Abstract:
A cart for transporting large area objects provides a region that can support objects that have a large height and width relative to depth dimension, while accommodating more conventionally sized and shaped objects, such as might be found in a retail environment. A central leg divides the payload area of the cart into a large area object carrying portion and a region that is larger in dimension than the large area object region. The central leg is set back from a front edge of the cart, and includes a slanted upper portion to avoid interference with components of other like carts to permit the like carts to be nested. The cart permits relatively large area objects to be transported with relative ease, in addition to conventionally sized and shaped objects.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 29/391,461, filed May 9, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    (Not Applicable) 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present disclosure relates generally to carts for transporting objects, and more particularly to carts for transporting objects that include at least one side with a relatively large surface area. 
         [0004]    The retail environment has undergone a number of changes in recent years, which tend to change a shopping customer&#39;s experience. For example, club or warehouse type shopping venues typically permit customers to obtain items in bulk with a corresponding decrease in relative costs of items. The items in bulk are typically selected by the customer and transported using carts that are configured to permit relatively large items to be placed on the cart for ease of transport by the customer. The type of carts used in these types of shopping venues often have a large open area with a rack support for accepting the relatively large packages of the products in bulk. 
         [0005]    Other known shopping venues, such as hardware or furniture stores may provide carts for transporting a relatively few large items that may each represent a single product. The types of carts used tend to be open with a support rack, and can typically withstand a significant amount of loading. 
         [0006]    In each of the above described carts, a large area object may be easily carried on the cart, however, it may sometimes be difficult to place other items on the cart when it is loaded with a large area object. In some cases, a relatively thin large area object may be somewhat delicate or fragile, so that stacking items on the large area of the object can lead to damage of the packaging or object itself. It may be possible to rearrange the items on the cart so that the large area object can be placed atop the other items, however, such a practice is cumbersome to the customer, and can lead to unstable situations for transporting a large area object, which again may lead to accidental damage to the packaging or object itself. 
         [0007]    Some multipurpose carts are available that can carry multiple, different sized items with relative ease and security, such as by implementing different size baskets or cart frame sections that are conducive to holding objects of certain sizes, either in a stacked configuration or upon a frame structure that is suitable for transporting different sized objects. For example, carts used in lumberyards or associated hardware stores can often accommodate different shaped objects such as pieces of lumber that have a significantly greater length dimension compared to other dimensions, while also accommodating relatively large surface area items such as pieces of sheetrock or plywood, which can have an area dimension of 8 feet by 4 feet, for example. The objects with relatively large surface area are typically placed on the cart in a vertical orientation, between frame structures that tend to support the large area object in an upright position. Typically, these types of carts tend to be rugged and built to withstand relatively heavy loading, and as such are not as easy to maneuver in a retail setting. In addition, these types of carts typically do not have baskets or containers for holding smaller items. Accordingly, a customer seeking to transport a large area object together with typically smaller general merchandise would choose between a heavy duty cart for transporting large area objects that are somewhat unwieldy and typically does not secure smaller merchandise, or may choose a cart that generally secures smaller merchandise, but typically does not permit large area objects to be held securely. 
         [0008]    In addition, the heavy duty carts typically used for transporting lumber are not nestable, so that they tend to take up greater space in a retail environment. In addition, these types of non-nestable carts are unable to be grouped together to manage a number of carts at once, so that it is more difficult for a retailer to manage such carts. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with the present disclosure, a nestable cart is provided for transporting large area objects. The cart includes a partition and support within which a large area object can be accommodated. The partition is arranged to permit other various other objects, typically with smaller main surface areas in relation to an object with a large main surface area. The support provided for a large area object can also act as the partition, and is configured to permit the cart to be nestable with other like carts. 
         [0010]    According to an aspect of the disclosure, the cart includes a tubular frame to which wheels can be mounted. The wheels can be arranged such that one or more front wheels can swivel, or one or more back wheels can swivel, to permit the cart to be maneuvered or navigated through a turn. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cart includes a partition member arranged in a central region of the cart that can function as a divider between a region of the cart that can accommodate large area objects, and a region of the cart that can accommodate more general sized objects. The partition member can be a tubular member, and can act as a support for one or more large area objects located in the large area object partition, or general objects located in the general object area. The partition member can be connected to the frame, and project from an upper rear area of the cart frame to a forward lower area of the cart frame, to permit the partition member to act as a divider between the large area object region and general size object region. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireframe rack is provided on a lower portion of the cart, in a pivoting relationship with the cart frame. The wireframe rack is arranged to pivot in an upward direction when another like cart is nested with the cart of the present disclosure. The partition member can be arranged to be connected to the cart frame to avoid interfering with the pivoting movement of the wireframe rack to avoid interference with a nesting operation. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cart includes a crossbar frame member to which the petition member can be attached. The crossbar frame member is located in an upper rear region of the cart, and extends rearward as well as across the width of the cart. The partition member can be attached to the crossbar frame member at a rearward location, such that a portion of the crossbar frame member and the partition member form a portion of a perimeter of the large area object region of the cart. The crossbar frame member and the partition member can provide support for a large area object located in the large area object region partially defined by the crossbar frame member and the partition member. The crossbar frame member is located and sized to avoid interference with a nesting operation of like carts, while contributing to defining a large area object region. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cart is provided with hook brackets that can support other object carriers or partitions, including wireframe baskets, handled shopping bags, or other containers that can hold and support objects on the cart. The hook brackets can be located on the partition member, the crossbar frame member, or other parts of the shopping cart frame, including a push-handle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The present disclosure is described in greater detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a right side elevation view of a cart for large area objects in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a left side elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cart is accordance with the present disclosure, showing the arrangement of a large area object and handled shopping bag on the cart; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing nesting of multiple carts. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 29/391,461, filed May 9, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , a cart  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in various views. With reference to the perspective view of cart  100  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the features and advantages of this exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are readily viewed. 
         [0028]    Cart  100  includes a tubular frame  102  that includes an upright portion  104  with two legs  105 ,  106  that are generally formed as posts. Legs  105 ,  106  are attached to a lower frame  110 . Reinforcing brackets  112 ,  114  are attached to lower frame  110  and legs  105 ,  106  to contribute to maintaining a physical relationship between upright portion  104  and lower frame  110 . Brackets  112 ,  114  help to absorb strain or loading that may occur from a person pushing cart  100  at a push-handle portion  116  of upright portion  104 . Cart  100  includes casters or wheels  108  mounted to lower frame  110 . Wheels  108  can be arranged such that one or more front wheels  118  can swivel or be fixed in orientation, and/or one or more back wheels  124  can swivel or be fixed in orientation, to permit cart  100  to be maneuvered or navigated through a turn. 
         [0029]    Cart  100  includes a wireframe rack  160  that is provided to lower frame  110 . Rack  160  can be coupled to a front region of lower frame  110  with a hinge (not shown) to permit pivotal movement with respect to lower frame  110 . Rack  160  is arranged to permit a rear portion to pivot in an upward direction when another like cart  100  is nested, or horizontally stacked, with cart  100  of the present disclosure. 
         [0030]    Tubular frame  102  also includes a rear support member  120  that has ends  122  that are respectively attached to legs  105 ,  106 . Member  120  is generally arranged to extend in a horizontal direction, toward a rear of cart  100  from ends  122  that are attached to legs  105 ,  106 . Member  120  can be used to define a rear extent for loading objects on cart  100 . According to an exemplary embodiment, member  120  extends rearward a distance that is less than the distance push-handle  116  extends rearward, to permit a gap to remain between push-handle  116  and member  120  in a horizontal direction. The gap between member  120  and push-handle  116 , in a horizontal direction, permits a user of cart  100  to grasp push-handle  116  without interference from items that may be loaded onto cart  100  that can be placed to abut an interior portion of a rearward extent of member  120 . 
         [0031]    Cart  100  also includes a middle leg  140  that is connected between member  120  and a crossbar  130  that is connected to lower frame  110 . Crossbar  130  acts as a support for leg  140 , and is supported in turn by connections to lower frame  110 . Crossbar  130  can be a tubular member, or a solid bar, and is illustrated as being connected with leg  140  with a bolt and nut. Leg  140  may also be composed of a tubular member, and is connected to member  120  by being welded, or inserted into an opening in member  120  and fastened to member  120  at the opening. Leg  140  is thus supported by crossbar  130  and member  120  and arranged to be free of rack  160  to avoid interfering with the pivoting movement of rack  160  to avoid interference with a nesting operation. 
         [0032]    According to an exemplary embodiment, leg  140  is arranged on cart  100  to be offset laterally from a central midline of cart  100  that divides cart  100  into a left and right portion, viewed from a rear of cart  100 . Thus, leg  140  can be arranged to be connected to crossbar  130  and member  120  at locations to permit leg  140  to be located entirely in a right hand half of cart  100 , as viewed from the rear. Such a position of leg  140  provides a smaller dimensional area  142  defined by leg  140 , member  120  and leg  105 , and a larger dimensional area  144  defined by leg  140 , member  120  and leg  106 . Smaller dimensional area  142  can thus accommodate objects that have a relatively large surface area compared to their thickness or depth, while larger dimensional area  144  provides a generally larger region that can accommodate more conventionally sized objects. The provision of leg  140 , offset from a central midline of cart  100 , thus provides an accommodation for retaining large area objects in dimensional area  142 , while permitting more conventionally sized and shaped objects, i.e., objects with two or more of a height, width or depth that are relatively similar in size, to be stored and transported in larger dimensional area  144 . 
         [0033]    According to various exemplary embodiments, cart  100  includes various features that may be incorporated to assist with the transport of large area objects and more conventionally sized objects. For example, cart  100  may include a sleeve  132  on leg  140  to act as a protective bumper for objects placed on and transported by cart  100 . Sleeve  132  may be composed of a foam rubber or other soft or resilient material that can act as a cushion for objects placed on cart  100  that come into contact with leg  140 . 
         [0034]    Leg  140 , as well as member  120 , may also include brackets  134 ,  136 , respectively, which can be used to support a handled container, such as container  910  shown in  FIG. 9 . Brackets  134 ,  136  can be used to support the handles of such a container  910  by being directed upward and being located at a relatively similar height on cart  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , brackets  134 ,  136  can be spaced apart from each other to contribute to maintaining container  910  ( FIG. 9 ) in an open position to accept merchandise selected by the user/shopper. 
         [0035]    According to an exemplary embodiment, cart  100  may feature a hook bracket  138  that is positioned on upright portion  104  near push-handle  116 , and is sized and shaped to accept a handle of a container to permit the container to hang from hook bracket  138 . Hook bracket  138  is thus formed in the shape of a “J” as viewed from a side elevation, such as is shown in  FIG. 1 . The shape and arrangement of hook bracket  138  can retain the handle of a handled container (not shown) for ease of use by a user/shopper, who can place selected merchandise in such a container while shopping. The location of hook bracket  138  permits a container to be hung at a rear of cart  100 , without interfering with large area objects that may be located in smaller dimensional area  142 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a number of carts  100  are shown in a nested configuration, which permits storage of carts  100  in a reduced size area. Nested carts  100  are designated as middle nested cart  152 , and referring to locations relative to middle nested cart  152 , rearward nested cart  150  and forward nested cart  154 , for ease of reference and description purposes. Each of carts  100  in  FIG. 10  include leg  140  that is arranged and shaped to permit carts  100  to be nested together. For example, leg  140  is connected to crossbar  130  near lower frame  100  at a setback location from a front edge of cart  100 . The setback of the attachment point of leg  140  near lower frame  110  permits middle cart  152  to be nested with forward nested cart  154 , without leg  140  restricting the nesting action by avoiding contact with rack  160  ( FIG. 8 ) of cart  154 . Similarly, rearward nested cart  150  can nest with middle nested cart  152  while avoiding interference between rack  160  of middle nested cart  152  leg  140  of rearward nested cart  150 , since the lower connection point of leg  140  is spaced away from a front edge of rearward nested cart  150 . 
         [0037]    Leg  140  is shaped to have a slanted or tapered portion near an upward end of leg  140  to also accommodate nesting of carts  150 ,  152  and  154 . The sloped portion of leg  140  permits member  120  on forwardly nested cart  154 , for example, to be accommodated by middle nested cart  152  without interference by leg  140 , due to the slanted portion of leg  140  extending underneath member  120  when middle and forwardly nested carts  152 ,  154  are nested. 
         [0038]    In accordance with the present disclosure, cart  100  thus provides a transportation device for transporting large area objects, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , through the use of a support in the form of leg  140 , while permitting cart  100  to be nestable with like carts  100 . At the same time, cart  100  permits more conventionally shaped objects or containers to be accommodated for transport in a shopping environment, for example, where cart  100  can be easily manipulated by the user/shopper. Cart  100  thus provides the advantages of easily transporting large area objects that are well supported by cart  100 , while permitting more conventional merchandise to also be transported, and while permitting cart  100  to be nestable. 
         [0039]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are just possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.