MULTIFUNCTIONAL CART WITH SWIVEL BACKREST

Abstract

Multifunctional trolley with swiveling backrest. The invention relates to a trolley (1) having a forward-backward direction, the trolley (1) comprising: - a frame structure (3, 6, 7); - a plurality of wheels (4, 8); - a handle (5) disposed at a rear end of the trolley (1) and configured for manually moving the trolley (1); - a housing (2); The housing (2) being able to change from a basket configuration to a seat configuration and vice versa while remaining attached to the frame structure (3, 6, 7); in which The housing (2) comprises: - a seat (2a) - a backrest, consisting of: * a fixed part of the backrest (2b) located at the rear of the seat (2a) * a movable part of the backrest (2c) The movable part of the backrest (2c) pivots on a lateral axis (10) through an angle between 160 and 220 degrees when the housing is changed from the basket configuration to the seat configuration or vice versa. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: [Fig. 11]

Description

Title of the invention: MULTIFUNCTIONAL TROLLEY WITH SWIVEL BACKREST FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional trolley capable of switching from a basket configuration (allowing objects or articles to be transported) to a seat configuration (allowing a person to sit) and vice versa. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Many types of trolleys exist for transporting objects and / or products.

[0003] For example, the "shopping cart" type trolley widely used in large stores is configured for transporting goods. Some models also include a small folding seat that can only be used by children. This type of trolley therefore does not allow an adult, especially an elderly person or a person with walking difficulties, to use it as a seat.

[0004] In airport terminals, train stations or other areas, another type of trolley exists, which facilitates the transport of luggage. However, this type of trolley does not allow its use as a seat. Thus, during periods of high passenger traffic, and due to the fixed and limited number of existing seats, a large number of passengers are unable to sit down, a problem which is aggravated during possible flight or train delays.

[0005] We also know of walking frames used by people who have difficulty walking, which have a seat on their front part allowing the person using them to sit down.

[0006] There is therefore a real need to provide a multifunctional trolley that can be used in commercial spaces, particularly airport terminals, capable of improving the quality of service and making life easier for users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] [fig.l] schematically represents a perspective view of the multifunctional trolley according to a first embodiment, the trolley being in the basket configuration.

[0008] [Fig. 2] schematically represents a side view of the multifunctional trolley according to the first embodiment, the trolley being in the basket configuration.

[0009] [Fig. 3] schematically represents a perspective view of the mul trolley functional according to the first embodiment, the trolley being in a transient configuration.

[0010] [Fig.4] schematically represents a side view of the multifunctional trolley according to the first embodiment, the trolley being in a transitional configuration.

[0011] [Fig. 5] schematically represents a perspective view of the multifunctional trolley according to the first embodiment, the trolley being in the seat configuration.

[0012] [Fig. 6] schematically represents a side view of the multifunctional trolley according to the first embodiment, the trolley having in the seat configuration.

[0013] [Fig.7] schematically represents a perspective view of the multifunctional trolley according to a second embodiment, the trolley being in the basket configuration.

[0014] [Fig.8] schematically represents a side view of the multifunctional trolley according to the second embodiment, the trolley being in the basket configuration.

[0015] [Fig.9] schematically represents a perspective view of the multifunctional trolley according to the second embodiment, the trolley being in a transitional configuration.

[0016] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a side view of the multifunctional trolley according to the second embodiment, the trolley being in a transitional configuration.

[0017] [Fig. 11] schematically represents a perspective view of the multifunctional trolley according to the second embodiment, the trolley being in the seat configuration.

[0018] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a side view of the multifunctional trolley according to the second embodiment, the trolley being in the seat configuration.

[0019] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The invention is now described in more detail and in a non-limiting manner in the following description.

[0021] The invention relates firstly to a trolley having a front-rear direction, the trolley comprising: - a frame structure (3, 6, 7); - a plurality of wheels (4, 8); - a handle (5) arranged at a rear end of the trolley and configured to manually move the trolley (1); - accommodation (2);

[0022] Preferably, the housing 2 according to the invention is not removable from the frame structure of the trolley. In the basket configuration, the housing 2 is configured for the transport of objects or articles arranged therein, the user being able to push or pull the trolley to move it manually by rolling it on the ground. In the seat configuration, the housing 2 is configured to allow a user, preferably an adult user, to sit in the housing. Moreover, the trolley according to the invention can also be used as a stroller for transporting children or as a wheelchair for transporting people with reduced mobility.

[0023] Advantageously, according to certain embodiments, this trolley is capable of being nested horizontally and stored with one or more identical trolleys, with a space saving similar to existing conventional shopping carts or trolleys.

[0024] The housing comprises either a single curved wall or a plurality of walls, defining a hollow space. The housing comprises an opening providing access to the hollow space. The orientation of the opening can be modified according to the configuration of the trolley. The housing can change from a basket configuration to a seat configuration and vice versa while remaining integral with the frame structure; wherein:

[0025] Preferably, the wall(s) constituting the housing are solid walls, for example made of wood, plastic material, metal material, composite material, or a combination thereof. The walls are preferably solid, but may alternatively be pierced with holes, or be in the form of grids.

[0026] The solid wall(s) may optionally be covered with padding, textile material or other.

[0027] Referring initially to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the trolley 1 may comprise a housing 2 fixed to a frame structure. The trolley 1 also comprises a plurality of wheels 4, 8 (for example four in number, as illustrated) fixed to a lower part of the frame structure and intended to be in contact with the ground. The wheels 4, 8 are preferably orbital wheels capable of pivoting vertically through 360°. The trolley also comprises at least one handle 5 fixed to the frame structure and intended to be manipulated, and allowing the manual movement of the trolley 1, that is to say allowing a user to push or pull the trolley 1 by rolling it on the ground. A front-rear direction is defined in the horizontal plane, the handle 5 being fixed to the rear of the trolley 1. A lateral or right-left direction is defined in the horizontal plane, orthogonal to the front-rear direction..

[0028] In some variants, as illustrated, the frame structure comprises two uprights 3. The housing 2 can then be arranged between the two uprights 3 and fixed to these. The seat 2a and the fixed part of the backrest 2b can be maintained without possible movement with respect to the frame structure.

[0029] The uprights 3 have an at least partially vertical orientation. Preferably they have a partially vertical and partially rearward (bottom to top) orientation. They may be essentially rectilinear. Alternatively and preferably, as illustrated, they may have two or more successive rectilinear portions, or a curved shape. The uprights 3 may in particular have a curvature such that the angle between the uprights 3 and the vertical direction increases from bottom to top, as illustrated.

[0030] In some variants, the handle 5 may be arranged in the form of a transverse bar between the uprights 3, preferably at an upper and rear end thereof. Alternatively, several handles 5 may be provided, for example one handle per upright 3.

[0031] A portion of the wheels 4 may be arranged at the lower ends (feet) of the uprights 3. In the example illustrated, each upright 3 has a respective front wheel 4.

[0032] The frame structure may also include additional uprights and / or additional legs for supporting wheels 8, and / or one or more crossbars and / or one or more trays.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the frame structure comprises a lower tray 6, comprising side bars 7. This may be fixed between the uprights 3, under the housing 2, and preferably extend towards the rear of the trolley 1 from the uprights 3. It may be inclined downwards in the rear direction, and support rear wheels 8. Alternatively, the lower tray 6 may be essentially horizontal and be secured to additional feet or uprights at its rear end. The lower tray 6 may be configured to receive and transport objects such as luggage. The lower tray 6 may be made of metal wires, as illustrated, or else by a solid wall or else by a wall pierced with holes, or else by a grid.

[0034] Housing 2 comprises: - a 2a seat: a surface whose inclination relative to the horizontal is less than 10 degrees and located below the backrest. - a backrest: one or more surfaces whose inclination relative to the horizontal is greater than 10 degrees and located above the seat.

[0035] The housing file consists of: - a fixed part of the backrest 2b located at the rear of the seat 2a: - a mobile part of the 2c file

[0036] The movable part of the backrest 2c pivots on a lateral axis 10 by an angle between 160 and 220 degrees when the housing is moved from the basket configuration to the seat configuration or vice versa.

[0037] In the seat configuration, the movable part of the backrest 2c is located at the rear of the housing 2 and above the fixed part of the backrest 2b

[0038] In the basket configuration, the movable part of the backrest 2c is located at the front of the housing 2, opposite the fixed part of the backrest 2b and immediately above the seat 2a.

[0039] The seat configuration and the basket configuration are two stable configurations, when moving from one configuration to the other the mobile part of the backrest 2c will go through a series of unstable transient configurations during pivoting.

[0040] In embodiments, the housing 2 is entirely formed by one or more solid walls.

[0041] The seat 2a and the fixed part of the backrest 2b may in particular, as illustrated in the first embodiment, constitute a single curved wall, of the shell type, defining a hollow space. In this case, the seat 2a is defined as the portion of this continuous surface whose inclination relative to the horizontal is less than 10 degrees; the fixed part of the backrest 2b is defined as the portion of this continuous surface whose inclination relative to the horizontal is greater than 10 degrees. This curved wall may in particular have the shape of a portion of a sphere, or a portion of an ovoid, or a portion of an ellipsoid, or any other related shape.

[0042] In embodiments, the pivot axis 10 of the movable part of the backrest 2c is located at the upper and front end of the fixed part of the backrest 2b.

[0043] In embodiments, the frame structure comprises two uprights 3, the housing 2 being arranged between the two uprights 3, the pivot axis 10 of the movable part of the backrest 2c is produced by two aligned rods integral with the movable part of the backrest 2c and located on either side thereof. Each of the facing rods is inserted into a hole present in an upright 3 of the frame structure. This device allows the movable part of the backrest 2c to pivot on an axis 10 aligned with the rods.

[0044] In embodiments, the frame structure comprises two uprights 3, the housing 2 being arranged between the two uprights 3, the pivot axis 10 of the movable part of the backrest 2c is produced by two aligned rods secured to the frame and located on either side of the movable part of the backrest 2c. Each of the facing rods is inserted into a hole present in the movable part of the backrest 2c. This device allows the movable part of the backrest 2c to pivot on an axis 10 aligned with the rods.

[0045] In embodiments, the pivot axis of the movable part of the backrest 2c is produced by two aligned hinges located on either side of the movable part of the backrest 2c. These hinges are secured to both the movable part of the backrest and the uprights 3 or the fixed part of the backrest 2b. This device allows the movable part of the backrest 2c to pivot on an axis 10 aligned with the hinges.

[0046] The trolley 1 may also comprise an upper shelf 9, which may in particular be fixed between the uprights 3, above the housing 2. The shelf 9 is preferably essentially horizontal but may alternatively be inclined. It may for example be configured to receive objects such as a mobile phone, keys, a handbag, a wallet, a cup or the like.

[0047] According to the first embodiment, the housing 2 can be in the basket configuration illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. In this basket configuration, the movable part of the backrest 2c can then undergo an overall forward pivoting movement (along a lateral axis 10), resulting in the transition to the seat configuration illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. During this pivoting movement, the movable part of the backrest 2c passes through a series of unstable transient configurations as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0048] In the seat configuration, the trolley 1 can be nested with one or more identical trolleys in order to store them compactly.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the housing 2 as illustrated can be made with metal wires welded together. The seat 2a comprises horizontal portions along the front-rear axis. The design of the metal wires in the plane of the seat 2a makes it possible to effectively fit the housings 2 of adjacent trolleys 1 together for storing them.

[0050] In particular, the lower tray 6 of a front trolley can be inserted between the uprights 3 of a rear trolley, thanks to the plan drawing of the metal wires which constitute it, as illustrated, or even thanks to the inclination of the lower tray 6. The housing 2 can have a shape such that the housing 2 of the rear trolley fits at least partially with the housing 2 of the front trolley, in the storage configuration. The distance between two successive nested trolleys (point to point) can thus be, preferably, less than or equal to 300 mm, preferably less than or equal to 200 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 140 mm.

[0051] A second embodiment of the carriage 1 is now described, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12. This carriage 1 has a structure similar to that of the first embodiment, and may have the same optional characteristics. In particular, the housing 2 as illustrated is made up of several solid walls.

[0052] According to this second embodiment, the housing 2 can be in the basket configuration illustrated in figures 7 and 8. The movable part of the backrest 2c can then undergo an overall pivoting movement towards the front (along a lateral axis 10), with the result of the transition to the seat configuration illustrated in figures 11 and 12. During this pivoting movement, the movable part of the backrest 2c passes through a series of unstable transient configurations as illustrated in figures 9 and 10.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the housing 2 as illustrated can be produced with solid walls preferably made of wood, metal or plastic. The seat 2a preferably has a rearwardly inclined orientation (i.e. the elevation of the seat 2a is higher at its front end than at its rear end). The seat 2a could also have a forwardly inclined orientation (i.e. the elevation of the seat 2a would be lower at its front end than at its rear end). Thus, it is possible to efficiently nest the housings 2 of adjacent trolleys 1 for storage, thanks to the inclination of the seat 2a.

[0054] In the seat configuration, the trolley 1 can be nested with one or more identical trolleys in order to store them compactly due to the inclination of the seat 2a.

[0055] Whatever the embodiment, the trolley 1 may also comprise one or more hooks (not illustrated in the figures) adapted for hanging objects such as for example a handbag, a coat or the like. These hooks may be provided on the frame structure, and for example on one or more uprights 3 or on the shelf 9.

[0056] In addition, whatever the embodiment, the trolley 1 may comprise a braking device (not shown in the figures) configured to brake the movement of the trolley 1. The trolley 1 may also comprise a locking device (not shown), configured to totally or partially block the wheels 4, 8. The braking device and / or the locking device may for example be activated by an activation element located in the handle 5. Alternatively, the braking device and / or the locking device may be active by default and be deactivated by a deactivation element for example located in the handle 5, in particular when the trolley 1 is pushed. It is particularly advantageous to be able to lock the wheels 4, 8 when the trolley 1 is in the seat configuration in order to prevent the trolley 1 from moving when a person is sitting on it.

[0057] Regardless of the embodiment, the trolley 1 may comprise one or more elements (not shown) configured to hold a person in the housing 2 when the trolley 1 is in the seat configuration. These elements may in particular comprise a seat belt.

[0058] Regardless of the embodiment, the trolley 1 may comprise one or more elements (not shown) configured to allow the seated person to rest their feet when the trolley 1 is in the seat configuration.

[0059] The trolley 1 according to the invention may have maximum dimensions of 450 to 1000 mm in length (in the front-rear direction), 400 to 700 mm in width and 800 to 1200 mm in height, and preferably 700 mm to 900 mm in length, 500 to 600 mm in width and 1050 to 1150 mm in height.

[0060] The housing 2 of the trolley 1 of the invention may in particular have a maximum dimension in length (front-rear direction) in the basket configuration of 400 to 800 mm, preferably from 500 to 700 mm, and more preferably from 550 to 650 mm.

[0061] The housing 2 of the trolley 1 of the invention may in particular have a maximum dimension in width (lateral direction) in the basket configuration of 300 to 700 mm; preferably from 350 to 600 mm; and more preferably from 400 to 500 mm.

[0062] The trolley 1 according to the invention may be provided with an electronic system comprising for example a chip, a transmitter, a receiver, optionally a battery, one or more position sensors, pressure sensors, etc. Advantageously, the electronic system is capable of communicating via a wireless connection with an external element, for example a computer, a server, a tablet or a mobile phone. The wireless connection may for example be chosen from a radio frequency connection, a Bluetooth connection and a Wifi connection.

[0063] This electronic system may, for example, allow the trolley 1 to be located in order to enable the monitoring and management of the various trolleys in the space where they are used. In addition, this electronic system may in particular allow the collection of information concerning the use of the trolley 1. Such information may include, for example, the times and durations of stay of the trolley 1 in one or more given geographical areas, the possible speed of movement of the trolley 1, the basket or seat configuration of the trolley, the possible presence of an object or a person in the housing 2 of the trolley, etc.

[0064] The trolley 1 according to the invention can be advantageously used in an airport terminal or in a train station or in a shopping center.

[0065] The trolley 1 according to the invention can also be used in any commercial or urban space which requires the use of a trolley which can adopt a seat configuration and a basket configuration as required.

Claims

Claims

1. Trolley (1) having a front-rear direction, the trolley (1) comprising: - a frame structure (3, 6, 7); - a plurality of wheels (4, 8); - a handle (5) arranged at a rear end of the trolley (1) and configured to manually move the trolley (1); - a housing (2); the housing (2) being able to change from a basket configuration to a seat configuration and vice versa while remaining integral with the frame structure (3, 6, 7); wherein the housing (2) comprises: - a seat (2a) comprising a surface whose inclination with respect to the horizontal is less than 10 degrees and located below the backrest; - a backrest (2b, 2c) comprising one or more surfaces whose inclination with respect to the horizontal is greater than 10 degrees and located above the seat; in which the backrest (2b, 2c) of the housing (2) consists of: - a fixed part of the backrest (2b) located at the rear of the seat (2a); - a movable part of the backrest (2c);and in which the movable part of the backrest (2c) pivots, on a lateral axis (10) in a direction in a horizontal plane which is orthogonal to the front-rear direction, by an angle of between 160 and 220 degrees when the housing is moved from the basket configuration to the seat configuration or vice versa.;

2. Trolley (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame structure (3, 6, 7) comprises two uprights (3), the housing (2) being arranged between the two uprights (3) and fixed thereto, and wherein the seat (2a) and the fixed part of the backrest (2b) are held without possible movement relative to the frame structure.

3. Trolley (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the housing (2) is entirely formed by one or more solid walls.

4. Trolley (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which, in seat configuration, the movable part of the backrest (2c) is located at the rear of the housing (2) and above the fixed part of the backrest (2b) and in which, in basket configuration, the movable part of the backrest (2c) is located at the front of the housing (2), opposite the fixed part of the backrest (2b) and immediately above the seat (2a).

5. Trolley (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the pivot axis (10) of the movable part of the backrest (2c) is located at the upper and front end of the fixed part of the backrest (2b).

6. Trolley (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame structure (3, 6, 7) comprises two uprights (3), the housing (2) being arranged between the two uprights (3), the pivoting of the movable part of the backrest (2c) is carried out by two aligned rods integral with the movable part of the backrest (2c) and located on either side thereof; and wherein each of the facing rods is inserted into a hole present in an upright (3) of the frame structure; the movable part of the backrest (2c) being configured to pivot on the pivot axis (10) aligned with the rods.

7. Trolley (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame structure (3, 6, 7) comprises two uprights (3), the housing (2) being arranged between the two uprights (3), the pivoting of the movable part of the backrest (2c) is carried out by two aligned rods secured to the frame and located on either side of the movable part of the backrest (2c); and wherein each of the facing rods is inserted into a hole present in the movable part of the backrest (2c); the movable part of the backrest (2c) being configured to pivot on the pivot axis (10) aligned with the rods.

8. Trolley (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame structure (3, 6, 7) comprises two uprights (3), the housing (2) being arranged between the two uprights (3), the pivoting of the movable part of the backrest (2c) is achieved by two aligned hinges located on either side of the movable part of the backrest (2c), these hinges being integral with both the movable part of the backrest (2c) and the uprights (3) or the fixed part of the backrest (2b); movable part of the backrest being configured to pivot on the pivot axis (10) aligned with the hinges.

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