GB2590982A

GB2590982A - A lifting trolley, base and transportation system

Info

Publication number: GB2590982A
Application number: GB2000478.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eagle Timothy
Original assignee: Dutypoint Ltd
Current assignee: Dutypoint Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-13
Filing date: 2020-01-13
Publication date: 2021-07-14
Also published as: GB202000478D0; GB2607508A; GB202211796D0; WO2021144568A1

Abstract

The trolley 10 for use with a frame comprising a chassis, a first set of wheels 14 and a second wheel 16 disposed on the chassis, a lifting 5 assembly 18 having a coupling means 20 for cooperative engagement with a corresponding coupling means (66 or 68 Fig. 3) disposed on a base frame. The coupling means 20 being disposed substantially between the first set of wheels 14, and an actuator 22 for moving the lifting assembly relative to the chassis between a lowered and raised position. The lifting assembly may comprise lateral adjustment means and may be slid onto the frame via cooperating elements. The coupling element may be a connector pin. Another embodiment of the invention is a base frame (60 Fig. 3) comprising a plurality of frame elements (70, 72, 74, Fig. 3), a first coupling means (66, Fig. 3) disposed on one side of the base frame for cooperative engagement with a coupling means of the lifting trolley when the lifting trolley is in a raised position; and a plurality of adjustable feet. Also described is a method of using two trolleys to move a load.

Description

A LIFTING TROLLEY, BASE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM The present invention relates to a lifting trolley and particularly but not exclusively to a lifting trolley for use with a base frame.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In residential construction projects, it is necessary to install utilities such as heating, ventilation and electrical power. This requires installation of a number of utility units such as a water heating unit, a distribution board for the electricity supply, a mechanical ventilation unit, and sometimes appliances such as washing machines or tumble driers. The units and appliances must be connected to utility conduits such as electrical power cables, ventilation ducts, gas supply and water flow and return pipes.

In larger projects such as apartment buildings, it may be necessary to repeat a number of identical installations. It has been found that significant cost and time savings can be obtained by providing a prefabricated utility room, known in the construction field as a packaged utility room (PUR).

Installation of a PUR is difficult because of its height. The PUR is typically almost floor to ceiling height in a finished building. This means that it can be difficult to lift with a forklift from beneath the PUR, and there is no space to lift the PUR from above.

A PUR is typically fitted into a three-sided substantially U-shaped void. It is desirable to obtain a relatively tight fit between the PUR and the walls of the void, i.e., there should not be much clearance between the footprint of the PUR and the walls of the building. Therefore, this final placement can be very difficult, because access is even more restricted and fine adjustments may need to be made to the positioning of the PUR.

To address these problems a PUR was designed to be lifted from dual-purpose brackets located on an internal wall by a complimentary trolley, as explained in the applicant's co-pending patent application GB1806324.8. The complimentary trolley allows the PUR to be transported through the construction site and inserted into an appropriately sized void to provide a finished utility area that is suitable for a domestic environment. The inner wall of the PUR provides a visible face to face the interior of a room.

The design of the complementary trolley and PUR minimised the overall width allowing for the PUR to be transported through narrow openings. However, the walls of the PUR extend past the wheelbase of the trolley. When traversing ramps within a construction site, lower end portions of the PUR wall reach the end of the ramp prior to the wheels, which can lead to damage if the PUR is not handled carefully. This extends installation time because any damage has to be fixed prior to installation within the void.

Also, some PURs include a floorpan, enabling the PUR to be installed prior to a floor being screeded. Use of a floorpan prevents the existing trolley from being used, because the floorpan underlies the lifting brackets within the PUR and prevents access of the trolley. In other words, the trolley cannot be used.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lifting trolley for use with a base frame of a prefabricated shell for forming a utility room, the trolley comprising a chassis, a first set of wheels disposed at one end of the chassis and a wheel assembly disposed at the other end of the chassis, a lifting assembly moveably coupled to the chassis, the lifting assembly having a coupling means for cooperative engagement with a corresponding coupling means disposed on the base frame, the coupling means being disposed substantially between the first set of wheels; and an actuator for moving the lifting assembly relative to the chassis between a lowered position and a raised position.

Advantageously, providing coupling means between the first set of wheels helps to improve stability and limit damage to the ends of the prefabricated shell because it is within the wheelbase of the trolley.

The coupling means of the lifting trolley and the frame element may be aligned or connected, in a lowered position.

When moving from a lowered to a raised position, the coupling means of the lifting trolley may move upwardly and becomes more securely coupled with the coupling means of the frame.

The wheel assembly may be steerable.

The chassis may include a substantially U-shaped yoke. The first set of wheels may be disposed at one end of the substantially U-shaped yoke, and preferably a wheel is disposed at the end of each arm of the substantially U-Shaped yoke.

The lifting assembly may include at least one lateral adjustment means for adjusting the lateral position of the coupling means.

The or each lateral adjustment means may include a track disposed on the lifting assembly and a cooperating element for interfacing with the track disposed on the coupling means. The or each lateral adjustment means may include two parallel running tracks disposed on the lifting assembly and two cooperating elements disposed on the coupling means, each cooperating element sliding on one of the parallel running tracks.

The lateral adjustment means allows for the trolley to accommodate base frames of various sizes. It also allows for easy slidable engagement of the coupling means when the trolley is in a lowered position.

The coupling means may include two coupling elements. Each coupling element may include a substantially vertical bearing surface for bearing against a portion of the base frame and providing stability in the raised position.

Each coupling element may include a connector pin.

The connector pin may be sized and shaped to be received in an aperture, preferably a substantially keyhole-shaped aperture, of the frame when the trolley is in the lowered position. The connector pin may include an enlarged head for preventing the coupling element from withdrawing from a substantially keyhole-shaped aperture when the lifting trolley is in the raised position. The connector pin may include a shaft which interfaces with a slot in the substantially keyhole-shaped aperture when in the raised position.

The connector pin may be moveable between a coupling position and non-coupling position. In the coupling position, the connector pin may be received in and securely coupled with the aperture of the frame. In the non-coupling position, the pin may be substantially retracted so that it cannot securely couple with the aperture of the frame.

The connector pin may be biased by a biasing means to one or other of the positions.

For example, the connector pin may be spring-loaded so that it is biased to the coupling position.

The coupling means may include a locking means for locking the connector pin in a position. The locking means may be used to prevent the biasing force of the biasing means from moving the connector pin.

The coupling means may be a removable coupling unit for fitment to the frame prior to lifting. In use, during lifting, the removable coupling unit being disposed between the first set of wheel in use.

The removable coupling unit may be comprised of the two coupling elements, a backplate extending between the coupling elements, each coupling element may include a connector pin. The coupling elements and connector pins in the coupling unit may include the same features as set out above.

Alternatively or in combination, the coupling element of the trolley may be an aperture and the coupling means of the frame may be a connector pin.

The coupling means may be removable from the lifting assembly.

The coupling means may include a stop, or undercut, which extends underneath a portion of the lifting assembly to prevent vertical movement of the coupling means relative to the lifting assembly.

A base receiving area may be defined between the first set of wheels. The area formed within the substantially U-shaped yoke may define the base receiving area. The base receiving area may receive a portion of the base and prefabricated shell.

The coupling means may extend towards the centre of the receiving area. The coupling means may be disposed in the base receiving area. At least part of the coupling means may be disposed below the substantially U-shaped yoke. The connector pin may be disposed below the substantially U-shaped yoke.

The actuator may be pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically powered.

A mechanical linkage arm may be provided to couple the lifting assembly to the chassis.

The lifting trolley may comprise an operator element having at least one control means to control the operation of the lifting trolley. The or each control means may be provided in a hub disposed on the chassis. The hub may control the operation of the actuator.

The operator element may include a tow bar having a handle disposed at one end. A substantially horizontal pivot may be provided to pivotally connect the tow bar to the control means.

The operator element may control the operation of the wheels, particularly the steerable wheel assembly. Rotation of the operator element about a vertical axis may control the steerable wheel assembly. The operator element may comprise a tow bar. The operator element may include a control hub.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a base frame for a prefabricated shell, the base frame comprising a plurality of frame elements, each frame element being connected to at least one other frame element, a first coupling means disposed on one end of the base frame for cooperative engagement with a coupling means of a lifting trolley, and a plurality of adjustable feet for levelling the base frame and supporting the base frame above a surface on which the feet are placed.

The base frame provides a means to add strength and rigidity to a prefabricated utility shell. The base frame can be installed prior to screeding or finishing of the apartment or flat allowing utilities conduits, such as pipes for underfloor heating or conductive wires for an electricity distribution board, to be routed with minimum wastage. Furthermore, by providing the coupling means on one end, of the base frame it is possible to ensure that at least a portion of the prefabricated shell stays within the wheelbase The base frame may comprise a second coupling means disposed at the other end of the base frame to the first coupling means.

The base frame can be used as a floor, or a portion of the floor, in the PUR. Alternatively, the base frame could be considered a sacrificial base frame, in the sense that it does not become a floor of the utility room.

The or each coupling means may include two coupling apertures, preferably substantially keyhole-shaped with a receiving aperture and an engagement slot extending from the receiving aperture. The coupling apertures may be aligned along an axis.

Each element of the plurality of frame elements may have at least one coupling aperture.

The base frame may comprise a plurality of rollers disposed around the base frame so that the base frame may be moved when the adjustable feet are not supporting the base frame. The roller may be disposed in each corner of the frame element.

The plurality of rollers may be roller balls. The roller balls provide substantially omnidirectional movement.

The rollers allow for the base frame or prefabricated shell to be easily inserted into a three-sided substantially U-shaped void.

The base frame may be substantially U-shaped. The plurality of frame elements may include a first frame element, a second frame element parallel to the first frame element, a rear frame element perpendicular to the first and second frame elements and connecting them together to form the U-shape.

The base frame may include a removable transportation bar connected to at least two of the plurality of frame elements. The transportation bar may be parallel to the rear frame element and disposed substantially to the front of the base frame.

The adjustable feet may be offset from the plurality of frame elements. The adjustable feet may be disposed within an intemal space formed by the plurality of frame elements.

In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a prefabricated shell for forming a utility room in a building, the prefabricated shell comprises the base frame according to an aspect of the present invention and a wall extending upwardly from the base frame.

The prefabricated shell provides a unit that can be inserted into an appropriately sized void to provide a practically finished utility room that is suitable for a domestic environment. The wall provides a visible face to face the interior of a room.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a transportation system comprising a base frame according a second aspect of the present invention, a first lifting trolley according the present invention and a second lifting trolley according to the present invention.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of lifting a base frame using a first lifting trolley and second lifting trolley, the base frame comprising two coupling means disposed on or in the base frame, each lifting trolley having a coupling means for cooperative engagement with the corresponding coupling means disposed on the base frame, the method comprising the steps of locating the first lifting trolley proximate one end of the base frame and the second lifting trolley proximate the other end of the base frame, aligning the coupling means of the first lifting trolley with the first coupling means of the base frame, aligning the coupling means of the second lifting trolley with the second coupling means of the base frame, sliding the coupling means of the first lifting trolley to the first coupling means of the base frame, sliding the coupling means of the second lifting trolley to the second coupling means of the base frame, actuating the first lifting trolley from a lowered position to the raised position causing the coupling means of the first lifting trolley to securely couple to the first coupling means of the base frame, and actuating the second lifting trolley from the lowered position to the raise position causing the coupling means of the second lifting trolley to securely couple to the second coupling means of the base frame.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of lifting a base frame using a first lifting trolley and second lifting trolley, the base frame comprising two coupling means disposed on or in the base frame, each lifting trolley having a removable coupling unit for cooperative engagement with the corresponding coupling means disposed on the base frame, the method comprising the steps of coupling the removable coupling unit of the first trolley to a first coupling means disposed at one end of the base frame, coupling the removable coupling unit of the second trolley to a second coupling means disposed at the other end of the base frame, connecting the first lifting trolley and the second lifting trolley to their respective removable coupling units, actuating the first lifting trolley from a lowered position to the raised position causing the removable coupling unit to securely couple to the first coupling means of the base frame, and actuating the second lifting trolley from the lowered position to the raise position causing the removable coupling unit of the second lifting trolley to securely couple to the second coupling means of the base frame.

Advantageously, a prefabricated shell or PUR can be lifted by the disclosed lifting trollies from its base frame, facilitating transportation within a partially constructed building, such as a block of flats or apartments. The base frame sits within the apparent wheelbase formed by the two lifting trollies improving stability and limiting damage.

The lifting trolley and/or base frame addresses the problems of lifting within a restricted height. Furthermore, the trollies enable uneven lifting, for example, one trolley may lift higher than another when negotiating a ramp, to keep the base and PUR level or substantially level.

Furthermore, if the base frame includes a floorpan, the lifting trollies are unobstructed by the floor. Ramps can also be navigated without risk of damage to the sides, or ends, of the base frame or the walls of the PUR.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lifting trolley; Figure 2 shows a lower perspective view of the lifting trolley in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a base frame; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a base frame Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a transportation system; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the transportation system shown in Figure 5 with a component removed; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a lifting trolley; and Figure 8 shows a magnified view of the lifting trolley of Figure 7. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a lifting trolley is generally shown at 10.

The lifting trolley 10 comprises a chassis including a yoke 12. A first set of wheels 14 is mounted to one end of the chassis. A steerable wheel assembly 16 is mounted to the other end of the chassis. A lifting assembly 18, a coupling means 20, an actuator 22 for moving the lifting assembly 18, and a control means 24 for controlling the actuator and movement of the trolley are also provided.

The yoke 12 is substantially U-shaped having a central portion 26 and two arm portions 28 extending from the central portion 26. Each arm portion 28 is substantially orthogonal to the central portion 26. A substantially L-shaped mounting bracket 30 is provided at the end of each arm portion 28, the mounting bracket 30 providing a surface on which a wheel may be mounted. The first set of wheels 14 may be provided by swivel wheels or fixed wheels.

The steerable wheel assembly 16 is disposed on the lower surface of the central portion 26 of the yoke 12. The steerable wheel assembly 16 is directly or indirectly coupled to the control means 24 such that rotation of the control means 24 about a vertical axis formed by the actuator 22 causes rotation of the steerable wheel assembly 16.

The lifting assembly 18 includes a substantially triangular frame 32 movably coupled to the chassis and a substantially vertical plate 34 extending laterally across the lifting means 18. A front face extends from the top of the substantially triangular frame to the substantially vertical plate.

A coupling bar 40 for coupling the lifting assembly 18 to the actuator 22 extends from the substantially triangular frame 32. The coupling bar 40 providing the means to transmit the force from the actuator 22 to the lifting assembly 18. Two chassis linkage arms 42 are pivotally attached to both the yoke 12 and the substantially triangular frame.

In the current embodiment, the coupling means 20 is provided by two connector pins 44, each connector pin being disposed on a bearing plate 46. The bearing plate is slidably mounted to the substantially vertical plate 34.

Each connector pin 44 has a cylindrical shaft extending perpendicularly from the laterally sliding bearing plate and an enlarged head distal to the bearing plate.

Each connector pin 44 may be disposed below the yoke 12, i.e. closer to the surface on which the trolley sits than the yoke. Each bearing plate 46 is mounted to the substantially vertical plate 34 by two parallel tracks 47 and two corresponding gliding members. The tracks 47 are provided as open channels and the gliding members as hooks, which locate in the channels. The combination of tracks 47 and gliding members provide a means to laterally move the coupling means. Each gliding member is formed by a cut-out in one side of the bearing plate.

The coupling means 20 can be removed from the tracks 47. This allows for coupling means of different sizes and shapes to be used when needed. For example, a larger bearing plate or alternative connector pin may be needed for different PURs.

In the current embodiment, each bearing plate 46 includes an undercut; or stop, 48 formed by the gliding member cut-out. The undercut, or stop, 48 prevents the bearing plate 46 from being accidently lifted from the tracks 47.

A gap between the tracks 47 and the U-shaped yoke 12 allows the coupling means 20 to be removed. Additionally, there is a gap between tracks in the centre of the lifting assembly which allows the coupling means 20 to be removed.

The control means 24 comprises a control hub, a tow bar 50 extending from a pivot 51 on the control hub and a handle 52 disposed on the tow bar 50. The control means 24 is directly or indirectly coupled to the steerable wheel assembly 16 such that rotation of the control means 24 about the actuator 22 causes rotation of the steerable wheel assembly 16.

A selector is provided in the control means 24 to allow the user of the trolley 10 to select whether rotation of the tow bar 50 about the pivot 51 actuates the actuator 22. For example, if the actuator is pneumatically powered, the rotation about the pivot will pressurise a piston causing the lifting assembly to rise. A lever or other means, such as the selector, can be used to depressurise the piston causing the lifting assembly to drop.

The handle may also be provided with a brake connected to a brake assembly coupled to the wheel assembly.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a base frame for a prefabricated shell is generally indicated at 60.

The base frame is formed from a frame 62, a plurality of adjustable feet 64, a first coupling means 66 disposed at one end of the base frame and a second coupling means 68 disposed at the other end of the base frame. In the current embodiment, each of the first and second coupling means 66, 68 are formed by two apertures aligned on a common axis in the respective sides of the base frame. As the figures are perspectives, only one aperture of both the first and second coupling means is shown.

The frame 62 is formed from a first end box section 70, a second end box section 72 parallel to the first end box section and a third side box section 74 perpendicular and connected to both the first and second end box sections 72, 74. In the current embodiment, a removable transportation bar 76 is provided between the first and second end box sections 72, 74. The removable transportation bar 76 is removably attached to a bracket at either end.

The first end box section 70 has the first aperture of the first coupling means 66 in an end wall. The second aperture (not shown) of the first coupling means 66 is disposed in a side wall of the end box section 74 in line with the first aperture of the first coupling means 66. The second end box section 72 has the first aperture of the second coupling means 68 in an end wall. The second aperture (not shown) of the second coupling means 68 is disposed in a side wall of the side box section 74 in line with the first aperture of the first coupling means 66.

In the current embodiment, each of the apertures for each of the coupling means 66, 68 is formed by a circular aperture and a slot extending substantially vertical from the circular aperture, providing an overall appearance of a substantially inverted keyhole-shaped aperture. The width of the slot is less than the diameter of the circular aperture.

In other embodiments the size and shape of the aperture may vary, for example, square or hexagon.

Four rollers (not shown) are provided, one in each corner of the frame 60.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the adjustable feet 64 are mounted within an internal space formed by the frame. Each adjustable foot includes a housing mounted to the frame, a threaded rod extending through the housing and a foot member.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the adjustable feet 64 are mounted in a recess within the box housing. Each adjustable foot has a threaded rod extending through the frame.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a transportation system is generally indicated at 80. The wall of the prefabricated shell has been removed from Figure 6 The transportation system 80 comprising a prefabricated shell 82 having a base frame 60, a first lifting trolley 10a and a second lifting trolley 10b. In the current embodiment, the first and second lifting trollies are similar to those discussed above and have the same reference numbers. The base frame is similar to those discussed above and also have the same reference numbers.

The prefabricated shell 82 includes a wall 86 extending substantially vertical from the base frame 60. The wall is rigidly fixed to the base frame.

The wall 86 is formed from a first end, a second end parallel to the first side and a side perpendicular to and connected to both the first and second ends. The first end of the wall 86 extends from the first end box section 70 of the base frame 60, the second end of the wall 86 extends from the second end box section 72 of the base frame 60, and the side of the wall 86 extends from the side box section 74 of the base frame 60.

The first end, second end and side of the wall 86 may be provided as separate panels or may be provided as a single continuous sheet of material, such as steel.

The first end, second end and the side of the wall 86 may have apertures providing access from one side of the wall to the other. For example, the apertures may provide a path for a utility conduit from the utility conduit receiving space to the internal space. The "internal space" should be understood to mean the inside profile which forms the domestic space or the space forming the utility room once the prefabricated shell has been fitted.

The first end, second end and side of the wall 86 are each substantially planar, substantially rectangular and substantially the same height.

In the current embodiment, the internal space formed by the walls is partitioned by a partition wall 88. The partition wall extends horizontally from the side (forming the back of the PUR in use) into the internal space. A cupboard 90 is formed by the partition wall 90, a portion of the side of the wall 86, the first end of the wall 86 and a front facia wall 92 extending from the partition wall 88 to the first side of the wall 86. The internal space of the cupboard is accessible through a door 94 hinged to the front facia wall 92. The prefabricated shell can be regarded as a PUR.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, an alternative embodiment of trolley 10 is provided with a removable coupling unit indicated at 96. The removable coupling unit 96 includes a backplate 98 extending between and connecting a first bearing plate 46 and a second bearing plate 46. The backplate 98 fixes the distance between the bearing plates 46 and is sized and shaped so as to correspond with the size of the base frame. Each bearing plate 46 includes a movable connector pin 100. The movable connector pin has an identical shape to connector 44, i.e. a shaft and enlarged head.

Each connector pin 100 is movable between a coupling position and a non-coupling position. In the coupling position, each connector pin 100 extends substantially towards a central region of the base receiving area formed by the yoke 12 so that it may be received in and securely coupled with the aperture of the frame. In the non-coupling position, each connector pin 100 is substantially retracted from the base receiving area.

A biasing means (not shown) and locking means (not shown) is housed within cylindrical housing 102. The cylindrical housing extends from one side of the bearing plate away from the central region of the base receiving area. In some embodiments, each connector pin 100 is biased into the non-coupling position by the biasing means (not shown). Alternatively, each connector pin 100 is biased to the coupling position by a biasing means (not shown).

An actuator element 104 is provided for each connector pin 100 which allows the operator to move the connector pin between positions. The actuator element 100 can be used to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member. Furthermore, the actuator element 100 can be used to operate the locking means (not shown) to lock the connector pin 100 in a position. For example, when the connector pin 100 is biased to the coupling position, the actuator element 104 can be pulled so as to move the connector pin 100 to the non-coupling position and pushed to lock the connector pin 100 in the coupling position.

A handle 106 is provided to assist an operator with removing the removable coupling unit 96.

The removable coupling unit 96 is mounted to the substantially vertical plate 34 by two parallel tracks 47 and two corresponding gliding members (not shown). The tracks 47 are provided as open channels and the gliding members as hooks, which locate in the channels. Each gliding member is formed by a cut-out in one side of the bearing plate. The cut-out being sized and shaped so as to allow the removable coupling unit 96 to be disengaged by an operator lifting the unit vertically.

In this embodiment, each bearing plate 46 does not include an undercut, or stop present in the other embodiments. Each connector pin 100 may be disposed below the yoke 12, i.e. closer to the surface on which the trolley sits than the yoke.

A method of using a first lifting trolley 10a and a second lifting trolley 10b to transport the prefabricated shell 82 having a base frame 60 will now be described.

The prefabricated shell 82 is placed in its rest position, for example, having been craned off a lorry, i.e. the base frame 60 is in a substantially horizontal position with the wall 86 extending upwards. The first lifting trolley 10a is positioned proximate at one end of the base frame 60. The second lifting trolley 10b is positioned proximate the other end of the base frame 60. The subsequent steps are performed to both the first lifting trolley 10a and the second lifting trolley 10b either at substantially the same time by two trolley users or at different times by at least one user.

The lateral position of the coupling means 20 is adjusted so that they are offset from the edges of the base frame 60. This allows a portion of the prefabricated shell to be received within the receiving space formed by the substantially U-shaped yoke 12.

The first trolley 10a is positioned so as to align both of the connector pins 44 of coupling means 20 with the apertures of coupling means 66. The second trolley 10b is position so as to align both the connector pins 44 of coupling means 20 with the aperture of coupling means 68. The alignment of the lifting trollies 10a, 10b may include adjusting the height of the coupling means 20 by slightly raising the lifting means 18. Once aligned, the coupling means 20 are moved so that the connector pins 44 are received in the apertures of coupling means 66, 68.

Once the connector pins 44 have been fully received, the lifting assembly 18 of both the first and second lifting trollies 10a, 10b are raised until the shaft of the connector pins 44 reach the top of the slot of the substantially keyhole-shaped aperture. For example, when the actuator 22 is pneumatically powered, a trolley user operates a selector provided on the control means 24. This allows movement of the tow bar 50 about the pivot to cause the lifting assembly 18 to pressurise a piston causing the lifting assembly to rise. The trolley user(s) halts operation of the tow bar 50 when the shaft of the connector pin 44 has reached the top of the slot of the substantially keyhole-shaped aperture in the base frame 60.

In an embodiment wherein each of the first and second trollies 10a, 10b comprise the removable coupling unit 96, each removable coupling unit 96 is detached from its respective trolley. This allows the removable coupling unit 96 to be coupled to an end of the frame prior to the frame being received within the receiving space of the trolly.

Once the coupling pins 100 of the removable coupling unit 96 are received in the apertures 66, 68 of the frame, the trolley is moved so that the frame is within the receiving space formed by the yoke 12 and the cut-outs in the bearing plates are aligned with the tracks. The trolley is actuated so that the lifting assembly 18 raises and the cut-outs locate within the tracks.

Once the removable coupling unit 96 and trolley are connected by means of the cutouts and tracks, the same steps of raising the lifting assembly 18 outlined above are followed.

Once the coupling means 20 of both the first and second trollies 10a, 10b have been securely coupled, the prefabricated shell 82 can be raised from the ground by operating the lifting trollies 10a, 10b further, or alternatively, the distance of the adjustable feet 64 may be changed so that they are no longer in contact with the surface under the prefabricated shell or PUR, which can then be moved.

Lowering of the PUR, once in a desired position, is controlled from the selector on the tow bar. Alternatively, the adjustable feet may be extended downwards until they contact the ground. Once the adjustable feet are in contact, the lifting assembly may be moved to its lowered position decoupling the trolley from the base frame.

Advantageously, the construction of the lifting trolley allows for the coupling means to be easily aligned with coupling means in the base frame. The lateral adjustment provides a simple means to adjust the distance between the coupling means.

Additionally, the design ensures that the trolley and PUR can fit through doorways. This is because the design of the trolley, particularly the coupling means being disposed within the wheelbase constrains the depth/width of the PUR.

Having coupling means similar to the arrangement of connector pin and keyhole-shaped aperture allows for a secure automatic coupling when the lifting trolley is being raised. Additionally, mechanical coupling means provides clear feedback through the actuator when the coupling means is engaged, as the force is transferred through the point of coupling. For example, greater pressure is required by a pneumatic actuator when the shaft of the connector pin has engaged the slot of the substantially keyhole shaped aperture. This provides the trolley user with an indication of secure coupling.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A lifting trolley for use with a base frame of a prefabricated shell for forming a utility room, the trolley comprising: a chassis; a first set of wheels disposed at one end of the chassis and at least one wheel disposed at the other end of the chassis; a lifting assembly moveably coupled to the chassis, the lifting assembly having a coupling means for cooperative engagement with a corresponding coupling means disposed on the base frame, the coupling means being disposed substantially between the first set of wheels; and an actuator for moving the lifting assembly relative to the chassis between a lowered position and a raised position.
2. A lifting trolley as claimed in claim 1, in which the chassis includes a substantially U-shaped yoke, in which a wheel of the first set of wheels are disposed at the end of each arm of the substantially U-Shaped yoke.
3. A lifting trolley as claimed in in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the lifting assembly includes at least one lateral adjustment means for adjusting the lateral position of coupling means.
4. A lifting trolley as claimed in claim 3, in which the or each lateral adjustment means includes a track disposed on the lifting assembly and a cooperating element disposed on the coupling means.
5. A lifting trolley as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, in which the or each lateral adjustment means includes two parallel running tracks disposed on the lifting assembly and two cooperating elements disposed on the coupling means, each cooperating element sliding on one of the parallel running tracks.
6. A lifting trolley as claimed any preceding claim, in which the coupling means comprises two coupling elements.
7. A lifting trolley as claimed in claim 6, in which each coupling element includes a substantially vertical bearing surface for bearing against a portion of the base frame and providing stability in the raised position.
8. A lifting trolley as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, in which each coupling element includes a connector pin.
9. A lifting trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the actuator is a pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically powered.
10. A lifting trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a mechanical linkage arm is provided to further couple the lifting assembly to the chassis.
11.A lifting trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lifting trolley comprises an operator element having at least one control means to control the operation of the lifting trolley.
12. A lifting trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the coupling means is a removable coupling unit.
13. A base frame for a prefabricated shell, the base frame comprising: a plurality of frame elements, each frame element being connected to at least one other frame element; a first coupling means disposed on one side of the base frame for cooperative engagement with a coupling means of a lifting trolley; and a plurality of adjustable feet for levelling the base frame and supporting the base frame above a surface on which the feet are placed.
14. A base frame as claimed in claim 13, in which the base frame comprises a second coupling means disposed at the other side of the base frame to the first coupling means.
15.A base frame as claimed in either claim 13 claim 14, in which the or each coupling means includes a receiving aperture and an engagement slot extending from the receiving aperture.
16. A base frame as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, in which the base frame comprises a plurality of rollers disposed around the lower surface of the base frame.
17. A base frame as claimed in any of claims 13 to 15, in which the base frame comprises a plurality of roller balls disposed around the lower surface of the base frame.
18. A base frame as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17, in which the base frame is substantially U-shaped and the plurality of frame elements include a first frame element, a second frame element parallel to the first frame element, a rear frame element perpendicular to the first and second frame elements and connecting them together to form the U-shape.
19. A base frame as claimed in any of claims 13 to 18, in which the base frame further includes a transportation bar removably connected to at least two of the plurality of frame elements.
20. A base frame as claimed in any of claims 13 to 19, in which the adjustable feet are offset from the plurality of frame elements.
21. A base frame as claimed in any of claims 13 to 19, in which adjustable feet are inline with the plurality of frame elements.
22. A prefabricated shell for forming a utility room in a building comprising a base frame as claimed in any of claims 13 to 21 and a wall extending upwardly from the plurality of frame elements.
23. A transportation system comprising: A first and a second lifting trolley as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12; and a base frame as claimed in any preceding claim dependent on claim 14 or a prefabricated shell for forming a utility room as claimed in claim 22 dependent upon claim 14.
24. A method of lifting a base frame using a first lifting trolley and second lifting trolley, the base frame comprising two coupling means disposed on or in the base frame, each lifting trolley having a coupling means for cooperative engagement with the corresponding coupling means disposed on the base frame, the method comprising the steps of: locating the first lifting trolley proximate one end of the base frame and the second lifting trolley proximate the other end of the base frame; aligning the coupling means of the first lifting trolley with the first coupling means of the base frame; aligning the coupling means of the second lifting trolley with the second coupling means of the base frame; sliding the coupling means of the first lifting trolley to the first coupling means of the base frame; sliding the coupling means of the second lifting trolley to the second coupling means of the base frame; actuating the first lifting trolley from a lowered position to the raised position causing the coupling means of the first lifting trolley to securely couple to the first coupling means of the base frame; and actuating the second lifting trolley from the lowered position to the raise position causing the coupling means of the second lifting trolley to securely couple to the second coupling means of the base frame.
25. A method of lifting a base frame using a first lifting trolley and second lifting trolley, the base frame comprising two coupling means disposed on or in the base frame, each lifting trolley having a removable coupling unit for cooperative engagement with the corresponding coupling means disposed on the base frame, the method comprising the steps of: coupling the removable coupling unit of the first trolley to a first coupling means disposed at one end of the base frame; coupling the removable coupling unit of the second trolley to a second coupling means disposed at the other end of the base frame; connecting the first lifting trolley and the second lifting trolley to their respective removable coupling units; actuating the first lifting trolley from a lowered position to the raised position causing the removable coupling unit to securely couple to the first coupling means of the base frame; and actuating the second lifting trolley from the lowered position to the raise position causing the removable coupling unit of the second lifting trolley to securely couple to the second coupling means of the base frame.