Multi-variant cart construction for transporting lighting equipment

A cart containing a plurality of individual shelves for supporting removable drawers or cartons adapted to contain lighting equipment, along with additional storage areas. The cart is constructed with a main frame having a lower base frame adaptable for use in a large number of cart constructions. In all cases, the cart main frame has a similar upright frame arrangement, but which can be modified and customized from cart to cart, so that the cart may carry individual storage shelves, compartments for containers, outrigger elements for supporting lighting equipment, etc. In this way, the main frame is modular and a large number of carts may be constructed from this essentially one basic modular main frame construction. In all cases, the cart is constructed of tubular rod and flat metal material, so that it is rigid, but relatively light in weight. The cart may also be formed with an upright frame or super structure for holding large vertically arranged pieces of lighting equipment and may contain hooks uniquely located for carrying lighting assembly fixtures, such as lighting assembly support stands and the like. Large diameter casters are used on the base frame of the cart for even distribution of weight and permitting the transportability of fairly heavy loads. Several embodiments of the cart are shown herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in 
carts for the transporting of lighting equipment and more particularly, to 
a cart which can be constructed in a variety of forms from a basic 
construction module and which is used in the transporting of lighting 
equipment for use in stage and background lighting as, for example, in 
movie and televisions recordings. The cart is light in weight, but yet 
sturdy in construction and enables the lighting technician to store and 
transport essentially all of the equipment needed in a lighting 
installation. 
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
Lighting arrangements used in the making of television and movie 
recordings, such as films, video tapes and the like, can be quite complex. 
A lighting technician, or lighting director, is oftentimes required in 
order to determine what lighting arrangement should be used to obtain a 
desired effect and to achieve the best over-all recording. In many cases, 
numerous types of equipment are employed in order to achieve the desired 
lighting arrangement. As a simple example, numerous stands and other 
fixtures may be required to obtain a particular lighting effect. 
Usually, most lighting arrangements are achieved on a trial and error 
basis, that is, the technician attempts to use certain fixtures and lamps 
in a certain array and positional arrangement and determines whether or 
not the desired effect is achieved. If the desired effect is not that 
which the technical and the director desires, different fixtures, stands 
or the like, may be employed. This process continues until the desired 
lighting effect is achieved. 
Generally, in all cases, it is important to have different types and 
different sizes of lighting components available at a particular set so 
that various combinations of these components can be used and effectively 
tried in a trial and error mode. Very often, very high priced talent, such 
as movie and television stars are located on the set and production costs 
can increase substantially if this high priced talent is forced to sit 
idly while a desired lighting arrangement is achieved. This problem would 
be aggravated if the technician were required to run to a storage facility 
in order to obtain a particular fixture or the like. Consequently, it is 
necessary to have all of the reasonably useable equipment available at a 
set or stage. 
Heretofore, there have been some make-shift carts in which a technician 
attempts to store and transport some or all of the equipment which may be 
needed at a particular set or stage. Very often, these carts are not 
designed with specific demands of the type required for use in 
transporting and storing lighting equipment. In many cases, the carts are 
of a poor construction and are flimsy, but in all cases, do not have the 
facilities for carrying all of the desired equipment in an efficient 
manner. 
Very frequently, a particular facility, such as a stage or set, will have 
peculiar needs for lighting arrangements which are not found in 
facilities. Accordingly, a cart is needed for the storage and transport of 
the equipment desired for that particular stage set or facility. The 
equipment for this facility may differ from that which is used frequently 
in another facility. Accordingly, the cart must be custom constructed to 
meet the demands of a particular facility. 
There have been a few recent attempts to provide carts for use in 
transporting stage lighting equipment. However, these attempts to produce 
such commercially available carts have also suffered from the same 
disadvantages as those carts which were made on an individual basis for 
use by a particular user. Heretofore, there has not been any effective 
cart for transporting lighting equipment which is quite sturdy, light in 
weight and easily maneuverable and yet, which is capable of carrying all 
of the necessary lighting equipment used in stage lighting. 
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to 
provide a cart for the transporting of lighting equipment, and which cart 
is relatively light in weight, but sturdy in construction and capable of 
transporting essentially all of the necessary equipment used in stage 
lighting. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cart of the type 
stated which is made in such a manner that lighting equipment can be 
easily stored therein and easily removed therefrom. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cart for the 
transporting of lighting equipment, of the type stated, which is capable 
of utilizing extended hooks and racks for transportation of large fixtures 
and the like. 
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a cart for 
the transporting of lighting equipment used in stage lighting which is 
relatively inexpensive and which is superior to any commercially available 
cart used in this industry. 
It is another salient object of the present invention to provide a cart for 
the transporting of lighting equipment of the type stated and which can 
utilize a basic frame structure capable of being modified to provide a 
number of different embodiments and also modified to become effectively 
customized to a user's particular requirements. 
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a cart for the 
transporting of lighting equipment of the type stated, which can be 
designed with shelves and compartments for storage of lighting equipment 
or alternately, with large storage spaces and combinations thereof in 
order to effectively meet a particular user's requirements. 
With the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel 
features of form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts 
presently described and pointed out in the claims. 
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention generally comprises a cart used in the transporting 
of lighting equipment of the type normally employed in stage lighting 
arrangements. In this case, the term "stage lighting" is used in a broad 
context to employ any type of set lighting arrangement in which lighting 
is used for purposes of recording movies or television activities or 
presenting performances. 
The cart of the present invention is constructed largely of tubular metal 
rods which are used in a frame structure. In addition, flat metal straps 
are also used in the overall construction of the frame forming part of the 
cart. In this way, each cart can be manufactured so that it is relatively 
light in weight, but yet quite sturdy in construction. 
The carts of the present invention comprise a main frame structure, as 
aforesaid, and this main frame structure utilizes a base frame which is 
generally rectangular in shape. The base frame for each cart is generally 
of a similar construction, including a pair of longitudinally extending 
frame members connected by two or more spaced apart transversely extending 
frame members. A caster or wheel mounting assembly is located on the 
underside of the base frame in the four corners thereof for holding a 
conventional wheel or caster. 
Each of the main frames are comprised of tubular members, as aforesaid, 
along with straps, also as aforesaid. For that matter, even the base frame 
is comprised of tubular members and/or straps. In this way, each cart can 
be modified as desired in order to conform to the demand requirements of a 
particular user. Further, and in this respect, each cart can be customized 
from essentially the same main frame structure. 
The carts of the present invention are uniquely constructed so that they 
are provided with individual compartments, and with each compartment 
receiving a carton in the nature of a box and which often resembles a milk 
carton. Each individual compartment is provided with runners or tracks, or 
like structure, in order to removably receive a carton, enabling a carton 
to be easily removed from the individual compartment and reinserted 
therein. 
The frame forming part of the cart is also constructed so that larger 
spaces are provided for storage of larger pieces of lighting equipment. 
The storage spaces are also provided with shelves and floor surfaces so 
that the equipment can rest on a flat surface, rather than for suspension 
between a pair of spaced-apart frame members. Bottom plates are mounted on 
the lower end of the frame for supporting removable casters. These plates 
are located at the four corners of the rectangularly-shaped frame. 
Moreover, the plates are constructed, and the casters employed are such 
that the casters are removable, permitting substitution of different 
casters. In this way, the cart can be modified to conform to different 
design requirements. 
The carts, for transporting and storage of lighting equipment of the 
present invention may be constructed with extended hooks and like 
supporting structure for supporting various types of lighting fixtures and 
the like. In this way the cart is uniquely constructed so that it is 
capable of retaining and transporting essentially all of the equipment 
used in providing a lighting arrangement for a particular set. 
In essentially all cart constructions, there is a plurality of upright 
tubular frame members connected to and extending upwardly from the base 
frame. These upright frame members are designed to form individual storage 
compartments or supports for shelves and the like. Also, in most, if not 
all, cart constructions, a plurality of tubular horizontally extending 
frame members are connected to and extend between the upright frame 
members. In this way, individual storage compartments, shelves and the 
like may be formed. 
This invention has many other objects and advantages and other purposes 
which will become more apparent from a consideration of the forms in which 
the cart of the invention may be embodied. Several of these forms of the 
cart are shown in the accompanying drawings and are more fully hereinafter 
described in detail in the following detailed description of the 
invention. However, it is to be understood that these accompanying 
drawings and the following detailed description are set forth only for 
purposes of illustrating the general principles of the invention and are 
not to be taken in a limiting sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings 
which illustrate several embodiments of carts which may be constructed in 
accordance with the present invention, FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings 
illustrate one basic form of cart construction 30 and which is comprised 
of a base frame 32 and an upright frame, or so-called "upper frame" 34. In 
this respect, each of the carts of the present invention, including the 
hereinafter described embodiments of the carts, will include the base 
frame 32 along with an upper frame 34. 
Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the base frame 32 is illustrated in more detail. 
The base frame 32 comprises a pair of transversely spaced apart 
longitudinally extending frame members 36 which are connected at their 
ends by a pair of longitudinally spaced apart transversely extending frame 
members 38. In this case, and in most of the embodiments of the present 
invention, the frame members 38 are welded to or otherwise, rigidly 
secured to the ends of the longitudinally extending frame members 36. 
In essentially all of the constructions of the base frame 32, an additional 
pair of transversely extending frame members 39 and 40 are secured at the 
opposite transverse ends to the underside of each of the longitudinally 
extending frame members 36 in proximity to each of the transverse frame 
members 38. Thus, and in this respect, each of the frame members 39 and 40 
constitute a pair at one end, and the frame members 39 and 40 constitute a 
pair of the frame members at the opposite end. 
Each of the frame members previously described, including the longitudinal 
frame members 36 and the transversely extending frame members 38, 39 and 
40, are all formed of a tubular construction, and preferably a tubular 
metal construction. In this way, strength is maintained while light weight 
is also achieved. 
Secured to the underside of each of the pairs of transversely extending 
frame members 39 and 40, at each of the opposite transverse ends of the 
cart, are a pair of mounting plates 42. The mounting plates 42 are 
essentially flat sheet metal plates and which may be welded or otherwise 
secured to the underside of the transversely extending frame members 39 
and 40. Secured to the underside of the mounting plates 42 are 
conventional casters 44. Each of these conventional casters 44 usually 
comprise an upper plate 46, having a yoke 48 extending downwardly 
therefrom for supporting conventional wheels 50. This type of construction 
allows for easy attachment for the casters 44 and removal of the casters 
44 from the mounting plates 42. 
Other types of wheels in place of rollers or wheels 50 could be used in 
place of the casters 44. These other types of wheels or rollers would be 
secured to the mounting plates 42, much in the same manner as the casters 
44 are secured to the mounting plates 42. 
The base frame and the caster arrangement, as heretofore described, 
essentially constitutes the base frame 32 used in each of the other cart 
constructions of the present invention and particularly, in most of those 
cart constructions which are hereinafter described in more detail. 
However, and as indicated previously, other forms of wheels or rollers 
could be substituted for the casters 44 as shown. 
FIGS. 10-12 of the drawings illustrate a somewhat modified form a base 
frame 32' and which is also constructed in accordance with and embodies 
the present invention. In this case those like components used in the base 
frame described in connection with FIGS. 6-8 of the drawings will be used 
herein and modified with the additional of the prime symbol to show 
likeness of components. The base frame 32' comprises a pair of 
transversely spaced apart, longitudinally extending frame members 36' and 
which are also connected at their ends by longitudinally spaced apart, 
transversely extending frame members 38'. In like manner, these frame 
members 38' are welded to the frame members 36', although other means of 
connection could be employed. The same holds true with regard to the other 
components forming part of the modified form of base frame 32'. 
An additional pair of transversely extending frame members 39' and 40' are 
secured within the frame construction formed by the longitudinally 
extending frame members 36' and the transversely extending frame members 
38'. These frame members 39' and 40' are similar to the frame members 39 
and 40 used in the base frame construction of FIGS. 6-8. However, and in 
this case, the frame members 39' and 40' are not welded to the underside 
of the longitudinal frame members 38' and transversely extending frame 
members 39'. Rather, they are welded to the interior surfaces of these 
frame members 38' and 39', as best shown in FIGS. 10-12 of the drawings. 
The frame members used in the base frame 32' are also formed of a tubular 
construction and preferably a tubular metal construction, much in the same 
manner as the previously described frame members. However, it should be 
understood that other materials of construction could be used, as 
hereinafter described. 
Mounted on and extending between the transversely extending frame members 
38 is an additional longitudinal frame member 52 in the embodiment of the 
cart, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. While only one additional longitudinal frame 
member has been illustrated, it should be understood that any desired 
number could be utilized. 
Also secured to the base frame 32 and extending upwardly therefrom is the 
upper frame 34 comprised of a plurality of upright frame members 54. In 
the embodiment of the cart 30 as shown in FIGS. 1-5, three individual 
longitudinal rows of upright frame members are provided and include a 
front row 56. A middle row 57 extends upwardly from the longitudinal frame 
member 52. Finally, there is a rearwardly located row 58 of upright frame 
members. 
A plurality of transversely extending shelf support rods 61 are also 
secured to and extend between the first row 56 of upright frame members 54 
and the intermediate row 57 of these upright frame members 54. These shelf 
support members 61 thereby form individual compartments 62, as best shown 
in FIG. 1 and 2 of the drawings. Individual platforms or shelves 64 may be 
disposed on the shelf supporting members or rails 61 in the individual 
compartments 62. In like manner, cartons, such as conventional milk 
cartons, or like rectangularly shaped boxes 66 may also be disposed on and 
supported by the transversely extending shelf support members or rails 60 
and 61, also as shown in FIG. 2. 
The end upright frame members 54 in the front row 56 and in the 
intermediate row 57 form a quadrilateral arrangement of upright frame 
members and at their upper ends, are connected by horizontally disposed 
frame members 68 which receive an upper platform 70, as shown in FIGS. 1, 
2 and 4 of the drawings. In this way, an elongate compartment 72 is formed 
on one longitudinal side of the cart for storage of elongate members, such 
as light support rods and the like. 
The vertically disposed frame members 54 have upper extensions 74 in both 
the front row 56 and the intermediate row 57. These extensions 74 are 
connected at their upper ends by transversely extending bars 76 and an 
additional longitudinally extending bar 78 in order to provide a partial 
enclosure for the upper shelf 70. In this way, additional components can 
be stacked on the upper shelf 70. 
In the embodiment of the invention as shown, an additional plate, such as a 
wooden shelf 80, may also be placed on the lower frame members 36 and 38, 
so as to form a lower shelf for the storage of various components. Again, 
this shelf could be eliminated, if desired. In most cases, however, it is 
preferred, since it also serves as a means for collecting any item which 
may fall. 
FIGS. 13-17 illustrate another embodiment of a cart 94 constructed in 
accordance with and embodying the present invention. The cart 94 also 
includes the base frame structure 32, as shown, along with individual flat 
platforms or boards 96 disposed on the base frame 32, as shown. The cart 
94 is provided with a pair of end upright frame members 98 located along 
one of the longitudinal edge of the frame 32 and pair of intermediate 
upright frame members 100 secured to an intermediate longitudinally 
extending horizontally disposed frame member 102. These frame members 98 
and 100 form an enlarged rectangular compartment 104, as shown in FIGS. 
13-17. If desired, this interior compartment 104 could be further 
subdivided into individual interior compartments, as may be desired. 
Individual additional upright frame members 106 extend upwardly from the 
opposite longitudinal frame rail 36, as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 17, but 
which are of lesser height than the upright frame members 100 in order to 
form individual small compartments 108, as also shown in FIG. 12. This 
type of arrangement is also effective, depending upon the type of lighting 
equipment which is to be carried on the cart. The individual upright frame 
members 106 may also be connected by horizontally disposed longitudinally 
extending additional frame members 110 and additional horizontally 
disposed transversely extending frame members 112. 
The upright frame members 98 are located at the four corners in a 
rectangular arrangement. They are connected at their upper ends by 
longitudinally extending frame rails 114 and upper transversely extending 
frame rails 115. Moreover, in order to support additional heavy loads, 
there is an intermediate longitudinally extending frame rail 116. The 
three frame rails 115 and 116, as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 of the 
drawings, are supported on their undersides by transversely extending 
struts 117. In this way, there is a fairly rigid upper structure for 
supporting heavy boxes or the like. In addition, and if desired, a 
relatively flat shelf or panel could be disposed at the upper end of this 
frame arrangement. 
It can also be observed in connection with the cart 94, as illustrated in 
FIGS. 13-17 of the drawings, that the section formed by the upright frame 
members 106 and the upright frame members 100 has a height which is less 
than that which forms the enlarged compartment 104. Thus, the individual 
compartments 108 are smaller in size, than is the compartment 104. 
Moreover, it can be observed that these compartments 108 are also of 
differing sizes. Again, any type of compartment arrangement can be formed 
in accordance with the present invention. 
FIGS. 18-21 illustrate another modified form of cart 120 constructed in 
accordance with and embodying the present invention and FIG. 22 
illustrates a hook device 122 which is used with the cart 120. The cart 
120 comprises a base frame 32 with four quadrilaterally located upright 
frame members 126 forming part of an upper frame. The upright frame 
members 126 form an individual compartment 128. A pair of transversely 
spaced apart longitudinally extending frame members 130, along with a pair 
of transversely extending longitudinally spaced apart frame members 132 
form an individual shelf on the upright frame members 126, as shown. 
Further, a shelf (not shown) may be disposed in the area formed by the 
frame members 130 and 132 forming an enlarged pocket which may be further 
subdivided, as shown. 
Individual, transversely extending rails 133 extend between the 
longitudinally extending frame members 130. These rails 133, along with 
vertically extending rails 134, subdivide the individual compartment 128 
into a plurality (four, as shown) individual small compartments 135. These 
compartments 135 are sized to receive storage boxes or the like and which 
would rest upon the individual rails 133. Thus, the cart 120 is provided 
with the enlarged compartment 128 and a plurality of individual, 
relatively small compartments 135. 
Another tier of horizontally disposed, longitudinally extending frame rails 
136 and transversely extending horizontally disposed frame rails 137 also 
form an area for receiving a tray 138, as best shown in FIG. 18. This tray 
138, as well as the individual compartments 135, are also used for the 
storage of lighting equipment and like structure. In addition, the upright 
frame members 126 may be provided with outwardly extending tabs 140 for 
reasons which will presently more fully appear, and as best shown in FIGS. 
18, 19 and 21. 
By further reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, it can be seen that there is an 
enlarged open space located forwardly of the intermediate upright frame 
members 126. This large space is used for purposes of storing elongate 
rod-like members, such as the hooks 122, forming part of the lighting 
equipment. To support the lower ends, a shelf 141, such as a wooden 
platform or the like, may be disposed on the lower frame members 36 and 
38. 
At it upper end, the one pair of the intermediate upright frame members 126 
are provided with a longitudinally extending retaining bar 142 supported 
by means of a stub bar 144. By reference to FIG. 21, it can be seen that 
the stub bar 144 may be a vertically disposed upright member and may also 
be secured to an upper longitudinally extending frame member 145. The 
retaining bar 142 has ends which are spaced apart from the outwardly 
projecting tabs 140 forming an elongate retaining space 146 with access 
provided by a corner access area 147. In this way, hooks, such as the hook 
122, may be inserted in the access space and retained on the retaining bar 
142. These hooks 122 may also be effective in holding lighting equipment 
and like devices. 
FIGS. 23-32 illustrate additional cart constructions in accordance with the 
present invention. These various cart constructions all illustrate the use 
of the base frame 32, along with different upper frame structures. FIG. 
23, for example, illustrates an upright frame structure 150, having two 
large vertically arranged compartments 152 which may be provided with 
horizontal rails 154 for receiving boxes or the like. In addition, two 
elongate horizontally disposed compartments 156 are also provided, along 
with two smaller horizontally arranged upper compartments. 
FIG. 24 illustrates a cart 160 which is further subdivided into a plurality 
of relatively small compartments 161 by a large number of horizontally 
disposed frame members 162 and vertically arranged frame members 164. An 
individual pair of rails 166 may also be located in certain of the smaller 
compartments 161 in order to support drawers, shelves or the like. By 
reference to FIG. 24, it can be seen that a very large number of 
individual compartment arrangements can be achieved in one cart. 
FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a cart construction which does not utilize the 
previously described base frame 32. In this case, a cart construction 162 
utilizes four quadrilaterally arranged upright frame members 164 and which 
are connected by a plurality of vertically spaced apart horizontally 
disposed frame members 166 forming individually horizontally arranged 
shelves 168. It can be seen, by reference to FIG. 26, that each of the 
individual horizontally disposed rails 166 retain shelves 168, such as 
wooden platforms or the like. At its lower end, the cart construction 162 
is provided with an axle 168 retaining a pair of large diameter wheels 
170, as best shown in both FIGS. 25 and 26. The other side of the cart 162 
is not provided with wheels or casters. Rather, the cart may be tipped 
slightly for rolling on the large diameter wheels 168. 
One of the unique advantages of the cart 162 is the fact that it is 
provided with a table structure 172 which may be collapsed against the 
side of the cart, as shown in FIG. 25, or opened in the manner as shown in 
FIG. 26. It can be seen that a retaining plate 174 is mounted against a 
side of the cart. Hingedly mounted on the retaining plate 174 is the table 
structure comprised of a tabletop 176 and legs 178. The legs 178 are 
hingedly connected at their upper ends by means of hinge pins 180 to the 
tabletop 176. Thus, when the table structure 172 is shifted to the closed 
position, the tabletop 176 will fold upwardly against the side of the cart 
and the legs 178 will fold against the exterior surface of the tabletop 
176. 
FIGS. 27 and 28 represent still a further modified form of cart 190, 
constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention. The 
cart 190 generally comprises a base frame, such as the base frame 32, as 
previously described. A plurality of upright frame members 192 extend 
upwardly from the base frame. Three rows of these upright frame members 
192 form spaces at the left-hand side of the cart, as best shown in FIG. 
27. Individual rails 194 are located on the three rows of uprights and 
form individual compartments 196. These compartments 196 are designed to 
retain individual boxes, such as the milk boxes or the like, as previously 
described. 
The right-hand side of the cart 190, as best illustrated in FIG. 27, is 
provided with a plurality of horizontally disposed rails 200 retaining 
individual shelves (not shown). In this way, individual drawers 202 can be 
located on each of the shelves for retaining smaller components used with 
the lighting equipment. Each of the drawers 202 are also provided with 
pull knobs 204. Moreover, the lowermost of the drawers 202 is a larger 
sized drawer. Here again, the rail spacing could be located to accommodate 
desired sizes of drawers. 
FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a slightly modified form of cart 210, which is 
similar in construction to the previously described cart 162 in that it 
employs a pair of large diameter wheels 212. At its opposite end, the cart 
210 is provided with casters, such as the casters 44 previously described. 
Moreover, these casters 44 and the wheels 212 are mounted on a base frame 
214 which is substantially similar to the previously described base frame 
32 or the base frame 32'. 
If desired, a table member may be secured to the cart 210 along with 
collapsible legs in the same manner as used in connection with the cart of 
FIGS. 25 and 26. In this way, the cart of FIG. 26 and the cart of FIGS. 29 
and 30 would both be effective in having a work table removably mounted or 
otherwise, removably attached thereto. Thus, the table could be opened 
when the cart is in a stationary position. 
In the embodiment of the cart, as illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, it can be 
seen that a plurality of upright frame members 216 are provided for 
forming a pair of longitudinally extending rear compartments 218 which 
extend for the length of the cart 210. In addition, additional small 
upright frame members 220 and horizontally disposed frame members 222 also 
form smaller compartments 224 on one side of the cart. 
The cart 210, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, is similar to the previously 
described carts, except that it employs large diameter wheels 212 at one 
end thereof. These wheels are used when the loads carried by the cart of 
substantial weight. Moreover, they are used when the ground terrain is not 
a relatively flat and smooth surface. 
FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment of a cart 230 which also uses a 
collapsible table 232. The cart 230 is similar to the previously described 
carts in that it uses the base frame 32, along with the casters 44. 
Additional upright frame members 234 are mounted on the base frame 32 and 
are connected by horizontal frame members 236. These frame members 234 and 
236 could be connected in a desired arrangement to form the individual 
compartments and shelves in any manner as previously described. 
The table 232 is similarly mounted to one longitudinal side of the cart 230 
by means of a hinge arrangement 238. The position of the table is shown in 
the dotted line of FIGS. 31 when the tabletop lies flat against the cart. 
Moreover, a diagonally arranged supporting leg 240 is also connected to 
the outer end of the table 232 and supports the same when the latter is in 
the opened position. The supporting arm 240 may be hingedly mounted on the 
underside of the table or on the cart, or it may be carried along with the 
cart. 
FIG. 32 illustrates a further arrangement of a cart 250 constructed in 
accordance with and embodying the present invention. The cart 250 is 
provided with a base frame 32 having the caster arrangement 44, as 
previously described. Moreover, the cart 32 is provided with four 
quadrilaterally arranged uprights 252, along with horizontally disposed, 
transversely extending, vertically spaced apart intermediate rails 254. 
Individual wooden platforms 256 (shown in dotted lines) may be used to 
extend between the individual transversely extending rails 254 at the end 
of the cart. A top wooden platform 258 is also provided. 
The cart 250 is further provided with integrally mounted pull handles 260. 
These pull handles are welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the upright 
frame members 252 and extend outwardly from the sides so that the cart 
itself may be pulled or pushed by a user of the same. 
The various embodiments of the carts, as heretofore described, are only a 
non-limiting description and illustration of several of the carts which 
can be constructed using the basic components of the present invention. It 
is only necessary to use a base frame of the type previously described, 
along with a plurality of upright frame members and a plurality of 
horizontally disposed frame members. Individual shelves and the like can 
also be used to customize the cart to a particular desired arrangement. 
All of the frame members are preferably tubular steel members and moreover, 
are of square cross sections. In this way, the carts of the invention have 
a wide degree of structural integrity and are capable of supporting 
substantial loads while maintaining a relatively light weight. In this 
way, even when the carts are fully loaded with lighting-type equipment, 
they are capable of being easily maneuvered and pushed around to a desired 
location and position. 
It can be observed that the carts of the invention can be constructed with 
a large number of storage compartments. Moreover, the storage compartments 
can be sized, as required, to accommodate certain types of equipment. 
Shelves are also utilizable in the carts of the present invention. The 
shelves can be easily constructed from simple plywood sheets, as may be 
required. It is also possible to add hand-operated brakes to the carts, if 
desired. Further, the carts could be motorized for powered movement, if 
also desired. The carts are also capable of being towed behind a powered 
vehicle, such as a small tractor-type vehicle. For this purpose, a 
conventional hitch could be secured to the cart frame. 
Thus, there has been illustrated and described a unique and novel cart for 
transporting lighting equipment which fulfills all of the objects and 
advantages which have been sought. It should be understood that many 
changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications will 
become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this 
specification and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, any and all such 
changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which 
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be 
covered by the invention.