GB2428302A

GB2428302A - Luggage trolley

Info

Publication number: GB2428302A
Application number: GB0514524A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Odeyemi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-14
Filing date: 2005-07-14
Publication date: 2007-01-24
Also published as: GB0514524D0

Abstract

A luggage trolley of the type used in an airport or other transport terminal includes a luggage support platform 3, a weighing device for indicating the weight on the platform, and an electronic display for indicating the weight and displaying advertising and other information. The position of rear wheels 8 relative to the front wheels 11 may be changed on application of a brake to ensure that the platform 3 remains horizontal when the wheels 8 and 11 are on different steps of a rising escalator.

Description

1 2428302

LUGGAGE TROLLEY

The present invention relates to a luggage trolley. The present invention particularly relates to a luggage trolley of the type used at airports and similar transport passenger terminals.

Trolleys are known usually to be just a metal cage or platform on wheels that are difficult to take beyond flat surfaces. Known trolleys also lack luggage security.

Also, at airport check-in, unexpected excess luggage charges by airline operators can cause passenger grief, with resultant off-loading of the excess baggage and delays both for other passengers as well as the airline operators. Some passengers also have a tendency to lose track of time, or miss important boarding calls over the PA system or on the information screens around the terminal, causing further delays to all. It would be desirable to resolve at least one of these issues.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luggage trolley, in particular a luggage trolley for use in an airport or other such transport terminal, comprising a luggage support platform for supporting luggage placed thereon, and a weighing device for providing an indication of the weight of the luggage on the luggage support platform.

The luggage trolley may comprise an electronic information display unit for displaying information to a user of the trolley.

The information may comprise advertising information.

The information display unit may be connected for receiving and displaying information relating to the weight indication from the weighing device.

The luggage trolley may comprise an input unit adapted to allow a user of the trolley to enter information affecting what is displayed on the display unit.

The input unit may be operable to receive journey information such as flight information of a user of the trolley so that information relating to the journey information can be displayed to the user on the display unit.

The input unit may be adapted to allow a user of the trolley to control how the weight indication is used.

The display unit may be adapted to emit audio and/or visual information.

The luggage trolley may comprise an input unit to allow a user of the trolley to control how the weight indication is used.

The luggage trolley may comprise means for monitoring the weight indication from the weighing device and means for alerting a user of the trolley should the weight indication suggest the occurrence of a specified event.

The specified event may be a change in the weight indication from the weighing device from a specified watching level.

The specified event may be a movement of the weight indication from the weighing device above or below a specified threshold level.

The alerting means may be adapted to emit an audio and/or visual alert.

The alerting means may comprise the information display unit.

The input unit may be operable to allow a user of the trolley to input information concerning the specified event.

The input unit may comprise a security button to register the weight indication from the weighing device as the specified watching level.

The luggage trolley may comprise a handle and pillar structure at the rear.

The input unit may be provided as part of the handle structure for ease of visibility to a user of the trolley.

The display unit may be provided as part of the handle structure for ease of visibility to a user of the trolley.

The luggage trolley may be constructed using any one or more of metal, metal alloys, plastic or derivatives.

The luggage trolley may comprise at least one solar panel for providing power to at least one part of the trolley requiring it.

The luggage trolley may comprise a rear axle structure and adapted such that a rear end of the luggage platform structure is able to rise separately from the rear axle structure.

The luggage trolley may comprise at least one extension arm connected rotatably at one end thereof to the luggage platform structure and connected rotatably at the other end thereof to the rear axle structure.

The luggage trolley may comprise load support dampers for supporting the luggage platform structure when unloaded.

The dampers may lower the luggage platform structure onto the weighing device as the luggage platform structure is loaded.

The luggage trolley may carry advertising material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luggage trolley, in particular a luggage trolley for use in an airport or other such transport terminal, comprising an electronic information display unit for displaying information to a user of the trolley.

The information may comprise advertising information.

The display unit may be adapted to emit audio and/or visual information.

The luggage trolley may comprise a handle and pillar structure at the rear.

At least one extension arm may be connected rotatably at one end thereof to the luggage platfonn structure and connected rotatably at the other end thereof to the rear axle structure.

The luggage trolley may carry advertising material.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luggage trolley, in particular a luggage trolley for use in an airport or other such transport terminal, comprising a luggage support platform for supporting luggage placed thereon, and a mechanism adapted to allow a rear end of the luggage platform structure to rise in order to adapt to a front end of the luggage platform structure rising as a result of being placed on a step of a rising escalator, thereby enabling the luggage platform structure to be maintained substantially horizontal.

The luggage trolley may comprise a rear axle structure and adapted such that the rear end of the luggage platform structure is able to rise separately from the rear axle structure.

The at least one extension arm may be arranged to lift the rear end of the luggage support platform as the trolley is pushed forward.

The rear axle, rear wheels and at least one extension arm may be adapted to provide support for the luggage as the rear of the luggage platform structure moves vertically.

The luggage trolley may comprise a back support bar to prevent the luggage from falling off the luggage platform structure at the rear.

The luggage trolley may comprise a lift support mechanism for helping to raise the rear end of the luggage platform structure to overcome initial resistance of the rear of the luggage platform to vertical movement.

The luggage trolley may comprise a brake system, and the lift support mechanism may be activated by operating the brake system.

An embodiment of the present invention concerns a luggage trolley and is intended to improve the passenger transit process through different ports such as air and sea ports.

An embodiment of the present invention can incorporate one or more of the following features: a luggage weighing device, a unique rear axle structure to allow moving onto escalators, luggage security and an integrated information reception display panel.

An embodiment of the present invention is intended to provide the travelling passenger more information to allow an improved service and transit experience. Also it allows the transport operator a better level of service offered such as to alleviate departure delays brought about by avoidable situations, e.g. excess luggage or stolen bags.

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a rear side view of a trolley embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows a rear axle structure of the trolley; Figure 3 shows a side elevation of the trolley on a level surface; Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the trolley with the front wheels on the first step of a rising escalator; Figure 5 shows other parts of the trolley; Figure 6 shows a rear-side elevation of the trolley; and Figure 7 shows a side elevation of part of the trolley.

The trolley shown in Figure 1 comprises handle pillars 1 connected to a luggage platform 3, a luggage trolley rear support bar 2, a rear axle 6 connected via an extension arm 7 to the luggage platform structure 3 via 5.

In Figure 2 there is shown the rear axle structure with a foot operated brake pedal 9, brake pad bar 10, luggage lift mechanism 4 and the extension support arm 7.

Figure 3 shows the trolley on a level surface, while Figure 4 shows the trolley with the front wheels on the first step of a rising escalator. In Figure 4, the luggage platform 3 is shown rising and rear axle structure re-positioning forward under the luggage platform 3 by operating the foot brake.

Figure 5 shows a handle grip bar 12 with the support pillars 1, an information system display unit 13. A solar panel area may be positioned at 14.

Figure 6 shows a top luggage platform 21 with a weighing device 20 underneath.

Figure 7 shows the top luggage platform 21 connected to dampers 24, which are in turn connected to a lower luggage frame structure 25. Contact pads 23 are shown connected to the top luggage platform 21 which put pressure onto the weighing device when the top luggage platform 21 is loaded.

The luggage trolley is provided with a handle 12fig5 that incorporates an information reception display panel system 13 figS connected to the weighing device 20fig7 and solar panels 14fig5.

The rear axle structure fig2 supports the rear wheels 8fig3, special luggage platform load dampers 24fig7 and the weighing device2ofig7.

The luggage platform 3figl is a separate structure on which the weighing device 20fig7 is mounted and a top platform 21fig7 onto which luggage is placed. The handle pillars ifigi are connected on to the rear frame 6fig 1 which also supports the rear wheels 8figl. The top and lower luggage platform are connected to support dampers 24fig7 between them to protect the weighing device 20fig7, this feature protects the weighing device 20fig7 against immediate heavy loading onto the top luggage platform 21fig7 and weighing device 20fig7, thereby allowing the luggage platform 21fig7 to gradually lower onto the weighing device 20fig7.

The rear axle structure 6figl is connected to the luggage platform3figl structure by extended support arms 7fig2. The extended support arms 7fig4 are connected further forward unto the luggage platform 3figl to allow the rear axle movement forward as the front wheel 1 lfig4connected to the luggage platform 3fig4 is raised.

Referring to Figure 7, when unloaded, the trolley has the top luggage platform 21 slightly floating above the weighing device 20, supported by the load dampers 24.

On loading the platform 21 with luggage or similar, the dampers 24 allow the platform 21 to lower gradually onto the weighing device 20. The contact pads 23 transfer the luggage weight onto the weighing device 20, which will then send the readout to the information display unit 13 of Figure 5 on the handle structure.

When loading is complete, a secure button can be activated from the information display unit panel 13 of Figure 5 which registers the weight and monitors any change in weight which will trigger an alarm warning of load change. The alarm would alert the owner of the load to the possibility that his!her luggage has been stolen or otherwise removed.

The registering of the load and display readout also enables the owner to make adjustments, if necessary, to prevent excess charges and delay at airline check-in.

Referring to Figure 3, the information display panel 3 also allows the user! passenger to input travel details to activate a stream of necessary information regarding the input detail for the user!passenger to the trolley information display panel unit 3.

The handle 12 of Figure 5 may also have solar panels that are connected to rechargeable batteries that power the devices on the trolley.

The trolley is shown on a level surface as shown in Figure 3. When proceeding onto an escalator, the front wheels 11 start to rise on the first step as shown in Figure 4.

The foot pedal brakes 9 are applied at the rear, which also causes an optional rear end lever mechanism 4 to assist the rear end of the luggage platform to rise, thus allowing the rear wheels and axle 8 to move forward and cause the luggage platform structure 3 to rise further. The resultant effect of applying the brakes causes a simultaneous rotational movement of the brakes 10 contacting the wheels 8 and the initial upward movement of the luggage platform allows the rear axle structure and wheels 8 to move forward and underneath the luggage platform 3. As the front end rises with the escalator, the luggage platform 3 moves upwards and allows the rear axle 6 further underneath the luggage platform 3 via the extension arm 7 to maintain support of the load.

On the luggage platform structure there is a back support bar 2 that can provide extra support to the load to prevent tipping backwards.

The display unit can be used to provide various information to the user, such as information relating to his/her flight or travel connection, boarding information, local information, shopping information, promotions, advertising and so on.

Claims

1. A luggage trolley, in particular a luggage trolley for use in an airport or other such transport terminal, comprising a luggage support platform for supporting luggage placed thereon, and a weighing device for providing an indication of the weight of the luggage on the luggage support platform.

2. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 1, comprising an electronic information display unit for displaying information to a user of the trolley.

3. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 2, wherein the information comprises advertising information.

4. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the information display unit is connected for receiving and displaying information relating to the weight indication from the weighing device.

5. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, comprising an input unit adapted to allow a user of the trolley to enter information affecting what is displayed on the display unit.

6. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 5, wherein the input unit is operable to receive journey information such as flight information of a user of the trolley so that information relating to the journey information can be displayed to the user on the display unit.

7. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the input unit is adapted to allow a user of the trolley to control how the weight indication is used.

8. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the display unit is adapted to emit audio and/or visual information.

9. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims ito 4, comprising an input unit to allow a user of the trolley to control how the weight indication is used.

10. A luggage trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for monitoring the weight indication from the weighing device and means for alerting a user of the trolley should the weight indication suggest the occurrence of a specified event.

11. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 10, wherein the specified event is a change in the weight indication from the weighing device from a specified watching level.

12. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 10, wherein the specified event is a movement of the weight indication from the weighing device above or below a specified threshold level.

13. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the alerting means are adapted to emit an audio and/or visual alert.

14. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the alerting means comprise the information display unit.

15. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the input unit is operable to allow a user of the trolley to input information concerning the specified event.

16. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 15, when dependent on claim 11, wherein the input unit comprises a security button to register the weight indication from the weighing device as the specified watching level.

17. A luggage trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a handle and pillar structure at the rear.

18. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 17, when dependent on claim 5 or 9, wherein the input unit is provided as part of the handle structure for ease of visibility to a user of the trolley.

19. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 17 or 18, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the display unit is provided as part of the handle structure for ease of visibility to a user of the trolley.

20. A luggage trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, constructed using any one or more of metal, metal alloys, plastic or derivatives.

21. A luggage trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least one solar panel for providing power to at least one part of the trolley requiring it.

22. A luggage trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a rear axle structure and adapted such that a rear end of the luggage platform structure is able to rise separately from the rear axle structure.

23. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 22, comprising at least one extension arm connected rotatably at one end thereof to the luggage platform structure and connected rotatably at the other end thereof to the rear axle structure.

24. A luggage trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising load support dampers for supporting the luggage platform structure when unloaded.

25. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 24, wherein the dampers lower the luggage platform structure onto the weighing device as the luggage platform structure is loaded.

26. A luggage trolley as claimed in any preceding claim, carrying advertising material.

27. A luggage trolley, in particular a luggage trolley for use in an airport or other such transport terminal, comprising an electronic information display unit for displaying information to a user of the trolley.

28. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 27, wherein the information comprises advertising information.

29. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 27 or 28, comprising an input unit adapted to allow a user of the trolley to enter information affecting what is displayed on the display unit.

30. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 29, wherein the input unit is operable to receive journey information such as flight information of a user of the trolley so that information relating to the journey information can be displayed to the user on the display unit.

31. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the display unit is adapted to emit audio and/or visual information.

32. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, comprising a handle and pillar structure at the rear.

33. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 32, when dependent on claim 29, wherein the input unit is provided as part of the handle structure for ease of visibility to a user of the trolley.

34. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 32 or 33, wherein the display unit is provided as part of the handle structure for ease of visibility to a user of the trolley.

35. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 34, constructed using any one or more of metal, metal alloys, plastic or derivatives.

36. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 35, comprising at least one solar panel for providing power to at least one part of the trolley requiring it.

37. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 36, comprising a rear axle structure and adapted such that a rear end of the luggage platform structure is able to rise separately from the rear axle structure.

38. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 37, wherein at least one extension arm connected rotatably at one end thereof to the luggage platform structure and connected rotatably at the other end thereof to the rear axle structure.

39. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 38, carrying advertising material.

40. A luggage trolley, in particular a luggage trolley for use in an airport or other such transport terminal, comprising a luggage support platform for supporting luggage placed thereon, and a mechanism adapted to allow a rear end of the luggage platform structure to rise in order to adapt to a front end of the luggage platform structure rising as a result of being placed on a step of a rising escalator, thereby enabling the luggage platform structure to be maintained substantially horizontal.

41. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 40, comprising a rear axle structure and adapted such that the rear end of the luggage platform structure is able to rise separately from the rear axle structure.

42. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 41, comprising at least one extension arm connected rotatably at one end thereof to the luggage platform structure and connected rotatably at the other end thereof to the rear axle structure.

43. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 42, wherein the at least one extension arm is arranged to lift the rear end of the luggage support platform as the trolley is pushed forward.

44. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 42 or 43, wherein the rear axle, rear wheels and at least one extension arm are adapted to provide support for the luggage as the rear of the luggage platform structure moves vertically.

45. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 44, comprising a back support bar to prevent the luggage from falling off the luggage platform structure at the rear.

46. A luggage trolley as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 45, comprising a lift support mechanism for helping to raise the rear end of the luggage platform structure to overcome initial resistance of the rear of the luggage platform to vertical movement.

47. A luggage trolley as claimed in claim 46, comprising a brake system, and wherein the lift support mechanism is activated by operating the brake system.

48. A luggage trolley substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.