Abstract:
The present inventions related to folding carts for use with grills, the carts securing the grill upright for use and folding for transport. The present inventions also relate to fuel tank support systems for use with grill carts or stands.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present inventions relate to folding or collapsible carts for grills. More particularly, the present inventions relate to folding or collapsible carts that securely support a grill and may be raised for use or collapsed for transport. The present inventions also relate to fuel tank support systems to secure the tank to the cart and above the ground. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Grilling is extremely popular through the world. Increasingly, portability of grills is desired. For example, campers, boaters and the like desire to have a grill available on their outings. In addition, those that live in more densely populated areas desire to have a grill for their apartment or condominium, but do not have the space for a typical full sized grill. One example of a popular portable grill is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,485 (assigned to Weber-Stephen Products LLC). Similar portable grills are sold by Weber under the trade names Q® 100 and Q® 200. 
         [0003]    While portable grills are desirable, it is also desired to easily transport and conveniently use portable grills in variety of different locations. Some users may simply transport the grill itself and may place the grill on a table top or the ground for use. Others may place the grill on a stand so that the grill may be conveniently used. However, moving the grill and a separate stand can be unwieldy, difficult and inconvenient. Thus, there is a need for a cart that can be used to securely support the grill during use and which may also be used to easily transport the grill to different locations for use. It is also become desirable to securely and safely transport portable grills from place to place, again, while also providing a support surface for convenient use of the grill. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a folding grill cart that folds for easy transport, can be pulled as a trolley similar to wheeled luggage and can be unfolded into an upright position for use. 
         [0005]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding grill cart that supports the grill for use when in an unfolded and upright position. 
         [0006]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a folding grill cart that securely locks the grill to the cart for use and during transport. 
         [0007]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a folding grill cart that locks into an unfolded position for use and is easily collapsed for transport. 
         [0008]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a folding grill cart that includes a table top assembly, the table top assembly including toe clips into which the legs of a grill may slide into engagement. 
         [0009]    Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide a spring loaded lock button used in conjunction with the toe clips on the table top assembly to further secure the grill. 
         [0010]    Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a folding cart having a support frame assembly, the support frame assembly including leg lock members to secure the cart in an upright position. 
         [0011]    Yet still a further object of the present invention is to provide a folding cart having a support frame assembly, the support frame assembly including leg lock members, at least one of which has a locking tab to secure the folding cart in an upright and locked position and to prevent undesired folding or collapse of the folding cart. 
         [0012]    Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide a folding grill cart that accommodates a tank support assembly. 
         [0013]    Still yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide a foldable tank support assembly to keep the fuel tank off of the ground. 
         [0014]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a folding grill cart that can accommodate a variety of portable grill sizes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present inventions preserve the advantages of known carts and fuel tank storage devices that may be used with portable or other grills, and also provide new features and advantages. 
         [0016]    More particularly, the present inventions provide a folding cart for a grill the grill having a lid with a handle and two pairs of legs, namely a right and left front leg and a right and left rear leg, and a foot portion associated with each leg. The folding cart includes a table top assembly for supporting and securing the grill, the table top assembly including two leg lock slots and two pairs of toe clips, namely a front right and left toe clip and a rear right and left toe clip, each toe clip capable of engaging corresponding leg and associated foot portion of the grill. A support frame assembly having a first pair of collapsible legs and a second pair of collapsible legs, each leg having an upper and lower end, with the first and second pairs of legs pivotably connected between the upper and lower ends of the legs is also provided. In addition, the upper ends of the first pair of legs are pivotably mounted to a left side of the table top assembly and the lower ends of the first pair of legs terminate in a support end, and wherein the lower ends of the second pair of legs terminate in a support end and the upper ends of the second pair of legs include leg lock members for engagement with the leg lock slots of the table top assembly. The folding cart assembly also includes a handle assembly attached to the lower end of the first pair of legs. 
         [0017]    The table top assembly of the present inventions may also include a toe lock mechanism to further secure the grill on the tabletop assembly and/or a manually operable locking tab on at least one leg lock member to further lock the legs to the table top assembly in the upright position. If desired, the handle assembly is collapsible and the toe lock mechanism spring loaded. A tank support system may also be provided, as well as a strap to secure the grill lid in a closed position. The folding cart assembly may include optional, additional pairs of toe clips and/or toe lock mechanisms. A base for the lower end of the first pair of legs and wheels for the lower ends of the second pair or legs is also an option with the present inventions. 
         [0018]    The present inventions further provide a folding cart for transporting and using a portable grill having two front and two rear legs, each leg having a foot portion. Included is a table top assembly for supporting and securing the grill, the table top assembly having two leg lock slots and four toe clips, each toe clip spaced and sized to accommodate the of the grill and at least one toe lock mechanism; a support frame assembly having a first pair and a second pair of legs, each leg of each pair having an upper portion and a lower portion, the first and second pairs of legs pivotably connected to each other forming a scissor frame, the upper end of the first pair of legs are pivotally mounted to the table top assembly and the lower end of the first pair of legs includes a base and the lower end of the second pair of legs includes wheels and the upper end of the second pair of legs includes leg lock members for engagement in the leg lock slots the table assembly; and a collapsible handle assembly. One leg lock member is also provided with a locking tab that may be manually released. A plurality of toe lock mechanisms may be provided, as well as a base including foot portions and an intermediate raised portion. The toe lock mechanism of the present invention may include a spring loaded button housed within a recess on the table top assembly. The handle assembly may include a pivot portion and a grip portion. Stops may also be provided on the lower portion of the first pair of legs to keep the handle assembly in the desired position. An optional tank support system having a frame member and a platform member may be included. 
         [0019]    The present inventions also provide a tank support system for securing a fuel tank to a grill cart and above the ground or other support surface, and the tank support system having a u-shaped frame member including a tank retention member and two hook portions to suspend said member from a support assembly of a grill cart. The tank support system also includes a platform support portion, one end being adapted to rest on an axle of said cart and the other end adapted to pivotably attach to a bottom portion of said u-shaped frame member. A skid plate may also be provided. 
         [0020]    The present inventions further provide a table top assembly for supporting and securing a grill, the table top assembly including a generally flat surface; an opposing pair of front toe clips, namely a front right and left toe clip; an opposing pair of rear toe clips, namely a rear right and left toe clip; wherein each of the toe clips is adapted to engage a corresponding leg of the grill; and at least one toe lock mechanism. In addition, each of the toe clips has an opening facing a front or rear of the table so that the legs of the grill may be slid into engagement with the toe clips. The toe lock mechanism may also include a spring loaded button. 
       INVENTOR&#39;S DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS 
       [0021]    The terms used in the claims of this patent are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The stated and unstated objects, features and advantages of the present inventions (sometimes used in the singular, but not excluding the plural) will become apparent from the following descriptions and drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements in the various views, and in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a folding cart assembly of the present invention in an unfolded and locked position for use shown supporting a representative portable grill; 
           [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a preferred support frame base of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the folding cart of  FIG. 1  showing placement of the portable grill onto a preferred embodiment of a preferred table top assembly; 
           [0026]      FIG. 1C  is a cross-sectional view of a preferred toe lock mechanism of the present invention, also showing an optional additional aperture for an optional additional toe lock mechanism taken along line  1 C- 1 C of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional view of the optional additional aperture for an optional additional toe lock mechanism taken along line  1 D- 1 D of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a to plan view of a preferred table top assembly of the present invention shown with representative grill legs in an installation position prior to being slid into engagement with preferred toe clips of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of a preferred right rear toe clip and a preferred toe lock mechanism shown in an installation position with the right rear foot of the right grill leg depressing a lock button of the toe lock mechanism of the present invention taken along line  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of a preferred left front toe clip of the present invention taken along in  2 B- 2 B of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2C  is a top plan view of the preferred toe clip of  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a preferred table top assembly of  FIG. 2  shown with representative grill legs in an installed or locked position within the corresponding toe clips engaged or locked for transport or use; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the preferred right rear toe clip of  FIG. 3  shown with the lock button in a locked position, the foot of the right rear grill leg having cleared the lock button such that the grill is in a locked or use position taken along line  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of is preferred embodiment of a folding cart of the present invention shown in an intermediate position between the upright and locked position for use and the collapsed or transport position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a leg lock member having a locking tab shown in an installed position in a preferred leg lock slot of the table top assembly taken along line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the preferred leg lock member having a locking tab taken from insert  4 B of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a preferred leg lock member not having a locking tab taken from insert  4 C of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a folding cart assembly of the present invention shown with a representative grill secured to the table top assembly in a collapsed and transport position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tank support system of the present invention with portions of the folding cart assembly removed and/or shown in phantom line; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the preferred tank support system of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    Set forth below is a description of what is currently believed to be the preferred embodiments or best representative examples of the inventions claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to the embodiments and preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, purpose, structure or result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent. 
         [0042]    The folding cart of the present inventions is shown generally as  10  in the Figures. It is intended for use with portable grills  12 , such as the Q® 100 and Q® 200 products of Weber-Stephen Products LLC. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the present inventions are applicable to grills of other manufacturers and other grill types, including gas and charcoal. It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that the various features and components are sized, spaced and oriented to accommodate the particular type of grill(s) for which the present inventions are contemplated. It will also be understood that the components of the present invention may be made out of a variety of materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel and/or plastic, consistent with the function and environment of the components. 
         [0043]    The assemblies of a preferred folding cart  10  include a support frame assembly  20 , a table top assembly  40  and a handle assembly  60 . Alternative embodiments may also include a tank support system  80  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ), which may be used with other stands or carts or in combination with folding cart  10  of the present inventions. For convenience, the present inventions will be described by reference to their use with a portable Weber® grill, such as the Q® 100 or Q® 200 products. As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1 and 1B , a typical portable grill  12  includes a pair of right legs  14  and a pair of left legs  16 . As used herein for ease of reference and to describe the relationship of the various components, right and left are referenced in relation to the front or cooking side of the grill  12 , but the present inventions are clearly not limited thereto. Similarly, front and rear are referenced herein in relation to the from and rear of grill  12 . The pairs of right legs  14  and left legs  16  of grill  12  terminate in generally flat right feet  11  and generally flat left feet  13 . Legs  14 ,  16  and feet  11 ,  13  are slidably received in and secured to table top assembly  40  by toe clips  51 - 54  and toe lock mechanism  41  as hereinafter described. Grill  12  also typically includes a lid  15 , a lid handle  17 , a left side handle  19  and a right side handle  18 . 
         [0044]    By reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  1 B,  4 - 4 C and  5 , a preferred embodiment of the scissor-type support frame assembly  20  may be seen. A first pair of collapsible legs  22  and a second pair of collapsible legs  24  are provided. The two pairs of legs  22 ,  24  are pivotably attached to one another approximately halfway down their respective length at point  25 , forming a scissor-type frame similar to that of conventional ironing boards. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that to variety of means  25  to interconnect and pivot leg pairs  22  and  24  may be used. For example, tubular rivets and a pre-formed plastic cover are preferred for pivot point  25  as shown generally in  FIGS. 1 and 1A . In addition, although preferred, the pairs of legs don&#39;t have to be connected approximately halfway down their length. Moreover, it is within the scope of the present invention to have legs that are not pivotably connected to each other but instead, extend downward from their point of attachment to table top assembly  40 . 
         [0045]    The tops  26  of legs  22  may be pivotably connected to the underside of table top assembly  40  by pins (not shown) or other means known to those of skill in the art. For example, various pivot support members (not shown) may be pre-formed on the underside of table top assembly  40 . In the preferred embodiment, the tops  26  of legs  22  are pivotably attached to the left side of table top assembly  40 . As indicated, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that attachment on the left side is merely exemplary. The bottom or lower ends  27  of legs  22  extend downward to the right so that they may be supported on the ground. 
         [0046]    In a preferred embodiment, a base  30  is attached to the bottom ends  27  of legs  22  (see also  FIG. 1A ). Base  30  includes a tread portion  31 , feet portions  32  and a raised portion  33 . In general, base  30  provides extra stability and helps prevent undesired movement of folding cart  10  when it is in its upright and locked position for use. Feet portions  32  of base  30 , in conjunction with raised portion  33 , help to accommodate slightly uneven surfaces, such as porch decking. Tread portion  31  may be used as a foot stand to more easily raise and lower the folding cart  10  as hereinafter described (see  FIG. 4 ). It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the base  30  is optional. For example, the bottom  27  of legs  22  may be provided with pads or caps (not shown). 
         [0047]    Each leg of the second pair of legs  24  includes a lower end  28  that extend upward to the right side of table top assembly  40  to an upper end  29 . In a preferred embodiment, lower ends  28  are provided with wheels  21  which are connected to an axle  23  that extends between the lower ends  28  of legs  24 . Axle  23  may pass through holes (not shown) on lower end  28  such that wheels  21  may be rotatably attached to axle  23 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that wheels  21  may be attached to the axle  23  by a variety of well known means. Bearings and the like (not shown) may also be provided to aid in rotation of wheels  21  or axle  23 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that no axle  23  for wheels  21  is necessary. For example, wheels  21  may be casters or have their own integral axles, etc. It will also be understood that no wheels  21  are necessary for the present inventions, although they are preferred so that the folding cart  10  and grill  12  are easily transported as hereinafter described. 
         [0048]    Leg lock members  35  are provided on the upper ends  29  of legs  24 . Leg lock members  35  are received in leg lock slots  46  of table top assembly  40  (see  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A,  4 B and  4 C). When leg lock members  35  are received within leg lock slots  46 , the support frame assembly  20  and the associated grill  12  on table top assembly  40  are in the upright position for use. The weight of grill  12  pushing down on legs  22  and  24  helps retain leg lock members  35  in the leg lock slots  46 . Leg lock members  35  are sized to fit within leg lock slots  46  and are attached to the tops  29  of legs  24  by a pin  34  or other well known means. Leg lock members  35  include a nose portion  36  that mates with and is received in leg lock slots  46 .  FIG. 4C  shows the preferred embodiment of leg lock mechanism  35  without the optional locking tab  37  as discussed below. 
         [0049]    In as preferred embodiment, and as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A and  4 B, at least one leg lock member  35  includes a manually operable locking tab  37 . The locking tab  37  prevents the folding can  20  and grill  12  from unintended collapse when in the upright position for use. To collapse or fold cart  20  for transport, the leg lock members  35  cannot be moved out of leg lock slots  46  without manual release of the locking tab  37  present on at least one leg lock member  35 . In the preferred embodiment, leg lock member  35  has a top portion  38  and a bottom portion  39  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ). Locking tab  37  is attached to top portion  38 . Because there is a space between the top  38  and bottom  39  portions, they may be squeezed together or top  38  pressed downward toward bottom portion  39  as shown in  FIG. 4A  to release looking tab  37  from a shoulder portion  49  of table top assembly  40 . Thus, when folding cart  10  is in an upright and locked position ( FIG. 1 ), leg lock members  35  are within leg lock slots  46 . Locking tab  37  is biased upward and engages a shoulder portion  49  of leg lock slot  46 . This keeps folding cart  10  in an upright position even if the assembly is bumped or moved. To unlock the leg lock member having locking tab  37 , and collapse the folding cart  10 , the user may press the top  38  of top portion  39  downward ( FIG. 4A ). This lowers locking tab  37 , which is then able to clear the shoulder portion  49  of leg lock slots  46  so that the lock members  35  may be disengaged from leg lock slots  46  and the folding cart  10  collapsed or lowered for transport. 
         [0050]    It will be understood by those of skill in the art that locking tab  37  may take a variety of shapes and/or engage a variety of shoulder portions  49  of leg lock slots  46 . Similarly, leg lock slots  46  may also be of shapes different than that shown, as long as they mate with or an complimentary to leg lock members  35 . In addition, it is not necessary to have locking tabs  37  on either leg lock member  35 , although at least one leg lock member  35  with a locking tab  37  is preferred. Similarly, both leg lock members  35  may be provided with a locking tab  37  or similar locking structure. 
         [0051]    Other components and features of preferred table top assembly  40  may better be seen by reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  3  and  3 A. Table top assembly  40  includes a generally flat support surface  42  to accommodate legs  14  and  16  of grill  12 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that table top assembly  40  and support surface  42  can take a variety of shapes, including rectangular and square. The preferred quatrefoil, curvilinear or rounded rectangle shape as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , accommodates all of the components of the present inventions and conserves material costs and reduces weight. It will also be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of materials may be used to make table top assembly  40 . Plastic is generally preferred, as selected components, some of which are discussed herein, may be integrally formed on or as part of the table top assembly  40 , as will be understood by those of skill in the art. 
         [0052]    Support surface  42  is provided with two opposing pairs of toe clips  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54  that are used to engage and secure the legs  14  and  16  of grill  12 . More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, there is a front opposing pair of toe clips  51  and  52  and a rear opposing pair of toe clips  53  and  54  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Each toe clip  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54  is of a similar construction and includes a top member  51   a,    52   a,    53   a  and  54   a  and to side member  51   b ,  52   b,    53   b  and  54   b  (see  FIGS. 2B and 2C  showing left front toe clip  51 ). The top and side members of each toe clip  51 - 54  create a recess or pocket that accepts the bottom of legs  14  and  16  and their associated feet  11  and  13  of grill  12 . All of the recesses open in the same direction so that feet  11  and  13  may be slid into engagement with the toe clips  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54 . In order to make it easier to slide feet  11  and  13  of grill  12  along support surface  42 , a glide track  50  is provided adjacent to each of the toe clips  51 - 54 . In a preferred embodiment, glide tracks  50  are formed onto support surface  42 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that glide tracks  50  may be separate components made from a variety of suitable materials. Alternatively, glide tracks  50  may be a suitable coating or anti-friction material applied to support surface  42 . 
         [0053]    Thus, the toe clips function to restrain the legs  14  and  16  and hence grill  12  from moving left or right, up and down or forward. Legs  14  and  16  are preferably restrained against undesired rearward movement by toe lock mechanism  41  as hereinafter described. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that toe clips  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54  are preferably shaped to closely mimic the geometry of legs  14  and  16  (and feet  11  and  13 ) of grill  12 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that toe clips  51 - 54  may have different configurations. For example, toe clips  51 - 54  could be a hood-type structure having no side walls ( 51   b - 54   b ) and just a top member ( 51   a - 54   a ). Such a configuration would prevent vertical movement of grill  12 . In addition, in the preferred embodiment, toe clips  51 - 54  are integrally formed as part of support surface  42 . However, toe clips  51 - 54  may be constructed as separate components which are attached to the support surface  42  and/or made out of a variety of materials. 
         [0054]    In a preferred embodiment, an additional set of opposing pairs of toe clips  55 ,  56 ,  57  and  58  are also optionally provided to table top assembly  40  ( FIGS. 1B ,  2  and  3 ). These additional toe clips are spaced on support surface  42  to accommodate a different size grill  12  having legs  14  and  16  that are spaced differently. In this manner, one table top assembly  40  may accommodate grills  12  of different sizes and/or leg configurations. A guide track  50  may also be provided with any additional toe clips  55 - 58 . 
         [0055]    Toe clips  51 - 54  (and support surface  42 ) prevent vertical movement of grill  12 . In the preferred embodiment, side members  51   a - 54   a  of toe clip  51 - 54  prevent forward horizontal movement of grill  12 . In order to more securely lock grill  12  to table  42  and prevent undesired horizontal movement of the grill toward the rear of table  42 , one or more toe lock mechanisms  41  are provided (see  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C and  1 D;  2  and  2 A;  3  and  3 A). Preferably, spring loaded toe lock mechanism  41  includes a lock button  43 , a spring  44  and two depressible flanges  45  that are part of or provided on the lock button  43  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  1 C,  1 D,  2 A and  3 A). Lock button  43  and spring  44  are housed within a recess  47  provided for each toe lock mechanism  41  that is incorporated on table top assembly  40 . Preferably, there is a toe lock mechanism  41  associated with rear right toe clip  54  and one associated with rear left toe clip  53 . Each recess  47  is provided with a u-shaped member  48  (see  FIGS. 1C and 1D ) which serves as a base for spring  44  of lock button  41 . The bottom of spring  44  is supported on the bottom by u-shaped member  48  and is engaged at the top by lock button  43 . Lock button  43  is held within recess  47  by flanges of lock button  43 . Look button  43  is normally biased upward by the spring  44  as shown in  FIG. 1C  (see also  FIG. 3A ). 
         [0056]    When it is desired to lock grill  12  to table  42  and prevent rearward of grill  12 , the grill  12  is placed on the table  42  to the rear of the rearwardly facing recess openings of toe clips  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54 . Foot  13  of left rear grill leg  16  and foot  11  of right rear grill leg  14  depress lock button  43  when the feet  11  and  13  are placed on top of them. The depression of lock button  43  associated with toe clip  54  by foot  11  of right leg  14  is shown in  FIG. 2A . Left rear foot  13  of left rear leg  16  similarly depresses the other lock button  43  associated with toe clip  53 . In this manner, grill  12  may be slid forward so that feet  11  and  13  of legs  14  and  16  fit within the recesses of toe clips  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54 . Once feet  11  and  13  of legs  14  and  16  clear spring loaded lock button  43  (see  FIG. 3A ), spring  44  urges button  43  upward into a locked position. This completely locks the grill  12  to table  42  and prevents rearward movement. When it is desired to remove grill  12 , buttons  43  are depressed and feet  11  and  13  slide rearwardly over the buttons  43  thereby releasing the grill. 
         [0057]    As indicated, each recess  47  includes a u-shaped retaining member  48  extending below table  42  ( FIGS. 1C and 1D ). Because the retaining member is u-shaped having two open sides, depressible tabs  45  of lock button  43  are accessible by the user below table  42 . Thus, to remove lock button  43  from recess  47 , tabs  45  are squeezed together by the user so that button  43  (and spring  44 ) may be removed from recess  47 . As indicated, in the preferred embodiment, there is one toe lock mechanism  41  associated with the rearwardly facing recess of one pair of opposing toe clips, i.e., toe clips  53  and  54  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In this manner, legs  14  and  16  of grill  12  are locked from rearward horizontal movement and the side members  51   b - 54   b  prevent forward horizontal movement. If additional toe clips  55 ,  56 ,  57  and  58  are provided, additional apertures  47 ′ associated with those optional clips may also be provided (see  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C,  1 D and  3 ). Button  43  and spring  44  may be removed front aperture  47  by the user as described and reinserted into additional aperture  47 ′. Thus, only one set of lock buttons  43  and springs  44  is needed even if additional sets of toe clips  55 - 58  are provided. 
         [0058]    To aid in transportation of folding cart  10  (and typically grill  12 ), a folding handle assembly  60  is provided ( FIGS. 1 ,  1 B,  4  and  5 ). In a preferred embodiment, folding handle assembly  60  is made from two pieces; namely, a grip portion  61  and a pivot portion  62 . Pivot portion  62  includes two legs  63  that terminate at the lower end to form pivot arms  64 , which extend at a right angle to legs  63 . Pivot arms  64  are pivotably attached to the lower end  27  of legs  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 1B , pivot arms  64  are inserted through a hole in the lower end  27  of legs  22 . In addition to being simple, in this manner, the whole handle assembly  60  may be removed for cleaning by simply removing pivot arms  64  from the holes in legs  22 . It be understood by those of skill in the art that there are a variety of ways to pivotably attach legs  63  of pivot portion  62  to legs  22 . Again, by reference to the preferred embodiment, the upper end of pivot portion  62  is formed into a u-shaped portion  65  including two loops  66 . As shown, the u-shaped portion  65  only permits handle portion  61  to pivot one way upward and prevents it from swinging below pivot portion  62 . 
         [0059]    Preferred grip portion  61  includes a hand grip  67  and two legs  68 . Legs  68  terminate in two pivot points  69 . Pivot points  69  are designed to fit within loops  66  of pivot portion  62 . Bearings  59  may be provided in loops  66  to aid the pivoting of grip portion  61  in pivot portion  62 . A pair of mechanical stops  70  having clips  71  are attached to legs  22 . Stops  70  and clips  71  function to keep pivot portion  62  aligned with legs  22  and from pivoting downward and falling behind legs  22 . As indicated, u-shaped portion  65  also functions to keep handle portion  61  from swinging too far downward. In this manner, the handle assembly  60  is easily accessible and does not interfere with the folding or unfolding of cart assembly  10 . Although the above described handle assembly  60  is preferred, other configurations of handle assembly  60  may be utilized. For example, the handle assembly  60  shown and described is formed from wire. It will be understood that other materials and methods of construction are contemplated. In addition, it is not required to have a two piece handle assembly  60  or to have one that pivots. 
         [0060]    Having described the principal components of a preferred embodiment, the use and operation of folding cart  10  will be described. Initially, folding cart  10  is placed in an open or use position by inserting leg lock members  35  into leg lock slots  46  of table top assembly  40  ( FIG. 1B ). In the preferred embodiment, locking tab  37  on the one leg lock member  35  engages a shoulder portion  49  of table top assembly  40  adjacent to leg lock slots  46 , so that the leg assembly  20  is then in an upright and locked position. 
         [0061]    Grill  12  is then placed on support surface  42  at a position rearward of the rearwardly facing recesses of toe clips  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54  and with right rear foot  11  and left rear foot  13  of grill  12  depressing lock button  43  ( FIGS. 2 and 2A ). The feet  11  and  13  depress lock button  43  into recess  47  so that the user may slide grill  12  forward toward the front of table  42  until feet  11  and  13  are engaged in toe clips  51 ,  52 ,  53  and  54 . Once feet  11  and  13  are slid past and over lock buttons  43 , the spring loaded lock buttons  43  are urged upward (see  FIGS. 3 and 3A ). Lock buttons  43  prevent grill  12  from being moved rearward on table  42 . Folding cart  10  and grill  12  are now in an upright and locked use position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0062]    When transport of the grill  12  using folding cart  10  is desired, grill  12  and table top assembly  40  are lowered as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by depressing lock tab  37  of leg lock member  35  so that legs  24  may be released from leg lock slots  46 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the user may place a foot on tread portion  31  of base  30  and grab grill unit handle  18 , lowering folding cart  10  to a collapsed or folded position (see  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0063]    To transport folding cart  10  and grill  12 , the user grasps grip portion  67  of handle assembly  60 . This causes grip portion  61  to rotate upward. As a result, pivot portion  62  disengages from clips  71  of stop  70  and rotates forward to a comfortable transport position as shown in  FIG. 5 . The user may then lift the front end of folding cart  10  so that the unit pivots on wheels  21  and may be easily transported. 
         [0064]    When it is desired to again use the grill, the user may place a foot on tread portion  31  of base  30  and may simultaneously pull unit handle  18  of grill  12 . This causes upper end  29  of legs  24  (as well as upper end  26  of legs  22 ) to rotate upward. Once table top assembly  40  clears the upper end  29  of legs  24 , the table may be slightly lowered so that leg lock members  35  are engaged in leg lock slots  46 . Locking tab  37  then snaps into place and the folding cart is in an upright and locked position for use of grill  12  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0065]    In some situations, it may be desirable or even required by certain laws to support a fuel source  99  with the grill stand or table and above the ground. To accommodate this a tank support system  80  may be provided and may be used in conjunction with folding cart assembly  10  of the present invention. Tank support system  80  may also be used with other tables, stands or carts for grills. A preferred embodiment of tank support system  80  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Tank support system  80  includes a u-shaped frame member  81  and an interconnecting tank retention member  82 . The lower end of u-shaped frame member  81  includes a platform support portion  83 . Each upper end of u-shaped member  81  includes an outwardly facing hook portion  84  that is sized to fit over pivot point  25  of support frame assembly  20  if used with some of the embodiments of the present inventions. A tank strap  85  is also provided. Tank strap  85  includes a loop  86  at each end. Loops  86  are placed over and secured to u-shaped member  81 . A buckle  87  or other well known means to open and close tank strap  85  is also provided. 
         [0066]    Tank support assembly  80  also includes a base frame  88  having three support members  89 . Two cross members  90  provide additional strength and stability. One end of each support member  89  is provided with or formed into an open and downwardly facing hook  91  and the other ends provided with means to attach members  89  to the lower portion  83  of u-shaped member  81 . As shown, clamped hooks  92  are provided as the means that enable the ends of support members  89  to be secured in a generally non-removable yet pivotable fashion. For ease of assembly, shipment and storage, clamped hooks  92  may pivot about lower portion  83  of u-shaped member  81 . A skid plate  93  is also provided which fits over support members  89  with holes  94 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that skid plate  93  is optional, may simply lay over support members  89  or be attached thereto by other means. It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that u-shaped frame member  81  and/or base frame member  88  may take a variety of forms consistent with the present inventions. 
         [0067]    To use the preferred tank support system  80  with a preferred embodiment, hook portions  84  are placed over pivot point  25 . Downwardly facing hooks  91  are then placed over axle  23 . The other ends of members  89  are supported by the lower portion  83  of u-shaped member  81 . In this manner, base frame  88  and its associated platform  93  form the support for tank  99 . To secure tank  99  in tank support assembly  80 , strap  85  is unbuckled  87 , the tank placed on skid plate  93 , strap  85  is then placed around tank  99  and rebuckled. Tank  99  is then secured to support frame assembly  20  and held above the ground, deck or other surface. In addition, because the preferred embodiment uses open hooks  91  that are supported by axle  23 , clamped hooks  92  that are secured to the lower platform support member  83  and book portion  84 , the tank support system  80  may be collapsed, folded or removed for transport or shipping and may also be used on other stands or carts. 
         [0068]    The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in or the scope of the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the claimed invention. In addition, although the term “claimed invention” or “present invention” is sometimes used herein in the singular, it will be understood that there are a plurality of inventions as described and claimed. 
         [0069]    Various features of the present inventions are set forth in the following claims.