Abstract:
A hand operated utility cart with an extended handle assembly capable of supporting extra long loads. The preferred embodiment includes a kick stand allowing for a free standing, horizontally level cart, a curved handle bar assembly with a threaded aperture allowing the load to remain in a horizontal position during operation and a locking hand brake system. The hand operated utility cart can be quickly broken down and reassembled to allow for easy transportation and storage. The cart may be provided with a basket. The cart may be provided with a hitch for attaching the cart to a vehicle. The height of the cart may be adjustable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in part of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/616,050 filed Jul. 13, 2000 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial No. 60/154,829 filed Nov. 12, 1999 both of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
         [0002]    This relates to U.S. Disclosure Document Number 430471, filed Jan. 29, 1998 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
         [0003]    This also claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial No. 60/328,707 filed Oct. 12, 2001 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    This invention relates to new and useful improvements of hand operated utility carts and more particularly to a process for transporting hunting game and equipment. It relates to hunting carts used in transporting game from the hunting site.  
           [0005]    The use of carts is known in the prior art. Carts have been utilized for the purpose of transporting items. By way of example the prior art disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,928 to Jury a folding portable cart, U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,556 to Mullin a multipurpose hunting cart, U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,196 to Michno a portable deer cart and tree stand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,040 to Fails a deer stand and game carrier, U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,497 to Ponczek a deer carrier, Design Pat. No. 391,734 to Melgey a cart for transporting harvested deer and Design Pat No. 5,853,189 to Swartzlander a cart.  
           [0006]    Prior hunting carts have had many disadvantages. One major difficulty is that other hunting carts are too low to the ground. This results in dragging the cart, hanging up on ground obstructions, and requires excess strength for pulling the cart. Additionally previous deer carts have had the main body of the cart built between the wheels of the cart. This inhibits the loading of the deer onto the cart. The deer must be loaded carefully between the wheels and frequently moved to avoid rubbing by the wheels. Another difficulty has been load stability.  
           [0007]    Specifically Design Pat. No. 5,853,189 discloses a collapsible, two-tier cart with a ‘T’ bar handle assembly. In order to keep the load from obstructing the wheels, this patent had to incorporate a two level design. This has resulted in excess weight designed into the cart. The straight ‘T’ bar design of the handle assembly places the load at an angle when transporting in a hand operated mode. This design results in the main body of the cart being on an incline causing the load to be off balance and making it difficult to maneuver. This incline also makes it difficult to operator the cart in a push mode. In this design, the placement of the wheels on the outside of the main carrying deck results in the need for a wider cart to transport similar size loads.  
           [0008]    Previous designs have had many flaws. The principle object of this invention is to provide a cart that provides easy maneuverability in both a pushing and pulling direction while maximizing load area and provides load stability through the use of an extended handle assembly.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The primary object of the invention is to provide a machine that allows for weight and balance stability. A further object of the invention is to provide a machine with an extended handle assembly allowing for full walking stride without striking foot heels against cart. Other objectives of the invention are to provide a machine as narrow as possible for maneuverability without sacrificing stability, that reduces back strain potential, that allows comfort in pulling, that easily operates in a push or pull mode, that has clearance to overcome ground obstructions, that is quiet while being used, that assembles in minutes, that allows for easy loading/unloading, and that breaks down for storage and transportation purposes.  
           [0010]    Another object of the invention is to allow for the load to be level during operation, allow for easy break down by one person, to allow for one or two man operation.  
           [0011]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.  
           [0012]    In light of the above mentioned shortcomings of the known prior arts, the present invention was developed. The invention is a hand operated utility cart which includes an extended handle assembly capable of supporting extra long loads, a primary platform and a modified bicycle fork assembly.  
           [0013]    The cart includes a single platform mounted on top of two independent front bicycle fork assemblies. An extended handle assembly includes a long rectangular member, a bicycle handle bar with stem, an extended kickstand and a hand lock breaking system secured to the platform.  
           [0014]    For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objectives of its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings along with its descriptive matter in which there is illustrated embodiments of the invention.  
           [0015]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.  
           [0016]    Another embodiment of the present invention provides a modified stem and a canvas lined basket for the Multi-Purpose Deer Hunting Cart as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/616,050 entitled a Multi-Purpose Deer Hunting Cart.  
           [0017]    In its entirety, the Multi-Purpose Deer Hunting Cart is a hand operated utility cart with an extended handle assembly capable of supporting extra long loads. The preferred embodiment includes a kick stand allowing for a free standing, horizontally level cart, a curved handle bar assembly with a threaded aperture allowing the load to remain in a horizontal position during operation and a locking hand brake system. The hand operated utility cart can be quickly broken down and reassembled to allow for easy transportation and storage.  
           [0018]    The use of the modified stem is to eliminate parts, make the cart easier to break down and make the cart safer to operate.  
           [0019]    If desired, the cart may further include additional parts to form a basket and may include a canvas, or other fabric, liner for this basket. The basket and liner could be helpful to carry items that fit in the basket. This new invention provides for a set of four rails (two longitudinal members and two transverse members) and four corner posts (vertical supports) that connect to the cart by removing plastic caps from each corner of the platform. Four expandable inserts, comprised of a bolt, two nuts and rubber between the nuts, are inserted into these corner posts. The transverse and/or longitudinal rails are attached to the corner posts with additional expandable inserts or the transverse and/or longitudinal rails are attached to the corner posts by having a square nut spot welded at their ends and a bolt passing through the corner post and screwed into the welded bolt. When these rails are assembled together they make a box or basket useful for hauling firewood, tools, etc. The canvas inlay is used to keep things dry and provides an enclosure so items will not fall out. Additionally a canvas cover provides protection from inclement weather.  
           [0020]    The invention may also be provided with a trailer hitch. The trailer hitch is used by removing the handlebar assembly and replacing the handle bar assembly with the trailer hitch. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a plan front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a plan rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are plan side views of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is a plan top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 is a plan bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a schematic transverse cross-section of a platform of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section of the platform of the embodiment of FIG. 8.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 10 is a schematic transverse cross-section of a platform of a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 11 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section of the platform of the embodiment of FIG. 8.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the kickstand of FIG. 5.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the cart of the present invention with a fabric, typically canvas liner.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 14 shows a canvas floor for use with the embodiment of FIG. 1 or  13  (if the basket is removed) and a bag for holding the floor.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 13 without the fabric liner.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 16 shows the parts of the upper frame of the basket, fabric liner, fabric floor and bungee loops for use with the embodiment of FIG. 13 unassembled.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the fabric liner of FIG. 13.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 18 shows a portion of the modified version of the fabric liner of FIG. 17.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 19 shows an expandable insert for use with the cart of FIG. 13.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 20 shows a cross section  20 - 20  of FIG. 19.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 21 shows an end view of a transverse member of the basket of FIG. 16.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 22 shows the cart of FIG. 13 with the basket frame and canvas liner separate from the cart.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 23 shows a detailed view of a handlebar and stem of the embodiment of FIG. 13.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 24 shows an exploded view of the handlebar and stem of FIG. 22.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 25 shows a top view of the stem of FIG. 22.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 26 shows a side view of the stem of FIG. 22.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 27 shows a rear view of the stem of FIG. 22.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of the stem of FIG. 22.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 29 shows an ATV hitch employed with a cart embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 30 shows a view of the hitch of FIG. 29 alone.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 31 shows a fifth embodiment of the cart of the present invention.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 32 shows a telescoping kickstand in a retracted position.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 33 shows a portion of the kickstand of FIG. 30 held by a pin in a downwards position.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 34 shows a side view of the platform of the embodiment of FIG. 31 without a basket.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 35 shows a bottom view of the platform of the embodiment of FIG. 31 without a basket.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 36 shows a bottom view of the platform of the embodiment of FIG. 31 with a basket.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 37 shows a rear view of the platform and basket of the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 38 shows a side view of the platform and basket of the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 39 shows a top view of the side gate of the basket if the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 40 shows a side view of the side gate of the basket of the embodiment of FIG. 30.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 41 shows a front view of a front gate of the basket of the embodiment of FIG. 31. (the front gate and back gate are typically of the same construction)  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 42 shows a side view of the front gate of the basket of the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 43 shows a perspective view of an open rear gate.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of the rear gate of FIG. 43 in a closed position.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 45 shows a side view of a fork assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 46 shows a front view of a fork assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 47 shows a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 48 shows a portion of the bicycle stem assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 49 shows an ATV hitch for the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 50 shows a top view of a canvas liner for the embodiment of FIG. 31.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 51 shows a right side view of the canvas liner of FIG. 50 for use with the cart of FIG. 31.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 52 shows a left side view of the canvas liner of FIG. 50 for use with the cart of FIG. 31. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0072]    Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.  
         [0073]    Turning first to FIG. 1 in which like reference numbers indicate like elements, there is shown an exploded view of a cart I of the present invention. The cart includes a single platform  3 , two independent front bicycle fork assemblies  5  and an extended handle assembly  7 .  
         [0074]    The platform  3  is typically about  1  to about 2½ feet above the ground, preferably about 1½ to about 2 feet above the ground. The platform width is typically about 20 to 36 inches and its length is about 2 to about 5 feet preferably about 30 to about 52 inches.  
         [0075]    The platform 3 includes two ¾ inch box tubes which are 36 inches long  2 , 4 , six ¾ inch box tubes which are 24 inches long  6 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 16  and three ¾ inch box tubes which are 12 inches long  18 , 20 , 22 . These items are joined by a rigid immobile relationship by welding. Overall dimensions of the platform  3  are 25½ inches by 36 inches but are not limited to this size. Two holes are drilled through each member  2 , 4  1⅜ inches from each side of center and two holes are also drilled through members  18  and  22  about 1⅜ inches from each side of center. Two 1 inch by 1 inch angle irons which are 12 inches long  24 , 26  are also welded to the bottom side of the main platform members  12 ,  14  and  16  about 1 inch on each side of center.  
         [0076]    The platform  3  is shown as having a flat planar upper surface and a flat planer lower surface. However, in a second embodiment  200 , the bars can be curved to form an upper surface having a concave cross-section in the transverse direction (FIG. 8) and a straight cross-section in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 9). In a third embodiment  300 , the bars can be curved to form an upper surface having a concave cross section in both the transverse direction (FIG. 10) and longitudinal direction (FIG. 11). If desired the bars can be curved to form an upper surface having a straight cross-section in the transverse direction and concave cross-section in the longitudinal direction (not shown).  
         [0077]    In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 shows two bicycle fork assemblies  5  secured with members  32 , 34 , 36 , 38 , which are typically 4 inch carriage bolts secured to the main platform  3 . Each fork assembly  5  is secured by two of the carriage bolts  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 . Removal of any one of the two carriage bolts  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  for the respective fork assembly  5  forms a hinge. Each individual fork assembly  5  includes fork mounts  28 ,  30  and bicycle forks,  40 ,  42 . The bicycle fork assemblies  5  can be removed by removing the carriage bolts  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 . If desired, the bicycle fork assemblies  5  can be pivoted by removing one bolt of each pair of bolts  32 ,  34  or  36 ,  38 . The fork mounts  28 , 30  are 3¼ inches by 2 inches by ⅝ inch flat stock steel with a 1 inch hole through its center and two ¼ inch holes through its sides which are perpendicular to the 1 inch center hole and each about 1⅜ inches from center. The distance between each fork mount  28 , 30 , and a respective bolt securing a brake to the fork assembly  5  is typically a minimum of 2½ inches. This will insure for proper clearance of the brake cable. The fork mount  28 , 30  is joined to the bicycle forks  40 , 42  by a rigid immobile relationship by welding. Bicycle forks  40 , 42  are 20 inch front bicycle forks but are not restricted to that size.  
         [0078]    Each bicycle fork  40 ,  42  has a stem  40 A (FIG. 2), a first prong  40 B and a second prong  40 C. Each bicycle fork  40 ,  42  has a first end and a fork  40 ,  42  second end. The stem  40 A has a stem first end and a stem second end. The stem first end is joined to the respective bicycle fork mount  28 ,  30 . The stem  40 A extends downwardly from the respective bicycle fork mount  28 ,  30  to the stem second end. The first prong  40 B and the second prong  40 C both extend downwardly from the stem second end to the fork  40 ,  42  second end where the two prongs of the respective fork are releasably attached to opposed sides of the respective wheel.  
         [0079]    The wheel supports shown by FIG. 1 are U-shaped forks, and there are no elements of the cart between the wheel supports in a space of from ground level to a height of at least about 50% of the height of the platform lower plane above the ground level. Preferably, there are no elements of the cart between the wheel supports in a space of from ground level to a height of at least about 75% of the height of the platform lower plane above the ground level  
         [0080]    In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, there is shown in FIG. 1, wheels  44 , 46  which are 20 inch wheels secured to the forks using a quick release skewer  74 , 76 . The wheel size is based upon the fork size used in the present invention.  
         [0081]    To accomplish an important function of the invention, there is shown in FIG. 1, members  48 , 50  which are each an ATB Caliper Brake Set secured to each fork assembly  5  by means of a 2¾ inch bolt  51  (FIG. 2) having a ¼ 20 thread and a ¼ 20 nut  53  (FIG. 3).  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 1 also shows removable plastic end caps  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 . The end caps  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84  are removable to expose openings so that, if desired, vertical posts (such as those shown for the fourth embodiment of FIG. 13) for an upper basket assembly can be attached by bolts or other suitable means to the platform  3 .  
         [0083]    As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the longitudinal handle  52  and the platform  3  are entirely parallel. Moreover, the wheels  44 ,  46  are below a plane upon which the bottom side of the platform  3  lies.  
         [0084]    Turning to FIG. 7 brake cable steady mounts  60 , 62  each with a threaded hole, are permanently welded to members  24  and  26  at approximately a 30 degree angle about 10 inches from the front bar  16  of the platform  3 . A brake cable  100  extends from one brake set  48  (FIG. 1) through the two steady mounts,  60 , 62 , to a second brake set  50  (FIG. 1). Secured to the brake cable  100  between the steady mounts  60 , 62  is a yoke hanger mount  98 . A second brake cable  102 , which is secured to a yoke hanger mount  98  at the side nearest the platform  3 , runs through a third steady mount  64  and is then attached to a locking hand brake  58 . The locking hand brake  58  is attached to the transverse handle bar system assembly  56 . The platform  3  also has end caps  78 ,  80 ,  82  and  84  (FIG. 1).  
         [0085]    In accordance with an important feature of this embodiment of the present invention, there is shown in FIG. 7 the extended handle bar assembly  7 . The primary piece is a 2 inch by 1 inch by 36 inch longitudinally arranged steel box tubing  52 . Two {fraction (5/16)}-inch holes, which go entirely transversely through longitudinal tubing  52  and angle iron members  24 ,  26 , are located about ½ inch and about 11½ inches from the front base  16  of the platform  3  and are for securing the assembly to the angle iron members  24 , 26  (FIGS. 4, 5,  6 ). A third hole which is about ⅜ inches in diameter, goes through steel box tubing  52  and is located about 6 inches from the transverse handle bar stem assembly  56 . This third hole is used to secure the kickstand  54  to the extended handle bar assembly  7  by means of a 2½-inch bolt, having a ⅜ inch 16 thread, and a ⅜ inch 16 nut. A smaller secondary screw is threaded through the kickstand mount into main tubing  52  and is used to eliminate twisting and turning of the kickstand. A final {fraction (5/16)} inch hole is drilled into tubing  52 , and member  96  (FIG. 7), a 1 inch by 6 inch steel tube, which has been welded into the inner diameter of longitudinal tubing  52 . A ¼ inch 20-flange nut  94  is welded to tubing  52  with its center lining up with that of the final {fraction (5/16)}-inch hole as described above. A 1 inch long ¼ inch 20 threaded eye bolt  92  is then screwed into the flange nut  94  located on tubing  52 . Eyebolt  92  penetrates through nut  94 , tubing  52  and tube  96  and finally the stem of the bicycle handle bar assembly  56 . This helps to prevent the possible twisting of the bicycle handlebar assembly  56 . Eyebolt  92  can also be used to fasten a load that extends beyond the front of the platform to the bicycle handlebar assembly  56 .  
         [0086]    Typically, the tubing  52  extends 2 to 3½ feet from the platform  3  and the transverse handlebar assembly  56  has a U-shaped portion  57  and handle portions extending from the U-shaped portion having handles  88 , 90  and the locking hand brake  58  mounted on one of the handle portions, and the stem  57 A provided with four screws for securing the U-shaped portion  57  (FIG. 1). Also typically the transverse handle bar stem assembly  56  extends a distance “D” of about 5 to about 12, preferably about 6 to about 8 inches, above the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal tubing  52  (see FIG. 5). Handlebar assembly  56  has a width “T” typically about 12 to about 30 inches.  
         [0087]    Still in FIG. 7 there is a 1 inch by 2 inch by ⅛ inch flat stock steel plate, member  104 , with a 1 inch hole drilled though the center that is welded to the end of handle tubing  52  at the end nearest the handle bar assembly  56 . The stem of the bicycle handlebar assembly  56  slides through the hole of member  104  and into the 1 inch steel tubing  96 . The bicycle handlebar assembly  56  may be secured to tubing  96  within handle tubing  52  with an expander bolt and wedge or other suitable means.  
         [0088]    Turning now to FIG. 5, the final piece shows a welded stop for single direction operation, namely, a small piece of round stock member  110  ½ inch length ¼ inch diameter, welded to the kick stand mount to prevent the kick stand from going past perpendicular when in use.  
         [0089]    While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0090]    If desired, the kickstand may comprise a modified flattened bracket  110 A (FIG. 5); the welded stop  110  for single directional operation; a spring  110 B; and a washer  110 C slipped between the spring  110 B and the bracket  110 A for added tension (FIG. 12).  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the cart  400  of the present invention. It is substantially the same as the first embodiment but its handle assembly  407  has a different transverse bicycle handlebar stem assembly  510  and it has a removable basket  468 . The use of the modified stem is to eliminate parts, make the cart easier to break down and make the cart safer to operate. The parts this invention will eliminate are members  104 , the 1 inch steel tubing, member  96  as shown in FIG. 7, and the bicycle stem member  56  shown in FIG. 2. The round tubular stem has been changed to a solid rectangular stem as shown in FIG. 21. This modified stem provides simplicity and safety.  
         [0092]    The transverse bicycle handlebar stem assembly  510  includes a U-shaped portion  457  having opposed handles  488 ,  490  and a locking hand brake (not shown) as in the first embodiment. However, the tube member  96  of the first embodiment is replaced by a stem  513  described in more detail below. The stem  513  has a generally rectangular cross-section. If desired, the stem  513  may be hollow or solid and may have grooves  518 .  
         [0093]    The cart  400  is provided with an optional removable basket  468  which includes four vertical supports  470 , two transverse cross-members  472  and two longitudinal members  474 . Typically, the vertical supports  470  are nominally one foot long, the transverse upper cross members  472  are nominally two feet long, and the longitudinal members  474  are nominally three feet long.  
         [0094]    The vertical supports  470  are attached to the platform  403  of the cart  400  by passing expansion bolts  550  (FIG. 15) through transverse holes, at the lower end of each vertical support  470 , longitudinally into open ends of the longitudinal members  404  and then tightening the bolts  550 . FIG. 19 shows an expansion bolt in detail. Likewise, the upper longitudinal members  474  and the vertical supports  470  are attached by passing expansion bolts  536  through a first pair of aligned holes adjacent the upper end of each vertical support  470  longitudinally into open ends of the upper longitudinal members  474 .  
         [0095]    If desired, upper transverse members (rails)  472  may be removed while keeping vertical supports  470  upright and attached to the upper longitudinal members  474 . This provides a basket having side gates with an open front and open rear so the load may protrude from the front and rear of the basket.  
         [0096]    The upper transverse members  472  and vertical supports  470  are attached by having a nut, typically a square nut  474  (FIG. 20), fixed (by welding or other means) in the opposed open ends of the upper transverse cross member  472 . The upper end of each vertical support  470  has a second pair of aligned holes located in the outer walls between the outer walls having the first pair of aligned holes. The second pair of aligned holes are sufficiently lower than the first pair of aligned holes that a bolt  529  is passed through the second pair of aligned holes and threaded into the welded nut  474  in the respective open end of the transverse cross member  472  to attach the transverse cross member  472  to the vertical support  470 .  
         [0097]    The basket  468  is optional and adds weight and complexity to the cart  400 , but it is useful for carrying items which fit into the basket  468  and could possibly roll out. When the basket is not employed, removable end caps, such as end caps  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84  of FIG. 1 may be employed to close the openings at each corner of the platform  403 .  
         [0098]    If desired a fabric, for example canvas, liner  530  may be employed to line the basket  468  as shown in FIG. 13.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 16 shows parts of the basket  468  disassembled as well as a fabric liner  530 , bag  531 , fabric floor  532 , bungee loops  534  and expandable inserts  550 . The disassembled basket parts include vertical supports  470 , transverse cross-members  472  and longitudinal members  474 . When disassembled, these parts conveniently fit into the bag  531 .  
         [0100]    The fabric liner  530  typically has cutouts  526  and may be attached to the basket frame by any suitable means. For example, the perimeter about the inner side walls of the fabric liner  530  may be provided with mating hook fastener strips  538  and loop fastener strips  539  (typically VELCRO strips) as shown in FIG. 17. Each side of the outer perimeter of the liner  530  folds over a respective longitudinal member  472  or transverse cross-member  474  so that each hook fastener strip  538  mates with a respective loop fastener strip  539 . Of course the locations of strips  539  can be switched and/or the strips  538 ,  539  could be located about the perimeter on outer side walls of the liner  530 . Optionally the fabric liner has slits (not shown) at its corners and the slits are lined with strips of mating hook and loop fasteners (not shown), such as strips of VELCRO hook and loop fastener material, this aspect is also shown for the embodiment of FIG. 50.  
         [0101]    Alternatively, straps  537  may be provided at the liner  530  perimeter instead of the strips as shown in FIG. 18. The straps  537  would extend from the liner  530  and could be tied about a respective longitudinal member  472  of transverse cross-member  474 .  
         [0102]    The fabric floor  532  and bungee loops  534  are used together. The bungee loops  534  are inserted through grommet holes  533  at the corners of the fabric floor  532  such that its thick end  535  is held against the grommets and each loop of bungee cord  534  inserted through a respective grommet hole  533  is looped over a respective corner of the platform  403  to hold the fabric floor  532  in place on the platform  403 . The fabric floor  532  is useful to keep objects from dropping through the platform  403 . The fabric floor  532  is applied without the basket  468  being employed.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 19 shows the expandable insert  550  for use to attach the vertical supports  470  to the platform  403  and/or attach the vertical supports  470  to the longitudinal members  474 . The expandable insert  550  includes a threaded stem  552 , a hexagonal head  554 , square nuts  555 ,  556  and a square rubber washer  558 . Square nut  555  has threads, while square nut  556  has no threads (smooth inner walls). Typically, opposed portions of the square nuts  555 ,  556  define respective hollows such that opposed sides of the rubber washer  558  are inserted into the square nuts  555 ,  556 . The rubber washer  558  may in addition, or in the alternative be glued to the square nuts  555 ,  556 .  
         [0104]    In one method to make the expandable insert, a piece of rubber was placed on the threaded bolt stem  552  between the nuts  555 ,  556  and screwed down the threaded nut  555  until the unthreaded nut  556  was forced against the head  554  to put pressure on the rubber to squeeze the rubber out slightly. Then the rubber washer  558  was ground on a belt sander to have the same size perimeter as the nuts  555 ,  556 . Then when the nut was loosened the tension on the rubber washer  558  was removed such that the rubber contracted sufficiently to fit in the opposed cavities (hollows) of the nuts  555 ,  556 . Of course, other nut and rubber perimeter shapes having at least two, preferably at least four flat surfaces could be used in place of the square perimeters.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 20 shows a view of the cross-section  20 - 20  of the expandable insert  550  of FIG. 19. As seen in FIG. 20, the exposed perimeter of the rubber insert  558  at rest may be inset from the perimeter of the threaded nut  555  by a distance “C” of about 0 to about {fraction (1/64)} inch, preferably at most {fraction (1/32)} inch, more preferably at most {fraction (1/64)} inch, typically about 10/1000 inch to about {fraction (1/64)} inch. The threaded nut  555  has the same size perimeter as unthreaded nut  556 . The nuts  555 ,  556  are sufficiently large and have at least two opposed flat sides to prevent significant turning within the square box tubing into which the expandable insert  550  is inserted. In use, as the head  554  of the expandable insert  550  is tightened, the nuts  555 ,  556  held by the box tubing to not significantly turn, squeeze the rubber washer  558 , along the longitudinal axis of the expandable insert  550 , to expand the rubber washer  558  laterally to firmly contact the inner walls of the box tubing to hold the expandable insert  550  in place in the box tubing. The rubber washer  558  is typically made of a suitably hard natural or synthetic rubber which will compress between the nuts  555 ,  556  but expand laterally when the nuts  555 ,  556  exert sufficient force on the rubber washer  558  to firmly engage the inner walls of the rubber tubing. A typical suitable rubber is AB-255, a NBR/SBR/CR (butadiene-acrylonitrite/styrene butadiene/polychloroprene) rubber, available from American Biltrite, Inc., Wellesley Hills, Mass. 02481. AB-255 rubber has a typical Shore “A” Durometer hardness of 60.  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 21 shows an end view of the transverse member  472  to show the welded nut  474 .  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 22 shows a view of the cart having the platform  403  and the basket  468  is separate.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 23 shows a detailed view of a handlebar (in phantom) and stem assembly  510  of the embodiment of FIG. 13. The stem assembly  510  comprises a stem  513  (FIG. 23), a back handlebar holding member  511 , and a front handlebar holding member  512 . The stem  513  is a solid block of metal but has a transverse passageway  515  passing therethrough. The front handlebar holding member  512  is attached to the back handlebar holding member  511  by screws  514  which pass through openings  520  and screw into threaded openings  522  to firmly hold the handlebar (shown in phantom in FIG. 23) in place within opposed grooves  516 ,  518 . The screws  517  may be loosened when it is desired to adjust the height of the handlebar.  
         [0109]    As shown by FIGS. 23 and 24, the stem  513  is pushed into the distal end  454  of the longitudinal handle  452  and then a pin  501 , having a head  523  and pin stem  524  is pushed into a hole  453  of the longitudinal handle  452 , through the transverse passageway  515  of the stem  513  and out another hole (not shown) on a sidewall of the longitudinal handle  452  opposed to the sidewall defining hole  453 . The pin  501  has a U-shaped spring  528 . One end of the spring  528  is attached to the head  523  and an opposed end of the spring  528  is located about the end of the pin  501  opposed to the head  523  to hold the pin  501  in place. FIGS.  25 - 28  show additional views of the stem assembly  510 . The grooves  518  are useful to provide clearance between the stem  513  and a ridge (not shown) commonly in box tubing. FIG. 26 labels a longitudinal axis “LA” of the stem  513 .  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 29 shows the embodiment of the cart of the present invention of FIG. 1 provided with a removable hitch  550  for attaching the cart to an all terrain vehicle (ATV). If desired they may have straps  559  attached to the eyelets or other shapes, such as the circles  551  welded to the elongated handle  452  of FIG. 24, for holding items. e.g., a cooler, or a deer&#39;s head. If desired, the welded circles may be replaced by eyelet bolts screwed into nuts welded to the sides of the elongated handle, for example eyelet bolts  54  of FIG. 6.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 30 shows the structure of the hitch  550 . As seen is in FIG. 30, the hitch  550  has a stem of  552  having a transverse passageway  554 , and a downwardly extending extension  556  attached to or integral with a tongue  558 . The tongue  558  has a hole  560  for passing a pin  564  (FIG. 29) therethrough to attach the hitch  550  to an ATV (not shown). The hitch  550  is attached to the distal end  454  of the longitudinal handle  452  as is the stem  513  of the stem assembly  510  described above. Namely, the stem  552  of the hitch  550  is inserted into the distal end  454  of the longitudinal handle  452  and held in place by the pin  501  passing through hole  453  of handle  452  and passageway  554 . If desired other suitable means may be substituted for the pin  501 , for example, a carriage bolt with a nut, or a bolt held by a cotter pin.  
         [0112]    The hitch  550  may further be attached to the platform  403  with the braces  562 . One end of the brace  562  is attached to the hitch  550  and the other end of the brace  562  is attached to the platform  403 , typically to a front transverse member  416 .  
         [0113]    Also described below for another embodiment is an alternative stem which may be employed with the present hitch. If desired an additional tongue (not shown) may be attached to or integral with the extension  556  to be parallel with tongue  558 . The additional tongue would also have a hole aligned with hole  560  such that pin  556  could pass through both holes.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 31 shows a fifth embodiment of the cart  600  of the present invention. The cart  600  has a platform  603  having longitudinal members  601  and transverse members  602 , a longitudinal handle  604  attached to the platform, a fork assembly  607 , comprising forks  608  attached to a rotatable rod  606 , a telescoping kickstand  609  pivotably attached to the longitudinal handle  604 , a bicycle handle assembly  610  attached to the longitudinal handle  604 , and wheels  620 , respectively attached to the forks  608 . The longitudinal handle  604  is parallel to the platform  603 . The transverse handle  610  locates its opposed handles  610 A,  610 B at a height higher than the height of the longitudinal handle  604 . Typically, the handles  610 A,  610 B are about 5 to about 20 inches, for example about 5 to about 12 inches, higher than the longitudinal handle  604 .  
         [0115]    The rod  606  is rotatably mounted to mounts  628 ,  630  which are attached to of integral with the platform  603 . The rod  606  is mounted to be rotatable about the rod&#39;s longitudinal axis between a “cart-up” position shown in FIG. 31 and a “cart-down” position shown in phantom in FIG. 31. As shown in FIG. 31, the rod  606  extends sufficiently transversely of the platform  603  that the forks  608  extend lateral of the platform  603 , so the rod may rotate to move the wheels between the “cart-up” and “cart-down” positions with the wheels outside the perimeter of the platform  603 . As shown in FIG. 31, in the “cart-up” position the wheels, while not directly under the platform  603 , are below the plane upon which the bottom side of the platform  603  lies. If desired, the cart may have openings in the platform (not shown) to permit the wheels  620  to be directly under the platform yet still rotate between the “cartup” and “cart-down” positions.  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 32 shows telescoping kickstand  609  in a retracted position. The kickstand has a hollow upper cylinder  670  having a hole in a lower section of its sidewall. A retracted extension  672  having lower and upper spring loaded protrusions is within the upper cylinder  670 . To cause the kickstand  609  to telescope from the retracted position the spring loaded lower protrusion  605  is pushed in, the kickstand extension  672  slides out and the upper protrusion  605  locks into the hole formerly occupied by lower protrusion  605 . A pin  611  may be used to lock the kickstand  609  in place (FIG. 33).  
         [0117]    The “cart-up” position is useful when pulling the cart  600  by hand, especially over terrain where high ground clearance is advantageous. The “cart-down” position is especially useful when pulling the cart  600  behind an all terrain vehicle (not shown). FIGS.  34 - 42  show assorted views of various parts of the cart  600 .  
         [0118]    Cart  600  employs a removable basket  611  comprising side gates  612 , a back gate  614  and a front gate  616  pivotally attached to the platform  603 , typically by hinges  618 . The front gate  616  is attached to the side gates  612  by latches provided with handles  622 . For each gate, the various horizontal and vertical rails may be attached by any suitable means, for example welding.  
         [0119]    Likewise, the back gate of  614  also has latches with handles  622  (FIG. 37) for attaching the back gate  614  to the side gates  612 .  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 34 shows a side view of the platform  603  and FIG. 35 shows a bottom view of the platform  603  without the gates  612 ,  614 ,  616 . FIG. 35 also shows plastic caps  611  at the end of respective platform frame members.  
         [0121]    [0121]FIGS. 36, 37 and  38  show bottom, rear and side views of the platform  603  with the gates  612 ,  614 .  
         [0122]    [0122]FIGS. 39 and 40 show side and bottom views respectively of a side gate  612 . FIG. 40 shows a portion  619  of the hinge  618  attached to the side gate  612  and a hinge pin  624  of the hinge  618 . The hinge pin  624  is tapped into the hinge parts  619 ,  623  (FIG. 38) when the hinge parts  619 ,  623  are aligned to assemble the hinge  618 . FIGS. 39 and 40 also show the side gate  612  has a catch  626 .  
         [0123]    [0123]FIGS. 41 and 42 show front and side views of the parts used for the front gate  616 . The rear gate  614  and front gate  616  are identical. FIGS. 41 and 42 show the latch  621  having a cylinder  627 , a holder  625  and a handle  622 . As seen in FIG. 41 an end  629  has a larger diameter than the position within the holder  625 .  
         [0124]    To attach the sidewalls  612  with the rear wall  614  and front wall  612  are performed in substantially the same manner. For example, to close the rear wall  614 , the latch cylinder  627  is initially pushed into the latch holder  625  so that the latch handle  622  substantially abuts the latch holder  625  as shown in FIG. 43. The rear wall  614  is then pivoted up to be alongside the sidewall  612 . FIG. 43 shows the rear wall  614  being pivoted upwardly. Then when the rear wall  614  is alongside the side wall  612  the latch handle  622  is pulled outwardly to draw the handle beyond the catch  626  and then the latch handle  622  is rotated downwardly to lock the rear wall  614  in place as shown in FIG. 44.  
         [0125]    As mentioned above, the rod  606  of the fork assembly is rotatably mounted within mounts  628 ,  630 . FIGS. 45 and 46 show an embodiment of the fork assembly  607  that includes locking plates  640  attached to the rod  606 . Each locking plate  640  has holes  642 ,  643  and is located within a respective mount  628 ,  630 . The holes  642 ,  643  correspond to the “cart-up” and “cart-down” positions, respectively. When the cart  600  is in the “cart-up” position, hole  642  is aligned with a pair of holes  645  (one shown in FIG. 47) on opposed sides of the respective mount  628 ,  630  and, for each mount/plate combination, a pin  650  (FIG. 47) passes through the first hole of the pair of holes  645 , the hole  642  and the second hole of the pair of holes  645  to lock the cart  600  in the “cart-up” position (see FIG. 45). Likewise, when the cart  600  is in the “cart-down” position, hole  643  is aligned with the pair of the holes  645  on opposed sides of the respective mount  628 ,  630  and for each mount/plate combination a pin  650  passes through the first hole of the pair of holes  645 , the hole  643  and the second hole of the pair of holes  645  to lock the cart  600  in the “cart-down” position.  
         [0126]    As shown in FIG. 48 the handlebar assembly  610  is held in place in the longitudinal handle  604  by a wedge mechanism  700 . As a bolt  702  is tightened, a trapezoidal block  704  slides along an inclined (cam) surface  706  of a stem  708  to jam the block  704  against one inside wall of the longitudinal handle  604  and jam the stem  708  against an opposed inside wall of the longitudinal handle  604  thereby holding the stem  708  in place.  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 49 shows a hitch  720  for inserting into the longitudinal handle  604  such that the cart  600  can be hitched to an all terrain vehicle. The hitch  720  has a stem  722  and tongues  724 . The hitch is held tightly in the longitudinal handle by a trapezoidal wedge (block)  724  sliding along an inclined end of the stem  722  when a bolt  726  is tightened as described above for the handlebar assembly  610 .  
         [0128]    FIGS.  50 - 52  show a fabric liner  540  for employing with the cart  600 . The liner  540  includes strips of hook fabric  542 , strips of loop fabric  543  and cutouts  544 . The strips  542 ,  543  are typically VELCRO material and located about the perimeter of inner walls of the liner  540  so that the edges of the liner may be looped over the upper longitudinal member  650  or upper transverse member  652  and each strip  542  interlocks with a respective strip  543  to hold the liner  540  in place in the basket.  
         [0129]    The cutouts  544  of the liner  540  provide a location to place saddlebags (not shown).  
         [0130]    As shown in FIG. 51, the liner  540  may be provided with a side pocket  546  to hold a rifle or shotgun. As shown in FIG. 52, the liner  540  may also be provided with a side pocket  547  with a zipper  548 . If desired, the liner  540  may also be provided with VELCRO lined straps  549  (FIG. 51) for wrapping about a respective longitudinal members  601 , and transverse members  602 , of platform  603  of the cart  600 .  
         [0131]    If desired zippers or snaps (not shown) may replace the VELCRO fastener strips  542 ,  543  for attaching the liner  540  to the cart  400 .  
         [0132]    The above-described first embodiment of the liner  530  (FIG. 16) could be attached to the cart  600  in essentially the same manner as described for the above-described second embodiment of the liner  540 .  
         [0133]    For the above-described embodiments, the platform typically has a length of about 30 to 52 inches, a width of about 20 to about 36 inches and the platform lower surface is about 12 to about 30 inches above the ground. Desirably the platform upper surface is flat and when the platform upper surface and longitudinal handle are horizontal, the transverse handle has an uppermost portion about 5 to about 12 inches higher than the platform upper surface, typically about 6 to about 8 inches higher than the platform upper surface. Typically, in the “cart up” position, there are no elements of the cart between the wheel supports in a space of from ground level to a height of at least about 50%, typically at least about 75% of the height of the platform lower surface above the ground level.  
         [0134]    It should be apparent that embodiments other than those specifically discussed above come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited by the above-discussed embodiments but rather is defined by the claims appended hereto.