The present invention refers to a multipurpose folding trolley ; in particular it refers to a folding trolley suitable for a combined use both as a tool for transporting loads and heavy objects according to various methods and as a means of transport according to the scooter principle.

Prior art According to the present state of the art, a large number of more or less ingenious solutions of multipurpose folding trolleys or wheeled vehicles are known, which may be adapted for transporting loads with different characteristics and shapes (for example, loads with highly variable dimensions and geometrical shape, loads that cannot be overturned or laid down-for example certain electrical household appliances or furniture, bags of golf clubs, a set of stacked boxes, cases or folders, certain containers for liquids, rigid packages in a single container or loads composed of a group of separate objects of small dimensions-for example large weekly shopping). Sometimes the function of a means for carrying objects has been combined with the possibility of use as a means of locomotion, in particular according to the scooter principle. Various solutions of portable and foldable scooters are also known, sometimes having also the function of a trolley, with extremely simplified mechanics and very compact dimensions, which may be advantageously used as an emergency vehicle, or for short distances inside large department stores, airports, pedestrian areas closed to traffic, harbour areas. The simplicity of the mechanics and the scooter structure allow extreme miniaturisation and weight reduction, and the possibility of using a similar vehicle combined with public transport or with a car, where it can be transported, often without being any more bulky than a medium-sized piece of hand luggage. The known scooter/trolley solutions have been limited to the transport of objects and/or luggage resting on three or four wheels and pushed or pulled by hand. However this principle of transport is not the most suitable for carrying bulky loads with an elongated shape, which cannot be or cannot conveniently be laid down, for example along streets or pavements with a sharp gradient, or in narrow spaces, such as in a lift for carrying people, a coach or an aeroplane.

Summary One problem underlying the present invention is that of supplying a trolley for combined use as a vehicle to ride and to transport a load both on one axle and on two axles of wheels running on the ground.

This problem is solved by a folding multipurpose trolley having the features indicated in Claim 1.

A second problem underlying the present invention is that of supplying a basic structure of a folding multipurpose trolley which allows use, both as a means of transport for things and as a means of locomotion, according to the scooter principle.

This problem is solved by a folding multipurpose trolley having the features indicated in Claim 2.

An advantage of a multipurpose trolley according to the present invention is the fact that it can be realised as an extremely versatile object according to several ways of use: a particular embodiment combines with the previous methods of use the possibility of being transported, folded, over one shoulder or as a backpack, and of being used also as a rigid or semi-rigid portable framework for transport (for example, like the portable frames used in the past for carrying window glass), and eventually as a makeshift means of carrying children.

The multipurpose trolley according to the present invention may also be realised with very compact weights and dimensions, facilitating its use in unexpected situations (for example from the unexpected transport of an electrical household appliance to use as a means of locomotion and transport in the case of a car breakdown) or, in a particularly advantageous way, for use in towns and pedestrian precincts closed to traffic: in fact, a bicycle is often ill suited to a city itinerary with many interruptions in the form of traffic lights, pavements, streets (and even steps) to be crossed, while the possibility of making the multipurpose trolley in such a way that it can be lifted and manoeuvred with only one hand may be fundamental for such a use.

List of figures Further advantages of the present invention will be more clear to the technician in the sector after the detailed description, of a non limiting nature, of an example of a

particular embodiment illustrated with the aid of the following figures, of which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a multipurpose trolley according to the present invention; Figure 2 represents a schematic side view of the multipurpose trolley in Figure 1; Figure 3 represents a method of use of the multipurpose trolley in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second method of use of the trolley in Figure 1; Figures 5a and 5b show a way of adapting the trolley in Figure 1 from use as a scooter, or the use in Figure 3, and adapting to the method of use in Figure 4; Figure 5 schematically shows a detail of the adaptation in Figures 5a and 5b; Figure 5d and 5e show a side view of two different ways of using the fold 41 in Figure 5a during the use of the multipurpose trolley in Figure 1 as a scooter; Figure 5f shows a section of the rear of a variation of the embodiment of the multipurpose trolley according to the present invention; Figure 6a shows a schematic view of the layout of the multipurpose trolley in Figure 1; Figure 6b shows a way of transporting the trolley in Figure 1 over one shoulder ; Figure 6c shows a use of the trolley in Figure 1 as a portable rigid frame, carried like a backpack; Figure 6d is a schematic side view of a trolley in Figure 1 with an anatomically shaped bottom; Figure 7a schematically shows a detail of a different preferred embodiment of a multipurpose trolley according to the present invention; Figure 7b represents a schematic view of the section plans and of the viewpoints used in Figures 7c-d; Figure 7c schematically shows a section of the rear end of the multipurpose trolley in Figure 7a, according to a section plane M-M; Figure 7d schematically shows a section of the rear end of the multipurpose trolley in Figure 7a, according to a section plane N-N, at a right angle to the plane M-M in Figure 7c; Finally Figure 8 shows a third preferred embodiment of a multipurpose trolley according to the present invention.

Detailed description

Figures 1 and 2 are a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a multipurpose trolley according to the present invention; this trolley comprises a board, indicated overall with the reference 1, and shaped in such a way as to define one or more loading platforms P on which to transport persons and/or things: in the particular example shown, the board 1 advantageously presents a lower central portion 14 (when both the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3 are resting on the ground) with respect to its raised front end 7 and rear end 9. The central portion 14 constitutes a platform on which a user of the trolley can stand, keeping his feet as close as possible to the ground, so that the user, without having to raise and lower his centre of gravity excessively, need not make excessive effort to push the scooter. The upper surfaces 10 and 11 of the raised front end 7 and rear end 9 are instead on the same level as the loading platform P (thus defining a single loading platform P).

The board 1 is provided with one or more steering front wheels 2, and with one or more rear wheels 3, on which it can run (with only one front wheel 2 and rear wheel 3, the multipurpose trolley can be considered a scooter in the true sense of the word); the preferred embodiment in Figures 1 and 2 presents two rear wheels 3 and only one steering front wheel 2 driven by a handlebar 4 by means of the column 5, integral with the handlebar 4. The front wheel 2 is connected to the column 5 with a reversible connection 6, realised for example with an articulation which can be disconnected and reconnected and which, as shown schematically in Figure 3, allows said column 5 to be folded forward or down onto the board 1 with no need to disconnect the articulation ; the configuration in Figure 3 represents the use of the multipurpose trolley according to the present invention as a typical trolley which a user on the ground pulls, or eventually pushes, with the board 1 loaded with various kinds of objects, making it run on its front wheels 2 and rear wheels 3, all resting on the ground.

Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the multipurpose trolley further comprises a fold- down pallet 8 hinged onto the edge 90 of the rear end 9 of the board 1 so as to be able to perform rotations around an axis parallel to that of the rear wheel (or wheels) 3. These rotations are limited between a first extreme configuration, in which the pallet 8 is in a position approximately at a right angle to the loading

platform P, and a second extreme configuration, in which the pallet 8 is folded down onto the rear end 9 of the board 1 (these two extreme positions are represented in Figure 2 with dashed lines ; the first extreme position will be determined for example by a rigid mechanical contact of the folding pallet 8 against a part of the board 1, while the second extreme position is obtained for example by resting the pallet 8 against an elastic rubber block 130); moreover, in the first extreme configuration, the pallet 8 is on the same level as a plane Ptg at a tangent (in one or more points Pi) to the tread of the rear wheel (or wheels) 3: this position allows a use of the multipurpose trolley as shown schematically in Figure 4, that is by running it on the rear wheel (or wheels) 3 only and keeping the board 1 in a strongly tilted or almost vertical position with respect to the ground, while a load C, which because of its bulk or other reasons it is preferable to be transported in approximately vertical position, is laid on the pallet 8 and on the loading platform P of the board 1 in such a way that the vertical line passing through its centre of gravity G passes close to the rolling axis of the rear wheel (or wheels) 3, and can be easily shifted from on side to the other of this axis by varying the inclination of the board 1. This method of use is particularly convenient, for example, for moving electrical household appliances, stacked crates of bottles, small pieces of furniture, large packing cases (for example of television sets, personal computers).

Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the rear wheels 3 do not need to be necessarily fixed in the above-mentioned position, but they may be fixed on an adjustable support which, for example, allows them to run perpendicular to the plane Ptg, in such a way as to adapt to the dimensions and position of the centre of gravity G of the load C.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, when the multipurpose trolley is used as a scooter, the rider can lower the pallet 8 with his heel so that suitable protruding parts 12 on the lower surface of the pallet 8, through corresponding openings 13 on the rear end of the board 1, press against the tread of the rear wheel (or wheels) 3, so as to brake their rolling movement. This avoids the tread having to protrude through the openings 13 above the upper surface 11 of the rear end 9, on the loading platform P: instead it remains below, in a withdrawn position. The parts in relief 12 may be obtained for example with pads of

elastomer material, or by suitably shaping the material of the pallet 8 itself. During braking the previously mentioned rubber block 130 is compressed, its elasticity being such as not to increase excessively the force necessary to press the pallet 8, and it forms a return mechanism which brings the pallet back to rest position lying on the end 9 of the board 1 when the pallet 8 is unloaded, at the end of braking.

In an embodiment not shown, the openings 13 may be absent, and the part (or parts) in relief 12 may compress a flexible wall (for example of elastomers), a projecting strip of elastomer, or other braking element inserted between the relief 12 and the tread to be braked, so that the inserted element, transmitting the pressure exerted by the relief 12 to the tread, brakes it. According to the embodiment in Figures 1 and 2, this pallet is wider than the front end 7 of the board 1: this makes it particularly easy for the user to reach this rear brake with his foot, when using the multipurpose trolley as a scooter; in fact, in many scooters according to the prior art the braking manoeuvre is made very difficult by the small dimensions of the rear brake, so that it is difficult for the rider to find it when he has to feel for it with one foot in a position behind his back, out of sight, and operate it with a rather unnatural movement, while the rider's attention is often occupied by the unexpected situation that he has to deal with (for example an obstacle to be avoided which has appeared suddenly) and which has made it necessary for him to brake. Moreover, braking with two braking rear wheels 3 is more effective.

Moreover, in this way the multipurpose trolley is made more stable when it is resting on all the wheels (front 2 and rear 3).

The Figures 5a-b-c show schematically a use of the multipurpose trolley in Figure 1 as a trolley for carrying crates. According to this method of use, the assembly column 5 + handlebar 4 may be disconnected from the front wheel 2 and dismantled in three pieces, the handlebar 4 and two segments 50 and 51 of the column, both the same length.

The two segments 50 and 51 of the column are inserted in special housings (for example clearance holes or clearance openings 15,15'in the vertical walls 16,16' of the raised front end 7 and rear end 9 of the board 1 so as to be on the same level, along with the upper surfaces 11 and 10 of the ends 7 and 9, with the loading platform P for the loads C which are loaded on the multipurpose trolley

used for carrying crates; the handlebar 4 is inserted in another housing 17 on the front edge 7 of the board 1, and blocked for example with a spring pin (not shown) or another similar known blocking system, so that it can be used to lift the front end of the board 1 and run the multipurpose trolley (with or without the load C) only on the rear wheels 3 as a crate carrier, as shown in Figure 4, described above.

Advantageously (Figure 5c) the coupling 40 of the handlebar 4 on the column 5 presents a curve 41 so as to keep the knuckles of the user away from the loading platform P during use as a crate carrier. During use as a scooter, the curve 41 may be used advantageously to direct the handlebar 4 according to the preferences of the user, that is with the curve 41 facing forward, to have greater directional stability, or facing backward to bring it closer to the body of the user, as shown schematically in Figures 5d and 5e.

According to other particular embodiments not shown, the segments 50 and 51 for obtaining a single loading platform P may be more than two; in this case, when the multipurpose trolley is used as a scooter, two of them are used as the column 5 of the handlebar 4, while the others may be housed under the raised rear end 9 of the board 1, as illustrated in Figure 5f: advantageously this rear end may be shaped in such a way as to define one (or more) compartments 95 for housing the remaining tubular segments 51,51'or other accessories such as a removable seat 96 (to be fitted on the upper surface of the board 1, for example in the special seat 97, during use as a scooter), a net for containing a load C such as weekly shopping, belts, straps, etc.

Alternatively, according to an embodiment not shown, when the segments 51 and 51'are more than two, it is possible to make them with lengths of pipe of different diameters so that the ones with the smaller diameter may be stored inside two or more with a larger diameter which, during use as a scooter, are used as the column 5.

Figures 6a-b-c-d show a method of use made possible by a further variation of a preferred embodiment of a multipurpose trolley according to the present invention: on the lowered part 14 of the board 1 have been created fixing points 18,18' (for example, holes) for one or more shoulder straps 19 or belts which allow the multipurpose trolley to be carried on the shoulder (if using only one belt or strap

19) or on the back like a backpack using two shoulder straps 19. The distance D1 between the two upper fixing points 18 is advantageously greater than the distance D2 between the lower fixing points 18', as on ordinary mountain rucksacks.

Preferably the multipurpose trolley is dimensioned so that, when transported as a backpack, the rear wheel (or wheels) 3 arrive approximately at the height of the sides of the ergonomic model of an average user (obviously the dimensions of the trolleys identified by this criterion will vary according to the ergonomic model adopted, to the somatic parameters of the population distribution considered, and it may be useful to make the trolley according to a standardised range or with adjustable fixing points).

The multipurpose trolley illustrated in Figure 6c may be carried as a backpack when either unloaded or loaded, by lowering the tipping pallet 8 and using it as a rigid or semi-rigid portable framework. A suitable anatomic conformation of the lower surface 20 of the board, which adapts to the conformation of the back of a man, 1 can facilitate this use. It is likewise advantageous to give the wheels shapes as far as possible without sharp edges or protrusions, and with large connecting radii.

In the example of a preferred embodiment described above, the wheels (2,3) have approximately a diameter of 150 mm and the two rear wheels (3) are placed at a distance of about 320 mm from each other, with a shape that has few sharp edges (and these have large connecting radii); the bottom 20 of the board 1 (which has a total length of about 700 mm) is raised above the ground by a height between about 25 and 50 mm, the lower central part (14) for standing on the board 1 has a length of about 400 mm; in use as a scooter, the handlebar 4 is positioned at a height of about 800-850 mm above the ground, the column of the handlebar 4 has an inclination of about 10° with respect to the vertical and may be dismantled into the handlebar 4 and two tubular segments, 50,51, both the same length and about 400 mm long.

Figures 7a-b-c-d schematically represent a further particular embodiment, in which both the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3 are mounted on supports 21 fixed to the board 1 with suitable reversible fixing devices 200, for example swallow-tail guides 22 blocked with spring pins 222: in this way the wheels can be detached

from the board 1 to transport it like a backpack without being irritatingly in contact with the neck and legs of the person carrying it.

Figure 7b is a schematic representation of the section planes used in Figures 7c and 7d.

The reversible fixing of the wheels (2,3) onto the board 1 allows, for example, the fitting of wheels (2,3) with different diameters (depending on the irregular road surfaces and on the preferences of the user) or ice skates or small skis. The seats 220 for fixing swallow-tail guides onto the board 1 may be planned and arranged according to numerous variations, leaving the designer considerable freedom: for example (Figures 7c and 7d), arranging three seats 220 on the rear end 9, next to one another and in symmetrical positions with respect to the centre line in a longitudinal direction Pmer (that is the section plane L-L in Figure 7b) of the multipurpose trolley, it is possible to use the trolley as a scooter with a single rear wheel 3 inserted in the central rear guide 220"so as to have greater manoeuvrability in curves and less rolling friction, while for transporting loads C two rear wheels 3 are inserted in the side rear guides 220', 220"'. Moreover the seats for the swallow-tail guides can be arranged on both lower faces 110,111 (respectively horizontal and tilted) of the rear end 9 of the board 1: in this way the supports 21 of the wheels can be inserted in the vertical swallow-tail guides 221', 221", 221"' (for example during use as a crate carrier-Figure 7d) or horizontal guides 220', 220", 220"' (for example during use as a traditional trolley or as a scooter-Figure 7c) adapting to the prevalent direction of the weight of the load C.

The swallow-tail guides can also be arranged along or across the direction of movement of the trolley, according to the strength of the spring pins or other devices used to block the guides, so as to offer maximum resistance to stress of the fixing devices thus obtained during running of the trolley (stress which generally follows the direction of running, while stress along the axis of the wheels is generally less strong).

Alternatively, suitable rapid fixtures of a prior art may be used as fixing means 200.

Figure 8 shows a further preferred embodiment of a multipurpose trolley according to the present invention, in which the front wheels 2 and/or rear wheels 3 are mounted on supports (21) which may be folded down onto the bottom 20 of the board 1 or alternatively onto the upper surface, reducing the bulk of the trolley when it is not being used.