SYSTEM FOR THE SUPPORT AND HANDLING OF OBJECTS

Abstract

A system for supporting and handling one or more objects including a cart having a front (F) and a rear (R), and a furniture. The cart can be extracted along an extraction and insertion axis (X) in the direction from the front (F) towards the rear (R), from the furniture and can be inserted along the extraction and insertion axis (X) in the direction from the rear (R) towards the front (F), in the furniture. The cart comprises a frame, movement means of the frame, operatively connected to the latter in a movable or rotatable manner, which define, when the cart is inserted or partially inserted, a rest operating position (RP) in which they do not support and/or are not able to move the frame and, when the cart is extracted, at least one working operating position (WP) in which they support and/or are able to move the frame.

Claims

1. A system for supporting and handling one or more objects comprising a cart or transport device of one or more objects having a front (F) and a rear (R), and a furniture equipped with at least two opposite walls and guide means which define an extraction and insertion axis (X) for said cart or transport device, said cart or transport device being extractable, in use, along said extraction and insertion axis (X) in the direction from said front (F) towards said rear (R), from said furniture so as to define at least one extracted operating position (EP) in which said front (F) of said cart or transport device is outside said furniture, and insertable, in use, along said extraction and insertion axis (X) in the direction from said rear (R) towards said front (F), in said furniture so as to define at least one inserted or partially inserted operating position (IP) in which said front (F) of said cart or transport device is inside said furniture, said cart or transport device comprising a frame, and movement means of said frame, operatively connected to the latter in a movable or rotatable way, which define, when said cart or transport device is in said at least one inserted or partially inserted operating position (IP), at least one rest operating position (RP) in which they do not support and/or are not able to move said frame and, when said cart or transport device is in said at least one extracted operating position (EP), at least one working operating position (WP) in which they support and/or are able to move said frame, wherein said cart or transport device, when it is in said extracted operating position (EP), is moveable as a separate unit from said furniture.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said guide means comprise at least two main parallel sliding guides for said cart or transport device each fixed or mounted on a respective opposite wall of said furniture.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein at least one main parallel sliding guide of said at least two main parallel sliding guides comprises or delimits a first section substantially rectilinear and parallel to said extraction and insertion axis (X) and a second section inclined or curved downwards.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said guide means (4) comprise two secondary parallel sliding guides (4b) each fixed or mounted on a respective opposite wall (3a, 3b) of said furniture (3) and configured to support said cart or transport device (2) during the passage from said extracted operating position (EP) to said inserted or partially inserted operating position (IP) and vice versa.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a bottom wall, two opposite flanks each including a plurality of uprights and a top wall supported by said plurality of uprights.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said frame comprises at least one intermediate wall or shelf interposed between said bottom wall and said top wall.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said top wall or said at least one intermediate wall or shelf comprises side fins and/or a support component, in use, operatively coupled with said guide means to support said cart or transport device during the passage from said extracted operating position (EP) to said inserted or partially inserted operating position (IP) and vice versa.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said movement means comprise a plurality of support elements or legs, and a plurality of displacement members each operatively connected to a respective support element or leg, at least one support element or leg of said plurality of support elements or legs being operatively connected with said actuation means.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said cart or transport device comprises at least one reinforcing component for at least one or each supporting element or leg of said plurality of supporting elements or legs.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said cart or transport device comprises at least one locking component or lever, kinematically coupled with said movement means, which defines a slot slidably engaged with a protruding element or portion included in, or delimited on, said movement means, or comprises or delimits a protruding element or portion slidably engaged in a slot delimited on said movement means.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said locking component or lever delimits or comprises at least one abutment portion configured to abut with said furniture when said cart or transport device is inserted, along said extraction and insertion axis (X) in the direction from said rear (R) towards said front (F), in said furniture so as to activate a displacement or rotation of said movement means to allow, in use, the operative coupling of said actuation means with said guide means.

12. The system according to claim 1, comprising actuation means, in use, operatively associable with said guide means to actuate a displacement or rotation of said movement means from said at least one rest operating position (RP) to said ad least one working operating position (WP) and vice versa or actuation means configured to actuate the displacement or rotation of said movement means from said working operating position (WP) to said rest operating position (RP).

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein said actuation means comprise at least one actuation mechanism which includes a first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component operatively rigidly connected in rotation or displacement with said movement means, and a second kinematic member, operatively connected with said first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component, configured to slide in or on said guide means to transmit motion to said first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component so as to actuate a displacement or rotation of said movement means from said at least one rest operating position (RP) to said at least one working operating position (WP) and vice versa.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein said movement means comprise, in use, front movement means proximal to said front (F) and, in use, rear movement means proximal to said rear (R), said cart or transport device comprising return means configured to transfer the displacement or rotation of said, in use, front movement means to said, in use, rear movement means.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said return means comprise at least one connecting rod which includes a first end operatively connected to said, in use, front movement means and a second end operatively connected to said, in use, rear movement means, said connecting rod being configured to transfer the displacement or rotation of said, in use, front movement means to said, in use, rear movement means.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein said cart or transport device comprises a locking mechanism of said return means which includes an abutment component, operatively connected with said first end of said connecting rod, and a stop component or lever, operatively connected to said frame, said stop component or lever being rotatable or movable between a plurality of operating arrangements (DI, D2, D3) for locking said abutment component in position when said cart or transport device is in said extracted operating position (EP).

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a control component of said stop component or lever configured to lock said locking component or lever in a first operating arrangement (DI) when said cart or transport device is in said extracted operating position (EP), and to release said stop component or lever from said first operating arrangement (DI), so that said stop component or lever can free the movement of said abutment component, when said cart or transport device is in said operating position inserted or partially inserted (IP).

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein said stop component or lever comprises elastic means operatively associated therewith and configured to maintain said stop component or lever in said first operating arrangement (DI), i.e., keeping said stop component or lever in a locking position of said abutment component, when said cart or transport device is in said extracted operating position (EP).

19. The system according to claim 16, wherein said stop component or lever defines a slotted hole slidably engaged with a projecting element or portion included in or delimited on said frame, or comprises or delimits a protruding element or portion slidably engaged in a slotted hole delimited on said frame.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein said cart or transport device comprises support and cushioning means, operatively connected to said movement means, configured to support the movement or rotation of said movement means in the passage of the latter from said working operating position (WP) to said rest operating position (RP) and to cushion the movement or rotation of said movement means in the passage of the latter from said rest operating position (RP) to said working operating position (WP).

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein said support and cushioning means comprise a gas spring which includes a cylinder, a piston enclosed in said cylinder and a rod having a first end operatively connected with said piston and a second end operatively connected with said actuation means of said movement means.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein said furniture comprises a baseboard.

23. The system according to claim 1, comprising selective blocking means designed to selectively block or unblock the extraction of said cart or transport device from said furniture along said extraction and insertion axis (X) when the latter is in said inserted or partially inserted operating position (IP).

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein said selective blocking means comprise at least a stop element mounted or fixed at said front (F) of said frame of said cart or transport device and a balance wheel, operatively associated to a tilting element, movable between a blocking position (BP) of said stop element and an unlocking position (UP) of said stop element.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein said balance wheel comprises an actuation portion designed to be pressed by an operator to actuate the release of said stop element and an interference portion inclined downwards and arranged so that, following the pressure of the operator on said actuation portion, the movement or passage of said balance wheel from said blocking position (BP) to said unlocking position (UP) is generated.

26. The system according to claim 24, wherein respective selective blocking means are provided on each opposite wall of said furniture and said system comprises a connection element that connect the balance wheel of the selective blocking means provided on said first wall of said furniture to the balance wheel of the selective blocking means provided on the other wall of said furniture so that by acting on a respective balance wheel the motion is also transferred to the other balance wheel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the description of an example of embodiment of a system for supporting and handling objects, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively a perspective view and a side view of a system for supporting and handling objects according to an example of embodiment of the present invention in an extracted operating position;

[0023] FIGS. 3 and 4 are respectively a perspective and side view of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in a partially inserted operating position;

[0024] FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively a perspective and side view of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in an inserted operating position;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of some details of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in an extracted operating position;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of some details of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in an extracted operating position with some components eliminated for a better understanding;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of some details of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in a partially inserted operating position;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of some details of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in a partially inserted operating position with some components eliminated for a better understanding;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of some details of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in an inserted operating position;

[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of some details of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in an inserted operating position with some components eliminated for a better understanding;

[0031] FIG. 13 is an enlargement of some components of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

[0032] FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 are a series of enlargements of some components of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 respectively in a first, in a second and in a third operating arrangement;

[0033] FIGS. 18 and 19 are a perspective view of a system for supporting and handling objects according to another example of embodiment of the present invention respectively in an extracted operating position and in an inserted or partially inserted operating position,

[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of limit switch means of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 18 and 19;

[0035] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of some details of a cart or transport device of a system for supporting and handling objects according to the example of embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 18 and 19; and

[0036] FIGS. 22 and 23 are respectively perspective view of selective blocking means of a system for supporting and handling objects in a blocking position and in an unblocking position according to the example of embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, identical parts or components are identified by the same reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] With reference to the attached figures, the numeral 1 indicates as a whole a system for supporting and handling one or more objects according to a non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The system for supporting and handling one or more objects according to the present invention comprises a car or transport device 2 of one or more objects having a front F and a rear R, and a furniture or containment element 3 including guide means 4 which define an extraction and insertion axis X for the cart or transport device 2.

[0040] The cart or transport device 2 can be a kitchen cart, a food cart or even a luggage cart or, more generally, any storage cart.

[0041] The furniture or containment element 3, on the other hand, can be a kitchen base furniture, a wardrobe, a shelf or, more generally, any furniture defining a containment or housing space.

[0042] As is customary in the sector, the furniture or containment element 3 also comprises a baseboard 3d and any support feet 3e for the furniture or containment element 3 itself.

[0043] The cart or transport device 2 can be extracted, in use, along the extraction and insertion axis X in the direction from the front F towards the rear R, from the furniture or containment element 3 so as to define at least one extracted operating position EP in which the front F of the cart or transport device 2 is outside the furniture or containment element 3, and can be inserted, in use, along the extraction and insertion axis X in the direction from the rear R towards the front F, in the furniture or containment element 3 so as to define at least one inserted or partially inserted operating position IP in which the front F of the cart or transport device 2 is inside the furniture or containment element 3.

[0044] Basically, the cart or transport device 2 can be used, when it is in the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP, as a simple object support, while, when it is in the extracted operating position EP, as an object transport device.

[0045] In particular, the cart or transport device 2, when it is in the extracted operating position EP, is moveable as a separate unit from the furniture or containment element 3.

[0046] In this sense, the cart or transport device 2, when it is in the extracted operating position EP, can be used as an object transport device which can be moved separately from the furniture or containment element 3, thus constituting in this operating position, a separate unit from the latter, in fact, being able to be moved in the operating environment even for great distances, for example over 10, 20, 50 or even 100 meters from the furniture or containment element 3.

[0047] As will be better understood hereinafter, the present invention provides suitable technical solutions which allow the cart or transport device 2 to be inserted into and extracted from the furniture or containment element 3 in a very simple, fast and effective way.

[0048] The cart or transport device 2 comprises a frame 5 and movement means 6 of the frame 5, operatively connected to the latter in a displaceable or rotatable way, which define, when the cart or transport device 2 is in at least one inserted or partially inserted operating position IP, at least one operating rest position RP in which they do not support and/or are not able to move the frame 5 and, when the cart or transport device 2 is in at least one extracted operating position EP, at least an working operating position WP in which they support and/or are able to move the frame 5.

[0049] For example, a rest operating position RP in which the movement means 6 do not support and/or are not able to move the frame 5 could be an operating position in which the movement means 6 are not in contact with any surface, while an working operating position WP in which the movement means 6 support and/or are able to move the frame 5 could be an operating position in which the movement means 6 are in contact with any base surface, for example a floor.

[0050] According to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in figures from 1 to 17, the cart or transport device 2 also comprises actuation means 7 which, in use, can be operatively associated with the guide means 4 to actuate a movement or rotation of the movement means 6 from the at least one rest operating position RP to the at least one working operating position WP and vice versa.

[0051] In other words, the actuation means 7 can be coupled with the guide means 4 of the furniture or containment element 3 for the passage of the movement means 6 from the at least one working position WP to the at least one rest operating position RP and vice versa, for example from a working operating position WP in which the latter are in contact with any surface, to a rest operating position RP in which they are not in contact with any surface.

[0052] According to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the passage of the movement means 6 from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP is generated by the impact or collision of the latter with a delimiting lower edge 3c of the entrance to the internal area of the furniture or containment element 3.

[0053] Therefore, according to this non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the delimiting lower edge 3c of the furniture or containment element 3 can be considered as actuation means for the passage of the movement means 6 from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP.

[0054] In this sense, according to this non-limiting example of embodiment, the actuation means are configured to actuate the displacement or rotation of the movement means 6 from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP.

[0055] With reference to this, when the cart or transport device 2 is in the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP, the movement means 6 or at least some of them, are in contact with a lower or bottom horizontal wall or baseboard 3d of the furniture or containment element 3, and in the passage of the cart or transport device 2 from the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP to the extracted operating position EP, it is the weight force of the movement means 6 themselves which makes them pass from the rest operating position RP to the working operating position WP.

[0056] As regards, in more detail, the furniture or containment element 3, according to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, it comprises at least two opposite walls 3a, 3b and the guide means 4 comprise at least two main parallel sliding guides 4a for the cart or transport device 2 each fixed or mounted on a respective opposite wall 3a, 3b of the furniture or containment element 3.

[0057] In particular, at least one main parallel sliding guide 4a, preferably both of the at least two main parallel sliding guides 4a comprise or delimit a first section 4a1 which is substantially straight and parallel to the extraction and insertion axis X and a second section 4a2 which is inclined or curved downward.

[0058] This particular configuration of at least one main parallel sliding guide 4a will allow, as will be described in more detail below, through the operative coupling with the actuation means 7, the effective movement or rotation of the movement means 6 from at least one working operating position WP to at least one rest operating position RP and vice versa.

[0059] The guide means 4 can also comprise two secondary parallel sliding guides 4b each fixed or mounted on a respective opposite wall 3a, 3b of the furniture or containment element 3, for example, flush with a respective side entrance edge 3a1, 3b 1 of the opposite walls 3a, 3b, and configured to support the cart or transport device 2 during the passage from the extracted operating position EP to the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP and vice versa or, more particularly, to support the cart or transport device 2 during the passage of the movement means 6 from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP and vice versa.

[0060] According to the non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures and with particular reference to FIG. 13, these secondary parallel sliding guides 4b each comprise a first channel 4c, for example substantially U-shaped, and a second channel 4d, for example substantially C-shaped, connected by means of suitable connection means to the first channel 4c.

[0061] In particular, the first channel 4c can comprise, at or around one of its first ends, a first roller component 4e configured to facilitate the support and insertion and/or extraction of the cart or transport device 2 while the second channel 4d can comprise a bottom section 4d1, a top section 4d2 and a connecting section 4d3 between the bottom section 4d1 and the top section 4d2, so as to form a sliding channel, for example substantially C-shaped, for a support component 5g, for example a second roller component, included in the frame 5 or, more generally, in the cart or transport device 2 and also configured to facilitate the support and insertion and/or the extraction of the latter.

[0062] It should be considered that, in the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, only the secondary parallel sliding guides 4b are present and, therefore, the same can be considered in this embodiment simply as parallel sliding guides.

[0063] Basically, the secondary parallel sliding guides 4b support the cart or transport device 2 from above when the latter is in the inserted or at least partially inserted operating position IP.

[0064] As regards the cart or transport device 2 or, more particularly, its frame 5, according to the non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, it comprises a bottom wall 5a, two opposite flanks 5b each including a plurality of uprights 5c and a top wall 5d supported by the plurality of uprights 5c.

[0065] In other non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention, the frame 5 could comprise only a bottom wall 5a, for example in the case where the cart or transport device 2 is a luggage cart, or only a top wall 5d, for example in the event that the cart or transport device 2 is a simple food cart.

[0066] Furthermore, the frame 5 can also comprise at least one intermediate wall or shelf 5e interposed between the bottom wall 5a and the top wall 5d, so as to be able to support and transport a greater number of objects.

[0067] The top wall 5d or the at least one intermediate wall or shelf 5e, if present, comprises side flaps 5f and/or a support component 5g which, in use, can be operatively coupled with the guide means 4 or, more specifically, with the secondary parallel sliding guides 4b to support the cart or transport device 2 during the passage from the extracted operating position EP to the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP and vice versa or, more particularly, to support the cart or transport device 2 during the passage of the movement means 6 from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP and vice versa.

[0068] According to the non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the side flaps 5f of the frame 5 can, in use, be operatively associated, for example slidingly engageable, with the first channel 4c, facilitated by sliding on the first roller component 4e while the support component 5g is, in use, operatively associable, for example slidingly engageable, with the second channel 4d.

[0069] Preferably, the system 1 comprises selective blocking means 25 designed to selectively block or unblock the extraction of the cart or transport device 2 from the furniture or containment element 3 along the extraction and insertion axis X when the latter is in the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP.

[0070] With reference to this, the selective blocking means 25 can advantageously comprise at least a stop element 25a, for example a plate, a tooth or, in general, a protruding element, mounted or fixed at the front F of the frame 5 of the cart or transport device 2, in particular on the upper, in use, surface of a respective side flap 5f of the top wall 5d of the frame 5, and a balance wheel 25b, operatively associated, for example welded, to a tilting element 25c, if desired a cylinder 25c1 fitted on a pin 25c2, movable between a blocking position BP of the stop element 25a and an unlocking position UP of the stop element 25a.

[0071] According to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the selective blocking means 25 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the tilting element 25 is connected to a main body 25d, for example a main plate, included in the selective blocking means 25 and fixed to or mounted on a respective wall 3a, 3b of the furniture or containment element 3.

[0072] More in detail, respective selective blocking means 25 are preferably provided on each opposite wall 3a, 3b of the furniture or containment element 3.

[0073] If desired, the system 1 can comprise a connection element 26, for example a rod, optionally a U-shaped rod, that connect the balance wheel 25b of the selective blocking means 25 provided on the first wall 3a of the furniture or containment element 3 to the balance wheel 25b of the selective blocking means 25 provided on the other wall 3b of the furniture or containment element 3 so that by acting on a respective balance wheel 25b the motion is also transferred to the other balance wheel 25b without the need to act on both.

[0074] As regards the balance wheel 25b, it can advantageously comprise an actuation portion 25b 1, if desired proximal to the entrance of the furniture or containment element 3, designed to be pressed by an operator to actuate the release of the stop element 25a, for example to allow the subsequent extraction of the cart or transport device 2, and an interference portion 25b2, for example distal from the entrance of the furniture or containment element 3, inclined downwards and arranged so that, following the pressure of the operator on the actuation portion 25b 1, the movement or passage of the balance wheel 25b from the blocking position BP to the unlocking position UP is generated, for example by lifting the interference portion 25b2, effectively releasing the latter from the stop element 25a.

[0075] The selective blocking means 25 can also comprise, according to the nonlimiting example of embodiment thereof illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, one or more delimiting elements 25e of a sliding lane SL for the stop element 25a.

[0076] Furthermore, if provided, at least one of the one or more delimiting elements 25e is advantageously arranged to act as a support or limit switch for the balance wheel 25b when it is in the blocking position BP.

[0077] With reference to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the selective blocking means 25 illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, from a functional point of view, in the insertion phase of the cart or transport device 2 along the extraction and insertion axis X, the stop element 20a abuts against the interference portion 25b2, causing the latter to lift so that the cart or transport device 2 can easily pass into the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP. During the extraction phase of the cart or transport device 2 along the extraction and insertion axis X, the stop element 20a abuts against the interference portion 25b2, that is in the blocking position BP, but due to the inclination of the latter when the stop element 20a travels along the extraction and insertion axis X in the direction from the front F to the rear R, the stop element 20a cannot lift the interference portion 25b2 effectively remaining blocked (see, for example, FIG. 22). Subsequently, the operator can press on the actuation portion 25b 1 to cause the lifting of the interference portion 25b2, thus making the balance wheel 25b to move or pass to the unlocking position UP (see, for example, FIG. 23), releasing the stop element 25a which it can then slide in the sliding lane SL to allow the cart or transport device 2 to be extracted. It should be noted that, if provided, the connection element 26 prevents it from being necessary to press simultaneously on both actuation portions 25b 1 of the balance wheels 25b of the respective selective locking means 25 connected to the opposite walls 3a, 3b of the furniture or containment element 3.

[0078] It should be noted that the selective blocking means 25 can be used also in the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 17.

[0079] If desired, the cart or transport device 2 can comprise at least one folding shelf 5h, for example a lateral folding shelf 5h connected to a respective flank 5b of the cart or transport device 2. With reference to this, when the cart or transport device 2 is in the extracted operating position EP, the at least one folding shelf 5h can be opened or in any case folded outwards so as to be substantially parallel to the ground to act as an object support surface or, in any case, as a work surface, and, when it is necessary or desired to bring the cart or transport device 2 into the inserted or at least partially inserted operating position IP, it can be closed or folded inwards so as to be aligned along the respective flank 5b of the same to not hinder the insertion of the cart or transport device 2 into the furniture or containment element 3.

[0080] According to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the cart or transport device 2 shown in FIG. 21, a folding lateral shelf 5h is connected on each flank 5b of the cart or transport device 2 by means of one or more hinges 5i.

[0081] In particular, support and locking means 51 of the folding shelf 5h are preferably provided when the latter is opened or, in any case, folded outwards and used as a support or work surface. For example, the support and locking means 51 can comprise a gas spring 5m pivoted at its first end to the flank 5b of the cart or transport device 2 and at its second end to the folding shelf 5h. In more detail, the support and locking means 51 optionally comprise also a stop 5n designed to lock the folding shelf 5h in position when the latter is opened or, in any case, folded outwards and used as a support or work surface by means of abutment or interlocking with the cylinder of the gas spring 5m.

[0082] It should be noted that the at least one folding shelf 5h can be used also in the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 17.

[0083] As regards the movement means 6, they preferably comprise a plurality of support elements or legs 8 (FIGS. 7-16), and a plurality of displacement members 9, for example a plurality of wheels, each operatively connected to a respective support element or leg 8 in which at least one support element or leg 8 of the plurality of support elements or legs 8 is operatively connected to the actuation means 7.

[0084] According to the non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, each front, in use, support element or leg 8 proximal to the front F of the cart or transport device 2 is operatively connected to the actuation means 7.

[0085] The cart or transport device 2 can comprise at least one reinforcing component 10, for example a metal reinforcement arranged perpendicularly to each element of the support element or leg 8, so that the latter is more rigid in order to better withstand the procedures of insertion and extraction of the cart or transport device 2 and during the transport of one or more objects.

[0086] Advantageously, the system 1 can also comprise limit switch means 24 for adjusting the maximum inclination or, in any case, the position of the movement means 6, in particular of the front, in use, movement means 6a, with respect to the ground when the latter are in the working operating position WP.

[0087] According to the example of embodiment of the limit switch means 24 illustrated in FIG. 20, the latter comprise a bracket 24a, for example L-shaped, fixed to the frame 5 of the cart or transport device 2, and a limit switch or stop 24b inserted in an opening 24c delimited on the bracket 24a, designed to abut with the first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12, for example with a block 24d, keyed or rigidly fixed or, in any case, integral in movement or rotation with the first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12.

[0088] From a functional point of view, the limit switch or block 24b can be screwed or unscrewed, for example by means of a knob 24e, according to the maximum inclination or position to be obtained for the movement means 6 when the latter are in the working operating position WP.

[0089] It should be noted that the limit switch means 24 can be used also in the nonlimiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 17.

[0090] Preferably, the cart or transport device 2 also comprises at least one locking component or lever 14, kinematically coupled to the movement means 6 or, more particularly, to at least one front, in use, movement means 6a, which delimits a slot 14a slidably engaged with a protruding element or portion 20, for example a screw, included in or delimited on the movement means 6 or, more particularly, on the support element or leg 8 or comprises or delimits a protruding element or portion slidably engaged in a slot delimited on the movement means 6 or, more particularly, on the support element or leg 8.

[0091] According to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, a locking component or lever 14 is provided kinematically coupled, for example pivoted, to the movement means 6 or, more particularly, to each front, in use, support element or leg 8 proximal to the front F of the cart or transport device 2, for example at or in the vicinity of its proximal end to its respective displacement member 9.

[0092] Again, according to this example, each locking component or lever 14 comprises a slot 14a, for example positioned at or around one of its distal ends from its respective displacement member 9, having an elongated configuration along a direction transverse to the locking component or lever 14, slidably engaged with a screw 20 fixed to the support element or leg 8, this screw 20 acting as a cursor inside the slot 14a.

[0093] The locking component or lever 14 preferably delimits or comprises at least one abutment portion 14b configured to abut with the furniture or containment element 3 when the cart or transport device 2 is inserted, along the extraction and insertion axis X in the direction from the rear R towards the front F in the furniture or containment element 3, so as to actuate a movement or rotation of the movement means 6 to allow, in use, the operative coupling of the actuation means 7 with the guide means 4.

[0094] From a functional point of view, when the cart or transport device 2 is in an extracted operating position EP, the locking component or lever 14 allows the locking in position of the movement means 6 or, more particularly, of the plurality of support elements or legs 8 through the abutment of the protruding element or portion 20 with a first end 14a1 of the slot 14a while, in the passage of the cart or transport device 2 from an extracted operating position EP to an inserted or partially inserted operating position IP, the abutment portion 14b abuts with the furniture or containment element 3 and the at least one locking component or lever 14, being pivoted with at least one respective support element or leg 8, can actuate a movement or rotation of the latter, or more generally, of the movement means 6 to allow, in use, the operative coupling of the actuation means 7 with the guide means 4. In this passage, the protruding element or portion 20 can slide in the slot 14a until abutting with a second end 14a2 thereof when the cart or transport device 2 is in an inserted or partially inserted operating position IP.

[0095] In more detail, according to the example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, the protruding element or portion 20 abuts with the second end 14a2 of the slot 14a when the actuation means 7 begin to travel along the second section 4a2 of the main sliding guide 4a.

[0096] With reference to the actuation means 7, they preferably comprise at least one actuation mechanism 11 which includes a first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12 operatively rigidly connected in rotation or displacement with the movement means 6, and a second kinematic member 13, operatively connected with the first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12, configured to slide in or on the guide means 4 to transmit motion to the first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12 so as to actuate a displacement or rotation of the movement means 6 from the at least one rest operating position RP to the at least one working operating position WP and vice versa.

[0097] According to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, the first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12 is a rotating shaft connected rigidly in rotation, for example keyed, to the front, in use, support elements or legs 8 proximal to the front F of the cart or transport device 2 while the second kinematic member 13 comprises a first shoe 13a and a connection plate 13b between the first shoe 13a and the rotating shaft 12.

[0098] Still according to this example, the connection plate 13b comprises one end connected, for example keyed, rigidly in rotation to the rotating shaft 12 and another end connected, for example by means of a pin, to the first shoe 13a.

[0099] Functionally, the second kinematic member 13 or, more particularly, the first shoe 13a is capable of transferring, by sliding on or in the guide means 4 or, more particularly, on or in the main sliding guide 4a, the motion to rotating shaft 12 which, being rigidly connected in rotation to the support element or leg 8 of the movement means 6, allows the rotation of the latter/s and their consequent passage from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP and vice versa.

[0100] The displacement or trajectory of the first shoe 13a along the main sliding guide 4a can be geometrically defined through its decomposition into a horizontal displacement component along the extraction and insertion axis X and into a vertical displacement component along a vertical direction perpendicular to the X extraction and insertion axis.

[0101] The horizontal displacement component of the first shoe 13a has no effect on the first kinematic member 12 while the vertical displacement component of the first shoe 13a is what effectively determines the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the first kinematic member 12 and, consequently, of the movement means 6.

[0102] In particular, a vertical displacement of the first shoe 13a along the vertical upward direction causes an anticlockwise rotation of the first kinematic member 12 and of the movement means 6, while a vertical displacement of the first shoe 13a along the vertical downward direction causes a clockwise rotation of the first kinematic member 12 and of the movement means 6.

[0103] According to other non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention, the opposite could also be provided, i.e., a vertical displacement of the first shoe 13a along the vertical upward direction associated with a clockwise rotation of the first kinematic member 12 and of the movement means 6 and a vertical displacement of the first shoe 13a along the vertical downward direction associated with an anti-clockwise rotation of the first kinematic member 12 and of the movement means 6.

[0104] In more detail, the vertical displacement of the first shoe 13a takes place by traveling along the second section 4a2 inclined or curved downwards of the main sliding guide 4a.

[0105] The vertical displacement of the first shoe 13a will be a vertical upward displacement during the insertion of the cart or transport device 2 in the furniture or containment element 3, while it will be a vertical downward displacement during the extraction of the cart or device of transport 2 from the furniture or containment element 3.

[0106] It should be considered that, in the extracted operating position EP, the actuation means 7 or, more specifically, the first shoe 13a is not able to slide in the main sliding guide 4a since it is not aligned with it or, more specifically, it is not aligned with the entrance to the second section 4a2.

[0107] For this reason, the abutment portion 14b of the locking component or lever 14, resting on the delimiting lower edge 3 c of the furniture or containment element 3, actuates a movement or rotation of the movement means 6 or, more particularly, of the support element or leg 8 which, being rigidly connected in rotation or displacement to the first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12, in turn operatively connected to the second kinematic member 13 or, more particularly, to the connection plate 13b connected to the first shoe 13a, causes the latter to move or rotate, aligning it with the entrance of the second section 4a2 of the main sliding guide 4a.

[0108] Continuing the insertion of the cart or transport device 2 into the furniture or containment element 3, the first shoe 13a can begin to travel first along the second section 4a2 to actuate the passage of the movement means 6 from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP and then along the first section 4a1 of the main sliding guide 4a to complete the insertion of the cart or transport device 2 inside the furniture or containment element 3.

[0109] Preferably, the movement means 6 comprise front, in use, movement means 6a proximal to the front F and rear, in use, movement means 6b proximal to the rear R. In this case, the cart or transport device 2 it preferably comprises return means 15 configured to transfer the movement or rotation of the front, in use, movement means 6a to the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0110] The cart or transport device 2 is provided with a return mechanism which allows to transfer the passage from the rest operating position RP to the working operating position WP and vice versa of the front, in use, movement means 6a to the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0111] The return means 15 comprise, for example, at least one connecting rod 16 which includes a first end 16a operatively connected with the front, in use, movement 6a and a second end 16b operatively connected with the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0112] In particular, the connecting rod 16 is configured to transfer the movement or rotation of the front, in use, movement means 6a to the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0113] According to the non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the first end 16a of the connecting rod 16 is connected, for example pivoted, with the support element or leg 8 of the front, in use, movement means 6a while the second end 16b of the connecting rod 16 is connected, for example pivoted, with the support element or leg 8 of the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0114] Functionally, the support element or leg 8 of the front, in use, movement means 6a by moving or rotating, actuated by the actuation means 7, drags the connecting rod 16 which, in turn, moves or rotates the support element or leg 8 of the rear, in use, movement means 6b with which its second end 16b is connected, allowing the passage of the latter from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP and vice versa.

[0115] It should be noted that this can be true for each rear, in use, movement means 6b, as in the non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, in which there are two front, in use, movement means 6a and two rear, in use, movement means 6b respectively connected by means of a connecting rod 16.

[0116] The cart or transport device 2 can comprise a locking mechanism 22 of the transmission means 15 which includes an abutment component 17, for example a second shoe, operatively connected with the first end 16a of the connecting rod 16, and a stop component or lever 18, operatively connected to the frame 5, for example to its bottom wall 5a.

[0117] In particular, the stop component or lever 18 is rotatable or movable between a plurality of operating arrangements DI, D2, D3 to lock the abutment component 17 in position when the cart or transport device 2 is in the extracted operating position EP.

[0118] The locking mechanism 22 can comprise a control component 19, for example a third shoe, for the stop lever or component 18, configured to lock the stop component or lever 18 in a first operating arrangement DI, when the cart or transport device 2 is in the extracted operating position EP, and to release the stop component or lever 18 from the first operating arrangement DI, so that the latter can free the movement of the abutment component 17, when the cart or transport device 2 is in the inserted or partially inserted operating position IP.

[0119] Furthermore, the stop component or lever 18 preferably comprises elastic means 18a, for example a torsion spring, operatively associated with the stop component or lever 18 and configured to maintain the stop component or lever 18 in the first operating arrangement DI, i.e., keeping the stop component or lever 18 in a locking position of the abutment component 17, when the cart or transport device 2 is in the extracted operating position EP.

[0120] The stop component or lever 18 comprises a slotted hole 18b slidably engaged with a protruding element or portion 23, for example a screw, a nail, a pin or the like, included in or delimited on the frame 5, in particular on its bottom wall 5a, or it can comprise or delimit a protruding element or portion engaged slidably engaged in a slotted hole delimited on the frame 5, in particular on its bottom wall 5a.

[0121] With reference, by way of example, to FIG. 14, the stop component or lever 18 can be seen in a first operating arrangement DI.

[0122] In this first operating arrangement DI, the abutment component 17 is blocked in position by the stop component or lever 18. The movement or rotation of the stop component or lever 18 is, on the other hand, blocked by the control component 19, which it is fixed to the locking component or lever 14, and is kept in position by means of the elastic means 18a.

[0123] With reference, by way of example, to FIGS. 14 and 15, the stop component or lever 18 can be seen in a second operating arrangement D2, in two different successive phases.

[0124] In general, in the passage from the first operating position DI to the second operating position D2, the control component 19 makes the stop component or lever 18 move back, which frees the movement of the abutment component 17 and, consequently, the leg 8 can rotate inside the cart or transport device 2, also transferring, by means of the connecting rod 16, the movement or rotation of the front, in use, movement means 6a to the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0125] In particular, the stop component or lever 18, during the passage from the first operating arrangement DI to the second operating arrangement D2, is initially pushed by means of the control component 19 until a first end 18b 1 of the slotted hole 18b proximal to the front F of the cart or transport device 2 does not meet the protruding element or portion 23, allowing to free the movement of the abutment component 17 (see, for example, FIG. 15).

[0126] In turn, the abutment component 17, rotating together with the leg 8, describes an arc-shaped trajectory, and rests on an edge 18c of the stop component or lever 18 proximal to the front F of the cart or transport device 2, and the first end 18b 1 of the slotted hole 18b remains substantially in contact with the protruding element or portion 23 (see, for example, FIG. 16).

[0127] With reference, by way of example, to FIG. 17, the stop component or lever 18 can be seen in a third operating arrangement D3.

[0128] In the passage from the second operating arrangement D2 to the third operating arrangement D3, the abutment component 17 progressively moves away from the stop component or lever 18 which can then start to rotate or move thanks to the clastic means 18a, until a second end 18b2 of the slotted hole 18b proximal to the rear R of the cart or transport device 2 does not meet the protruding element or portion 23, effectively blocking its movement.

[0129] Subsequently, the abutment component 17, continuing its movement, allows the leg 8 to transfer, by means of the connecting rod 16, the movement or rotation of the front, in use, movement means 6a to the rear, in use, movement means 6b so as to complete the passage of the movement means 6a, 6b from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP.

[0130] It should be noted that the previous explanation of the operation of the locking mechanism 22 of the return means 15 referred to an insertion of the cart or transport device 2 into the furniture or containment element 3, however, the operation is analogous also for an extraction of the cart or transport device 2 from the furniture or containment element 3, with the difference that the component or stop lever 18 will initially be in the third operating arrangement D3 to then pass into the second operating arrangement D2 and finally in the first operating arrangement DI when the cart or transport device 2 will be in an extracted operating position EP.

[0131] The cart or transport device 2 can comprise support and cushioning means 21, operatively connected to the movement means 6, configured to support the movement or rotation of the movement means 6 in the passage of the latter from the working operating position WP to the rest operating position RP, and for cushioning the movement or rotation of the movement means 6 in the passage from the rest operating position RP to the working operating position WP.

[0132] According to the non-limiting examples of embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the support and cushioning means 21 comprise a gas spring 21a which includes a cylinder 21b, a piston enclosed in the cylinder 21b and a stem 21c having a first end 21c1 which is operatively connected with the piston and a second end 21c2 operatively connected, for example by means of a pin engaged in a bracket, with the first kinematic member or rotation or displacement component 12 of the actuation means 7.

[0133] These support and cushioning means 21 can be fixed to the frame 5, for example to the bottom wall 5a of the same, and can be provided to push the front, in use, movement means 6a and, in particular, also to push the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0134] A non-limiting example of operation according to the non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 17 is described below.

[0135] Assume that the cart 2 is in an extracted operating position EP from the furniture 3 and, therefore, that the movement means 6 are in a working operating position WP.

[0136] An operator can start inserting cart 2 by pushing it along the extraction and insertion axis X in the direction from the rear R to the front F of the same. Continuing with this thrust, the abutment portion 14b of the locking component or lever 14 rests on the delimiting lower edge 3c of the furniture 3 and allows the release and rotation of the leg 8 which, being rigidly connected in rotation to the rotating shaft 12, once operatively connected by means of the connection plate 13b to the first shoe 13a, it causes the latter to move or rotate by aligning it with the entrance of the second section 4a2 of the main sliding guide 4a.

[0137] In the meantime, the connecting rod 16, being pivoted at its first end 16a with the leg 8 of the front, in use, movement means 6a and at its second end 16b with the rear, in use, movement means 6b, begins to rotate it too.

[0138] It should be considered that, to support the cart 2 during this initial insertion phase, the side flaps 5f of the frame 5 are slidably engaged with the first channel 4c by sliding on the first roller component 4e while the support component 5g is slidably engaged with the second 4d channel.

[0139] As can be understood, before the first rotation of the front, in use, leg 8 and then of the rear, in use, leg 8 is actuated through the abutment of the abutment portion 14b of the locking component or lever 14 with the furniture 3, the flaps 5f and the support component 5s are respectively slidably engaged with the first and second channels 4c, 4d of the secondary sliding guide 4b.

[0140] As soon as the first shoe 13a begins to slide on the second section 4a2 of the main sliding guide 4a, the upward vertical movement of the latter actuates the counterclockwise rotation of the rotating shaft 12 and, therefore, of the leg 8 of the front, in use, movement means 6a which is in turn connected to the connecting rod 16 which also drives the leg 8 of the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0141] Once the travel of this second section 4a2 has finished, the movement means 6 are in a rest operating position RP and the cart 2 is in a partially engaged operating position IP.

[0142] Continuing the thrust along the extraction and insertion axis X in the direction from the rear R to the front F of the cart 2, the first shoe 13a can start to travel along the first section 4a1 of the main sliding guide 4a to bring the cart 2 to an inserted operating position IP.

[0143] It should be noted that the horizontal displacement of the first shoe 13a in the first section 4a1 does not generate any movement of the movement means 6 but is only useful for bringing the cart 2 into an inserted operating position IP.

[0144] In this position, the maintenance of the rest operating position RP of the movement means 6 is allowed by the second kinematic member 13.

[0145] In particular, it should be considered that in this inserted operating position IP, the first shoe 13a is supported by the second section 4a2 of the main sliding guide 4a and the connecting plate 13b is rigidly connected in rotation or movement with the rotating shaft 12, in fact, allowing the movement means 6 to be kept in the rest operating position RP.

[0146] The operator can then start extracting cart 2 by pulling it along the extraction and insertion axis X in the direction from the front F to the rear R of the same.

[0147] The first shoe 13a begins to travel along the first section 4a1 of the main sliding guide 4a to bring the cart 2 into a partially inserted position IP.

[0148] It should be considered that, also in this case, the horizontal movement of the first shoe 13a in the first section 4a1 does not generate any movement of the movement means 6 but only serves to bring the cart 2 into a partially inserted operating position IP.

[0149] Continuing the extraction of the cart 2, as soon as the first shoe 13a begins to travel along the second section 4a2 of the main sliding guide 4a, the vertical downward movement of the latter activates the clockwise rotation of the rotating shaft 12 and therefore of the leg 8 of the front, in use, movement means 6a, in turn connected with the connecting rod 16 which also drives the leg 8 of the rear, in use, movement means 6b.

[0150] Once the first shoe 13a has traveled along the second section 4a2 of the main sliding guide 4a, the front, in use, movement means 6a continue the clockwise rotation dragged by their weight force and cushioned by the support and cushioning means 21, until they reach the working operating position WP in which they support and/or are able to move the frame 5 of the cart 2.

[0151] It should be noted that the clockwise rotation of the front, in use, movement means, in use, 6a continues until the protruding element or portion 20 abuts with the first end 14a1 of the slot 14a, thus blocking this rotation and stopping the front, in use, movement means 6a in the working operating position WP.

[0152] Clearly, the rear, in use, movement means 6b are also driven in this phase by means of the connecting rod 16 in the working operating position WP.

[0153] Still continuing the extraction of the cart 2, the side flaps 5f of the frame 5 are disengaged from the first channel 4c by sliding on the first roller component 4e while the support component 5g is disengaged from the second channel 4d.

[0154] The cart 2 is again in an extracted operating position EP.

[0155] As has been seen, the system for supporting and handling objects according to the present invention provides a cart or transport device 2 which can be inserted into and extracted from a furniture or containment element 3, and therefore usable, when inserted, as a support objects, and when extracted, as a device for handling or transporting objects.

[0156] Moreover, this system for supporting and handling objects allows, when used in an operating environment, a smaller space requirement with respect to the traditional systems provided by the state of the prior art, since the cart or transport device 2 can be inserted in the furniture or containment element 3 after having finished transporting the objects or in any case after use, thus eliminating the presence of the same, which is often of considerable size and therefore cumbersome for the personnel operating within the operating environment itself.

[0157] From a functional point of view, the system for supporting and handling objects also allows quick and simple use of the extraction and insertion operations.

[0158] Furthermore, it should be considered that the system for supporting and handling objects according to the present invention can also be used with base furniture or containment elements 3 provided with a plinth, thus eliminating the need for a profound modification of the latter.

[0159] In this way, the need to adapt the same base furniture or containment elements 3 to allow the insertion and extraction of a cart or transport device 2 of a known type is avoided.

[0160] It has thus been seen how the invention fully achieves the proposed objects.

[0161] Modifications and variations of the invention are possible within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.