Claims:We Claim that:

1) A system to provide hand operated braking system in a platform trolley using button-controlled mechanism consisting of a battery operated pneumatic system to clamp the caster wheels of the trolley providing immediate braking with the release of the button and movement to the wheels by pressing the button.

2) As in claim – 1, the pneumatic system function with the use of a battery-operated compressor so that the braking system can be continuously operated with the process of pneumatic cylinders’ extract and retract process to clamp and unclamp the wheels.

3) As in Claim – 1 any number of wheels in the platform trolley can be braked to halt the movement of the trolley using the button push mechanism including a single front wheel, both the front wheel, all the wheels and other possibilities in the system.

4) As in Claim – 1 this braking mechanism can be used in all type of platform trolleys including single handled trolley, double handled trolley, foldable platform trolley, double decker trolley and others.

5) As in Claim – 4 the braking system can be attached to platform trolleys of varying size and the battery of varying ampere current can be used for increasing the life cycle of the braking system.
, Description:
TITLE
A system to brake a hand operated platform trolley using pneumatic braking mechanism.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND USE OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of Mechanical engineering more particularly a
braking mechanism in a platform trolling to easily halt the movement of the caster wheels with a hand operated mechanism.
[0002] Here a system is designed which pertains, to the methods and apparatus for
controlling the movement of a platform trolley that ordinarily would be pushed or pulled by an operator, and, more particularly, the present invention pertains to wheel braking. The caster wheels attached at the bottom of the platforms although makes the movement comfortable to carry the goods from one place to another it has at times proven to be unstable and it has raised a demand for an efficient braking mechanism which can serve to be smooth during the transport of goods. So here a mechanism is built which can be attached to any platform trolley to provide a safe and easy braking system.
PRIOR ART AND PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
[0003] Caster wheels in modern life are widely used, in furniture, goods on carts, food carts,
mobile workstations, industries, airports trolleys and other equipment, so that items can be flexibly moved. It is commonly known to persons who have pushed a trolley like an apparatus, that the wheels quite commonly do not move in the desired direction and even when it is brought to a halt they usually have the tendency to slide away. Locking and braking systems have been previously designed to pause the rolling action of the wheels. Many previous trolley’s design uses levers to individually lock/unlock wheel. The user may move a lever by using their feet or by reaching down and moving the lever with their finger to lock or unlock the caster wheel. These

manual level casters may be time-consuming to engage/disengage and may make it difficult to determine a lock/unlock status of each wheel. Further, the casters may not provide emergency braking should braking be needed while the trolley is moving. In another perspective, Motorized trolley system with motor driven wheels have been provided in prior art, and some trolley is designed with the predetermined operation when switched on so that they will move only a preselected distance. However, such devices may be heavy, and thus dangerous, and further, they may essentially remove control of the operation of the operator and may, if accidentally activated, present additional danger to the operator in good loaded or unloaded condition. The presently available mechanisms are either too heavy, costly or difficult to operate and in case the user forgets to lock or brake the trolley there is a huge possibility of accidents or catastrophic situations.
[0004] This invention provides a proficient mechanism where the braking system is designed
for a platform trolley that is hand operated and used to carry goods. This system is easy to use and functions on a very cost-effective mechanism. To replace the tiring mechanism of lever operated brake a push operating system including button operation and other is used to prevent accidental rolling. Here in case, the user is not alert to brake the semi-automated working mechanism of the system enabled to brake the movement at the release of the handle of the trolley restricting the movement of the wheels. The mechanism can be used for a single handled or multi-handled trolley system, the functioning will be same and uncomplicated to operate the system.
THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
[0005] Platform trolleys are well known in the industry for moving loads that cannot be easily
transported by hand. A typical platform trolley includes a generally rectangular, flat, material-supporting surface having two swivel casters and two unidirectional, non-swivelling, wheels at the bottom of the platform truck. Today the need exists for a platform trolley, having an actuator positioned conveniently at the handle end of the trolley which allows the front casters to be switched between a fixed position or halt and a rolling position.
[0006] It has already been proposed where multiple mechanisms are provided to install the

anti-rolling mechanism on a platform trolley which allows the front casters to move or lock in a position. Some platform trucks provide a spring-loaded pin mounted on each caster wheel that engages a notch thereon to prevent that front caster wheel from swivelling when it is desired to lock it in place. Unfortunately, to release the front casters the user has to physically pull a ring at each front caster wheel, requiring the user to step away from the handle, thereby releasing control of the load. Resetting the caster to a locked position is even more cumbersome for the user, requiring the user to orient the caster so that the pin can be re-engaged to the notch. Therefore, what is lacking in the art is a platform trolley that includes a user- friendly means of locking and unlocking the caster wheels of the platform truck from the operating position of the platform truck.
[0007] The principal object of the system is the provision of a braking mechanism for a hand-
operated platform trolley which can be easily operated from the handle of the trolley. A push mechanism is providing with the help of components using button system which when pressed by the user the caster wheels of the trolley will roll and if released the rolling movement will stop to brake the trolley.
[0008] Another Object of the system includes the use of a pneumatic braking mechanism for
smooth braking of the trolley. Initially, the pneumatic cylinder attached at the bottom of the platform is in extended condition creating an anti-rolling condition as the wheels are locked and as soon as the push button is pressed the cylinder will compressing unlocking the wheel creating mobility of the trolley.
[0009] The Further object of the system is the instant braking mechanism at the release of the
push button on the handle. Here the braking system is pneumatically and electrically operational and to operate the trolley the button needs to be constantly pressed to continue the rolling movement of the wheels and as soon as the pushbutton is released due to any reason the wheels will be locked by the brake clamps and the trolley will be instantly braked.
[0010] The further object of the system is the mechanism of braking can even be attached to
any presently available trolley system. Although for example in the present

representation we have described a platform trolley attached with the braking mechanism, if required the mechanism can directly be attached to any existing plain platform trolley to provide it with the braking mechanism making it a portable system.
[0011] The further objective is that the system is cost-effective. The system is simple and
portable making it easy to be used without any professional training and at all levels of work. The portable and easy to manufacture along with low maintenance characteristic makes the vehicle highly efficient and economical in long use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Platform trolley is an important apparatus to carry light and heavy goods which cannot
be carried using mere hands. Unattended trolleys pose problems. Many existing trolleys do not have brakes. These unrestrained trolleys can roll freely and cause damage to both persons and property. The trolleys themselves also sustain damage thereby reducing the useful life of the trolley. Therefore, a brake system is needed that automatically engages when the trolley is left unattended in certain installations. Several attempts have been made to employ brakes on the trolley. Most existing trolley brakes operate against the wheel tread of a trolley wheel. The braking system operated by the lever or manual locking of the wheel by foot. These methods do not assure safety as the operator has to leave the handle and may have to apply a lot of energy to lock the wheels. So here in this invention, a mechanism is designed where using pneumatic and electrical mechanism a braking system is designed which can be operated using the push button set up on the handle of the trolley. The push mechanism will compress the pneumatic cylinder attached at the bottom of the platform to unclamp the brake from the caster wheels and promote motion and as soon as the button is released the brake will clamp the wheels, bringing it to a stable position restricting any further motion thus securing the trolley from rolling away without assistance. The system is so easy to function that it requires no training to operate it and as it’s very low in maintenance it serves to be an economic mechanism. The braking system is also made portable as it can be attached to any trolley system making it a very compatible mechanism than the presently available systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] While the present invention is described herein by way of example, using various
embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is neither intended to be limited to the embodiment of drawing or drawings described nor designed to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated with specific figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiment outlined in any way. The drawings and detailed description for it are not intended to restrict the invention to the form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention covers all Modification/s, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The headings are used for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this specification, the word "may" be used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning, must).
[0014] Further, the words "an" or "a" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means one
or more unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and any additional subject matter not recited, and is not supposed to exclude any other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents acts, materials, devices, articles and the like are included in the specification solely to provide a context for the present invention.
[0015] In this disclosure, whenever an element or a group of elements is preceded with the
transitional phrase "comprising", it is also understood that we contemplate the same element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of, "consisting", "selected from the group comprising”, "including", or "is" preceding the

recitation of the element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0016] The present invention is to provide an efficient semi-automatic braking mechanism
the caster wheels of a platform trolley with the use of a pneumatic and electrically operated system apparatus. The system according to the present invention includes, at least one caster wheel which can move the platform, a braking mechanism for stopping the rotation of the wheel, an operation unit for operating the actuation portion, and a wire connecting the actuating portion and the operation portion, the actuating portion, with respect to the caster separable there from provided, a brake member, in contact with the wheel by pulling the wire from the operation unit side, the operating portion includes a push button, a release state at least pushing state equivalent push button to release the state tension in the released state and the wheel is in moving position together with pulling the wire in the process leading to a state wherein the push button pushes to keep the Comprising wire retraction mechanism, and in the button release state, the wheel has a rotation stopped state.
[0017] The present invention has many advantages. One advantage is that the brake
assembly is normally engaged when the trolley is left unattended. This enhances the overall safety of the trolley and ensures that the trolley is not subjected to damage due to uncontrolled movement. Further brake performance is not affected by sand, moisture, or other damaging contaminants that are airborne or would be picked up by the wheel. The mechanism does not interrupt with the present working of the platform trolling as it acts as an external component for the braking mechanism in the existing trolley design, fulfilling the requirement which also provides the benefit of easy replacement and maintenance.
[0018] The trolley includes a frame generally having a front end and a rear end. A front
rotatable caster that permits the trolley to turn is mounted to the front end of the trolley and the rear wheels are designed to be swivel free. The handle of the trolley is designed with the push button which creates a link between the rotating action of the wheel and the braking assembly.

[0019] The brake control mechanisms operate to engage and disengage the brake assemblies.
When the push button on the handle of the trolley is released, the brake assemblies are normally engaged and it prevents the rotation of the front wheels. When the button on the handle is pressed, the brake assemblies become disengaged and permit rotation of the front wheels.
[0020] The brake assembly is fixedly positioned at the bottom of the platform. As can be
understood, maintenance and replacement of the brake assembly are easily performed, as the brake assembly is readily accessible and can be replaced into any platform trolley if required. Because of the placement and the pre-assembled configuration of the brake assembly, any necessary replacements can be accomplished within few minutes.
[0021] The braking assembly consists of 12v 12Amp DC Battery, 12v 300/150PSI air
compressor/ 12v 300PSI wheel inflator, Filter Regulator and Lubricator (10bar, 16bar) 5/2 Solenoid operated Spring return DCV OR 3/2 Solenoid operated Spring return DCV, Push button, Single acting cylinder or Double acting cylinder, Main Switch, Brake pads, Castor Wheels (Fixed as well as swivel), MS plate for trolley base, MS Square and Round pipe, 12v 12Amp battery charger.
[0022] The pneumatic cycling used in the system is used to perform the compressed action
when the button is pressed. The cylinder is an extended state when the trolley is in a stable state as soon as the button is pressed on the handle the cylinder gets compressed and it unclamps the front wheel and enables it to perform the rotational motion. As soon as the pushbutton is released again due to any reason the trolley will stop as the cylinder extracts and the brakes are applied. In the system, single acting cylinder or/and double acting cylinder can be used. To make it cost-effective double acting cylinder can be used as it performs equally effective as the single acting cylinder.
[0023] The actuator is a button-actuated, normally open electrical switch mounted, on a
bottom surface of the platform of the trolley. This switch is operable to connect a battery to the compressor which instigated the cylinders to imply effect on the wheel assemblies, respectively. The battery may be a single battery carried on the trolley,

but preferably represents a small battery located in each of the assemblies When switch is closed, power is supplied from battery (or batteries) to activation coils of the solenoids which are wired in parallel to a single battery or in series with corresponding individual batteries. Although four wheel assemblies are illustrated, it will be understood that only one wheel needs to be locked to provide braking, with the remaining having the flexibility to move. It is preferred that at least two wheels be locked as a minimum for safety. It will also be understood that although the illustrated trolley includes four support legs, a different number may be utilized.
[0024] Here for better illustration in the braking mechanism set up, a battery which is of 12
V 12Amp is connected with the 12 V 300/150 PSI air compressor, there is a main switch set up between the battery and the compressor. When the main switch on the compressor is instigated it sends air to the Filter regulator lubricator (FRL). The air is controlled, filtered and lubricated in the Filter Regulator Lubricator(FRL) and then the compressed air is sent to the 5/2 solenoid operated the spring return direction control valve and this control valve is operated with the help of push button attached at the handle. Now the compressed air from the direction control valve goes to the pneumatic cylinder to extract and retract. When the push button is in a pressed state the pneumatic cylinder retracts and the brakes are unlocked from the caster wheel and as soon as the pushbutton is released the pneumatic cylinder extracts and the brakes get locked at the caster wheel(s) restricting the rotational movement.
[0025] The braking pads attached to the pneumatic cylinder are used to clamp the motion of
the caster wheels. The brake pad at the end of rod may be attached to the outer wheel. The brake pad may be made of polyamide or another material that provides resistance when engaged with the wheel. When the button is released by the end portion the brake assembly engages the front wheel to provide braking action. When the button is pressed the end portion of the brake rod moves backward from the front wheel and the brake assembly disengages the wheel to permit free rotation. A cover is also provided to cover and protect the internal components of the brake control mechanism.
[0026] So here the designed Platform trolley is provided with a pushbutton, a simple

operation of pressing a button, for switching between the movement preventing state and movable state, it can be operated easily. In use, the brake assembly is normally engaged when the button on the handle of the trolley is released, that is, the brake assembly prevents the trolley from rolling when the button on the handle is not pressed. When the button on the handle is pressed, the brake assembly is disengaged and the trolley is permitted to roll.
[0027] While embodiments have been illustrated and described in the drawings and
foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions are considered to be exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The applicants have provided description and figures which are intended as illustrations of embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be: construed as containing or implying limitation of the disclosure to those embodiments. There is a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from various features set forth in the description. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the disclosure and associated methods, without undue experimentation, that incorporate one or more of the features of the disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.
FIGURE DESCRIPTION
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
disclosure, illustrate an exemplary embodiment and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed embodiment. In the figures, the left and rightmost digit(s) of a reference number identify the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of the system and methods of an embodiment of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and concerning the accompanying figures, in which:

[0029] Figure – 1 illustrates the diagram of a pneumatic circuit with a Double acting cylinder
(1) and the circuit shows the solenoid operated spring return DCV (2) in the circuit
[0030] Figure – 2 illustrates the diagrammatic structure of a platform trolley (3) which has a
handle with the push button (4) to function the pneumatic braking system described in Figure – 4 and has caster wheels (5) at the bottom of the platform.
[0031] Figure – 3 illustrates the View of a caster wheel which has a wheel (7) attached with
braking Pads (8) which is released when the button on the handle is un-pressed and the pneumatic cylinder (6) extracts to complete the braking action by locking the front wheels of the trolley.
[0032] Figure – 4 illustrates the diagrammatic view of all the components in the braking
mechanism which can be connected to any trolley system (3). The circuit shows the push button (12) which needs to be attached to the handle of the trolley. The command from the push button is received by the solenoid operated spring return direction control valve (14) which is attached to the double acting pneumatic cylinder ( 13)which expands and compresses based on the command received from the user. The circuit is the battery (10) operated where the air is first sent to the FLR (Filter regulator lubricator) (11) from the compressor (9) and then it is sent to the control valve to command the cylinder to lock or unlock the wheel using clamp to brake or un- brake the trolley system.