Compact cart

A cart for transporting cargo is provided having a first extendable member having a roller coupled to the bottom end of the first extendable member and a connection point on the first extendable member proximate to the roller. The cart also has a second extendable member having a roller coupled to the bottom end of the second extendable member and a connection point on the second extendable member proximate to the roller. The cart has a handle having a linkage that is coupled to the top ends of each of the first and second extendable members. One or more bands may be coupled to the connecting point of the first or second member and to a securing point located at any point between the ends of a member so as to secure the cargo in a position against the first and second members.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cargo transport, and more particularly to a compact collapsible apparatus and method for transporting cargo and things.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Occasions arise when assistance in transporting objects, such as boxes and things, may be more easily accomplished by devices such as dollys and hand trucks. These types of devices increase the load capacity that a typical person can transport in one trip, thereby improving efficiency of the transport process. However, most dollys and hand trucks are large, heavy, and cumbersome, so these types of devices are typically intended for use in a limited area, such as a warehouse, or in association with a delivery truck. By contrast, these types of devices typically are not configured or even suitable for personal transport and use in multiple environments.

For at least that reason (among others), smaller and more portable carts may be better suited for personal use in certain situations, such as airports, office buildings, etc. There, more personalized carts are typically configured with a fold-down ledge or base for holding the cargo against the vertical portion of the cart, which typically includes a handle, upon with the uses pulls or pushes the cart. These types of devices oftentimes also include an extendable handle in the vertical section so that when fully extended and folded-down, the device somewhat resembles the dolly described above.

These smaller types of carts also typically include a matrix of metal frame working and cross members to provide additional support and/or stability to the cart. The additional frame-working and cross members are typically in the plane of the vertical or base sections so that the cart may be collapsed as compactly as possible.

Additionally, these devices typically include a pair of wheels on an axle at or near the center radius of the fold-down base. If not on an axle, the wheels are typically secured to the frame of the device and rely on the other cross-members of the cart to maintain a preconfigured separation between the two separate vertical sides of the cart.

However, even as compactly designed as such carts may be, these carts are still cumbersome and can be difficult to manipulate even in the collapsed position. Based in part on the fixed construction of these types of carts, most designs are collapsible to a size storable in, as a nonlimiting example, an overhead compartment on a commercial airplane. However, even this size means that the cart is essentially a piece of luggage itself even when collapsed. So when the cart is maintained in the collapsed position, the user typically has to carry the cart or place it in larger containers, which oftentimes is not practical or even defeats the purpose of having the cart in the first place.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exist to overcome the problems and deficiencies described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A collapsible cart is provided which has two extendable members, each coupled to a handle on one end and to a wheel on the other. A stabilizing member may or may not be included, for in instances without a stabilizing member, the transported cargo may stabilize the cart. A fastener may be used to fasten the cargo to the cart including, but not limited to cord, rope, straps, bolts, clips, Velcro® straps, bungee cords, etc. Any strapping pattern may be used to secure the cargo, including top to bottom and cross strapping. The straps may attach to the extendable members by hooks or ties around the legs or through holes in each member that are spaced to allow for different sizes of cargo.

The cart can be collapsed into a compact configuration by collapsing each of the extendable legs. When fully collapsed, the cart is small and compact and may be stored in a small storage area, such as a handbag, briefcase, or under a vehicle seat, until used.

To facilitate description of the cart, an example apparatus that can be used as a cart is discussed with reference to the figures. Although the apparatus is described in detail, it will be appreciated that this apparatus is provided for purposes of illustration only and that various modifications are feasible without departing from the inventive concept.

Referring now in more detail to the drawings in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIG. 1is a diagram of the cart5in a collapsed position. The cart5includes two extendable members10,11which are coupled to a handle12. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that many types of handles could be used such as the tubular handle12shown inFIG. 1. But one of ordinary skill would also know that handles of other shapes and sizes would work as well, including, as a nonlimiting example, a knob type of handle. Moreover, any material may be used for the handle12including, but not limited to, plastic, molded plastic, metal, wood, or other man-made and natural materials.

For purposes of this disclosure, members10,11may comprise any type of extendable or telescopic leg or rod. While a portion of this disclosure describes and/or depicts members10,11as telescoping members, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that other types of legs and/or rods may be used instead. So this disclosure is not limited to one type of extension member. As a nonlimiting example, extension members10,11may comprise similarly-diametered tubular pieces coupled by a tensioned cord extending through the tubular pieces and attached to the end pieces such that the tubular pieces form a pole when the tension cord is allowed to retract. However, in the nonlimiting embodiment shown inFIG. 1, extendable members10,11are shown as telescoping members.

InFIG. 1, handle12is coupled to members10,11via a linkage20, which as nonlimiting examples, could be rope, cord, chain, wire, rods with connectors (or bolt connector), etc. Regardless of the material used for linkage20, a flexible connection is established between extendable members10,11and handle12. As a nonlimiting example, linkage20could be configured as a chain-type of linking that allows free flow of movement between the handle and extendable members10,11.

For each member10,11, the end not connected to the handle12is coupled to a wheel13,14. However, the rolling mechanism is not limited to wheel implementations. Casters and other such implementations are suitable, as well as one of ordinary skill would know.

InFIG. 2, which is similar toFIG. 1, holes19,21(also shown inFIG. 1) are shown near the end of members10,11proximate to wheels13,14. The holes19,21may be used (in the nonlimiting example ofFIG. 1) to attach one end of a strap17,18. The other end of the strap17,18may be attached to another hole (not shown) placed a distance up the members10,11(when extended) sufficient to fit varying sizes of cargo. One end of the strap17,18may fasten into hole19,20, or fasten around a member10,11. As one nonlimiting example, strap17,18may be equipped with a hook to secure member10,11at the top holes and also to the bottom holes19,21.

Additionally and as shown inFIG. 2, eyelet bolts15,16may be bolted through the holes19,21. The straps17,18can be attached to the eyelets15,16instead of to the holes19,20of members10,11. Moreover, the eyelets may be configured a shorter or longer distance from members10,11(as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3) depending on the application. If longer length eyelet is selected, as shown inFIG. 7, the eyelets15,16may operate as supporting ledges of rest for the cargo being transported.

One of ordinary skill would know that eyelets15,16could be any device for coupling to straps17,18. As stated above, eyelets15,16can be removed so that straps17,18couple to holes19,21in members10,11, respectively.

FIG. 3shows handle12coupled to members10,11via linkage20. As stated above, one of ordinary skill would know that linkage20could be any type if linking material, which as non-limiting examples include rope, wire, cable, straps, bands, etc. In the nonlimiting example shown inFIG. 3, linkage20passes through a passage in handle12. One of ordinary skill would also know that additional configurations of the handle12and linkage20could be implemented to achieve a similar effect. As a nonlimiting example, linkage20may be configured as two separate pieces, each coupled to one of the extendable members and then also handle12.

Sections10b-10eand11b-11eare configured to collapse into sections10aand11a, respectively, when cart5is collapsed. But when extended, each section is configured to slide to a maximum movement position to thereby create the extended extendable member (10or11). As a nonlimiting example, the widest diameter of section10bis wider than the narrowest portion of section10a, so section10bis physically prevented from separating from the narrow portion of section10a. The same is true for sections10cto10b,10dto10c, and10eto10dand also for member11.

As also shown inFIG. 3, straps17,18may be coupled to eyelets15,16(or holes19,21) at a bottom portion. At an upper end, straps may be coupled to members10,11at any point sufficient to hold the cargo in position on the cart5.

FIG. 4is a diagram depicting the cart5in an extended position supporting cargo40to be transported. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are many ways to configure the straps17,18to secure the cargo40to the cart. In the non-limiting example shown inFIG. 4, a first strap17is attached proximate to the bottom end of a first member11, routed around the cargo40and around the outside of the first member11. A second strap18is attached to the bottom of member10, routed around the cargo40and wrapped around member11. Strap18may be coupled to the second strap17if so desired or to tighten the cargo40to cart5. A person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that there are many ways to secure cargo40to the cart5, based on the size of the cargo40, the type of means securing the cargo40to the cart5(i.e., bungee cord, cable, adjustable strap, etc.), and the tension and length of the securing means.

Upon securing cargo40to cart5, a person holding handle12can roll cart5containing cargo40via wheels13,14. When held in an upright or angled position, cart5may be rolled freely, thereby transporting cargo5to a desired location.

FIG. 5demonstrates an alternative embodiment of a cart5in an extended position with a stabilizer50between members10,11, proximate to the wheels13,14. The stabilizer50holds the members10,11in set position so the members10,11do not move toward or away each other during operation. The stabilizer50may be permanent to the cart5or removable as shown in the nonlimiting example ofFIG. 5. In addition, the stabilizer50may be set to one length or it may be adjustable.

FIG. 6demonstrates an alternative embodiment of a cart5with a stabilizer60between the members10,11, positioned at a distance from the wheels13,14in addition to stabilizer50. The distance selected may relate to the type and size of cargo to be transported. The stabilizer60provides additional support to maintain the relative position of members10,11. The stabilizer60, just like stabilizing50, may be permanent or removable and may be set to one length or adjustable.

Although stabilizers50,60are shown extending through members10,11, one of ordinary skill would know that other stabilization methods may be used. As a nonlimiting example, stabilizers50,60could be configured to snap around the circumference of members10,11instead.

FIG. 7is a perspective diagram of cart5from.FIG. 6showing cart5as configured during transport of cargo. However, in this nonlimiting example, cargo40is removed from the diagram to more clearly depict the otherwise obscured aspects of cart5.