AU2015202155B2

AU2015202155B2 - A Vending Trailer

Info

Publication number: AU2015202155B2
Application number: AU2015202155A
Authority: AU
Inventors: William Cowie
Original assignee: MOVE YOURSELF TRAILER HIRE Pty Ltd
Current assignee: MOVE YOURSELF TRAILER HIRE Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-28
Filing date: 2015-04-27
Publication date: 2018-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-27
Also published as: AU2015202155A1

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates to a vending trailer 5 including a first unit 10 and a second unit 20 connected thereto. The second unit 20 is movable between a transport position in which it is located adjacent to the first unit 10 and an operational position in which it is located away from the first unit 10. In this way, a working space W is located generally between and bounded at least in part by the first and second units 10, 20 when the second unit 20 is in the operational position. ----- K / / \\j---------------------T ~ N ------- - -- ----- .. .. . .... N .... -- - /-- - - - ------- .. . .. . ... M N n"

Description

2015202155 27 Apr 2015

A Vending Trailer

Related Application [0001] This application is related to Australian provisional patent application 2014901516 filed on 28 April 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates to a vending trailer. The invention has particular, but not exclusive application, in the mobile catering industry.

Background of Invention [0003] Street vending of foods is becoming increasingly popular and in many instances the food is prepared and sold out of a caravan type arrangement that has been modified to meet the vendor’s needs. Such arrangements are towed to the vending site by a vehicle and typically include a compact food preparation area and a vending area all located within the caravan body. The vending area is typically established by a window or lift up panel in the side of the caravan. Customers are able to approach the vending window to place orders, and then receive their ordered items.

[0004] In addition to street vending, these types of vending arrangements are also popular at festivals and other events where large numbers of people are in attendance and there is a need to provide catering for attendees. For fundraising or charity events, volunteers will often provide the catering and thus they do not normally have access to a specialised vending caravan. In such situations, they will typically hire a mobile refrigeration unit to keep food and drinks at the required temperature and will then set up tables from which to take orders, receive payment (if required) and to deliver food and drinks. Such tables are often adjacent to cooking and food preparation areas set up specifically for the event.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an improved vending trailer.

2015202155 20 Nov 2018 [0006] The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of this application.

Summary of Invention [0007] According to the present invention there is provided a vending trailer including a first unit and a second unit connected thereto, and wherein the second unit is movable between a transport position in which it is located adjacent to the first unit and an operational position in which it is located away from the first unit so that a working space is located generally between and bounded at least in part by the first and second units when the second unit is in the operational position, wherein the second unit is arranged for pivotal connection to the first unit about a generally vertical axis, wherein a third unit is associated with the second unit and the working space is bounded at least in part by the first, second and third units, and the third unit is associated with the second unit so that the third unit can be located fully within the second unit when the second unit is in the transport position.

[0008] The working space is an area located between and bounded at least in part by the first, second and third units and in which a vender may perform activity. For example, the vendor or other person(s) may stand in the working space whilst awaiting customers, whilst serving customers, whilst preparing items for customers or whilst performing activities such as money handling, cooking and cleaning.

[0009] The first unit preferably includes at least one access way for enabling access to an interior of the first unit from the working space. The access way is preferably a door arranged to enable a user to enter into the interior of the first unit.

[0010] Preferably, the pivotal connection being located at a first side of the first unit.

[0011] [Left Blank]

2015202155 20 Nov 2018 [0012] Preferably, the vending trailer further includes a fourth unit. The fourth unit is preferably located adjacent to the first unit and distal to the second unit. The fourth unit preferably includes at least one access way for enabling access to an interior of the fourth unit. The access way is preferably a door arranged to enable a user to enter the fourth unit.

[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first unit is a refrigerated unit and may for example be a refrigerator unit or freezer unit. The second unit is a vending unit from which items may be vended to a customer. The term “vend” or “vending” as used throughout this specification is intended to indicate that items are supplied to the customer. This supply may involve a financial transaction as payment for the items or may not. If there is a financial transaction, it may or may not occur at the vending unit. The vending unit is preferably equivalent to a shop counter at which service occurs.

[0014] The third unit when in the operational position may establish a cooking area, a preparation area, an assembly area or other area as needed by the user of the vending trailer. For example, the third unit may include a barbecue, drink making equipment or a coffee making machine located on a table or the like.

[0015] The fourth unit is preferably a storage area.

Brief Description of Drawings [0016] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] Figures 1A and 1B are isometric views of a vending trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vending trailer is shown as it would appear when being towed by a vehicle;

[0018] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the vending trailer shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The vending trailer is shown as it would appear in use during vending; and [0019] Figure 3 is an isometric front view of the trailer shown in Figure 1. The positioning of the second and third units of the trailer as they are positioned during vending is shown in dashed lines.

2015202155 27 Apr 2015

Detailed Description [0020] The vending trailer 5 shown in the Figures includes a frame 6 (only partly visible), a wheel set 8 connected to the frame 6, a first unit 10, a second unit 20, a third unit 30 (Figure 2) and a fourth unit 40. The first unit 10 and fourth unit 40 are mounted on the frame 6. As will be explained below, the second unit 20 is connected to the first unit 10 and the third unit is mounted within the second unit 20.

[0021] It should however be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the inclusion of such an arrangement of units 10, 20, 30, 40 and that in a simple form, an embodiment of the invention may only include a first unit 10 and a second unit 20. In accordance with that simple form, the second unit 20 is movable between a transport position in which it is located adjacent to the first unit 10 (Figures 1A and 1B) and an operational position (Figure 2) in which it is located away from the first unit

10. A working space or working area (marked generally by arrow W) is located generally between and bounded at least in part by the first unit 10 and the second unit 20 when the second unit 20 is in the operational position (see Figure 2). It will be noted that the frame 6 of the trailer 5 does not extend into the working space W.

[0022] In the transport position of the second unit 20, an inner face or frame 22 of the second unit 20 is located adjacent to a rear face or frame 12 of the first unit 10. The second unit 20 is preferably engaged with or locked to the first unit 10 when it is in the transport position to avoid inadvertent separation.

[0023] The second unit 20 is arranged for pivotal connection to the first unit 10 about a generally vertical axis V. A hinge connection between the first unit 10 and second unit 20 is provided so that the second unit 20 can be moved to the desired operational position about the vertical axis. The hinge connection is located along a first side of the rear face 12 of the first unit 10. Figure 2 shows the second unit 20 rotated by about 90° from the rear face 12 of the first unit 10. However, it should be appreciate that the second unit may be rotated by differing amounts and that it may be rotated away for the rear face 12 of the first unit 10 until it extends at about 180° to the rear face 12 of the first unit 10. As the second unit 20 is rotated away from the rear face 12 of the first unit 10, the size and shape of the working space W bounded by at least the first unit 10 and the second unit 20 varies.

2015202155 27 Apr 2015 [0024] In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in the Figures, the first unit 10 is a refrigerated unit in the form of a cool room. The cool room is constructed from a number of panels attached to a frame. The cool room has a box shape and includes a door 14 in the rear face 12 to enable access to the cool room from the working space W.

[0025] The second unit 20 is vending unit that has a box shape. The vending unit is constructed from a number of panels attached to a frame. The vending unit further includes a movable front panel 24. As shown in Figure 2, when the front panel 24 is lifted upwardly it “opens” the second unit 20. A customer approaching from the side of the vending unit including the front panel 24 is then visible through an opening 24a to a person standing in the working space W. The second unit 20 further includes a counter 26 and a storage area 28 located below the counter 26.

[0026] The third unit 30 is depicted as a table 32 on which is mounted a barbeque 34. However, other arrangements of the third unit 30 are envisaged. One simple form would include just the table 32. The third unit 30 is associated with the second unit 20 and in one preferred form the second and third units 20, 30 are connected together so that the third unit 30 when not in use can be located within the second unit 20. For example, the table 32 with barbeque 34 can be located fully within the storage area 28 of the second unit 20.

[0027] The fourth unit 40 is also box shaped and is located adjacent the first unit 10 and distal of the second unit 20. The fourth unit 40 is constructed from a number of panels attached to a frame. The fourth unit 40 also includes a door 42 to enable easy access to the interior of the fourth unit 40. Typically, the fourth unit 40 provides a storage area for storing items needed by the vendor and for locating other needed equipment (e.g. generator, compressor, electrical convertor). Shelving may be located within the fourth unit 40.

[0028] The trailer 5 may be fitted with at least one solar panel for generating electricity. For example, a solar panel 60 may be located on the roof panel 44 of the fourth unit 40.

[0029] The trailer 5 is arranged to be transported to a site by towing it with a vehicle. Once the trailer 5 is at the required site, a jockey wheel (not shown) can be

2015202155 27 Apr 2015 used to stabilize the trailer 5 before it is unhitched from the vehicle. Alternatively, the trailer 5 may remain hitched to the vehicle during vending.

[0030] The second unit 20 is then pivoted away from the first unit 10 and moved to, for example, the operational position shown in Figure 2. Typically, it will be necessary to disengage or unlock the second unit 20 from the first unit 10 before it is possible to move the second unit 20 away from the transport position shown in Figure

1.

[0031] The user is then able to retrieve the third unit 30 (if required) from within the second unit 20. It is envisaged that the third unit 30 would be pivotally connected to the second unit 20 so that the user can readily move the third unit 30 from within the second unit 20 to the position shown in Figure 2.

[0032] When it is desirable to “open” the second unit 20 for customer service and to begin vending, front panel 24 is lifted and held in the position shown in Figure 2. Panel 24 thereby establishes a small veranda.

[0033] Although not shown, it may be necessary to support the weight of the second unit 20 on one or more support legs. In a preferred form however, the second unit 20 is hinged to the first unit 10 along vertical axis V by a hinge of sufficient strength to eliminate the need for a support leg.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the third unit 30 is preferably supported on at least one leg 36 that extend from the table 32.

[0035] When the second and third units 20, 30 are located as shown in Figure 2, the working space W is sufficient to preferably enable multiple people to be working there within. For example, one person may be serving a customer through the opening 24a of the second unit 20. Another person may be preparing food at the third unit 30, whilst a further person may be entering the first unit 10 via door 14. The working space W is separated from customers located to the distal side of the second unit 20. The working space W is generally rectangular in shape when viewed in plan from above, although other shaped working spaces W are envisaged. It will of course be appreciated that the shape of the working space W will depend on the

2015202155 27 Apr 2015 configuration of the units 10, 20, 30 at least partially bounding the working space W and their relative orientations.

[0036] Access to the fourth unit 40 is via door 42 and is located away from the working space W.

[0037] If desirable, the working space W may be further bounded by another table (not shown) or other items extending generally perpendicular to the elongate length of the table 32 of the third unit 30.

[0038] The trailer 5 may be fitted with a nose cone 50 to improve aerodynamics and/or to enhance the appearance of the trailer.

[0039] It is also envisaged that the trailer 5 may be configured so that the working space W may be covered by some form of roof to prevent rain penetrating the working space and/or to provide shade. The “roof” may be in the form of a canopy that extends from the first, second units or third units 10, 20, 30 or may be a non-rigid canopy or the like associated with the trailer 5.

[0040] A trailer according to an embodiment of the invention may be used by a variety of different users to vend different items. It is envisaged that the trailers could be manufactured for specific purchasers or could be hired to users as and when required. Hirers could elect to hire a trailer without a third unit or with the third unit fitted with different equipment. For example, one option would be for the third unit to just include a table, another option would be to also include a barbecue.

[0041] Although the present embodiment includes a frame 6 with a single wheel set 8, it will be appreciated that if the size of the trailer 5 was increased, it may be appropriate to include more than one wheel set. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that trailers with more than one wheel set are envisaged.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous because they enable a user to quickly and easily establish a flexible vending arrangement. The vending trailer includes a defined working space external to the first unit. The working space provides the user with a relatively large and open area to operate in as compared to the size of the first unit. The working space is separated from a customer standing to the distal side of the second unit.

2015202155 27 Apr 2015 [0043] The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are envisaged.

Claims

Claims

1. A vending trailer including a first unit and a second unit connected thereto, and wherein the second unit is movable between a transport position in which it is located adjacent to the first unit and an operational position in which it is located away from the first unit so that a working space is located generally between and bounded at least in part by the first and second units when the second unit is in the operational position, wherein the second unit is arranged for pivotal connection to the first unit about a generally vertical axis, wherein a third unit is associated with the second unit and the working space is bounded at least in part by the first, second and third units, and the third unit is associated with the second unit so that the third unit can be located fully within the second unit when the second unit is in the transport position.
2. A vending trailer according to claim 1 wherein the working space is located to enable user access to the first unit and the second unit.
3. A vending trailer according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first unit includes at least one access way for enabling access to an interior of the first unit from the working space.
4. A vending trailer according to claim 3 wherein the access way is a door arranged to enable a user to enter the first unit.
5. A vending trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the pivotal connection is located along a length of a first side of the first unit.
6. A vending unit according to any one of the preceding claims further including a fourth unit.
7. A vending trailer according to claim 6 wherein the fourth unit is located adjacent to the first unit and distal to the second unit.
8. A vending trailer according to claim 6 or claim 7 including at least one access way for enabling access to an interior of the fourth unit.

2015202155 20 Nov 2018
9. A vending trailer according to claim 8 wherein the access way is a door arranged to enable a user to enter the fourth unit.
10. A vending trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first unit is a refrigerated unit.
11. A vending trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second unit is a vending unit from which items may be vended to a customer.
12. A vending trailer according to claim 11 wherein the vending unit includes a moveable front panel configured to be pivotally lifted to an open position so that working space W is visible.
13. A vending trailer according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the vending unit further includes a counter.
14. A vending unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the third unit includes a table moveable from fully within the second unit to at least in part bound the working space.
15. A vending trailer according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the third unit establishes a cooking area, a preparation area, an assembly area or other area as needed by the user of the vending trailer.
16. A vending trailer according to claim 15 wherein the third unit includes a barbecue, drink making equipment or a coffee making machine.
17. A vending trailer according to any one of claims 6 to 16 wherein the fourth unit is a storage area.
18. A vending trailer according to claim 14 wherein the third unit is supported by a leg extending from the table.
19. A vending trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the working space is arranged to be covered by a roof.
20. A vending trailer according to claim 19 wherein the roof is in the form of a canopy extending from the first, second or third units.