Abstract:
A cart including a platform assembly configured to move upon a ground surface, a mast pivotably connected to the platform assembly, the mast being moveable between an upright position and a collapsed position, at least one (1) pair of support arms pivotably connected to the mast, each support arm of the pair of support arms being moveable between a folded position and an unfolded position, and a locking mechanism configured to retain the mast in the upright position and release the mast into the collapsed position, wherein the pair of support arms is configured to support a bin when in the unfolded position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/782,960, filed Mar. 13, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to carts, and more particularly, to a collapsible cart configured to support at least one (1) removable bin. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The average person has several methods of moving many objects of small or large size. Perhaps the most commonly used aid is a cart, such as those used at grocery stores, and the like. However, these carts are typically not available for home use. Additionally, the basket area on most shopping carts is typically large in size, thus making it impractical when trying to move a multitude of small items. 
     Other assistance means include a wheelbarrow and a hand truck. However, the wheelbarrow does not lend itself to inside use, and is prone to easily tipping over with non-symmetrical loads. The hand truck, although good for heavy loads, only works with one (1) object at a time, and requires the user to balance the load on two (2) wheels. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which multiple smaller objects of various sizes and shapes can be easily moved and stored, without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for an apparatus configured to the move cumbersome loads made up of multiple smaller objects. The development of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail herein, substantially departs from conventional solutions to provide an improved collapsible cart and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     In one (1) embodiment, the disclosed cart can include a platform assembly configured to move upon a ground surface, a mast pivotably connected to the platform assembly, the mast being moveable between an upright position and a collapsed position, at least one pair of support arms pivotably connected to the mast, each support arm of the pair of support arms being moveable between a folded position and an unfolded position, and a locking mechanism configured to retain the mast in the upright position and release the mast into the collapsed position, wherein the pair of support arms is configured to support a bin when in the unfolded position. 
     In another embodiment, the disclosed cart can include a platform assembly configured to move upon a ground surface, a lower mast assembly pivotably connected to the platform, the lower mast assembly being movable between an upright position substantially perpendicular to the platform and a collapsed position substantially parallel to the platform, an upper mast assembly pivotably connected to the lower mast assembly, the upper mast assembly being movable between an upright position substantially perpendicular to the platform and a collapsed position substantially parallel to the platform, a lower locking mechanism operably engaged between the platform and the lower mast assembly, the lower locking mechanism being configured to retain the lower mast assembly in the upright position and release the lower mast assembly into the collapsed position, an upper locking mechanism operably engaged between the lower mast assembly and the upper mast assembly, the upper locking assembly being configured to retain the upper mast assembly in the upright position and release the upper mast assembly into the collapsed position, at least one pair of support arms pivotably connected to the upper mast assembly, each support arm of the pair of support arms being moveable between a folded position substantially parallel to the upper mast assembly and an unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the upper mast assembly, and at least one (1) bin configured to be supported on the pair of support arms when in the unfolded position. 
     In yet another embodiment, the disclosed cart can include a frame including a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, a support grate connected to the frame, the support grate extending from proximate the front end to proximate the rear end of the frame, a pair of castors rotatably connected to the frame proximate the front end, a pair of wheels rotatably connected to the frame proximate the rear end, a lower mast assembly including a lower end and an upper end, the lower end of the lower mast assembly being pivotably connected to the frame proximate the rear end, the lower mast assembly being movable between an upright position substantially perpendicular to the frame and a collapsed position substantially parallel to the frame, an upper mast assembly including a lower end and an upper end, the lower end of the upper mast assembly being pivotably connected to the upper end of the lower mast assembly, the upper mast assembly being moveable between an upright position substantially perpendicular to the frame and a collapsed position substantially parallel to the frame, a lower locking mechanism operably engaged between the frame and the lower mast assembly, the lower locking mechanism being configured to retain the lower mast assembly in the upright position and release the lower mast assembly into the collapsed position, an upper locking mechanism operably engaged between the lower mast assembly and the upper mast assembly, the upper locking mechanism being configured to retain the upper mast assembly in the upright position and release the upper mast assembly into the collapsed position, a first pair of support arms pivotably connected to the upper mast assembly proximate the upper end of the upper mast assembly, each support arm of the first pair of support arms being moveable between a folded position substantially parallel to the upper mast assembly and an unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the upper mast assembly, and a second pair of support arms pivotably connected to the upper mast assembly proximate the lower end of the upper mast assembly, each support arm of the second pair of support arms being moveable between a folded position substantially parallel to the upper mast assembly and an unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the upper mast assembly. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosed cart can be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize after reading the present disclosure. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in any particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front and side perspective view of the disclosed cart in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a back and side perspective view of the disclosed cart of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the disclosed cart depicted with the bins removed and the right support arms and the left support arms in a folded position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the disclosed cart depicted with the bins removed and the mast in a partially collapsed position; 
         FIG. 5   a  is an enlarged perspective view of a left knee hinge latch mechanism of the disclosed cart; 
         FIG. 5   b  is an enlarged perspective view of a left mast hinge latch mechanism of the disclosed cart; 
         FIG. 6   a  is an enlarged perspective view of a right knee hinge latch mechanism of the disclosed cart; 
         FIG. 6   b  is an enlarged perspective view of a right mast hinge latch mechanism of the disclosed cart; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of a mast hinge release bar and a knee hinge release bar of the disclosed cart; and, 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the disclosed cart depicted with the bins removed and the mast in a completely collapsed position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  cart 
               12  mast 
               20  platform assembly 
               21  frame 
               22  support grate 
               23  right caster 
               24  left caster 
               25   a  right wheel mounting plate 
               25   b  left wheel mounting plate 
               26   a  right axle 
               26   b  left axle 
               27   a  right rear wheel 
               27   a  left rear wheel 
               28  right mast hinge 
               29  left mast hinge 
               30  lower mast assembly 
               31  right upright 
               32  left upright 
               33  upper crossbar 
               34  upper crossbar aperture 
               35  lower crossbar 
               36  lower crossbar aperture 
               37   a  right mast guide 
               37   b  left mast guide 
               38  right knee hinge 
               39  left knee hinge 
               40  upper mast assembly 
               41  upper mast frame 
               42  upper mast crossbar 
               43  right support arm 
               44  left support arm 
               45  support arm hook 
               46  right support arm hinge 
               47  left support arm hinge 
               50  right mast hinge latch mechanism 
               51  right latch strap 
               52  right mast hinge slide bar 
               53  right mast hinge slotted aperture 
               54  right mast hinge aperture 
               55  slide bar pin 
               56  fastener 
               57  right mast hinge release rod 
               58  spring 
               59  nut 
               60  left mast hinge latch mechanism 
               61  left latch strap 
               62  left mast hinge slide bar 
               63  left mast hinge slide bar slotted aperture 
               64  left mast hinge slide bar aperture 
               65  left mast hinge release rod 
               67  mast hinge release bar 
               68  mast hinge release bar aperture 
               70  right knee hinge latch mechanism 
               71  right mast latch strap 
               72  right knee hinge slide bar 
               73  right knee hinge slotted aperture 
               74  right knee hinge aperture 
               75  right knee hinge release rod 
               76  knee hinge release bar 
               77  knee hinge release bar aperture 
               80  left knee hinge latch mechanism 
               81  left mast latch strap 
               82  left knee hinge slide bar 
               83  left knee hinge slotted aperture 
               84  left knee hinge aperture 
               85  left knee hinge release rod 
               90  bin 
               91  bin sidewall 
               92  bin bottom 
               93  bin lip 
               94  bin lip aperture 
               95  flat lip 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of the described embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 8 . However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only certain configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     It can be appreciated that, although such terms as first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one (1) element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It also will be understood that, as used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one (1) or more stated elements, steps or functions without precluding one (1) or more unstated elements, steps or functions. Relative terms such as “front” or “rear” or “left” or “right” or “top” or “bottom” or “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one (1) element, feature or region to another element, feature or region as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. It should also be understood that the sizes and relative orientations of the illustrated elements are not shown to scale, and in some instances they have been exaggerated for purposes of explanation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , disclosing a cart (herein referred to as the “apparatus”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. The apparatus  10  is configured to provide for easy and convenient transporting of a variety of items or objects (e.g., canned, bagged, or otherwise packaged goods or products) in a plurality of specialty bins. 
     The apparatus  10  is provided with a mechanism configured to simultaneously release a plurality of hinge lock mechanisms  50 ,  60 ,  70 , and  80  to allow an upper mast assembly  40  and a lower mast assembly  30  to fold onto a platform  20  after emptied bins  90  have been removed and support arms  43  and  44  have been folded. While the disclosed apparatus  10  is described herein relating to the accumulation and transportation of foodstuffs, those skilled in the art will appreciated that the disclosed apparatus  10  can find broader applications without limiting scope in any manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the platform assembly  20  can include of a frame  21  and a support grate  22 . The frame  21  can be made or fabricated of, for example and without limitation, tubular metal or the like having a protective coating or plating to inhibit deterioration. The support grate  22  can be made of, for example and without limitation, a heavy gauge wire with a plurality of layers arranged in a crisscross pattern, expanded sheet metal, or the like. Disposed on the bottom front of the frame  21  is a pair of pivoting casters  23  and  24  which provide steering ability to the apparatus  10 . 
     Affixed to the rear of the frame  21  is a right wheel mounting plate  25   a  and a left wheel mounting plate  25   b . A right axle  26   a  is affixed to the right wheel mounting plate  25   a  and a right rear wheel  27   a  is mounted on the right axle  26   a  and is secured with a fastening device, such as a cotter pin, a push-on hub, or the like. Similarly, a left axle  26   b  is affixed to the left wheel mounting plate  25   b  and a left rear wheel  27   b  is mounted on the left axle  26   b  and secured with a fastening device, such as a cotter pin, a push-on hub, or the like. 
     A mast  12  is attached to the platform assembly  20  at a right mast hinge  28  and a left mast hinge  29 . The right mast hinge  28  and the left mast hinge  29  are locked in place during normal operation by a right mast hinge latch mechanism  50  ( FIG. 6   b ) and a left mast hinge latch mechanism  60  ( FIG. 5   b ). The mast  12  can include a lower mast assembly  30  and an upper mast assembly  40 . For example, the lower mast assembly  30  can include a right upright  31  and a left upright  32  joined by an upper crossbar  33  and a lower crossbar  35 . The lower mast assembly  30  can be made of, for example and without limitation, tubular metal having a protective coating or plating to inhibit deterioration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5   b , disposed upon a left side of the frame  21  of the platform assembly  20 , near the location of the left mast hinge  29 , is a left latch strap  61  which is a component of the left mast hinge latch mechanism  60 . A left mast hinge slide bar  62 , which is affixed to a left upright  32  of the lower mast assembly  30  by a slide bar pin  55  projecting through a left mast hinge slotted aperture  63 , is engaged into the left latch strap  61  to lock the left mast hinge  29  during normal operation. The left mast hinge slide bar  62  is retained on the slide bar pin  55  by a fastener  56 , such as a lock nut threadably engaged to the slide bar pin  55 , a snap ring engaged in a groove in the slide bar pin  55 , or the like without limitation. 
     A left mast hinge release rod  65  is inserted upwardly through a left mast hinge aperture  64  in the left mast slide bar  62 , progressively through a lower crossbar aperture  36  in the lower crossbar  35 , and through a left side mast hinge release bar aperture  68  in the mast hinge release bar  67 . The left mast hinge release rod  65  may be, for example and without limitation, a long fastener, with a formed head on one (1) end and a length of threads formed, or cut, for example in Unified Standard, on the opposite end. The left mast hinge release rod  65  is retained on the left end of the mast hinge release bar  67  by a nut  59  positioned on either side (e.g., top and bottom) of the mast hinge release bar  67 . 
     A compression type spring  58  is captured on the left mast hinge release rod  65  between the top of the left mast hinge slide bar  62  and the bottom of the lower crossbar  35 . The purpose of this spring  58  is to keep the left mast hinge slide bar  62  positively engaged into the left latch strap  61  thereby locking the hinge action of the left mast hinge  29  until intentionally acted upon by an external force. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6   b , disposed upon a right side of the frame  21  of the platform assembly  20 , near the location of the right mast hinge  28 , is a right latch strap  51  which is a component of the right mast hinge latch mechanism  50 . A right mast hinge slide bar  52 , which is affixed to a right upright  31  of the lower mast assembly  30  by a slide bar pin  55  projecting through a right mast hinge slotted aperture  53 , is engaged into the right latch strap  51  to lock the right mast hinge  28  during normal operation. The right mast hinge slide bar  52  is retained on the slide bar pin  55  by a fastener  56 . 
     A right mast hinge release rod  57  is inserted upwardly through a right mast hinge aperture  54  in the right mast slide bar  52 , progressively through a right side of a lower crossbar aperture  36  (e.g., a through-hole or set of aligned apertures) in the lower crossbar  35 , and through a right side mast hinge release bar aperture  68  (e.g., a through-hole or set of aligned apertures) in the mast hinge release bar  67 . The right mast hinge release rod  57  has a formed head on one (1) end and a length of threads formed, or cut, for example in Unified Standard, on the opposite end. The right mast hinge release rod  57  is retained on the right end of the mast hinge release bar  67  by a nut  59  positioned on either side of the mast hinge release bar  67 . 
     A compression type spring  58  is captured on the right mast hinge release rod  57  between the top of the right mast hinge slide bar  52  and the bottom of the lower crossbar  35 . The purpose of this spring  58  is to keep the right mast hinge slide bar  62  positively engaged into the right latch strap  51  thereby locking the hinge action of the right mast hinge  28  until intentionally acted upon by an external force. 
     Right mast guides  37   a  and left mast guides  37   b  can be plates secured to the right upright  31  and the left upright  32 , respectively, of the lower mast assembly  30 . The purpose of the right mast guides  37   a  and the left mast guides  37   b  is to keep the path of travel of the mast hinge release bar  67  and the knee hinge release bar  76  in line with a longitudinal axis of the lower mast assembly  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5   a  and  6   a , disposed at a top rear side of the right upright  31  of the lower mast assembly  30  is a leaf of the right knee hinge  38 . Correspondingly disposed at a top rear side of the left upright  32  of the lower mast assembly  30  is a leaf of the left knee hinge  39 . The right knee hinge  38  and the left knee hinge  39  permit a pivoting action between the upper mast assembly  40  and the lower mast assembly  30  during the collapse of the apparatus  10 . The right knee hinge  38  and the left knee hinge  39  are locked in place during normal operation by a right knee hinge latch mechanism  70  ( FIG. 6   a ) and the left knee hinge latch mechanism  80  ( FIG. 5   a ), respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6   a , the upper mast assembly  40  can be made of, for example and without limitation, tubular metal having a protective coating or plating to inhibit deterioration. For example, the upper mast assembly  40  can include an upper mast frame  41  and two (2) upper mast crossbars  42 . Disposed upon the inside of the right side tube of the upper mast frame  41  is a right mast latch strap  71 , which is a component of the right knee hinge latch mechanism  70 . The right knee hinge slide bar  72 , which is affixed to the inside of right upright  31  of the lower mast assembly  30  by a slide bar pin  55  projecting through a right knee hinge slotted aperture  73 , is engaged into the right mast latch strap  71  to lock the right knee hinge  38  during normal operation. The right knee hinge slide bar  72  is retained on the slide bar pin  55  by a fastener  56 , such as a lock nut engaged in threads on the slide bar pin  55 , a snap ring engaged in a groove in the slide bar pin  55 , or the like without limitation. 
     A right knee hinge release rod  75  is inserted downwardly through a right knee hinge aperture  74  in the right knee hinge slide bar  72 , progressively through a right side upper crossbar aperture  34  (e.g., a through-hole or set of aligned apertures) in the upper crossbar  33 , and through a right side knee hinge release bar aperture  77  in the knee hinge release bar  76 . The right knee hinge release rod  75  has a formed head on one (1) end and a length of threads formed, or cut, for example in Unified Standard, on the opposite end. The right knee hinge release rod  75  is retained on the right end of the knee hinge release bar  76  by a nut  59  positioned on either side of the knee hinge release bar  76 . 
     A compression type spring  58  is captured on the right knee hinge release rod  75  between the bottom of the right knee hinge slide bar  72  and the top of the upper crossbar  33 . The purpose of this spring  58  is to keep the right knee hinge slide bar  72  positively engaged into the right mast latch strap  71  thereby locking the hinge action of the right knee hinge  38  until intentionally acted upon by an external force. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5   a , disposed upon the inside of a left side tube of the upper mast frame  41  is a left mast latch strap  81  which is a component of the left knee hinge latch mechanism  80 . The left knee hinge slide bar  82 , which is affixed to the inside of left upright  32  of the lower mast assembly  30  by a slide bar pin  55  projecting through the left knee hinge slotted aperture  83 , is engaged into the left mast latch strap  81  to lock the left knee hinge  39  during normal operation. The left knee hinge slide bar  82  is retained on the slide bar pin  55  by a fastener  56 . 
     A left knee hinge release rod  85  is inserted downwardly through the left knee hinge aperture  84  in the left knee hinge slide bar  22 , progressively through a left side upper crossbar aperture  34  in the upper crossbar  33 , and through the left side knee hinge release bar aperture  77  in the knee hinge release bar  76 . The left knee hinge release rod  85  has a formed head on one (1) end and a length of threads formed, or cut, for example in Unified Standard, on the opposite end. The left knee hinge release rod  85  is retained on the left end of the knee hinge release bar  76  by a nut  59  positioned on either side of the knee hinge release bar  76 . 
     A compression type spring  58  is captured on the left knee hinge release rod  85  between the bottom of the left knee hinge slide bar  82  and the top of the upper crossbar  33 . The purpose of this spring  58  is to keep the left knee hinge slide bar  82  positively engaged into the left mast latch strap  81  thereby locking the hinge action of the left knee hinge  39  until intentionally acted upon by an external force. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of left support arm hinges  47  is uniformly disposed upon the outside of the left side of the upper mast frame  41 . These left support hinges  47  have one (1) leaf of each hinge permanently affixed to the upper mast frame  41  in such a manner as to keep the hinge pin of each left support hinge  47  parallel to, and to the front and outside of, the upper mast frame  41 . When the unrestrained leaf of each left support arm hinge  47  is folded over upon the upper mast frame  41 , each unrestrained leaf will be parallel to, and in contact with, the front of the upper mast frame  41 . 
     A left support arm  44  will be permanently affixed to the outside of the unrestrained leaf of each left support arm hinge  47  in such a manner as to keep the left support arm  44  parallel to the platform assembly  20  when the left support arm  44  is perpendicular to the upper mast frame  41  with a support arm hook  45  oriented at the top of the left support arm  44 . The placement of the left support arm  44  on the left support arm hinge  47  will preferably be such that the left support arm hinge  47  will not open to more than a “lay flat” position (e.g., a 180° angle). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a plurality of right support arm hinges  46  is uniformly disposed upon the outside of the right side of the upper mast frame  41  at a location corresponding to left support arms  44 . These right support hinges  46  have one (1) leaf of each hinge permanently affixed to the upper mast frame  41  in such a manner as to keep the hinge pin of each right support hinge  46  parallel to, and to the front and outside of, the upper mast frame  41 . The fixed leaf of the right support hinge  46  will preferably be constructed such that the hinge pin will be spaced away from upper mast frame  41  a distance equivalent to the combined thickness of the left support arm  44  and the leaf of the left arm support hinge  47 . When the unrestrained leaf of each right support arm hinge  46  is folded over ninety degrees (90°) toward the upper mast frame  41 , each unrestrained leaf will be parallel to the front of the upper mast frame  41 . 
     A right support arm  43  will be permanently affixed to the outside of the unrestrained leaf of each right support arm hinge  46  in such a manner as to keep the right support arm  43  parallel to the platform assembly  20  when the right support arm  43  is perpendicular to the upper mast frame  41  with the support arm hook  45  oriented at the top of the right support arm  43 . The placement of the right support arm  43  on the right support arm hinge  46  will preferably be such that the right support arm hinge  46  will not open to more than the “lay flat” position (e.g., a 180° angle). The right support arm  43  will preferably be fabricated such that the support arm hooks  45  of each corresponding pair of right support arm  43  and left support arm  44  will be equidistant from the upper mast frame  41 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a specialty bin  90  can be suspended from each pair of right support arm  42  and left support arm  43 . The bin  90  can be made of any suitably durable material, for example a formed thermoplastic material, a composite or other suitable material. The bin  90  can generally rectangular including a plurality of bin sidewalls  91  joined along vertical edges, an integral bin bottom  92 , and a bin lip  93  disposed on at least two (2) opposing sides and conjoined along a common side. 
     The bin lip  93  around three (3) joined sides can include a narrow horizontal planar surface integrally formed at the upper edge of the sidewalls  91  in combination with an integrally formed vertical planar surface. This fold-over configuration results in an increase in the moment of inertia of the cross-section and thereby increases the structural strength of the sidewalls  93 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , provided on the remaining side of the bin  90  is a flat lip  95  which can include a centrally located extension of a portion of the horizontal planar surface integrally formed at the upper edge of the fourth sidewall  91 . The flat lip  95  is preferably oriented toward the mast  12  of the apparatus  10  and is configured to fit within the upper mast frame  41 . 
     The bin  90  also includes a bin lip aperture  94  disposed in the bin lip  93  of opposing sides to accommodate (e.g., receive) the support arm hook  45  of the corresponding right support arm  43  and the left support arm  44 . The bin lip apertures  94  can be located such that when the bin  90  is suspended from the right support arm  43  and left support arm  44 , the flat lip  95  of the bin  90  will fit under the corresponding upper mast crossbar  42  of the upper mast frame  41 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the bin  90  may be configured in any color or depth, with or without reinforcement gussets, stiffening folds, or any such structural modifications without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , the bins  90  are completely removable from the apparatus  10  without the need to make any adjustments. The bins  90  may be removed while empty or, with additional physical exertion, while items are still in the bins  90 . The removal of the bins  90  is preparatory to collapsing the mast  12 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus  10  may be alternately configured with a locking brake (not shown) on one (1) or both of the right caster  23  or left caster  24 , if desired, thereby providing a restriction to mobility to perform the aforementioned task or to keep the apparatus  10  from moving on a slope. 
     In an example implementation, the left support arms  44  are folded against the upper mast frame  41  by pivoting the left support arm hinges  47  prior to folding the right support arms  43  against the left support arms  44  by pivoting the right support arm hinges  46 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example implementation is not meant to be viewed as a structural limitation or a specific defining point and could be reversed by modifying the construction of the right support arm  43 , the right support arm hinge  46 , left support arm  44 , and the left support arm hinge  47  without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  7 , and  8 , the procedure for collapsing the apparatus  10  for storage, or conveyance in a vehicle, would be to remove the bins  90  from the apparatus  10 ; fold the left support arms  44  against the upper mast frame  41  ( FIG. 3 ); fold the right support arms  43  against the left support arms  44 ; and while supporting the mast  12  with one (1) hand to relieve any preload on the hinge latch mechanisms  50 ,  60 ,  70 , and  80 , grasp the mast hinge release bar  67  and the knee hinge release bar  76  simultaneously ( FIG. 7 ) and force the mast hinge release bar  67  toward the knee hinge release bar  76 . 
     The mast hinge release bar  67  and the knee hinge release bar  76  will travel within the right mast guides  37   a  and the left mast guides  37   b  to pull simultaneously on all of the right mast hinge release rod  57 , the left mast hinge release rod  65 , the right knee hinge release rod  75 , and the left knee hinge release rod  85 ; thereby compressing all of the springs  58  and retracting, respectively, the right mast slide bar  52  from the right latch strap  51 , left mast slide bar  62  from the left latch strap  61  the right knee hinge slide bar  72  from the right mast latch strap  71 , and the left knee hinge slide bar  82  from the left mast latch strap  81 ; removing all impediment to the normal pivoting function of the right mast hinge  28 , the left mast hinge  29 , the right knee hinge  38 , and the left knee hinge  39 ; and permitting the lower mast assembly  30  to fold and collapse forward upon the platform assembly  20 , while the upper mast assembly  40  folds toward the rear, and collapses upon the lower mast assembly  30  ( FIG. 4  and  FIG. 8 ). 
     An alternate configuration of the apparatus  10  would involve a clasp mechanism (not shown) to hold the mast hinge release bar  67  in proximity to the knee hinge release bar  76  after the release of the right mast hinge release mechanism  50 , the left mast hinge release mechanism  60 , the right knee hinge release mechanism  70 , and the left knee hinge release mechanism  80  thereby freeing one (1) hand from this task while collapsing the mast  12  of the apparatus  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the disclosed apparatus  10  can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only certain particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In an example implementation, the example embodiment of the apparatus  10  can be utilized by a user in a simple and straightforward manner with little or no training. Upon initial purchase or acquisition, the apparatus  10  would very likely be configured as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In order to properly use the apparatus  10  it would be necessary to reconfigure the apparatus  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , by partially raising the upper mast assembly  40  to gain free access to the mast hinge release bar  67  and the knee hinge release bar  76 . 
     While supporting the upper mast assembly  40  with one (1) hand, the mast hinge release bar  67  and the knee hinge release bar  76  can be forced (e.g., simultaneously) toward the knee hinge release bar  76  thereby releasing the right mast hinge release mechanism  50 , the left mast hinge release mechanism  60 , the right knee hinge release mechanism  70 , and the left knee hinge release mechanism  80 , and removing any impediment to the free motion of the right mast hinge  29 , the left mast hinge  29 , the right knee hinge  38 , and the left knee hinge  39 . The upper mast assembly  40  can be lifted, unfolding the mast assembly  12  until the upper mast assembly  40  is in alignment with the lower mast assembly  30 , and the right mast hinge  28  has opened sufficiently for the bottom of the right upright  31  of the lower mast assembly  30  to contact the frame  21  of the platform assembly  20 . 
     The mast hinge release bar  67  and the knee hinge release bar  76  can be released to allow the springs  58  to push simultaneously on all of the right mast hinge release rod  57 , the left mast hinge release rod  65 , the right knee hinge release rod  75 , and the left knee hinge release rod  85 ; thereby extending, respectively, the right mast slide bar  52  into the right latch strap  51 , left mast slide bar  62  into the left latch strap  61  the right knee hinge slide bar  72  into the right mast latch strap  71 , and the left knee hinge slide bar  82  into the left mast latch strap  81 , and impeding the normal pivoting function of the right mast hinge  28 , the left mast hinge  29 , the right knee hinge  38 , and the left knee hinge  39 . 
     The right support arms  43  can be unfolded by pivoting the right support arm hinges  46  until the right support arms  43  are positioned perpendicular to the upper mast assembly  40 . The left support arms  44  can be unfolded by pivoting the left support hinges  47  until the left support arms  44  are perpendicular to the upper mast assembly  40 . One or more bins  90  can be installed onto a set of right support arm  43  and left support arm  44  by sliding the flat lip  95  of the bin  90  under the upper mast crossbar  42  in proximity to the corresponding set of right support arm  43  and left support arm  44 ; engaging the support arm hook  45  of each right support arm  43  and left support arm  44  into the bin lip apertures  94  of the respective bin  90 . 
     Having thus configured the apparatus  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 , the user may now place the desired items and/or packages into the bins  90 , or place the items or packages upon the support grate  22  of the platform assembly  20  for transport to a checkout station or to the desired destination. The apparatus  10  may be stored or conveyed in a vehicle by collapsing said apparatus  10  according to the preferred embodiment. 
     The foregoing embodiments of the disclosed cart have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles, configurations, and modifications of the invention can be incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure upon reading the specification and that the embodiments shown and described are for the purposes of clarity and disclosure and to limit the scope. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.