Convertible cart

A convertible cart allows for carriage of many items of different shapes in a position that provides a base with front and back walls, along with structural rods preventing items from sliding out of either side. A two-level tiered configuration may be best suited for carriage of larger, fragile items which cannot be stacked atop each other, or simply for organization of different large items. For the largest loads, a flat base arrangement maximizes both vertical space and available base area while providing the handlebar at an appropriate position for pushing or pulling. When transportation of items is complete, a flat configuration minimizes necessary storage space for the apparatus. These different arrangements are made possible through the employment of several rigid and telescoping members, which enable both custom handlebar arrangement and secure, intuitive adjustment between configurations. Swiveling wheels improve the mobility of the apparatus during use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an item transportation cart. More specifically, the convertible cart relates to a manually-operated device which provides surfaces capable of supporting large quantities of various items. The present invention is also able to reconfigure those surfaces to optimally facilitate transportation of items of different sizes or quantities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of tools may be used in order to transport large amounts of goods manually through a store, while moving, or in a variety of other situations. Devices such as shopping carts and baskets make it relatively easy for a grocery store customer to move groceries throughout a store and from the store to an awaiting vehicle. Similarly, larger palettes may be used by stock workers in order to resupply shelves with items and inventory as needed by a given retailer. Such tools are sometimes found to be adequate for general use in common situations.

However, such tools have several drawbacks. Conventional shopping carts are often unwieldy, requiring an undue amount of effort to change velocity or direction while pushing. Hand baskets are too small to be effective at carrying large items and are also weight-limited, quickly becoming too heavy to be useful in moving large amounts of small items. Larger trolley carts are more effective at both transporting large items and heavy loads; however, even these carts have drawbacks. The one-size-fits-all model of a trolley cart is ineffective on a case-by-case basis at moving smaller items, items of different shapes, or fragile items that cannot be stacked atop each other. What is needed is a trolley cart capable of shifting into an appropriate shape for carrying large amounts of items of any size or shape. Further desirable is a cart that can flatten for ease of storage or transportation between uses.

The present invention addresses these issues. The convertible cart allows for carriage of many items of different shapes in a position that provides a base with front and back walls, along with structural rods preventing items from sliding out of either side. A two-level tiered configuration may be best suited for carriage of larger, fragile items which cannot be stacked atop each other, or simply for organization of different large items. For the largest loads, a flat base arrangement maximizes both vertical space and available base area while providing the handlebar at an appropriate position for pushing or pulling. When transportation of items is complete, a flat configuration minimizes necessary storage space for the present invention. These different arrangements are made possible through the employment of several rigid and telescoping members, which enable both custom handlebar arrangement and secure, intuitive adjustment between configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a convertible cart that is used to organize and transport items. The present invention is configured to be adjustable to suit the needs of the items being moved, providing adjustable, durable surfaces that both protect items from shifting within the cart and enable support of heavy, or otherwise unwieldy, loads. A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a rack assembly1, an extension frame7, a handlebar frame10, a pair of fixed wheels13, a pair of rearrangeable casters16, and an orientation mechanism17, as seen inFIG. 1. The rack assembly1is the set of members which combine to form the retention space into which, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, items may be placed and removed. The extension frame7is a mechanism which may adjust to appropriately position the handlebar frame10and to enable the present invention to shift between configurations as necessary. The handlebar frame10relates to the rigid member or members extending from the present invention which provide leverage and grip, thus facilitating movement of the present invention. The pair of fixed wheels13denotes a set of rotating members which improve the mobility of the present invention. The pair of rearrangeable casters16relates to a set of wheels utilized in conjunction with the pair of fixed wheels13that can be removed and replaced in appropriate positions based upon the needs of the user or the configuration of the present invention. The orientation mechanism17is a cam guide which provides guidance for the rack assembly1, thus enabling the user to shift the rack assembly1as needed. The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to efficiently and effectively store and transport items between adjacent locations. The rack assembly1comprises a first panel2, a second panel5, and a third panel6, as shown inFIG. 1. The first panel2is a generally flat board or surface preferably made of perforated metal or linked wire which restricts the potential motion of items in the rack assembly1. Similarly, the second panel5is another generally flat board or surface preferably made of perforated metal or linked wire which restricts the potential motion of items in the rack assembly1, preferably supporting the weight of items from beneath. Further, the third panel6is another generally flat board or surface preferably made of perforated metal or linked wire which, together with the first panel2and the second panel5, restricts the potential motion of items in the rack assembly1. The first panel2is hingedly and adjacently connected to the second panel5. This arrangement enables the first panel2to pivot about the second panel5, thus allowing the present invention to shift configurations as needed. The third panel6is hingedly and adjacently connected to the second panel5, opposite the first panel2. In this way, the first panel2and the third panel6may be positioned parallel to each other in order to enable the present invention to form a securely contained space, or to allow the present invention to fold into a flat arrangement. The handlebar frame10is terminally mounted to the extension frame7. This arrangement enables the user to conveniently access items through the extension frame7. The pair of fixed wheels13is terminally and rotatably mounted to the extension frame7, opposite the handlebar frame10. In this way, the pair of fixed wheels13is always in appropriate position to support the present invention during use. The orientation mechanism17is positioned adjacent to the pair of fixed wheels13. Thus, the orientation mechanism17utilizes the pair of fixed wheels13as a primary support device from the ground in any configuration of the present invention. The orientation mechanism17is positioned adjacent to the hinged connection between the first panel2and the second panel5. This arrangement results in the orientation mechanism17being positioned relative to the handlebar frame10, thus suggesting that, in an exemplary usage of the present invention, a user is conveniently positioned to manipulate the rack assembly1about the orientation mechanism17with the handlebar frame10. The extension frame7is operatively coupled to the rack assembly1by the orientation mechanism17, wherein the orientation mechanism17is used to reposition the extension frame7in relation to the rack assembly1for a selected configuration. The pair of rearrangeable casters16is mounted onto the rack assembly1. This arrangement enables the pair of rearrangeable casters16to swivel in order to modify the direction of travel of the present invention.

For many item-transporting needs, it may be advantageous to provide a deep basket-like receptacle or carriage space. To this end, the rack assembly1, the extension frame7, and the pair of rearrangeable casters16may be arranged into a basket-cart configuration, as seen inFIG. 1. The basket-cart configuration provides a high-walled space, which can accommodate long or unconventionally-shaped items. The first panel2and the third panel6are fixed parallel and offset to each other. This arrangement provides both optimal volume and movement restraint, preventing items from falling toward or away from the handlebar frame10. The second panel5is fixed perpendicular to the first panel2and the third panel6. In this way, items are provided with a solid, generally flat base of support. The extension frame7is fixed at an acute angle with the second panel5. The extension frame7may therefore arrange the handlebar frame10into optimal position for steering the present invention during use. The extension frame7is intersected by the third panel6. Thus, the third panel6provides support for the extension frame7, preventing the extension frame7from falling out of position due to gravity or other forces. The pair of rearrangeable casters16is mounted onto the second panel5. In this way, the pair of rearrangeable casters16can support the weight of the rack assembly1and the items contained within the rack assembly1. The pair of rearrangeable casters16is positioned offset from the pair of fixed wheels13. Thus, the pair of rearrangeable casters16and the pair of fixed wheels13may evenly support the present invention during use.

A user of the present invention may have to transport fragile items which cannot be stacked atop each other. To provide for this, the rack assembly1, the extension frame7, and the pair of rearrangeable casters16may be arranged into a tiered-cart configuration, as represented inFIG. 4. The tiered-cart configuration provides two vertically-aligned surfaces for supporting items. The first panel2and the third panel6are fixed parallel and offset to each other. The space created by the offset is optimal for storage of generally flat items. The second panel5is fixed perpendicular to the first panel2and the third panel6. In this configuration, the second panel5prevents items from extending beneath the user while the user operates the present invention. The extension frame7is fixed coincident with the second panel5. In this way, the user may push and pull the present invention with optimal leverage. The pair of rearrangeable casters16is mounted onto the first panel2. This arrangement ensures that the pair of rearrangeable casters16is able to support the present invention by pressing against the frame of the first panel2. The pair of rearrangeable casters16is positioned offset from the pair of fixed wheels13. Thus, the pair of rearrangeable casters16and the pair of fixed wheels13may support the present invention during use.

Often, it is necessary for a user to transport very large items across some distance. To accommodate for such items, the rack assembly1, the extension frame7, and the pair of rearrangeable casters16may be arranged into a flat-cart configuration, as shown inFIG. 5. The flat-cart configuration is an arrangement that provides a single flat surface for items to rest during transportation. The second panel5and the third panel6are fixed coplanar to each other. In this way, the second panel5and the third panel6form a generally flat surface. The first panel2is fixed parallel and adjacent to the second panel5and the third panel6. Thus, the first panel2, second panel5, and third panel6each form a generally flat body optimized for support of very large items. The extension frame7is fixed perpendicular with the second panel5. In this way, the handlebar frame10may be positioned in an optimal leverage, enabling a user to easily guide the present invention. The pair of rearrangeable casters16is mounted onto the first panel2. This arrangement ensures that the pair of rearrangeable casters16are positioned to support the present invention by pressing against the frame of the first panel2. The pair of rearrangeable casters16is positioned offset from the pair of fixed wheels13. Thus, the pair of rearrangeable casters16and the pair of fixed wheels13may evenly support the present invention during use.

When a user has finished moving items with the present invention, a user may wish to store the present invention away. To enable this, the rack assembly1and the extension frame7may be arranged into a collapsed configuration, as seen inFIG. 6. The collapsed configuration relates to an arrangement in which the components of the present invention align to form a generally flat unit optimized for storage. The second panel5and the third panel6are fixed coplanar to each other. This arrangement results in a generally flat surface atop the second panel5and the third panel6. The first panel2is fixed parallel and adjacent to the second panel5and the third panel6. In this way, the first panel2, second panel5, and third panel6collapse into a generally flat arrangement. The extension frame7is fixed coincident with the second panel5and the third panel6. By rotating the extension frame7about the orientation mechanism17, the extension frame7can also align, resulting in an overall flat shape of the present invention.

The extension frame7must be capable of transferring pressure from a user to the pair of fixed wheels13in order to enable the present invention to move during use. To this end, the extension frame7may comprise a left frame post8and a right frame post9, as seen inFIG. 4. The left frame post8denotes a rigid member capable of transferring pressure to the pair of fixed wheels13. Similarly, the right frame post9denotes a rigid member capable of transferring pressure to the pair of fixed wheels13. The pair of fixed wheels13may comprise a left fixed wheel14and a right fixed wheel15. The left fixed wheel14is a rotating unit capable of supporting the left side of the present invention. Similarly, the right fixed wheel15is a rotating unit capable of supporting the right side of the present invention. The left frame post8and the right frame post9are positioned parallel and offset from each other. This arrangement orients the left frame post8and the right frame post9in alignment with the left fixed wheel14and the right fixed wheel15, respectively. The left fixed wheel14is terminally and rotatably connected to the left frame post8. Thus, a user who applies force to the left frame post8generates rotational motion in the left fixed wheel14. Similarly, the right fixed wheel15is terminally and rotatably connected to the right frame post9. Thus, a user who applies force to the right frame post9generates rotational motion in the right fixed wheel15.

It is often advantageous for the left frame post8and the right frame post9to adjust according to the needs of a user. To this end, the left frame post8and the right frame post9may be a pair of length-adjustable telescopic posts, as seen inFIG. 1. In this way, a user may adjust the pair of length-adjustable telescopic posts in order to consequently position the handlebar frame10as desired.

The orientation mechanism17must enable the left frame post8and the right frame post9to adjust according to the needs of the user. To enable this, the orientation mechanism17may comprise a left plate18, a left semicircular track19, a left peg20, a right plate21, a right semicircular track22, and a right peg23. The left plate18is a rigid, generally disk-shaped extrusion capable of supporting the left frame post8, as seen inFIG. 2. The left semicircular track19is a cut into the left plate18which provides guidance for motion of a protrusion placed within. The left peg20relates to a rigid protrusion which extends into the left semicircular track19to provide guidance for attached components. Similarly, the right plate21is a rigid, generally disk-shaped extrusion capable of supporting the right frame post9, as seen inFIG. 3. The right semicircular track22is a cut into the right plate21which provides guidance for motion of a protrusion placed within. The right peg23relates to a rigid protrusion which extends into the right semicircular track22to provide guidance for attached components. Moreover, the left plate18and the right plate21are positioned perpendicular to the first panel2. This arrangement positions the left plate18and the right plate21appropriately for adjustment of the extension frame7. The left plate18is connected adjacent to the rack assembly1. In this way, the left plate18can manipulate the rack assembly1according to the user's preferences. The left semicircular track19is integrated across the left plate18. This arrangement enables components within the left semicircular track19, specifically, the left peg20, to follow an arc-shaped path across the left plate18. The left peg20is terminally and perpendicularly connected to the left frame post8. Thus, motion of the left peg20affects the position of the left frame post8. The left peg20is slidably engaged along the left semicircular track19. In this way, motion of the left frame post8is restricted and guided according to motion of the left peg20. Similarly, the right plate21is connected adjacent to the rack assembly1, opposite the left plate18. In this way, the right plate21can manipulate the rack assembly1according to the user's preferences. The right semicircular track22is integrated across the right plate21. This arrangement enables components within the right semicircular track22, specifically, the right peg23, to follow an arc-shaped path across the right plate21. The right peg23is terminally and perpendicularly connected to the right frame post9. Thus, motion of the right peg23affects the position of the right frame post9. The right peg23is slidably engaged along the right semicircular track22. In this way, motion of the right frame post9is restricted and guided according to motion of the right peg23.

In order to operate the present invention, the handlebar frame10must be oriented appropriately for each configuration of the present invention. To enable this, the present invention may further comprise a left rotational clamp24and a right rotational clamp25, as seen inFIG. 1. The left rotational clamp24relates to a tightening fastener which prevents translational or rotational motion of two members relative to each other. Also, the right rotational clamp25relates to a tightening fastener which prevents translational or rotational motion of two members relative to each other. The handlebar frame10is a U-shaped member. This ensures that the user has convenient and intuitive access to the handlebar frame10. The U-shaped member comprises a left member end11and a right member end12. The left member end11denotes a terminal segment of the U-shaped member. Similarly, the right member end12denotes a terminal segment of the U-shaped member. The left member end11is hingedly and terminally connected to the left frame post8by the left rotational clamp24, opposite to the left fixed wheel14. Thus, the left rotational clamp24is able to fix the left member end11, and in turn, the U-shaped member, is fixed in place relative to the left frame post8. In this way, motion of the left member end11generates corresponding motion in the left frame post8and the left fixed wheel14. The right member end12is hingedly and terminally connected to the right frame post9by the right rotational clamp25, opposite to the right fixed wheel15. Thus, the right rotational clamp25is able to fix the right member end12, and in turn, the U-shaped member, is fixed in place relative to the right frame post9. In this way, motion of the right member end12generates corresponding motion in the right frame post9and the right fixed wheel15.

The rack assembly1may benefit from additional support in order to ensure retention of shape during use. To this end, the present invention may further comprise a stabilization mechanism26. The stabilization mechanism26is a device which joins the first panel2and the third panel6, thereby preventing relative motion of the first panel2to the third panel6. The stabilization mechanism26is mounted between the first panel2and the third panel6. This ensures that the stabilization mechanism26links potential movement of the first panel2to the third panel6. The stabilization mechanism26is positioned offset from the second panel5. In this way, the stabilization mechanism26joins the first panel2to the third panel6from one end, while the second panel5joins the first panel2to the third panel6from the opposite end.

The stabilization mechanism26is preferably a low weight unit which does not interfere with the user's ability to add or remove items from the rack assembly1. To this end, the stabilization mechanism26may comprise at least one left rod27and at least one right rod30. The at least one left rod27denotes a rigid elongated member capable of withstanding tensile and compressive stresses. Similarly, the at least one right rod30denotes a rigid elongated member capable of withstanding tensile and compressive stresses. The at least one left rod27and the at least one right rod30each comprise a first rod end28and a second rod end29. The first rod end28relates to the segment of the at least one left rod27or the at least one right rod30which connects to the first panel2. The second rod end29relates to the segment of the at least one left rod27or the at least one right rod30which connects to the third panel6. The at least one left rod27and the at least one right rod30are positioned parallel and offset from each other. This arrangement ensures that the at least one left rod27and the at least one right rod30can prevent any potential wobbling motion of the first panel2relative to the third panel6. The first rod end28of the at least one left rod27and the first rod end28of the at least one right rod30are positioned opposite to each other across the first panel2. In this way, the at least one left rod27and the at least one right rod30prevent the first panel2from shifting further from or closer to the third panel6. The first rod end28of the at least one left rod27and the first rod end28of the at least one right rod30are hingedly connected to the first panel2. This arrangement enables the first panel2to swivel into different configurations as desired. The second rod end29of the at least one left rod27and the second rod end29of the at least one right rod30are positioned opposite to each other across the third panel6. In this way, the at least one left rod27and the at least one right rod30prevent the third panel6from shifting further from or closer to the first panel2. The second rod end29of the at least one left rod27and the second rod end29of the at least one right rod30are hingedly connected to the third panel6. This arrangement enables the third panel6to swivel into different configurations as desired.

A user may wish to access the contents of the racking assembly during use. To enable this, the first panel2may comprise a pullout panel portion3and a base panel portion4, as seen inFIG. 1. The pullout panel portion3relates to a rigid, generally flat unit which connects to the base panel portion4to form the first panel2. The base panel portion4is a stationary unit which moves relative to the pullout panel portion3. The pullout panel portion3traverses into the base panel portion4, opposite to the hinged connection between the first panel2and the second panel5. In this way, the pullout panel portion3motion is restricted along the first panel2. The pullout panel portion3is slidably mounted to the base panel portion4. Thus, the pullout panel portion3may slide to provide access to the contents of the present invention or may slide to prevent items from sliding out through the opening created when the pullout panel portion3slides open.