Hand trolley for receiving and transporting split display platforms with legs

Abstract

A split display platform hand trolley 7 for receiving and transporting a legged split display platform 1 having a loading surface 2 for loading and transporting items onto the split display platform 1 and at least one leg 4 for supporting the loading surface 2. The hand trolley 7 comprises a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 for providing lateral support to the display platform 1 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 for providing lateral support to the display platform 1. The first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 is configured to engage the legs 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7 such that lateral support for the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 is provided in a first lateral direction by the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20. The second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 is configured to engage with the legs 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7 such that lateral support for the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 is provided by the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 in a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand trolley for receiving and transporting a legged display platform. Although not limited thereto, the present invention may be embodied as a legged split display platform hand trolley for receiving and transporting a legged split display platform (such as a European quarter pallet, a North American half display platform or an Australian 1 / 6 pallet). [Background technology]

[0002] Split display platforms, also referred to in the art as split display units, are used in particular to transport merchandise to / from and within the sales floor of a retail store. Split display platforms are smaller than a typical full-sized pallet, and are also referred to as "split" because standard sizes are approximately half, quarter, sixth (etc.) the size of a typical full-sized pallet. Examples of split display platforms include the European quarter pallet (600×400 mm in size), the North American half display platform and quarter display platform (e.g., 40×24″ and 20×48″ in size), and the Australian 1 / 6 pallet (582×387 mm in size). Legged split display platforms include a loading surface or deck for receiving and transporting items thereon by the display platform, the loading surface being supported above the ground (when the split display platform is resting on the ground) by legs, typically four legs, one leg generally provided at each corner of the split display platform, and the split display platform is typically rectangular in shape. Split display platforms can be used in a variety of ways, but are commonly used within retail stores such as supermarkets to transport merchandise for sale to, from and around the store floor. Split display platforms are particularly used as point-of-sale displays or for transporting point-of-sale displays thereon. An example of a prior art split display platform suitable for use with the present invention is shown in Figures 1A-1C.

[0003] Currently, the standard method for transporting split display platforms is to use a pallet jack. Of course, pallet jacks are designed for use with full-size pallets, and are not intended or designed for transporting split display platforms, and as such have two very large, spaced apart claws on which a full-size pallet can be supported. Transporting a split display platform on a pallet jack is therefore an unstable operation, since as a matter of standard operating practice, a split display platform is loaded onto the pallet jack by balancing one split display platform on each of the jack's claws. The jack's claws are sized and spaced apart specifically to engage blocks of a full-size pallet, and therefore the split display platform cannot be positioned to be favorably supported by both claws. This means that the split display platform, or stacked split display platforms (as empty split display platforms are often transported stacked on top of each other), or point-of-sale displays being transported on them, are prone to tipping or slipping off the pallet jack. This, combined with the poor maneuverability, heavy weight and large size of the pallet jack, increases the risk of accidents. Furthermore, pallet jacks are very time inefficient, partly for the reasons listed above, and time efficiency and speed of deployment (eg of point of sale displays) are often critical factors in the logistics and retail industries.

[0004] In contrast, hand trolleys are also known. A hand trolley is a conventional L-shaped user-operated device constructed from a often tubular frame with a handle at one end, two coaxial moving wheels at the base, and a small, flat, often rectangular platform or shelf-like projection on top for transporting items when the hand trolley is tilted backwards. Hand trolleys have traditionally (and still are today) used to transport items such as boxes and bags. Although hand trolleys solve some of the problems of pallet jacks, they suffer from some of the same problems as pallet jacks, for example, point-of-sale displays loaded onto conventional hand trolleys are unstable and prone to accidents because conventional style hand trolleys are not intended or designed for use in transporting legged split display platforms. Thus, the use of hand trolleys to transport split display platforms is not standard operating practice, and despite the problems with pallet jacks, pallet jacks remain the preferred device for transporting split pallets, and such are significant problems associated with hand trolleys for transporting split display platforms.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for an improved apparatus for transporting split display platforms that is faster, less expensive, easier to operate, more time and space efficient, safer and more stable, and capable of loading and transporting a split display platform (or a stack thereof) in a more convenient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to alleviate, at least to some extent, and / or address, at least to some extent, the problems associated with the prior art.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a split display platform hand trolley for receiving and transporting (and optionally also lifting) a legged split display platform, the split display platform having a loading surface for transporting items onto the split display platform and at least one leg for supporting the loading surface, the hand trolley comprising: a first display platform leg lateral support structure for providing lateral support to the display platform; a second display platform leg lateral support structure for providing lateral support to the display platform; and the first display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley such that lateral support for the pallet on the hand trolley is provided in a first lateral direction by the first display platform leg lateral support structure; and the second display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley such that lateral support for the display platform on the hand trolley is provided by the second display platform leg lateral support structure in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction; A split display platform hand trolley is provided.

[0008] The present invention thus solves the problem of how to transport a split display platform in a quick, safe and space efficient manner by providing a hand trolley (e.g., a manually operated hand trolley) for receiving and transporting the split display platform. The present invention is thus particularly advantageous for moving inventory and POS display units between storage areas of a store and, for example, the store floor, and rearranging inventory and display units within the store floor, without the need for cumbersome and potentially dangerous heavy equipment, such as forklifts or pallet trucks that are difficult to maneuver, greatly improving the time and space efficiencies associated with moving split display platforms within a store, and thereby greatly improving a retailer's ability to adapt to changing demand and foot traffic patterns. Because the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures laterally support the display platform when it is received by the trolley and during transportation of the display platform on the trolley, the display platform leg lateral support structures prevent or at least resist lateral movement (i.e., side-to-side movement; the lateral direction is perpendicular to the normal direction of movement of the hand trolley, i.e., parallel to the axles of the moving wheels of the trolley, e.g., the rear wheels) that might otherwise cause the display platform or stacked display platforms, when stacked with one or more other display platforms and received by the trolley, to rock, tilt, slip or otherwise fall off the trolley or cause the stack to collapse. The term "hand trolley" (or sometimes "hand truck") is a term of art and describes a category of trolley that is quite different from manual pallet jacks (or manual pallet trucks) or pallet jacks (or "pallet trucks" as they are sometimes called) such as forklift trucks.The legged split display platform of any or all aspects of the present invention may form part of a POS display or display unit (e.g., the split display platform may be integrally formed with the POS display or display unit), or the POS display or display unit may be carried by, loaded on, supported by, attached to, or otherwise associated with the legged split display platform. The legged split display platform of any or all aspects of the present invention may be a European quarter pallet, an Australian 1 / 6 pallet, a North American half display platform or a North American quarter display platform, or any other such suitable legged split display platform or split pallet.

[0009] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are both configured to engage a first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to provide lateral support to the first leg in both the first and second lateral directions. Thus, the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures are configured to engage the same leg of the display platform to laterally support the leg of the display platform and thereby provide lateral support to the trolley, and may be configured for mating or mating engagement with the leg.

[0010] Optionally, a first display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage a first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to laterally support the first leg of the display platform in a first lateral direction; and The second display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to laterally support the second leg of the display platform in a second lateral direction.

[0011] The first and second display platform leg lateral support structures are thus configured to engage respective legs, i.e. different legs, of the display platform to provide lateral support to the book trolley by laterally supporting the different legs of the display platform. Optionally, the first lateral support and the second lateral support are configured to be slidably received by respective openings or guides provided in the first leg and the second leg, respectively, such that when the book trolley is moved towards the display platform, the first and second supports are received by their respective openings or guides in their respective display platform legs.

[0012] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a support member configured to engage (e.g., slidably engage) a side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to provide lateral support in a first direction to the display platform on the trolley, and optionally the first display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a further support member configured to engage (e.g., slidably engage) an opposing side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received (e.g., slidably received) by the hand trolley to provide lateral support in a second direction to the display platform on the trolley. The support members may optionally comprise protrusions or fingers.

[0013] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure optionally comprises at least one finger configured to be slidably received by a corresponding opening in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley, to provide lateral support to the display platform on the trolley.

[0014] Optionally, the first display platform leg lateral support structure comprises two optionally laterally spaced fingers configured to be slidably received by corresponding openings in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support to the display platform on the trolley. Optionally, the fingers may be provided on either side of a centerline of the first leg of the display platform.

[0015] Optionally, the two fingers define a finger gap therebetween, the finger gap being configured to receive (e.g., slidably receive) a first leg of the display platform. The two fingers may thus define a boundary or extent of the finger gap. Optionally, the finger gap may extend directly between the two fingers.

[0016] Optionally, the second display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a support member configured to engage (e.g., slidably engage) a side of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received (e.g., slidably received) by the hand trolley to provide lateral support in a second direction to the display platform on the trolley, and optionally the second display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a further support member configured to engage (e.g., slidably engage) an opposing side of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received (e.g., slidably received) by the hand trolley to provide lateral support in a first direction to the display platform on the trolley. The support member may optionally comprise a protrusion or finger.

[0017] Optionally, the second display platform leg lateral support structure optionally comprises at least one finger configured to be slidably received by a corresponding opening provided in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the book trolley, to provide lateral support to a pallet on the book trolley.

[0018] The optional second display platform leg lateral support structure comprises two optionally laterally spaced fingers configured to be slidably received by corresponding openings in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to provide lateral support to the display platform on the trolley. Optionally, the fingers may be provided on either side of a centerline of the first leg of the display platform.

[0019] Optionally, the two fingers define a finger gap therebetween, the finger gap being configured to receive a first leg of the display platform. The two fingers may thus define a boundary or extent of the finger gap. Optionally, the finger gap may extend directly between the two fingers.

[0020] Optionally, the hand trolley further comprises a display platform deck for receiving and thereafter transporting the legged split display platform thereon when the legged split display platform is received by the trolley.Optionally, the hand trolley further comprises a display platform deck for receiving the legged split display platform thereon when the split display platform is received by the trolley.

[0021] Optionally, the display platform deck comprises a shelf-like protrusion disposed between the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures, the shelf-like protrusion configured to extend (e.g., slide under) beneath the display platform and between the first and second legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the trolley to support the display platform thereon, and optionally the shelf-like protrusion is substantially flat. Thus, the shelf-like protrusion may slide beneath a raised base (raised relative to the ground) of the display platform, which base is supported by one or more display platform legs to pick up or lift the display platform thereon.

[0022] Optionally, the ledge includes a guide portion having a reduced width, for example the guide portion includes first and second angled or rounded guide edges on respective opposing sides of the ledge to facilitate engagement of the ledge between the first and second legs of the display platform. Thus, the ledge may optionally include a rounded or chamfered end, optionally at or toward the front end of the display platform deck.

[0023] Optionally, the display platform deck is substantially flat. Optionally, the display platform deck is formed from a plate-like material, for example, sheet metal.

[0024] Optionally, the first and / or second display platform leg lateral support structures are integrally formed with the display platform deck, such that the display platform deck and the first and / or second display platform leg lateral support structures (which may optionally include support members or fingers) may be formed from the same plate-like material.

[0025] Optionally, the first and / or second display platform leg lateral support structures (which may optionally comprise support members or fingers) are substantially flush with the display platform deck or shelf-like protrusion.

[0026] Optionally, the display platform deck a first display platform leg lateral support surface or edge configured to engage the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to provide lateral support to the first leg of the display platform in a second lateral direction; a second display platform leg lateral support surface or edge configured to engage the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to provide lateral support to the second leg of the display platform in a first lateral direction; Equipped with.

[0027] Optionally, the support members of the first and / or second display platform leg lateral support structures, the fingers of the first and / or second display platform leg lateral support structures and / or the display platform deck (or shelf-like protrusions thereof) are arranged in a common plane.

[0028] Optionally, the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures are configured to provide mating engagement with first and second legs of the display platform, respectively.

[0029] Optionally the finger gaps are provided as slots in the display platform deck.

[0030] Optionally, the display platform deck is substantially flat and the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures are defined by contoured edges, e.g., cutouts, of the display platform deck; For example, the support member is defined by a contoured edge, e.g., a notch, in the display platform deck; and / or The fingers are defined by a contoured edge, e.g., a notch, in the display platform deck. Thus, the support member, shelf and fingers may all be defined by a common or continuous contoured edge.

[0031] An optional contoured edge is provided at the leading edge of the display platform deck, the leading edge being the edge furthest away from the handle or travel wheels (or rear wheels) and most forward in the normal direction of travel of the trolley.

[0032] Optionally, the trolley comprises at least one moving wheel including a wheel axis of rotation, and the trolley is tiltable by a user about a tilt axis (preferably coaxial with the moving wheel axis of rotation) to a wheeled transport mode for transporting a display platform on the trolley in order to lift the display platform onto the trolley. Thus, the hand trolley can be tilted backwards, as is common with hand trolleys, while transporting a split display platform thereon. Optionally, the moving wheels are rear wheels of the trolley.

[0033] Optionally, the fingers have longitudinal axes extending in a forward direction of the hand trolley, in a direction approximately perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis. Optionally, the fingers have longitudinal axes extending in a direction approximately perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the short axis.

[0034] Optionally, the hand trolley comprises at least one handle, preferably two handles, for manipulating the trolley, with the at least one handle provided on one side of the tilt axis such that pushing the handle in one direction (e.g. downward) on one side of the tilt axis moves the display platform deck in the opposite direction (e.g. upward) so that the trolley tilts about the tilt axis to lift a display platform received by the trolley.

[0035] Optionally, the trolley comprises transportation wheels, a display platform deck, and a substantially upright or nearly upright support or frame attached to at least one handle. Optionally, the hand trolley is substantially L-shaped, optionally with the display platform deck defining one branch of the L and the upright support or frame defining the other branch. Optionally, the frame may comprise two upright members and a number of structural members or rungs extending therebetween.

[0036] Optionally, the hand trolley comprises a substantially flat display platform deck for receiving and (thereafter) transporting the quarter display platform thereon, and the frame extends generally upwardly to define an obtuse angle with the flat loading surface, such that when not tilted backwards in transport mode and when resting on the ground, the generally upright support is tilted backwards with its top further away from the display platform deck than its bottom.

[0037] Optionally, the moving wheel is a rear wheel of the hand trolley, the rear wheel including a rear wheel rotation axis; This hand trolley is A deployable front support spaced forward of the rear wheel axis Further equipped with The deployable front support is reconfigurable between an deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, and the height of the front support in the deployed configuration is greater than the height in the stowed configuration, such that when the trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the stowed configuration, the display platform (e.g., the front of the display platform deck) is lower relative to the ground (e.g., tilted, e.g., its front is tilted) than when the trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the deployed configuration.

[0038] The optional deployable front support comprises a front support member and a bracket for mounting the front support member to the hand trolley.

[0039] Optionally, the front support member comprises a front wheel including a front wheel axle, and the deployable front support is reconfigurable between a front wheel deployed configuration and a front wheel stowed configuration, such that when the trolley is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel stowed configuration, the distance between the front wheel axle and the display platform deck is smaller in the front wheel stowed configuration than in the front wheel deployed configuration, such that when the trolley is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel stowed configuration, the display platform deck (e.g., a front portion of the display platform deck) is lower relative to the ground (e.g., tilted) than when the trolley is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel deployed configuration.

[0040] Optionally, the bracket comprises a first stop and a second stop, both of which are configured to receive the front support member; and the first stop is located closer to the display platform deck than the second stop such that the first stop defines a nose wheel stowed position and the second stop defines a nose wheel extended position; The guide is configured to slidably guide the front axle between a first stop and a second stop, and optionally both the first stop and the second stop are configured to receive the front axle.

[0041] Optionally, the first stop is spaced farther from the rear wheel axis than the second stop, e.g., the first stop is located farther towards the front of the hand trolley than the second stop.

[0042] Optionally the guide is provided as a slot in the bracket, and optionally the first and second stops are provided at opposite ends of the slot.

[0043] Optionally, the first and second stops are provided as first and second notches respectively within the slot, optionally the notches extending from the slot towards the display platform deck.

[0044] Optionally, the slot defines a track along which to guide the front support member. Optionally, the track comprises a generally straight or substantially straight portion, and optionally the display platform deck is generally flat or substantially flat, and the straight portion is inclined relative to a flat plane of the display platform deck. Optionally, the slot defines a track along which to guide the front wheel axle.

[0045] The optionally deployable front support is disposed towards, eg, attached to, the front of the display platform deck.

[0046] The optional deployable front support is configured to reconfigure the deployable front support between a deployed configuration (e.g., a front-wheel deployed configuration) and a stowed configuration (e.g., a front-wheel stowed configuration) by tilting the hand trolley (e.g., rearward) about the rear wheel rotation axis.

[0047] An optional deployable front support is provided below the display platform deck.

[0048] Optionally the hand trolley is manually propelled, and therefore the trolley may have no other means of propulsion than being propelled (e.g. pushed or pulled) by a user.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a legged split display platform and hand trolley according to the first aspect, for example as a kit of parts. Optionally the display platform comprises at least two legs with one or more, preferably two openings each configured to receive a finger of a first and second display platform leg support structure respectively.

[0050] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for receiving and transporting a legged split display platform onto a split display platform hand trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, the hand trolley comprising a display platform deck for receiving and thereafter transporting the legged split display platform thereon when the legged split display platform is received by the trolley, the method comprising: receiving the legged split display platform onto the hand trolley by positioning the display platform deck below a loading surface when the display platform is positioned on the ground such that the first display platform leg lateral support structure slidably engages a first leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the first leg and the second display platform leg lateral support structure slidably engages a second leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the second leg, such that the display platform is supported laterally relative to the hand trolley by the first and second display platform leg lateral supports. A method is provided that includes:

[0051] Optionally, the hand trolley comprises at least one moving wheel including a wheel axis of rotation, and the trolley is tiltable by a user about the moving wheel axis of rotation to a wheel transport mode for transporting a display platform on the trolley, and the method further comprises, after the step of receiving the display platform on the hand trolley: tilting the book hand trolley about the travel wheel axis of rotation to a wheeled transport mode of the book hand trolley such that the display platform deck lifts the book trolley off the ground; transporting a display platform on the hand trolley while tilting the hand trolley to a wheeled transport mode; Includes.

[0052] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand trolley for lifting and transporting a split display platform thereon, the hand trolley comprising: at least one rear wheel including a rear wheel rotation axis about which the rear wheel is configured to rotate; a display platform deck for receiving a divisible display platform thereon; a deployable front support spaced forward of the rear wheel axis; Equipped with the deployable front support is reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, and a height of the front support in the deployed configuration is greater than a height in the stowed configuration such that when the trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the stowed configuration, the display platform deck (e.g., a front portion of the display platform deck) is tilted toward the ground more than when the trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the deployed configuration; A hand trolley is provided.

[0053] The optional deployable front support comprises a front support member and a bracket for mounting the front support member to the hand trolley.

[0054] Optionally, the front support member comprises a front wheel including a front wheel axle, and the deployable front support is reconfigurable between a front wheel deployed configuration and a front wheel stowed configuration, such that when the trolley is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel stowed configuration, the distance between the front wheel axle and the display platform deck is smaller in the front wheel stowed configuration than in the front wheel deployed configuration, such that when the trolley is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel stowed configuration, the display platform deck (e.g., a front portion of the display platform deck) is tilted toward the ground more than when the trolley is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel deployed configuration.

[0055] Optionally, the bracket comprises a first stop and a second stop, both of which are configured to receive the front support member; and the first stop is located closer to the display platform deck than the second stop such that the first stop defines a nose wheel stowed position and the second stop defines a nose wheel extended position; The guide is configured to slidably guide the front axle between a first stop and a second stop, and optionally both the first stop and the second stop are configured to receive the front axle.

[0056] Optionally, the first stop is spaced farther from the rear wheel axis than the second stop. Optionally, the first stop is located farther towards the front of the hand trolley than the second stop.

[0057] Optionally the guide is provided as a slot in the bracket, and optionally the first and second stops are provided at opposite ends of the slot.

[0058] Optionally, the first and second stops are provided as first and second notches respectively within the slot, and optionally the notches extend from the slot towards the display platform deck.

[0059] Optionally, the slot defines a track along which to guide the front support member. Optionally, the track comprises a generally straight or substantially straight portion, and optionally the display platform deck is generally flat or substantially flat, and the straight portion is inclined relative to a flat plane of the display platform deck. Optionally, the slot defines a track along which to guide the front wheel axle.

[0060] The optionally deployable front support is disposed towards, eg, attached to, the front of the display platform deck.

[0061] The optional deployable front support is configured to reconfigure the deployable front support between a deployed configuration (e.g., a front-wheel deployed configuration) and a stowed configuration (e.g., a front-wheel stowed configuration) by tilting the hand trolley (e.g., rearward) about the rear wheel rotation axis.

[0062] An optional deployable front support is provided below the display platform deck.

[0063] The invention may be embodied in various ways and a preferred embodiment of a split display platform hand trolley for receiving and transporting a split display platform according to the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0064] [Figure 1] Figures 1A-1C are perspective views of prior art split display platforms suitable for use with the present invention: Figure 1A shows a European quarter pallet, Figure 1B shows an Australian 1 / 6 pallet, and Figure 1C shows a North American quarter display platform. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a split pallet hand trolley according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hand trolley of FIG. 2 for receiving and transporting a display platform thereon, showing a set of handles at the rear of the hand trolley and a display platform deck at the front of the hand trolley. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the hand trolley of FIG. 2 for receiving and transporting a display platform, showing a set of handles at the rear of the hand trolley (the rear or frame of the hand trolley) and a display platform deck at the front of the hand trolley. [Diagram 5] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a split display platform received on the other display platform deck of the hand trolley of Figure 2 and also forming part of the present invention, showing first and second display platform leg lateral support structures in slidable mating engagement with respective legs of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the display platform on the trolley. This other display platform deck differs from the display platform deck of Figure 2 only in the omission of the guide edges, i.e., first and second angled edges, and in that the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures each include two fingers, but do not include one of the support members configured to engage a side of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley. The engagement of the fingers of the display platform deck is shown, with the fingers being slidably received by corresponding openings or slots provided in two of the legs of the display platform, with the two fingers being received within two corresponding openings per leg. [Figure 6]Figures 6A-6L illustrate various ways in which the first and second display platform leg support structures of the present invention may be embodied. Accordingly, Figures 6A-6L illustrate other configurations of the first and second display platform leg support structures that are within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figures 7A and 7B show the embodiment of Figure 2, but instead of the fixed wheels shown in Figure 2, a deployable front support is provided for supporting the front of the hand trolley on the ground, the deployable front support being in the form of wheels and a bracket. All other aspects of the embodiment of Figure 2 are identical. [Figure 8] Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show the arrangement of the brackets, and the transition from Figure 8A to Figure 8C shows how tilting the hand trolley backwards causes the front axle to move from the deployed configuration of the deployable front support to the stowed configuration. [Figure 9] Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show the arrangement of the brackets, and the transition from Figure 9A to Figure 9C shows how tilting the hand trolley backwards causes the front axle to move from the deployed configuration of the deployable front support to the stowed configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] A prior art legged split display platform 1 is shown in FIG. 1A. This legged split display platform 1 is suitable for use with the present invention and happens to be a European quarter pallet, but the present invention is suitable for use with other legged split display platforms of other standard sizes and types, such as the split display platforms and pallets shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C. The legged split display platform 1 includes a loading surface 2 for carrying items thereon, such as a point-of-sale display. In this particular example, a quarter pallet, the loading surface 2 is approximately one-quarter the size of the loading surface of a standard full-size pallet (i.e., the area of ​​the loading surface is approximately one-quarter the surface area of ​​the loading surface of a standard full-size pallet) and is generally rectangular in shape, although other shapes may also be used as part of the present invention and may be selected to match the shape or packing structure of the items to be placed thereon (or within, as in some embodiments the display platform may include perimeter or boundary defining features, e.g., upright walls, for receiving the items therein). The loading surface 2 is a portion of the display platform base 3 that is supported or elevated above the ground by at least one display platform leg 4 to provide a gap 5 between the ground and the display platform base 3 (when the display platform 1 is resting on the ground). The gap 5 is sized to receive a display platform deck 9 (FIG. 2) of a hand trolley 7 therein. In this example, there are four display platform legs 4, one generally located at each corner of the display platform 1, although examples having one, two, three or more legs are also contemplated as part of the invention. The display platform legs 4 are sometimes referred to as display platform blocks, although this is a term of art.

[0066] In the exemplary display platform 1 of FIG. 1A, two of the four legs 4 of the display platform include an opening 6 or slot 6 therethrough. These two legs 4 are laterally spaced apart from one another. In this example, each of the two legs 4 includes two openings 6 or slots 6 (the second slot 6 of the leg 4 closest to the viewer and the two slots 6 of the leg to the left of the image are both hidden by the base 3 and not visible), although embodiments having only one opening or slot per leg are also envisioned. These slots 6, two per leg, are laterally spaced apart from one another on each leg such that each slot is on opposite sides of its respective leg, i.e., one slot 6 is on one side of the centerline of the leg 4 and the other slot 6 is on the other side of the centerline. The slots 6 are generally or substantially parallel to one another and each define a female receptacle for slidably receiving a corresponding respective lateral support finger 26, 29 (FIG. 2) of the hand trolley 7 as described hereinbelow, with engagement of each slot 6 with its respective lateral support finger 19 providing lateral support or stability to the display platform 1 when it is received by the hand trolley 7. The display platform of FIG. 1B suitable for use with the present invention is also similar in many respects to the display platform of FIG. 1A, comprising two spaced apart legs 4 each having two openings, slots or recesses 6 as in the display platform of FIG. 1A. In contrast, the display platform of FIG. 1C, also suitable for use with the present invention, has a single opening or slot 6 through each of the four legs 4 of the display platform (although examples in which only one or two, e.g., two, of the four legs on the same side of the display platform are provided with such an opening in the slot 6 are also envisioned and would be suitable for use with the present invention).

[0067] An example of a hand trolley 7 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 2. The hand trolley 7 is generally L-shaped with a generally upright back portion 8, here in the form of a frame 8, as one "leg" of the L-shape, and a generally horizontal display platform deck 9 as the other "leg" of the L-shape. As can be seen from the side view in Figure 3, the display platform deck 9 and the back portion 8 define an obtuse angle A therebetween, although other embodiments are envisaged in which the back portion 8 and the display platform deck 9 are substantially perpendicular to one another or define an acute angle therebetween.

[0068] The back 8 or frame 8 comprises two laterally spaced apart upright supports or members 10 and a plurality of structural members or rungs 11 extending therebetween. In this example, a tubular member is bent into an inverted U-shape to define the two upright members 10 and the top rung 11, with three further rungs 11 provided as generally horizontal or substantially horizontal tubular members, the three further rungs 11 being equidistant along the length of the upright members 10.

[0069] Two handles 12 are provided midway along the back 8, each attached to a respective upright support 10 by an inclined handle support 13 which extends rearwardly and upwardly from the back 8.

[0070] In this embodiment, two moving wheels 14 are provided at the rear of the base of the hand trolley 7 (although one of the two wheels 14 is obscured by the particular angle of the perspective view), although embodiments are envisaged in which only one such wheel 14 is provided, for example similar to a unicycle. Each rear wheel 14 is laterally spaced apart from the other and defines a rear wheel rotation axis 15 about which the rear wheels 14 rotate when the hand trolley 7 is moving. In this example, the two rear wheels 14 are coaxial with each other (but this is not required), so that they share a common rear wheel rotation axis 15. Thus, by applying downward pressure on the handle 12, the user can tilt or tip the hand trolley 7 backwards about the wheel rotation axis 15, which in this embodiment also functions as the tilt axis 16, and thus the hand trolley 7 functions as a first type of lever for lifting the split display platform 1 onto the display platform deck 7, with the handle 12 provided on one side of the tilt axis 16 and the display platform deck 7 on the other side. The tilt axis 16 is therefore coaxial with the wheel rotation axis 15 in this embodiment. The hand trolley 7 can therefore be tilted backwards to a wheel transport mode for transporting the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 in the usual manner for a hand trolley while transporting the split display platform 1 thereon. Of course the tilt axis 16 can be provided in other ways, for example a short ground-engageable protrusion can be provided on the underside of the hand trolley 7 to define the tilt axis 16 about which the trolley 7 can be rotated and tilted, the tilt axis 16 then being separate from (or in addition to) the wheel rotation axis 15. In the embodiment shown the rear wheels 14 are free to rotate and therefore not powered, but this is not essential and powered wheels may be used instead.

[0071] As best seen in FIG. 2, in addition to the transfer wheels 14 provided at the rear of the base of the hand trolley 7, the hand trolley 7 also includes display platform deck wheels 17 or front wheels 17 disposed toward the front of the hand trolley 7 and mounted on the underside of the display platform deck 9, the front wheels 17 being configured to support the display platform deck 7 on the ground when the hand trolley is not tilted backwards. The front wheels 17 or display platform deck wheels 17 assist in positioning the display platform deck 9 below the display platform 1 to receive the display platform 1 prior to lifting the display platform 1 off the ground by tilting the hand trolley 7 backwards about the tilt axis 16. The display platform deck wheels 17 may be casters in some embodiments, or may not be casters (as in this embodiment) in other embodiments, and may instead have fixed axles or pivot points. In this embodiment, the display platform deck wheels 17 are mounted on the underside of a ledge 18 of the display platform deck 9. The ledge 18 is discussed in more detail below.

[0072] The hand trolley 7 comprises a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 for providing lateral support to the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 is configured to engage with the first leg 4 of the display platform when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7 to laterally support the first leg 7 of the display platform in a first lateral direction (indicated by dashed arrow 22), and similarly the second display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to laterally support the second leg of the display platform by the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 in a second lateral direction (indicated by dashed arrow 23) opposite to the first lateral direction. However, embodiments are also envisaged of the hand trolley 7 having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 22 that are both configured to engage with the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7, i.e. the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are configured to engage with the same leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, in order to provide lateral support to the first leg 4 in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23.Of particular note is the phrase "when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7" which is intended to mean when the display platform 1 is positioned relative to the trolley 7 such that one or more legs 4 of the display platform 1 are engaged with the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 and are ready to be lifted or otherwise transported by the hand trolley 7.

[0073] While the invention can be embodied in many different ways, the embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred configuration of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21, best shown in FIG. 4, in which the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are laterally spaced apart from one another with a shelf-like protrusion 18 disposed therebetween. The first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are configured to provide mating engagement with the first leg 4 and the second leg 4 of the display platform 1, respectively. In this embodiment, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 comprises (lateral) support members 24 configured to slidably engage sides of the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7, to provide lateral support in a first lateral direction 22 to the display platform 1 on the trolley 7. Also in this embodiment, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 comprises a further (lateral) support member 25, provided here as an edge 25 of the shelf-like protrusion 18 of the display platform deck 9, configured to slidably engage an opposing side of the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7, in order to provide lateral support to the display platform 1 on the trolley 7 in a second lateral direction 23 opposite to the first lateral direction 22. Thus, one support member 24 slidably engages one side of the display platform leg 4 and the other support member 25 slidably engages an opposing side of the display platform leg 4, such that the two support members 24, 25 laterally support the first display platform leg 4 therebetween such that the display platform leg 4 is laterally supported in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23.The shelf 18 is configured to be positioned below, and thus extend to, the base 3 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, such that a majority of the display platform 1 is carried on the shelf 18 (i.e., the center of gravity of the display platform is above the shelf 18). The shelf 18 may therefore extend beyond the middle of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, such that the shelf 18 extends in front of (i.e., forward of) the center of gravity of the display platform 1.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first lateral display platform leg support structure 20 also comprises two laterally spaced apart fingers 26 or protrusions 26 (although other embodiments may comprise only one, or more than two) configured to be slidably received by corresponding openings or slots 6 in the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is slidably received by the trolley 7, to provide lateral support to the display platform 1 on the trolley 7. The two fingers 26 define a gap, here provided as a slot 32 (FIG. 4) therebetween, configured to slidably receive (at least a portion of) the first leg 4 of the display platform 1. The fingers 26 and the lateral support members 24 and 25 of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 are all disposed together in a common plane and extend in the forward direction of the hand trolley 7, i.e., away from the axis 16.

[0075] Similarly, the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 comprises a (lateral) support member 27 configured to slidably engage a side of the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7 to provide lateral support in a second lateral direction 23 to the display platform 1 on the trolley 7. The second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 also comprises, in this embodiment, a further (lateral) support member 28, provided here as an edge 28 of the shelf-like protrusion 18 of the display platform deck 9, configured to slidably engage an opposing side of the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7 to provide lateral support in a first lateral direction 22 to the display platform 1 on the trolley 7. Thus, one support member 27 slidably engages one side of the display platform leg 4, and the other support member 28 slidably engages the opposing side of the display platform leg 4, such that the two support members 27, 28 laterally support the second display platform leg 4 therebetween so that the display platform leg 4 is laterally supported in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23.

[0076] In this embodiment, the second lateral display platform leg support structure 21 also includes two laterally spaced apart fingers 29 or protrusions 29 (although other embodiments may include only one, or more than two) configured to be slidably received by corresponding openings or slots 6 in the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 when the display platform 1 is slidably received by the trolley 7 to provide lateral support to the display platform 1 on the trolley 7. The two fingers 29 define a gap, here provided as a slot 32 (FIG. 4) therebetween, configured to receive (at least a portion of) the second leg 4 of the display platform 1. The fingers 29 and the lateral support members 27 and 28 of the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are all disposed together in a common plane and extend in the forward direction of the hand trolley, i.e., away from the axis 16.

[0077] The fingers and lateral support members of both the first display platform leg support structure 20 and the second display platform leg support structure 21 all lie in the same common plane, as does the shelf-like protrusion 18, which is in fact itself substantially flat. In this embodiment, the display platform deck 9 comprises the fingers and lateral support members of both the first and second display platform leg support structures, and also comprises the shelf-like protrusion 18. Thus, all of the fingers and lateral support members of both the first and second display platform leg support structures, as well as all of the shelf-like protrusion 18, are integrally formed with the display platform deck 9. The display platform deck 9 is in this embodiment, although not necessarily, formed from a substantially flat plate-like material, and the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures are defined by a contoured edge 33 of the display platform deck 9, which is provided at a leading edge of the display platform deck 9.

[0078] 4, the ledge 18 includes a guide portion 34 that is of reduced width compared to a second portion of the ledge 18. The guide portion 34 includes first and second opposing angled or rounded guide edges 35 and 36 on respective opposing sides of the ledge 18. The guide portions 34 thus facilitate engagement of the ledge 18 between the first and second legs 4 of the display platform 1 to assist in positioning the display platform 1 on the trolley 7.

[0079] 5, the display platform 1 is shown received by the display platform deck 9. The remainder of the hand trolley 7 has been omitted from view for purposes of illustration. The first display platform leg support structure 20 and the second display platform leg support structure 21 are shown slidably and matingly received within corresponding openings 6 provided in each leg 4 of the display platform 1. The display platform deck 9 shown here differs from that of FIG. 2 only in that one of the support members 24, 27 of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 has been omitted, such that each of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 comprises support members 25 and 28, here in the form of edges of the shelf-like protrusions 18, configured to slidably engage sides of the respective legs 1 of the display platform when the display platform 1 is received by the display platform deck 9 of the trolley 1. The two laterally spaced fingers 26 of the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 are matably and slidably received within corresponding openings or slots 6 of the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 to provide lateral stability to the display platform 1 by laterally supporting the first display platform leg 4. Similarly, the two laterally spaced fingers 29 of the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are matably and slidably received within corresponding openings or slots 6 of the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 to provide lateral stability to the display platform 1 by laterally supporting the second display platform leg 4. Thus, the first and second display platform legs 4 are laterally supported in both a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23 by each of the sets of two fingers 26 and 29.The first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are integrally formed with the display platform deck 9, which has a shelf-like protrusion 18, which is shown in Figure 5 to extend beyond (i.e. forward of) the centre line of the display platform (in a forward direction relative to the hand trolley) such that when the display platform 1 is received by the display platform deck 9, the centre of gravity of the display platform 1 is located above the shelf-like protrusion 18, such that when the display platform 1 is lifted it is supported on the display platform deck 9. This means that when the display platform 1 is loaded evenly across its loading surface 2, the display platform 1 will not roll off the display platform deck 9.

[0080] As can be seen from the above, the present invention can take many different forms. Some of the various embodiments and configurations of a display platform deck 9 of the present invention are shown generally in plan view in Figures 6A-6L. In each figure, there is a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 configured to be slidably engaged with the display platform legs 4 when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7. The display platform legs 4 are shown in dashed lines in Figures 6A-6L.

[0081] Figure 6A shows one embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 including one support member 24, and having a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 including another support member 27, each of the support members 24, 27 configured to slidably engage a side of a respective leg 4 of the display platform 1 to provide lateral stability to the display platform 1 in both a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23 when the display platform 1 is received by a hand trolley 7. Although the display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, the same embodiment including a display platform deck 9 is shown in Figure 6G.

[0082] 6B illustrates one embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the invention having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 including a first support member 24 and a second support member 25 configured to slidably engage with and thereby laterally support the first display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in both a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7, and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 including a first support member 27 and a second support member 28 configured to slidably engage with and thereby laterally support the second display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23. The display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, although an embodiment in which a display platform deck 9 is provided is also envisioned.

[0083] 6B illustrates one embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 including a first support member 24 and a second support member 25 configured to slidably engage with and thereby laterally support the first display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in both a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23 when the display platform 1 is received by the hand trolley 7, and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 including a first support member 27 and a second support member 28 configured to slidably engage with and thereby laterally support the second display platform leg 4 therebetween to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23. The display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, although similar embodiments in which a display platform deck 9 is provided are envisioned.

[0084] FIG. 6C shows one embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 including fingers 26 configured to be slidably engaged and matably received by corresponding openings 6 provided in a first leg 4 of the display platform 1, thereby supporting the first display platform leg 4 laterally to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in at least a first lateral direction 22 (but optionally in both the first and second lateral directions), and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 including fingers 29 configured to be slidably and matably received by corresponding openings 6 provided in a second leg 4 of the display platform 1, thereby supporting the second display platform leg 4 laterally to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in at least a second lateral direction 22 (but optionally in both the first and second lateral directions). Thus, when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, the display platform 1 is laterally supported in both a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23. Although the display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, the same embodiment including a display platform deck 9 is shown in Figure 6D.

[0085] FIG. 6E shows one embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 including two laterally spaced fingers 26 configured to be slidably and matably received by corresponding openings 6 provided in the first leg 4 of the display platform 1 and thereby support the first display platform leg 4 laterally to provide lateral stability to the first display platform leg 4 in at least a first lateral direction 22 (but optionally in both the first and second lateral directions), and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 including two laterally spaced fingers 29 configured to be slidably and matably received by corresponding openings 6 provided in the second leg 4 of the display platform 1 and thereby support the second display platform leg 4 laterally to provide lateral stability to the second display platform leg 4 in at least a second lateral direction 22 (but optionally in both the first and second lateral directions). Thus, when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, the display platform 1 is laterally supported in both a first lateral direction 22 and a second lateral direction 23 by the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21. Although the display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, the same embodiment including a display platform deck 9 is shown in Figure 6L.

[0086] FIG. 6F illustrates a display platform 10 including support members 25 (provided as edges of shelf-like protrusions 18) configured to slidably engage sides of the first display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability thereto in a first lateral direction 23, and two laterally spaced apart support members 25 configured to be slidably and matably received by corresponding openings 6 provided in the first leg 4 of the display platform 1, and thereby laterally support the first display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability thereto in at least the first lateral direction 23 (but optionally in both the first and second lateral directions). 1 shows a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention having a first display platform leg lateral support structure 20, also including fingers 29 secured thereto, and a second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 including support members 28 (provided as edges of shelf-like protrusions 18) configured to slidably engage sides of the second display platform leg 4 to provide lateral stability thereto in a second lateral direction 22 opposite the first lateral direction 23, thereby supporting the second display platform leg 4 laterally. Thus, when the display platform 1 is received by the trolley 7, the display platform 1 is laterally supported in both the first lateral direction 22 and the second lateral direction 23 by the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21.

[0087] FIG. 6H shows an embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention that is essentially the same as the embodiment of FIG. 6F but in which the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 includes one finger 29 instead of two.

[0088] Figure 6I illustrates one embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention, which is similar to the embodiment of Figure 6A in which support members 24, 27 are configured to slidably engage corresponding inwardly facing sides of their respective display platform legs 4, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 6I support members 24, 27 are configured to slidably engage corresponding outwardly facing sides of their respective display platform legs 4. Although a display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, similar embodiments in which a display platform 9 is provided are also envisioned.

[0089] Figure 6J illustrates an embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention that is similar to the embodiment of Figure 6A, but in which each of the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures further includes fingers 26, 29 configured to be slidably and matably received by corresponding openings 6 provided in respective first and second legs 4 of the display platform 1. Although the display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, similar embodiments in which a display platform deck 9 is provided are also envisioned.

[0090] Figure 6K illustrates an embodiment of a display platform deck 9 forming part of the present invention that is similar to the embodiment of Figure 6I, but in which each of the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures further includes fingers 26, 29 configured to be slidably and matably received by corresponding openings 6 provided in respective first and second legs 4 of the display platform 1. Although the display platform deck 9 is not present in this particular embodiment, similar embodiments in which a display platform deck 9 is provided are also envisioned.

[0091] Of course, in all of the embodiments shown herein, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 are integrally formed with the display platform deck 9 and lie in a common plane of the flat display platform deck 9. However, neither of these two aspects is essential to the invention, and for example embodiments are envisaged in which the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 do not form part of the display platform deck 9 (i.e., for example, the display platform deck 9 does not comprise the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21, or indeed the display platform deck 9 comprises some but not all of the display platform leg lateral support structures 20, 21, for example it may comprise support members 24, 27 but not fingers 26, 29, or it may comprise fingers 26, 29 but not support members 24, 27). In some embodiments, the first display platform leg lateral support structure 20 and the second display platform leg lateral support structure 21 may be provided below or indeed above the display platform deck 9 as separate components therefrom and may be attached to another part of, for example, the trolley 7, for example the frame 8, extending therefrom, for example in a forward direction (i.e. away from the rear wheel rotation axis 15).

[0092] On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the fixed front wheels 17 are used as a front support to support the front of the trolley 7, and in particular to provide support to the front of the display platform deck 9, and another front support 37 for use with the embodiment of FIG. 2 is shown in side view in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which also form part of the present invention. The front support 37 is a deployable front support in that it is reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a stored configuration. The deployable front support 37 has a greater height in the deployed configuration than in the stored configuration, and therefore the deployable front support 37 supports the front 46 of the display platform deck 9 or shelf-like projection 18 higher off the ground in the deployed configuration than in the stored configuration. Thus, when in the stored configuration, the display platform deck 9 (and its shelf-like projection 18) is inclined at its front 46 towards the ground such that when the trolley 7 is in a substantially upright position (i.e., when it is supported on the ground by both the rear wheels and the front support 37), the front 46 is closer to the ground than the rear 47 of the display platform deck 9. In other words, the display platform deck 9 is in a downwardly tilted configuration when the deployable front supports 37 are in the stowed configuration, and the display platform deck 9 is in an upwardly tilted configuration when the deployable front supports 37 are in the deployed configuration, in which the front 46 of the display platform deck 9 is closer to the ground than in the upwardly tilted configuration. Thus, in embodiments in which the display platform deck 9 is pivotally or hingedly connected to the trolley 7 (e.g., at the rear of the display platform deck 9), angle A (FIG. 3) is greater in the stowed configuration than in the deployed configuration.

[0093] While the embodiment shown in Figure 2 has front wheels 17 with a fixed height as the front support 37 of the trolley 7, Figures 7A and 7B show other front supports 37 that can be used instead. The front support 37 in Figures 7A and 7B is a deployable front support 37 for supporting the front of the hand trolley 7 on the ground. In this particular example, the deployable front support 37 is in the form of wheels 39 and brackets 38, although other suitable deployable front supports can be used instead.

[0094] 7A shows the deployable front support 37 in a deployed configuration, and FIG. 7B shows the deployable front support 37 in a stored configuration. The deployable front support 37 in FIGS. 7A and 7B comprises a bracket 38 and a front wheel 39 (which in this example is the front wheel of the hand trolley 7). The bracket 38 is attached to the display platform deck 9 at a front portion of the display platform deck 9 spaced forward of the rear wheel axle 15 and is attached to the underside of the display platform deck 9, although this is not required. The bracket 38 is attached to the display platform deck 9 by fastening means 40, provided here as bolts 40 each having a corresponding nut passing through correspondingly spaced holes in the display platform deck. In this embodiment the deployable front support 37 comprises the front wheel 37, however other deployable front supports are envisaged that do not comprise front wheels but instead comprise front support members such as blocks or feet instead of the front wheels.

[0095] The bracket includes two spaced apart legs 41 defining a space therebetween for receiving the front wheel 39, although other brackets having only one leg 41 could alternatively be used.

[0096] The bracket 38 includes a guide 43 for guiding an axle 42 of the front wheel 39 along it. In this example, the guide 43 is provided as a slot 43 in each leg 41 of the bracket 38. The guide includes a first stop 44 and a second stop 45, each configured to receive the front wheel axle 42, and the guide 43 is configured to guide the front wheel axle 42 from the first stop 44 to the second stop 45 (or vice versa). The first stop 44 and the second stop 45 are arranged such that the first stop 44 is provided closer to the display platform deck 9 than the second stop 45 (i.e. the second stop 45 is spaced further away from the display platform deck 9 than the first stop 44 is spaced away from the display platform deck 9). Thus, the distance from the axle 42 to the display platform deck 9 when the axle 42 is received by the first stop 44 is less than the distance from the axle 42 to the display platform deck 9 when the axle 42 is received by the second stop 45 (i.e., the height of the deployable front support 37 is less when the axle 42 is received by the first stop 44 than when the axle 42 is received by the second stop 45). In this manner, the first stop 44 defines the stored configuration of the deployable front support 37, and the second stop 45 defines the deployed configuration. The slot 43 extends between the first stop 44 and the second stop 45, and in this example is provided as a linear slot extending linearly between the first and second stops, and is therefore inclined relative to the display platform deck 9. The first stop 44 and the second stop 45 are therefore provided at opposite ends of the slot 43. The first stop 44 is spaced farther from the rear axle 15 or rear wheel pivot 15 than the second stop 45. The slots 43 thus define a track 43 for guiding the front support member along between the deployed and stowed configurations. In instances where the bracket includes two legs, the slots 43 in each leg 41 may optionally be identical to one another such that the front axle 42 is received in both slots 43.

[0097] In this example, the first stop 44 and the second stop 45 are provided as a first notch 44 and a second notch 45, respectively, within the slot 43, and the first notch 44 and the second notch 45 extend generally upwardly from the slot 43 generally toward the display platform deck 9, although other forms of stops are also contemplated.

[0098] As can be seen from a comparison of Figures 7A and 7B, when the trolley 7 is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel (i.e., when the hand trolley is in a substantially upright, non-tilted position or configuration) and the deployable front support is in the stowed configuration, the front of the display platform deck 9 is inclined more toward the ground than when the trolley is supported on the ground by both at least one rear wheel and the front wheel (i.e., when the hand trolley is in a substantially upright, non-tilted position or configuration) and the deployable front support is in the front wheel deployed configuration. In this way, by inclining the front of the display platform deck 9 toward the ground, the display platform deck can be more easily or readily positioned to receive the display platform thereon and facilitate positioning of the lateral support structures in slidably engaging their respective legs of the display platform by sliding the display platform deck 9 within the gap 5 between the display platform base 3 and the ground.

[0099] 8A-8C show how the deployable front support 37 can be configured from the deployed configuration to the stored configuration. In FIG. 8A, the deployable front support 37 is in the deployed configuration in that the front wheel axle 42 is received by the second stop 45. In this configuration, the trolley 7 can be moved (either in the tilted configuration of the hand trolley 7 or even in a substantially upright non-tilted configuration or position) with the display platform 1 received thereon. When the user wants to remove the display platform from the trolley, the user simply tilts the trolley about the rear wheel axle 15, and the front wheel axle 42 falls from the second stop or notch 45 into the slot 43 due to the weight of the front wheel 39. The front wheel 39 then engages the ground, and the user then steers (e.g. pulls) the trolley backwards by the handle 12, moving the front wheel 39 along the slot 43 towards the first stop 44. The user then simultaneously, or after a short delay, tilts the display platform back to a substantially upright position, causing the deployable front supports 37 to now be in a stowed configuration with the display platform deck 9 tilted downwards, and the weight of the hand trolley 7 causes the front wheel axle 42 to slide along the slot 43 until it is received by the notch 44 defined by the first stop 44, such that the weight of the display platform 1 is now supported only by the display platform legs 4 and not the display platform deck 9. The user then continues to manipulate (e.g., pull) the trolley 7 rearward such that the first lateral support structure 20 and the second lateral support structure 21 release their sliding engagement with their respective display platform legs 4 and the display platform 1 is lowered (or separated) from the trolley 7.

[0100] 9A-9C show essentially the reverse process from that shown in FIGS. 8A-8C in that they show how the deployable front support 37 can be configured from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. In FIG. 9A, the deployable front support 37 is in a stowed configuration in that the front wheel axle 42 is received by the first stop 44. In this configuration, the trolley 7 can be moved with the display platform 1 received by it but not on it. When a user wishes to load, i.e., lift, the display platform 1 onto the trolley 7, the user simply tilts the trolley 7 about the rear wheel axle 15 and the front wheel axle 42 falls from the first stop or notch 44 into the slot 43 due to the weight of the front wheels 39. The front wheels 39 then slide under their own weight along the slots 43 to be received by the second stops 45 or the front wheels 39 engage the ground and then the user steers (e.g. pushes) the trolley 7 forward by the handle 12 to move the front wheels 39 along the slots 43 towards the second stops 45. The user then simultaneously, or with a short delay, tilts the display platform back to a substantially upright position (i.e. such that the weight of the hand trolley 7 is supported by both the rear wheels 14 and the deployable front supports 37) such that the weight of the hand trolley 7 or a tilting motion is applied by the user such that the deployable front supports 37 are now in the deployed configuration and the front wheel axles 42 become received within the notches defined by the second stops 45 such that the weight of the display platform 1 is now supported by the display platform deck 9 rather than by the engagement of the display platform legs 4 with the ground.

[0101] 8A-9C, the deployable front supports 37 are configured such that not only can tilting the hand trolley 7 backwards (e.g., about the rear wheel axis 15) reconfigure the deployable front supports 37 from the deployed configuration to the stored configuration, but also such that tilting the hand trolley 7 in the same manner reconfigures the deployable front supports 37 from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration. Thus, the same motion is involved in the configuration of the deployable front supports 37 between the deployed and stored configurations. This significantly enhances the usability of the hand trolley 7.

[0102] Thus, when using the present invention, a user maneuvers the trolley 7 to the display platform to be transported, and while doing so, positions the trolley 7 such that the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures are aligned with the display platform legs that are configured to slidably engage therewith. Once aligned, the user pushes the trolley further toward the display platform 1 (either on the rear wheels only or on both the rear and front wheels) such that the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures slidably engage their respective display platform legs to provide lateral stability thereto. In embodiments that include a shelf-like protrusion, the shelf-like protrusion may be positioned below the base of the display platform. In embodiments that include a deployable front support, the user then tilts the display platform deck 9 backwards to lift the display platform 1 up onto the display platform deck 9, following the procedure described in Figures 9A-9C. The display platform may then be loaded onto the trolley for transport by pushing the trolley either in a substantially upright position (both rear and front wheels engaging the ground) or in a tilted configuration (only rear wheels engaging the ground and front wheels not engaged). When a user desires to remove the display platform 1 from the trolley 7, the user may follow the procedure shown in Figures 8A-8C to tilt the display platform deck 9 forward to effectively lower the display platform deck 9 so that the weight of the display platform 1 is now supported only by its feet and not by the display platform deck 9. The trolley may then be slid backwards until the first and second display platform leg lateral support structures are ready for another display platform to be transported by the trolley 7, i.e., slidably disengaged from their respective display platform legs 4 and the display platform 1 is decoupled from the hand trolley 7.

[0103] It is anticipated that those skilled in the art may make various changes to the embodiments specifically described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A split display platform hand trolley for receiving and transporting a legged split display platform, wherein the split display platform has a loading surface for placing and transporting articles on the split display platform, and at least one leg for supporting the loading surface, and the hand trolley is A first display platform leg lateral support structure for providing lateral support to the display platform, A second display platform leg lateral support structure for providing lateral support to the aforementioned display platform, Equipped with, and The first display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, such that the lateral support of the display platform on the hand trolley is provided in a first lateral direction by the first display platform leg lateral support structure, and A hand trolley wherein the second display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the legs of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, such that the lateral support of the display platform on the hand trolley is provided by the second display platform leg lateral support structure in a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction.

2. The hand trolley according to claim 1, wherein both the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are configured to engage with the first leg when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide lateral support to the first leg of the display platform in both the first and second lateral directions.

3. The first display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to support the first leg of the display platform laterally in the first lateral direction, and The hand trolley according to claim 1, wherein the second display platform leg lateral support structure is configured to engage with the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to laterally support the second leg of the display platform in the second lateral direction.

4. The hand trolley according to claim 3, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a support member configured to engage with the side surface of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide the first lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley, and optionally the first display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a further support member configured to engage with the opposing side surface of the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide the second lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley.

5. The hand trolley according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure optionally comprises at least one finger configured to be slidably received by a corresponding opening provided in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to optionally provide lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley.

6. The hand trolley according to claim 5, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure comprises two optionally laterally spaced fingers configured to be slidably received by corresponding openings provided in the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley.

7. The hand trolley according to claim 6, wherein the two fingers define an interdigital space between them, and the interdigital space is configured to receive the first leg of the display platform.

8. The hand trolley according to claim 3, wherein the second display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a support member configured to engage with the side surface of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley in a second direction, and optionally the second display platform leg lateral support structure comprises a further support member configured to engage with the opposing side surface of the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley in a first direction.

9. The hand trolley according to claim 8, wherein the second display platform leg lateral support structure optionally comprises at least one finger configured to be slidably received by a corresponding opening provided in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to optionally provide lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley.

10. The hand trolley according to claim 8, wherein the second display platform leg lateral support structure comprises two optionally laterally spaced fingers configured to be slidably received by corresponding openings provided in the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide lateral support to the display platform on the hand trolley.

11. The hand trolley according to claim 10, wherein the two fingers define an interdigital space between them, and the interdigital space is configured to receive the first leg of the display platform.

12. The hand trolley according to claim 1, further comprising a display platform deck for receiving the legged split display platform on it when the legged split display platform is received by the hand trolley, and for subsequently placing and transporting the legged split display platform on it.

13. The hand trolley according to claim 12, wherein the display platform deck comprises a shelf-like projection positioned between the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure, the shelf-like projection being configured to extend below the display platform and between the first leg and the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley to support the display platform thereon.

14. The hand trolley according to claim 13, wherein the shelf-like projection comprises a guide portion having a reduced width, and for example, the guide portion comprises first and second angled or rounded guide edges on each of the opposing sides of the shelf-like projection to facilitate engagement of the shelf-like projection between the first and second legs of the display platform.

15. The hand trolley according to claim 12, wherein the display platform deck is substantially flat.

16. The hand trolley according to claim 12, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure are integrally formed with the display platform deck.

17. The hand trolley according to claim 12, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure are substantially coplanar with the display platform deck or shelf-like projection.

18. If dependent on claim 3, the display platform deck is: To provide the first leg of the display platform with the second lateral support, a first display platform leg lateral support surface or edge is provided, configured to engage with the first leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, A second display platform leg lateral support surface or edge configured to engage with the second leg of the display platform when the display platform is received by the hand trolley, in order to provide the first lateral support to the second leg of the display platform, The hand trolley according to claim 12, comprising:

19. The hand trolley according to claim 15, wherein, as dependent on claim 4, the support members of the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure, the fingers of the first display platform leg lateral support structure and / or the second display platform leg lateral support structure, and / or the display platform deck or its shelf-like projections are arranged in a common plane.

20. The hand trolley according to claim 1, wherein the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are each configured to provide an interlocking engagement with the first leg and the second leg of the display platform.

21. The hand trolley according to claim 12, wherein, if dependent on claim 7, the finger gap is provided as a slot within the display platform deck.

22. The hand trolley according to claim 12, wherein the display platform deck is substantially flat, and the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure are defined by the contoured edge of the display platform deck.

23. The hand trolley according to claim 22, wherein the contoured edge is provided on the front edge of the display platform deck.

24. The hand trolley according to claim 1, wherein the hand trolley comprises at least one moving wheel including a wheel rotation axis, and the hand trolley is tiltable by a user around a tilt axis to lift the display platform to a wheeled transport mode for transporting the display platform on the hand trolley, preferably the tilt axis is coaxial with the moving wheel rotation axis.

25. The hand trolley according to claim 24, wherein, when dependent on claim 5, the fingers have longitudinal axes extending in a direction perpendicular to the wheel rotation axis.

26. The hand trolley according to claim 24, comprising at least one handle, preferably two, for operating the hand trolley, wherein the at least one handle is provided on one side of the tilt axis, and the display platform deck is provided on the other side of the tilt axis such that the hand trolley tilts around the tilt axis to lift a display platform to be received by the hand trolley, by pushing the handle in one direction on one side of the tilt axis to move the display platform deck in an opposing direction.

27. The hand trolley according to claim 26, wherein the hand trolley comprises a substantially upright or nearly upright frame to which the moving wheels, the display platform deck, and at least one handle are attached.

28. The hand trolley according to claim 27, wherein the hand trolley comprises a substantially flat display platform deck for receiving, loading, and transporting a divided display platform thereon, and the frame extends substantially upward so as to define an obtuse angle with its flat loading surface.

29. If dependent on claim 12, The aforementioned moving wheels are the rear wheels of the hand trolley, and the rear wheels include a rear wheel rotation axis. The aforementioned hand trolley is A deployable front support spaced in front of the rear wheel rotation axis. Furthermore, The deployable front support is reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration, and when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the retracted configuration, the display platform deck is tilted more toward the ground than when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the deployed configuration, such that the height of the front support in the deployed configuration is greater than the height in the retracted configuration. The hand trolley according to claim 24.

30. The hand trolley according to claim 29, wherein the deployable front support comprises a front support member and a bracket for attaching the front support member to the hand trolley.

31. The hand trolley according to claim 30, wherein the front support member comprises a front wheel including a front axle, the deployable front support is reconfigurable between a front wheel deployed configuration and a front wheel retracted configuration, and the distance between the front axle and the display platform deck is smaller in the front wheel retracted configuration than in the front wheel deployed configuration, such that when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel retracted configuration, the display platform deck is inclined more toward the ground than when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel deployed configuration.

32. The bracket comprises a first stop portion and a second stop portion, both of which are configured to receive the front support member. Furthermore, the first stopping unit is positioned closer to the display platform deck than the second stopping unit, such that the first stopping unit defines the front wheel retraction position and the second stopping unit defines the front wheel deployment position. The hand trolley according to claim 30, wherein the guide is configured to guide the front wheel axle so that it can slide between the first stop and the second stop.

33. The hand trolley according to claim 32, wherein the first stopping part is spaced further away from the rear wheel rotation axis than the second stopping part.

34. The hand trolley according to claim 32, wherein the guide is provided as a slot within the bracket, and the first stop and the second stop are optionally provided at opposite ends of the slot.

35. The hand trolley according to claim 34, wherein the first stop and the second stop are provided in the slot as a first notch and a second notch, respectively, and the first notch and the second notch optionally extend from the slot toward the display platform deck.

36. The hand trolley according to claim 34, wherein the slot defines a track along which the front support member is guided.

37. The hand trolley according to claim 29, wherein the deployable front support is positioned toward the front of the display platform deck.

38. The hand trolley according to claim 29, wherein the deployable front support is configured to be reconfigured between the deployed configuration and the stored configuration by tilting the hand trolley around the rear wheel rotation axis.

39. The hand trolley according to claim 29, wherein the deployable front support is provided on the underside of the display platform deck.

40. The hand trolley according to claim 1, wherein the hand trolley is manually propelled.

41. A kit comprising a legged split display platform and the hand trolley according to claim 1.

42. A method for receiving and transporting a legged split display platform on a hand trolley as described in claim 1, wherein the hand trolley comprises a display platform deck for receiving the legged split display platform on it and then transporting it on it once the legged split display platform has been received by the hand trolley, and the method is as follows: The process of receiving a legged split display platform onto a hand trolley, by positioning the display platform deck below its loading surface when the display platform is positioned on the ground, such that the display platform is supported laterally relative to the hand trolley by the first display platform leg lateral support structure and the second display platform leg lateral support structure, the first display platform leg lateral support structure slidably engages with the first leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the first leg, and the second display platform leg lateral support structure slidably engages with the second leg of the display platform to provide lateral stability to the second leg. Methods that include...

43. The hand trolley comprises at least one moving wheel including a wheel pivot axis, and the hand trolley is tiltable by the user around the moving wheel pivot axis to a wheel transport mode for placing and transporting the display platform on the hand trolley, and the method, after the step of receiving the display platform on the hand trolley, The steps include tilting the hand trolley around the movable wheel rotation axis to the wheel transport mode of the hand trolley so that the display platform deck lifts the hand trolley off the ground, The steps include: transporting the display platform onto the hand trolley while the hand trolley is tilted to the wheel transport mode, The method according to claim 42, including the method described in claim 42.

44. A hand trolley for lifting and transporting a legged split display platform, wherein the hand trolley is A rear wheel including a rear wheel pivot axis configured to rotate around it, A display platform deck for receiving a legged split display platform on top of it, A deployable front support positioned in front of the rear wheel rotation axis, Equipped with, The deployable front support is reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration, and the height of the front support in the deployed configuration is greater than the height in the retracted configuration, such that when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the retracted configuration, the display platform deck is lower with respect to the ground than when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the deployable front support and when the deployable front support is in the deployed configuration.

45. The hand trolley according to claim 44, wherein the deployable front support comprises a front support member and a bracket for attaching the front support member to the hand trolley.

46. The hand trolley according to claim 45, wherein the front support member comprises a front wheel including a front axle, the deployable front support is reconfigurable between a front wheel deployed configuration and a front wheel retracted configuration, and the distance between the front axle and the display platform deck is smaller in the front wheel retracted configuration than in the front wheel deployed configuration, such that when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel retracted configuration, the display platform deck is lower with respect to the ground than when the hand trolley is supported on the ground by both the at least one rear wheel and the front wheel and when the deployable front support is in the front wheel deployed configuration.

47. The bracket comprises a first stop portion and a second stop portion, both of which are configured to receive the front support member. Furthermore, the first stopping unit is positioned closer to the display platform deck than the second stopping unit, such that the first stopping unit defines the front wheel retraction position and the second stopping unit defines the front wheel deployment position. The hand trolley according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the guide is configured to guide the front wheel axle so that it can slide between the first stop and the second stop.

48. The hand trolley according to claim 47, wherein the first stopping part is spaced further away from the rear wheel rotation axis than the second stopping part.

49. The hand trolley according to claim 47, wherein the guide is provided as a slot within the bracket, and the first stop and the second stop are optionally provided at opposite ends of the slot.

50. The hand trolley according to claim 49, wherein the first stop and the second stop are provided in the slot as a first notch and a second notch, respectively, and the first notch and the second notch optionally extend from the slot toward the display platform deck.

51. The hand trolley according to claim 49, wherein the slot defines a track along which the front support member is guided.

52. The hand trolley according to claim 44, wherein the deployable front support is positioned toward the front of the display platform deck.

53. The hand trolley according to claim 44, wherein the deployable front support is configured to be reconfigured between the deployed configuration and the stored configuration by tilting the hand trolley around the rear wheel rotation axis.

54. The hand trolley according to claim 44, wherein the deployable front support is provided on the underside of the display platform deck.

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