 6E An embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown, having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21; the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 includes two laterally spaced apart fingers 26, which are configured to be slidably and matingly received by corresponding holes 6 provided in the first leg 4 of the display platform 1, and thereby laterally support the first display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in at least a first lateral direction 22 (but optionally in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction); the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 includes two laterally spaced apart fingers 29, which are configured to be slidably and matingly received by corresponding holes 6 provided in the second leg 4 of the display platform 1, and thereby laterally support the second display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in at least a second lateral direction 22 (but optionally in the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction). Thus, when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, the display platform 1 is laterally supported by the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23. This particular embodiment does not have a display platform top 9, but Figure 6L The same embodiment including a display platform top 9 is shown in FIG.
[0094] Fig. 6FAn embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 comprising a support member 25 (arranged as an edge of a ledge 18) which is configured to slidably engage with one side of the first display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability thereto in a first lateral direction 23, and further comprising two laterally spaced apart fingers 29 which are configured to be slidably and matingly received by corresponding holes 6 provided in the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 and thereby laterally support the first display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability thereto in at least the first lateral direction 23 (but optionally in the first and second lateral directions). The display platform table top 9 includes a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21, which includes a support member 28 (arranged as an edge of the ledge 18) configured to slidably engage with one side of the second display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability thereto and thereby laterally support the second display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in a second lateral direction 22 opposite to the first lateral direction 23. Therefore, when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, the display platform 1 is laterally supported by the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 in the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23.
[0095] Figure 6H An embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown, which is substantially similar to Fig. 6F The embodiment of is the same as but wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 comprises a single finger 29 instead of two.
[0096] Fig.6I An embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown. Fig. 6A The embodiment is similar to that of , but wherein the support members 24, 27 are configured to slidably engage the corresponding inwardly facing sides of their respective display platform legs 4, while Fig.6I In the embodiment of , the support members 24, 27 are configured to slidably engage the corresponding outwardly facing sides of their respective display platform legs 4. This particular embodiment does not have a display platform top 9, but the same embodiment providing a display platform top 9 is also contemplated.
[0097] Figure 6J An embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown. Fig. 6A, but wherein each of the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures further comprises a finger 26, 29 configured to be slidably and matingly received by a corresponding hole 6 provided in the respective first and second legs 4 of the display platform 1. This particular embodiment does not have a display platform top 9, but the same embodiment providing a display platform top 9 is also contemplated.
[0098] Figure 6K An embodiment of a display platform top 9 forming part of the present invention is shown. Fig.6I 1, but wherein each of the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures further comprises a finger 26, 29 configured to be slidably and matingly received by a corresponding hole 6 provided in the respective first and second legs 4 of the display platform 1. This particular embodiment does not have a display platform top 9, but the same embodiment providing a display platform top 9 is also contemplated.
[0099] Of course, in all of the embodiments shown herein, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are integrally formed with the display platform top 9 and lie in a common plane of the planar display platform top 9. However, neither aspect is essential to the present invention, and embodiments are envisioned where, for example, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 do not form part of the display platform top 9 (i.e., the display platform top 9 does not include the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21, or indeed, the display platform top 9 includes some but not all of the display platform leg lateral support structures 20, 21, e.g., it may include support members 24, 27 but not fingers 26, 29, or it may include fingers 26, 29 but not support members 24, 27, etc.). In some embodiments, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 can be arranged below the display platform table top 9 (or actually above it) as a separate component from the display platform table top 9, and can, for example, be attached to another part of the cart 7 (such as the frame 8), for example extending therefrom in a forward direction (i.e. away from the rear wheel rotation axis 15).
[0100] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the fixed front wheel 17 is used as a front support to support the front of the trolley 7, and in particular to provide support for the front of the display platform table 9. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The side view shows the Figure 2The optional front support 37 used together with the embodiment of the present invention also forms a part of the present invention. The front support 37 is an extendable front support that can be reconfigured between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The extendable front support 37 has a higher height in the extended configuration than in the retracted configuration, so that the extendable front support 37 supports the front 46 of the display platform countertop 9 or the ledge 18 higher from the ground in the extended configuration than in the retracted configuration. Therefore, when in the retracted configuration, the display platform countertop 9 (and its ledge 18) is tilted toward the ground at its front 46, so that when the trolley 7 is in a generally upright position (i.e., when it is supported on the ground by the rear wheel or multiple rear wheels and by the front support 37), the front 46 is closer to the ground than the rear 47 of the display platform countertop 9. In other words, when the extendable front support 37 is in the retracted configuration, the display platform countertop 9 is in a descending configuration, and when the extendable front support 37 is in the extended configuration, the display platform countertop 9 is in a tilted configuration. In the lowered configuration, the front portion 46 of the display platform deck 9 is closer to the ground than in the inclined configuration. Therefore, in embodiments where the display platform deck 9 is pivotally coupled to the trolley 7 (e.g., at the rear of the display platform deck 9) or coupled via a hinge, the angle A ( Figure 3 ) is greater in the retracted configuration than in the extended configuration.
[0101] Although Figure 2 The embodiment shown has fixed height front wheels 17 as front support 37 of the trolley 7, but Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An optional front support 37 is shown which may be used instead. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The front support 37 is an extendable front support 37 for supporting the front of the trolley 7 on the ground. In this particular example, the extendable front support 37 is in the form of wheels 39 and brackets 38, but other suitable extendable front supports may be used alternatively.
[0102] Fig. 7A The extendable front support 37 is shown in an extended configuration, while Figure 7B The extendable front support 37 is shown in a retracted configuration. Fig. 7A and Figure 7BThe extendable front support 37 comprises a bracket 38 and a front wheel 39, which in this example is the front wheel of the trolley 7. The bracket 38 is attached to the display platform deck 9 at a distance in front of the display platform deck 9 and in front of the rear wheel axis 15, and is attached to the underside of the display platform deck 9, but this is not required. The bracket 38 is attached to the display platform deck 9 by fastening means 40, which are here arranged as bolts 40, each bolt having a corresponding nut that extends through corresponding spaced holes arranged in the display platform deck. Although the extendable front support 37 in this embodiment includes the front wheel 37, other extendable front supports are also conceivable, which do not include front wheels but instead include front support members (such as blocks or feet) instead of front wheels.
[0103] The stand includes two spaced apart legs 41 defining a space therebetween for receiving the front wheel 39, although other stands having only one leg 41 may alternatively be used.
[0104] The bracket 38 includes a guide 43 for guiding the axle 42 of the front wheel 39 along it. In this example, the guide 43 is provided as a slot 43 in each leg 41 of the bracket 38. The guide includes a first stop 44 and a second stop 45, each stop being configured to receive the front wheel axle 42, and the guide 43 is configured to guide the front wheel axle 42 from the first stop 44 to the second stop 45, and vice versa. The first stop 44 and the second stop 45 are arranged so that the first stop 44 is provided closer to the display platform countertop 9 than the second stop 45 (i.e., the second stop 45 is spaced farther from the display platform countertop 9 than the first stop 44). Therefore, the distance from the axle 42 to the display platform countertop 9 when the axle 42 is received by the first stop 44 is less than the distance from the axle 42 to the display platform countertop 9 when the axle 42 is received by the second stop 45 (i.e., the height of the extendable front support 37 is less when the axle 42 is received by the first stop 44 than when the axle 42 is received by the second stop 45). In this way, the first stop 44 defines a retracted configuration, while the second stop 45 defines an extended configuration of the extendable front support 37. The slot 43 extends between the first stop 44 and the second stop 45, and is provided in this example as a linear slot extending linearly between the first stop and the second stop, and is therefore inclined relative to the display platform countertop 9. Therefore, the first stop 44 and the second stop 45 are provided at opposite ends of the slot 43. The first stop 44 is spaced further from the rear axle 15 or the rear wheel rotation axis 15 than the second stop 45. Thus, the slot 43 defines a track 43 for guiding the front support member along it between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. In the example where the stand includes two legs, the slot 43 of each leg 41 can optionally be identical to each other so that the front wheel axle 42 is received in both slots 43.
[0105] In this example, the first and second stops 44, 45 are provided as first and second recesses 44, 45, respectively, within the slot 43 and extending generally upward from the slot 43, generally toward the display platform top 9, although other forms of stops are contemplated.
[0106] If available from Fig. 7A and Figure 7BAs can be seen from the comparison of FIG. 1 , the front of the display platform deck is more inclined toward the ground when the cart 7 is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel (i.e., when the cart is in a generally upright, non-tilted position or configuration) and when the extendable front support is in a retracted configuration than when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel (i.e., when the cart is in a generally upright, non-tilted position or configuration) and when the extendable front support is in a front wheel extended configuration. By inclining the front of the display platform deck 9 toward the ground in this manner, the display platform deck can be more simply or easily positioned to receive a display platform thereon, and facilitating positioning of the lateral support structures into sliding engagement with their respective legs of the display platform by sliding the display platform deck 9 within the gap 5 between the display platform base 3 and the ground.
[0107] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The manner in which the extendable front support 37 can be configured from an extended configuration and a retracted configuration is shown. Fig. 8A 4, the extended front support 37 is in an extended configuration, wherein the front wheel axle 42 is received by the second stop 45. In this configuration, the trolley 7 can be rotated around the display platform 1 received thereon (in a tilted configuration of the trolley 7 or even in a generally upright non-tilted configuration or position). If the user wishes to unload the display platform from the trolley, he simply tilts the trolley about the rear wheel axis 15, and the front wheel axle 42 falls from the second stop or notch 45 into the slot 43 under the weight of the front wheel 39. The front wheel 39 then engages the ground, and the user thereupon steers (e.g. pulls) the trolley rearwardly via the handle 12, causing the front wheel 39 to move along the slot 43 towards the first stop 44. At the same time, or with a slight delay, the user then tilts the display platform back to a generally upright position and, under the weight of the cart 7, the front axle 42 slides along the slot 43 until it is received by the notch 44 defined by the first stop 44, so that the extendable front support 37 is now in a retracted configuration in which the display platform deck 9 is tilted downward and so that the weight of the display platform 1 is now supported only by the display platform legs 4 and not by the display platform deck 9. The user then continues to maneuver (e.g., pull) the cart 7 rearwardly so that the first and second lateral support structures 20, 21 disengage their sliding engagement with their respective display platform legs 4 and the display platform 1 is unloaded from (or separated from) the cart 7.
[0108] 9A to 9C Basically shows that FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The reverse process is shown, wherein it shows the manner in which the extendable front support 37 can be configured from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. Fig. 9A4, the extendable front support 37 is in a retracted configuration, wherein the front wheel axle 42 is received by the first stop 44. In this configuration, the trolley 7 can be rotated around the display platform 1 received by it but not on it. If the user wishes to load (i.e. lift) the display platform 1 onto the trolley 7, he only needs to simply tilt the trolley 7 about the rear wheel axis 15, and the front wheel axle 42 falls from the first stop or notch 44 into the slot 43 under the weight of the front wheel 39. The front wheel 39 then slides along the slot 43 under its own weight to the second stop 45 to be received by the second stop 45 or the front wheel 39 engages with the ground and the user then steers (e.g. pushes) the trolley 7 forward via the handle 12, causing the front wheel 39 to move along the slot 43 towards the second stop 45. At the same time, or with a slight delay, the user then tilts the display platform back to a generally upright position (i.e., such that the weight of the cart 7 is supported by both the rear wheels 14 and the extendable front supports 37), and under the weight of the cart 7 or as a result of the tilting action applied by the user, the front wheel axle 42 becomes received within the recess defined by the second stop 45, such that the extendable front supports 37 are now in an extended configuration, and such that the weight of the display platform 1 is now supported by the display platform top 9, rather than by the engagement of the display platform legs 4 with the ground.
[0109] Therefore, if 8A to 9C As shown, the extendable front support 37 is configured so that tilting the cart 7 rearward (e.g., about the rear wheel rotation axis 15) causes the extendable front support 37 to reconfigure from the extended configuration and the retracted configuration, but tilting the cart 7 in the same manner also causes the extendable front support 37 to reconfigure from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. Therefore, the same action is involved when configuring the extendable front support 37 between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. This greatly improves the usability of the cart 7.
[0110] Thus, in using the present invention, the user maneuvers the cart 7 upward to the display platform to be transported, and in doing so positions the cart 7 so that the first display platform leg lateral support structures and the second display platform leg lateral support structures are aligned with the display platform legs with which they are configured to slidingly engage. Once aligned, the user pushes the cart further toward the display platform 1 (either on the rear wheels alone or on the rear wheels and the front wheels) so that the first display platform leg lateral support structures and the second display platform leg lateral support structures slidingly engage with their respective display platform legs to provide lateral stability thereto. In embodiments that include a wall shelf, the wall shelf can be positioned below the base of the display platform. In embodiments that include an extendable front support, the user then moves the cart in accordance with 9A to 9CThe display platform deck 9 is tilted backwards by the process described in the foregoing to lift the display platform 1 onto the display platform deck 9. The display platform can then be transported on the trolley by pushing the trolley in a generally upright position (with both the rear wheels and the front wheels engaged with the ground) or in an inclined configuration with only the rear wheels engaged with the ground and the front wheels not engaged with the ground. When the user wishes to unload the display platform from the trolley 7, he can follow the steps of FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The process shown causes the display platform deck 9 to tilt forward to effectively lower the display platform deck 9 so that the weight of the display platform 1 is now supported only by its feet rather than by the display platform deck 9. The trolley can then slide backward until the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure become slidably disengaged from their corresponding display platform legs 4, and the display platform 1 becomes separated from the trolley 7, ready for transportation of another display platform by the trolley 7.
[0111] It is contemplated that those skilled in the art may make various changes to the embodiments specifically described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A small display platform trolley for receiving and transporting a small display platform with legs, the small display platform having a loading surface for carrying items on the small display platform and at least one leg for supporting the loading surface, the trolley include: A first display platform leg lateral support structure, used to provide lateral support for the display platform; A second display platform leg lateral support structure, used to provide lateral support for the display platform; and wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley, so that the first display platform leg lateral support structure provides lateral support for the display platform on the trolley in a first lateral direction; and Wherein, the second display platform leg lateral support structure is constructed to engage with the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley, so that the second display platform leg lateral support structure provides lateral support for the display platform on the trolley in a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction.
2. The trolley according to claim 1, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are configured to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the first leg in both the first and second lateral directions.
3. The trolley according to claim 1, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to laterally support the first leg of the display platform in the first lateral direction, and The second display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to laterally support the second leg of the display platform in the second lateral direction.
4. The trolley according to claim 3, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure includes a support member, which is configured to engage with one side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support for the display platform on the trolley in the first lateral direction. Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure includes another support member, which is configured to engage with the opposite side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support for the display platform on the trolley in the second lateral direction.
5. The trolley according to claim 3 or 4, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure includes at least one finger, which is configured to be slidably received by a corresponding hole set in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart, so as to optionally provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart.
6. The trolley according to claim 5, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure includes two fingers, which are optionally laterally spaced apart and are constructed to be slidably received by corresponding holes provided in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart.
7. The trolley according to claim 6, in, The two fingers define a finger void space therebetween, the finger void space being configured to receive a first leg of the display platform.
8. A trolley according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in, The lateral support structure of the second display platform leg includes a support member, which is configured to engage with one side of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support for the display platform on the trolley in the second direction. Optionally, the lateral support structure of the second display platform leg includes another support member, which is configured to engage with the opposite side of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support for the display platform on the trolley in the first direction.
9. The trolley according to claim 8, in, The second display platform leg lateral support structure includes at least one finger, which is configured to be slidably received by a corresponding hole set in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart, so as to optionally provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart.
10. The trolley according to claim 8 or 9, in, The second display platform leg lateral support structure includes two fingers, which are optionally laterally spaced apart and are constructed to be slidably received by corresponding holes provided in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the display platform on the cart.
11. The trolley according to claim 10, in, The two fingers define a finger void space therebetween, the finger void space being configured to receive a first leg of the display platform.
12. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The cart further includes a display platform deck for receiving the small display platform with legs thereon when the small display platform with legs is received by the cart and for transporting the small display platform with legs thereon thereafter.
13. The trolley according to claim 12, in, The display platform top includes a ledge disposed between the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure, the ledge being configured to extend below the display platform and between the first leg and the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to support the display platform thereon.
14. The trolley according to claim 13, in, The ledge includes a guide portion of reduced width, for example, the guide portion includes a first angled or rounded guide edge and a second angled or rounded guide edge located on respective opposite sides of the ledge to facilitate the ledge to be engaged between the first leg and the second leg of the display platform.
15. A trolley according to claim 12 or 14, in, The display platform top is substantially planar.
16. A trolley according to claim 12 or 15, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure are formed integrally with the display platform table top.
17. A trolley according to claim 12 or 16, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure are substantially coplanar with the display platform table top or ledge.
18. A trolley according to any one of claims 12 to 17 as appended to claim 3, in, The display platform table comprises: a first display platform leg lateral support surface or edge configured to engage the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the first leg of the display platform in the second lateral direction; and The second display platform leg lateral support surface or edge is configured to engage the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the cart to provide lateral support for the second leg of the display platform in the first lateral direction.
19. Trolley according to claim 15 as dependent on claims 4 and 5 and / or 9, in, The supporting members of the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure, the fingers of the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure, and / or the display platform table top or its ledge are arranged in a common plane.
20. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are configured to provide interlocking engagement with the first leg and the second leg of the display platform, respectively.
21. A trolley according to any one of claims 12 to 20 as appended to claim 7 or 11, in, The finger gap space is configured as a narrow slot in the display platform surface.
22. A trolley according to any one of claims 12 to 21, in, The display platform top is substantially planar and the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are defined by a contoured edge of the display platform top.
23. The trolley according to claim 22, in, The contour edge is disposed on a front edge of the display platform top.
24. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The trolley comprises at least one motor wheel including a wheel rotation axis and a user can tilt the trolley about a tilt axis to lift the display platform, preferably the tilt axis being coaxial with the rotation axis of the motor wheel, into a wheeled transport mode for transporting the display platform on the trolley.
25. A trolley according to claim 24 as appended to any one of claims 5 to 11, in, The finger has a longitudinal axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis of rotation.
26. A trolley according to claim 24 or 25, in, The trolley includes at least one handle, preferably two handles, for manipulating the trolley, wherein the at least one handle is arranged on one side of the tilting axis and the display platform top is arranged on the other side of the tilting axis, and pushing the handle in one direction on one side of the tilting axis causes the display platform top to move in the opposite direction, so that the trolley tilts around the tilting axis to lift the display platform received by the trolley.
27. The trolley according to claim 26, in, The cart includes a substantially or generally upright frame to which the vehicle wheels, the display platform top, and the at least one handle are attached.
28. The trolley according to claim 27, in, The cart includes a substantially planar display platform deck for receiving and transporting a small display platform thereon, and the frame generally extends upwardly to define an obtuse angle with the planar loading surface.
29. A trolley according to any one of claims 24 to 28 as appended to claim 12, in: The locomotive wheel is a rear wheel of the cart, the rear wheel including a rear wheel rotation axis; The trolley also includes: an extendable front support member disposed at a distance in front of the rear wheel rotation axis; The extendable front support is reconfigurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein the front support has a height in the extended configuration that is greater than a height in the retracted configuration such that the display platform top is tilted more toward the ground when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support and when the extendable front support is in the extended configuration than when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support and when the extendable front support is in the retracted configuration.
30. The trolley according to claim 29, in, The extendable front support includes a front support member and a bracket for mounting the front support member to the cart.
31. The trolley according to claim 30, in, The front support member includes a front wheel, the front wheel including a front wheel axle, and the extendable front support can be reconfigured between a front wheel extended structure and a front wheel retracted structure, wherein the distance between the front wheel axle and the display platform table top is smaller in the front wheel retracted structure than in the front wheel extended structure, so that the display platform table top is tilted more toward the ground when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel extended structure than when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel retracted structure.
32. A trolley according to claim 30 or 31, in, The bracket includes a first stop and a second stop, wherein the first stop and the second stop are each configured to receive the front support member; wherein the first stopper is arranged closer to the display platform surface than the second stopper, so that the first stopper defines a retracted position of the front wheels and the second stopper defines an extended position of the front wheels; A guide member is configured to slidably guide the front wheel shaft to and from the first stopper and the second stopper.
33. The trolley according to claim 32, in, The first stopper is spaced further from the rear wheel rotation axis than the second stopper is spaced from the rear wheel rotation axis.
34. A trolley according to claim 32 or 33, in, The guide is provided as a slot in the bracket, and optionally, the first stop and the second stop are provided at opposite ends of the slot.
35. The trolley according to claim 34, in, The first stopper and the second stopper are configured as a first notch and a second notch respectively located in the narrow slot. Optionally, the first notch and the second notch extend from the narrow slot toward the display platform surface.
36. A trolley according to claim 34 or 35, in, The slot defines a track for guiding the front support member along the track.
37. A trolley according to any one of claims 29 to 36, in, The extendable front support is arranged toward the front of the display platform top.
38. A trolley according to any one of claims 29 to 37, in, The extendable front support is configured such that tilting of the wheelbarrow about the rear wheel rotation axis causes the extendable front support to be reconfigured to and from the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.
39. A trolley according to any one of claims 29 to 38, in, The extendable front support is disposed on an underside of the display platform top.
40. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The trolley is manually propelled.
41. A kit comprising a small display platform on legs and a trolley according to any preceding claim.
42. A method of receiving and transporting a small display platform with legs on a small display platform trolley according to any preceding claim, the trolley comprising a display platform deck for receiving the small display platform with legs thereon when the small display platform with legs is received by the trolley and for transporting the small display platform with legs thereon thereon, the method The following steps are involved: The small display platform with legs is received on the cart by positioning the display platform deck below a loading surface when the display platform is positioned on the ground, so that a first display platform leg lateral support structure is slidably engaged with a first leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the first leg, and a second display platform leg lateral support structure is slidably engaged with a second leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the second leg, thereby supporting the display platform laterally relative to the cart by the first display platform leg lateral support and the second display platform leg lateral support.
43. The method according to claim 42, in, The trolley comprises at least one locomotive wheel, the at least one locomotive wheel comprising a wheel rotation axis, and the trolley can be tilted by a user into a wheeled transport mode for transporting the display platform on the trolley, after the step of receiving the display platform on the trolley, the method comprises the following steps: Tilt the cart about the locomotive wheel rotation axis into a wheeled transport mode of the cart such that the display platform deck lifts the cart off the ground; and The display platform is transported on the cart while the cart is tilted into the wheeled transport mode.
44. A trolley for lifting and transporting a small display platform with legs thereon, the trolley include: at least one rear wheel including a rear wheel rotation axis, the rear wheel being configured to rotate about the rear wheel rotation axis; a display platform top for receiving a small display platform with legs thereon; an extendable front support member disposed at a distance in front of the rear wheel rotation axis; The extendable front support is reconfigurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, the front support having a height in the extended configuration greater than a height in the retracted configuration, such that the display platform top is lowered toward the ground further when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support and when the extendable front support is in the extended configuration than when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the extendable front support and when the extendable front support is in the retracted configuration.
45. The trolley according to claim 44, in, The extendable front support includes a front support member and a bracket for mounting the front support member to the cart.
46. The trolley according to claim 45, in, The front support member includes a front wheel, the front wheel including a front wheel axle, the extendable front support being reconfigurable between a front wheel extended configuration and a front wheel retracted configuration, wherein a distance between the front wheel axle and the display platform top is smaller in the front wheel retracted configuration than in the front wheel extended configuration, so that the display platform top is lowered toward the ground more when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel extended configuration than when the cart is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the extendable front support is in the front wheel retracted configuration.
47. A trolley according to claim 45 or 46, in, The bracket includes a first stop and a second stop, wherein the first stop and the second stop are each configured to receive the front support member; wherein the first stopper is arranged closer to the display platform surface than the second stopper, so that the first stopper defines a retracted position of the front wheels and the second stopper defines an extended position of the front wheels; A guide configured to slidably guide the front wheel shaft to and from the first stopper and the second stopper.
48. The trolley according to claim 47, in, The first stopper is spaced further from the rear wheel rotation axis than the second stopper is spaced from the rear wheel rotation axis.
49. A trolley according to claim 47 or 48, in, The guide is provided as a slot in the bracket, and optionally, the first stop and the second stop are provided at opposite ends of the slot.
50. The trolley according to claim 49, in, The first stopper and the second stopper are configured as first notches and second notches respectively located in the narrow slot. Optionally, the notches extend from the narrow slot toward the display platform surface.
51. A trolley according to claim 49 or 5 (), in, The slot defines a track for guiding the front support member along the track.
52. A trolley according to any one of claims 44 to 51, in, The extendable front support is arranged toward the front of the display platform top.
53. A trolley according to any one of claims 44 to 52, in, The extendable front support is configured such that tilting of the wheelbarrow about the rear wheel rotation axis causes the extendable front support to be reconfigured to and from the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.
54. A trolley according to any one of claims 44 to 53, in, The extendable front support is arranged on the lower side of the display platform table top.
