Patent Publication Number: US-2007096437-A1

Title: Trolley

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates, generally, to wheeled trolleys or carts and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a trolley for supporting and transporting a plurality of bags or containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shopping trolley for supporting and transporting a plurality of detachable shopping bags or containers and which includes a collapsible frame for loading into a motor vehicle.  
      It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to a shopping trolley, however it should be appreciated that the trolley of the present invention is not limited to that use only.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.  
      In the past, it has been the conventional practice of most consumers to carry or transport groceries from place to place in plastic shopping bags provided by a grocery store. Often these plastic bags are manually loaded into store shopping trolleys by the consumer and transported from the point of sale to the consumers motor vehicle where they are then removed from the trolley and placed by hand into the vehicle to be transported home. Upon arriving at home, the shopping bags are unloaded from the vehicle and carried inside by hand by the consumer.  
      Many problems and difficulties have been encountered by consumers when employing such a conventional practice. For example, in the case of elderly consumers, or consumers having limited upper body strength, the use of a store shopping trolley whilst within the grounds of a retail precinct is considered invaluable as without the store trolley their shopping bags would need to be carried by hand from the point of sale to their vehicle which they may not be able to do. However, upon arriving at home, unless the consumer has their own trolley available for use, or has a capable person whom can assist them at home, the shopping bags must be lifted out of their vehicle and lugged inside by hand. The action of placing shopping bags into a store shopping trolley, removing the bags from the trolley and placing them in a vehicle, and then removing the bags from the vehicle and lugging them inside can be a labour intensive exercise and an exercise of which some people are physically not capable of doing.  
      Aside from the problems that such a conventional practice presents to consumers, the use of plastic bags themselves is now considered a major source of environmental pollution.  
      To overcome the problems and difficulties of using such a conventional practice, so-called personal shopping trolleys have been developed, however, it is considered that none are very convenient.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,842, which issued to Hook et al. on 21 Oct., 1997, discloses a collapsible shopping trolley for transporting a plurality of handled shopping bags and which can be folded to a compact size for storage and transportation. This trolley is designed for personal use by a consumer and allows them to support and transport shopping bags from the point of sale to their vehicle, and then from their vehicle to inside their home. By using this trolley a consumer no longer needs to use a store shopping trolley whilst within a shopping precinct, and more importantly upon arriving at their home a consumer has a means of transporting their shopping bags from their vehicle to inside their home. However the use of this trolley still requires a consumer to unhook and lift the shopping bags from the trolley and into their vehicle and again from their vehicle and onto the trolley for transportation into their house. Also, as this trolley is primarily designed to carry handled shopping bags which can be looped over a series of lugs or hooks disposed on a support arm, it is considered that use of this trolley will encourage the use of conventional singlet-type disposable plastic bags which as already discussed are a major source of environmental pollution.  
      It is therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an improved trolley or cart for supporting and transporting a plurality of bags or containers which overcomes some or all of the problems previously discussed.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      According to the present invention there is provided a trolley, preferably a shopping trolley, including: a frame having a base section and at least one stanchion coupled to said base section, said at least one stanchion including at least two telescoping sections coupled together in a slidable relationship; a height adjustment means enabling the length of said at least one stanchion to be selectively adjusted by raising and lowering an upper telescoping section of said at least two telescoping sections relative to a lower telescoping section of said at least two telescoping sections; wheel means rotatably coupled to said base section of said frame; at least one handle member coupled to said upper telescoping section of said at least one stanchion for selectively manipulating said trolley; and at least one support member coupled to said at least one stanchion at or near said upper telescoping section of said at least one stanchion, wherein said at least one support member extends substantially laterally from said at least one stanchion in a load supporting position and said at least one support member is adapted to receive and support at least one load carrying bag or container.  
      Preferably said at least one support member of said trolley includes at least two telescoping sections coupled together in a slidable relationship which enable the length of said at least one support member to be selectively adjusted in order to vary the load carrying capacity thereof. It is also preferred that said trolley is adapted to receive and support a plurality of load carrying bags or containers, and wherein said at least two telescoping sections of said at least one support member enable the length of said at least one support member to be selectively adjusted in order to receive and support more or less bags or containers as required.  
      In a practical preferred embodiment said at least one support member of said trolley includes three telescoping sections coupled together in a slidable relationship. It is preferred that each of said three telescoping sections of said at least one support member of said trolley are adapted to receive and support a single bag or container. It is also preferred that said trolley includes two support members and said two support members can be selectively adjusted to enable said trolley to receive and support up to six bags or containers.  
      In a further practical preferred embodiment said at least one support member and said base section are disposed in a parallel relationship. In this practical embodiment it is preferred that the length of said base section of said frame is selectively adjustable in order to counteract the load received and supported on said at least one support member of said trolley.  
      In yet a further practical preferred embodiment said trolley includes one stanchion having two telescoping sections, one telescoping section being the upper telescoping section and the other telescoping section being the lower telescoping section, and wherein one of said upper and lower telescoping sections slidably receives therein the other of said upper and lower telescoping sections. In one aspect said height adjustment means of said stanchion may include a threaded rod disposed internally of or adjacent to said upper and lower telescoping sections, wherein said threaded rod is rotatably fixed at or near one end thereof to one of said upper or lower telescoping sections, and wherein said threaded rod is threadably received within a captively held nut fixedly connected to the other or said upper and lower telescoping sections. In this embodiment it is preferred that said trolley includes a height adjustment control lever disposed above said stanchion which is coupled to and rotates with said threaded rod, said control lever being selectively operable in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction to impart a rotational movement on said threaded rod, and wherein said rotational movement of said threaded rod causes said threaded rod to move up or down relative to said captively held nut which in turn selectively adjusts the height of said stanchion.  
      In a further aspect said height adjustment means of said stanchion may include a threaded rod disposed internally of or adjacent to said upper and lower telescoping sections, wherein said threaded rod is rotatably fixed at or near one end thereof to one of said upper or lower telescoping sections, and wherein said threaded rod is threadably received within a captively held nut disposed at or near one end of a cylindrical tube disposed substantially within or adjacent to the other or said upper and lower telescoping sections, and wherein said cylindrical tube includes a pinion gear disposed at or near the end of said cylindrical tube. In this embodiment said trolley preferably further includes a motor having a shaft with a worm gear formed thereon, said worm gear being disposed adjacent said pinion gear of said cylindrical tube, said trolley including control means to selectively control said motor in order to impart a clockwise or anti-clockwise rotational movement on said shaft of said motor, wherein when said shaft of said motor is rotated, said worm gear imparts a rotational movement on said cylindrical tube by way of said pinion gear, and wherein said rotational movement of said cylindrical tube causes said threaded rod to move up or down relative to said captively held nut which in turn selectively adjusts the height of said stanchion.  
      In yet a further aspect, said height adjustment means of said stanchion is a hydraulic or pneumatic lifting mechanism disposed internally of or adjacent to said upper and lower telescoping sections.  
      It is preferred that said trolley can be folded to collapsed position for storage and/or transportation purposes.  
      In yet a further practical preferred embodiment said wheel means of said trolley includes two rear wheels rotatably coupled to said base section of said frame at or near a rear end thereof, and two forward swivel or castor wheels rotatably coupled to said base section of said frame at or near a forward end thereof. Preferably a braking means is coupled to at least one of said rear wheels, wherein said braking means is controllable via at least one brake lever disposed on or near said at least one handle member of said trolley or is controllable via pivotal movement of said at least one handle member of said trolley.  
     ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION  
      Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved trolley or cart, preferably a shopping trolley, which can be used to support and transport a plurality of detachable bags or containers, and which can be raised or lowered for ease of loading and unloading of the plurality of detachable bags.  
      The trolley of the present invention is also preferably selectively adjustable to accommodate more or less bags or containers as required depending on the intended use of the trolley. The trolley of the present invention therefore enables one trolley to be used for multiple applications.  
      Finally, as the trolley of the present invention preferably uses purposely designed reusable bags or containers, it is considered that use of the trolley of the invention will substantially reduce the effects that conventional plastic singlet-type bags have on the environment. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred constructions of a trolley or cart in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c  are front perspective views of a trolley made in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2   a  is a front perspective view of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c,  showing the detachable bags removed from the trolley;  
       FIG. 2   b  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 2   a,  this time showing the trolley after being adjusted to accommodate fewer detachable bags;  
       FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c;    
       FIG. 4  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 2   a,  showing the stanchion of the trolley in an extended or raised position;  
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the lifting mechanism of the stanchion of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c;    
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the upper section of the stanchion of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c;    
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the inner side of one of the rear wheels of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c;    
       FIG. 8   a  is a front perspective view of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c,  showing the trolley in a collapsed position;  
       FIG. 8   b  is a rear perspective view of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c,  showing the trolley in a collapsed position;  
       FIG. 8   c  is a side elevation view of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c,  showing the trolley in a collapsed position;  
       FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d  are side elevation views of the trolley of  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c,  showing the trolley, in use, in varying stages of operation during the loading of the detachable bags into the luggage compartment of a motor vehicle;  
       FIG. 10   a  is a rear perspective view of a trolley made in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIGS. 10   b  &amp;  10   c  are enlarged partial cross-sectional views of the lifting mechanism of the stanchion of the trolley of  FIG. 10   a.   
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      In  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c  there is shown a trolley or cart  10 , suitable for use as a shopping trolley, designed to carry a plurality of detachable shopping bags or baskets  12 . It should be understood however, that trolley  10  may be used for many other applications and as such the invention is not limited to the specific example as shown.  
      As can be best seen in  FIGS. 1   a  &amp;  3 , detachable bags  12  each have a generally rigid box-like design with front and rear sides  14 , 16 , left and right sides  18 , 20 , a base  22  and a lid  24 . Disposed on rear side  16  of each of bags  12  is a sleeve  26  for slidably receiving therein a substantially horizontal bag support member  28  of trolley  10 . Sleeves  26  facilitate the attachment and removal of bags  12  relative to trolley  10 . It should be understood that bags  12  may take many other forms to that shown in the accompanying representations and as such the invention is not limited to the specific example provided. Hence, throughout the ensuing description any reference to bag or bags  12  is intended to refer to any suitable bag or container which can be removably attached to trolley  10  for carrying groceries or other items.  
      Referring particularly to  FIGS. 1   a  to  2   b,  it can be seen that trolley  10  includes a pair of spaced apart parallel bag support members  28 , each of which are designed to slidably receive and carry a plurality of bags  12 . Each bag support member  28  is composed of a first, second and third section  28 ′, 28 ″, 28 ′″ (see  FIG. 2   a ) which are disposed in a telescoping arrangement in order that first section  28 ′ is adapted to slidably receive therein second section  28 ″, and second section  28 ′ is adapted to slidably receive therein third section  28 ′″. The telescoping arrangement of bag support members  28  enables trolley  10  to be selectively and manually adjusted to accommodate more or less bags  12  as required.  
      In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  9   d,  each of sections  28 ′, 28 ″, 28 ′″ of bag support members  28  are designed to accommodate a single bag  12 , meaning trolley  10  can be selectively adjusted to support and transport two ( FIG. 1   c ), four ( FIG. 1   b ) or six bags ( FIG. 1   a ), respectively. It should be understood however, that bag support members  28  of trolley  10  may take many other forms. Similarly, each section  28 ′, 28 ″, 28 ′″ of bag support member(s)  28  may accommodate more or less than one bag  12  depending on the required application of trolley  10  and as such the invention is not limited to the specific example as shown.  
      To enable bag support members  28  to be locked into the two, four or six bag configurations shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c,  bag support members  28  are each provided with a series of spring loaded locking pins  30 . Locking pins  30  enable telescoping first, second and third sections  28 ′, 28 ″, 28 ′″ of bag support members  28  to be selectively and releasably locked into any of a number of desired extended or retracted positions.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  to  6  in particular, it can be seen that a bag support member  28  is affixed substantially at right angles to either side of the upper most section of a stanchion  32  (see  FIG. 6  for an enlarged view). Bag support members  28  are coupled to either side of stanchion  32  by way of a pair of locking pivot joints  33 . Locking pivot joints  33  enable bag support members  28  of trolley  10  to be unlocked and moved to a collapsed position relative to stanchion  32  for storage and/or transportation as will be discussed later with reference to  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  In the accompanying representations, both bag support members  28  and both locking pivot joints  33  are represented by the same reference numeral since it should be appreciated that trolley  10  of the present invention could be embodied with a single bag support member  28  coupled to stanchion  32  by a single locking pivot joint  33 . In such a case, trolley  10  could be designed to carry one, two or three bags  12 , respectively.  
      Although shown in the drawings as including a single stanchion  32 , it should be appreciated that trolley  10  could include more than one stanchion  32  if required and each stanchion  32  may have one or more bag support members  28  coupled thereto. Similarly, although not shown in the drawings, bag support members  28  of trolley  10  may be configured to be releasably attachable to locking pivot joints  33  such that bag support members  28 , having bags  12  supported thereon, may be detachable from trolley  10  for storage and/or transportation purposes.  
      Stanchion  32  is composed of a first and second section  32 ′, 32 ″ (see  FIG. 4 ) which are disposed in a telescoping arrangement in order that first section  32 ′ is adapted to slidably receive therein second section  32 ″. Stanchion  32  is designed to be raised and lowered as desired to enable trolley  10  to assume varying heights. Telescoping stanchion  32  provides trolley  10  with a means of adapting to the varying height of users (not shown), and also enables bags  12  to be raised and lowered for loading and unloading purposes as will be discussed later with reference to  FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d.    
      To enable stanchion  32  of trolley  10  to be raised and lowered when required, stanchion  32  includes a centrally located threaded rod  34  which can be rotated to raise and lower first stanchion section  32 ′ relative to stationary second stanchion section  32 ″. In  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the upper end or head  36  of threaded rod  34  is fixed and rotates relative to first stanchion section  32 ′. Head  36  of threaded rod  34  includes an axial groove  38  which cooperate with and receives therein in a fixed support portion  40  of first stanchion section  32 ′. Groove  38  and support portion  40  act as a bearing that provides the required fixed rotational movement of threaded rod  34 . To enable first stanchion section  32 ′ to be raised and lowered relative to second stanchion section  32 ″, in cooperation with threaded rod  34 , second stanchion section  32 ″ includes a captively held nut  42  disposed at an upper end thereof having an internally threaded hole matched to threaded rod  34 . Captively held nut  42  provides threaded rod  34  with a means of raising and lowering first stanchion section  32 ′ relative to second stanchion section  32 ″ as threaded rod  34  is rotated. In use, when threaded rod  34  is rotated either in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction by the use of a drive handle  44  disposed at the upper most point of stanchion  32 , threaded rod  34  drives telescoping stanchion  32  to an extended ( FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 ) or retracted ( FIGS. 2   a  &amp;  2   b ) position which in turn raises and lowers bag support members  28 , and hence bags  12 , of trolley  10 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 5 &amp; 6 , it can be seen that drive handle  44  is composed of a first and second drive handle section  44 ′, 44 ″, which are hinged together by a centrally located pin  46 . First drive handle section  44 ′ is fixed to head  36  of threaded rod  34  and rotates with head  36  as drive handle  44  is rotated in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Second drive handle section  44 ″ is pivotally connected to first drive handle section  44 ′ by way of pin  46 . Pin  46  enables second drive handle section  44 ″ to pivot between a rest position (see representation of second drive handle section  44 ″ in phantom lines in  FIG. 5 ) and a working position (solid lines in  FIG. 5 ) in the direction of arrow a. Drive handle  44  of trolley  10  is designed such that when stanchion  32  is to be raised or lowered, second drive handle section  44 ″ can be manipulated between its rest position and its working position, whereat drive handle  44  can be rotated in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction as desired. The rest position of second drive handle section  44 ″ enables drive handle  44  to be tucked away when not in use.  
      To assist with the operation of the raising and lowering of stanchion  32 , drive handle  44  is provided with a manipulation knob  48  which is disposed on the outer end of second drive handle section  44 ″, opposite hinge pin  46 . Knob  48  is rotatably connected to second drive handle section  44 ″ by way of a pin  50 . The arrangement of knob  48  relative to pin  50  enables knob  48  to be grasped by a user (not shown) as drive handle  44  is rotated to raise and lower stanchion  32 . As drive handle  44  is rotated, knob  48  can be held stationary, as pin  50  enables knob  48  to rotate as required relative to second drive handle section  44 ″ of drive handle  44 .  
      Although stanchion  32  is shown and described as having a mechanical screw-type lifting mechanism composed primarily of threaded rod  34 , captively held nut  42  and drive handle  44 , it should be understood that many other lifting mechanisms, as for example hydraulic or pneumatic lifting mechanisms, could also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As such the invention is not limited to the specific example provided.  
      In  FIGS. 2   a  to  3  in particular, it can be seen that stanchion  32  of trolley  10  is interconnected with a pair of declined frame members  52 , 54 , which are coupled at their upper extremities to stanchion  32  by a coupling  56 . Coupling  56  enables declined frame members  52 , 54  to be pivotally moved towards one another relative to a coupling pin  57  to a collapsed position of trolley  10  for storage and/or transportation as will be discussed later with reference to  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  Declined frame members  52 , 54  are each pivotally coupled at their lower extremities to a locking pivot joint  58 , 60  by way of a pin  62 , 64 .  
      Locking pivot joints  58 , 60  are each coupled to an elongate base frame member  66 , 68 , each of which extend forward of declined frame members  52 , 54 . Base frame members  66 , 68  are disposed parallel to one another and are interconnected by way of a forward and rear cross-member  70 , 72 . Base frame members  66 , 68  and forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  form a generally rectangular base frame of trolley  10 . Locking pivot joints  58 , 60 , in association with pins  62 , 64 , enable base frame members  66 , 68  to be unlocked and pivotally moved to a collapsed position relative to declined frame members  52 , 54  for storage and/or transportation as will be discussed later with reference to  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.    
      Base frame members  66 , 68  are each composed of a first section  66 ′, 68 ′ and second section  66 ″, 68 ″, respectively. First and second sections  66 ′, 66 ″ of base frame member  66 , and first and second sections  68 ′, 68 ″ of base frame member  68 , are each disposed in a telescoping arrangement in order that first sections  66 ′, 68 ′ are adapted to slidably receive therein second sections  66 ″, 68 ″. The telescoping arrangement of each of base frame members  66 , 68  enables the base of trolley  10  to be selectively and manually adjusted to vary the length of base frame members  66 , 68  to accommodate for more or less bags  12  loaded onto bag support members  28 . When telescoping bag support members  28  are fully extended such that six bags  12  can be loaded thereon, telescoping base frame members  66 , 68  can be fully extended to support the weight applied to trolley  10  by groceries or other items (not shown) contained within bags  12 . The telescoping arrangement of base frame members  66 , 68  also enables the base of trolley  10  to be collapsed for storage and/or transportation as will be discussed later with reference to  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.    
      To enable base frame members  66 , 68  to be locked into position in varying configurations, for example, the configurations of  FIGS. 2   a  &amp;  2   b,  base frame members  66 , 68  are each provided with a spring loaded locking pin  74 , 76 . Locking pins  74 , 76  enable telescoping first and second sections  66 ′, 68 ′, 66 ″, 68 ″ of base frame members  66 , 68  to be selectively and releasably locked into any of a number of desired extended or retracted positions.  
      Forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  are each composed of a first section  70 ′, 72 ′ and second section  70 ″, 72 ″, respectively. First and second sections  70 ′, 70 ″ of forward cross-member  70 , and first and second sections  72 ′, 72 ″ of rear cross-member  72 , are each pivotally connected to one another by pins  78 , 80 . First sections  70 ′, 72 ′ of forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  are pivotally connected to base frame member  66  by pins  82 , 84 . Second sections  70 ″, 72 ″ of forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  are pivotally connected to base frame member  68  by pins  86 , 88 . The pivotal connection of forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  to base frame members  66 , 68  provided by pins  82 , 84 , 86 , 88 , along with the pivotal connection of first and second sections  70 ′, 72 ′, 70 ″, 72 ″ of forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  provided by pins  78 , 80 , enables forward and rear cross-members to pivot outwards at pins  78 , 80  as base frame members  66 , 68  are drawn towards one another to collapse the base of trolley  10  for storage and/or transportation purposes.  
      As can be best seen in  FIG. 3 , projecting from locking pivot joints  58 , 60  of trolley  10  are a pair of rear wheel axles  90 , 92  having a pair of rear wheels  94 , 96  affixed thereto. Each of rear wheels  94 , 96  rotate with their respective rear wheel axle  90 , 92 . Rear wheel axles  90 , 92  freely rotate relative to locking pivot joints  58 , 60  in association with bearings (not shown) disposed within locking pivot joints  58 , 60 .  
      To stop trolley  10  from moving or rolling away when trolley  10  is left unattended, trolley  10  is provided with a braking system. In  FIGS. 3 &amp; 7  in particular, it can be seen that a brake disc  98 , 100  is connected to each of rear wheel axles  90 , 92 . Brake discs  98 , 100  are fixed to and rotate with rear wheel axles  90 , 92 . Each brake disc  98 , 100  has an associated brake caliper  102 , 104  which is coupled to a respective locking pivot joint  58 , 60 . Brake calipers  102 , 104  enable the rotation of rear wheels  94 , 96  to be stopped or restricted relative to brake discs  98 , 100 .  
      To enable trolley  10  to be manoeuvred as desired, trolley  10  is also provided with a handle bar  106  and a pair of forward swivel-type wheels  108 , 110 . Handle bar  106  is connected at the upper section of stanchion  32  to locking pivot joints  33  and has a brake lever  112  affixed thereto. Forward swivel wheels  108 , 110  are connected to the outer ends of base frame members  66 , 68 , opposite locking pivot joints  58 , 60 .  
      In  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that brake lever  112  is fixedly connected to handle bar  106  by a coupling  114 . A lever portion  116  of brake lever  112  is pivotally connected to coupling  114  of brake lever  112  by a pin  118  which enables a brake cable  120  to be pulled when lever portion  116  is selectively and manually drawn towards handle bar  106  as required. Brake cable  120  is connected to brake calipers  102 , 104  and facilitates the compression and release of brake pads (not shown) housed within brake calipers  102 , 104  which selectively enable brake discs  98 , 100 , and hence rear wheels  94 , 96 , to rotate. It is preferred that the braking system of trolley  10  is configured to stop rear wheels  94 , 96  from rotating until lever portion  116  of brake lever  112  is drawn towards handle bar  106 . It should be appreciated however, that the braking system of trolley  10  could be configured in many other ways and as such the invention is not limited to the specific example provided.  
      Although the braking system of trolley  10  is shown and described as being controlled by a brake lever  112  which is fixedly connected to handle bar  106  it should be understood that many other braking control mechanisms could also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, instead of having a brake lever  112 , handle bar  106  of trolley  10  could be pivotally connected to the upper end of stanchion  32  in such a manner that downward or upward pivotal movement of handle bar  106  could selectively actuate brake calipers  102 , 104  in association with a brake cable  120 . In this alternative embodiment (not shown), handle bar  106  of trolley  10  could be configured to provide a static or rest position wherein rear wheels  94 , 96  are free to rotate or are locked from movement until such a time that handle bar  106  is pivotally moved in an upward or downward manner. It should therefore be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific example provided.  
      In  FIGS. 3 &amp; 4  in particular, it can be seen that forward swivel wheels  108 , 110  are each connected to base frame members  66 , 68  by way of a saddle  122 , 124 . Saddles  122 , 124  rotate relative to base frame members  66 , 68  by way of pins  126 , 128  which are fixedly connected to saddles  122 , 124 . Swivel wheels  108 , 110  are disposed within saddles  122 , 124  and are rotatably connected thereto by way of pins  130 , 132 .  
      Although shown in the accompanying representations as including two rear wheels  94 , 96  and two forward swivel wheels  108 , 110  it should be understood that more or less combinations of any suitable wheels could be used. For example, trolley  10  of the present invention could be embodied as having three wheels and hence only one forward swivel wheel or one rear wheel may be provided. The invention is therefore not limited to the specific example as shown and described with reference to the drawings.  
      As discussed earlier, trolley  10  of the present invention is configured to be collapsed for storage and/or transportation purposes if required. In  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c  there is shown various views of trolley  10  in a collapsed position.  
      Locking pivot joints  33 , coupled to the upper section of stanchion  32 , enable bag support members  28  along with handle bar  106  to assume the collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  In  FIG. 6  it can be seen that locking pivot joints  33  each include a latching mechanism  134  which facilitates release of bag support members  28  from their locked position wherein bag support members  28  are disposed substantially at right angles relative to stanchion  32 . When selectively manipulated, latching mechanisms  134  enable bag support members  28  to be rotated downwards and towards stanchion  32 . As handle bar  106  is fixedly connected to locking pivot joints  33 , handle bar  106  also moves with bag support members  28  to the collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  When trolley  10  is to be erected once again, bag support members  28  can be manipulated back to their locked position, wherein locking pivot joints  33  can be re-engaged to once again lock bag support members  28  into their erect position as is shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  5 .  
      Coupling  56 , disposed at the lower end of stanchion  32 , enables declined frame members  52 , 54  to assume the collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  To assume the collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c,  declined frame members  52 , 54  are drawn towards one another which opens coupling  56  as declined frame members  52 , 54  pivot relative to pin  57 . The action of drawing declined frame members  52 , 54  to a collapsed position also draws base frame members  66 , 68  towards one another, which in turn also causes forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  to pivot outwards relative to pins  78 , 80  to allow base frame members  66 , 68  to assume the collapsed position of  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  When trolley  10  is to be erected once again, declined frame members  52 , 54  and/or base frame members  66 , 68  can be drawn outwards relative to one another which enables declined frame members  52 , 54 , base frame members  66 , 68  and forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  of trolley  10  to once again assume their erected position as is shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  5 .  
      Locking pivot joints  58 , 60 , coupled to base frame members  66 , 68  and declined frame members  52 , 54  enable base frame members  66 , 68  to assume the collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  In  FIGS. 3 &amp; 7  it can be seen that locking pivot joints  58 , 60  each include a latching mechanism  136 , 138  which facilitates release of base frame members  66 , 68  from their locked position wherein base frame members  66 , 68  are disposed substantially horizontal to a ground surface  140  (see  FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d ). When selectively manipulated, latching mechanisms  136 , 138  enable base frame members  66 , 68  to be rotated upwards and towards declined frame members  52 , 54 . Rear wheels  94 , 96 , along with forward swivel wheels  108 , 110  move with base frame members  66 , 68  to the collapsed position shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   c.  When trolley  10  is to be erected once again, base frame members  66 , 68  can be manipulated back to their locked position, wherein locking pivot joints  58 , 60  can be re-engaged to once again lock base frame members  66 , 68  into their erect position as is shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  5 .  
      In order to provide a better understanding of the operation of trolley  10  of the present invention, a preferred method of use of trolley  10  will now be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d.  In these figures, trolley  10  is shown, in use, in various stages of operation, being used to load detachable bags  12  into the luggage compartment  142  of a motor vehicle  144 .  
      In  FIG. 9   a  trolley  10  is shown having bags  12  attached thereto and is stationed at the rear of vehicle  144  ready to load bags  12  into luggage compartment  142  of vehicle  144 .  
       FIG. 9   b  shows the first and second stages of the operation of loading bags  12  into luggage compartment  142  of vehicle  144 . The first stage of operation involves the use of drive handle  44  of stanchion  32 , which is used to extend telescoping stanchion  32 . When telescoping stanchion  32  is extended, first stanchion section  32 ′ is raised relative to second stanchion section  32 ″ in the direction of arrow b. The action of rotating drive handle  44  and extending telescoping stanchion  32  elevates bag support members  28 , and hence bags  12 , above ground surface  140  in the direction of arrow b. In use, drive handle  44  is manipulated to elevate bags  12  until bases  22  of bags  12  are sufficiently clear of the rear panel  146  of vehicle  144  in order to allow trolley  10  to be moved towards vehicle  144  in the direction of arrow c.  
      The second stage of operation involves the movement of trolley  10  towards vehicle  144  in the direction of arrow c. As stanchion  32  has been raised and bags  12  are clear of rear panel  146  of vehicle  144 , trolley  10  can be moved towards vehicle  144  as required in order to position trolley  10  such that bags  12  are ready to be lowered into luggage compartment  142 . In  FIG. 9   b  it can be seen that as trolley  10  is moved towards vehicle  144  in the direction of arrow c the base of trolley  10  which includes base frame members  66 , 68 , forward and rear cross-members  70 , 72  and swivel wheels  108 , 110 , rolls along ground surface  140  and under the floor panel  148  of vehicle  144 .  
       FIGS. 9   c  &amp;  9   d  show the third and final stages of the operation of loading bags  12  into luggage compartment  142  of vehicle  144 . The third stage of operation is shown in  FIG. 9   c.  In this figure it can be seen that drive handle  44  of stanchion  32  has been used to lower bags  12  into luggage compartment  142  in the direction of arrow d. The action of rotating drive handle  44  of telescoping stanchion  32  retracts first stanchion section  32 ′ in the direction of arrow d relative to second stanchion section  32 ″ and in turn lowers bags  12  to the floor  150  of luggage compartment  142 . Once bases  22  of bags  12  are safely stationed on floor  150  of luggage compartment  142 , trolley  10  can be moved away from vehicle  144  in the direction of arrow e ( FIG. 9   d ).  
      The final stage of operation involves the movement of trolley  10  away from vehicle  144  in the direction of arrow e. As can be seen in  FIG. 9   d,  as trolley  10  is moved away from vehicle  144  in the direction of arrow e, bag support members  28  slide out of sleeves  26  of bags  12  which releases bags  12  from bag support members  28  leaving bags  12  positioned in luggage compartment  142 . Bags  12  are now safely positioned in luggage compartment  142  of vehicle  144  ready for transportation. Trolley  10  can now be collapsed if required and also loaded into vehicle  144  for transportation.  
      Although not shown in the drawings, when bags  12  are to be removed from luggage compartment  142  of vehicle  144 , trolley  10  could be used in the reverse manner to that shown in  FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d.  Hence, bag support members  28  of trolley  10  could be slidably re-engaged with sleeves  26  of bags  12  by moving trolley  10  towards vehicle  144  in the reverse direction of arrow e ( FIG. 9   d ). Once re-engaged with bags  12 , telescoping stanchion  32  of trolley  10  could then be raised in the reverse direction of arrow d ( FIG. 9   c ) using drive handle  44  until bags  12  are sufficiently clear of rear panel  146  of vehicle  144  in order to enable removal of bags  12  from luggage compartment  142 . Finally, trolley  10  could then be moved away from vehicle  144  in the reverse direction of arrow c ( FIG. 9   b ), and telescoping stanchion  32  lowered in the reverse direction of arrow b using drive handle  44 , to safely position bags  12  closer to ground surface  140  for transportation using trolley  10 .  
      In  FIGS. 10   a  to  10   c  there is shown a trolley  200 , suitable for use as a shopping trolley, made in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention and which is also designed to carry a plurality of detachable shopping bags or baskets (not shown). It should be understood however, that trolley  200  may be used for many other applications and as such the invention is not limited to the specific example as shown. In  FIGS. 10   a  to  10   c  like reference numerals correspond to like parts shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  9   d.    
      Trolley  200  of  FIGS. 10   a  to  10   d  varies to that of trolley  10  of  FIGS. 1   a  to  9   d  with respect to the lifting mechanism used to raise and lower stanchion  32 . Instead of having a threaded rod  34  which is manually controlled by a drive handle  44  as was shown and described with reference to trolley  10  of  FIGS. 1   a  to  9   d,  trolley  200  of  FIGS. 10   a  to  10   c  includes a motorised lifting system.  
      In  FIGS. 10   a  to  10   c,  it can be seen that upper end or head  36  of threaded rod  34  is fixed to a thrusting block  202  which is fixed to or formed integral with first stanchion section  32 ′ and which is disposed at the upper end thereof relative handle  106 . Thrust block  202  provides threaded rod  34  of stanchion  32  with a means of driving first stanchion section  32 ′ away from second stanchion section  32 ″.  
      To enable threaded rod  34  to raise first stanchion section  32 ′ relative to second stanchion section  32 ″ a centrally located cylindrical tube  204  having an internally threaded upper shoulder or captively held nut  206  and an external lower pinion gear  208  is provided. Threaded upper shoulder  206  receives threaded rod  34  and raises and lowers threaded rod  34  as cylindrical tube  204  is rotated in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. A motor  210  having a shaft  212  with a worm gear  214  formed thereon provides the required rotation of cylindrical tube  204 . Worm gear  214  works with pinion  208  of cylindrical tube  204  to provide the required rotation of cylindrical tube  204 .  
      In  FIG. 10   b  it can be seen that a control device  216  is affixed to handle bar  106  of trolley  200 . Control device  216  includes a first button  218  for activating motor  210  in one of a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction in order to extend telescoping stanchion  32 , and a second button  220  for activating motor  210  in the other of a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction in order to retract telescoping stanchion  32 .  
      Motor  210  is powered by a battery  222  housed within a battery housing  224  which is fixedly connected to the lower end of stanchion  32 . To enable motor  210  to be powered by battery  222  and controlled by control device  216 , trolley  200  includes a series of electrical wires  226  and any other electronic components (not shown) necessary to control motor  210 .  
      In use, when a user (not shown) desires to raise of lower bag support members  28  or trolley  200 , he or she can do so by simply pressing first or second buttons  218 , 220  of control device  216  as required.  
      The present invention therefore provides a useful trolley  10 , 200  which enables a plurality of detachable bags or containers  12  to be readily loaded and unloaded as required with the assistance of a suitable lifting mechanism disposed within or adjacent stanchion  32 . The present invention also provides a trolley  10 , 200  which can be selectively adjusted to accommodate more or less bags or containers  12  as required depending on the intended use of the trolley. Finally, as the trolley  10 , 200  of the present invention encourages the use of specially designed reusable bags or containers  12 , it is considered that use of trolley  10 , 200  will substantially reduce the effects that conventional plastic singlet-type bags have on the environment.  
      While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.  
      Finally, as the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.