Hi, I’m Ron Connor founder of Connor Innovations.
In 1986, after 27 years maintaining warships at Chatham, then Devonport Royal Naval Dockyards, I retired early. I was at a loss at what to do next until one afternoon I saw an elderly gentleman struggling to keep a 15 kg Calor Gas bottle on a sack trolley. I got home thinking there must be a better way and I quickly scribbled down a trolley design with a hook that went into the handhold of the Calor bottle. Later that day came the eureka moment – put a hook on the other side of the trolley and you can handle two bottle sizes – the 19-47 trolley was born.
With my son John as my business partner, production started in my (very small) garage.
This user-friendly trolley was an instant success with all involved in moving these heavy, awkward bottles – Immediately outselling all other LPG trolleys on the UK market.
Many manufacturers now copy the 19-47 concept, though not the strength or quality – It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Other LPG trolley designs quickly followed – most are certificated by the Appliance Testing Laboratory of Calor Gas Ltd.
Our trolleys are now used by all of the major LP gas companies throughout the UK.
These innovative trolleys gained 3rd place in both the
1987 and 1988 South of England Invention of the Year Competition,
and a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ in the
1988 South West of England Invention of the Year Competition.