Technical field

The present invention relates to the use of a moveable tool for unloading a plate-shaped construction element, such as a tombstone, a kitchen worktop or a glass panel, from a truck and for transporting the unloaded construction element from the truck to an installation location. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of the moveable tool for unloading a kitchen worktop such as a marble kitchen worktop from a truck and for transporting the unloaded kitchen worktop from the truck to a kitchen. The present invention also relates to the use of the moveable tool for unloading a tombstone from a truck and for transporting the unloaded tombstone from the truck to a grave opening. Also, the present invention relates to the use of the moveable tool for unloading a glass panel from a truck and for transporting the unloaded glass panel from the truck to a construction site. The invention also further relates to the moveable tool per se.

State of the art

Integrating glass windows into a house offers the advantage of receiving sunlight inside the house. It is nowadays possible to manufacture well-insulating glass panels, allowing the construction of houses with large glass panels without deteriorating the insulation envelope of the house. In the present invention, the term "glass panel" means the composition of one or more glass sheets with insulation space in between, which composition can be built into a window frame. Such large glass panels occur in various dimensions, for example with a height of 2.5 meters, a width of 1 .5 meters and a thickness of several centimeters.

Unloading a glass panel from a truck and transporting the unloaded glass panel from the truck to an installation location, such as a construction site, does not appear to be an easy feat in the state of the art. This is illustrated, for example, in Figure 1 where a number of glass panels 1 have been brought in by a truck 2, and where the glass panels 1 are unloaded from the truck by at least two workers 3 and transported to the construction site. Unloading a glass panel from the truck is a dangerous task as the weight of large glass panels can be over 150 kg each. Therefore, often workers 3 get back problems and glass panels 1 fall and get damaged. Also, transporting the glass panel to a construction site is a dangerous task with risks of back problems to workers and risks of glass breakage. Such construction sites are usually unpaved and uneven, consisting, for example, of grass, mud and sand and, hence, tripping hazards for workers. In addition, to get to a construction site, one has to transport the glass panel through a house. Consequently one must be able to take short turns. This also means that heavy and bulky tools cannot be used, since such heavy tools can damage the floor in the house and large tools do not fit through doorways.

More generally, it can be said that unloading a plate-shaped construction element from a truck and transporting the unloaded plate-shaped construction element from the truck to an installation location does not appear to be an easy feat in the state of the art. Indeed, the problems posed above with respect to glass panels apply mutatis mutandis to many other plate-shaped construction elements such as kitchen worktops or tombstones in particular. After all, kitchen worktops are large and usually heavy. The latter is particularly the case when one wishes to work with marble or other stone-like worktops. As a result, unloading such worktops from the truck, as well as transporting such worktops throughout a house to an installation location such as a kitchen, for example, is subject to the same problems as those of a glass panel described above. When transporting such a plate-shaped construction element, the installation location is not always a construction site. For example, when transporting kitchen worktops, the installation location is usually a kitchen. However, the route between the truck and the installation location usually does comprise a construction site, for example, the front yard located between the truck and the kitchen of a house when transporting kitchen worktops. Thus, the problem described above of accessing a construction site also applies to transporting other plate-shaped construction elements whose installation location is not necessarily a construction site.

Description of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a moveable tool solving the problems of the state of the art. To this end, the present invention provides a moveable tool for unloading a plate-shaped construction element such as a glass panel, a kitchen worktop or a tombstone from a truck and for transporting the unloaded construction element from the truck to a construction site as described in claim 1 . To this end, the moveable tool comprises:

• a frame extending in a longitudinal direction between a front and a rear, and extending in a lateral direction between a left side and a right side. The longitudinal direction and the lateral direction are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to an upright direction. For example, the frame is a rigid structure, for example made of interconnected metal rods.

• a set of wheels connected to the frame. The set of wheels allow the frame, and thus the moveable tool, to be moved. In the present patent application, the moveable tool moves forward when the front of the frame moves ahead of the rear of the frame. The set of wheels are connected to the frame in such a way that the frame does not tip over under its own weight. In other words, the frame stably stands on the ground. Configurations of the set of wheels that bring about such stable support are further described below. In addition, the wheels from the set of wheels are suitable for driving on unpaved and uneven terrain, for example through grass, mud or sand. In other words, the wheels are suitable for driving on a construction site. Suitable configurations of the wheels, and in particular of the tires, are further described below. At least one of the wheels from the set of wheels is connected to the frame such that it can change rolling direction, called a pivoting wheel. Preferably, at least two wheels and more preferably all wheels are pivoting wheels. The rolling direction is the direction in which the wheel rolls. The rolling direction can change as the wheel rotates around an axis according to the upright direction of the frame. The rolling direction of the moveable tool is adaptable with respect to the environment because at least one of the wheels is implemented as a pivoting wheel. In other words, the frame can be rotated in its environment causing the longitudinal direction of the frame to change in that environment.

• a height-adjustable load-bearing platform. Preferably, the load- bearing platform is a plate. The load-bearing platform is connected to the frame by means of a height adjuster. The height adjuster is configured for adjusting the height of the load-bearing platform in relation to the frame. In particular, the height adjuster comprises a scissor lift and a first adjustment device such as a hydraulic cylinder. The scissor lift can move between an extended position and a contracted position under the influence of the first adjustment device. The load-bearing platform further comprises a plate carrier extending in a rectilinear extension direction, such as a glass carrier, a worktop carrier, or a tombstone carrier, wherein the name of the plate carrier depends on the type of plate-shaped construction element to be transported. The plate carrier, for example the glass carrier, is for example at least 40 cm, preferably at least 50 cm long in the extension direction. The plate carrier, for example the glass carrier, is configured for receiving an edge of a plate-shaped construction element, for example of a glass panel. In this way, the plate carrier, for example the glass carrier, supports the edge of the plate-shaped construction element, for example of the glass panel, supporting the entire plateshaped construction element, for example the entire glass panel. The extension direction of the plate carrier, for example glass carrier, lies substantially in a plane formed by the longitudinal direction and the upright direction of the frame. Consequently, the plate carrier, for example glass carrier, is configured for receiving an edge of an upright plate-shaped construction element, for example an upright glass panel. The term "upright plate-shaped construction element", in particular "upright glass panel", means a plate-shaped construction element, in particular glass panel, whose normal of the main surface of the plateshaped construction element, in particular the glass panel, is oriented substantially according to the lateral direction of the frame.

The moveable tool according to the present invention offers the advantage of simplifying the unloading of a plate-shaped construction element, such as a glass panel, from a truck. Indeed, the workers simply have to place the moveable tool next to the truck, move the height adjuster to the extended position, and transfer the plate-shaped construction element, for example the glass panel, from on the truck to the plate carrier, for example the glass carrier, in such a way that an edge of the plate-shaped construction element, for example of the glass panel, extends in the extension direction and is lowered onto the plate carrier, for example the glass carrier. Then, the worker can drive away after the height adjuster is optionally put into the contracted position. The plate-shaped construction element, for example the glass panel, can be unloaded by a single worker, using the moveable tool according to the present invention. Also, unloading plate-shaped construction elements, for example glass panels, will entail fewer risks in terms of back problems experienced by the workers, as well as in terms of possible damage such as glass breakage. Furthermore, the present moveable tool can be moved to or through a construction site, and for example through a house. Indeed, the moveable tool can be wheeled over various uneven and unpaved terrains such as a construction site, and can also be made sufficiently light and compact in order to enable taking sharp turns inside the house, in order to fit easily through doorways and in order not to damage existing floors in the house.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped construction element is a glass panel, and the plate carrier is a glass carrier. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped construction element is a kitchen worktop, and the plate carrier is a worktop carrier. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped construction element is a tombstone, and the plate carrier is a tombstone carrier. Preferably, the plate-shaped construction element is a building construction element, configured to build houses. Such building construction elements comprise, for example, the glass panel and the kitchen worktop, but not the tombstone.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate carrier has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction. Preferably, the opening in the U-shaped cross-section is oriented such that the plate carrier can receive an edge of a plate-shaped construction element that has a normal oriented substantially according to the lateral direction of the frame, preferably oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame. In other words, the opening in the U-shaped cross-section is configured for receiving an edge of an upright plate-shaped construction element. A "U-shaped" cross-section is a cross-section comprising a bottom wall and two opposite side walls. The distance between the side walls is sufficient to receive the full thickness of the plate-shaped construction element.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate carrier is lined with a casing configured for being in contact with the edge of the plate-shaped construction element. Another word for the casing is a lining. The casing is preferably made of a material with a high coefficient of friction with the plate-shaped construction element. Such a material is, for example, rubber, especially when the plate-shaped construction element is a glass panel. A plate carrier lined as such has the advantage that the plate-shaped construction element will move little when supported by the plate carrier.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate carrier is a separate profile supported by the load-bearing platform. This is in contrast to embodiments in which the plate carrier is a channel formed in the load-bearing platform. Among other things, this allows the plate carrier to be changed, for example in order to be adapted to the thickness of the plate-shaped construction elements to be manipulated.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate carrier extends longitudinally beyond the front of the frame. This allows the plate-shaped construction element to be positioned as far as possible to the front of the frame, or even extend beyond the front of the frame such that the workman can control the moveable tool with one hand and hold an edge of the plate-shaped construction element with the other hand.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool is further configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool is configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame. For this purpose, the plate carrier comprises a tilting point where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame, connected to the loadbearing platform. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool is configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame. For this purpose, the plate carrier comprises a tilting line where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool is configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame and around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame. For this purpose, the plate carrier comprises a tilting point and a tilting line where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction and around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction, connected to the load-bearing platform.

A first implementation form of tilting the plate-shaped construction element is further discussed below. In this first implementation form, the plateshaped construction element is preferably a glass panel, and the plate carrier is preferably a glass carrier.

Preferably, the moveable tool is configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element forward. To this end, the plate carrier comprises a tilting point where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform. This connection between the plate carrier and the load-bearing platform is a hinge joint. Such hinge joint allows the plate carrier to tilt between a first position and a second position, wherein the extension direction of the plate carrier is directed more according to the longitudinal direction in the first position than in the second position. In other words, the extension direction is directed less according to the upright direction in the first position than in the second position. Preferably, the first position is substantially horizontal, i.e. the extension direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame. Preferably, the second position is substantially vertical, i.e. the extension direction is substantially parallel with the upright direction of the frame. Alternatively, however, the second position is a position between the above-mentioned vertical and horizontal position, for example wherein the extension direction lies at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the second position is determined by the degree of tilting of the plate carrier at which an end of the plate carrier, for example the lid discussed further below, touches the ground. Preferably, the tilting point is closer to the front of the frame than to the rear along the longitudinal direction, for example substantially near the front of the frame. The moveable tool configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element provides the advantage that the plateshaped construction element can be transported with its longest side substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame (which provides more stable transport and which ensures that the plate-shaped construction element can move through doorways), and then be tilted at the installation location with its longest side parallel to the upright direction of the frame (if such an installation is desired).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second adjustment device is provided. The second adjustment device is connected between a coupling point on the plate carrier on the one hand and the load-bearing platform on the other hand. The coupling point is, for example, a hinge joint. The coupling point is located longitudinally between the tilting point and the rear of the frame. The second adjustment device is configured for adjusting the distance, in particular according to the upright direction, between the load-bearing platform and the coupling point such that adjusting the distance results in tilting the plate carrier around the hinge joint at the tilting point.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second adjustment device is one of a pneumatic or a hydraulic device. Preferably, the second adjustment device is adjustable by means of a manually operated hand or foot pedal, for example a first pedal for extending the adjustment device so as to increase the distance between the coupling point and the load-bearing platform, and a second pedal for contracting the adjustment device so as to decrease the distance between the coupling point and the load-bearing platform.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate carrier comprises a receiving part and a carrying part. The receiving part is configured for being in contact with the edge of the plate-shaped construction element, and for this purpose preferably comprises the above-mentioned U-shaped cross-section and the above-mentioned casing. The carrying part carries the receiving part. To this end, the carrying part preferably also has a U-shaped cross-section in order to receive the receiving part therein. Preferably, the carrying part comprises the hinge joint between the plate carrier and the load-bearing platform. Preferably, the carrying part also comprises the coupling point.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receiving part extends in the extension direction relative to the carrying part. Preferably, the receiving part extends such that the receiving part extends longitudinally beyond the front of the frame. This allows the plate-shaped construction element to be positioned as far as possible to the front of the frame, or even extend beyond the front of the frame such that the workman can control the moveable tool with one hand and hold an edge of the plate-shaped construction element with the other hand.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receiving part may be taken out of the carrying part. For example, the receiving part may be tilted out of the carrying part in order to tilt beyond the aforementioned most tilted second position. This is particularly advantageous when the second position is one that lies between the vertical and horizontal positions, in particular when the second position is determined by the degree of tilt at which an end of the plate carrier, particularly the lid to be discussed further below, touches the ground. The receiving part can then be tilted further around the tipping point formed by the contact between the plate carrier and the ground. In order to prevent the receiving part from tilting too far away from the carrying part, a tilt restriction mechanism is preferably provided between the receiving part and the carrying part. Preferably, the tilt restriction mechanism is a rod of fixed length connected to the receiving part on the one hand and the carrying part on the other hand by means of hinge joints. Preferably, the tilt restriction mechanism ensures that the receiving part of the plate carrier cannot tilt beyond the vertical position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a lid is provided on the end of plate carrier, the lid being closer to the front of the frame than to the rear. The lid is thereby configured for preventing the plate-shaped construction element from sliding out of the plate carrier when the plate carrier is tilted. If the plate carrier comprises the receiving part and the carrying part, the lid is provided on the receiving part. The lid also ensures that the plate-shaped construction element does not rest on the ground when the plate-shaped construction element is tilted, if the plate carrier extends beyond the front of the frame such that it would touch the ground at a certain degree of tilting. Indeed, the plate-shaped construction element resting on the ground could cause damage to the plateshaped construction element, especially when it is a glass panel.

A second implementation form of tilting the plate-shaped construction element alternative to or in combination with the first implementation form described above is discussed further below. In this second implementation form, the plate-shaped construction element is preferably a kitchen worktop, and the plate carrier is preferably a worktop carrier. Alternatively, in this second implementation form, the plate-shaped construction element is for example a tombstone, and the plate carrier is for example a tombstone carrier.

Preferably, the moveable tool is configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element sideways. For this purpose, the plate carrier comprises a tilting line where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform. This connection between the plate carrier and the load-bearing platform is a hinge joint. Such hinge joint allows the plate carrier to tilt between a third position and a fourth position. In the third position, the supported plate-shaped construction element is more in the upright position than when the plate carrier is in the fourth position. In the fourth position, the plate-shaped construction element is more in a lying position. In other words, in the third position, the normal of the supported plateshaped construction element is oriented more according to the lateral direction than in the fourth position. Preferably, in the third position, the normal of the plateshaped construction element is oriented substantially according to the lateral direction of the frame. Preferably, in the fourth position, the normal of the plateshaped construction element is oriented substantially according to the upright direction of the frame. In this second implementation form, however, the extension direction of the plate carrier remains oriented almost constantly according to the longitudinal direction of the frame. The moveable tool configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element sideways provides the advantage that the plate-shaped construction element can be transported with its normal oriented almost according to the lateral direction of the frame (which provides more stable transport and which ensures that the plate-shaped construction element can move through doorways), and then be tilted sideways at the installation location with its normal substantially oriented according to the upright direction of the frame, for example in order to place a kitchen worktop on kitchen units.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool further comprises a tilting assist mechanism, for example comprising a rope to be wound, which enables a controlled tilt, for example a motor-controlled tilt. The tilting assist mechanism may also be provided on the moveable tool of the first implementation form in order to provide a controlled forward tilt. The second adjustment device from the first implementation form can also be provided in this second implementation form, but is less advantageous here since the plate-shaped construction element is lifted less in height when tilting sideways than when tilting forwards. Dividing the plate carrier into a receiving part and carrying part, as well as the further implementation forms thereof, as described in the first implementation form, can also be provided in this second implementation form.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate carrier is movably connected to the load-bearing platform such that the plate carrier can translate across the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame between a first translational position and a second translational position, the first translational position being closer to the center between the left side and the right side of the frame than the second translational position. For this purpose, the loadbearing platform comprises a translating part arranged between the plate carrier and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform. Preferably, the translating part and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform have cooperating components comprising a guide rail and a guide rail receiver. Preferably, the remaining part of the load-bearing platform comprises one or more protrusions oriented substantially parallel to the lateral direction, and the translating part comprises one or more channels for receiving the protrusions, the channels being oriented substantially parallel to the lateral direction. The hinge joint discussed above that tilts the plate carrier with respect to the load-bearing platform is preferably located between the translating part of the load-bearing platform and the plate carrier. The present embodiment is particularly advantageous in this second implementation form, as the plate-shaped construction element, after being brought into the fourth position, can be easily moved in the lateral direction, for example over a kitchen unit in case the plate-shaped construction element is a kitchen worktop. However, this implementation form can also be provided on the moveable tool from the first implementation form.

A third implementation form of tilting the plate-shaped construction element alternative to or in combination with the first and second implementation forms described above is discussed further below.

In this third implementation form, the moveable tool is preferably configured for forward and sideways tilting of the plate-shaped construction element. For this purpose, the plate carrier comprises a tilting point and a tilting line where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction and around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction, connected to the load-bearing platform. These connections between the plate carrier and the load-bearing platform are hinge joints. The moveable tool configured for forward and sideways tilting of the plate-shaped construction element has the advantage of combining the advantages of the first implementation form and of the second implementation form.

The second adjustment device, as well as its further implementation forms, as described in the first implementation form, can also be provided in this third implementation form.

The division of the plate carrier into a receiving part and a carrying part, as well as the further implementation forms thereof, as described in the first implementation form, may also be provided in this third implementation form. Hereby, the tilting point, where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform, may be located between the carrying part and the receiving part, and the tilting line, where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform, may be located between the receiving part and the load-bearing platform.

The lid described in the first implementation form can also be provided in this third implementation form.

The tilt assist mechanism described in the second implementation form can also be provided in this third implementation form.

The translational part described in the second implementation form can also be provided in this third implementation form.

In what follows embodiments are described that apply regardless of the application of the first, second, third or any implementation form of tilting of the plate-shaped construction element discussed above.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the lateral direction, the plate carrier is not located in the center between the left side and the right side of the frame. For example, the plate carrier is located closer to the left side or to the right side of the frame. This allows holding the moveable tool with one hand by a component provided on the left side or on the right side and holding an edge of the plate-shaped construction element with the other hand. This embodiment also has the advantage that when the moveable tool is placed next to the truck in such an orientation that the side of the moveable tool where the plate carrier is provided, is next to the truck, then the plate carrier is then closer to the truck which simplifies transferring the plate-shaped construction element onto the plate carrier.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the load-bearing platform is wider in the lateral direction than the plate carrier. Preferably, the plate carrier is not located in the center of the load-bearing platform according to the lateral direction. These embodiments allow other construction materials, such as a support beam, to be loaded from the truck and transported to the installation location, such as the construction site. The other construction materials are then placed next to plate carrier on the load-bearing platform.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate carrier is movably connected to the load-bearing platform such that the plate carrier can translate across the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame between a first translational position and a second translational position, the first translational position being closer to the center between the left side and the right side of the frame than the second translational position. For this purpose, the loadbearing platform comprises a translating part arranged between the plate carrier and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform. Preferably, the translating part and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform have cooperating components comprising a guide rail and a guide rail receiver. Preferably, the remaining part of the load-bearing platform comprises one or more protrusions oriented substantially parallel to the lateral direction, and the translating part comprises one or more channels for receiving the protrusions, the channels being oriented substantially parallel to the lateral direction. This embodiment has the advantage that, when the moveable tool is positioned adjacent to the truck and the plate carrier is translated such that the plate carrier is closer to the truck platform, it simplifies transferring the plate-shaped construction element from the truck to the plate carrier.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool further comprises an extension plate connected to the load-bearing platform on a side of the load-bearing platform that limits the load-bearing platform in the lateral direction. Preferably, the extension plate is adjustable between a first position and a second position in which the extension plate extends less and more in the lateral direction, respectively, relative to the load-bearing platform. Preferably, the extension plate is configured for lying in the plane of the load-bearing platform in the second position in order to extend the load-bearing platform in the lateral direction. Preferably, the extension plate, whether or not it is adjustable, also comprises the guide rail or guide rail receiver discussed above in order to further translate the translating part of the load-bearing platform over the extension plate. This embodiment has the advantage that the plate carrier can be translated in the lateral direction beyond the width of the load-bearing platform, and if the extension plate is adjustable, without greatly increasing the width of the moveable tool. This implementation form is particularly advantageous for installing kitchen worktops or tombstones. This embodiment also has the advantage that, when the moveable tool is placed next to the truck, the extension plate is placed above the truck platform and the plate carrier is translated such that the plate carrier is closer to the plate-shaped construction element on the truck, simplifying transferring the plate-shaped construction element from the truck to the plate carrier.

According to a further embodiment, the extension plate is preferably tiltingly, around a longitudinally extending axis, connected to the load-bearing platform along one of the sides of the load-bearing platform that bound the load- bearing platform in the lateral direction. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case of installing kitchen worktops or tombstones.

Preferably, the moveable tool comprises steering means that includes a steering wheel. The steering means comprises, for example, several interconnected elements, such as tie rods, connecting the steering wheel to at least one of the pivoting wheels. This allows the steering means to steer at least one of the pivoting wheels. Preferably, the steering wheel is located at the rear of the frame such that the workman can control the moveable tool while it is moving forward. Preferably, the steering wheel is provided near the left or right side of the frame and the plate carrier is provided near the right or left side of the frame, respectively. This allows steering the moveable tool with one hand at the steering wheel and holding an edge of the plate-shaped construction element with the other hand. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool is configured for being steered by a person standing alongside the moveable tool, i.e. the moveable tool is not provided with a seat on which the workman can sit during transport. Indeed, this would contribute to the moveable tool being too heavy and too large.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the height difference between the extended and contracted position of the load-bearing platform is between 20 cm and 150 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 100 cm, even more preferably between 50 cm and 100 cm. This height allows to unload plate-shaped construction elements from common types of trucks. Moreover, this height allows for easy lifting of the plate-shaped construction element, in particular a glazing unit, through a window frame and/or for easy placement of the plateshaped construction element, in particular a kitchen worktop, on a kitchen unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the set of wheels comprises at least three wheels, wherein at least one wheel is connected to the left side of the frame, and wherein at least one wheel is connected to the right side of the frame. For example, the moveable tool has two opposite wheels on either side of the width of the frame near the rear of the frame, and a third wheel near the front of the frame substantially centrally between the left and right sides of the frame. Alternatively, the moveable tool has, for example, two opposite wheels on either side of the width of the frame near the rear of the frame, and two opposite wheels on either side of the width of the frame near the front of the frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels are provided with trolley tires or wheelbarrow tires. This contributes to the suitability of the wheels for driving on uneven and unpaved terrain. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels are provided with tires having a grooved profile, preferably a herringbone pattern. This contributes to the suitability of the wheels for driving on uneven and unpaved terrain. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels have a diameter of at least 20 cm, preferably at least 25 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm, even more preferably at least 35 cm. This contributes to the suitability of the wheels to travel over uneven and unpaved terrain. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels have a diameter of less than 60 cm, preferably less than 40 cm, more preferably less than 35 cm. This ensures that the dimensions of the moveable tool are limited. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the wheels is more than 5 cm, preferably more than 10 cm. This contributes to the suitability of the wheels for driving on uneven and unpaved terrain. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a suspension is provided between the wheels on the one hand and the frame on the other hand. This contributes to the suitability of the wheels for driving on uneven and unpaved terrain.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the moveable tool is less than 150 kg, preferably less than 100 kg. Indeed, the inventor of the present patent application has found that a light tool is more suitable for transporting glass panes through a house, for example in order not to damage the floor in the house. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool has such a width that it can drive through a doorway. To this end, the width between opposite wheels, in particular between the outer sidewalls of two opposite wheels, is for example less than 90 cm, preferably less than 80 cm, more preferably less than 70 cm. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the frame is less than 200 cm, preferably less than 150 cm. This makes it easier to make sharp turns, for example, when a glass panel is transported through a house. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width between opposite wheels is smaller than the length of the frame. In addition, the height of the moveable tool between the load-bearing platform in its most contracted position and the ground is preferably smaller than the length of the frame.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first adjustment device is one of a pneumatic or a hydraulic device. Preferably, the first adjustment device is adjustable using a manually operated hand or foot pedal, for example a first pedal for bringing the scissor lift to the extended position and a second pedal for bringing the scissor lift to the contracted position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the moveable tool comprises a motor drive, preferably an electric motor drive, configured for driving at least one of the wheels from the set of wheels.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a use of the moveable tool as described above.

A first use of the moveable tool comprises unloading a plate-shaped construction element from a truck. According to a first embodiment, the plateshaped construction element is a glass panel and the plate carrier is a glass carrier. According to an alternative second embodiment, the plate-shaped construction element is a kitchen worktop and the plate carrier is a worktop carrier. According to an alternative third embodiment, the plate-shaped construction element is a tombstone and the plate carrier is a tombstone carrier. Preferably, this comprises the following steps:

• providing a truck with at least one plate-shaped construction element,

• positioning the moveable tool next to the truck, and moving the height adjuster from a more contracted position to a more extended position. The order of placing and bringing to the extended position is preferably: first placing and then bringing to the extended position. This allows the height of the height adjuster to be set so that the load-bearing platform is almost flush with the truck platform. However, the reverse order is also possible.

• optionally bringing the plate carrier into its first position. Bringing the plate carrier into its first position may also occur before placing the moveable tool next to the truck or between placing the moveable tool next to the truck and bringing the height adjuster into the more extended position.

• optionally bringing the extension plate into its second position. Bringing the extension plate into its second position may also occur before placing the moveable tool next to the truck, between placing the moveable tool next to the truck and bringing the height adjuster into its more extended position, or between bringing the height adjuster into its more extended position and bringing the plate carrier into its first position.

• optionally, in particular after bringing the height adjuster into its more extended position, also after bringing the plate carrier into its first position and preferably also after bringing the extension plate into its second position, translating the plate carrier over the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame in the direction of the truck platform, from its first translational position to its second translational position,

• transferring a plate-shaped construction element from the at least one plate-shaped construction element on the truck, from the truck to the plate carrier in such a way that an edge of the plate-shaped construction element extends in the extension direction and is lowered onto the plate carrier, preferably after bringing the height adjuster into its more extended position, and preferably also after bringing the plate carrier into its first position, and preferably also after bringing the extension plate into its second position, and preferably also after translating the plate carrier over the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame in the direction of the truck-platform,

• optionally, in particular after transferring the plate-shaped construction element, translating the plate carrier over the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame away from the truck platform, from its second translational position to its first translational position, • optionally bringing the extension plate into its first position, in particular after transferring the plate-shaped construction element and preferably also after translating the plate carrier over the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame away from the truck platform,

• optionally, in particular after transferring the plate-shaped construction element and preferably also after translating the plateshaped construction element over the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame away from the truck platform and preferably also after bringing the extension plate into its first position, bringing the height adjuster to the more contracted position, for example the fully contracted position. This allows the plate-shaped construction element to be lowered without workers having to bend down while carrying the plate-shaped construction element. Bringing the height adjuster into the more contracted position is particularly advantageous for subsequent transportation of the moveable tool as discussed further below.

A further use of the moveable tool, for example following the unloading of the plate-shaped construction element from the truck described above, comprises transporting an unloaded plate-shaped construction element from a truck to an installation location. Preferably, the installation location is a construction site, in particular when the plate-shaped construction element is a glass panel. Alternatively, the installation location is a kitchen, particularly when the plateshaped construction element is a kitchen worktop or a grave opening when the plate-shaped construction element is a tombstone. Preferably, the plate-shaped construction element is transported with its longest side more parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame than to the upright direction of the frame, for example, with its longest side substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame. This results in a more stable transport, since the center of gravity of the plate-shaped construction element is closer to the ground. In addition, this embodiment makes it easier to move the plate-shaped construction element through doorways.

A further use of the moveable tool, for example following the transporting of the plate-shaped construction element described above, comprises tilting the plate-shaped construction element by means of tilting the plate carrier around the hinge joint from the first position to the second position. This tilting comprises tilting, preferably tilting forward, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame. Preferably for this use, the plate-shaped construction element is a glass panel and the plate carrier is a glass carrier. Preferably, the tilting takes place after the height adjuster is moved to the more extended position. Preferably, the glass panel is tilted through the opening into a window frame.

An additional or alternative (to the forward tilting described above) further use of the moveable tool, for example following the transporting of the plate-shaped construction element described above, comprises tilting the plate-shaped construction element by means of tilting the plate carrier around the hinge joint from the third position to the fourth position. This tilting comprises tilting sideways around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame. Preferably for this use, the plate-shaped construction element is a kitchen worktop or a tombstone and the plate carrier is a worktop carrier or a tombstone carrier, respectively. Preferably, the tilting takes place after the height adjuster is moved to the more extended position in particular when the plate-shaped construction element is a kitchen worktop.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped construction element has a width, height and thickness, wherein the height is greater than the width, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness, and wherein one of the edges/sides of the plate-shaped construction element that laterally bound the plate-shaped construction element is supported by the plate carrier. Preferably, the plate-shaped construction element is transported with its longest side more parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame than to the upright direction of the frame, as already discussed above. Preferably, the plateshaped construction element is transported with its normal according to the lateral direction of the frame, i.e. it is transported as an upright plate-shaped construction element. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate-shaped construction element is a glass panel, and the glass panel has a width, height and thickness, wherein the height is greater than the width, and wherein the width is greater than the thickness, and wherein one of the edges/sides of the glass panel that laterally bound the glass panel is supported by the glass carrier. Preferably, the glass pane is transported with its longest side more parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame than to the upright direction of the frame, as already discussed above. To this end, the glass carrier is preferably held in a more horizontal than vertical position during transport.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glass panel has a weight above 150 kg, preferably above 200 kg. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glass panel has a height of above 2 meters, for example above 2.5 meters, and the glass panel has a width of above 1 meter, for example above 1 .5 meters.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows how to unload glass panels from a truck in the state of the art, and how to transport the unloaded glass panel from the truck to a construction site.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the moveable tool according to the present invention, wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element is a glass panel, the glass carrier is non-tiltably connected to the load-bearing platform, and the moveable tool is shown with the height adjuster in the extended position.

Figures 3 to 6 show various views of a second embodiment of the moveable tool according to the present invention wherein the intended plateshaped construction element is a glass panel, and the glass carrier is configured for tilting the plate-shaped construction element forward.

In particular, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the moveable tool with the height adjuster in the extended position, the carrying part of the glass carrier in the most tilted position, and the receiving part of the glass carrier received in the carrying part of the glass carrier. Figure 3a shows a top view of the moveable tool shown in Figure 3. Figure 3b shows a rear view of the moveable tool shown in Figure 3. In particular, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the moveable tool with the height adjuster in the extended position, the carrying part of the glass carrier in the least tilted position and the receiving part of the glass carrier received in the carrying part of the glass carrier.

In particular, Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the moveable tool with the height adjuster in the contracted position, the carrying part of the glass carrier in the least tilted position and the receiving part of the glass carrier received in the carrier part of the glass carrier.

In particular, Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the moveable tool with the height adjuster in the extended position, the carrying part of the glass carrier in the most tilted position, and the receiving part of the glass carrier tilted away from the carrying part of the glass carrier.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the use of a moveable tool in accordance with the embodiment of the moveable tool shown in Figures 3 to 6 wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element is a glass panel.

Figures 11 and 12 show a perspective view of a third embodiment of the moveable tool according to the present invention wherein the plate carrier is slidably connected to the load-bearing platform.

Figures 13 to 15 show various perspective views of a fourth embodiment of the moveable tool according to the present invention wherein the intended plateshaped construction element is a kitchen worktop, and the worktop carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform.

Figure 16 illustrates the use of a moveable tool according to the embodiment of the moveable tool shown in Figures 13 to 15 wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element is a kitchen worktop.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the moveable tool according to the present invention wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element is a tombstone, and the tombstone carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15. Figure 18 illustrates the use of a moveable tool according to the embodiment of the moveable tool shown in the Figure 17 wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element is a tombstone.

Figures 19 and 20 show various views of a sixth embodiment of the moveable tool according to the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 13, wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element is a kitchen worktop, and the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction and around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform.

Modes for carrying out the invention

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is defined only by the claims. The drawings shown herein are only schematic representations and are not limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of some of the parts may be exaggerated and not shown to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual practical implementations of the invention.

Furthermore, terms such as first, second, third and the like are used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to indicate a sequential or chronological order. The terms in question are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the invention may operate in other sequences than those described or illustrated herein.

The term "comprising" and derivative terms, as used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components as referred to, without, however, precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of an expression such as "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. Instead, it is meant that with respect to the present invention the only relevant components are A and B.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the moveable tool 4 according to the present invention. The moveable tool 4 comprises a frame 5 extending in a longitudinal direction between a front 6 and a rear 7, and extending in a lateral direction between a left side 8 and a right side 9. The longitudinal direction and the lateral direction are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to an upright direction. In the figure, the longitudinal direction is indicated by the arrow "I", the lateral direction is indicated by the arrow "w", and the upright direction is indicated by the arrow "h". The frame 5 is a rigid structure made of interconnected metal rods. In particular, the frame 5 comprises two long bars extending along the longitudinal direction, and two short bars extending along the lateral direction, thereby connecting the ends of the long bars. The long rods form the left side 8 and right side 9 of the frame 5. The short rods form the front 6 and rear 7 of the frame 5. The long rods comprise a longitudinally extending channel for receiving a wheel from a scissor lift, which is discussed below. Further, the moveable tool 4 comprises a set of four wheels 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d connected to the frame 5. To that end, the long bars of the frame 5 comprise a connection mechanism 26 for coupling the wheels to the frame 5. The connection mechanism

26 also comprises a suspension 22 for connecting the wheels to the frame in a suspended manner. The connection mechanism 26 also comprises a rotation rod

27 extending according to the upright direction connected to the frame such that the rotation rod can rotate around its axis, and to which the wheel is attached such that the wheel can rotate around the axis of the rotation rod. This creates a so- called "pivoting wheel”. All wheels in this embodiment are pivoting wheels. Also provided is a steering means 21 configured for controlling the front pivoting wheels 10c, 10d. The tie rod 28 is visible in the figure. Steering means are known in the prior art and are therefore not discussed further below. Furthermore, the steering wheel 21 is located at the rear of the frame such that a workman can steer the moveable tool while the moveable tool 4 moves forward. Two wheels 10a, 10d are connected to the left side 8 of the frame and two wheels 10b, 10c are connected to the right side 9 of the frame. This ensures that the frame 5 does not tip over under its own weight. The four wheels are each suitable for driving on unpaved and uneven terrain, for example through grass, mud or sand. In particular, the wheels have pneumatic tires with a diameter of 30 cm and a width of 5 cm. Furthermore, the moveable tool 4 comprises a height-adjustable, plate-shaped load-bearing platform 11. The load-bearing platform is connected to the frame by means of a height adjuster. The height adjuster is configured for adjusting the height of the load-bearing platform relative to the frame with a height difference of about 90 cm. In particular, the height adjuster comprises a scissor lift 12 and a first adjustment device 13. The scissor lift can move between an extended position and a contracted position under the influence of the first adjustment device. Figure 2 shows the scissor lift in an intermediate position, i.e. between a fully extended position and a fully contracted position. The first adjustment device is a pneumatic device provided with a piston cylinder as well as two controllers configured for controlling the degree of extension or contraction of the piston cylinder. In particular, the first adjustment device 13 is adjustable by means of a first controller in the form of a manually operated foot pedal 24 for bringing the scissor lift to the extended position and a second controller in the form of a manually operated lever 29 for bringing the scissor lift to the contracted position. The load-bearing platform 11 further comprises a glass carrier 14 linearly extending in an extension direction, the glass carrier 14 being a separate profile attached to the load-bearing platform 11. In the figure, the extension direction is indicated by the arrow "u". The glass carrier 14 measures 100 cm in the extension direction. The extension direction of the glass carrier is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame. The glass carrier 14 is configured for receiving an edge of an upright glass panel to thus support the glass panel. The term "upright glass panel" means a glass panel whose normal of the major surface of the glass panel is oriented substantially according to the lateral direction of the frame 5. For this purpose, the glass carrier 14 comprises a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction. The opening 30 in the U-shaped cross-section is oriented such that the glass carrier can receive an edge of such an upright glass panel. The glass carrier 14 is covered with a rubber casing configured for being in contact with the edge of the glass panel. The glass carrier is not laterally located in the center between the left side 8 and the right side 9 of the frame 5. In particular, the glass carrier is located closer to the right side 9 of the frame 5. Furthermore, the steering wheel 21 is provided near the left side 8 of the frame 5. This allows for steering the moveable tool 4 with one hand at wheel 21 and holding an edge of the glass panel with the other hand.

Figures 3 to 6 show a second embodiment of the moveable tool according to the present invention, wherein the moveable tool differs essentially from that shown in Figure 2 in that the glass carrier 14 is configured for tilting with respect to the load-bearing platform and in that the glass carrier 14 has a different construction. The technical elements that are similar in the embodiment of Figure 2 and the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6 are shown in the same way and, when indicated on the figure, have been given the same reference numbers. Figures 3 to 6 show the same moveable tool but at different stages of use as will be further explained below. A first difference is that the two rear wheels 10a, 10b are driven by means of an electric motor 25, which can be controlled by means of a lever 34 near the steering wheel 21. As mentioned above, a more important difference is that the moveable tool 4 is further configured for tilting the glass panel. For this purpose, the glass carrier comprises a tilting point where the plate carrier is tiltingly, around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction of the frame, connected to the load-bearing platform. This connection between the glass carrier 14 and the load-bearing platform 1 1 is a hinge joint 15. Such hinge joint allows the glass carrier 14 to tilt between a first position and a second position wherein in the first position, the extension direction of the glass carrier 14 is more directed according to the longitudinal direction than in the second position. The first position shown is substantially horizontal, i.e. the extension direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame 5. The second position is a position between the horizontal position shown above and a vertical position in which the extension direction is substantially parallel to the upright direction of the frame. In particular, in the second position, the extension direction is directed at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction. In particular, the second position is determined by the degree of tilting of the glass carrier at which an end of the glass carrier, in particular the lid discussed further below, touches the ground. In Figure 6, one part of the glass carrier, the carrying part 19, is still in the second position, while another part of the glass carrier, the receiving part 18, is tilted beyond the second position. The tilting point is located almost near the front 6 of the frame 5. Furthermore, a second adjustment device 16 is provided. The second adjustment device is connected between a coupling point on the glass carrier 14 on the one hand and the load-bearing platform 1 1 on the other hand. In particular, the coupling point is a hinge joint 31. The coupling point is located longitudinally between the tilting point and the rear side 7 of the frame 5. The second adjustment device 16 is configured for adjusting the distance according to the upright direction, between the load-bearing platform 11 and the coupling point such that adjusting the distance results in tilting the glass carrier 14 around the hinge joint 15 at the tilting point. The second adjustment device 16 is a pneumatic device provided with a piston cylinder as well as two controllers configured for controlling the degree of extension or contraction of piston cylinder. In particular, the second adjustment device 16 is adjustable by means of a first controller in the form of a manually operated hand pedal 23 for extending the adjustment device so as to increase the distance between the coupling point and the load-bearing platform 1 1 and a second controller in the form of a manually operated lever 32 for contracting the adjustment device so as to decrease the distance between the coupling point and the loadbearing platform 1 1. Although less obvious in the figure, lever 29 is independently controllable from lever 32. As mentioned above, the glass carrier 14 comprises a different construction than the glass carrier shown in Figure 2. The glass carrier 14 comprises a receiving part 18 and a carrying part 19. The receiving part 18 is configured for being in contact with the edge of the glass panel, and for this purpose comprises the above-mentioned U-shaped cross-section and the above- mentioned casing. The carrying part 19 carries the receiving part 18. To this end, the carrying part 19 also has a U-shaped cross-section in order to receive the receiving part 18 therein. The carrying part 19 also comprises the hinge joint 15 described above between the glass carrier 14 and the load-bearing platform 11 at the tilting point, as well as the hinge joint 31 between the glass carrier 14 and the second adjustment device 16 at the coupling point. The receiving part 18 extends longitudinally beyond the front 6 of the frame 5. Further, a lid 20 is provided at the end of the receiving portion 18 of the glass carrier 14 which is closer to the front 6 of the frame 5 than to the rear 7. The lid 20 is thereby configured, among other things, for preventing the glass panel from sliding out of the glass carrier 14 during tilting. As shown in Figure 6, the receiving part 18 may be taken out of the carrying part 19. In particular, the receiving part may be tilted out of the carrying part in order to tilt beyond the most tilted second position shown above. In order to prevent the receiving part from tilting too far away from the carrying part, a tilt restriction mechanism 35 is provided between the receiving part and the carrying part. The tilt restriction mechanism is a rod of fixed length which is connected by means of hinge joints to the receiving part 19 on the one hand and the carrying part 19 on the other hand. The tilt restriction mechanism 35 ensures that the receiving part 18 of the glass carrier 14 cannot tilt beyond the vertical position.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the use of a moveable tool 4 in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 6. In the shown use of the moveable tool, a large rectangular glass panel 1 is manipulated, which glass panel 1 has a weight in excess of 150 kg, a height of 2.5 meters, a width of 1 meter, and a thickness of several centimeters. The glass panel 1 comprises two opposite long edges/sides that limit the width the glass panel 1. The glass panel 1 also comprises two opposite short edges/sides that limit the height of the glass panel 1. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the moveable tool 4 may be used by the workers 3 to unload the glass panel 1 from a truck 2. This comprises the following consecutive steps as shown in Figure 7. A first step comprises providing a truck 2 with at least one glass panel 1 . A second step comprises placing the moveable tool 4 next to the truck 2. A third step comprises moving the height adjuster from a more contracted position to a more extended position. If this was not already the case, the tiltable glass carrier 14 is also brought into its first position, in the present case the horizontal position. The moveable tool 4 with the more contracted position of the height adjuster, in particular with the fully contracted position of the height adjuster, and with the glass carrier in the first position is shown in Figure 5. The moveable tool 4 with the more extended position of the height, and with the glass carrier in the first position is shown in Figure 4. The degree of extension of the height adjuster shown in Figure 7 is such that the load-bearing platform 11 is almost flush with the truck platform 2. A fourth step comprises transferring the glass panel 1 from the truck 2 to the glass carrier 14 in such a way that an edge of the glass panel 1 extends in the extension direction and is lowered onto the glass carrier 14. The glass panel 1 is thereby transferred onto the glass carrier 14 such that it lies with one of its long edges parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame 5, i.e. such that the glass panel 1 lies in a horizontal position on the moveable tool 4 (as long as the glass carrier is held in the first position). Depending on the size of the glass panel 1 , this step can be performed by a single or by several workers 3.

Unloading the glass panel 1 from the truck 2 further comprises the next step shown in Figure 8: bringing the height adjuster into the fully contracted position. A further use of the moveable tool 4, following the unloading of the glass panel 1 from the truck 2 described above comprises transporting an unloaded glass panel 1 from the truck 2 to a construction site. This is also illustrated in Figure 8 where the worker 3 can control the moveable tool 4 using the steering wheel 21. To do so, the worker 3 has one hand on the steering wheel 21 and one hand on one of the short sides of the glass panel 1 . The glass panel 1 is transported with its longest side parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame, in particular by transferring the glass panel 1 with its longest side parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame from the truck onto the glass carrier 14, and by keeping the glass carrier 14 in its first position. This results in a more stable transport as the center of gravity of the glass panel is brought closer to the ground. In addition, this makes it easier to move the glass panel 1 through doorways on its way to the construction site.

Once arrived at the installation location on the construction site, the glass panel 1 is tilted through an opening into a window frame 36 by tilting the glass carrier 14 around the hinge joint 15 from the first position (as shown in Figure 4) to the second position (as shown in Figure 3). This tilting takes place after the height adjuster is returned to the extended position (as shown in the transition from Figure 5 to Figure 4). Once the glass carrier 14 has been moved to the second position, the receiving part 18 can be tilted out of the carrying part 19 so that the receiving part tilts beyond the second position to a vertical position. This is shown in Figure 10. To do this, the lid 20 of the receiving part 18 is placed on the ground (which occurs automatically when the glass carrier reaches the second position) and the receiving part is further tilted around the contact point between the lid 20 and the ground. The tilt restriction mechanism 35 thereby ensures that the receiving part 18 does not tilt beyond the vertical position.

Figures 11 and 12 show a perspective view of a third embodiment of the moveable tool 4 according to the present invention in which the plate carrier 14 is movably connected to the load-bearing platform 11 . As shown, the plate carrier 14 is movably connected to the load-bearing platform 11 such that the plate carrier can translate across the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame. For this purpose, the load-bearing platform comprises a translating part 38 arranged between the plate carrier 14 and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform 1 1. The translating part 38 and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform 1 1 have cooperating components including a guide rail and a guide rail receiver, wherein the remaining part of the load-bearing platform comprises multiple protrusions 42 oriented substantially parallel to the lateral direction and the translating part comprises multiple channels oriented substantially parallel to the lateral direction for receiving the protrusions. In an alternative embodiment, the translational motion between the translating part 38 and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform may have been executed in a different manner, such as with slide guides, roller bearings or any other technique in the prior art. Figure 11 shows a first translational position of the plate carrier 14 and Figure 12 shows a second translational position of the plate carrier 14, the first translational position being closer to the center between the left side 8 and the right side 9 of the frame 5 than the second translational position.

Figures 13 to 15 show various perspective views of a fourth embodiment of the moveable tool 4 according to the present invention wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element 1 is a kitchen worktop. The construction of the moveable tool 4 is similar to that of the second embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 6, with the difference that the plate-shaped construction element 14 in the fourth embodiment is called a worktop carrier, and that the worktop carrier 14 in the fourth embodiment is not configured for tiling forwards, but for tilting sideways. For this purpose, the worktop carrier 14 is connected to the load-bearing platform 11 around a longitudinally extending tilting axis in a hinge joint 37. Figures 13, 14 and 15 show the moveable tool 4 in three successive states, i.e., wherein the worktop carrier 14 is tilted from a third position as shown in Figure 13 to an intermediate position as shown in Figure 14, to a fourth position as shown in Figure 15. The normal of the kitchen worktop 1 makes an angle with the lateral direction of the frame, wherein in the third position, the intermediate position and the fourth position, the angle is 0°, 30° and 90° respectively. Also visible in this fourth embodiment, is that the moveable tool comprises a tilting assist mechanism, which produces a tilt controlled by a motor 39. The tilting assist mechanism comprises a rope 40 to be wound by the motor 39 around a shaft. The rope 40 comprises a hook 41 for hooking to the kitchen worktop 1 . As shown, the worktop carrier 14 is movably connected to the load-bearing platform 1 1 such that the worktop carrier can translate over the load-bearing platform along the lateral direction of the frame. For this purpose, the load-bearing platform comprises a translating part 38 arranged between the worktop carrier 14 and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform 1 1. The translating part 38 and the remaining part of the load-bearing platform 1 1 have cooperating components comprising a guide rail and a guide rail receiver, wherein the remaining part of the load-bearing platform comprises multiple protrusions oriented parallel to the lateral direction 42, and wherein the translating part comprises multiple channels oriented parallel to the lateral direction for receiving the protrusions. The hinge joint 37 discussed above that tilts the worktop carrier 14 sideways with respect to the load-bearing platform 1 1 is located between the translating part 38 of the load-bearing platform and the worktop carrier 14.

Figure 16 illustrates the use of a moveable tool according to the fourth embodiment of the moveable tool 4 shown in Figures 13 to 15 where the intended plate-shaped construction element 1 is a kitchen worktop. The kitchen worktop is lowered onto a kitchen cabinet 43 by two workmen 3.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the moveable tool 4 according to the present invention wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element 1 is a tombstone. The construction of the moveable tool 4 is similar to that of the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 15, except that an extension plate 44 is provided. The extension plate 44 is adjustable between a first position and a second position in which the extension plate extends less and more, respectively, relative to the load-bearing platform in the lateral direction. In particular, the extension plate 44 is configured for lying, as shown in Figure 15, in the plane of the load-bearing platform 11 in order to extend the load-bearing platform in the lateral direction when in the second position. To this end, the extension plate 44 is tiltably connected to the load-bearing platform 1 1 along one of the sides of the load-bearing platform bounding the load-bearing platform in the lateral direction around a longitudinally extending axis 45. The extension plate 44 also comprises the guide rails discussed above in order to further translate the translating part 38 of the load-bearing platform 11 across the extension plate 44.

Figure 18 illustrates the use of a moveable tool according to the fifth embodiment of the moveable tool 4 shown in the figure 17 wherein the intended plate-shaped construction element 1 is a tombstone. The tombstone is lowered onto a grave opening 46 by two workmen 3 to form a grave 47.

Figures 19 and 20 show various views of a sixth embodiment of the moveable tool 4 according to the present invention wherein the envisaged plateshaped construction element 1 is a kitchen worktop, and wherein the worktop carrier 14 is forwards or sideways tiltingly, respectively around an axis oriented according to the lateral direction and around an axis oriented according to the longitudinal direction of the frame, connected the load-bearing platform 11. The connection around an axis extending in the lateral direction between the plate carrier 14 and the load-bearing platform 11 is a hinge joint 15. The connection around an axis extending in the longitudinal direction between the plate carrier 14 and the load-bearing platform 11 is a hinge joint 37.