The present invention relates to a trolley with a vehicle storage device.

It is often desirable to transfer goods from building to a vehicle and vice versa. For example when shopping, a trolley is often used to take goods from a shop to be unloaded into a vehicle.

The vehicle then travels to a shopper's house where the goods need to be unloaded manually. It can be time consuming and labour intensive unloading goods into a vehicle from a trolley and then unloading manually goods from a vehicle into a house.

Tradesmen too face similar problems of having to load a vehicle with tools in one location and off load them manually at another location.

A solution to the problem of loading and unloading goods manually in and out of buildings into vehicles and vice versa has been provided in the Applicant's granted patent GB 2483955 B, however, the trolley and storage device disclosed therein only permits a limited amount of goods to be stored therein, and thus may not be sufficient in instances where a larger amount of good are purchased and/ or required to be transported using the trolley.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved trolley and storage device that overcomes the aforementioned problem associated with the trolley currently available in the prior art.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing an improved trolley and storage device that overcomes the aforementioned problem associated with the trolley currently available in the prior art. It is another aim of the present invention to provide a vehicle having an improved trolley and storage device that overcomes the aforementioned problem associated with the trolley currently available in the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trolley with vehicle storage means, said trolley including: a body portion, said body portion having one or more leg members, a base portion, and an attachment portion for detachable attachment to storage means, in use; and the trolley further includes storage means for the storage of goods therein, attachable to the attachment portion, and characterised in that said trolley is movable between a first position, wherein the storage means is attached thereto, and at least a second position, wherein the storage means is detached therefrom to be stored by a user.

Typically, said trolley is movable to a third position, wherein the trolley, detached from the storage means, is in a collapsed or folded configuration, for storage by a user.

In one embodiment, said one or more leg members may be extendable and/ or foldable. Typically, said one or more leg members may be provided and extendable in a telescopic arrangement. In one embodiment, said one or more leg members may be extendable to permit adjustment of the height of the storage means from a support surface on which the trolley may be located.

In one embodiment, user adjustment means may be provided to permit extension or retraction of the one or more leg members.

In one embodiment, two or more leg members may be provided. Typically, said two or more leg members may be extendable and/ or foldable.

In one embodiment, said base portion is located at a lower end of said one or more leg members. In one embodiment, said base portion may include two of more wheels rollers or castors. Typically, at least three wheels, rollers or castors may be provided.

In one embodiment, the body portion further includes handle means. Typically, said handle means are provided for use by a user to manoeuvre the trolley, in use. Typically, said handle means may be provided attached to, or in communication with said attachment portion. Thus, a user may be able to effect attachment and/or detachment of the storage means to/from the attachment portion via a mechanism integrated with or on the handle means.

In one embodiment, one or more locking members may be provided, arranged to secure said body portion in the first position, second position, and/ or the third position, as required by a user.

In one embodiment, the trolley may include a power source. Typically, said power source may be provided in the form of one or more power cells. Further typically, said one or more power cells may be rechargeable.

Typically, the trolley further includes driver means, connected to the power source and provided in communication with two or more wheels, rollers or castors of the trolley and arranged to power the same. Thus, the trolley may be provided to be power-assisted, enabling a user to push the same and move it along a surface without expending a large degree of their own energy.

In one embodiment, said attachment portion permits detachable attachment of the storage means thereto.

In one embodiment, said attachment portion may include at least two arm members, arranged to extend along at least part of first and second opposing side walls of the storage means, and connect thereto. Typically, said storage means may be attached to the attachment portion via a snap-fit, click-fit, or a gripping mechanism and/ or the like. In one embodiment, said at least two arm members may be extendable. Thus, as a user arrives at, for example, the boot of a vehicle in which the storage means is to be placed, in the event that the storage means cannot fully extend into a storage location, to be subsequently lowered, said arm members may be provided to be extendable allowing the user to more easily deposit the storage means in the storage location.

In another embodiment, said attachment portion may include one or more support members on which the storage means can be located. Typically, said one or more support members may be movable from a substantially horizontal position, wherein the storage means may rest thereon, and an inclined position, permitting the storage means to slide therefrom. In one embodiment, a handle portion may be provided with the one or more support members, permitting a user to move the same between the horizontal and inclined positions.

In one embodiment, said attachment portion may include one or more winch members. Typically, said winch members are provided to permit the storage means to be raised and lowered between the trolley and a storage location.

In one embodiment, said storage means may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the trolley. Typically, said attachment portion may permit rotation of the storage means with respect to the trolley, thereby permitting placement of the storage means into a storage location in a user-selected orientation. In one embodiment, said attachment portion includes at least one arm member, to which said storage means is attachable and rotatable about.

In one embodiment, said storage portion may be permitted to raise and lower with respect to the attachment portion. Typically, the raising and lowering enables a user to place and remove the storage means in and from a storage location after appropriate orientation of the same. In one embodiment, said storage means may include at least one handle member. Typically, said at least one handle member may be provided to enable a user to carry, raise and lower, manoeuvre, and/or rotate said storage means.

In one embodiment, said body portion may be configured to be foldable / collapsible to a substantially flattened, or storage, arrangement. Thus, a user may, after placing the storage means in the desired storage location, simply fold or collapse the body portion of the trolley into a flattened position, making it convenient to stow away when not in use or when placing in a vehicle before driving away.

In one embodiment, the base portion may be provided as one or more frame members. Typically, said frame members may be provided as first and second substantially parallel, opposing frame members, arranged to extend from a rear end of the trolley to a front end. In one embodiment, said first and second frame members may be connected via a third, substantially perpendicular frame member.

In one embodiment, said base portion includes a platform member, extending between first and second, opposing frame members. Typically, said platform member permits the placement of an article thereon, for temporary storage.

In another embodiment, said base portion may include one or more runners or support members associated with first and second opposing frame members. Typically, said one or more runners or support members may be provided to permit the placement of an article thereon, for temporary storage.

In one embodiment, said trolley includes at least a second storage means for goods to be located therein. Typically, said second storage means may be located on a platform member or one or more runners or support members of the base portion.

In another embodiment, said second storage means may be provided attachable to one or more leg members of the body portion. Typically, said second storage means may be located substantially at a rear end of the trolley.

In one embodiment, said storage means may further be provided with one or more leg members. Typically, said leg members may be foldable or extendable between extended or retracted position. For example, a user may wish to extend or fold out the legs in order to support the storage means as it is stowed in a storage location and, subsequently, as the storage means is attached to the body portion to form the trolley, the legs may then be retracted or folded away while not being required.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a trolley with a vehicle storage device, said method including the steps of: forming a trolley having a body portion and storage means for the storage of goods therein, said body portion formed to have one or more leg members, a base portion, and an attachment portion for detachable attachment to said storage means, in use; the storage means being formed to be attachable to the attachment portion, and characterised in that said trolley is formed to be movable between a first position, wherein the storage means is attached thereto, and at least a second position, wherein the storage means is detached therefrom to be stored by a user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trolley with a vehicle storage device, including: a trolley having a body portion and two or more foldable legs movable between a first, in use position and a second, storage position, said trolley having at least a first portion for goods to be located therein, and characterised in that said trolley further includes at least a second storage portion for goods to be located therein, said second storage portion being attachable to the trolley when the same is in said first, in use position.

Typically, said second storage portion is located substantially below the first storage portion when the trolley is in the first, in use position.

In one embodiment, the trolley includes two pairs of foldable legs, movable between said first and second positions. Typically, said second storage portion is attachable to said foldable legs, when the same are in the first, in use position.

In one embodiment, said second storage portion acts to maintain the trolley in said first, in use position when attached thereto. Typically, said second storage portion acts as a locking member, maintaining the trolley in the first, in use position.

In one embodiment, said foldable legs are each provided with one or more wheels, thereby permitting wheeled movement of the trolley when in the first, in use position.

In one embodiment, said foldable legs are movable adjacent the body portion of the trolley when in the second, storage position. Typically, at least one pair of said foldable legs is movable within a recessed portion of the body portion of said trolley, in said second, storage position. Further typically, said recessed portion is located is located on an underside of said body portion.

In one embodiment, in use, the said goods can be placed in at least said first storage portion of the trolley in a first location, and the trolley can be used to transport said goods with its legs in the first position to, for example, a vehicle, wherein the trolley legs are movable to the second, storage position and the trolley placed into the vehicle. In one embodiment this is done whilst still supporting said goods. Typically, the trolley can subsequently be removed from the vehicle with the legs moved to the first, in use position to transport the said goods to a second location.

Typically, at least some of said goods may additionally or alternatively be stored in said at least second storage portion. In one embodiment, prior to moving the trolley from the first, in use position to the second, storage position, said second storage portion is arranged to be removed from the trolley, thereby permitting said movement. Thus, the second storage portion may be placed within the vehicle by a user in a position of their choosing— be it on top or adjacent the trolley and housing when in the storage position, on the vehicle floor or on a passenger seat of the vehicle— while maintaining the goods stored therein.

In one embodiment, one or more cross members are provided located substantially between said foldable legs. Typically, said second storage portion is arranged to attach to and/or rest on said one or more cross members, when in the first, in use position.

In one embodiment, one or more locking members are provided, arranged to secure said second storage portion to the one or more cross members, when in the first, in use position.

In one embodiment, guide means are provided to guide and support the trolley and said legs in the second, storage position into and away from the vehicle, permitting movement of the same to the first, in use position, thus supporting the trolley off the ground. Typically, a pair of guide wheels is provided on the trolley to move on a pair of guide rails forming said support guide. Further typically, said rails may be slidably mounted on said housing.

In one embodiment a housing is provided for mounting in a vehicle, said housing arranged to receive the trolley when in said second storage position. Typically, said guide means a provided associated with the housing. In one embodiment, said guide means may be provided as an extendable panel member. Typically, said panel member is extendable from a position substantially within the housing, to a position protruding outwardly therefrom. Further typically, said extendable movement is a sliding movement. In one embodiment, when in the extended position said panel member is arranged to receive the trolley thereon, when in the second, storage position.

In one embodiment, said first storage portion is located in the body portion of the trolley, and removable from the same.

In one embodiment, said first and/ or second storage portions comprise one or more basket members for the location of goods therein. Typically, said one or more basket members are removable from said trolley.

In one embodiment, the trolley further includes a handle member. Typically, said handle member is provided to allow a user to manoeuvre the trolley when in the first, in use position, and in and out of the said vehicle. Further typically, said handle member is movable between a first, in use position, and a second, storage position.

In one embodiment, said handle member further includes locking means, provided so as to lock the legs when the trolley is in said first, in use position.

In another embodiment, the trolley includes a locking member, provided so as to lock the legs when the trolley is in said first, in use position.

In one embodiment, one or more retaining means are provided on the trolley. Typically, said one or more retaining members are formed so as to provide storage for additional goods, such as carrier bags, hand bags and/ or the like. Further typically, said one or more retaining members can be provided as any or any combination of: one or more hook members, apertures, clips, clasps and/ or the like. In one embodiment, said housing is rotatable. Typically, said housing is rotatable in a horizontal plane through at least 90 degrees. Further typically, said housing is rotatable between a first position, wherein the trolley may be moved along guide means in and out of said vehicle, on and off said housing; and a second position, wherein the housing or housing and trolley combination may be located in a side-on position, with respect to the length of the vehicle. Such rotatable movement is provided in order to enable increased or improved storage space within the boot of the vehicle in which the housing and trolley are located.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a trolley with a vehicle storage device, said method including the steps of: forming a trolley having a body portion and two or more foldable legs to be movable between a first, in use position and a second, storage position, said trolley being formed having at least a first storage portion for goods to be located therein, and characterised in that said trolley is formed to further include at least a second storage portion for goods to be located therein, said second storage portion provided to be attachable to the trolley when the same is in said first, in use position.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of forming a housing for mounting in a vehicle, said housing being arranged to receive the trolley when in the said second, storage position.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having a trolley and vehicle storage device, such as that described above.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley having foldable legs in a first, in use position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley having foldable legs in a second, storage position, stored in a housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a further perspective view of a trolley and further storage portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a side-on view of a trolley in a second, storage position located on a housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view of a locking mechanism for foldable legs of a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7a— c illustrate a body portion of the trolley of Figure 6, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 8a— e illustrate a step-by-step unloading process for a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 10a— e illustrate a step-by-step unloading process for a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 12a— d illustrate a step-by-step unloading process for a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 illustrates a view of a second storage means placed on or with a trolley, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 15a— e illustrate a step-by-step unloading process for a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 17a— f illustrate a step-by-step unloading process for a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of a trolley in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 19a— b illustrate an unloading process for a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to the Figures there is shown a trolley with a vehicle storage device. The trolley and vehicle storage device comprise a trolley 1, seen in Figure 1 adjacent the rear of a vehicle 20, and a trolley housing 10, located inside the rear of the vehicle 20.

Trolley 1 has two pairs of folding legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B with wheels 2C, 2D, 3C, 3D, which are movable from a first, in use position with the legs supporting the trolley for wheeled movement along the ground, to a second, storage position with the legs folded adjacent the trolley, as shown in Figure 2. The housing 10 is arranged to receive the trolley 1 when the trolley is in the second, storage position. The trolley 1 has a first storage portion shown in the form of basket 4, providing storage for goods, and push handle 5, provided for manoeuvring the trolley 1 as a user sees fit. The trolley 1 may also be provided with a pair of guide wheels 6A, 6B, which allow guided movement of the trolley 1 onto the housing 10 when in or moving to the second, storage position. The basket 4 may be provided as a removable item from the storage portion of the trolley 1, enable a user to carry the basket with goods still located therein to a desired location. The trolley 1 further includes a second storage portion, in the form of a further tray or basket 7. This second tray or basket 7 is attachable to the trolley 1 when the same is in the first, in use position, and is located in a position below the first storage portion and between the legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B. The tray or basket 7 can subsequently be removed from its position allowing the trolley 1 to be moved to the second, storage position.

The tray 7, when located in position on the trolley 1 is attachable thereto via attachment to the legs 2A, 2B, 3 A, 3B when in the first, in use position. When attached, the tray 7 helps to maintain the trolley 1 in the first, in use position and, in some embodiments, may act as a locking member to maintain that position in use. The foldable legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B can be folded to a position adjacent the body of the trolley 1 when in the second, storage position and in some examples, in order to make storage of the trolley 1 as compact as possible, at least one of the pairs of legs, in the example shown in Figure 4, legs 2A, 2B are provided to be folded into a recessed portion on an underside of the body of the trolley 1. A further means by which to compact the storage of the trolley 1 is by providing the second pair of legs 3A, 3B with an additional folding point, such that when in the second, storage position, the lower portion of those legs fold up adjacent a side of the trolley 1, also shown in Figure 4 by way of example. In order to improve the stability of the foldable legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, each pair may be provided with an additional support member in the form of cross bars 9A, 9B, as shown in Figure 3. These cross bars 9A, 9B serve to link the respective pairs of legs (front 2A, 2B; and rear 3A, 3B), improving their stability and also making it easier for a user to move the same into the second, storage location when desired. The second storage portion or tray/basket 7 can be provided to be placed and rest on the cross bars 9A, 9B, and can be attached thereto, securing the trolley 1 in the first, in use position— an example of which is shown in Figure 1 (cross bars 9A, 9B not shown). In some examples, locking members or fastening means may be provided to further secure the tray 7 to the cross bars 9 A, 9B.

The housing 10 is provided for mounting in the rear of the vehicle 20 to accommodate the trolley 1 with legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B when in the second, storage position. The housing 10 has a pair of rails 11 A, 11B which are provided to slide in and out of the housing 10. Rails 11 A, 11B are arranged to receive the guide wheels 6 A, 6B and, in combination the rails 11 A, 11B and guide wheels 6A, 6B guide and support the trolley 1 , enabling it to move from the first, in use position into the second, storage position and into the vehicle 20; and also from the vehicle 20 in the second position away from the housing 10 and out of the vehicle 20, whereby the legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and thus trolley 1 can be placed in the first, in use position to support the trolley 1 off the ground. Rails 11 A, 11B can be further supported by additional supports if so required. In other embodiments of the present invention, the guide member for locating the trolley 1 within the housing 10 may be provided as a single, extending panel, rather than a pair of individual guide rails as described above. This could provide some advantage as such a panel would be able to reduce or negate the need for a more precise alignment of the trolley 1, guide wheels 6 A, 6B and guide rails 11 A, 11B, making the storage process quicker and thus more convenient for a user.

Further features and embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 3— 5. As can be seen, the trolley 1 may further include a push handle 5, designed to allow a user to manoeuvre the trolley 1 when in the first, in use position, and in and out of the vehicle 20. The handle 5 itself may be movable between a first, in use position, and a second, storage position, and is movable in a rotatable manner as shown by arrow B. An example of the handle 5 in a storage position is shown in Figure 4. As mentioned above, at least one of the pair of legs, in this instance, rear legs 3 A, 3B may have an additional joint therein, allowing them to fold around and adjacent a side of the trolley 1 in the second, storage position. In order to maintain the legs in the first position when in use, locking members in the form of sleeves 13A, 13B may be provided. The sleeves 13A, 13B are movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing a user to fold the legs 3 A, 3B as required when moving the same between in use and storage positions.

A further feature of the present invention is shown in Figure 3 and in more detail in Figure 5, wherein a locking member in the form of a leg release mechanism 15 provided. The release mechanism 15 is provided so as to lock the legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B in the first, in use position as they are moved thereto, and the mechanism is biased to the locked position. The mechanism is movable back and forth along the line of arrow C, and in order to move the legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B to the storage position, is moved outwardly in the direction of arrow D. Such movement releases the legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B enabling movement to the second, storage position. Inward movement of the mechanism along arrow E as the legs 2A, 2B, 3 A, 3B have been moved to the first, in use position serves to lock them in place. In some embodiments, the mechanism 15 may be spring-loaded or, at least, biased to the locked position, thus ensuring that there is no accidental release of the same when the trolley 1 is being used by user.

One or more retaining members 17 may additionally be provided on the trolley 1. Typically, such retaining members 17 are formed so as to provide storage for additional goods, such as carrier bags, hand bags and/ or the like, and can be provided as any or any combination of: one or more hook members, apertures, clips, clasps and/or the like, thereby providing additional storage for a user.

The housing 10 provided within the vehicle 20 can be provided to be rotatable. Typically, the housing 10 is rotatable in a horizontal plane through at least 90 degrees, shown by arrow A between a first position, wherein the trolley 1 may be moved along the guide rails 11 A, 11B in and out of said vehicle 20, on and off said housing 10; and a second position, wherein the housing 10 or housing and trolley combination may be located in a side-on position, with respect to the length of the vehicle 20. Such rotatable movement is provided in order to enable an increased or improved storage space within the boot of the vehicle 20 in which the housing 10 and trolley 1 are located. This is particularly beneficial as it provides additional space in which to locate the previously removed second storage portion or tray 7, for subsequent transport.

In use the goods can be placed in the trolley 1 in one location (e.g. a shop) and the trolley 1 can be used to transport the goods in basket 4 and tray 7 with the legs 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B in the first, in use position to the vehicle 20 where the trolley 1 can then be moved to the second, storage position after- removal of the tray 7, and the trolley 1 placed in the housing 10 in the vehicle 20 whilst still supporting goods in basket 4. The tray 7 can subsequently be placed in a position as seen fit by the user— either adjacent the trolley 1 and housing 10 in the boot of the vehicle 20, or in another position in the vehicle 20. The trolley 1 can then be removed from the vehicle 20 and moved back to the first, in use position to transport goods to a second location (e.g. the user's house).

Referring now to Figures 6— 19b, further embodiments of a trolley in accordance with the invention are illustrated. Figure 6 illustrates a trolley 61 comprising a main body portion having a single leg 63, a base 65 and an attachment portion 67. The trolley also includes a storage basket 69 which is provided to be detachably attachable to the attachment portion 67. Figures 7a— c illustrate how the body portion may be folded flat and Figures 8a— e show how a user may load and unload the basket 69 from a vehicle boot using the trolley 61. The trolley 61 can be alter between different configurations; the first, as illustrated in Figure 6 being with the basket 69 securely attached, and ready for use by a user, a second configuration exists and is best shown in Figure 8c, wherein the basket has been detached from the body to be placed in a storage location, and a final, third configuration shown in Figures 7a, b and 8d illustrate the body and base 65 of the trolley 61 in a collapsed or folded up configuration. The advantage of being able to fold the trolley 61 into a substantially flattened position is that it enables the user to store the trolley simply and efficientiy after use. Various other examples of this foldable nature of the trolley 61 are shown in Figures 9— 19b, wherein further features are also illustrated and will be discussed below, such features, while shown in individual examples, it will be understood by the skilled person that they may be provided in combination with other examples as well as separately.

The trolley 61 shown in Figures 6— 8e includes a single leg 63, which is provided to be extendable by a user. The leg 63 may be provided in two or more component parts and is illustrated to have a telescopic arrangement. This is advantageous to a user as it allows the overall height of the trolley 61 to be adjusted to suit the user and, furthermore, it provides a more convenient means by which to located the basket 69 within the storage location (in the illustrated examples this is the boot of a car or other vehicle). The length of the leg 63 and thus the height of the trolley 61 may be adjusted by the provision of adjustment means, in this embodiment, shown as a conveniently placed foot pedal 71. At the top end of the leg 63 there is provided an attachment portion 67, in this example being provided as a pair of arms 73 which extend outward and along at least part of the length of opposing sides of the basket 69. The attachment of the arms 73 to the basket 69 may be provided by standard means such as a snap-fit or a click-fit engagement. In other examples, the arms 73 may be arranged to be angled slightly inwardly, thereby providing a friction fit with the basket 69 or a vice-like grip. The basket 69 may be provided with an upper lip portion which extends over a top edge of the arms 73, such that it will not fall through the grip under the weight of items subsequently placed therein. In some examples of the present invention, the arms 73 may be extendable. Thus, as a user arrives at, for example, the boot of a vehicle in which the basket 69 is to be placed, in the event that it cannot fully extend into the boot, to be subsequendy lowered, the arms 73 may be provided to be extendable, allowing the user to more easily deposit the basket 69 in the boot. At the foot end of the leg 63, the base 65 is located and may be provided as one or more frame members. In the present embodiment, a pair of opposing frame members 77 are provided, which are substantially parallel with one another and run from a rear end of the trolley 61 to a front end. At each end of the frame members 77 a wheel 79 is provided for easy manoeuvrability of the trolley 61. In some examples of the invention, one or more locking members may be provided, which serve to secure the trolley in any of the first, second or third configurations, as required by the user.

Also located at the top end of the leg 63 there is provided a handle 75 for a user. The handle 75 of the trolley 61 may in some embodiments have a direct connection with the attachment arms 73, and so attachment / detachment of the storage basket 69 may be effected by the user via a mechanism integrated with or on the handle 75. In Figures 9— 10, an example of a trolley 61' is shown wherein the handle 75 and attachment arms 73 are formed as a single unit 81, having a slight bend 83 at a pivot point. This allows, as shown in Figures 10a— e, a user to raise and lower the handle 75 which provides a see-saw effect on the basket 69 such that it may be raised and lowered into and out of the boot of a vehicle. Another feature of the trolley 61' illustrated in Figures 10a - e is that the base 65 further includes a platform member 85 provided to extend along the length of and bridging the gap between the two frame members77. By providing such a platform, this gives the trolley 61' a further surface on which items may be stored. In particular, a second storage basket may be provided (shown by way of example in Figure 14 for another embodiment, but equally applicable in this instance and other embodiments). The surface of the platform 85 may be provided with a series of formations, or provided at least partially with a layer having a high degree of friction so as to maintain a basket or other items thereon as the trolley 61' is being moved. As a consequence of the base 65 being provided in the form shown in Figure 9, the leg portion 63 is formed as a planar wall 87 having two side walls 89. When folded into the third position, the base 65 simply folds into the leg portion 63 and rests within the recess created by the side walls 89.

Figures 11— 12d illustrate a trolley 6 wherein the basket 69 is provided with a pair of leg members 91, which each extend along opposing widths of the basket 69. In other embodiments, four leg members may be provided. In the present example, the leg members 91 are pivotable such that when the basket is attached to the trolley 61', the legs 91 are fold away underneath the base of the basket. As the basket 69 is unloaded into a storage location, the legs 91 may be unfolded, shown in particular in Figures 12b and c, and the basket placed in a slightly more elevated position.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 13— 15e, wherein the basket 69 is attached and detached from the attachment portion 67 of the trolley 69' via a winch mechanism. This is shown most clearly in the step-by-step unloading illustrated in Figures 15a - e. In this embodiment, pairs of rear and front winches 93 (shown best in Figure 15e) are used to raise and lower the basket 69 as required by the user. The base portion 65 of this embodiment, shown in Figure 13, is located at the foot end of a pair of legs 63, and comprises first and second substantially parallel frame members 77, but also includes a third frame member 95, provided perpendicular to and linking the first and second frame members 77. As shown in Figure 14, this provides another form of a storage location for a further basket 69', as mentioned above. The basket in this instance may have lip portions which rest along a top edge of the frame members 77, or the frame members 77, 95 may also include runners or support portions 97 on which the basket 69' may rest. In other embodiments, not shown, the second basket 69' may be provided attached to the leg or legs 63 of the trolley 61, at a rear side of the trolley. The trolley may also further include one or more hooks and/or the like to permit the hanging of bags, jackets etc. thereon.

In further embodiments of the invention, the attachment portion 67 may be provided as a platform 99, which may be provided to be movable between a first, horizontal position, and a second inclined position. Such an embodiment is best illustrated in Figures 16— 17f, wherein when the trolley 61' is in the first position, the basket 69 is located on a platform 99 and maintained in a horizontal position. A handle portion 101 is provided with the platform 99, and as a user moves to detach the basket and place it in a storage location, the handle portion 101 may be raised to tilt the platform 99 and the basket 69 may be eased off the platform 99 by sliding the same, and which is shown step-by-step in Figures 17a - f.

Figures 18— 19b illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the trolley 61' comprises a single attachment arm 73, to which the basket 69 attaches. The attachment is made via a vice-like portion 103 which grips the arm 73. In addition, a support pole 105 is provided attached to the basket 69 and which located within a channel at the end of the arm 73, capable of extending therethrough. A handle portion 107 is provided with the basket 69 and allows a user, when moving the basket 69 to a storage location, to rotate the basket 69 with respect to the trolley 61', detaching the vice portion 103 from the arm 73, and turning the basket 69 about the pivot point provided by the support pole 105. Once rotated, as shown in Figure 19b, the basket 69 may be lowered along the support pole 105 and subsequently detached, thereby allowing a user to deposit the basket in an orientation of their own choosing more easily.

Finally, the trolley of the present invention, in some embodiments, may be provided with a power source in the form of one or more power cells. Typically, such power cells are rechargeable. The power source is provided for connection with a drive means which may be provided in communication with the wheels, castors or rollers of the trolley, and serve to provide a power-assisted drive when a user is pushing the trolley. Such a feature is particularly advantageous for users who may find it difficult to push and manoeuvre trolleys once they are loaded with numerous items, thereby increasing the weight of the same. The drive means and/ or motor for the trolley may be located in or on the base or a lower portion of the leg of the trolley, in order to maintain a lower centre of gravity for the trolley. Control means for activated and adjusting the power-assisted drive may be provided on the handle 75 of the trolley ensuring that it is convenient and straightforward for a user to access and activate.