Patent Publication Number: US-2009230644-A1

Title: Utility Cart

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a utility cart that can be used to carry and store various tools and equipment necessary for automotive maintenance, and more particularly, to a fuel and/or oil filter cart that facilitates automobile fuel and oil changes. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Automotive maintenance is often viewed as a tedious and troublesome undertaking. Given the variety of difficulties and solutions that may exist for a particular problem, many individuals gladly allow trained professionals to maintain their vehicle. However, there are a select few individuals who perform all of their own vehicle maintenance. These people, just as the numerous professionals in the industry, still hope to be efficient and effective in their work. Accordingly, various tools and systems have been developed to help the novice and the professional automotive technicians and mechanics. 
     Some of the tools that have been developed are commonly found in standard tool kits, such as ratchets, wrenches, sockets, hammers, screw drivers, and other tools. Other important automotive maintenance tools include hydraulic jacks, oil filter wrenches, clamps, torque wrenches, etc. In addition, however, it is very important to keep these tools clean and organized. Tool boxes and other storage containers have been developed to satisfy this need. 
     SUMMARY 
     Despite the various faculties and tools that are at a mechanic&#39;s disposal, there is a need for a tool that provides greater ease in performing automotive repairs. Indeed, according to at least one of the embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein is the realization that the prior art is devoid of any equipment that stores, transports, and allows easy access to oil and fuel filters and related tools for performing oil and fuel filter changes. 
     In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein is the realization that the vehicle maintenance work can be greatly facilitated by the use of a mobile tool and part cart. In particular, the cart can be used to transport and store various types of parts and vehicle components during maintenance operations performed by a mechanic. For example, the cart can be used to store one or more fuel filters or oil filters for large trucks, such as semi-trailer trucks, as well as the associated tools required for the maintenance procedure. 
     Therefore, in at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a mechanic&#39;s utility cart comprising a part compartment, a movable divider, a position adjustment mechanism, a tool storage compartment, and a conveyance mechanism. The part compartment can define a holding area configured to laterally and vertically support an item disposed therein. The part compartment can comprise a bottom portion for providing vertical support and at least one side portion for providing lateral support. The movable divider can be attachable within the part compartment to selectively alter the size of the holding area. The movable divider can comprise a support component for laterally supporting an item disposed within the holding area of the part compartment. The movable divider can further comprise an attachment end for removably attaching the divider to one of the bottom and side portions of the part compartment. 
     The position adjustment mechanism can be disposed at least partially in the part compartment. The position adjustment mechanism can define a plurality of positions to which the movable divider can be adjusted. The position adjustment mechanism can be configured to facilitate selective movability of the divider for altering the size of the holding area. The tool storage compartment can be adjacent to the part compartment and can define an interior area configured to accommodate a tool therein. The conveyance mechanism can be attached to an underside of the cart for facilitating movement of the cart. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the part compartment can define a concave surface for supporting the item therein. The position adjustment mechanism can comprise a slotted element disposed on the side portion of the part compartment. The slotted element can be configured to engage the attachment end of the divider for positioning the divider at a given distance from a side of the part compartment. Further, the conveyance mechanism can comprise immobile or movable components. For example, the conveyance mechanism can comprise a low-friction surface that allows the cart to slide easily along a surface. In another example, the conveyance mechanism can comprise a set of wheels attached to the underside of the cart. The wheels can be attached to the cart using height-adjustment brackets configured to lower the center of gravity of the cart. The height-adjustment brackets can have a first section attached to the underside of the cart and a second section attached to the wheel, and the first section can be lower than the second section. The cart can also further comprise a flexible spacer component attached to the side portion of the part compartment for contacting an item disposed therein to center the item within the holding area. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a utility cart is provided for storing and transporting automotive repair supplies and equipment. The cart can comprise first and second pairs of part compartments, a tool storage compartment, a grease gun compartment, a handle, and a set of wheels. In such an embodiment, the part compartments of the first pair can be disposed adjacent to each other and the part compartments of the second pair can be disposed adjacent to each other with each part compartment defining a holding area configured to laterally and vertically support an item disposed therein. The part compartments can comprise a bottom portion for providing vertical support and at least one side portion for providing lateral support. The part compartments can further comprise a flexible spacer component attached to the side portion of the part compartment for contacting the item disposed therein to center the item within the holding area. 
     The tool storage compartment can be disposed intermediate the first and second pairs of part compartments and can define an interior area configured to accommodate a tool therein. The grease gun compartment can extend intermediate the first and second pairs of part compartments and generally parallel to the tool storage compartment. The grease gun compartment can be configured to removably receive a grease gun apparatus therein. The handle can be attached to the cart for facilitating movement thereof. Finally, the set of wheels can be attached to an underside of the cart for facilitating movement of the cart. Each wheel can be positioned equidistant to a respective part compartment to facilitate weight distribution of the cart. 
     In other embodiments, the bottom portion of the part compartment can define a concave surface for supporting the item therein. The part compartments can comprise a solid-wall structure. Further, the wheels can be attached to the cart using height-adjustment brackets configured to lower the center of gravity of the cart, and the height-adjustment brackets can have a first section attached to the underside of the cart and a second section attached to the wheel, and the first section can be lower than the second section. The part compartments can be cylindrically shaped. In addition, the first pair of part compartments can be configured to receive oil filters and the second pair of part compartments can be configured to receive fuel filters. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment, a utility cart is provided for storing and transporting automotive repair supplies and equipment. The cart can comprise first and second compartments, a tool storage compartment, a grease gun compartment, a handle, and a set of wheels. The first and second part compartments can each define a holding area configured to laterally and vertically support an item disposed therein. Each part compartment can comprise a bottom portion for providing vertical support and at least one side portion for providing lateral support. The tool storage compartment can be disposed intermediate the first and second part compartments and define an interior area configured to accommodate a tool therein. The grease gun compartment can extend intermediate the first and second part compartments and generally parallel to the tool storage compartment. The grease gun compartment can be configured to removably receive a grease gun apparatus therein. The handle can be attached to the cart for facilitating movement thereof. The set of wheels can be attached to an underside of the cart for facilitating movement of the cart. Each wheel can be positioned equidistant to a respective part compartment to facilitate weight distribution of the cart. 
     The cart can also be configured with each part compartment comprising a flexible spacer component attached to the side portion of the part compartment for contacting the item disposed therein to center the item within the holding area. The bottom portion of each part compartment can define a concave surface for supporting the item therein. The wheels can be attached to the cart using height-adjustment brackets configured to lower the center of gravity of the cart. In such an embodiment, the height-adjustment brackets can have a first section attached to the underside of the cart and a second section attached to the wheel, and the first section can be lower than the second section. The part compartments can be cylindrically shaped. The part compartments comprise a solid-wall structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a utility cart according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the utility cart shown in  FIG. 1 , with oil filters and a grease gun being shown in hidden lines. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the utility cart taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a utility cart. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the utility cart shown in  FIG. 4 , with oil filters and a grease gun being shown in hidden lines. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the utility cart taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a utility cart. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the utility cart shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a utility cart. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the utility cart shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of another embodiment of a utility cart. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a utility cart. 
         FIG. 13A  is a side view of another embodiment of a utility cart wherein the cart comprises an embodiment of a stop mechanism in an undeployed position. 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of the cart of  FIG. 13A  wherein the stop mechanism is in a deployed position. 
         FIG. 14A  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a utility cart wherein the cart comprises another embodiment of a stop mechanism in an undeployed position. 
         FIG. 14B  is a side view of the cart of  FIG. 14A  wherein the stop mechanism is in a deployed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are made for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, and not for purposes of limiting the same, various embodiments of a utility cart are shown in  FIGS. 1-12 . The utility cart can be used in a variety of applications. Therefore, although specific uses are mentioned herein, such as for assistance in automotive repair procedures, the utility cart can be used and/or modified to provide valuable aid for a variety of other tasks. In several embodiments, the cart can be used to transport and store various types of parts and vehicle components during maintenance operations performed by a mechanic. For example, the cart can be used to store one or more fuel filters or oil filters for large trucks, such as diesel tractors, as well as the associated tools required for the maintenance procedure. 
     The cart can include a transport or conveyance mechanism, such as wheels or other means for allowing movement of the cart relative to the ground. In some embodiments, the transport mechanism can be selectively adjustable. For example, when the transport mechanism is wheels, the wheels can be adjustable relative to the cart in order to vary the height of the cart, the distance between the wheels (wheelbase) for improving balance of the cart, and for locking the wheels. Further, a stop mechanism can also be used with the cart in order to maintain the cart in a given position. For example, the stop mechanism can include a lever arm with a distal end that contacts the ground in order to impede rolling movement of the cart. In another embodiment, the stop mechanism can be used to lift the wheels of the cart off the ground, thereby keeping the cart from freely rolling. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a utility cart  10  according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the utility cart  10  includes four part compartments  12 , a tool storage compartment  14 , and a conveyance mechanism  16 . As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the number of part compartments can be varied as necessary for a given application. It is contemplated that in some uses, such as when an old item is replaced with a new item (such as in an oil filter change), the number of part compartments should be adjusted to provide an extra or empty compartment so that when the old item is replaced, there is an available space in the cart for the old item. For example, during an oil change, the expired oil filter can be removed and placed into an empty part compartment. A new oil filter can be removed from another part compartment of the cart, thus leaving creating another empty part compartment. Accordingly, if multiple oil filter changes are performed consecutively, there can be empty part compartments in the cart to receive the expired filters. 
     Additionally, the cart  10  includes a grease gun compartment  18 . Furthermore, the cart can include one or more handles  20 . Although this embodiment is shown as being generally rectangular and boxy, it is contemplated that the shape of the cart  10  can be modified to be more streamlined, include curved edges, or stylistic variations. 
     Further, it is contemplated that although the cart  10  is shown as having solid walls and compartments, cart  10  can be formed using a mesh or wire construction. As such, the contents of the compartments can be visible from any angle, thus eliminating guesswork. Further, in such an embodiment, the cart  10  can be configured to allow fluids to pass therethrough, for example, to facilitate washing of the cart  10 . However, it is contemplated that depending on the use, the part compartments  12  of the cart  10  can include reservoirs for collecting fluids, small components, or other materials and maintaining them within the part compartment  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the part compartment  12  can define a holding area  30  configured to laterally and vertically support an item disposed therein. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , such an item  32  can be a fuel or oil filter (shown in hidden lines). It should be noted that although the item  32  is illustrated as a filter, the item  32  can be any variety of components, replacement parts, or other objects used in the procedure, whether automobile related or not. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the part compartment  12  can comprise a bottom portion  34  for providing vertical support and at least one side portion  36  for providing lateral support. The first embodiment of the cart  10  is configured with each part compartment  12  having a generally square cross-section. However, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 , the part compartment  12  can also be configured to be generally cylindrical. Other shapes and geometries can be incorporated into the design and configuration of the cart and part compartments. 
     It should be noted that the embodiments of the cart disclosed herein may be particularly beneficial in certain application in which the supported items need to maintain an upright orientation. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , oil filters can be supported in an upright configuration in order to prevent spilling of oil. This is particularly advantageous due to the fact that in some procedures, a new filter may be primed with new oil and placed upright to avoid spillage. Further, expired filters may be removed and also placed into the cart and maintained upright to avoid spillage. 
     The bottom portion  34  can provide vertical support to the item  32 . In order to accomplish this, at least a portion of the bottom portion  34  can contact the item  32  disposed therein. For example, the part compartment  12  can be configured with the bottom portion  34  thereof being generally flat. However, as shown in side cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 , the bottom portion  34  can be generally hemispherical to facilitate nesting of the item in a centralized location of the part compartment  12 . In other embodiments, the bottom portion  34  can be generally conical. Further, the bottom portion  34  can also be an inverted cone, hemisphere, pin or other such element so as to make contact with an item, such as the oil filter  32 , at a single point. This feature may be valuable to allow parts to sit above undesirable fluids or materials that may enter the part compartment  12  or may allow the item  32  to drain such a fluid. 
     The side portion  36  of the part compartment  12  can be used to provide direct or indirect lateral support to the item  32  as required. In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the side portion  36  generally defines the boundary of the holding area  30  of the part compartment  12 . Thus, the available interior volume of the holding area  30  can be set by the configuration and position of the side portion  36 . In other embodiments, such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , the cart can comprise other components that can be used to alter the shape and boundaries of the part compartment by attaching to one of the bottom and side portions thereof, as described further below. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 2-3 , the side portion  36  can be configured as a flat surface that generally extends about the holding area  30 . The side portion  36  can extend about substantially all of the holding area  30  or at least a portion thereof. The side portion  36  can comprise one or more faces of an interior compartment surface. The side portion  36  can also extend about only a portion of the holding area  30 . For example, the side portion  36  can be discontinuous and provide support to certain portions of the item  32  to ensure that the item is laterally supported. Such an embodiment is possible, for example, where the cart is fabricated using a wire construction. Therefore, although the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3  illustrates continuous side portions  36 , the side portions  36  can be variously formed and configured as desired. 
       FIGS. 1-3  also illustrate that the part compartments  12  can include a spacer component  40  for contacting the item  32  disposed therein to center the item  32  within the holding area  30 . The spacer component  40  can be attached to the side portion  36  of the part compartment  12 . The spacer component  40  can comprise one or more components and can extend continuously or discontinuously about the inner periphery of the holding area  30 . Further, the spacer component  40  can be removably attached to the part compartment  12 . 
     The spacer component  40  can be fabricated from a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. The spacer component  40  can allow the part compartment  12  to receive items of various sizes. For example, the part compartment  12  can include one or more spacer components  40  of various lengths, widths, and heights that are positioned at any given orientation or height within the part compartment  12 . In this manner, the spacer component  40  can allow the part compartment  12  to accommodate a wide range of item sizes. As illustrated, the spacer component  40  preferably contacts an item  32  disposed in the part compartment  12  sufficiently thereabout to provide lateral support to the item  32 . Thus, it is contemplated that the item  32  may be securely received within the part compartment  12 . 
     As also shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the cart  10  can also be configured to include the tool storage compartment  14 . The tool storage compartment  14  of the cart  10  is positioned intermediate the part compartments  12 . The tool storage compartment  14  can include one or more discrete sections  52 ,  54  which can each define an interior area configured to accommodate a tool or part(s) therein. In other embodiments, the tool storage compartment  14  can include a single section defining an interior area configured to accommodate a tool or part(s) therein. The tool storage compartment  14  can include any variety of partitions, receptacles, hooks, or other tool-specific features that further facilitate the storage or placement of a tool or part(s) therein. 
     Finally, the handles  20  can be attached to the cart  10  at either or both ends thereof. The handles  20  can be integrally or separately formed from the cart  10  and can be of any configuration. For example, in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 , it is shown that the handles provide a gripping section on an underside of the handle  20 . The handles  20  can also be pull-bars or otherwise. 
     The conveyance mechanism  16  of the cart  10  preferably facilitates free and easy movement of the cart  10  to a desired location. However, the conveyance mechanism  16  can also include a brake or stop element that maintains the cart  10  in a specific position, to keep the cart  10  from moving when it is maneuvered to an appropriate location. The conveyance mechanism  16  can comprise immobile or movable components. For example, the conveyance mechanism  16  can comprise a low-friction surface that allows the cart  10  to slide along a surface. In the illustrated embodiments, the conveyance mechanism  16  is illustrated as a set of wheels, such as casters. Nevertheless other mechanisms can be used to provide maneuverability to the cart  10 , as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     The conveyance mechanism  16  can be attached to an underside  60  of the cart  10  for facilitating movement of the cart  10 . In some embodiments, the conveyance mechanism  16  can be integrated into the cart  10  or removed therefrom entirely. Furthermore, the conveyance mechanism  16  can be removably attachable to the cart  10 . For example, the cart  10  can be set or placed on the conveyance mechanism  16  and maneuvered as desired, and subsequently removed from or off of the conveyance mechanism  16 . 
     Further, the conveyance mechanism can comprise a set of wheels attached to the underside of the cart. The wheels can be attached to the cart using height-adjustment brackets configured to lower the center of gravity of the cart. The height-adjustment brackets can have a first section attached to the underside of the cart and a second section attached to the wheel, and the first section can be lower than the second section. The cart can also further comprise a flexible spacer component attached to the side portion of the part compartment for contacting an item disposed therein to center the item within the holding area. 
     In some embodiments, the conveyance mechanism can be selectively adjustable. For example, when the conveyance mechanism comprises wheels, the wheels can be adjustable relative to the cart in order to vary the height of the cart. Further, the conveyance mechanism can be configured to vary the distance between the wheels (wheelbase) for improving balance of the cart. Additionally, the conveyance mechanism can include a locking element that enables the conveyance mechanism to be locked or movement of the cart to be impeded. For example, the locking element can provide for adjustment of the rotation speed of wheels of the cart or provide a wheel lock that stops rotation of wheels. 
     Additionally, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  also illustrates that other compartments or features can be incorporated into the design of the cart  10 . For example, in the mechanic&#39;s embodiment shown in these figures, the cart  10  can include the grease gun compartment  18 . The grease gun compartment  18  can be positioned at an end of the cart  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . However, the grease gun compartment  18  can also be positioned intermediate the part compartments  12 , adjacent the tool compartment  14 . The configuration of the cart can be modified to move the grease gun compartment  18  and tool compartment  14  relative to the part compartments  12  as desired. In some embodiments, the center of gravity can be selectively controlled by repositioning or modifying the location of the various compartments. Finally, it is contemplated that other compartments may be used and incorporated into the design. As indicated above, although the illustrated embodiments are discussed in the context of automotive repair and maintenance, the compartments can be used to hold other components or tools. Thus, the embodiments discussed herein should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIGS. 4-6  illustrate another embodiment of a utility cart  100 . In this embodiment, the cart  100  includes a pair of part compartments  112 . The cart also comprises a tool storage compartment  114 , a set of wheels  116 , a grease gun compartment  120 , and a handle  120 . This embodiment is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-3  except for the inclusion of only two part compartments  112  and the orientation of the grease gun compartment  120  relative to the other compartments of the cart  100 . Further, in this embodiment of the cart  120 , the size and configuration of the part compartment is adjustable, as discussed below. 
     As noted, there are several common features between the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-3  and of  FIGS. 4-6 , such as a holding area  130 , bottom and side portions  134 ,  136  of the part compartments  112 , the wheels  116 , and the use of a spacer component  140 . The discussion of such disclosure as made above is reiterated with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  and will not be repeated at this point. However, it should be noted that the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  includes additional features that can be incorporated into an embodiment of the cart, and can even be used in connection with other embodiments of the cart. For that matter, it is contemplated that any of the individual features disclosed with respect to any of the embodiments shown and discussed herein can equally be incorporated into another embodiment, as desired. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 4-6 , the cart  100  can comprise a movable divider  170  that can be attachable within the part compartment  112  to selectively alter the size of the holding area  130 . The movable divider  170  can be movable relative to a side of the cart  100 . In some embodiments, the movable divider  170  can be moved or translated such that it remains oriented generally parallel to the side of the cart  100 . However, in other embodiments, the movable divider can pivot horizontally or vertically, fold along its width or length, or otherwise deform in order to cause at least a portion thereof to be disposed away from the inner periphery of the holding area  130  to thereby contact or provide greater support for an item  32  disposed therein. 
     In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the movable divider  170  can comprise a support component  172  for laterally supporting an item  32  disposed within the holding area  130  of the part compartment  112 . The support component  172  can be an edge, ridge, a section, or the entire body of the movable divider  170 . Additionally, the movable divider  170  can comprise an attachment end  174  for removably attaching the divider  170  to one of the bottom and side portions  134 ,  136  of the part compartment  112 . As illustrated, the divider  170  comprises two opposing attachment ends  174  that can attach to within the part compartment  112  to secure the divider  170  at a selected position. 
     In addition, the cart  100  can comprise a position adjustment mechanism  180 . The position adjustment mechanism  180  can be disposed at least partially in the part compartment  112 . The position adjustment mechanism  180  can define a plurality of positions to which the movable divider  170  can be adjusted. The position adjustment mechanism  180  can be configured to facilitate selective movability of the divider  170  for altering the size of the holding area  130 . For example, the position adjustment mechanism  180  can facilitate the rotation or translation of the divider  170 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , the position adjustment mechanism  180  can be configured as a set of vertically arranged slots into which the opposing ends  174  of the divider  170  can be inserted. As such, the dimensions of the holding area  130  can be modified as required to securely fit an item  32  therein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-8 , another embodiment of a utility cart  200  is illustrated. The cart  200  can be configured to include a pair of cylindrically-shaped part compartments  212 , as well as a tool compartment  214  with various sections, a conveyance mechanism  216 , a grease gun compartment  218 , holding area  230 , side and bottom portions, and spacer component  240 , etc. As similarly noted above with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 , the descriptions of the features mentioned above with respect to  FIGS. 1-6  is reiterated with respect to the cart  200  shown in  FIGS. 7-8  and will not be repeated. Each of these features and the description thereof can be incorporated with into the cart  200  shown in  FIGS. 7-8 . 
     The cart  200  shown in  FIGS. 7-8  uniquely employs cylindrical part compartments  212  that can receive cylindrical items within a particular size range. Although the part compartments  212  can be adjustable in some embodiments, the cart  200  shown in  FIGS. 7-8  uses discretely sized part compartments  212  to accommodate a targeted size of parts or items. As such, it is contemplated that the size of the part compartments  212  can be made to certain small, medium, or large sizes, such as according to vehicle oil filter sizes. Additionally, the size of a respective part compartment  212  can be different that the other part compartment  212  of the same cart  200 . As such, the cart  200  can provide options for usage and size compatibility. 
     Furthermore, the tool compartment  218  of the cart  200  can be uniquely configured to take advantage of the space between the cylindrically-shaped part compartments  212 . Thus, the tool compartment  218  can comprise one or more individual sections that can be configured to receive or support various parts or components. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-10 , another embodiment of a utility cart  300  is illustrated. The cart  300  can be configured to include opposing pairs of cylindrically-shaped part compartments  312 , as well as a tool compartment  314  with various sections, a conveyance mechanism  316 , a grease gun compartment  318 , holding area  330 , side and bottom portions, and spacer component  340 , etc. As similarly noted above with respect to  FIGS. 7-8 , the descriptions of the features mentioned above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8  is reiterated with respect to the cart  300  shown in  FIGS. 9-10  and will not be repeated. Each of these features and the description thereof can be incorporated with the cart  300  shown in  FIGS. 9-10 . 
     Similar to the embodiment of the cart  200  shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , the cart  300  shown in  FIGS. 9-10  also employs cylindrical part compartments  312  that can receive cylindrical items within a particular size range. As noted with respect to the embodiment in  FIGS. 7-8 , the part compartments  312  can be configured to accommodate items of distinct sizes and shapes. The cart  300  includes four part compartments  312  and therefore may be beneficial for individuals needing storage of more than one item at a time. For example, if performing a fuel and/or oil filter change on a semi-trailer truck, a mechanic could need two fuel filters and two oil filters at a time because these types of trucks often use primary, secondary, full-flow, or bypass filters. Accordingly, the cart  300  could be of benefit to such mechanics because it reduces the number of loose parts, aids in organization and creates a discrete set of parts and tools that are needed for a given maintenance procedure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-12 , additional embodiments of the cart are shown.  FIG. 11  is a side view of a cart  400  having at least one part compartment  412 , a grease gun compartment  418 , and can include any of the other features discussed above with respect to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10 . Likewise, a side view of a cart  500  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In contrast to the cart  400  of  FIG. 11 , the cart  500  of  FIG. 12  includes at least two part compartments  512 , a tool compartment  514 , and a grease gun compartment  518 . Further, the carts  400  and  500  also illustrate a unique conveyance mechanism  416 ,  516  comprising a set of wheels  430 ,  530  attached to the underside of the carts  416 ,  516 . The conveyance mechanisms  416 ,  516  can also comprise height-adjustment brackets  440 ,  540  configured to lower the center of gravity of the cart  416 ,  516 . As noted above, the conveyance mechanism can also be configured to allow for variable and selective adjustment of the height, wheelbase, or rotation speed/wheel lock capability. 
     The height-adjustment brackets  440 ,  540  can have a first section  442 ,  542  attached to the underside of the cart  416 ,  516  and a second section  444 ,  544  attached to the wheel  430 ,  530 . The height-adjustment brackets  440 ,  540  can be formed from a continuous piece of material. However, it is also contemplated that the height-adjustment brackets  440 ,  540  can be formed using various parts. Further, in some embodiments, the height-adjustment brackets  440 ,  540  can be configured, as shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , such that the first section  442 ,  542  is lower than the second section  444 ,  544 . Thus, the center of gravity of the cart  400 ,  500  can be lowered, making the cart  400 ,  500  more stable and less likely to tip over. 
     The wheels  430 ,  530  and/or the height-adjustment brackets  440 ,  540  can be partially or fully integrated with the design of the cart  400 ,  500 . For example, a body of the cart  400 ,  500  may be designed such that the wheel  430 ,  530  are disposed at least partially underneath a respective part compartment, tool compartment, or grease gun compartment. As noted above, the dimension and arrangement of the compartments can be modified in various configurations. The embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-12  provide illustrative examples of potential configurations. However, it is contemplated that in such configurations, the conveyance mechanism, when present, can ensure that the cart is stable and secure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A-B  and  14 A-B, two exemplary embodiments of a stop mechanism are illustrated. In  FIG. 13A-B , a utility cart  600  comprises a stop mechanism  610 . In this embodiment, the stop mechanism  610  can comprise a switch arm  612  and first and second actuation bases  614 ,  616 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13A , when in an undeployed position, the switch arm  612  can be oriented at a downward angle relative to the cart  600  and the first and second actuation bases  614 ,  616  can be retracted and off of the ground at a given distance. 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates the deployed position of the stop mechanism  610 . As illustrated, the switch arm  612  has been rotated upwardly as shown by the arrow  620  in  FIG. 13A . Upon such rotation of the switch arm  612 , the first and second actuation bases  614 ,  616  can be deployed and move from the retracted or stowed position to the deployed position as shown by the arrow  622 . In some embodiments, the first and second actuation bases  614 ,  616  can lift the cart  600  off of the ground such that the cart  600  is suspended in the air by the stop mechanism  610 . However, it is contemplated that the stop mechanism  610  can also be configured to contact the ground to substantially impeded movement of the cart  600 . 
     Furthermore, although first and second actuation bases  614 ,  616  are shown, it is contemplated that a single actuation base may also be used. In this regard, the actuation base can be configured to define any variety of useful shapes that facilitates reliable contact with the ground to thereby restrict or eliminate movement of the cart. In addition, it is contemplated that the actuation base can comprise a material that frictionally engages the ground and tends not to slide against the ground. For example, a material such as rubber can be used that exhibits tacky or resilient qualities. Such materials are known in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14A , another embodiment of a cart  650  is illustrated. The cart  650  can comprise a stop mechanism or lever arm  652  that comprises a handle  660  and a prop device  662  that can pivot about a pivot point  664 . As shown in  FIGS. 14A-B , the lever arm  652  can allow a user to engage the prop device  662  of the lever arm  652  the ground, and in some embodiments, can cause the prop device  662  to prop up one or more wheels. In use, the handle  660  can be rotated downwardly as shown by the arrow  670 . As the handle  660  is moved downwardly, the prop device  662  also rotates downwardly until contacting the ground. 
     It is contemplated that the lever arm  652  can be formed as a monolithic piece or formed of individual parts that are assembled together. Preferably, the lever arm  652  is configured such that any rotation imparted to the handle  660  is likewise transmitted to the prop device  662 . Furthermore, the lever arm  652  can be disposed on a single side of the cart  650 . However, it is contemplated that the lever arm  652  can comprise dual segments that are disposed on both sides of the cart  650 . In such an embodiment, the handle  660  can span the width of the cart  650  and interconnect the dual segments. Thus, two prop devices can contact the ground on both sides of the cart  650 . 
     Accordingly, the stop mechanisms disclosed above can be used to restrict or prohibit movement of the cart. The stop mechanisms disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying figures are exemplary embodiments, and it is contemplated that other features can be incorporated into the stop mechanisms by one of skill in the art. 
     Furthermore, although the conveyance mechanism in some embodiments has been illustrated as using four wheels, it is contemplated that more or less wheels can be used. Wheels can also be substituted for other mechanisms, and movement of the cart can be omni-directional, directional, or otherwise. Furthermore, each wheel can be positioned equidistant to a respective part compartment to facilitate weight distribution of the cart. 
     Accordingly, various arrangements can be configured and prepared using many of the embodiments discussed herein. Yet other embodiments and arrangements are also contemplated provided the present disclosure. The advantages and benefits of the embodiments disclosed herein include improved mobility and organization of parts for various maintenance procedures, enhanced cleanliness of the workspace due to such organization, and ready access to parts when needed. As noted above, one of the potential uses of embodiments of the utility cart includes holding preloaded or primed oil or fuel filters that need to be held upright to avoid spilling of the oil or fuel in the filter. Through the use of the novel and innovative embodiments disclosed herein, a mechanic is able to maintain these filters in an upright orientation and place used filters in the cart in an upright orientation to avoid spillage of the oil or fuel in the used filters. This innovative cart satisfies a distinct need in the market and provides an extremely helpful tool for mechanics in particular. 
     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.