Patent ID: 7984916
Filing Date: 2011-07-26
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A three-wheeled cart, comprising: a bottom portion configured to support a load thereon, the bottom portion comprising a plate-like base inclined downwardly toward a rear end of the cart and extending along a length from a proximal end to a distal end of the base, a pair of substantially triangular plate-like side walls attached to the base, the base and side walls defining a cavity therebetween, the bottom portion further comprising a pair of planar fenders extending outwardly from the side walls, the fenders having a width that tapers toward a front end of the cart and is configured to deflect the cart away from an object even in a head-on collision between the object and the fenders, the bottom portion further comprising a pair of axle mounts extending below the base; a pair of front wheels coupled to each other via an axle rotatably mounted on the axle mounts so that the axle is disposed directly beneath a bottom surface of the base between said mounts, the front wheels disposed below the fenders and inwardly therefrom; a positive cam brake coupled to one of the plate-like side walls, the cam brake mechanically actuatable to engage at least one of the pair of front wheels to lock said wheel; a planar back portion attached to the bottom portion, the back portion comprising a back plate inclined rearwardly toward the rear end of the cart and extending along a length from a proximal end to a distal end of the back portion that is greater than the length of the base, the distal end of the back portion attached to the proximal end of the plate-like base at a junction that is disposed below a horizontal plane extending through the axle of the front wheels, said junction defining a lowestmost point of the cart between the front wheels and a rear wheel of the cart, in order to maintain the stability of the cart during use irrespective of a load amount disposed in or on the cart, the back portion further comprising a pair of side rails attached to the back plate; a c-shaped handle portion attached to the side rails and having a support portion disposed rearward of the back plate, the support portion configured to support a user's hands while pushing the cart while protecting the user's hands from colliding with an object that comes in contact with a side of the cart during use; and the rear wheel operatively coupled to the bottom portion and disposed rearwardly of the side walls of the bottom portion, the proximal end of the back portion disposed rearwardly of the rear wheel, the rear wheel configured to pivot about a vertical axis to facilitate the turning of the cart, wherein the cart is configured to support a load of at least 1000 lbs.