Abstract:
A multiple function job site work cart in which the basic component is a wheel-based cart having a base, two opposing sides perpendicular to the base, and capable of being rolled in a horizontal or vertical orientation. With the incorporation of additional components including dividers, steps, a door, frames, outriggers, stabilizing bars, brackets, and others, the cart can be configured as a materials cart, wheelbarrow, storage cart, scaffold, ladder, dolly, sheet support, and other structures useful in a work setting. When not in use, the components can be packed into or coupled to the car for storage and/or transport.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This non-provisional application claims priority from provisional application No. 60/205,330, filed on May 18, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates generally to apparatuses used on a construction job site and, more specifically, to a multiple function job site work cart.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Persons working on a construction site require the use of a number of different apparatuses during the construction process. For example, materials carts and wheelbarrows are needed to transport items on the job site, a storage box is needed to store tools and the like in a secure manner, and ladders and scaffolds are needed to access the structure being built.  
           [0006]    Currently, these apparatuses are discrete; i.e., they tend to perform only one function. Thus, a wheelbarrow would not also be useable as a ladder, scaffold, storage box, etc. As a result, there is generally a need to acquire a separate apparatus to perform each desired function. As a result, these many apparatuses can be relatively costly and can take up a relatively large amount of space, making them relatively unportable as a group.  
           [0007]    A need therefore existed for a job site apparatus capable of performing multiple functions, including preferably that of materials cart, wheelbarrow, storage box, ladder, scaffold, and others. The multiple function apparatus should be portable, both within the job site and so as to be movable from one job site to another. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a job site apparatus capable of performing multiple functions.  
           [0009]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a job site apparatus capable of serving as a number of different apparatuses useable on a job site, including that of materials cart, wheelbarrow, storage box, ladder, scaffold, and others.  
           [0010]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a portable job site apparatus capable of serving as a number of different apparatuses useable on a job site.  
           [0011]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
         [0012]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multiple function work cart is disclosed. It comprises, in combination: a cart having a base and two opposing side walls coupled at a right angle to the base so as to form an essentially U-shaped structure when viewed from an end thereof having two open ends; wheels coupled to the cart; and dividers adapted to be removably coupled to at least one of the open ends.  
           [0013]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a multiple function work cart is disclosed. It comprises, in combination: a cart having a base and two opposing side walls coupled at a right angle to the base so as to form an essentially U-shaped structure when viewed from an end thereof having two open ends; wheels coupled to the cart; wherein the wheels comprise two wheels located proximate a first end of the base, two wheels located proximate a second end of the base, and one wheel located proximate a top portion of each the side wall so that the cart may optionally be rolled in each of a horizontal and vertical configuration; dividers adapted to be removably coupled to at least one of the open ends; means for removably coupling handles to the cart; a door adapted to be hingedly coupled to one of the side walls opposite the base; at least two ladder-shaped frame member comprising two vertical members joined by at least one horizontal member and wherein an end portion of the vertical members is adapted to be removably coupled to the cart proximate corner portions of the side walls; at least one step adapted to be positioned across the horizontal members of the two ladder-shaped frame members when in position on opposing ends of the cart; and a coupling member adapted to permit the coupling of two ladder-shaped frame members in a vertical direction so that one the ladder-shaped frame member is positioned directly on top of another.  
           [0014]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a multiple function work cart is disclosed. It comprises, in combination: a cart having a base and two opposing side walls coupled at a right angle to the base so as to form an essentially U-shaped structure when viewed from an end thereof; two wheels located proximate a first end of the base; two wheels located proximate a second end of the base; and one wheel located proximate a top portion of each the side wall so that the cart may optionally be rolled in each of a horizontal and vertical configuration. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention, in a horizontal orientation.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1A is a side view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention, configured as a wheelbarrow.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention, in a vertical orientation.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention in a vertical orientation and in use as a step ladder.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention in a vertical orientation and with a door thereon, in use as a storage box.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention configured for storage and transport.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the frame storage portion of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention configured as a scaffold.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a frame joining member.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention when configured as a scaffold, illustrating the positioning of a work table thereon.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a stabilizing bar.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention, when configured to position plastic sheeting or the like proximate a work area.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a walkway.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a support member for the walkway of FIG. 8.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the multiple function job site work cart of the present invention, illustrating the use of the walkway of FIG. 8 in combination with the work cart configured as a scaffold.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ladder formed using frame member portions useable with the work cart of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    Referring first to FIG. 1, the multiple function job site work cart  10  (hereinafter “cart  10 ”) of the present invention is shown, in its most basic configuration. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the cart  10  can be seen to comprise, when in a horizontal orientation, a base  12  and two opposing rectangular side walls  14  perpendicular to the base  12 . Each of the base  12  and side walls  14  are preferably formed by welding sheet metal over a steel frame. Portability is imparted to the cart  10  in its horizontal orientation by large wheels  16  located at a first end of base  12  and small wheels  18  located at a second end of base  12 . Small wheels  18  are preferably pivoting, so as to impart maneuverability to the cart  10 , and locking, so as to permit the cart  10  to be secured in a desired location.  
         [0032]    The cart  10  in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 can serve as a materials cart. Thus, materials can be placed within the space defined by the base  12  and side walls  14 , and moved around the job site with the user grasping one or both side walls  14  and pushing or pulling the cart  10  in the desired direction. (The cart  10  could also be maneuvered by inserting one or more Y-shaped brackets  32 , described below, into corner receiving shafts  25 , also described below.) Because both ends of the cart  10  between the side walls  14  are open, the cart  10  could particularly efficiently be used to transport oversized items such as 2×4&#39;s, which can project out one or both sides of the cart  10 .  
         [0033]    Still referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that dividers  20  can be positioned in one or both open ends of the cart  10 , between side walls  14 . Coupling of the dividers  20  to ends of the cart  10  is accomplished by positioning L-shaped insertion shafts  22  projecting from sides of the dividers  20  into receiving shafts  24  located at end portions of the side walls  14  and at two other points along the length of the side walls  14 . (As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving shafts  24  are preferably adjacent the steel frame members on the side walls  14  that run perpendicular to the base  12 .) When dividers  20  are positioned in the receiving shafts  24  at both ends of the cart  10 , it takes on the orientation of a closed-end materials cart or wheel barrow.  
         [0034]    It can be seen that permanent handles  26  are positioned at an end of the base  12  on the same side of the base  12  as the large wheels  16 , and project outward from the base  12 . When using the cart  10  as a wheel barrow, a user can, optionally, grasp the permanent handles  26  and lift an end of the cart  10  off of the ground, so that only the large wheels  16  are contacting the ground. (It should be noted that when a divider  20  is positioned only in the end of the cart  10  proximate the large wheels  16 , it takes on the orientation of a materials cart or wheel barrow in which oversized materials can be transported at an angle with the user grasping the permanent handles  26  and lifting an end of the cart  10 —so that the materials will contact the divider  20  on one side and may project outward from the cart  10  in the direction of the user on the other.)  
         [0035]    Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 1A, located on the base  12  along both sides thereof, and opening at both ends thereof, are receiving shafts  28 . Among other things, the insertion shafts  28  are dimensioned to receive the insertion shaft portion  30  of Y-shaped brackets  32 . These Y-shaped brackets  32  should be inserted into the insertion shafts  28  to the desired depth, and secured at that position by the insertion of a pin  34  through an opening  36  in the insertion shaft  28  and through an aligned opening  38  in the insertion shaft portion  30  of the Y-shaped bracket  32 . (Although only one is shown, the insertion shaft portion  30  preferably contains a plurality of openings  38  along the length thereof, to facilitate coupling to the insertion shaft  28  at different points so as to enable the adjustment of the position of the Y-shaped bracket  32 .) As shown in FIG. 1A, when in position, the Y-shaped brackets  32  serve as handles for the cart  10 , permitting it to be raised so that it travels only upon the large wheels  16  in wheelbarrow fashion.  
         [0036]    Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2A and  2 B, the cart  10  is shown in a vertical orientation, positioned on the large wheels  16  and on small wheels  40 , which small wheels  40  are preferably pivoting and locking. (The small wheels  40  are located proximate a top corner of side walls  14  when viewed in a horizontal orientation, and on the same end of the cart  10  as the large wheels  16 .) Dividers  20  should in this orientation be positioned at least at the end of the cart  10  most proximate the ground, and dividers  20  may be placed in other receiving shafts  24  so as to form shelves or steps.  
         [0037]    In the vertical orientation, the cart  10  can serve as a dolly (FIG. 2), as an upright storage unit (FIG. 2B), or as a step ladder (FIG. 2A). Where the cart  10  is to serve as a storage unit, it will be desired to position a door  27  to cover the open front of the upright unit, with the door  27  being hingedly coupled to one side wall  14  with hinges  29 . (Preferably, each hinge  29  comprises a two-part assembly, with one part being affixed to a side wall  14  and a mating second part being affixed to the door  27 —so that the door  27  can be hingedly coupled to the side wall  14  by coupling the two mating portions of the hinges  29 .) In this configuration, a locking device can further be used—such as a chain locked in position around the door  27 , side walls  14  and base  12 —so as to provide a secure storage location for tools and the like.  
         [0038]    Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, where additional stability is required, an outrigger  42  can be inserted into corner receiving shafts  25 , located at each of the corners of the side walls  14  distal from the base  12 . The outrigger  42  includes adjustable length legs  44 . Such additional stability may especially be desired where, as shown in FIG. 2A, the cart  10  is to be used as a step ladder.  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIGS.  4 - 5 , several of the other basic components which may be used together with the cart  10  are illustrated. Preferably four frames  46  are provided, each having an essentially ladder configuration and consisting of two vertical members  46   a  connected by two horizontal members  46   b  therebetween (see also FIG. 5). The frames  46  are dimensioned so that end portions of the vertical members  46   a  may be inserted within the corner receiving shafts  25 , so that the frames  46  will be perpendicular to the ground and will project upward. Referring briefly to FIG. 5A, where it is desired to couple two frames  46  vertically, a coupling device  48  is used, comprising an insertion shaft  50  adapted to be inserted into the ends of the vertical members  46   a  of the frame  46 , which insertion shaft  50  has a stop region  52  thereon. The stop region  52  is dimensioned to be too large to be inserted into the vertical members  46   a  of the frame  46 , and will be exposed between two frames  46  when the coupling device  48  is positioned therebetween.  
         [0040]    Referring now to FIG. 5, the configuration of the cart  10  as a scaffold is illustrated. In this configuration, frames  46  are inserted into receiving shafts  25  on both short sides of the cart  10 . Preferably, two frames  46  are positioned on either side of the cart  10 , which frames  46  are joined by the coupling devices  48 . Across horizontal member portions of the frames  46  are positioned steps  54 , which steps  54  are preferably rectangular-shaped and comprise a steel framed over which is positioned a mesh screen or the like. The steps  54  further comprise at least one tab  56  extending from each short side thereof, which is dimensioned to secure the step  54  relative to the horizontal member  46   b  of the frame  46 . To provide further stability, a stabilizing bar  58  (see FIG. 6A) may be coupled across the vertical member  46   a  portions of two opposing frames  46 . The stabilizing bar  58  comprises a horizontal bar  58   a  and a bracket  58   b  at each end of the horizontal bar  58   a , which brackets  58   b  are dimensioned to be fitted snugly over vertical members  46   a.    
         [0041]    At a top portion, the Y-shaped brackets  32  may be inserted into the exposed ends of the vertical member  46   a  of the frames  46 . In this position, the Y-shaped brackets  32  comprise handles useable by a person on the scaffold. Moreover, a reduced-width step  60  (with tabs  61  projecting downward from end portions thereof) may be positioned across at least one of the Y-shaped brackets  32 , so as to constitute a work table for the user. A reduced-width step  60  may also be positioned, as shown in FIG. 5, at a ninety degree angle to a step  54 , so as to constitute a toe board for the user. As also shown in FIG. 5, additional stability can be provided by positioning outriggers  42  at both ends of the cart  10 .  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIG. 7, the cart  10  when configured as a scaffold can also be used to support a plastic sheet (or similar type of material)  62 , which can be used to protect a work area. The sheet  62  is suspended from a bar  64 , which bar  64  is preferably supported by the Y-shaped brackets  32 . Additional stability can be provided by one or more outriggers  42 .  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIGS.  8 - 9 , the use of a walkway  66  in combination with the cart  10  is shown. Referring first to FIG. 8, the basic components of the walkway  66  are a plank  68  and two support members  70 . The support members  70  are of adjustable length. As shown in FIG. 9, a single support member  70  can be positioned alongside the cart  10 , and the plank  68  extended from the cart  10  to the support member  70  so as to provide an extended walkway/scaffold combination.  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the frames  46  can be used to form a ladder. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the frames  46  are joined at top portions thereof with a joining member  71 , so as to form a substantially A-shaped ladder. While the ladder in FIG. 10 is formed from two frames  46 , it would be possible to form a ladder from, for example, four frames  46 , with each side of the ladder comprising two frames  46  joined by coupling devices  48 . It would also be possible to form a standard ladder from one or more frames  46 , of the type that can be simply leaned against a structure—such as a wall or tree—that is to be climbed. As shown in FIG. 10, length adjusting members  73  may be coupled to bottom portions of the frames  46 , so as to make the ladder formed herein adjustable in height.  
         [0045]    Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the storage of the cart  10  and the components disclosed herein is shown. Referring first to FIG. 4, the frames  46  may be positioned on a frame storage cart  72 . The frame storage cart  72  has insertion shafts  74  at an end thereof, over which are inserted ends of the vertical member portions of the frame  46 . At one end of the frame storage cart  72  are wheels  76 . At the opposing end of the frame storage cart  72  may be inserted Y-shaped brackets  32 . The Y-shaped brackets  32  may be grasped by a user and used to raise that end of the frame storage cart  72 , so that it may be wheeled upon wheels  76 . The steps  54  may be positioned over the frames  46  when the frames  46  are in position on the frame storage cart  72 , so as to create a series of covered compartments which may be used for storage.  
         [0046]    The frame storage cart  72  may be coupled to the cart  10 , as shown in FIG. 3, by inserting insertion shafts  78  located at the four corners of the base of the frame storage cart  72  into the receiving shafts  25  on the cart  10 . The frame storage cart  72  may be secured to the cart  10  with BUNGEE® cords (not shown), chains (not shown), or the like. The entire apparatus may then be placed in the bed of a pickup-type truck. Alternatively, a trailer assembly may be affixed to the cart  10 , permitting it to be towed by a vehicle having a receiver hitch.  
         [0047]    Before the cart  10  is configured for transport, the individual components discussed herein and not illustrated as being coupled to the exterior of the cart  10 —with the sole exception of the plank  68 —may be stowed within the cart  10  or the frame storage cart  72 . Additionally, the outriggers  42  may be coupled along the sides of the cart  10  as shown in FIG. 3, by coupling the outriggers  42  to insertion shafts (not shown) located below the base  12  of the cart  10 .  
         [0048]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. While the cart  10  has been discussed with respect to its possible construction applications, it should be understood that the cart  10  could be useable for a large variety of uses. This would include, for example, the installation of Christmas lights, painting, trimming of trees, swap meet displays, etc.