A cart including a main body and a removable dolly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage unit having a main body and a wheeled body. The main body includes a plurality of shelves, a plurality of support posts supporting the shelves, and a plurality of guide wheels attached to a first shelf of the shelves. The wheeled body includes a platform for slidably receiving the guide wheels of the main body. The wheeled body may also include a plurality of wheels attached to a bottom of the platform, and a lock. The lock may include notches having dimensions complementary to the dimensions of each of the lateral side frames. The lock can releasably secure one of the lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body. The lock is entirely incorporated into the wheeled body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 434,314, filed December 21, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of clean room equipment, and more particularly to an apparatus for transporting items from a non-sterile environment to a sterile environment or vice versa. [Background technology]

[0003] A controlled environment (e.g., cleanroom) is an area or environment in which the levels of contaminants and particles are controlled, such as by filtering particulate matter from the air entering the room. Controlled environments have low levels of contaminants and particles and can be used to manufacture certain products or conduct research. Controlled environments can be used to ensure that organic and inorganic contaminants from the outside environment do not jeopardize certain goods or equipment. However, it can be difficult to introduce various items (e.g., consumables, raw materials) into a controlled environment without contaminating it or introducing particles into the controlled environment.

[0004] Cleanrooms can also use features such as positive pressure and humidity control to optimize the environment for the task they are designed for. Cleanrooms come in a variety of sizes and may have airlocks or staging areas outside the entrance, which isolate the air within the cleanroom from the outside environment. Cleanrooms can be classified using filtration standards that determine the number and size of particles allowed in a given air volume. Cleanroom standards include US FED 209E Class, ISO 14644-1 Class, and ISO 14644-2 Class.

[0005] Autoclaving is a technique used to clean items and equipment that are transported in a controlled environment. An autoclave is a device that uses pressure and heat, such as steam or superheated water, to sterilize items and equipment. Autoclaving can also be performed in a vacuum. Autoclaves come in a variety of sizes, depending on the medium being sterilized. Items and equipment in an autoclave are exposed to high levels of heat, pressure, and moisture, so the medium undergoing such treatment must be able to withstand these high levels of heat, pressure, and moisture.

[0006] Cleanroom personnel may use supply transport devices such as carts to transport items to and from the cleanroom. However, carts from uncontrolled environments should not be brought into the cleanroom because the wheels can introduce unwanted particles into the cleanroom and cause contamination. Therefore, personnel will park the cart outside the cleanroom entrance (or staging area) and manually move trays and items from the cart into the sterile environment.

[0007] As shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,518,793, 9,994,244, and 11,555,576, a second cart can be provided within the clean room to transfer items between a cart located within the clean room and a cart located outside the clean room. This transfer method prevents carts located outside the clean environment from entering and contaminating the sterile clean room. However, there is a need to improve the manufacturability of existing transfer devices, reduce costs, and improve the ease of use of the devices. Summary of the Invention

[0008] These needs are met to a large extent by an apparatus including a main body and a wheeled body (carriage). The main body may include a plurality of shelves, which may include a first shelf. The first shelf may include a plurality of lateral side frames. The main body may include a plurality of posts supporting the shelves and a plurality of guide wheels attached to the first shelf. The wheeled body may include a platform that slidably receives the plurality of guide wheels of the main body, a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom of the platform, and a lock. The lock may include notches having dimensions complementary to the dimensions of each of the plurality of lateral side frames. The lock may releasably lock one of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body. The lock is entirely integrated into the wheeled body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the present invention may include one or more of the following features. The device provided with the lock may include a base secured to a platform. The lock may include a resilient connector resiliently connecting a notch to the base. The resilient connector biases the notch upward relative to the base. The lock may include a pedal protruding from the notch, configured to disengage from one of the plurality of lateral side frames when the pedal is depressed by an operator. The entire notch is disposed inwardly relative to the first end of the wheeled body. When the lock is not releasably locked to one of the plurality of lateral side frames, the lock is configured to releasably secure another of the plurality of lateral side frames. Referring to the wheeled body as a first wheeled body (first carriage), the device may include a second wheeled body (second carriage). The second wheeled body may include a platform configured to slidably receive the plurality of guide wheels of the body, a plurality of wheels attached to a bottom of the platform, and the lock. The lock may include a notch having dimensions complementary to those of each of the plurality of lateral side frames and configured to releasably lock another one of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body. The lock of the second wheeled body is integrally incorporated into the second wheeled body. The first wheeled body and the second wheeled body are identical. The first wheeled body is configured to abut against the second wheeled body, and the main body is configured to slide along the plurality of guide wheels from a platform of the first wheeled body to a platform of the second wheeled body, and the notch of the second wheeled body is configured to automatically lock another one of the plurality of lateral side frames.

[0010] Another general aspect of the present disclosure is a device including a main body and a wheeled body (cart). The main body may include a plurality of shelves, and the plurality of shelves may include a first shelf. The first shelf may include a plurality of lateral side frames. The main body may include a plurality of support posts supporting the shelves and a plurality of guide wheels attached to a bottom of the first shelf. The wheeled body may include a platform configured to slidably receive the plurality of guide wheels of the main body, a plurality of wheels attached to a bottom of the platform, and a plurality of guide rails extending upward from a top of the platform. The guide rails define an open space in an area above the platform.

[0011] Implementations may include one or more of the following features: The apparatus wherein the plurality of guide rails do not extend inwardly above the platform. The wheeled body may include a lock, and the lock may include a notch of dimensions complementary to a dimension of each of the plurality of lateral side frames and configured to releasably secure one of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the body relative to the wheeled body. The plurality of guide rails are configured to guide the guide wheels of the body toward the lock as the body slides longitudinally along the platform on the guide wheels.

[0012] Another general aspect of the present disclosure is an apparatus including a main body and a wheeled body (cart). The main body may include a plurality of shelves, which may include a first shelf. The first shelf may include a plurality of lateral side frames. The main body may include a plurality of posts supporting the shelves and a plurality of guide wheels attached to a first shelf of the plurality of shelves. The wheeled body may include a platform configured to slidably receive the guide wheels of the main body, a plurality of wheels attached to a bottom of the platform, and a handle attached to the bottom of the platform. The handle extends upward from the platform at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to an upper surface of the platform.

[0013] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The device may include a handle on the main body. The wheeled body may include a lock, and the lock may include a notch having dimensions complementary to those of each of the plurality of lateral side frames and configured to releasably secure one of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body. The notch is generally disposed inwardly relative to the first end of the wheeled body. When the notch releasably secures one of the lateral side frames, a longitudinal gap is defined between the handle of the wheeled body and the handle of the main body. The lock may include a base secured to the platform, a resilient connector resiliently coupling the notch to the base, the resilient connector biasing the notch upward relative to the base, and a pedal protruding from the notch, the pedal configured to release the notch from one of the lateral side frames when depressed by an operator.

[0014] Various additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] The following detailed description is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which there is shown by way of illustration examples and not by way of limitation to the specific elements and apparatus disclosed. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device with a main body secured to a first wheeled body in an uncontrolled environment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device as the body is transferred from a first wheeled body to a second wheeled body in a controlled environment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device in a controlled environment with the main body secured to a second wheeled body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main body. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the main body of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wheeled body. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the wheeled body of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the wheeled body of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the device of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 9 along section AA. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms not specifically shown in the drawings.

[0017] 1-3 illustrate a device 10, such as a cart, for transporting various objects according to one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 10 may include a main body 100 (e.g., a frame) and a wheeled body (cart). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the device 10 may include a first wheeled body 200A and a second wheeled body 200B, although the device 10 may include only a single wheeled body or any number of wheeled bodies. In embodiments in which the device 10 includes multiple wheeled bodies (carts), each wheeled body may include the same features and may have a similar structural relationship to the main body 100. Accordingly, the following description of features or structural relationships described herein with reference to a wheeled body may also apply to any other wheeled body of the device 10, including the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B. For example, each of the wheeled bodies (carriages) may include a lock 300 that can releasably secure the main body 100 to the respective wheeled body 200A, 200B. In different embodiments, the device 10 may include multiple wheeled bodies, at least some of which may include different features or structural relationships than at least one other of the wheeled bodies.

[0018] The apparatus 10 can be used, for example, to move items (e.g., goods, products, and / or equipment) from an uncontrolled environment 5 (e.g., outside a cleanroom) to a controlled environment 7 (e.g., inside a cleanroom). These items may be sterile and exposed, or may be sealed in sealed packaging such as a bag. In an embodiment, a single operator can operate the apparatus 10 to move the items from the uncontrolled environment 5 to the controlled environment 7. A boundary 9 can separate the controlled environment 7 from the uncontrolled environment 5. In an embodiment, the boundary 9 can be, for example, an airlock entrance located outside the cleanroom. Alternatively, the boundary 9 can be inside an airlock and outside the cleanroom entrance. Alternatively, the boundary 9 can be between two cleanrooms with different particulate levels. For example, the apparatus 10 can move items from an ISO 14644-1 class cleanroom to an ISO 14644-2 class cleanroom. Items can be transported on multiple shelves (shelf boards) in the main body 100.

[0019] 1-3 illustrate the movement of a body 100 from a first wheeled body 200A in an uncontrolled environment 5 to a second wheeled body 200B in a controlled environment 7. As shown in FIG. 1, the body 100 can be releasably secured to the first wheeled body 200A by a lock 300. The first wheeled body 200A can be placed in the uncontrolled environment 5 and brought by an operator to one side of a boundary 9. The second wheeled body 200B can be placed in the controlled environment 7 and brought into contact with the first wheeled body 200A on the other side of the boundary 9. Alternatively, the second wheeled body 200B can be first brought to the boundary 9, and the first wheeled body 200A can be brought into contact with the second wheeled body 200B at the boundary 9.

[0020] 2, an operator can release lock 300 on first wheeled body 200A, thereby allowing main body 100 (along with any items it is carrying) to slide relative to first wheeled body 200A. For example, main body 100 may include multiple guide wheels that allow main body 100 to be wheeled away from first wheeled body 200A and onto second wheeled body 200B adjacent to first wheeled body 200A at boundary 9. As previously discussed, first wheeled body 200A and second wheeled body 200B can include the same features and structural relationships relative to main body 100. Therefore, when the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B meet at the boundary 9, the platforms of the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B can be at the same height, allowing for smooth movement of the main body 100 from the first wheeled body 200A to the second wheeled body 200B. In an embodiment, the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B may be the same. In an embodiment, an operator can manually align the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B so that the respective sides of the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B are substantially aligned (in a straight line) with each other. In some embodiments, the front ends of the first wheeled body 200A and / or the second wheeled body 200B may be provided with guide members to assist an operator (individually or collectively) in aligning the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B. One or more wheels of the first wheeled body 200A and / or the second wheeled body 200B may each be lockable to prevent relative movement between the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B during transport of the main body 100.

[0021] 3 , once main body 100 is fully received on second wheeled body 200B, lock 300 of second wheeled body 200B automatically and releasably secures main body 100 to second wheeled body 200B, thereby preventing relative movement between main body 100 and second wheeled body 200B. Thus, main body 100 can be secured to second wheeled body 200B, which can have sterilized (aseptic) wheels, within controlled environment 7. First wheeled body 200A, which has non-sterile wheels, can remain in uncontrolled environment 5. The wheel lock of second wheeled body 200B can then be released by an operator, and second wheeled body 200B can be maneuvered within controlled environment 7 such that items on main body 100 can be transported to an appropriate location within controlled environment 7. While the main body 100 is being transferred from the first wheeled body 200A to the second wheeled body 200B, items can remain on the main body's shelves (shelf boards) and do not need to be removed. Furthermore, the main body 100 can be transferred between the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B without ever touching the ground, thereby isolating items on the main body 100 from contaminants on the ground. In an embodiment, the main body 100 can be transferred from the second wheeled body 200B to the first wheeled body 200A in a similar but reverse manner.

[0022] Therefore, the apparatus 10 can transport items on multiple shelves of the main body 100 as the main body 100 moves between the uncontrolled environment 5 and the controlled environment 7. In this way, a worker does not need to manually remove an item from a cart to transport the item into the controlled environment 7 while leaving the cart outside the controlled environment 7. Also, wheels used in the uncontrolled environment 5 (e.g., wheels of the first wheeled body 200A) do not enter the controlled environment 7. Also, wheels used in the controlled environment 7 (e.g., wheels of the second wheeled body 200B) can remain inside the controlled environment 7 and do not need to leave the controlled environment 7 to receive an item. Therefore, wheels that come into contact with the ground surface in the uncontrolled environment 5 (e.g., wheels of the first wheeled body 200A) do not introduce contaminants into the controlled environment 7.

[0023] In embodiments, device 10 may have an elongated rectangular shape. In embodiments, the entire device 10, including the entire main body 100, the entire first wheeled body 200A, and the entire second wheeled body 200B, may be made from materials capable of withstanding the moisture, heat, and pressure required for the entire device 10 to be autoclaved. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, metals and metal alloys such as nickel, aluminum, stainless steel, resilient plastics such as polypropylene, Pyrex-type glass, and the like.

[0024] 4 and 5 show perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a main body 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The main body 100 may be a frame. The main body 100 may be rectangular. The main body 100 may be a separate entity that may define a first end 102 (e.g., a lateral side), a second end 104 (e.g., a lateral side), a third end 106 (e.g., a longitudinal side), and a fourth end 108 (e.g., a longitudinal side). The main body 100 may include one or more shelves that can carry various items, such as articles and / or equipment. These shelves may extend horizontally. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 4, the main body 100 may include a first shelf 112 (e.g., a bottom shelf), a second shelf 114 (e.g., a middle shelf), and a third shelf 116 (e.g., a top shelf), although any number of shelves are possible. The main body 100 may include any number of vertical support posts 120. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 4, the main body 100 may include four vertical support posts 120 that can be connected to and support each of the first shelf 112, the second shelf 114, and the third shelf 116. One support post 120 may be provided at each corner, extending from the bottom shelf to the top shelf, a lower support post may extend from the bottom shelf to the middle shelf, and an upper support post may extend from the middle shelf to the top shelf. In embodiments, any or all of the shelves may have edges that bend upward or downward to form side walls, which may strengthen the shelves and prevent items being transported from sliding off the shelves. The first shelf 112, the second shelf 114, and / or the third shelf 116 may include a frame that may surround the periphery of the respective shelf. For example, and referring to FIG. 5 , the first shelf 112 may include a frame that includes a flat metal shelf top platform or sheet and a plurality of longitudinal side frames or frame members 118 and a plurality of transverse side frames or frame members 119 connecting the longitudinal side frames 118 to each other.The shelf's upper platform rests on frame members 118, 119 such that frame members 118, 119 extend downwardly from the shelf's upper platform, as best seen in Figure 12. The plurality of longitudinal side frames 118 and lateral side frames 119 may be any number of shapes and / or sizes, including, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, or tubular.

[0025] The main body 100 may include one or more handles 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the main body 100 may include two handles 130 connected to the first end 102 and the second end 104, respectively. The handles 130 may be round, elongated tubes spanning the width of the main body 100 and may include supports for connecting them. The handles 130 may be connected to the first end 102 and the second end 104, respectively, by supports. Each handle 130 may be positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the first end 102 and the second end 104, forming a respective gap 132 between the respective handle 130 and the first end 102 and the second end 104. The handles 130 may be positioned substantially at the top of the main body 100 and may be at the same height (horizontal) as the third shelf 116 or may be elevated from the third shelf 116 (by supports).

[0026] The main body 100 may include a plurality of guide wheels 140 that can facilitate sliding of the main body 100 along the wheeled body 200 during transport. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the guide wheels 140 can be attached to the bottom 122 of the first shelf 112. For example, the plurality of guide wheels 140 can be attached to the bottom of the longitudinal side frames 118. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the plurality of guide wheels 140 can be attached to the inner ends of the longitudinal side frames 118 of the first shelf 112, so that when the main body 100 is transported to the wheeled body 200, the longitudinal side frames 118 can slide against the corresponding (opposing) walls of the wheeled body 200 without interference from the guide wheels 140, thereby more smoothly aligning the main body 100 and the wheeled body 200. 12, these guide wheels 140 extend downward (protrude) from the longitudinal side frames 118 so as to provide a space or clearance between the top surface of the wheeled body platform 240 and the bottom surface of the lateral side frames 119.

[0027] In an embodiment, four guide wheels 140 may be spaced apart from one another on either side of the inside bottom 122 of the longitudinal side frames 118, or any number of guide wheels 140 may be provided. Each guide wheel 140 may include a wheel and an axle attached to the bottom 122 of the first shelf 112. In an embodiment, the axles may be slightly larger than the wheels, or the axles may extend the entire width of the main body 100, with each axle supporting one or more wheels. These guide wheels 140 may extend (protrude) entirely below the longitudinal side frames 118 and may support the weight of the main body 100 when slidably received in the wheeled body 200. These guide wheels 140 rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 100, i.e., forward / backward. Thus, the guide wheels 140 can rotate when the main body 100 is slidably transferred onto and removed from the wheeled body 200. The axis of rotation of each guide wheel 140 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal side frames 118.

[0028] In embodiments, the main body 100 may include any number of guide wheels 140 or rollers. For example, the main body 100 may include rollers on either side of the top of the main body 100 to prevent the main body 100 from tipping during transport. In embodiments, the main body 100 may include four rollers on each side, although other combinations of rollers are possible. In further embodiments, the guide wheels 140 need not be provided, and instead, the bottom surface 122 of the first shelf 112 may slide over the top surface of the wheeled body platform 240 of the wheeled body 200.

[0029] 6-8 show perspective, front, and side views, respectively, of a wheeled body (carriage) 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As previously described, the first wheeled body 200A and the second wheeled body 200B may include any of the features and / or structural relationships described with reference to the wheeled body 200. The wheeled body 200 may include multiple wheels 210. In embodiments, each of the wheels 210 may include a wheel frame and a wheel rotatably coupled to the wheel frame. The wheels 210 may be coupled to the bottom of the wheeled body's platform 240, and the wheels 210 may be provided at each of the four corners of the wheeled body 200 so that the wheeled body 200 can be easily steered by an operator. At least one of the wheels 210 may include a wheel locking mechanism that can prevent the wheeled body 200 from moving. In an embodiment, one or more of these wheels 210 are swivel mounted and can rotate to improve the maneuverability of the wheeled body 200 .

[0030] Wheeled body 200 may include a wheeled-body platform 240. Wheeled-body platform 240 may be sized and shaped to cooperatively receive and mate with body 100. In an embodiment, platform 240 may be a flat, rectangular, elongated sheet. Platform 240 may define a first end 242 (e.g., a lateral side), a second end 244 (e.g., a lateral side), a third end 246 (e.g., a longitudinal side), and a fourth end 248 (e.g., a longitudinal side). Platform 240 may have a flat upper surface or may be a single, continuous sheet. In embodiments, platform 240 may include one or more elongated slats extending the entire length of wheeled body 200, from first end 242 to second end 244 and / or from third end 246 to fourth end 248. Platform 240 is supported relatively low to the ground (e.g., 3-8 inches, depending on the size of wheels 210) by multiple wheels 210, providing a stable base upon which main body 100 can be secured. Thus, the height of wheeled body 200 can be minimized.

[0031] The wheeled body 200 may include multiple guide rails 220 that can guide the main body 100 during transport and facilitate stabilizing the main body 100 to the wheeled body 200. For example, the guide rails 220 can guide the guide wheels 140 of the main body 100 as the main body 100 slides along the platform 240 of the wheeled body 200. In embodiments, the multiple guide wheels 140 can be positioned such that they are fully interposed between the guide rails 220 when the main body 100 slides along the platform 240 and when the main body 100 is releasably locked to the wheeled body 200. A guide rail 220 can be positioned at each of the third end 246 and the fourth end 248. In embodiments, the guide rails 220 can extend along the entire length of the wheeled body 200. Each guide rail 220 can extend vertically upward or upward and slightly outward from the platform 240. The guide rails 220 prevent the guide wheels 140 from inadvertently sliding off the ends (longitudinal sides 242, 244 in the illustrated embodiment) of the platform 240. In other embodiments, multiple guide rails 220 can be provided spaced apart from one another at each of the third end 246 and fourth end 248.

[0032] 7 , each of the guide rails 220 can define an open space 222 in an area above the platform 240, i.e., on the side of the platform 240 opposite the side on which the wheels 210 are attached. In an embodiment, the guide rails 220 extend only vertically, e.g., do not extend inward above the platform 240. The open space 222 allows the body 100 to be freely lifted from or placed on the platform 240 without being impeded by the guide rails 220. This can increase options for sterilizing the body 100 and / or the wheeled body 200 and can provide different routes for transporting the body 100 from the wheeled body 200. In embodiments, the guide rails 220 can be formed integrally with the platform 240, for example by bending the sides of the platform 240, such that the guide rails 220 are integrally formed with the platform 240 and are upright (bent upwards). Alternatively, the guide rails 220 can be separate components attached to the sides of the platform 240. The corners and / or edges of the guide rails 220 can be chamfered (slanted, beveled) to guide the main body 100 inward between the guide rails 220 as the main body 100 slides onto the wheeled body 200.

[0033] Wheeled body 200 may include a handle 230 that an operator can grasp to steer wheeled body 200. Handle 230 may be attached to platform 240, for example, at the bottom of platform 240, so that handle 230 does not interfere with the structural relationship between lock 300 and main body 100. The length of handle 230 may be shorter than the height of handle 130 (i.e., the length of vertical support 120), such that gripping portion 232 of handle 230 is positioned vertically away from handle 130 of main body 100 when main body 100 is secured to wheeled body 200 by lock 300, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 , for example. Additionally, the handle 230 may be coupled to the platform 240 such that the grip 232 of the handle 230 is horizontally spaced apart from the handle 130 of the main body 100 when the main body 100 is secured to the wheeled body 200 by the lock 300, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 9 and 10 . This configuration allows an operator to more easily grasp the grip 232 without interference from the handle 130. It also allows a user to push the handle 130 without interference from the grip 232. For example, the handle 230 may extend upwardly away from the platform 240 at an obtuse angle 231 relative to the top of the platform 240. The angle 231 may be greater than 90 degrees so that the grip 232 at the top of the handle 230 is horizontally spaced apart from the handle 130 of the main body 100 when the main body 100 is secured to the wheeled body 200. That is, the grip 232 is positioned further away from the nearest vertical post 120 than the handle 130 is from that same vertical post 120. Alternatively, at least a portion of the handle 230 may extend perpendicularly from the platform 240, such that the grip 232 is offset (eccentric).In such a configuration, an angle may be formed between an imaginary line extending from the first end 242 or the second end 244 through the grip 232 and the surface of the platform 240, and the angle may be greater than 90 degrees so that the grip 232 at the top of the handle 230 can be horizontally spaced from the handle 130 of the main body 100 when the main body 100 is secured to the wheeled body 200.

[0034] Furthermore, as best shown in FIG. 9 , the main body handle 130 may extend across the entire width of the main body, while the dolly (wheeled body) handle 230 may be shorter than the main body handle 130. For example, the wheeled body handle 230 may extend only through the center of the wheeled body 200, and not across the entire width of the wheeled body or main body. The wheeled body 200 and main body 100 may have approximately the same width and length, maximizing the size of the main body 100 and maximizing carrying capacity. Because the main body handle 130 can be used for transportation, a wider handle 130 provides greater maneuverability for the user. While the wheeled body handle 230 can also be used for transportation, it is primarily used to hold the wheeled body 200 in place when transferring the main body 100 from one wheeled body 200 to another. Therefore, the wheeled body handle 230 may be shorter in length than the main body handle 130.

[0035] As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the handle 230 may include a support 234 that rigidly supports the grip 232 and fixedly connects the grip 232 to the platform 240. The support 234 may have a circular, rectangular, or square cross-section, is elongated, and has a base portion and an arm portion. The base portion is short and extends horizontally. A cross support bracket member is coupled to the bottom of the wheeled body platform 240 and extends across the entire width of the wheeled body 200. The wheels 210 are connected to the bottom of the cross support bracket member. The proximal end of the support 234 is connected to the cross support bracket member. The wheels 210 are connected to the outermost ends of the bracket, and the proximal end of the support 234 is connected to the bracket on the inboard side of the wheels 210. The bracket extends downward from the wheeled body platform 240 and has a U-shaped cross-section with a flat, horizontal top that connects to the bottom of the wheeled body platform 240. The arm portion of the support 234 extends upward from the base portion at an obtuse angle, angled so that the support 234 does not get in the way of a user at the bottom of the cart and is angled away from the platform for easier grasping by a user. In embodiments, the grip 232 and the support 234 may be one piece. Alternatively, the grip 232 and the support 234 may be separate structures connected together.

[0036] As best shown in Figures 6-7 and 9-12, the wheeled body 200 can include a lock 300. Figure 9 is a top view of the device 10 with the main body 100 locked to a second wheeled body 200B. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 10 of Figure 9 along line AA. Figure 11 shows a close-up view of the lock 300 of the first wheeled body 200A in the disengaged position in area A of Figure 10. Figure 12 shows a close-up view of the lock of the second wheeled body 200B in the engaged position in area B of Figure 10. The lock 300 can include a unitary body that can be folded and / or molded into individual sections, for example, including a base 302, a resilient connector or member 304, a locking channel or notch 306, and a pedal 308. The lock 300 can be, for example, a thin, rigid, elongated sheet metal.

[0037] Base 302 may be secured to platform 240 by fasteners or fixtures 310, which may include bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, or any of the functional equivalents. For example, the fasteners may extend through through holes in base 302.

[0038] Lock 300 may be integrated into wheeled body 200 without providing any of its components on main body 100. This configuration may improve manufacturability and reduce manufacturing costs. For example, notch 306 may have a size, shape, and dimensions complementary to the size, shape, and dimensions of lateral side frame members 119, allowing any of multiple lateral side frames 119 to be received within and secured by notch 306 to secure (lock) main body 100 to wheeled body 200. Lock 300 is elongated and extends along the longitudinal body axis of main body 100, with a longitudinal locking axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of lateral side frames 119. With this configuration, the main body 100 does not need to include any additional locking components because the lock 300 is complementary to the lateral side frame 119 of the existing main body 100. For example, the notch 306 may have a width in the longitudinal direction of the wheeled body 200 that is slightly larger (e.g., 1% to 5% larger) than the width of the lateral side frame 119 in the longitudinal direction of the wheeled body 200, such that the lateral side frame 119 is received within and secured by the notch 306. The notch 306 may have a depth sufficient to retain the lateral side frame 119 and prevent the lateral side frame 119 from inadvertently disengaging from the notch 306. The resilient connector 304 may resiliently couple the notch 306 to the base 302.

[0039] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lateral side frame members have a square or rectangular cross-section, and the notch 306 has a flat bottom and sides extending perpendicularly upward from the flat bottom to match the shape and size of the lateral side frame. The flat bottom of the lateral side frame 119 rests against the bottom of the notch, the leading front wall of the lateral side frame 119 abuts the leading front wall of the notch, and the trailing rear wall of the lateral side frame 119 abuts the trailing rear wall of the notch 306, thereby securely and lockably engaging the lateral side frame 119. However, in other embodiments, the lateral side frame members can have a circular cross-section, and the notch can have curved bottoms and sides to securely and lockably engage the lateral side frame. The longitudinal axis of the notch 306 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lateral side frame 119 .

[0040] The notch 306 may be positioned inward relative to the first end 242 of the wheeled body 200 when the notch 306 is engaged with the lateral side frame 119. For example, the entire notch 306 may be positioned inward relative to the first end 242. These configurations, together with the configuration of the handle 230, can ensure longitudinal spacing between the handle 230 and the handle 130 when the main body 100 is engaged with the wheeled body 200, as described above, improving the usability of the handle 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the notch 306 has a lip, a bottom, and a stop member. The lip extends vertically downward from the end of the elastic connector 304. The bottom extends substantially horizontally and parallel to the platform 240. The stop member extends vertically upward from the bottom and is parallel to the lip on the opposite side from the lip.

[0041] The fastener 310 couples the base 302 of the connector 304 to the wheeled-body platform 240 at a location inwardly spaced from the lateral sides 242, 244 (if there is a separate lock 300 for each side 242, 244). The resilient connector 304 extends toward each lateral side 242, 244 and is angled upwardly from the wheeled-body platform 240. In this manner, the resilient connector 304 can bias the notch 306 upward (i.e., away from the upper surface of the wheeled-body platform 240), as shown, for example, in the disengaged position in FIG. 11 and the engaged position in FIG. 12. Furthermore, the connector 304 extends into the space between the upper surface of the wheeled-body platform 240 and the bottom surface of the main body 100, specifically the bottom surface of the lateral frame member 119. The space between the wheeled body platform 240 and the lateral frame member 119 is formed by the guide wheels 140, allowing the lock 300 to move up and down. In this way, the main body 100 can automatically engage with the notch 306 as the main body is slid onto the respective wheeled body 200. For example, the lock 300 extends along the length of the wheeled body 200 and parallel to the guide rail 220, so that the guide rail 220 can guide the main body 100 into the notch 306 as the main body 100 is slid onto the respective wheeled body 200. The resilient connector 304 is straight and forms an obtuse angle with respect to the base 302. Thus, when the base 302 is attached to the wheeled body platform 240, for example, by fasteners 310 that extend through openings in the base 302 to the upper wheeled body platform 240, the resilient connectors 304 extend diagonally upwards away from the wheeled body platform 240, and their length allows them to flex slightly to form a spring that moves up and down relative to the platform 240.

[0042] Pedals 308 may be connected to the notches 306 and may be depressed by an operator, for example, by the operator's foot, to overcome the upward bias of the resilient connectors 304 and disengage or engage the notches 306 with the respective lateral side frames 119. The pedals 308 extend outward from the leading edge (outer edge) of the platform 240 for easy user access. Thus, the pedals 308 may selectively unlock the notches 306 and the lateral side frames 119, allowing the main body 100 to move freely longitudinally of the wheeled body 200. When the pedals 308 are released by the operator, the upward bias provided by the resilient connectors 304 may return the notches 306 to the engaged or disengaged positions shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively. 11 and 12, the resilient connector 304 can hold the notch 306 in a position where the bottom of the notch 306 is spaced from the top surface of the platform 240. This distance can be sufficient to disengage the notch 306 from the respective lateral side frame 119 and release the body 100 from the lock 300 when the pedal 308 is fully depressed. The pedal 308 can protrude from the notch 306.

[0043] Thus, in use, a user can transfer main body 100 from first wheeled body (first dolly) 200A to second wheeled body (second dolly) 200B. As shown in FIG. 1 , the user carries wheeled bodies 200A and 200B together and locks their respective wheels 210. Next, the user uses their foot to push lock pedal 308 downward against the upward spring action of resilient connector 304 until the lip of the notch is under lateral side frame 119. This releases lock 300 from main body 100, and the user can push handle 102 to roll main body 100 forward from first wheeled body 200A and onto the platform of second wheeled body 200B. As main body 100 approaches the far end of second wheeled body 200B, the bottom leading edges of lateral side frames 119 (or other elements) contact the top surfaces of angled resilient connectors 304, as shown in Figure 2. As main body 100 is further received by second wheeled body 200B in the forward direction, the leading lower edges of lateral side frames 119 urge resilient connectors 304 downward against the upward bias of resilient connectors 304. Further forward movement of second wheeled body 200B in Figure 2 causes lateral side frame members 119 to pass the lip of the notch and contact a stop member, thereby halting further forward movement of second wheeled body 200B (Figure 3). At that point, notch 306 aligns with lateral side frame 199 and resilient connector 304 urges notch 306 upward into releasable engagement with lateral side frame 199, thereby locking notch 306 to side frame 199 and locking main body 100 to second wheeled body 200B (FIG. 12). This upward movement will produce an audible sound as side frame 199 hits the bottom of the notch, indicating to the user that the lock is engaged.The lip of the notch prevents the lateral side frame 199 of the body 100 from moving in a reverse or rearward direction, and the stop member of the notch prevents the lateral side frame 199 from moving further forward.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment shown and described, the lock 300 is configured to lock onto a standard feature of the main body 100, namely the lateral side frame 119. It should be further noted that the main body 100 may include locking features such as openings, adapters, or locking mechanisms that releasably engage the lock, and the lock may have any suitable configuration, not limited to the disclosed embodiment.

[0045] Therefore, the present disclosure simplifies and reduces the cost of wheeled bodies (carts) and locking mechanisms. It also provides a mechanism that allows the body to be moved from one cart to another, minimizing contamination within the clean room and allowing products, raw materials, equipment, etc., including heavy items, to be transported into the clean room more efficiently without injuring users. One or more carts (wheeled bodies) can be dedicated to the clean room, while one or more carts (wheeled bodies) can be kept outside the clean room for dedicated use. All units can be thoroughly cleaned, for example, in an autoclave. The locking mechanism is highly reliable and easy to lock and unlock.

[0046] It should be noted that geometric or related terms, such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, inward, front, rear, upward, downward, straight, square, rectangular, circular, curved, elongated, parallel, orthogonal, perpendicular, etc., may be illustrated in the drawings and used in the description and claims. These terms are not intended to limit the disclosure and are generally used for convenience to facilitate explanation based on the examples shown in the figures. Furthermore, the geometric or related terms may not be precise. For example, walls may not be exactly perpendicular or parallel to one another due to surface roughness, tolerances allowed in manufacturing, etc., yet may still be considered perpendicular or parallel.

[0047] It will be understood that the foregoing description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing embodiments. All references to the present disclosure or its exemplary embodiments are intended to refer to the specific exemplary embodiments being discussed at the time and are not intended to imply limitations on the more general scope of the present disclosure. Any language that distinguishes or distinguishes between specific features is intended to disavow those features, but is not intended to completely exclude such features from the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A device having a main body and a wheeled body, The body includes a plurality of shelves including a first shelf including a plurality of lateral side frames; A plurality of support columns supporting the plurality of shelf boards; a plurality of guide wheels attached to the first shelf; the wheeled body having a platform configured to slidably receive the plurality of guide wheels of the main body; a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom of the platform; and a lock. the lock includes a notch of complementary dimensions to each of the plurality of lateral side frames, the notch configured to releasably secure one of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body, the lock being entirely integrated into the wheeled body.

2. In claim 1, The apparatus, wherein the lock includes a base secured to the platform.

3. In the control term 2, The lock includes a resilient connector that resiliently couples the notch to the base.

4. In claim 3, The resilient connector biases the notch upwardly relative to the base.

5. In claim 3, the lock includes a pedal protruding from the notch and configured to release the notch from one of the plurality of lateral side frames when the pedal is depressed by an operator.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, the notch being disposed entirely inwardly relative to the first end of the wheeled body.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, the lock is configured to releasably lock one of the plurality of lateral side frames when the lock is not releasably locked to another of the plurality of lateral side frames.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, The wheeled body is a first wheeled body and the apparatus has a second wheeled body, the second wheeled body comprising: a platform configured to slidably receive the plurality of guide wheels of the body; a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom of the platform; and a lock. the lock includes notches of complementary dimensions to each of the plurality of lateral side frames and configured to releasably secure another of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body, the apparatus being entirely assembled to the second wheeled body.

9. In claim 8, The apparatus, wherein the first wheeled body and the second wheeled body are the same.

10. In claim 8, The first wheeled body is configured to be adjacent to the second wheeled body, and the main body is configured to slide along the plurality of guide wheels from the platform of the first wheeled body to the platform of the second wheeled body, and the other one of the plurality of lateral side frames is automatically secured in the notch of the second wheeled body.

11. A device having a main body and a wheeled body, The body includes a plurality of shelves including a first shelf including a plurality of lateral side frames; A plurality of support columns supporting the plurality of shelf boards; a plurality of guide wheels attached to the bottom of the first shelf; the wheeled body having a platform configured to slidably receive the plurality of guide wheels of the main body; a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom of the platform; a plurality of guide rails extending upwardly from a top portion of said platform, said plurality of guide rails defining an open space in an area above said platform.

12. In claim 11, the plurality of guide rails do not extend inwardly above the platform.

13. In claim 11, the wheeled body having dimensions complementary to dimensions of each of the plurality of lateral side frames, the lock including a notch configured to releasably secure one of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body.

14. In claim 13, the plurality of guide rails are configured to guide guide wheels of the body toward the lock as the body slides longitudinally along the platform on the plurality of guide wheels.

15. A device having a main body and a wheeled body, The body includes a plurality of shelves including a first shelf having a plurality of lateral side frames; A plurality of support columns supporting the plurality of shelf boards; a plurality of guide wheels attached to the first shelf; the wheeled body having a platform configured to slidably receive the plurality of guide wheels of the main body; a plurality of wheels attached to the bottom of the platform; a handle attached to the bottom of said platform and extending upwardly away from said platform at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the top of said platform.

16. In claim 15, The device, wherein the body comprises a handle.

17. In claim 16, the wheeled body having dimensions complementary to dimensions of each of the plurality of lateral side frames, the lock including a notch configured to releasably secure one of the plurality of lateral side frames to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body.

18. In claim 17, the notch being disposed entirely inwardly relative to the first end of the wheeled body.

19. In claim 18, The device is configured such that when the notch releasably secures one of the plurality of lateral side frames, a longitudinal gap is defined between the handle of the wheeled body and the handle of the main body.

20. In claim 19, The lock includes a base fixed to the platform; a resilient connector resiliently connecting the notch to the base, the resilient connector biasing the notch upward relative to the base; a pedal protruding from the notch, the pedal configured to release the notch from one of the plurality of lateral side frames when depressed by an operator.

21. a body including at least one shelf and a frame member; a wheeled body, the wheeled body includes a platform configured to slidably receive the main body; a lock configured to releasably secure the frame member to limit longitudinal movement of the main body relative to the wheeled body.

22. In claim 21, the lock includes a linear resilient member having a base at a first end, the base being secured to the platform; and The apparatus includes a channel at a second end opposite the first end, the channel being releasably secured to the frame member.

Images