Collapsible folding utility cart

The improved collapsible utility cart of the present invention includes a frame and a container carried by the frame. The frame includes a pair of elongated handle frame members which are oppositely disposed and interconnected, a pair of oppositely disposed wheel carrying frame members, pivotally dependent from the handle carrying frame members, and a pair of interconnected and forwardly facing container support frame members which are oppositely disposed from each other. Front and rear connectors are disposed respectively between the container support frame members and the handle carrying frame members to provide respective support for a container to be carried by the frame. A horizontally disposed parallelogramic linkage is connected to and disposed between the handle carrying frame members and the wheel carrying frame members to permit collapsible lateral movement of the frame and to support the bottom portion of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to utility carts, and more specifically to collapsible and/or foldable utility carts, and yet additionally to utility carts which are foldable in the lateral dimension (i.e., the width of the cart), which may be useful among many other applications for transporting items typically for use at the beach, for shopping, etc.

A wide variety of prior art may be found with regard to different forms of utility carts, hand carts and other apparatus for transporting items, inter alia, to the beach and/or for shopping, for example. However, these prior art structures may be lacking in optimal utility and/or functionality. In particular, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,598,898 and 1,769,418 disclose folding carts capable of carrying a variety of items, and in different environments. However, the taught structural arrangement of the frame members for these carts does not allow the cart to be folded in such a manner that the width of the cart is reduced when in a folded or storage arrangement.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,422,751 discloses a collapsible shopping cart in which the frame members are adapted to allow the side frame members to collapse inwardly towards each other to reduce the overall width of the cart when in the folded configuration. However, the arrangement of the frame members is not optimal, in that there is no structure (e.g., a pair of lower frame members arranged in an X-shaped manner) which interconnects the front and rear legs to provide stability and rigidity to the support frame. Nor is there any structure to provide a substantial platform for supporting carried items directly on the frame members as disposed within the carrying basket.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,988,671 and 5,915,722 disclose various other forms of collapsible carts. However, although these carts may provide a certain carrying capacity, an adequate collapsibility or foldability feature is lacking. Specifically, the respective teachings regarding the disposition of the frame members do not permit for the side frame members to be collapsed inwardly towards each other to reduce the width of the cart when in a folded configuration.

In summary, none of the above cited patents shows or discloses a folding utility cart which includes various frame members adapted to collapse in a manner which (a) reduces the width (e.g., the lateral dimension) between the side frame members when in a folded configuration, and which (b) provides support for a mesh basket, as well as (c) to provide the ability to support relatively large items directly upon or substantially carried by a pair of preferably X-shaped lower frame members, such as for example a parallelogramic linkage.

Accordingly, and in view of the developed prior art, it is a material object of the improved collapsible utility cart of the present invention to substantially alleviate the defects, deficiencies and/or disadvantages of these and other prior art structures and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved collapsible utility cart of the present invention includes in preferred embodiments a frame and a container carried by the frame.

The frame, which preferably may be a tubular frame, includes a pair of elongated handle frame members which are oppositely disposed and interconnected. Secondly, the frame includes a pair of oppositely disposed wheel carrying frame members, and which are respectively pivotally dependent from the handle carrying frame members. Thirdly, the frame further includes a pair of interconnected and forwardly facing container support frame members, which are oppositely disposed from each other. Such container supporting frame members are likewise pivotally dependant from the handle carrying frame members. Additionally, front and rear connectors are disposed respectively between the container support frame members and the handle carrying frame members to provide support for a container to be carried by the frame. Specifically, in preferred embodiments the weight of the front portion of the container is carried principally by the front connector, and the weight of the rear portion of the container is carried principally by the rear connector.

A first (or primary) parallelogramic linkage is connected to and disposed in a substantially horizontal extending plane disposed between and carried by the handle carrying frame members and the wheel carrying frame members thereby to permit collapsible lateral movement (i.e., reduction of the width) of the frame, and thus to decrease materially the lateral dimension or width of the frame from a load carrying first position to a folded second position, such as for transportation of the utility cart of the present invention. Additionally, wheels are connected to the wheel carrying frame members at a distal portion thereof for transportation of the cart.

Additional features of the improved collapsible utility cart of the present invention are set forth hereinbelow and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of the drawings, description of preferred embodiments, the appended claims, and attached Drawing.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in more detail to the drawing and toFIG. 1thereof in particular, one preferred embodiment of the improved collapsible utility cart of the present invention, generally designated as20, is shown. The improved collapsible utility cart20in preferred embodiments includes a frame, generally22, and a container, generally24. The container24in preferred embodiments includes a front portion24a, a rear portion24b, and a bottom portion24c, and may in preferred embodiments be accompanied by an associated zippered bag25, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 13.

As shown also inFIGS. 1,2,4,5,6and7, as described in greater detail, infra, frame22includes a first or primary parallelogramic linkage generally28, which is disposed substantially horizontally in preferred embodiments. In additional preferred embodiments, a second, or secondary parallelogramic linkage generally26, is disposed preferably in the vertical dimension to provide yet additional stability and rigidity when utility cart20is in the load carrying or extended position.

In a preferred embodiment of the improved collapsible utility cart20of the present invention, frame22includes elongated handle carrying frame members32a,32b, wheel carrying frame members34a,34b, and container support frame members36a,36b, each of which is described as to structure and function in greater detail hereinbelow. Yet, additionally, a front connector38and a rear connector40are disposed respectively between and for interconnecting the container support frame members36a,36band the handle carrying frame members32a,32b. Each of the front and rear connector members38,40is also described in greater detail hereinbelow with respect to one or more preferred embodiments.

In particular, as to some preferred structures of the present invention, and as shown in the Figures hereof, a pair of oppositely disposed, interconnected and elongated handle carrying frame members32a,32bare provided. The handle carrying frame members32a,32bhave respective proximal end portions32a′,32b′ and distal end portions32a″,32b″. The proximal end portions32a′,32b′ of the handle carrying frame members32a,32bare adapted in some preferred embodiments to include respective handles42a,42b. Said handles42a,42bmay be integrally formed upon handle carrying frame members32a,32bas a part thereof, or may constitute in same embodiments separate parts.

The oppositely disposed wheel carrying frame members34a,34bare respectively pivotally and downwardly dependent (see Arrows A and B ofFIG. 3A) from the handle carrying frame members32a,32b, as shown inFIGS. 1-3A. The wheel carrying frame members32a,32binclude respective proximal portions32a′,32b′ and distal portions32a″,32b″.

As noted, supra, improved collapsible utility cart20of the present invention in some preferred embodiments further includes a pair of interconnected and forwardly facing container support members36a,36bthat are oppositely disposed, shown inFIGS. 1,2,3,10,11and12. Each of the container support frame members36a,36bis pivotally dependent (see Arrows A and B, supra) from respective handle carrying frame members32a,32b(also see Arrow A inFIG. 8). The container support frame members36a,36bhave respective proximal portions36a′,36b′ and distal portions36a″,36b″.

FIG. 8shows one (44a) of connector brackets, generally44a,44b(as likewise shown inFIGS. 1-7), which hold and pivotally interconnect a handle carrying frame member32a, with a wheel carrying frame member34aand also with a container support frame member36a, by means of pins46a,46b, and may preferably include a thumb flange48for folding operation thereof. Of course, connector brackets44a,44bare disposed on each lateral side of utility cart20for the purpose of interconnecting these frame elements. Wheel carrying frame member34ais hingably disposed (at Arrows T, T) from handle connecting frame member32a.

FIG. 9depicts a preferred embodiment (also in greatly enlarged view) of one of rotationally and pivotally disposed connector bracket50a,50b, connecting the parallelogramic linkage28disposed in a horizontal plane (as shown inFIGS. 1-7) with a handle connecting frame member32a,32b, as detailed inFIG. 3A. The various pivotal connections between various elements of the present invention may preferably be accomplished by means of pins transversely connecting the respective parts of the frame22. However, the present invention is not confined to particular formats of pivotal connection(s). As known in the prior art, the respective elements of the frame22hereof may preferably be separated by washers52, as shown for example inFIG. 7, and which preferably may be made of a polymeric or other resilient and stable material. The respective elements of the frame22may in preferred embodiments preferably be made of a metallic material, which may preferably be tubular in construction, and which may also preferably be coated, such as by powder coating, electrocoating, dipping, spraying or other means with a wide variety of polymeric coatings known to those skilled in the art. The dimensions of frame22of the utility cart20hereof may vary widely in preferred embodiments.

As shown, for example, inFIGS. 10,11, and12, front connector generally38, which may take various structural forms in various different embodiments. Front connector38is disposed between and interconnects container support frame members36a,36band supports principally a front portion24aof container24as carried by the frame22.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 1,4,5and13in particular, container24and zippered bag25, may in preferred embodiments be made of a fabric material, such as preferably nylon, polyester, cotton, and other fabrics, and may be in some preferred embodiments mesh-like in its structure. The preferred dimensions of container24may vary widely.

Rear connector40in preferred embodiments is disposed similarly to the embodiments of front connector38and as shown in FIGS.10,11, and12. As such, and as shown inFIGS. 1,2, and5, rear connector40is disposed between handle carrying frame members32a,32bfor interconnecting such handle carrying frame members32a,32b. Rear connector40functions to support principally the weight of a rear proportion24bof the container24, as carried by the frame22.

As shown particularly inFIGS. 1,2,4,5,6and7, a first parallelogramic linkage28is respectively connected to handle carrying frame members32a,32band to wheel carrying frame members34a,34b. First parallelogramic linkage28preferably comprises linkage arms28a,28b(as best shown inFIG. 6), which are connected preferably in some preferred embodiments by a linkage pin28c, and functions, inter alia, to permit collapsibility in the lateral direction (as shown at Arrows G, G′) respectively of handle carrying frame members32a,32band wheel carrying frame members34a,34bfrom a load carrying first position to a folded second position, as shown particularly inFIG. 3B.

As also shown inFIGS. 1,2,4,5,6, and7, a pair of wheels64a,64bare disposed at distal portions36a″,36b″ of respective wheel carrying frame members36a,36b. Such wheels64a,64bmay be of such known structure and may preferably be removably mounted, according to techniques and structures known to those skilled in the art, and, as such may preferably include respective axels64a′,64b′.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2,3,5,6, and7, wheel carrying frame members34a,34bare downwardly pivotally dependent, and forwardly facing in preferred embodiments from handle carrying frame members32a,32b. Accordingly, wheel carrying frame members34a,34bare rendered foldable in such embodiments to facilitate transportation of the improved collapsible utility cart20of the present invention.

In these and other preferred embodiments, members of each of the respective frame22elements may be unitary in structure for increased stability and rigidity. However, handle carrying frame members32a,32bmay be hinged in certain alternative embodiments for facilitating foldability to a yet smaller dimension.

As referred to, supra,FIGS. 10,11and12show various embodiments of front connector38, which is preferably collapsible. In particular,FIGS. 11A,11B, and11C show a front connector66, which may comprise a pair of hingedly joined cross members66a,66bconnected by hinge66c. (See Arrows H, H′).FIGS. 11A-Care operative front views (from operative position to collapsed position) of a preferred embodiment of a front connector66, and as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2comprising a hinged cross member which permits lateral collapsibility of the attached container support frame members36a,36b.

FIG. 10Ais an enlarged rear view of an alternative embodiment of a front connector138showing telescopingly disposed bar elements68a,68b,68cthereof as disposed between the pair of container support frame members36a,36b.FIG. 10Bis a front view of the front connector138showing the hingedly connected telescoping front connector68aembodiment ofFIG. 10A, and comprising transversely extending support bars68aet seq. including a locking latch mechanism70a,70bthereof for holding the utility cart20in its fully laterally extended and operative position (See Arrow I). Accordingly, such embodiments of support bars68a,68b,68cfunction principally to bear the weight of front portion24aof container24.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bshow a yet additional alternative embodiment of a front connector238comprising a latch-like structure comprising at least one transversely extending support bar238a. Accordingly,FIGS. 12A and 12Bdepict alternative embodiments of a front connector238disposed between container support frame members36a,36bcomprising a single transversely extending support bar238awhich is hingedly disposed at hinge238bfrom one container support frame member36aand is latched at latch mechanism238c,238dto the opposite container support frame member36b(See Arrow J).

FIGS. 2 and 5show various embodiments of rear connector40, which is likewise preferably similarly collapsible. For example, inFIGS. 1and2, rear connector40comprises a pair of hingedly joined cross members40a,40b.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2,4,5,6and7, first or primary parallelogramic linkage28comprising linkage arms28a,28bis disposed horizontally to thus support the bottom portion24cof container24when frame22has been placed in the load carrying first position, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

In additionally preferred embodiments of the present invention, and as shown inFIGS. 1,2,3,4,5,6and7, second parallelogramic linkage26comprising linkage arms26a,26band connected by linkage pin26cis disposed between and interconnects the pair of handle carrying frame members32a,32bsubstantially in the vertical dimension in preferred embodiments. This second parallelogramic linkage26is likewise operable from the load carrying first position to the folded second position, as shown inFIG. 6. Second parallelogramic linkage26is attached to wheel carrying frame members36a,36bnear distal portions36a″,36b″, and near wheels64a,64balso carried by such wheel carrying frame members36a,36bthereof.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2,3,4,5,6, and7, the first parallelogramic linkage28further includes a locking mechanism preferably comprising a locking bar28dand a locking pin28e(see Arrow K inFIG. 6), although other similarly functioning locking elements are known to those skilled in the art and are to be included within the scope of the present invention.

As most clearly shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second parallelogramic linkages28,26are respectively joined on both lateral sides by means of respective sliding brackets80a,80bslidably disposed (see Arrows L, L′ inFIG. 6and Arrow M inFIG. 7) upon the wheel carrying frame members34a,34b. Thus, when the vertical linkage latch26dis disengaged (see Arrow K inFIG. 6, and Arrow N inFIG. 7) and the lateral sides of the utility cart20are pushed inwardly (as shown at Arrows G, G′), the vertically disposed parallelogramic linkage26forces the slidably disposed brackets80a,80bupwardly upon the respective wheel carrying frame members34a,34b(as shown at Arrows L, L′) and the internal angles between the cross-members26a,26bof the vertically disposed parallelogramic linkage26increase to move the lateral sides of the utility cart into closer proximity (as shown at Arrows R, R′, S and S′ inFIG. 7). This opening movement of the respective cross-members of the vertically disposed parallelogramic linkage26is further facilitated by means of the mounting of the respective ends of the respective cross-members26a,26bof the vertically disposed parallelogramic linkages26upon pins26f,26gto permit partial rotational movement as shown at Arrows O, O. As the slidable brackets80a,80bare slid upwardly on the wheel carrying frame members34a,34b, the horizontally disposed parallelogramic linkage28collapses by means of a similar mechanism to reduce substantially the over-all lateral dimension of the utility cart20of the present invention. Specifically, the horizontally disposed parallelogramic linkage cross-members28a,28bare collapsed toward each other to lengthen the over-all dimension of the horizontally disposed parallelogramic linkage28in the direction transverse to the wheel axels64a′,64b′, and which is facilitated by means of a rotational connector80cas mounted to the slidable bracket80aand shown inFIG. 7(See Arrows P, P′ and Q inFIG. 7).

Yet additionally, the handle carrying frame members32a,32balso may preferably carry a pair of end pieces33a,33bat respective distal end portions32a″,32b″ thereof. Such end pieces33a,33bmay act as stopper elements for the cart20, and may preferably be formed from a polymeric or other soft, resilient and stable material.

While the invention hereof has been described with reference to at least certain preferred and/or alternative embodiments, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not materially or unnecessarily limited with regard to these exemplary descriptions.