GB2576638A

GB2576638A - Rollable support device

Info

Publication number: GB2576638A
Application number: GB1911809.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leigh Ballantyne Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-08-17
Filing date: 2019-08-16
Publication date: 2020-02-26
Also published as: GB201911809D0; GB201813500D0

Abstract

A rollable support device 2 for moving an item, such as a chair, comprising a platform 4 having roller assemblies 10, 12, such as wheels or castors, at two opposing ends 6,8, and wherein the axes of rotation of the roller assemblies are parallel. The platform has means 14 for securing the item to the supporting platform. The platform may define a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheels. The device may have brakes 16 and the item securing means may be straps, hook and loop fastening, circular recesses having padding for frictional engagement with the transported item or a pressure plate screw locking mechanism 17. The platform may be slidably or telescopically extended between its two opposite ends to fit items of different size. The furniture trolley may be contained within hand luggage. Also disclosed is a kit comprising the rolling support carriage.

Description

This print incorporates corrections made under Section 117(1) of the Patents Act 1977.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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FIG. 1

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FIG. 2

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FIG. 4

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FIG. 7

Rollable support device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rollable support device for supporting an item, and in particular a rollable support device for supporting an item of furniture.

Background

Items of furniture are often moved in order for a user to make use of them. For example, in order to sit at a dining table a user must slide the chair in and out. Sometimes, this sliding movement is difficult for elderly or infirm persons. Furthermore, items such as washing machines or dishwashers occasionally need to be moved in order to carry out maintenance on them. These items are cumbersome and it can be difficult for a person to move such items. There is therefore a need for a device which aids smooth, easy movement of items such as for example items of furniture.

Prior Art

DE2020160005705 discloses a lifting assembly comprising at least two interspaced roll holders, each having a roller mounted thereon, and a lifting device located therebetween. The lifting device is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position.

US20160311453 discloses a displacement arrangement for use in a combination dolly pallet, the displacement arrangement comprises an impelling member moveable between first and second positions and a linkage pivotally connected to the impelling member.

FR2985420 discloses a device for helping people of reduced mobility. The chair comprises two directional casters on the feet thereof, and a tube positioned between the back feet.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a rollable support device for supporting an item comprising:

at least one support member having a first end and a second opposed end;

a first roller assembly located at or adjacent the first end of the or each support member, in which the first roller assembly is freely rotatable about a first axis;

at least one second roller assembly located at or adjacent the second end of the at least one support member, in which the second roller assembly is freely rotatable about a second axis;

in which the first axis extends substantially parallel to the second axis; and at least one retaining feature for securement to an item, in which the at least one retaining feature is located on the support member.

The device is preferably intended for use with items of furniture, and in particular chairs, such as for example dining chairs.

The device preferably comprises a suitable number of retaining features for securing the item to the device. For example, in one embodiment, the device comprises a pair of support members and each support member provides a pair of spaced apart retaining features. One or more retaining feature(s) or each pair of spaced apart retaining features being configured to receive a leg of a chair.

The rollable support device may comprise any suitable number of support members, for example a pair of support members. The or each support member preferably comprises a first and second roller assembly.

The or each of the first and/or second roller assemblies may comprise any suitable number of rollers. For example, the or each roller assembly may comprise a single roller or a plurality of rollers.

The or each of the first and/or second roller assemblies may comprise any suitable rollers, such as for example a roller arranged on an axle or casters.

In one embodiment, the support member is elongate defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends thereof.

The first and second axes of the roller assemblies preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support member, such that the roller axis is substantially at 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support member.

Preferably a pair of rollers are provided on an axle.

In a preferred embodiment the orientation of the axle relative to the support member can be changed. In this way the rollers have a range of movement so that the roller and axle can be angled during use. Therefore the roller axis is not necessarily exactly perpendicular to the axis of the support members but may be slightly offset in order to accommodate the configuration of an item.

For example the roller has an aperture through which the axle passes and aperture may be larger than the axle so as to permit lateral movement of the axle within the aperture, such that the roller can roll along an axis that corresponds to the axis of the item, but is different to the axis of the support member.

Advantageously this permits the support device to accommodate various different chairs (or other items) without the requirement for a separate roller to be provided for each leg. This adjustability also enables the device to be fitted more quickly and provides greater stability. In this way if the rollable support device is arranged on a chair which has front legs spaced apart wider than the rear chair legs (a common chair configuration), the support members will be on a different axis relative to the axis of the chair (chair axis being a forward and backward), and the roller position can be adjusted to allow the support device to be rolled along the same axis as that of the chair.

Preferably each roller has a U-shaped aperture that defines two slots into which the axle may be received. Typically a pair of rollers is provided on the axle, one at each end. To set the axle at an angle, one roller is arranged in a first forward part of the U-shaped aperture and the second roller is arranged in a second rearward part of the aperture. Ideally the axle can be positioned in the selected slot by applying downward pressure to the device in order to move the axle out of one slot and enable it to be moved along to the other slot.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments more that two slots may be provided in order to provide a great selection of angles at which the axle can be set.

Preferably the rollable support device is sized and dimensioned to correspond to the shape of the item, so that no part of the device extends substantially beyond the footprint of the item being supported. In this way the device does not require more space than the item would usually fill.

Ideally at least one of the rollers is provided below or adjacent to the at least one retaining feature and the second roller is provided at an opposed end, or near to the opposed end, of the support member. The rollers are arranged so as not to extend substantially from the support member so as not to provide a trip hazard and to also to provide a stable platform upon which a chair is located.

In some embodiments the at least one retaining feature is provided at an end of a support member and a first roller is adjacent the retaining feature so as to be spaced apart from the end (not at the end), and the second roller is arranged at or near to the opposed end of the support member. Thus the rollers are arranged between the at least one retaining feature and the opposed end of the support member. In this way the rollable support device is provided substantially under the item being supported and the rollers do not project from the footprint of the item to form a trip hazard.

For example a retaining means may be provided at each end of a support member to receive a pair of chair legs, with the rollers positioned to be below and at an inner face of the a chair leg, so that the rollers are below the seat of a chair and do not protrude from the front, rear or sides of a chair leg where the roller(s) may form a trip hazard.

Preferably the rollers are positioned to be located between the front and rear legs of a chair.

In another embodiment the at least one retaining feature is provided at an end of a support member and a roller is arranged below the retaining feature. Again this configuration ensures that the roller does not protect from the device and form a trip hazard.

The device preferably further comprises a releasable brake mechanism configured in use to prevent rotation of one or both of the first and second roller assemblies. In one embodiment, the brake mechanism is operable to prevent rotation of a single roller assembly. In a further embodiment, the brake mechanism may be operable to prevent rotation of a plurality of roller assemblies, for example of each roller assembly.

Preferably the brake mechanism is provided adjacent to, for example above or to the side of the roller. In this way the brake mechanism can be directly associated with the roller(s).

It is appreciated that in some embodiments a means may be provided to connect the brake mechanism to the roller from a distance. In this way the brake mechanism is not required to be adjacent the roller.

In some embodiments the brake may contact a brake shield that in turn contacts the roller.

Ideally the brake mechanism is manually operable, for example using a foot or hand placed on part of the mechanism to engage and disengage the brake.

In some embodiments the brake pad of the brake mechanism has a curved braking surface that engages with the roller in use in order to stop the roller from turning.

For embodiments in which the rollers are provided on an axle that permits a range of movement (described above), the brake may be associated with the axle so that the position of the brake always corresponds to the axis of the axle and therefore the rollers. For example part of the brake mechanism may be supported on the axle so that the brake always corresponds to position of the axle and therefore the rollers.

In another embodiment in which the roller is provided on an axle that permits a range of movement, the brake is associated with the roller so that position of the brake corresponds to axis of the roller thus ensuring that the brake engages with the roller.

For example the brake may be arranged in a housing that includes arms that extend either side of the roller, so that when angle of the roller changes so too does the position of the brake so that alignment of the brake corresponds to the roller.

Typically only one end of the rollable support device is provided with a brake mechanism and therefore the orientation of the device in use may be changed depending who will be rolling the chair on the device. For example, if a carer is rolling the device the brake mechanism may be arranged to be at the back of the chair so that a carer can easily reach and activate the brake. Whereas if the person in the chair is rolling and activating the brake the brake mechanism will be positioned in use at the front of the device. It is appreciated that as well as turning around the orientation of the support device, it may be necessary to change the support devices from a left side to a right, and vice-versa, to ensure that the brake lever is always provided on the inside of the chair legs so that the levers/handle do not present a trip hazard.

In some embodiments the brake mechanism is moveable, such that the position of the means for operating the brake can be located at the most suitable location for the item being supported. For example the brake lever may be moveable from a first location to a second location, for example in front of a chair leg to inside a chair leg.

The brake mechanism may be capable of being assembled in two or more separate locations or may be arranged on a moveable part, such as a pivot that permits movement of at least part of the brake mechanism.

The retaining feature is preferably in the form of a recess provided by the support member.

The or each support member preferably provides a pair of spaced apart retaining features. The retaining features may be any suitable feature for securement to the item, for example fastening straps, recesses, suction pads, pressure plate or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the or each recess further comprises padding material to provide frictional engagement with a part of the item to be supported.

The device may further comprise a locking mechanism for retaining a part of the item to be supported within a corresponding retaining feature.

For example the retaining feature comprises a pressure plate arranged on a screwthread fitted through a screw hole, such that as the pressure plate and screwthread is turned in the screw hole it moves and can be turned until the plate engages with the item to be retained so that it is held within the recess and prevent from movement therein.

In another embodiment the pressure plate is fixed to a side wall of the recess of the retaining feature forming a flap that is attached at only one end. A screw is provided through the wall of the recess such that a distal end of the screw engages with an outer face of the pressure plate and an inner face of the pressure plate engages with the item in use. As the screw is turned the pressure plate is forced toward the item, thus providing a means of clamping the item in place.

As the pressure plate pivots about the point at which it connects to the recess wall, movement of the pressure plate reduces the size of the space in which the item is located and may also serve to position the item against the wall of the recess.

In some embodiments the pressure plate is a metal plate that is welded to a wall of the recess and the metal plate is bent at to near to the weld as pressure it applied to the plate by the screw.

Preferably the pressure plate is always fixed at, or to near to the distal end of the support member so that the item is contained at the end most point of the recess.

In some embodiments the retaining feature may be arranged on a platform so as to elevate the height of the item in use. For example to heighten the seat position of the chair. This may be achieved by the insertion of a platform into the first retaining feature and the platform having a second retaining feature mounted thereupon. Therefore the platform is secured within the first retaining feature and the item (such as chair leg) is secured within the second retaining feature.

The or each support member is preferably extendable in at least one direction, preferably in a direction extending between the first and second ends thereof. The support member may for example be slideably or telescopically extendable.

The location of the or each retaining feature on the support member may be adjustable, by for example extension or retraction of the support member.

The device may further comprise a locking mechanism for securing the support member at a predetermined extension.

In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one pair of support members. The or each pair of support members engageable or engaged to each other such that a first support member provides the first end, and a second support member provides the second opposed end. The first and second support member of the or each pair of support members may be releasably engageable or slideably engageable with each other such that the separation between the first and second ends may be adjusted.

The device may be contained within hand luggage to be carried.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for providing a roller support device for supporting an item, the kit comprising:

at least one support member having a first end and a second opposed end;

The kit may for example comprise a plurality of support members.

The kit may be contained within hand luggage to be carried.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a view from above of the rollable support device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a view from below of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of an exploded view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an example of a second retaining feature mounted on a platform;

Figures 5A shows a side view of a second embodiment of a rollable support device;

Figure 5B shows a second embodiment of the retaining feature;

Figure 6A shows a top view of the brake mechanism;

Figure 6B shows a side view of a brake mechanism;

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a brake mechanism;

Figure 8A shows an example of the rollable support devices arranged on a chair;

Figures 8B and 8C show how the axle alignment can be adjusted.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures, the rollable support device 2 for supporting an item comprises a support member 4 having a first end 6 and a second opposed end 8.

The support member is elongate defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first 6 and second ends 8 thereof. The support member 4 is extendable such that the separation between the first 6 and second ends 8 thereof is adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 4 is formed from two parts 4A, 4B that are slideably extendable. It is however to be understood that the support member 4 may be extendable by any suitable mechanism, such as for example telescopically.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 has a wingnut 4D and bolt 4C to secure the two parts 4A, 4B of the support member 4 at the selected length.

The rollable support device 2, 200 in the illustrated embodiments is to be used to support a chair, for example a dining chair. It is however to be understood that the device may be used to support any suitable item.

In use a pair of support members 4 are used to support a chair, each support member 4 being configured to support a pair of adjacent legs of a chair. Each support member 4 comprising a pair of spaced apart retaining features. It is however to be understood that the support member 4 may comprise any suitable number of retaining features depending on the requirements to support a particular item.

The device 2 further comprises a first roller assembly 10 located at or adjacent the first end 6 of the or each support member 4, in which the first roller assembly 10 is freely rotatable about a first axis. The device 2 further comprises a second roller assembly 12 located at or adjacent the second end 8 of the at least one support member 4, in which the second roller assembly 12 is freely rotatable about a second axis. The first axis extends substantially parallel to the second axis. The first and second axes extend substantially perpendicular (at 90 degrees to) to the longitudinal axis of the support member 4.

The device 2 further comprises a pair of spaced apart retaining features 14 for securement to an item located on the support member 4. A first retaining feature is located at or adjacent a first end 6 of the support member. A second retaining feature is located at or adjacent a second end 8 of the support member 4. The separation of the retaining features 14 may be adjustable by extending or retracting the support member 4. The retaining features 14 in the illustrated embodiment are provided as circular recesses comprising padding 15 shaped and dimensioned to provide frictional engagement with the corresponding part of the item, for example a leg of a chair. It is however to be understood that the device may comprise any suitable retaining features, such as for example straps, hook and eye fasteners, or suction cups.

The retaining feature 14 includes a locking mechanism 17 in the form of a pressure plate 17A arranged on a screwthread 17B fitted through a screw hole in the recess wall, such that as the pressure plate 17A and screwthread 17B is turned in the screw hole by a handle 17C it moves and can be turned until the plate 17A engages with the item to be retained so that it is held within the recess and prevent from movement therein.

The device 2 further comprises a releasable brake mechanism 16 configured in use to prevent rotation of the adjacent roller assembly. The brake mechanism 16 is preferably operable by the foot of a user. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism 16 may comprise a lever operable by a hand of a user.

Each of the first and second roller assemblies comprises a plurality of rollers. In the illustrated embodiment, each roller assembly comprises two rollers. It is however to be understood that each roller assembly may comprise any suitable number of rollers.

Figure 4 shows a second retaining feature 14A that is mounted on a platform 18. In use the platform 18 is located in the first retaining feature 14 by the locking mechanism 17. The platform 18 forms the base for a second retaining feature 14A that is mounted upon the platform 18 and has the same features of the first retaining means 14, defining a recess and having a locking mechanism 17.

Figure 5A shows a side view of a second embodiment of a rollable support device 200. The rollers 10, 12 are arranged to be arranged between the two ends of the support member 4.

The two retaining features 14 are arranged to be located outside of the rollers 10, 12.

Each roller 10, 12, has a U-shaped aperture 10A, 12A, for receiving the axle 20.

The brake mechanism 16 is arranged on the first roller assembly 10. The brake pad 16A is mounted above the roller 10 and is depressed to contact the roller 10 when the brake is applied.

Figure 5B shows a second embodiment of the retaining feature has a pressure plate in the form of a flap 14B. The flap 14B fixed to a side wall of the recess of the at only one end. A screw 14C is provided through the wall of the recess such that a distal end of the screw engages with an outer face of the pressure plate and an inner face of the pressure plate engages with the item in use. As the screw is turned the pressure plate 14B is forced toward the item, thus providing a means of clamping the item in place.

As the pressure plate 14B pivots about the point at which it connects to the recess wall, movement of the pressure plate reduces the size of the space in which the item is located and may also serve to position the item against the wall of the recess.

Figure 6A shows a top view cross section of the brake mechanism. The brake mechanism 16 has a brake pad 16A arranged on a bar 16B that is connected to a lever 16C. As the lever 16C is pressed the bar 16B and therefore the brake pad 16A rotate and the brake pad 16A engages with the roller 10.

The brake pad 16A is arranged on the bar 16B. The brake pad 16A has an irregular circumference (is not round) and the bar 16B is offset from the centre of the brake pad 16A so that rotation of the bar 16B, and thereby the brake pad 16A, results in contact of the brake pad 16A with a shield 16F that is intermediate the pad 16A and the roller 10. So by rotating the bar 16B the shield 16F is pressed against the roller

10. The shield 16F that presses against the roller 10 at a point of rotation, ideally against the roller rolling surface as shown in Fig 6B. The shield 16F is providing the braking surface which inhibits the roller 10.

It is appreciated that this configuration may be achieved in different ways. The shield 16F is not necessary. In an example configuration a larger projection on part of the brake pad extending from the bar, or by the brake pad having a non-circular shape, such as being oval shaped, so that on rotation of the brake pad it engages with the roller 10, or as shown in the pictured embodiments of Figures 6A and 6B with the shield 16F, that in turn contacts the roller.

Therefore, in use it is the shield 16F that is in direct contact with the roller 10 and the brake pad 16A that serves to press the shield 16F against the roller.

The brake mechanism 16 is arranged in a casing 16D which supports the bar 16B and locates the lever 16C, and also has a cut out portion which receives the axle 20 so as to connect the brake mechanism 16 with the axle 20. In this way the brake mechanism always aligns with the roller.

Figure 6B shows a side view of a brake mechanism 16. The casing 16D is substantially triangular with a cut out 16E for receiving the axle 20. The brake pad 16A is shown with the bar 16B passing through. The shield 16F is arranged between the roller 10 and the brake pad 16A so that when the brake pad 16A is pressed against the shield 16F, which in turn presses against the roller 10, the roller 10 is prevent from turning and therefore the device is stopped from moving forward or backward.

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the second embodiment of a brake mechanism

16. The casing 16D has a hole 16G for mounting the braking mechanism with the housing of the rollable device. The housing which may be provided by the support member (not shown in Figure 7).

Figure 8A shows an example of a pair of rollable support devices 2, arranged on a chair 30. Due to the position of the chair legs 31, the axis 2A of the support devices 2 is different to the chair axis 30A. To accommodate for this and enable the chair to still be rolled the roller axle 20 can be arranged at an angle.

Figures 8B and 8C show how the axle alignment can be adjusted by means of a Ushaped apertures 10A, 12A. Figure 8B shows how the axle is mounted in a different slot of the aperture on each side so as to arrange the axle 20 at an angle with respect to the axis of the support member. In this way the support device is still able to roll the chair forward and backward, even though the support device axis 2A does not match the chair axis 30A. Advantageously this configuration enables the device to be adjusted to accommodate various different items.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A rollable support device for supporting an item comprising:

at least one support member having a first end and a second opposed end;

2. A rollable support device as claimed in claim 1, in which the device comprises a pair of support members.

3. A rollable support device as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the or each of the first and/or second roller assembly comprises a plurality of rollers.

4. A rollable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support member is elongate defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends thereof.

5. A rollable support device as claimed in claim 4, in which the first and second axes extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

6. A rollable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a releasable brake mechanism configured in use to prevent rotation of one or both of the first and second roller assemblies.

7. A rollable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each support member provides a pair of spaced apart retaining features.

8. A rollable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the retaining feature is in the form of a recess provided by the support member.

9. A rollable support device according to claim 7 wherein the recess is circular.

10. A rollable support device as claimed in any of claims 8 or 9, in which the or each recess further comprises padding material to provide frictional engagement with a part of the item to be supported.

11. A rollable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a locking mechanism for retaining a part of the item to be supported within a corresponding retaining feature.

12. A rollable support device according to claim 11 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pressure plate.

13. A rollable support device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each support member is extendable in a direction extending between the first and second ends thereof.

14. A rollable support device as claimed in claim 13, in which the support member is slideably extendable.

15. A rollable support device as claimed in claim 13, in which the support member is telescopically extendable.

16. A rollable support device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising a locking mechanism for securing the support member at a predetermined extension.

17. A rollable support device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one retaining feature is provided at an end of a support member and one of the first or second roller is adjacent the retaining feature so as to be spaced apart from the end.

18. A rollable support device according to any of claims 1 to 16 wherein the at least one retaining feature is provided at an end of a support member and one of the first or second rollers is arranged below the retaining feature.

19. A rollable support device according to any preceding claim including a second retaining feature mounted on a platform.

20. A rollable support device according to any preceding claim having a pair of rollers mounted on an axle wherein the orientation of the axle relative to the support member can be changed.

21. A kit for providing a roller support device for supporting an item, the kit comprising:

at least one support member having a first end and a second opposed end;

in which the first axis extends substantially parallel to the second axis; 5 and at least one retaining feature for securement to an item, in which the at least one retaining feature is located on the support member.

22. The kit as claimed in claim 21, comprising a plurality of support members.