Equipment carrier trolley

Abstract

EQUIPMENT CARRIER Trolley (100) equipment carrier comprising a chassis (10) having a first structure (101) and a second structure (102), a first platform (11) fixed on an upper part of the first structure (101) of the chassis (10), a plurality of casters (103) fixed to the base of the second structure (102), the second structure (102) being able to slide in the first structure (101) such that the chassis (10) is adjustable in height between a low position and a high position; the first platform (11) having a plurality of openings adapted to receive various equipment and / or tools and / or materials;the chassis (10) further comprising a main storage compartment (13) positioned in a lower part of the first structure (101) and a rack (14) positioned in the upper part of the first structure (101), said compartment and said rack being positioned opposite each other and along the same edge of said chassis. Figure of the abstract: figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Equipment carrier trolley technical field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of load transport trolleys.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to an equipment trolley for use by tradespeople working on construction sites.

[0003] The invention finds in particular a direct application in the construction and building sectors, without this presenting a limitation to the present invention. State of the art

[0004] Craft trades are tending to evolve significantly towards increased mechanization. This transition aims primarily to improve work efficiency while increasing the quality of the products obtained.

[0005] This is particularly the case for plasterers and jointers who use various mechanized and automated equipment designed to facilitate tasks and reduce the physical fatigue associated with intensive manual processes.

[0006] The use of automatic jointing machines for applying joint compound between plasterboard panels is a significant example of this trend. These devices allow for faster and more uniform application of joint compound, thus reducing working time and the risk of human error. However, one of the notable drawbacks of these machines lies in their size and the logistical challenges they pose on construction sites. Large machines add further complexity to transport and handling, thereby increasing the risk of material damage and injury to the tradesperson.

[0007] The management of equipment and materials, such as knives, spatulas, and buckets of plaster, is also an important concern. Buckets of plaster, often weighing approximately 20 kg, represent a considerable load for workers, who must not only transport these materials across the construction site but also ensure their safe handling.

[0008] A crucial aspect of using automatic belt machines is filling the loading boxes. Currently, the process involves placing the loading pump on the floor, requiring the operator to adjust their posture to reach this equipment. This method demands significant physical movement and often has to be performed in uncomfortable positions, which is not optimal for the operator's long-term physical well-being.

[0009] Although some devices already exist for transporting loads, such as rolling platforms, their use on construction sites remains limited. Indeed, these tools are not always designed to withstand the rigors of construction site environments, nor are they specifically adapted to the needs of tradespeople working in confined spaces or on uneven building surfaces.

[0010] Document FR3085611A1 describes a trolley for storing various types of tools, including at least one drawer. The height of the trolley described in this document is fixed and therefore not suitable for tasks that can be performed on stilts or stepladders. Furthermore, this type of trolley is intended for workshop use and is generally too heavy to be easily transported, particularly up and down stairs.

[0011] Document WO2024153834A1 describes an electrician's cable and tool trolley for transporting electrical equipment on construction sites. Its design improves ergonomics and efficiency during work carried out on installations. However, this trolley is not suitable for transporting heavy loads, and its height is not adjustable.

[0012] In summary, the transformation of skilled trades through the integration of mechanized tools addresses a pressing need to improve the efficiency and quality of construction processes. However, challenges related to ergonomics, the adaptability of equipment to site environments, and the physical well-being of tradespeople persist. Further innovation in this area must focus on designing equipment that not only improves work processes but also minimizes physical strain and maximizes workplace safety. For tradespeople such as drywall finishers and plasterers, this approach is key to better integrating advanced technologies while ensuring improved health and safety at work. Presentation of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the disadvantages presented above.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to an equipment trolley comprising a chassis having a first structure and a second structure, a first platform fixed to an upper part of the first chassis structure, and a plurality of casters fixed to the base of the second structure. The trolley is remarkable in that the second structure is able to slide within the first structure such that the chassis is height-adjustable between a low and a high position; the first platform having a plurality of openings adapted to receive various equipment and / or tools and / or materials; the chassis further comprising a main storage compartment positioned in a lower part of the first structure and a rack positioned in the upper part of the first structure, said compartment and said rack being positioned opposite each other and along the same edge of said chassis.

[0015] Advantageously, the equipment carrier trolley is designed so that it can be used by different trades and technical fields, in particular due to its modularity.

[0016] Advantageously, the first platform further comprises at least one mechanical or magnetic fastening system intended to immobilize at least one piece of equipment on said platform.

[0017] According to another particular feature of the invention, the fastening system is intended to hold a pump for loading a joint preparation for plasterboard.

[0018] According to another particular feature of the invention, the trolley further comprises at least one second platform.

[0019] Advantageously, the second platform is fixed on a lower part of the first structure of said trolley.

[0020] Advantageously, part of the plurality of openings are grooves of length L112, said length being variable, and said grooves having a width 1112 substantially equal to 3 mm. These dimensions of the grooves allow them to accommodate knives and spatulas used by jointers.

[0021] According to another particular feature of the invention, another part of the plurality of openings are circular-shaped housings, each of said housings being adapted to receive a screwdriver.

[0022] According to another particular feature of the invention, the trolley has an adjustable height h 100 between 70 cm and 160 cm.

[0023] Advantageously, the main storage compartment and the rack are removable.

[0024] According to another particular feature of the invention, the first tray and / or the second tray has, on all or part of their surface, a non-slip coating.

[0025] The fundamental concepts of the invention having been set forth above in their most elementary form, other details and features will become clearer upon reading the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Presentation of the drawings

[0026] The figures are given for illustrative purposes only to aid in understanding the invention without limiting its scope. The various elements may They are represented schematically and are not necessarily to the same scale. Across all figures, identical or equivalent elements have the same numerical reference.

[0027] It is thus illustrated in:

[0028] [Fig-1]: a front and perspective view of an equipment carrier trolley, in a high position, according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig.2]: a rear and perspective view of the equipment carrier trolley, in the lowered position;

[0030] [Fig.3]: a top view of a first platform of the equipment carrier trolley;

[0031] [Fig.4]: a detailed view of a height adjustment system for the equipment carrier trolley;

[0032] [Fig.5A]: a first rear and perspective view of the equipment carrier trolley in the lowered position, said trolley including examples of equipment;

[0033] [Fig.5B]: a second rear and perspective view of the equipment carrier trolley in the lowered position, said trolley carrying various equipment. Detailed description of implementation methods

[0034] It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to those skilled in the art are described here to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

[0035] In the embodiment described below, reference is made to an ergonomic and modular equipment trolley. The example used to describe the application of the invention is a trolley intended for drywall installers and finishers, and is not limiting. Indeed, the equipment trolley is designed so that it can be used by various trades, such as electricians, mechanics, painters, and other technical fields, particularly due to its modularity. Advantageously, the height adjustment of the equipment trolley allows the working height to be adapted to the tradesperson, avoids working on the ground, and thus minimizes physical exertion and uncomfortable positions that can lead to fatigue or musculoskeletal disorders.

[0036] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 respectively represent a front and perspective view of a 100 equipment carrier trolley when said trolley is in the raised position, and a rear and perspective view when said trolley is in the lowered position, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0037] The equipment carrier trolley 100 comprises a chassis 10, a first platform 11, a second platform 12, a main storage compartment 13 and a rack 14.

[0038] The frame comprises a first structure 101 and a second structure 102, each of said structures comprising respectively at least one upright 1010 and 1020, the at least one upright 1020 of the second structure 102 being capable of sliding in the corresponding amount 1010 of the first structure 101, such that the chassis 10 is height adjustable between a low position and a high position.

[0039] In order to adapt the height between the low position and the high position of the chassis 10, the chassis 10 includes a height adjustment system, shown in detail in [Fig.4].

[0040] In the preferred mode of the invention, the height adjustment system comprises at least one push button 1022 positioned on at least one of the uprights 1020 of the second structure 102, and which fits, one at a time, into a plurality of holes 1011, positioned at regular intervals on an edge of at least one upright 1010 of the first structure 101.

[0041] The chassis 10 also includes a plurality of casters 103 fixed to the base of the second structure 102. At least one of the casters 103 includes a locking system (not shown here) to stabilize and prevent any movement of the trolley 100 when the craftsman is performing a task, or when said trolley is stored.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, all the casters 103 have a central pivot that swivels 360° (not shown here) to facilitate the movement and maneuvering of the trolley 100. Preferably, the casters 103 have a tread made of molded polyurethane (PU) and a rigid plastic or metal core.

[0043] The chassis 10 further includes a steering bar 104 for maneuvering the carriage 100. The steering bar 104 is, in a particular embodiment of the invention, fixed to the chassis, or, in another particular embodiment of the invention, removable.

[0044] The chassis 10 further comprises a main storage compartment 13 and a rack 14.

[0045] The main storage compartment 13 is positioned in a lower part of the first structure 101.

[0046] The rack 14 is positioned in the upper part of the first structure 101.

[0047] The main storage compartment 13 and the rack 14 are positioned opposite each other and along the same edge of the chassis 10.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the main storage compartment 13 and the rack 14 are positioned outside the chassis.

[0049] Alternatively, the main storage compartment 13 and the rack 14 are positioned inside the chassis, thus minimizing the dimensions of the trolley 100.

[0050] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the main storage compartment 13 and the rack 14 are removable, which facilitates the storage of the trolley 100 when said compartment and rack are removed. Advantageously, the main storage compartment 13 and the rack 14 are customizable in depending on the trades for which the trolley is intended. Thus, and for the same first platform 11, the trolley 100 is suitable for several trades.

[0051] Alternatively, the main storage compartment 13 has a plurality of secondary storage compartments 131, and the rack 14 has a plurality of locations 141. The plurality of secondary storage compartments 131 and the plurality of locations 141 allow for better storage and distribution of the various equipment, such as handles, compared to trolleys that are not equipped with such compartments or locations. Indeed, the presence of the secondary storage compartments 131 and the locations 141 limits the movement of the equipment stored therein.

[0052] Advantageously, the rack 14 can be used to maneuver the trolley 100, the steering bar 104 then being optional, thus reducing the length L100 of said trolley.

[0053] The first plate 11 is fixed, preferably by means of a plurality of screws, on an upper part of the first structure 101 of the chassis 10.

[0054] In another particular embodiment of the invention, the first plate 11 is brazed or welded onto the upper part of the first structure 101.

[0055] The first tray 11 has a plurality of openings adapted to receive, without limitation: - various equipment; and / or - various tools such as screwdrivers, wire cutters; and / or - materials such as electrical cables.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, part of the openings are grooves 112 and another part of the openings are circular housings 113.

[0057] The grooves 112 are intended to house, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, knives and spatulas used by jointers on construction sites.

[0058] On construction sites, knives and spatulas are typically transported and stored in buckets or tubs. This keeps them in contact, which accelerates their deterioration. Advantageously, compared to this type of transport and storage method, the grooves 112 allow knives and spatulas to be stored without damaging them. Indeed, the knives and spatulas are not in contact when stored in the grooves 112. The grooves 112 thus help preserve this equipment so that it can be used for as long as possible, and also facilitate the work of the plasterer, who has all the knives and spatulas he needs readily available.

[0059] The knives and spatulas are therefore kept safe from any damage while remaining easily accessible.

[0060] The circular housings 113 are each intended to receive a screwdriver.

[0061] In addition, the first platform 11 includes at least one fastening system 111 intended to immobilize at least one piece of equipment on said platform 11.

[0062] Preferably, the fastening system 111 is a plate, screwed onto the first plate 11, said plate operates the immobilization of the equipment mechanically by inserting a part of said equipment into a space formed between said plate and said plate, and by holding said equipment by means of at least one screw (not shown here).

[0063] In another particular embodiment, the first plate 11 is made of a ferromagnetic metal, and the plate is held magnetically on the first plate 11, by means of magnets (not shown here), which allows the fixing system 111 to be positioned without constraint of predefined locations.

[0064] Preferably, the fastening system 111 is intended to hold a pump for loading a joint compound for plasterboard. The fastening system 111 is then designed to secure the loading pump reliably, thus reducing the risk of imbalance during its use. This ergonomic feature allows the tradesperson to fill the containers without having to bend over, minimizing physical exertion and uncomfortable positions that can lead to fatigue or musculoskeletal disorders.

[0065] Installing the loading pump on the trolley 100 presents a stability and balance challenge during use by the craftsman, who applies a force that could destabilize the trolley. Furthermore, the design of the trolley 100 also requires minimizing the footprint of the first platform 11 to ensure the compactness necessary for movement through the various rooms of a worksite, particularly for passing through narrow doorways.

[0066] Advantageously, since the loading pump is not left on the ground, there is no risk of it being inadvertently damaged on a construction site.

[0067] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first platform 11 is wholly or partly covered by an anti-slip coating on its surface, thus reducing the slippage of equipment placed on said platform.

[0068] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the second platform 12 is fixed at the base of the second structure 102 of the chassis 10. Thus, when the trolley 100 is in the high position, the mass loaded on the second platform remains as close as possible to the ground, leaving the center of gravity of said trolley at its lowest, thereby increasing its stability and reducing the risk of tipping of said trolley when it is moved.

[0069] The second shelf 12 provides additional storage space, allowing for the transport of buckets of plaster or other equipment needed for finishing operations. The logical and practical arrangement of the first shelf 11 and the second shelf 12 aims to efficiently organize the workspace while facilitating the transport of the necessary tools and materials.

[0070] Finally, an overall contour of the carriage 100 is inscribed in a parallelepiped P, represented by a dashed line on [Fig.1].

[0071] More specifically, the parallelepiped P is defined by a length L100, a width 1100 and a height h 100.

[0072] Advantageously, the width 1100 is less than the standard door frame, so that the trolley 100 can be moved into all the rooms of a construction site.

[0073] As previously mentioned, the height hlOO is adjustable and ranges from 70 cm to 160 cm. This feature is crucial for assisting craftsmen, particularly those working on stilts, thus allowing them better ergonomics and easier access to tools when working at elevated levels.

[0074] Preferably, the length L100 is between 80 cm and 140 cm, without this being a limit for the invention.

[0075] Preferably, the chassis 10, the first platform 11, the second platform 12, the main storage compartment 13 and the rack 14 are made of aluminum in order to obtain a trolley 100 which has a total mass of around 20 to 25 kg, in other words which is as light as possible, in comparison with state-of-the-art trolleys.

[0076] The choice of aluminum as the manufacturing material for the 100 trolley therefore contributes to reducing its overall mass, thereby increasing its maneuverability without compromising its robustness. Furthermore, the choice of aluminum is also justified by the high corrosion resistance of this material, which is particularly advantageous in the harsh environments typical of construction sites.

[0077] In the end, the 100 trolley offers a work platform that is organized, ergonomic, and that makes it easier and saves time for craftsmen to carry out their tasks, while being compact, light but also robust, as well as transportable to all construction sites.

[0078] Furthermore, the design of the trolley 100 differs from prior art devices in its modularity, allowing its adaptation to other professions such as painters, tilers, or plumbers. In particular, the storage features can be adjusted to hold a variety of tools and materials, while maintaining the inherent flexibility and efficiency characteristic of this invention.

[0079] The 100 trolley also offers a significant improvement by allowing tradespeople to transport all their equipment independently and comfortably. By reducing the constraints Physically, it contributes to a significant reduction in the fatigue of craftsmen, thus preventing injuries related to repetitive movements or inappropriate postures.

[0080] Fig. 3 represents a top view of the first platform 11 of the equipment carrier 100.

[0081] The grooves 112 are defined by a length L112 and a width 1112, and are intended, as previously stated, to house, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, knives and spatulas used by jointers on construction sites.

[0082] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first tray 11 has eleven grooves 112, of length L112 varying from 15 cm to 65 cm, said grooves being arranged in an arc such that a central portion of said tray remains solid and without an opening, in particular for placing a container, such as a tub or bucket containing a plasterboard joint compound. Preferably, and without limiting the present invention, the width 1112 of the grooves 112 is approximately 3 mm.

[0083] The circular housings 113 are defined by a diameter DI 13 varying from 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0084] Preferably, the first plateau 11 comprises six circular housings 113.

[0085] The first plate 111 further includes a plurality of threaded holes 119 for screwing the fixing system 111 shown in [Fig.1] and [Fig.2].

[0086] Advantageously, the first plate 111 has a set of threaded holes 119 for screwing the fastening system 111 to different locations on said plate.

[0087] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first plate 11 also has a plurality of chamfered holes 118 for screwing said plate into the upper part of the first structure 101 of the chassis 10.

[0088] Fig. 4 represents a detailed view of the height adjustment system of the 100 equipment carrier trolley.

[0089] In particular, detail A of [Fig.1] is shown here, and one can see one of the uprights 1010 of the first structure 101 of the chassis 10.

[0090] In detail of [Fig.4], the upright 1010 has three holes 1011, positioned along said upright and spaced by a space E1010 between each of the centers of the holes.

[0091] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the post 1010 has ten holes 1010 and the space E1010 is substantially equal to 50 mm. This technical feature is not a limitation of the present invention, as the number of holes 1010 and the space E1010 may be less than or greater than the values ​​of the preferred embodiment.

[0092] The upright 1010 is designed to be sufficiently robust to support the weight of the equipment when positioned at various heights. The holes 1011 act as attachment points for locking mechanisms designed to hold the trolley at the height selected by the craftsman.

[0093] Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B respectively represent a first view and a second rear view, both in perspective, of the equipment carrier 100 trolley when said trolley is in the lowered position and said trolley is transporting equipment 900 used daily by jointers.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in these figures, the trolley 100 stores and transports equipment 900 such as a plurality of knives 91, a plurality of spatulas 90, a loading pump 93, an inside corner roller 94 positioned at the end of a handle, and a small capacity automatic belt machine 92 as well as a large capacity automatic belt machine 95, said machines also being positioned respectively at the end of a handle, and a bucket 96 of plaster.

[0095] The loading pump 93 mainly comprises a handle 931 connected by means of a pivot joint to a pump support 932.

[0096] On [Fig.5B] it is possible to see how the loading pump 93 is held in place on the carriage 100: a part of the pump support 932 corresponding to the foot of said support, is inserted into the space created between the plate 111 and the first tray 11. By means of a spacer 1112 and a screw 1111, the pump support is then held by simple pressure.

[0097] When the loading pump 93 is operated via the handle 931, the joint preparation contained in the bucket 96 is sucked up and then evacuated via a filling pump nozzle 933 at the end of which the craftsman positions one of the automatic belt machines 92 or 93, or the inside corner roller 94. It is in particular these back and forth movements during the step of filling the equipment with joint compound, and their repetition, which are in particular facilitated by the present invention, the present invention also minimizing the fatigue of the craftsmen during this operation.

[0098] In addition, the main storage compartment 13 includes at least one drain hole 1333 to facilitate the cleaning of said compartments after work on a construction site.

[0099] The trolley 100 is arranged so that an optimized organization of the equipment 900 facilitates their quick access and efficient use on the construction site. The knives 91 and spatulas 90, being tools frequently used by jointers, are placed within the immediate reach of the craftsman, allowing a smooth transition between the different work stages.

Claims

Demands

1. Equipment trolley (100) comprising a chassis (10) having a first structure (101) and a second structure (102), a first platform (11) fixed to an upper part of the first structure (101) of the chassis (10), a plurality of casters (103) fixed to the base of the second structure (102), said trolley being characterized in that the second structure (102) is able to slide in the first structure (101) such that the chassis (10) is adjustable in height between a low position and a high position; the first platform (11) having a plurality of openings adapted to receive various equipment and / or tools and / or materials;the chassis (10) further comprising a main storage compartment (13) positioned in a lower part of the first structure (101) and a rack (14) positioned in the upper part of the first structure (101), said compartment and said rack being positioned opposite each other and along the same edge of said chassis.;

2. Trolley (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first platform (11) further comprises at least one mechanical or magnetic fastening system (111) intended to immobilize at least one piece of equipment on said platform.

3. Trolley (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing system (111) is intended to hold a pump for loading a joint preparation for plasterboard.

4. Trolley (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one second platform (12).

5. Trolley (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second platform (12) is fixed on a lower part of the first structure (101) of said trolley.

6. Trolley (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part of the plurality of openings are grooves (112) of length L112, that said length is variable, and that said grooves have a width 1112 substantially equal to 3 mm.

7. Trolley (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that another part of the plurality of openings are circular-shaped housings (113), each of said housings being adapted to receive a screwdriver.

8. Trolley (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an adjustable height hlOO between 70 cm and 160 cm.

9. Trolley (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main storage compartment (13) and the rack (14) are removable.

10. Trolley (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first platform (11) and / or the second platform (12) has on all or part of their surface, an anti-slip coating.

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