Reusable Equipment Transport System

Abstract

The invention relates to an equipment transport system, comprising a carrier trolley (10) and equipment having different dimensions, namely a first piece of equipment (40, 50) and a second piece of equipment (60), the second piece of equipment (60) comprising a receptacle adapted to house the first piece of equipment (40, 50), the carrier trolley (10) comprising a chassis (14) provided with a securing element (24), the first piece of equipment (40, 50) and the second piece of equipment (60) being provided respectively with a first positioning element (42, 54) and a second positioning element (66) each configured to cooperate with the securing element (24) by engagement by complementary shapes;the carrier trolley (10) being thus configured to transport, selectively, the first piece of equipment (40, 50), the second piece of equipment (60), as well as the first piece of equipment (40, 50) and the second piece of equipment (60) when the first piece of equipment (40, 50) is housed in the receptacle of the second piece of equipment (60). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: System for transporting reusable equipment. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the general field of transport and logistics.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a system for transporting reusable equipment, such as equipment for storing and transporting food, like containers or lids.

[0003] The invention finds a preferred, but not limiting, application in the distribution of food in collective catering establishments, the food being stored and transported using reusable equipment. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] In institutional catering establishments, food is generally packaged and distributed in containers, such as plastic trays sealed with flexible film. Specifically, the food is first packaged in these containers in central kitchens and then transported to the institutional catering establishments where the containers are placed on trolleys before being distributed. Once emptied, these plastic containers are discarded after a single use. This, of course, raises environmental concerns.

[0005] To remedy this, it has been proposed to replace the plastic equipment with stainless steel equipment. Such equipment is called "reusable" because it can be cleaned and reused several times. This replacement implies the creation of a specific sector dedicated to the cleaning and storage of reusable equipment, with a cleaning and storage site as well as means of transporting the reusable equipment and the carrier trolleys between the cleaning and storage site, the central kitchen(s), and the catering establishments.

[0006] Currently, several types of reusable equipment exist, for example, stainless steel containers designed to hold food, their stainless steel lids for closing the containers, and wire crates for storing and transporting steel containers and / or their lids. The wire crates are therefore larger than the containers and lids.

[0007] When clean, the trays and their lids are placed either in plastic crates sealed with plastic film and then placed on standard pallets from the cleaning and storage site before being transported to the central kitchen using handling trolleys, or in pallet boxes and then placed inside pallet boxes before being transported from the cleaning and storage site to the central kitchen using handling trolleys. When dirty, the containers and their lids are placed in wire crates, which are then placed on rolling bases.

[0008] The rolling bases are then transported empty on the journeys from the cleaning and storage site (clean equipment) to the central kitchens or collective catering establishments, while it is the handling trolleys that are transported empty on the journey from the central kitchens or collective catering establishments to the cleaning and storage site (dirty equipment).

[0009] Indeed, the rolling bases are specifically adapted to the dimensions of the wire cages, while the handling trolleys are specifically adapted to the dimensions of the trays and lids. Consequently, the rolling bases are too large to ensure the stable transport of the trays and lids, while the handling trolleys are too small to accommodate the wire cages.

[0010] One drawback is that the quantities of equipment to be transported between cleaning and storage sites, central kitchens, and catering facilities are relatively large, requiring the use of a significant number of transport vehicles or numerous trips. Furthermore, pallet crates are very heavy and bulky, negatively impacting fuel consumption. This also raises environmental concerns. Description of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to an equipment transport system, comprising a carrier trolley and equipment of different dimensions, namely a first piece of equipment and a second piece of equipment, the second piece of equipment comprising a receptacle adapted to house the first piece of equipment, the carrier trolley comprising wheels and a chassis provided with a chocking element, the first and second pieces of equipment being respectively provided with a first positioning element and a second positioning element, each configured to cooperate with the chocking element of the carrier trolley by complementary engagement of shapes so as to immobilize one of the first and second pieces of equipment on the carrier trolley in a determined position; the carrier trolley thus being configured to selectively transport the first piece of equipment, the second piece of equipment, as well as the first piece of equipment and the second piece of equipment when the first piece of equipment is housed in the receptacle of the second piece of equipment.

[0013] In the transport system according to the invention, the second piece of equipment is adapted to house, and for example fully accommodate, the first piece of equipment, including the first positioning element. The second piece of equipment therefore has dimensions larger than the overall dimensions of the first piece of equipment.

[0014] The first piece of equipment can be positioned and held stationary (or secured) on the carrier trolley thanks to the cooperation of the securing means and the first positioning element through complementary shapes. The second piece of equipment can also be positioned and held stationary (or secured) on the carrier trolley thanks to the cooperation of the same securing means and the second positioning element through complementary shapes.

[0015] The transport system thus allows for the selective, stable, and safe transport of two pieces of equipment of different sizes using a single carrier trolley. In other words, the carrier trolley allows for the stable and safe transport of both the first and second pieces of equipment, even though they are of different sizes. It is therefore no longer necessary to use trolleys specifically adapted for each piece of equipment. Indeed, the first and second pieces of equipment can be transported stably and safely by the same trolley. In this respect, the amount of equipment to be transported between cleaning and storage sites, central kitchens, and catering facilities can be considerably reduced.

[0016] The transport system also allows the first and second equipment to be transported simultaneously, with the second equipment positioned and held on the carrier trolley by the cooperation of the chocking means and the second positioning device, and with the first equipment housed in the receptacle of the second equipment.

[0017] The transport system therefore offers great modularity of transport while having a single carrier trolley, thus making the transport of equipment relatively simple and space-saving.

[0018] Preferred, simple, convenient and economical characteristics of the transport system according to the invention are presented below.

[0019] The first positioning member and the second positioning member may have identical dimensions.

[0020] The shimming member may have a hollow shape, while the first positioning member of the first equipment and the second positioning member of the second equipment may have a raised shape.

[0021] Conversely, the shimming member may have a raised shape, while the first positioning member of the first equipment and the second positioning member of the second equipment may have a hollow shape.

[0022] The shimming member can be defined by a vertical support member on which the first positioning member of the first equipment and the second positioning member of the second equipment are configured to rest, and a horizontal support member configured to prevent movement of the first equipment or the second equipment when the first positioning member or the second positioning member rests on the vertical support member.

[0023] The receptacle of said second equipment may include a bottom wall and side walls defining an internal receiving volume suitable for housing the first equipment, said bottom wall having an internal face turned towards the internal receiving volume and an external face opposite to the internal face, the second positioning member being arranged in projection on the external face of the bottom wall.

[0024] The bottom wall can at least partially cover the horizontal retaining member when the second positioning member cooperates with the shimming member of the carrier carriage.

[0025] The horizontal retaining member may include several wedges spaced apart from each other.

[0026] The shims can be arranged in pairs, each pair of shims being arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane passing through a center of the shim member.

[0027] The shimming element may be a housing, the chassis of the carrier trolley defining a cavity extending between a bottom wall of the chassis and said housing, said housing being open to said cavity.

[0028] The chassis may be provided with a notch opening into the cavity to allow a user of the transport system to grasp the first equipment or the second equipment when the first positioning member or the second positioning member cooperates with the securing member of the carrier trolley.

[0029] The second positioning device can be centered on the bottom wall of the second piece of equipment.

[0030] The first equipment may include a peripheral rim forming at least partially the first positioning element.

[0031] The first equipment may include at least one container and / or at least one lid.

[0032] The second positioning member can be formed by a bent metal wire

[0033] The carrier trolley may include a stacking element and a additional stacking, configured to allow the carrier trolley to be stacked with at least one other carrier trolley of the same type so that the wheels of the The carrier trolley that is above is at a distance from the chocking device of the carrier trolley that is below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] Other advantages, purposes and special features of the present invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Fig. 1 schematically represents, according to an exploded perspective view, an equipment transport system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 2 represents, in perspective view, the transport system of Fig. 1.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the carrier trolley of the transport system of Figures 1 and 2 carrying one of the pieces of equipment.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a similar view to Fig. 2, showing the carrier trolley of the transport system of Figures 1 and 2 carrying another piece of equipment.

[0039] Figures [Fig. 5], [Fig. 6], and [Fig. 7] represent, in isolation, the carrier trolley of the equipment transport system of figures 1 and 2.

[0040] Figures 8 and 9 represent two carrier trolleys, identical to that of the figures 5 to 7, stacked one on top of the other.

[0041] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show the carrier trolley of figures 5 to 7 on which a handle is mounted.

[0042] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 represent in isolation a first piece of equipment of the equipment transport system of Figures 1 and 2.

[0043] Fig. 14 is a detail view showing the cooperation between the first piece of equipment and the transport trolley of the transport system of Figures 1 and 2.

[0044] Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 represent in isolation a second piece of equipment of the equipment transport system of Figures 1 and 2.

[0045] Fig. 17 represents two second pieces of equipment, identical to that of figures 15 and 16, stacked one on top of the other.

[0046] Figure 18 is a detailed view showing the cooperation between the second piece of equipment and the transport trolley of the transport system in Figures 1 and 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] As previously stated, the invention relates generally to a system for transporting equipment, such as so-called "reusable" equipment. However, the invention is not limited to any particular type of equipment.

[0048] The invention aims to provide a transport system configured to individually secure two pieces of equipment with different dimensions, one of the pieces of equipment being adapted to house the other piece of equipment.

[0049] To this end, the invention implements a transport system comprising a carrier trolley and equipment of different dimensions, one of these pieces of equipment including a receptacle adapted to receive the other piece of equipment. The carrier trolley includes a chassis and wheels. The chassis includes a securing means, and each piece of equipment includes a positioning element configured to cooperate with the securing means of the carrier trolley via a complementary shape engagement, so as to immobilize the equipment on the carrier trolley in a predetermined position.

[0050] As explained below, it is therefore possible to use a single carrier trolley to transport equipment of different dimensions in a stable and safe manner, thus making the transport of this equipment relatively simple, reliable and space-saving.

[0051] Furthermore, since one of the pieces of equipment can be housed within the other, the transport system is highly modular. Indeed, the transport system can accommodate a first configuration in which one of the pieces of equipment is secured to the carrier trolley, a second configuration in which the other piece of equipment is secured to the carrier trolley, and a third configuration in which one of the pieces of equipment is secured to the carrier trolley and houses the other piece of equipment.

[0052] In this document, an example of an implementation of the invention is described in the context of a transport system for distributing food in catering establishments, where one piece of equipment is designed to house another piece of equipment, and this other piece of equipment is designed to store food for distribution. However, the invention is not limited to the single embodiment described below and can be applied more generally to a transport system configured to transport equipment of different dimensions in a stable, simple, and space-saving manner.

[0053] Figures 1 to 4 represent a transport system 1 according to a particular embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in this figure, the transport system 1 comprises a carrier trolley 10, two initial pieces of equipment 40, 50 and a second piece of equipment 60.

[0054] The second device 60 is configured to house at least one of the first two devices 40, 50. In particular, the second device 60 includes a receptacle having an internal receiving volume suitable for receiving at least a portion of the first devices 40, 50. The internal receiving volume may be greater than the overall volume of at least one of the first devices, so that the first devices 40, 50 are entirely housed within the second device 60. The first equipment 40, 50 can thus be transported inside the second equipment 60, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0055] In fact, the first equipment 40, 50 have dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the second equipment 60. In other words, the overall volume of the first equipment 40, 50 is less than the overall volume of the second equipment 60. There is therefore a difficulty in transporting the first equipment 40, 50 and the second equipment 60 individually on the same carrier trolley, at least in a stable and safe manner.

[0056] The carrier trolley 10 has wheels 15 and a chassis 14. The chassis 14 is provided with a shoring element 24. Each first equipment 40, 50 is provided with a first respective positioning element 42, 54, while the second equipment 60 is provided with a second positioning element 66.

[0057] The second positioning member 66 is configured to cooperate with the chocking member 24 of the carrier trolley 10 by complementary shapes, so as to immobilize the second piece of equipment 60 in a predetermined position. The second piece of equipment 60 can thus be transported by the carrier trolley 10 in a stable and safe manner, with or without the first pieces of equipment 40, 50, as shown respectively in Figures 2 and 3.

[0058] The second piece of equipment 60 can be configured to house the first pieces of equipment 40, 50 by means of complementary shapes, so as to immobilize them in a determined position. Thus, the first pieces of equipment 40, 50 do not move, or move very little, within the second piece of equipment, which is advantageous, for example, when the first pieces of equipment are fragile or carry fragile elements.

[0059] In the configuration shown in [Fig.2], the transport system 1 allows the first equipment 40, 50 and the second equipment 60 to be transported simultaneously using the carrier trolley 10, and in a relatively compact manner because the first equipment 40, 50 is housed in the second equipment 60. Of course, the first equipment 40, 50 can be replaced by other equipment of different dimensions depending on the application.

[0060] It should be noted that the first positioning elements 42, 54 of the first equipment 40, 50 are also housed in the second equipment 60.

[0061] The first positioning elements 42, 54 are also each configured to cooperate with the securing element 24 of the carrier trolley 10 by complementary shapes, so as to immobilize one of the first pieces of equipment 40, 50 in a determined position. The first pieces of equipment 40, 50 can thus be transported, individually or together, on the carrier trolley 10 in a stable and safe manner.

[0062] It should also be noted that the determined position in which the first equipment 40, 50 is immobilized on the carrier trolley 10 is the same as that in which the first equipment 40, 50 is housed in the second equipment 60. In other words, the second equipment 60 is configured to house the first equipment 40, 50 in the same determined position as that in which the first equipment 40, 50 is immobilized on the carrier trolley 10.

[0063] The shoring member 24 of the carrier trolley 10 is thus configured to cooperate both with the first positioning members 42, 54 of the first equipment 40, 50 and with the second equipment 60 by complementary shapes so as to immobilize them, selectively, on the carrier trolley 10 in a determined position, although the first equipment 40, 50 and the second equipment 60 are of different dimensions.

[0064] Each of the first equipment 40, 50 and the second equipment 60 can thus be transported in a stable and safe manner by a single carrier trolley 10, which makes it possible to limit the quantity of material for the transport of these equipment.

[0065] In the example shown, the shimming member 24 has a hollow shape, while the first positioning member 42, 54 and the second positioning member 66 each have a raised shape.

[0066] In particular, since the transport system 1 is intended here for the distribution of food in catering establishments, one of the first pieces of equipment 50 is formed by two stainless steel tubs 51 while the other of the first pieces of equipment 40 is formed by two stainless steel lids 41, each being configured to close one of the tubs 51. The second piece of equipment is formed by a wire cage 60 adapted to house the two tubs 51 and / or the two lids 41, for example when the latter are dirty, i.e. after having stored food.

[0067] One of the first positioning members 42, 54 is formed by a part of the peripheral edges of the lids 41 while the other of the first positioning members 42, 54 is formed by a part of the peripheral edges of the trays 51. The second positioning member 66 is formed by a first bent metal wire.

[0068] The invention is not, however, limited to this equipment or these positioning devices. For example, the first piece of equipment may consist of a single container and / or a single lid. More generally, other types of equipment and positioning devices may be considered depending on the application of the transport system.

[0069] Figures 5 to 11 represent in isolation the carrier trolley 10 of the transport system 1 of figures 1 to 4.

[0070] The carrier carriage 10 has a front side 11, a rear side 12 opposite the front side 11 and lateral sides 13 opposite and each connecting the front side 11 to the rear side 12.

[0071] As previously stated, the carrier trolley 10 comprises a chassis 14 and wheels 15, fixed to the chassis, and here of which there are four, distributed in pairs.

[0072] The chassis 14 is generally platform-shaped. In the example shown, the chassis 14 comprises a lattice structure of metal rods welded at their intersections and a protective plate 16 covering the lattice structure to prevent dirt thrown up by the wheels 15 from contaminating the food placed on the carrier trolley 10.

[0073] The protective plate 16 includes a bottom face 17, a peripheral rim 18 extending around the periphery and projecting from the bottom face 17, and wedges 22, 23 arranged projecting from an upper face 19 of the peripheral rim 18.

[0074] The wedges 22, 23 define, among themselves and with the upper face 19 of the peripheral edge 18, a housing 24 configured to cooperate with the first positioning elements 42, 54 of the first equipment 40, 50 and with the second positioning element 66 of the second equipment 60 so as to immobilize one of the first equipment 40, 50 and of the second equipment 60 on the carrier trolley 10 in a determined position. The housing 24 therefore constitutes a shoring element within the meaning of the invention.

[0075] Some wedges 22 are arranged along the lateral sides 13, while other wedges 23 are arranged along the front 11 and rear 12 sides, so as to immobilize the first equipment 40, 50 or the second equipment 60 laterally, i.e. along the upper face 19 of the peripheral edge 18. In particular, the wedges 22, 23 are arranged in pairs, each pair of wedges being arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane passing through a center of the housing 24.

[0076] In the example shown, the wedges 22, 23 are spaced apart. However, it is possible that the carrier trolley may have a single wedge, extending continuously, at least partially delimiting the housing.

[0077] The peripheral edge 18 defines a cavity 20 and is provided with notches 21 opening into the cavity 20 to allow a user of the transport system 1 to grasp the first equipment 40, 50 or the second equipment 60 when this equipment is immobilized on the carrier trolley 10. In the example shown, the notches 21 are formed in the peripheral edge 18 at each lateral side 13 and have a generally square shape, giving the peripheral edge 18 a crenellated shape. Other shapes than notches can be considered to allow the grasping of equipment when it is immobilized on the trolley. Generally, an opening leading into the cavity is sufficient to allow a user to grasp one of the pieces of equipment.

[0078] The protective plate 16 is optional. Thus, the bottom face 17, the peripheral edge 18 and the wedges 22, 23 can be formed by the lattice structure or by any other structure forming the chassis 14 of the carrier trolley 10.

[0079] With reference to figures 8 and 9, the frame 14 further includes first uprights 25 and second uprights 26 extending projecting from the lattice structure.

[0080] As illustrated in [Fig. 9], the first uprights 25 each have a lower portion 27 located on the side of the frame 14 and an upper portion 28 forming a distal end of the first uprights 25 relative to the frame 14. The lower portion 27 and the upper portion 28 are configured to allow the carrier trolley 10 to be stacked with at least one other carrier trolley 10' of the same type, such that the wheels 15 of the carrier trolley 10' above are at a distance from the protective plate 16 of the carrier trolley 10 below. This configuration allows for the compact transport of a plurality of carrier trolleys 10, 10', by stacking them, while ensuring a good level of hygiene by avoiding contact between the wheels, which can carry dirt due to repeated contact with the ground, and the protective plate, which receives the equipment.

[0081] In particular, the upper part 28 of each of the first uprights 25 of the carrier carriage 10 below is configured to bear against the lower part of the corresponding first uprights of the carrier carriage 10' above, so as to immobilize the carrier carriage 10' above on the carrier carriage 10 below in a stacked configuration in which the wheels of the carrier carriage 10' do not touch the protective plate 16 of the carrier carriage 10 below.

[0082] The first uprights 25 are here of four numbers and are arranged at each corner of the carrier trolley 10 to ensure good stability of the stacking of the carrier trolleys 10, 10'.

[0083] The second uprights 26 also each have a lower part 29 located on the side of the chassis 14 and an upper part 31 forming a distal end of the second uprights 26 with respect to the chassis 14. The lower part 29 and the upper part 31 are configured to allow the carrier carriage 10 to be stacked with at least one other carrier carriage 10' of the same type, so that the wheels 15 of the carrier carriage 10' which is above are at a distance from the protective plate 16 of the carrier carriage 10 which is below.

[0084] In particular, the upper part 31 of each second upright 26 of the carrier carriage 10 located below is configured to bear against the part lower of the corresponding first uprights of the carrier trolley 10' above, so as to immobilize the carrier trolley 10' above on the carrier trolley 10 below in a stacked configuration in which the wheels of the carrier trolley 10' do not touch the protective plate 16 of the carrier trolley 10 below.

[0085] The contact areas between the first uprights 25 and the second uprights 26 of the carrier trolleys 10, 10' are indicated by circles in dotted line on the [Fig.9].

[0086] The second uprights 26 are here two in number and are arranged one on the front side 11 of the carrier trolley 10, between first uprights 25 and the other on the rear side 12 between other first uprights 25. The second uprights 26 are not necessary for stacking the carrier trolleys, but improve the stability of the stack and reduce the risk of falling.

[0087] As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the carrier trolley 10 may include a handle 70, or a tiller, to enable a user of the transport system 1 to pull or push the carrier trolley 10 in a desired direction.

[0088] In the example shown, the handle 70 is removably mounted on the frame 14 of the carrier trolley 10. The handle 70 can be fixed or articulated relative to the frame 14. The handle 70 here comprises two arms extending generally parallel to each other, but other types of handles well known to those skilled in the art can of course be considered.

[0089] The handle 70 includes a mounting member 72 configured to cooperate with one of the second uprights 26 for mounting the handle on the chassis 14 of the carrier trolley 10.

[0090] The mounting member 72 is configured here to engage, by sliding, on the second upright 26 of the frame 14, following an engagement direction from the upper part 31 of the second upright 26 towards its lower part 29 until it comes to rest against the frame 14. To do this, the mounting member 72 has, for example, a C-shaped profile, configured to form a sliding connection with the second upright 26.

[0091] Figures 12 to 14 represent in isolation a container 51, here partially forming the first piece of equipment 50 of the transport system 1 of [Fig.1].

[0092] Each bin 51 comprises a receiving portion 52 and a generally flat rim 54 extending outward from the receiving portion 52 to allow a user to carry the bin or to place the bin back on rails. The receiving portion 52 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the rim 54.

[0093] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first equipment 50 is formed by two juxtaposed bins 51, so as to form an external contour of overall rectangular shape defined by the edges 54 of the bins.

[0094] This external contour defined by the edges 54 of the bins 51 is configured to cooperate with the securing element 24 of the carrier trolley 10 by complementary shapes so as to immobilize the bins 51 in a determined position, which here corresponds to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 in which the bins 51 are placed side by side. By placing the bins 51 side by side, or positioning their edges against each other, the gap separating them is limited and the bins 51 remain substantially immobile on the carrier trolley 10, even when the latter is moved.

[0095] The first positioning member 54 is thus formed by this external contour defined by the edges 54 of the juxtaposed bins 51. The edges 54 of the bins 51 that are juxtaposed, or one against the other, do not define the first positioning member 54.

[0096] The rim 54 of each bin 51 is thus configured to occupy only part of the housing 24 of the carrier trolley 10. Since the bins 51 are identical here, each rim 54 is configured to occupy half of the housing 24 of the carrier trolley 10.

[0097] The bins 51 can, of course, be of different dimensions, as long as the rims 54 cooperate by complementary shapes with the housing 24 of the carrier trolley 10 when the bins are placed side by side. The number of bins 51 can also vary. According to an example not shown, the first assembly can be formed by more than two bins. According to another example not shown, the first assembly can be formed by a single bin, the rim of which is configured to cooperate by complementary shapes with the housing of the carrier trolley.

[0098] In the example shown, the rim 54 of each bin 51 extends continuously around the periphery of the receiving portion 52. However, the rim may extend discontinuously around the periphery of the receiving portion. In other words, the rim may be formed by several elements spaced apart from each other and arranged around the periphery of the receiving portion.

[0099] Fig. 14 shows in more detail the cooperation by complementary shapes between the rim 54 of one of the bins 51 and the housing 24 of the carrier trolley 10. The rim 54 of each bin 51 rests on the upper face 19 of the peripheral edge 18 of the carrier trolley 10, and is arranged between the wedges 22, 23, although not all of them are shown here, so that the bins 51 are immobilized in a determined position on the carrier trolley 10.

[0100] The movement of the tray 51 along the upper face 19 is limited by the wedges 22, 23. The distance between the rim 54 and the wedges 22, 23 is preferably chosen to be the smallest possible. low possible to limit the movement of the bin 51 on the carrier trolley 10, for example when the latter accelerates, slows down or turns.

[0101] The chassis 14 is configured so that, in the operating position of the carrier trolley 10, shown in Figures 1 to 4, the container 51 is held in contact with the upper face 19 by gravity. The height of the wedges 22, 23, defined along a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper face 19, is chosen so as to prevent an edge 54 from passing over the wedges. The face of the wedges 22, 23 that is opposite, or in contact with, the edge 54 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the upper face 19 to prevent the edge from sliding on this face.

[0102] Thus, the upper face 19 of the peripheral rim 18 constitutes a vertical retaining member on which the rim 54 of each tray 51 is configured to rest, while the wedges 22, 23 constitute a horizontal retaining member configured to prevent the movement of the trays 51 when the rims 54 rest on the upper face 19.

[0103] The receiving part 52 of the bins 51 is received in the cavity 20 and is located at a distance from the bottom face 17 of the frame 14 to ensure that the rim 54 of each bin 51 is in contact with the upper face 19 of the peripheral edge 18.

[0104] Figures 15 to 18 show in isolation the wire box 60, forming here the second piece of equipment of the transport system 1 of [Fig.1].

[0105] The wire cage 60 comprises a bottom wall 61 and interconnected side walls 62 extending from the bottom wall 61 to define an internal receiving volume 63, as well as an opening defined by the side walls 62 opposite the bottom wall, for accessing the internal receiving volume. In the example shown, the wire cage 60 comprises a lattice structure of metal rods welded at their intersections.

[0106] The internal receiving volume 63 is adapted to accommodate, for example, the entire contents of the bins 51, at least when they are in the specified position in which their shapes complement each other with the housing 24 of the carrier trolley 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, the internal receiving volume 63 of the wire cage 60 is greater than the overall volume of the bins 51 in the specified position mentioned above. The bins 51 can thus be received into the internal receiving volume 63 without protruding from the wire cage 60 through the opening.

[0107] The first bent wire 66 is configured to cooperate with the shoring element 24 of the carrier trolley 10 by complementary shapes so as to immobilize the wire box 60 in a determined position, which here corresponds to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 in which the bottom wall 61 is on the trolley side carrier 10. The second positioning element is thus formed by the first bent metal wire 66.

[0108] The bottom wall 61 has an inner face 64 facing the internal receiving volume 63 and an outer face 65 opposite the inner face 64. The outer face 65 faces the carrier trolley 10 in the configuration mentioned above. The first bent wire 66 is projecting from the outer face 65 of the bottom wall 61 of the wire cage 60. Thus, when the first bent wire 66 engages with the slot 24 of the carrier trolley 10, the opening is oriented upwards and the bins 51 are held in the wire cage 60 by the side walls 62, for example when the carrier trolley 10 accelerates, decelerates, or turns.

[0109] Furthermore, the arrangement of the first bent metal wire 66 protruding on the external face 65 of the bottom wall 61 does not affect the internal receiving volume 63. In other words, the internal receiving volume 63, and more generally the dimensions of the wire box 60, are not constrained by the dimensions of the first bent metal wire 66.

[0110] In the example shown, the first bent metal wire 66 extends continuously and closes back on itself, defining here a generally rectangular shape. The first bent metal wire can, however, extend discontinuously, that is to say, formed by several elements spaced apart from each other and projecting from the outer face 65 of the bottom wall 61.

[0111] The first bent wire 66 has dimensions similar to those of the contour formed by the edges 54 of the bins described previously. The housing 24 is therefore configured to cooperate with the contour formed by the edges 54 of the bins 51 and with the first bent wire 66 without any adjustment. More generally, the carrier trolley 10 requires no adjustment to immobilize the bins 51 or the wire cage 60 in their respective predetermined positions, making the transport system 1 very easy to use.

[0112] The wire crate 60 further comprises a second bent wire 67 arranged on the side walls 62 inside the internal receiving volume 63 and configured to allow the wire crate 60 to be stacked with at least one other wire crate 60' of the same type. This configuration allows a plurality of wire crates 60, 60' to be transported in a stable and compact manner.

[0113] In particular, the second bent metal wire 67 defines a housing in which the first bent metal wire 66 is configured to engage by complementary shapes. The dimensions of the first bent metal wire 66 are therefore slightly smaller than those of the second bent metal wire 67.

[0114] In the stacked configuration shown in [Fig. 17], the bottom wall 61 of the wire box 60' located above rests against the side walls 62 of the wire box 60 located below to hold the first bent wire 66 of the box The wire 60' located above is housed in the compartment defined by the second bent wire 67 of the wire box located below. The interaction between the first bent wire 66 of the wire box 60' located above and the second bent wire 67 of the wire box 60 located below thus defines a fixed connection, ensuring the stability of the stack.

[0115] Fig. 18 shows in more detail the cooperation by complementary shapes between the first bent metal wire 66 of the wire box 60 and the housing 24 of the carrier trolley 10. The first bent metal wire 66 rests on the upper face 19 of the peripheral edge 18 of the carrier trolley 10, and is arranged between the wedges 22, 23, although not all of them are shown here, so that the wire box 60 is immobilized in a determined position on the carrier trolley 10.

[0116] The movement of the wire box 60 along the upper face 19 is limited by the wedges 22, 23. The distance between the first bent metal wire 66 and the wedges 22, 23 is preferably chosen to be as small as possible to limit the movement of the wire box 60 on the carrier trolley 10, for example when the latter accelerates, decelerates or turns.

[0117] The frame 14 is configured so that, in the operating position of the carrier carriage 10, shown in Figures 1 to 4, the wire cage 60 is held in contact with the upper face 19 by gravity. The height of the wedges 22, 23, defined along a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper face 19, is chosen so as to prevent the first bent wire 66 from passing over the wedges. The face of the wedges 22, 23 that is opposite, or in contact with, the first bent wire 66 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the upper face 19 to prevent the first bent wire 66 from slipping on this face.

[0118] Thus, the upper face 19 of the peripheral border 18 constitutes a vertical retaining element on which the bent wire 66 of the wire box 60 is configured to rest, while the wedges 22, 23 constitute a horizontal retaining element configured to prevent the movement of the wire box 60 when the bent wire 66 rests on the upper face 19.

[0119] The bottom wall 61 of the wire box 60 covers at least part, or all, of the wedges 22, 23. Indeed, the shape defined by the first bent wire 66 occupies only part of the bottom wall 61 of the wire box 60. The first bent wire 66 is centered here on the bottom wall 61 to improve the balance of the wire box 60 on the carrier trolley 10.

[0120] The bottom wall 61 of the wire box is located at a distance from the bottom face 17 of the frame 14 to ensure that the first bent metal wire 66 is in contact with the upper face 19 of the peripheral edge 18.

[0121] Generally, the bins 51 can be positioned and held immobile (or wedged) on the carrier trolley thanks to the cooperation of the housing 24 and the edges 54 by complementary shapes. The wire box 60 can also be positioned and held immobile (or wedged) on the carrier trolley 10 thanks to the cooperation of the same housing 24 and the bent metal wire 66 by complementary shapes.

[0122] The transport system 1 thus allows for the selective, stable, and safe transport of two pieces of equipment 40, 50, 60 of different dimensions using a single carrier trolley 10. In other words, the carrier trolley 10 allows for the stable and safe transport of both the bins 51 and / or the lids 41 and the wire crate 60, even though these pieces of equipment are of different dimensions. It is therefore no longer necessary to use trolleys specifically adapted to each piece of equipment. Indeed, the bins 51 and the wire crate 60 can be transported stably and safely by the same carrier trolley 10. In this respect, the quantity of equipment to be transported between cleaning and storage sites, central kitchens, and catering establishments can be considerably reduced.

[0123] The transport system 1 also allows the simultaneous transport of the bins 51 and / or the lids 41 and the wire box 60, with the wire box 60 which is positioned and held immobile on the carrier trolley 10 by the cooperation of the housing 24 and the first bent wire 66, and with the bins 51 and / or the lids 41 which are housed in the receptacle of the wire box 60.

[0124] The transport system 1 therefore offers great modularity of transport while having a single carrier trolley 10, thus making the transport of the equipment 40, 50, 60 relatively simple and compact.

[0125] Variants not illustrated are described below.

[0126] The first equipment and the second equipment may be different, depending on the application of the transport system.

[0127] The shimming member may be raised, while the first and second positioning members are recessed. In the illustrated embodiment, the shimming member is recessed (housing), while the first and second positioning members are raised (or projecting).

[0128] The first positioning member, the second positioning member and the stabilizing member may have a different shape, for example circular, triangular, or any other shape, rather than a rectangular shape.

[0129] The wedges can be formed directly by the structure of the chassis of the carrier trolley.

[0130] The handle can be mounted in various ways on the carrier trolley. For example, the mounting element of the handle can be configured to cooperate with the first uprights, so that the first uprights serve as both elements stacking and additional mounting components for mounting the handle on the chassis of the carrier trolley.

[0131] More generally, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

Claims

Demands

1. Equipment transport system, comprising a carrier trolley (10) and equipment having different dimensions, namely a first piece of equipment (40, 50) and a second piece of equipment (60), the second piece of equipment (60) comprising a receptacle adapted to house the first piece of equipment (40, 50), the carrier trolley (10) comprising wheels (15) and a chassis (14) provided with a chocking member (24), the first piece of equipment (40, 50) and the second piece of equipment (60) being provided respectively with a first positioning member (42, 54) and a second positioning member (66) each configured to cooperate with the chocking member (24) of the carrier trolley (10) by complementary form engagement so as to immobilize one of the first piece of equipment (40, 50) and the second piece of equipment (60) on the carrier trolley (10) in a determined position;the carrier trolley (10) being thus configured to transport, selectively, the first piece of equipment (40, 50), the second piece of equipment (60), as well as the first piece of equipment (40, 50) and the second piece of equipment (60) when the first piece of equipment (40, 50) is housed in the receptacle of the second piece of equipment (60).

2. Transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first positioning member (42, 54) and the second positioning member (66) have identical dimensions.

3. Transport system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bracing member (24) has a hollow shape, while the first positioning member (42, 54) of the first equipment (40, 50) and the second positioning member (66) of the second equipment (60) have a raised shape.

4. A transport system according to claim 3, characterized in that the securing member (24) is defined by a vertical retaining member (19) on which the first positioning member (42, 54) of the first piece of equipment (40, 50) and the second positioning member (66) of the second piece of equipment (60) are configured to rest, and a horizontal retaining member (22, 23) configured to prevent movement of the first piece of equipment (40, 50) or the second piece of equipment (60) when the first member of positioning (42, 54) or the second positioning organ (66) is based on the vertical holding organ (19).

5. Transport system according to claim 4, characterized in that the receptacle of said second equipment (60) comprises a bottom wall (61) and side walls (62) defining an internal receiving volume (63) adapted to house the first equipment (40, 50), said bottom wall (61) having an internal face (64) facing the internal receiving volume (63) and an external face (65) opposite the internal face (64), the second positioning member (66) being disposed in projection on the external face (65) of the bottom wall (61).

6. Transport system according to claim 5, characterized in that the bottom wall (61) covers at least partially the horizontal holding member (22, 23) when the second positioning member (66) cooperates with the bracing member (24) of the carrier trolley (10).

7. Transport system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the horizontal retaining member comprises several wedges (22, 23) spaced apart from each other.

8. Transport system according to claim 7, characterized in that the wedges (22, 23) are arranged in pairs, each pair of wedges (22, 23) being arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane passing through a center of the wedge member (24).

9. Transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the securing member (24) is a housing, the chassis (14) of the carrier trolley (10) defining a cavity (20) extending between a bottom wall (61) of the chassis (14) and said housing, said housing (24) being open to said cavity (20).

10. Transport system according to claim 7, characterized in that the chassis (14) is provided with a notch (21) opening into the cavity (20) to allow a user of the transport system (1) to grasp the first equipment (40, 50) or the second equipment (60) when the first positioning member (42, 54) or the second positioning member (66) cooperates with the bracing member (24) of the carrier trolley (10).

11. Transport system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the second positioning member (66) is centered on the bottom wall (61) of the second equipment (60).

12. Transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first equipment (40, 50) comprises a peripheral rim forming at least partially the first positioning member (42, 54).

13. Transport system according to claim 12, characterized in that the first equipment (40, 50) comprises at least one container (51) and / or at least one lid (41).

14. Transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second positioning member (66) is formed by a bent metal wire.

15. Transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the carrier trolley (10) comprises a stacking member (27, 29) and a complementary stacking member (28, 31), configured to allow the carrier trolley (10) to be stacked with at least one other carrier trolley (10') of the same type such that the wheels (15) of the carrier trolley (10') which is above are at a distance from the chocking member (24) of the carrier trolley (10) which is below.

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