Transport trolley

Abstract

The invention relates to a push handle unit having at least one transverse strut and having two end pieces which in the assembled state are arranged at the ends of the transverse strut and have a device for fastening to a manually movable transport trolley, wherein the push handle unit has a free-standing, projecting gripping unit on each of the two end pieces. The gripping unit consists in each case at least of a gripping unit receptacle and of a gripping unit insert, and a gripping unit is formed on each end piece. The invention further relates to a manually movable transport trolley having such a push handle unit.

Claims

1. A push handle unit comprising at least one transverse strut and comprising two end pieces which, in a mounted state, are arranged at ends of the transverse strut and have a device for fastening to a manually movable transport trolley, wherein the push handle unit has a free-standing, projecting gripping unit on each of the two end pieces, where the gripping unit in each case consists at least of a gripping unit receptacle and a gripping unit insert, wherein the gripping unit receptacle is molded onto each end piece, and wherein an object holder is molded integrally onto the gripping unit insert.

2. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit insert is insertable into the gripping unit receptacle.

3. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit insert is latchable in the gripping unit receptacle.

4. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit insert has an attachment edge at least in sections.

5. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object holder is designed as a holder for in each case at least one drinks cup and/or a hand scanner and/or a cell phone and/or a tablet and/or a magnifying glass and/or a shopping list.

6. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object holder is designed as a hook and/or an encircling handle and/or a handle cap.

7. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit on one end piece is formed integrally, and wherein the gripping unit on the other end piece consists of the gripping unit receptacle and the gripping unit insert, onto which the object holder is molded.

8. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transverse strut has a central piece and two handle portions which are separated from each other by the central piece.

9. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the central piece has a coin deposit system and/or a display field.

10. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein each handle portion is formed by a projection of the transverse strut and by a projection of an end piece.

11. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle unit receptacle and the handle unit insert at least partially engage in each other in a form-fitting manner in the mounted state.

12. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end pieces are formed from plastic.

13. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit receptacle is of substantially cup-like design.

14. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit receptacle and the gripping unit insert are at least partially formed from different materials.

15. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit is in each case inclined in the mounted state in a direction of the transverse strut.

16. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein each end piece has an extension which is insertable into the transverse strut.

17. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the extension has an anti-rotation device.

18. The push handle unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit in the mounted state encloses an angle within a range of between approximately 55 to approximately 85 with the transverse strut.

19. A manually movable transport trolley comprising at least one push handle unit, the push handle unit comprising at least one transverse strut and comprising two end pieces which, in a mounted state, are arranged at ends of the transverse strut and have a device for fastening to the manually movable transport trolley, wherein the push handle unit has a free-standing, projecting gripping unit on each of the two end pieces, where the gripping unit in each case consists at least of a gripping unit receptacle and a gripping unit insert, wherein the gripping unit receptacle is molded onto each end piece, and wherein an object holder is molded integrally onto the gripping unit insert.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the drawing.

(2) In the drawing:

(3) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a push handle unit according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 2 shows a perspective detailed illustration of a push handle unit according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 3 shows a perspective illustration of a shopping trolley with the push handle unit according to FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a push handle unit according to the invention;

(7) FIG. 5 shows a perspective front view of an exemplary embodiment of a gripping unit according to the invention;

(8) FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit according to FIG. 5;

(9) FIG. 7 shows a perspective rear view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit according to FIG. 5;

(10) FIG. 8 shows a perspective top view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit according to FIG. 5; and

(11) FIG. 9 shows a perspective bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit according to FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(12) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a push handle unit 10 according to the invention in a perspective illustration.

(13) The push handle unit 10 has a transverse strut 12 which is designed here as a transverse bar.

(14) However, the transverse strut 12 can also have a central piece 13 and two handle portions 18 which are separated from each other by the central piece 13 (see FIG. 4).

(15) However, the transverse strut 12 can also have a coin deposit system, as is disclosed, for example, in EP 0 985 200 B1.

(16) In the mounted state, as shown in FIG. 1, the push handle unit 10 furthermore has a respective end piece 14 at both ends of the transverse strut 12, said end pieces being of identical design in a mirror-inverted manner.

(17) The end pieces 14 have a device 16 for fastening to a manually movable transport trolley (not illustrated specifically).

(18) A transport trolley of this type can be a shopping trolley or a transport trolley for DIY stores.

(19) Two handle portions 18 arc in each case provided in the region of the ends of the transverse strut 12, said handle portions representing the regular handle position of a person pushing the trolley in the normal pushing mode of the trolley.

(20) As is apparent in FIG. 4, two handle portions 18 which are separated by a portion of the central piece 13 are provided.

(21) At the two end pieces 14, the push handle unit 10 in each case has free-standing, projecting gripping units 20. Each gripping unit 20 is formed here at least from a gripping unit receptacle 22 and a gripping unit insert 24.

(22) The gripping unit receptacles 22 are each molded here onto the associated end piece 14.

(23) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end piece 14 and the gripping unit receptacle 22 are formed integrally here.

(24) Further details are apparent from FIG. 2.

(25) The gripping unit receptacle 22 is of substantially cup-like design here.

(26) The gripping unit insert 24 is inserted here into the gripping unit receptacle 22 of cup-like design, or is latched into said gripping unit receptacle. In the mounted state, the gripping unit receptacle 22 and the gripping unit insert 24 at least partially engage in a form-fitting manner in each other.

(27) The device for fastening to the manually movable transport trolley 16 is designed in such a manner that it can be placed onto a corresponding extension of a transport trolley. Either merely a form-fitting fastening or a form-fitting fastening with additional bolt fastening, riveting or screwing can be provided there. It is conceivable in principle that the fastening device 16 is placed onto part of a basket or a carrier of the chassis of the transport trolley.

(28) As is furthermore apparent from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each handle portion 18 is formed by the transverse strut 12 and by a projection of the end piece 14.

(29) The end pieces 14 are formed here from plastic, here polypropylene (PP). The gripping unit receptacle 22 and the gripping unit insert 24 can be constructed from identical materials. However, this is not absolutely necessary; it is also conceivable for the gripping unit receptacle 22 and the gripping unit insert 24 to be at least partially formed from different materials, as shown here. It is thus provided here that the gripping unit receptacle 22 and the end piece 14 are formed from plastic while the gripping unit insert 24 is partially formed from a rubber material in order to permit better gripping properties.

(30) The gripping unit insert 24 has an encircling attachment edge 24a. The attachment edge 24a in turn is adapted to the edge 22a of the gripping unit receptacle. An unambiguous installation option for the gripping unit insert is thereby provided since there is only one attachment option for the gripping unit insert 24 and the associated gripping unit receptacle 22 (right and left gripping unit of mirror-inverted design), which permits the installation and in particular also correct installation.

(31) Furthermore, the gripping unit insert 24 has a trough 24b for the resting of the thumb.

(32) The shaping of the gripping unit 20 overall is such that the latter provide a handle option which are adapted to the hands of the user of a push handle unit. Troughs for fingers, depositing surfaces, hollows for the thumb and corresponding bulges which are adapted to the hand shape of the user are also conceivable. It is thus in particular conceivable that a separate supporting surface 24c for the palm of the hand is provided with a bulge which can then correspondingly lie directly against the palm.

(33) Overall, the gripping unit 20 is ergonomically adapted, wherein the configuration is selected in such a manner that it is suitable both for small and for large hands and, for this purpose, height and cross section are correspondingly adapted. By means of an improved support of the hand and a corresponding ergonomic configuration, it also becomes possible to be able to introduce forces into the gripping unit 20 more simply. By means of the improved supporting possibility of the hand on the gripping unit 20, it is made easier for the user to be able to move even a heavy shopping trolley or transport trolley.

(34) As shown in FIG. 2, the gripping unit insert 24 is inserted into the gripping unit receptacle 22. The mounting of the gripping unit insert 24 in the gripping unit receptacle 22 is thereby facilitated. Gripping unit insert 24 and gripping unit receptacle 22 are adapted to each other.

(35) The gripping unit 20 is inclined in the direction of the transverse strut 12 in the mounted state, as is also apparent in FIG. 1.

(36) In the mounted state, the two gripping units 20 enclose an angle of approx. 60 to approx. 75 with the transverse strut 12.

(37) The end piece 14 furthermore has an extension 26 which is insertable into a recess 28 which is not shown specifically but is designed for a form-fitting insert.

(38) The extension 26 furthermore has an anti-rotation means 30, wherein the anti-rotation means 30 is formed by the shaping of the extension 26 with a lug 32.

(39) FIG. 3 shows the push handle unit 10 in the mounted state on a shopping trolley 34 in a perspective illustration.

(40) The function of the push handle unit 10 can be described as follows:

(41) By means of the handle portions 18, pushing of the transport trolley (not illustrated specifically) is permitted to the effect that the latter can be engaged around as customary with hands placed thereon horizontally and pushed.

(42) By means of the gripping units 20, easier pushing and pulling of the transport trolley is permitted in particular in the event of heavy loading of the transport trolley.

(43) Owing to the fact that the gripping units 20 are of two-part design, namely by means of the gripping unit receptacle 22 and the gripping unit insert 24, it is made possible to be able to more easily replace parts of the gripping units 20 in the event of damage.

(44) Furthermore, it is possible to permit a better ergonomic shaping of the gripping units 20.

(45) In addition, it is possible to mount the gripping unit inserts 24 only after the transport, as a result of which the transport can be facilitated.

(46) In the event of damage to the gripping unit inserts 24, the latter can also be unproblematically exchanged and replaced without having to completely disassemble the entire push handle unit 10.

(47) The gripping unit receptacle 22 and the gripping unit insert 24 or the end piece 14 can be produced by injection molding. Possible materials are, for example, impact-resistant, injection-moldable plastics, such as polypropylene (PP). The injection-moldable plastics can be fiber-reinforced or else not fiber-reinforced.

(48) FIG. 4 shows, in a perspective view, a further exemplary embodiment of a pushing unit 10 which can be alternatively mounted on the shopping trolley 34 shown in FIG. 3.

(49) The transverse strut 12 here has a central piece 13 which is designed as a coin deposit system 36.

(50) The coin deposit system 36 furthermore has a display field 38 in which an advertisement can be clipped.

(51) The end pieces 14 with the gripping unit receptacle 22 and the gripping unit insert 24 are formed identically as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

(52) FIG. 5 shows a perspective front view of an exemplary embodiment of a gripping unit 20 according to the invention.

(53) The exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit 20 that is shown in FIG. 5 has substantially the same structural and functional features as the two exemplary embodiments of the gripping unit 20 that arc shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

(54) Only the following structural features will be pointed out:

(55) The gripping unit 20 is formed integrally on the one end piece 14 (not shown in FIG. 5)

(56) On the other end piece 14 according to FIG. 5, the gripping unit 20 consists of the gripping unit receptacle 22 and the gripping unit insert 24.

(57) An object holder 24d is formed integrally on the gripping unit insert 24, and therefore the gripping unit insert 24 is formed in one piece with the object holder 24d, i.e. as one component.

(58) The object holder 24d consists of a circular-ring-shaped structural element and an arcuate structural element which connects the gripping unit insert 24 integrally to the outer surface of the circular-ring-shaped structural element.

(59) A drinks cup or an optical lens element can be arranged within the circular structural element.

(60) According to FIG. 5, the object holder 24 is designed as a holder for a drinks cup or a magnifying glass.

(61) Alternatively, the object holder 24 according to FIG. 5 can also be designed as a holder for a hand scanner or a cell phone or a tablet or a shopping list.

(62) Furthermore, the object holder 24d can also be designed as a hook or an encircling handle or a handle cap.

(63) The gripping unit 20 can furthermore be both part of the exemplary embodiment of the push handle unit 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 and of the exemplary embodiment of the push handle unit 10 according to FIG. 4.

(64) The gripping unit 20 is molded here onto the two end pieces 14 which, in the mounted state, are in each case arranged at the ends of the transverse strut 12, 12 and adjoin the transverse strut 12, 12 there.

(65) The end pieces 14 are fastened here by means of the extension 26 within the respective recess 28 (see FIG. 2) of the transverse strut 12, 12 and secured by means of the anti-rotation means 30 or the lug 32 against rotation in relation to the transverse strut 12, 12.

(66) In addition, the end piece 14 is fastened to the transport trolley 34 by means of the device 16.

(67) For this purpose, the device 16 in each case has a pocket which interacts in a form-fitting manner with a respective extension of a transport trolley 34 or is in each case pushable into the pocket and can thus be connected to said extension.

(68) FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit 20 according to FIG. 5.

(69) A bolt or a pin with axial fixing, by means of which the respective device 16 and the respective extension of the transport trolley 34 are fixable, is illustrated therein.

(70) FIG. 7 shows a perspective rear view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit 20 according to FIG. 5.

(71) FIG. 7 shows an annular extension surface of the end piece 14, which extension surface is adjoined by the respective end piece 14 in the mounted state at the ends of the transverse strut 12, 12.

(72) FIG. 8 shows a perspective top view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit 20 according to FIG. 5.

(73) FIG. 9 furthermore shows a perspective bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of the gripping unit 20 according to FIG. 5.

(74) The integral transition between the circular-ring-shaped structural element and the arcuate structural element is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

(75) The integral transition is provided with a radius in order to reduce the stress concentration between the circular-ring-shaped structural element and arcuate structural element.

REFERENCE SIGNS

(76) 10 Push handle unit 12 Transverse strut 14 End piece 16 Device 18 Handle portion 20 Gripping unit 22 Gripping unit receptacle 22a Edge 24 Gripping unit insert 24a Attachment edge 24b Trough 24c Supporting surface 26 Extension 28 Recess 30 Anti-rotation means 32 Lug 34 Shopping trolley 10 Push handle unit 12 Transverse strut 13 Central piece 18 Handle portion 36 Coin deposit system 38 Display field 20 Gripping unit 24 Gripping unit insert 24d Object holder