A dolly for a load, a system comprising a dolly and a sack trolley, and a method of providing the system

Abstract

A dolly (1) for transporting a load (L), wherein the dolly comprises a clamping device for releasably securing a sack trolley (100) on the dolly (1), a system comprising a sack trolley (100) releasably secured to the dolly (1) by the clamping device, and a method for provid- ing the system.

Description

[0001] A DOLLY FOR A LOAD, A SYSTEM COMPRISING A DOLLY AND A SACK TROLLEY, AND A

[0002] METHOD OF PROVIDING THE SYSTEM

[0003] The present invention is related to a dolly for a load, a system comprising the dolly and a sack trolley, and a method for providing the system. More specifically, the invention is related to a dolly for storing and transporting a load on a plane or ground, a system comprising a sack trolley secured to the dolly, and a method for securing the sack trolley to the dolly.

[0004] A basic dolly for transporting a load may typically comprise at least two (normally three or four) wheels secured to a plate configured for carrying a load of typically up to 300 kg. Such a dolly is primarily intended for the consumer marked. A more sophisticated dolly configured for carrying heavier loads, for example 600 kg or even more, may comprise a chassis or frame, a plate secured to the chassis, and heavy duty wheels, typically swivel casters.

[0005] A dolly of the type discussed herein may typically have a plate with dimensions in the range of for example 40 cm to 90 cm and may have a square or rectangular shape. A dolly of this kind is designed for transporting and storing loads such as for example boxes, large and heavy appliances such as washing machines, ovens etc., in an effective and safe way that reduces a risk of injury. Loads as discussed above is self-supporting in the sense that it does not need any side support while being transported and stored. However, a dolly of this kind is less suitable for transporting and storing a load that needs support, such as plasterboards and hardboards that has dimensions that are larger than a supporting face of a dolly and that should be transported in an upright position to avoid damaging the load. Even if such a load is transported in a flat position, a dolly is not suitable if the load

[0006] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT has dimensions exceeding a dimension of a passage, such as through a door.

[0007] Publication US2019176865 Al discloses a wheeled standalone platform implement having at least two or more swivel casters, each swivel caster is into engagement at a proximate lower base portion of said platform, wherein said at least two or more swivel casters are configured to allow a movement of said platform in any direction. A slot section disposed at a mid-portion of said platform is configured to allow a toe plate of a handcart or a dolly to engage said platform. A locking mechanism is disposed to prevent the wheeled standalone platform from sliding off the toe plate during use.

[0008] Publication US4049284 A discloses discloses a handcart including a box-shaped container for carrying a load. Box-shaped container being collapsible by pivoting the panels constituting the container.

[0009] A sack trolley comprises a frame carrying an axle with a pair of wheels, handles at the top of the backrest, a toe plate or ledge, and a backrest to support a load when the sack trolley is tilted back to an operating position. Due to the support provided by the backrest, a person can easily transport a load such as for example plasterboards in an upright position, i.e. closer to a vertical position than a horizontal position, on the sack trolley even if the load protrudes beyond the toe plate in a direction transvers or crosswise to a moving direction of the sack trolley. Although a sack trolley is easy to manoeuvre, it has to be moved in a direction being perpendicular to an axle of the wheels. Thus, a sack trolley is not suitable for transporting for example wallboards with dimensions in a moving directions exceeding a dimension of a passage, such as for example through a door.

[0010] The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.

[0011] The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

[0012] The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0013] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT In a first aspect the invention there is provided a dolly for transporting a load, the dolly comprises: a chassis having a top portion and a bottom portion; a clamping device for releasably securing a sack trolley on the dolly, the clamping device comprising:

[0014] - at least one plate portion connected to the chassis to form a load supporting portion of the dolly, wherein at least one of the at least one plate portion is pivotable secured to the chassis between a passive position wherein the at least one plate portion is in parallel with the top portion of the chassis, and an active position wherein the at least one plate portion is slanted with respect to the chassis;

[0015] - a receptacle configured for receiving a toe plate of a sack trolley when the sack trolley is carried by the dolly, the receptacle extending from an end face of the at least one plate portion; and

[0016] - a locking device movable between an inactive position, and an active position wherein the at least one plate portion is prevented from returning to the inactive position.

[0017] By means of the clamping device, a sack trolley of a commercially available type can be releasably secured to the dolly, thereby providing a dolly having a support provided by means of a backrest of the sack trolley. A dolly provided with a support is capable of transporting an oblong load, such as for example one or several wallboards through a narrow passage, since the sack trolley when secured to the dolly can be moved in parallel with an axle of the wheels of the sack trolley.

[0018] In one embodiment the at least one plate portion comprises a first plate portion having a first plate primary face, and a second plate portion having a second plate primary face, wherein the second plate portion is pivotably secured to the first plate portion between a passive position wherein the first plate portion and second plate portion form a common primary face, and an active position wherein the second plate primary face faces the first plate primary face.

[0019] The first plate portion may be fixedly connected or secured to the chassis. In such an embodiment the first plate portion may form part of the chassis itself. In one embodiment,

[0020] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT the primary face of the first plate portion is coplanar or flush with the top portion of the chassis. However, at least a portion of the primary face of the first plate portion may alternatively be arranged raised or lowered with respect to the top portion of the chassis.

[0021] The at least one plate portion may be provided with one or more apertures inter alia to save weight of the dolly. In one embodiment, at least one of the at least one plate portion may be provided by means of a grating. A grating may be advantageous with respect to draining a surface of the plate portion(s) that may be subject to for example water.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second plate portion may be pivotably secured to the first plate portion by means of a pivot. In one embodiment, the pivot may be a formed by mutually spaced hinges, for example a pair of mutually spaced hinges. In such an embodiment, the receptacle may be defined between the hinges and the primary faces of the first plate portion and second plate portion when the second plate portion is in the active position, i.e., when the primary face of the second plate portion faces the primary face of the first plate portion.

[0023] As an alternative to or in addition to providing the receptacle between the hinges and the primary faces of the first plate portion and second plate portion, the receptacle may be in the form of a recess extending from the end face of the second plate portion. In such an embodiment, the hinges connecting the second plate portion to the first plate portion, may be arranged countersunk in the primary face of the first plate portion. Countersunk hinges in the primary face of the first plate portion is advantageous with respect to a smooth common primary surface of the dolly when being in the first position. Further, the pivot may be in the form of for example a piano-hinge instead of mutually spaced hinges.

[0024] The locking device may have a first portion that in operation is connected to a portion of the chassis, and a second portion for urging the second plate portion to a position wherein the at least one surface of the receptacle, for example a recess, is slanted towards the chassis.

[0025] In one embodiment, the locking device comprises a bolt in threaded connection with the chassis and is upwardly adjustable from a bottom portion of the chassis, to drive the bolt

[0026] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT towards the recess. By rotating the bolt, a protrusion of the bolt with respect to the chassis can be controlled. In one embodiment, an end portion of a shaft of the bolt is configured for facing a portion of the primary face of the second plate portion that abuts against a toe plate of a sack trolley that has been inserted into the slit between said primary faces. In another embodiment, the locking device is configured for being attached to a portion of the sack trolley to urge the sack trolley to a slanted position with respect to the dolly, thereby urging the recess to a slanted position with respect to the chassis. Thus, a slanting of the recess of the dolly is controlled by the slanting of the sack trolley. In still another embodiment, locking device forms part of the first plate portion.

[0027] The locking device may have a first portion connected to the chassis of the dolly and a second portion configured for engaging a portion of a sack trolley when a toe plate of the sack trolley has been received by the receptacle, so that wheels of the sack trolley is urged against a portion of the chassis and the at least one surface of the receptacle is slanted towards the chassis. This has the effect that a slanting of the at least one surface of the receptacle is controlled via an inclination of the toe plate of the sack trolley. A surface of the receptacle may in one embodiment be an upper surface within a recess, or a surface of an underside of plate portion abutting against an upper surface of the toe plate to effect pivoting of the at least one plate portion when the toe plate has been inserted into the recess. A further effect is that the locking device is easily reachable by an operator, since the second portion of the locking device has to be at least at the same elevation as a top portion of the chassis.

[0028] In one embodiment, the locking device may comprise a pivot element forming part of the first plate portion, the pivot element being pivotable between a passive position wherein the pivot element is substantially flush with primary face the first plate portion, and an active position wherein the pivot element protrudes form the primary face of the first plate portion.

[0029] In one embodiment, the chassis comprises a chassis plate having a first side for facing wheels of the dolly and an opposite second side. A chassis plate may at least provide an increased stiffness of the chassis.

[0030] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT Preferably, the chassis is provided with a frame protruding upwardly from a perimeter of the second side of the chassis plate. A frame protruding upwardly from a perimeter of the second side of the chassis plate may provide a side support for the first plate portion, and in one embodiment also the second plate portion when being in the first position. The upwardly protruding frame may also provide a side support for any cover plate as discussed below.

[0031] A chassis plate as discussed above, may be provided with apertures for receiving a portion of a set of wheels of a sack trolley when secured to the dolly by means of the clamping device. Depending on a size of the apertures, a portion of the wheels of a sack trolley when secured to the dolly, may extend beyond the second side of the chassis plate. Thus, a maximum possible slating of the at least one surface of the recess towards the chassis may be independent of an elevation of the recess with respect to the chassis. A thickness of the chassis, i.e. a distance between the top portion and the bottom portion of the chassis, may therefore be relatively small with regards to a desired angle of slant of the recess to secure a sack trolley to the dolly. Such apertures may further provide a support for the wheels of a sack trolley when secured to the dolly.

[0032] In an embodiment wherein the dolly comprises only one plate portion pivotable secured to the chassis by means of the clamping device, an upper portion of the chassis may be exposed in order to receive the wheels of a sack trolley when secured to the dolly. Such an exposed area of the chassis of the dolly may be undesired when the dolly is used without the sack trolley. To mitigate this, said exposed area may be filled in by mean of a detachable cover plate configured for providing a load bearing surface, thereby providing a common plane with the single pivotable plate portion. In an alternative embodiment, the exposed area may be partly filled in or covered by a plate provided with apertures for receiving a lower portion of the wheels of a sack trolley secured to the dolly in a similar way as for the chassis plate. Further, to facilitate contact between the toe plate of the sack trolley and the receptacle of the plate portion, the filler or cover plate may be configured for provide a clearance with respect to the single plate portion. Such a clearance may be provided by means of a recess or indentation arranged in the side of the cover plate facing the end face of the pivotable plate portion. The recess or indentation has a

[0033] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT minimum width corresponding to a breath of the toe plate of the sack trolley. Although such a recess may be preferred, the clearance may extend along the entire length of the cover plate so that there is a gap between the single pivotable plate portion and the cover plate. The cover plate may be secured to the chassis.

[0034] It should be noted that instead of, or in addition to, a chassis plate provided with apertures as discussed above, the chassis may be provided with at least one support member being in parallel with the end face of the second plate portion. The at least one support member is configured for supporting wheels of a sack trolley that has been releasably secured to the dolly by means of the locking device. The chassis may in one embodiment be provided with a pair of supporting members arranged mutually spaced and in parallel with the end face of the second plate portion. Advantageously, at least one of the at least one supporting member may be arranged adjustable with respect to the chassis. An adjustable supporting member has the advantage that it can be adapted to a size of wheels of a sack trolley and / or a desired inclination of the sack trolley when secured to the dolly. The inclination is dependent on a slanting of the at least one surface of the recess, and thereby a slanting of the toe plate of the sack trolley when inserted into the recess.

[0035] The chassis of the dolly may further comprise mutually distant supporting members arranged in at least one side portion of the chassis, wherein the supporting members are configured for receiving a toe plate of a sack trolley to carry the sack trolley above the plane supporting the dolly. Thus, a sack trolley may be connected to the dolly without securing it by means of the adjustable locking means. Such a connection may be advantageous for example when there is a need for transporting the dolly and a sack trolley as one unit.

[0036] In a second aspect the invention, there is provided a system comprising the dolly according to the first aspect of the invention, and a sack trolley secured to the dolly. The sack trolley may be secured to the dolly when a toe plate has been inserted into the receptacle of the dolly.

[0037] The sack trolley may be provided with at least one additional handle connected a side portion of a backrest of the sack trolley. Preferably, the at least one additional handle is

[0038] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT arranged at a position of a backrest of the sack trolley being closer to the set of wheels than the handles located at the top of the backrest. The at least one additional handle may facilitate manoeuvring the system and provide an improved side support for a load carried by the system. The handles may be telescopically or pivotably connected to the backrest of the sack trolley, or a combination thereof.

[0039] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for releasably securing a sack trolley to a dolly for transporting a load, the method comprising: a) providing a system according to the second aspect of the invention; b) moving at least a portion of the toe plate to engage the receptacle of the dolly; c) activating the locking device to its active position to slant the recess and thereby the toe plate of the sack trolley towards the chassis, whereby the wheels of the sack trolley are urged against the chassis and the sack trolley is secured to the dolly.

[0040] In an embodiment wherein the dolly comprises a first plate portion and a second plate portion pivotably secured to the first plate portion, the method may comprise, between step a) and b), providing access to the receptacle by moving the second plate portion to its second position.

[0041] The locking device may comprise bolt having an end portion running through an aperture in the first plate portion and the method comprises activating the bolt to abut against and underside of the toe plate.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise providing a locking device having a first portion and a second portion, the method comprising connecting the first portion of the locking device to the chassis of the dolly and the second portion in engagement with a portion of a sack trolley, and activating the locking device to urge the wheels of the sack trolley against the chassis of the dolly when a toe plate of the sack trolley has been inserted into the recess.

[0043] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0044] Fig. la shows a perspective view of a dolly according to the invention, the dolly being in a position for receiving a load on a top face;

[0045] Fig. lb shows the dolly in fig. la, wherein the top face has been prepared for receiving a sack trolley;

[0046] Figs, lc and Id show the dolly in fig. lb when seen in an elevated view from left and right, respectively;

[0047] Fig. 2 shows in smaller scale the dolly in fig. la and a sack trolley prior to being connected to the dolly;

[0048] Fig. 3a shows a step of securing the sack trolley to the dolly, wherein a toe plate of the sack trolley has been inserted into a recess of the dolly;

[0049] Figs. 3b and 3c show a system according to the invention where the sack trolley has been secured to the dolly;

[0050] Fig. 3d shows a dolly provided with an alternative locking device;

[0051] Fig. 3e shows a system wherein a sack trolley has been secured to the dolly in fig.

[0052] 3d;

[0053] Fig. 3f shows a dolly provided with a further alternative locking device;

[0054] Fig. 3g shows a system wherein a sack trolley has been secured to the dolly in fig.

[0055] 3f;

[0056] Fig. 4a shows the system in fig. 3c carrying a load in the form of wallboards;

[0057] Fig. 4b shows the system in fig. 4a, viewed from another angle;

[0058] Fig. 5a shows in smaller scale the system in fig. 3c, but wherein the sack trolley is provided with additional handles in a passive first position;

[0059] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT Fig. 5b shows the system in fig. 5a, wherein the additional handles has been pivoted to an active second position;

[0060] Figs. 6a and 6b show a sack trolley attached to a chassis of the dolly;

[0061] Fig. 7a shows a perspective view of a dolly according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the dolly comprises one plate portion only, and wherein a toe plate of the sack trolley has been inserted into a recess of the plate portion;

[0062] Fig, 7b shows the sack trolley in fig. 7a, wherein the plate portion is in a slanted position with respect to the chassis of the dolly;

[0063] Fig.7c shows a cover plate for use in the embodiment of the dolly shown in figures 7a and 7b;

[0064] Fig, 8a shows a perspective view of a dolly according to still another embodiment of the invention, wherein the dolly comprises two pivotable plate portions, and wherein a toe plate of the sack trolley has been inserted into a recess in one of the plate portions; and

[0065] Fig. 8b shows the sack trolley in fig. 8a, wherein both plate portions are in a slanted position with respect to the chassis of the dolly.

[0066] Any positional indications refer to the position shown in the figures.

[0067] In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numerals. For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals.

[0068] A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

[0069] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT In the figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a dolly for transporting a load L. The dolly 1 comprises a chassis 3 having a top portion 5 and a bottom portion 7. Between the top portion 5 and the bottom portion 7 is an intermediate portion shown as a frame 32.

[0070] The chassis 3 is carried above a plane by means of four wheels 30 arranged at corner portions of the chassis 3.

[0071] The dolly 1 comprises a clamping device for releasably securing a sack trolley 100 to the dolly 1. In the embodiments shown in figures la to 6b, the clamping device comprises a first plate portion 10 having at least a part connected to or forming part of the chassis 3, and a second plate portion 12 pivotably secured to the first plate portion 10 by means of mutually spaced hinges 22. In a not shown embodiment, one or both of the first plate portion 10 and the second plate portion 12 is provided with at least one aperture. In one embodiment (not shown) is at least one of the first plate portion 10 and the second plate portion 12 is in the form of grating.

[0072] The second plate portion 12 is movable between a first position as shown in fig. la to a second position as shown for example in figures lb to Id. In fig. la the first plate portion 10 and second plate portion 12 form a common primary surface or face 14, 14'. In this first position, an end face 10' of the of the first plate portion 10 abuts an end face 12' of the second plate portion 12. In the second position, the primary face 14' of the second plate portion 12 faces the primary face 14 of the first plate portion 10. In fig. lb, the second plate portion 12 has been pivoted about 180° with respect to the position shown in fig. la.

[0073] Figures la to 6b show an embodiment of the dolly 1 wherein the second plate portion 12 has a size being complementary to the frame 32, so that the second plate portion 12 covers an area of the chassis 3 defined by the end face 10' of the first plate portion 10 and the frame 32. However, in an alternative embodiment, the second plate portion may be configured for covering only a portion of the area of the chassis 3 defined by the end face 10' of the first plate portion 10 and the frame 32. Such a limited plate portion 121 is indicated by a dotted line in fig. la only. In the embodiment with a limited plate portion 121, the locking device in the form of a bolt 20 has an upper end portion configured to abut

[0074] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT against an underside of the toe plate of a sack trolley 100. When such a limited plate portion 121 is in the first position, an open are of the chassis 3 may for example be provided with a cover plate that may be detachable from or secured to the chassis. In one embodiment, the cover plate may be a plate 40 as illustrated in fig. 7c and discussed below.

[0075] When the second plate portion 12 is in the second position, a space or receptacle 16 is formed between the hinges 22, the primary face 14' of the second plate portion 12, and the primary face 14 of the first plate portion 10. The receptacle 16 forms part of the clamping device of the dolly 1 and is configured for receiving at least a portion of a toe plate 102 of a sack trolley 100, as indicated in fig. 3a. In this embodiment of the receptacle 16, the primary face 14' of the second plate portion 12 forms an upper surface of the receptaclel6.

[0076] Instead of or in addition to forming the receptacle 16 as described above, the receptacle 16 may be in the form of a recess 16' formed in the second plate portion 12 as indicated botted lines in fig. lb, wherein the recess 16' extends from the end face 12' and into a body of the second plate portion 12. A recess 16' extending from the end face 12' of the second plate portion 12 is shown also in fig. Id. In this embodiment an inner surface of the recess 16' is for simplicity denoted with reference numeral 14', as the recess may be substantially in parallel with the primary plane 14' of the second plate portion 12.

[0077] Turning now to figures 2 to 3c, indicating steps of securing a sack trolley 100 to the dolly 1 to form a system according to the invention. In fig. 2, a sack trolley 100 is adjacent a dolly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The dolly 1 in fig. 2 is in an operating position for carrying a load on the common primary plane or face 14, 14' formed by the first plate portion 10 and the second plate portion 12 as discussed in relation to fig. la above. However, by pivoting the second plate portion 12 with respect to the first plate portion 10 as indicated by arrow P, a receptacle 16, 16' for receiving the toe plate 102 of the sack trolley 100 is provided.

[0078] In fig. 3a, the sack trolley 100 has been lifted onto the dolly 1, and the toe plate 102 of the sack trolley 100 has been inserted into the receptacle 16 of the dolly 1. In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 16 is formed between the hinges 22, and between the first

[0079] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT plate portion 10 and the second plate portion 12.

[0080] In the position shown in fig. 3a, the sack trolley 100 is in contact with the dolly 1 via the toe plate 102 only. Thus, the sack trolley 100 is carried by the dolly 1, but not secured thereto as the sack trolley 100 is not prevented being slid out (from left to right) from its contact with the dolly 1.

[0081] To secure the sack trolley 100 to the dolly 1, the dolly 1 is further provided with a locking device 20 forming part of the clamping device. The locking device 20 is movable between an inactive position as shown in figures la, 3a, 3d, and 3f wherein the at least one surface 14' of the receptacle 16, 16' is substantially in parallel with the top portion 5 of the chassis 3, and an active position as shown for example in figures 3b, 3e, and 3g wherein the at least one surface 14' of the receptacle 16, 16' is slanted towards the chassis 3.

[0082] In figures la to 3c, 4b, and 6a-6b, the locking device is in the form of a bolt 20 in threaded connection with the chassis 3 and extends from the bottom portion 7 of the chassis 3 towards the surface 14' of the second plate portion 12. In a first embodiment wherein the receptacle 16 is defined by the hinges 22 and the surfaces 14, 14' of the first plate portion 10 and the second plate portion 12, respectively, the bolt 20 is arranged so that an end portion of the bolt 20 is directed towards the receptacle 16 and the end portion of the bolt 20 can be urged against an underside of a toe plate 102 when received in the receptacle 16. However, in a second embodiment wherein the receptacle is in the form of a recess 16' is formed solely in the body of second plate 12, the bolt 20 is arranged so that the end portion of the bolt 20 may be urged towards the surface 14' of second plate 12 independently of the recess 16' within the body of second plate portion 12.

[0083] By activating the locking device by screwing the bolt 20 upwards, the at least one surface 14' of the receptacle 16, 16' will be slanted towards the chassis 3, as shown for example in fig. 3b. Any toe plate 102 that has been inserted into the receptacle 16, 16' will thereby also be slanted correspondingly. At least when the sack trolley 100 is of a type having a rigid connection between the toe plate 102 and a backrest 108 of the sack trolley 100, wheels 104 of the sack trolley 100 will be urged towards a portion of the chassis 3 of the dolly 1. The bolt 20 is configured to provide a slanting of the receptacle 16, 16' sufficient

[0084] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT to urge the wheel 104 of the sack trolley 100 against a portion of the chassis 3. Thus, when the toe plate 102 of the sack trolley 100 is slanted and the wheels 104 of the sack trolley 100 abuts against the chassis 3, the toe plate 102 of the sack trolley 100 is prevented from sliding out of the receptacle, and the sack trolley 100 is secured to the dolly 1.

[0085] In the embodiment shown for example in fig. 3c the sack trolley 100 is provided with additional handles 106 extending from side portions of the backrest 108. The handles 106 may be telescopically connected to the backrest 108 as illustrated by arrows.

[0086] In an alternative first embodiment illustrated in fig. 3d, the dolly 1 is provided with a locking device 20 having a first end portion secured to a portion of the chassis 3 via a pivot joint 21, while a second end portion is provided with a connector, here in the form of a hook 23. The hook 23 is configured for connection to a portion of the dolly 1. In fig. 3e the portion of the dolly 1 is an axle of the wheels 104. In a preferred embodiment, the locking device 20 is provided with a rigging screw 25 arranged between the first and second end portions of the locking device 20, so that an axial length of the locking device can be adjusted. When turning the rigging screw 25, the locking device 20 is configured for being reduced in length, thereby urging the wheels 104 against the chassis 3. The sack trolley 100 is thereby tilted a certain angle, whereby also at least the second plate portion 12 and the receptacle 16 of the dolly 1 is tilted by means of the toe plate 102 of the sack trolley 100 to the slanted position shown in fig. 3e.

[0087] In a test of a prototype of the system according to the invention, the locking device 20 discussed above was connected to the chassis 3 of the dolly 1, and to the axle of the wheels 104.

[0088] In figures 3d and 3e, the second plate portion 12 is provided with a recess 15 configured for housing the locking device 20 when not in use, thereby allowing the first plate portion 10 and second plate portion 12 forming a substantially flat, common primary face 14, 14' as illustrated in for example fig. la.

[0089] In an alternative second embodiment (not shown), the locking device may be a tensiona-

[0090] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT ble, flexible locking device that in use has a first portion connected to a portion of the chassis 3, and a second portion connected to a portion of the sack trolley 100. When activated, such tensionable, flexible locking means is adapted for connection to a portion of the dolly 100 so that the set of wheels 104 are argued towards the chassis 3 of the dolly 1 when the locking device is tensioned. Preferably, the locking device is releasable in the sense that it can be re-used, such as for example a hook and lope band, a band with releasable locking means, and release mechanism ratchet band, but may alternatively be configured for one-time use, such as for example a cable strap. A one-time use strap is also releasable in the sense that it can disconnect the sack trolley 100 from the dolly 1.

[0091] Turning now to figures 3f and 3g illustrating a further embodiment of the locking device 20 in a passive first position and an active second position, respectively. As best seen in fig. 3f, the locking device 20 is in the form of a pivot element forming an integrated portion of the first plate portion 10 in the sense that the locking device 20 is pivotably connected to the first plate portion 10 by means of a pair of hinges 22'. The locking device 20 comprises a pivot handle 24 extending beyond the frame 32 of the chassis 3.

[0092] In figures 4a and 4b, a load L in the form of a plurality of board (five shown) are carried by the system comprising the sack trolley 100 secured to the dolly 1. The load L is supported against the backrest 108 and a portion of the handles 106 of the sack trolley 100 as best seen in fig. 4a, and the second plate portion 12 of the dolly 1 as best seen in fig. 4b.

[0093] Although fig. 4b indicates a releasable locking device 20 in the form of a bolt, it should be understood that the locking device alternatively, or even additionally, may be one or more of alternative locking devices discussed above and illustrated in figures 3d to 3g.

[0094] An alternative embodiment of the additional handles 106 of the sack trolley is illustrated in figures 5a and 5b. In this alternative embodiment, the additional handles 106 are connected to the backrest 108 via a pivot joint, so that the additional handles 106 are pivotable from a passive first position as illustrated in fig. 5a, to an active second position as illustrated in fig. 5b.

[0095] Turning now to figures 6a and 6b showing the sack trolley 100 attached to the dolly 1. The

[0096] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT toe plate 102 of the sack trolley 100 has been inserted into mutually distant supporting members 36 secured to the bottom portion 7 of the chassis 3. When attached to the dolly 1, the sack trolley 100 and the dolly 1 can be moved as one unit without having to secure the sack trolley 100 to the dolly 1 by means of the clamping device.

[0097] The supporting members 36 shown are in the form of angle steel. At least one of the supporting members 36 may be configured for also supporting the wheel 104. See fig. lc and Id.

[0098] Turning now to figures 7a - 7c illustrating an alternative embodiment of the dolly 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the dolly 1 illustrated in figures la to 6b, the dolly 1 comprises only one plate portion 10 pivotably secured to the chassis 3 by means of pivots 26 (one shown) extending from the chassis 3 an into an aperture (not shown) at opposite sides of the plate portion 10. In the embodiment shown, the plate portion 10 covers about half of the area defined between the frame 32 extending between the top portion 5 and the bottom portion 7 of the chassis 3. The area between the frame 32 that is not covered by the plate portion 10, is configured for receiving a sack trolley 100. The area that is not covered by the plate portion 10 is in the embodiment shown similar to uncovered area shown in figures lc and Id resulting from pivoting the plate portion 12 with respect to the plate portion 10.

[0099] When using the dolly shown in fig. 7a without the sack trolley 100, the uncovered or exposed area of the sack trolley 100 may be filled in by a detachable plate (not shown).

[0100] In figures 7a and 7b, a toe plate of the sack trolley 100 has been inserted into a receptacle in the form of a recess 16' formed in an end face 10' of the plate portion 10. In fig. 7b, the toe plate, and thus the plate portion 10 are inclined or slanted with respect to the top portion 5 of the chassis 3. To secure or lock the sack trolley 100 to the chassis, the dolly 1 is further provided with a locking device 20 forming part of the clamping device. The locking device 20 resembles the locking device 20 illustrated in figures 3f and 3g, and is movable by means of a handle 24 between an inactive position as shown in fig. 7a wherein the plate portion 10 is substantially in parallel with the top portion 5 of the chassis 3, and an active position as shown with dotted lines in fig. 7b wherein the plate portion 10 is

[0101] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT slanted with respect to the chassis 3. Alternatively or additionally, the locking device 20 may be in the form of a bolt (not shown) being in threaded connection with the chassis 3 and extends from the bottom portion 7 of the chassis 3 towards an underside of the plate portion 10. The bolt may be similar to the bolt 20 shown in for example fig. lb.

[0102] In fig. 7c, an optional cover plate 40 is shown. The cover plate 40 is configured to be placed on the dolly 1 to fill the between the end face 10' of the pivotable plate portion 10 and the frame 32 of the chassis 3. The cover plate 40 has a side face 46 for, in a position of use, facing the end face 10' of the pivotable plate portion 10. To facilitate contact between the toe plate of the sack trolley 100 and the receptacle 16' of the plate portion 10, the cover plate 40 is provided with a clearance, here in the form of an indentation 42 arranged in the side face 46 of the cover plate 40. The indentation 42 has a minimum width corresponding to a breath of the toe plate of the sack trolley 100. Further, to allow the sack trolley 100 and the plate portion 10 to slant, the cover plate 40 is provided with two indentations 44 configured for receiving a portion of the wheels 104 of the sack trolley 100. The cover plate 40 may be secured to the chassis 3 of the dolly 1. Turning finally to figures 8a and 8b illustrating still another alternative embodiment of the dolly 1 according to the invention. In this alternative embodiment, the dolly 1 comprises a first plate portion 10 and a second plate portion 12 pivotably secured to the first plate portion 10, as also disclosed in the embodiments shown in for example figures la and lb. However, in contrast to the embodiment shown in figures la and lb wherein the first plate portion 10 may be fixedly connected to and forms part of the chassis 3, the first plate portion 10 in figures 8a and 8b is pivotably secured to the chassis 3 by means of pivots 26 (one shown) extending from the chassis 3 an into an aperture (not shown) at opposite sides of the plate portion 10. The locking device 20 is similar to the locking device discussed above with regards to figures 7a and 7b.

[0103] Since the system according to the invention comprises a sack trolley 100 that is releasably secured to the dolly 1, the dolly 1 and the sack trolley 100 can be used separately when not connected as a system. Thus, the invention is capable of providing three appliances, namely a dolly 1, a sack trolley 100, and a dolly 1 provided with a side support for a load L. The system according to the invention allows a sack trolley 100 to move through nar-

[0104] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT row passages even with loads L, such as wallboards, having a dimension being substantially in parallel with the axle of the sack trolley 100 exceeding a dimension of a passage.

[0105] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embod- iments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0106] P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT

Claims

C l a i m s1. A dolly (1) for transporting a load (L), the dolly comprises: a chassis (3) having a top portion (5) and a bottom portion (7); a clamping device for releasably securing a sack trolley (100) on the dolly (1), the clamping device comprising:- at least one plate portion (10, 12) connected to the chassis (3) to form a load supporting portion (14, 14') of the dolly (1), wherein at least one of the at least one plate portion (10, 12) is pivotable secured to the chassis between a passive position wherein the at least one plate portion (10, 12) is in parallel with the top portion (5) of the chassis (3), and an active position wherein the at least one plate portion (10; 12) is slanted with respect to the chassis (3);- a receptacle (16, 16') configured for receiving a toe plate (102) of a sack trolley (100) when the sack trolley (100) is carried by the dolly (1), the receptacle (16, 16') extending from an end face (10', 12') of the at least one plate portion (10, 12); and- a locking device (20) movable between an inactive position and an active position wherein the at least one plate portion (10; 12) is prevented from returning to the passive position.

2. The dolly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one plate portion (10, 12) comprises a first plate portion (10) having a first plate primary face (14) and a second plate portion (12) having a second plate primary face (14'), wherein the second plate portion (12) is pivotably secured to the first plate portion (10) between a passive position wherein the first plate portion (10) and second plate portion (12) form a common primary face (14, 14'), and an active position wherein the second plate primary face (14') faces the first plate primary face (14).

3. The dolly according to claim 2, wherein the first plate portion (10) is fixedly connected to and forms part of the chassis (3).P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT4. The dolly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second plate portion (12) is pivotably secured to the first plate portion (10) by means of mutually spaced hinges (22).

5. The dolly according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle (16) is defined between the hinges (22) and the primary faces (14, 14') of the first plate portion (10) and second plate portion (12) when the second plate portion (12) is in the active position.

6. The dolly according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle is a recess (16') extends from the end face (12') of the second plate portion (12).

7. The dolly according to any one of claim 1 to 6, wherein the locking device comprises a bolt (20) in threaded connection with the chassis (3) and is upwardly adjustable from a bottom portion (7) of the chassis (3).

8. The dolly according to any one of claim 1 to 6, wherein the locking device (20) has a first portion (21) connected to the chassis (3) of the dolly (1) and a second portion (23) configured for engaging a portion of a sack trolley (100) when a toe plate (102) of the sack trolley (100) has been received by the receptacle (16, 16'), so that wheels (104) of the sack trolley is urged against a portion of the chassis (3) and the at least one surface (14') of the receptacle (16, 16') is slanted towards the chassis (3).

9. The dolly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein locking device (20) comprises a pivot element (20) forming part of the first plate portion (10), the pivot element (20) being pivotable between a passive position wherein the pivot element is flush with the first plate portion (10), and an active position wherein the pivot element protrudes from the primary face (14) of the first plate portion (10).

10. The dolly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis (3) comprises a chassis plate (9) having a first side for facing wheels (30) of the dolly (1), and an opposite second side.P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT11. The dolly according to claim 10, wherein the chassis plate (9) is provided with apertures (34) for receiving a portion of a set of wheels (104) of a sack trolley (100) when secured to the dolly (1) by means of the clamping device.

12. The dolly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis (3) further comprises mutually distant supporting members (36) arranged in at least one side portion of the chassis (3) and configured for receiving a toe plate (102) of a sack trolley (100) to carry the sack trolley above the plane supporting the dolly (1).

13. A system comprising the dolly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a sack trolley (100) secured to the dolly (1).

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the sack trolley (100) is further provided with at least one additional handle (106) connected to a side portion of a backrest (108) of the sack trolley (100).

15. A method for releasably securing a sack trolley (100) to a dolly (1) for transporting a load (L), the method comprising: a) providing a system according to claiml3 or 14; b) moving at least a portion of the toe plate (102) to engage the receptacle (16, 16') of the dolly (1); c) activating the locking device to its active position to slant the receptacle (16, 16') and thereby the toe plate (102) of the sack trolley (100) towards the chassis (3), whereby the wheels (104) of the sack trolley (100) are urged against the chassis (3) and the sack trolley (100) is secured to the dolly (1).P31467PC01 Description and Claims PCT

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