Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The origin of the cart concept surely followed closely behind that of the wheel. For what good is the wheel if it is not employed for the purpose of transport? The concept of a cart in its most general form, therefore, is hardly a novel concept. Early man, no doubt, invented the first cart and man has steadily innovated ever more unique designs since. The present invention is yet another unprecedented variation of the tried and true apparatus generally known as a cart. 
         [0002]    Carts are everywhere. They vary in design perhaps as much as snowflakes vary in structure. Society uses carts for everything from serving lemonade on the outdoor patio in the summer to gathering wood for a toasty fire in the winter. The uses for carts are endless and, consequently, cart designs are nearly as unbounded. For example, along the coasts of our great nation, people use sundry carts to organize themselves for a convenient and relaxing day of fishing. Whether the redfish are biting somewhere along the beach or the pompano are being caught off the local pier, coastal fishermen commonly employ a cart of some kind to transport all their equipment to the hot spot du jour. 
         [0003]    Ah, to go fishing. What a simple pleasure it is. Once the hook is baited and in the water, time seems to slow down. The euphoria of going fishing, however, is often squelched by the overwhelming logistical exercise of organizing and transporting all the necessary equipment. It is not uncommon for a fisherman to use old grocery store shopping carts, wheelbarrows, or even a child&#39;s red radio flyer. They have to have a way to get all the equipment to the fishing site, and just plain carrying it is not realistic—mainly because any trip between the shore and the car beyond the required first trip cuts into the fishing time and, could cost the angler that one special bite. Coastal fishermen, especially, need coolers with ice, bait, tackle boxes, fishing rods, chairs, umbrellas, etc., etc. Any way that this process of getting equipment to a site can be streamlined is a welcomed innovation by fishermen everywhere. 
         [0004]    So it is clear, a cart goes hand in hand with a serious fisherman. However, there is always the space issue. Simply put, the average person simply does not have enough space in his or her garage or basement to neatly store all of his or her toys or equipment. For the angler, the fishing poles neatly hang on a few hooks on a wall in the garage—but a cart? A fishing cart that is of adequate size to meet the fisherman&#39;s toting requirements is certainly going to take up valuable garage area. One technique to address the storage space requirements for a cart is simply to disassemble the cart. However, the typical cart, once assembled, is never to be disassembled—especially if the assembly process was cumbersome and directed by poorly written instructions. And if a user is required to disassemble the cart for storage, the process is typically time consuming, requires the user to hunt down and collect all of the necessary tools and finally, once disassembled the user must take care to ensure that all the parts are securely stored in a manner to prevent them from being misplaced, lost or tossed prior to the next assembly process. Therefore, what is needed in the art is a cart that can be used by an angler or any other equipment toting human but that can be easily stored using a minimum amount of space, tools, effort and that does not include any risk of losing critical parts. 
         [0005]    Carts are great and all but one of the big problems with carts is that they aren&#39;t good for much else other than hauling equipment. Thus, other than during the short periods of time when equipment or supplies are being hauled from point A to point B, a cart generally just sits around and provides no benefit whatsoever. It would be beneficial if the cart could actually be used for another purpose while it is not being used to haul equipment. Furthermore, it would be even more beneficial if the cart could be used for another purpose and, that purpose could help to reduce the amount of equipment that needs to be hauled by the cart. For instance, when tailgating, fishing, heading out to junior&#39;s baseball game or the like, one of the typical necessities is adequate seating. Well if you have ever been the victim stuck with the task of toting the fold-out chairs, you will fully understand that any relief from this task is quite welcomed. Thus, what is needed in the art is a cart that can not only help to tote seating devices, but that can actually operate as a seating device in and of itself when it is not being used to haul equipment. 
         [0006]    Therefore, what is needed in the art is a cart system that is not just a simple cart for organizing and transporting equipment, but is also collapsible for ease of storage when not in use and transformable into a seat once its duties as a transport device have been completed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention address the above-mentioned needs in the art, as well as other needs, and can be embodied in the form of a transformable device that in general, can be adjusted to reside in one of two or three states including, but not limited to, a cart state, a seating state and a storage or collapsed state. Thus, one embodiment of the invention is a device that can be transformed without the need of tools, between a cart, a seat and a collapsed state for easily storing. Advantageously, such an embodiment of the present invention allows the user to carry items while the device is in the cart state, and once arriving at the desired destination, to empty the contents of the cart and convert the cart into a chair. Thus, not only does this embodiment of the present invention assist the user in the transportation of equipment but it also advantageously eliminates the need to tote at least one chair. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment of the invention, a frame structure that includes multiple frames pivotally connected to each, can be transformed between the three states: cart, chair and storage. In addition, a handle is pivotally attached to the frame structure and can move between a first position which serves as a base to the cart or a second position which serves as a support structure for the seat. The handle can include one set of wheels on the end that is connected to the frame structure to assist in moving of the cart in a hand-truck or wheel barrow configuration or could include two sets of wheels to operate in a wagon type configuration. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels can be locked to prevent rolling. 
         [0009]    More specifically, the frame structure may include a base frame with a left-side frame, a right-side frame, a front-side frame and a rear-side frame all pivotally attached to appropriate sides of the base frame. In one embodiment, the left-side frame and the right-side frame are pivotally attached to the base frame at a first height that is sufficient to allow the left-side and right-side frames to pivot over and lay flat onto the base frame, or at least slightly above the base frame. In addition, the and the rear-side frame and the front-side frame are pivotally attached to the base frame at a second height that is sufficient to allow the front-side and rear-side frames to pivot over and lay flat onto the left-side and right-side frames, or slightly above them. The front-side frame also includes a handle-seat frame that can pivot relative to the plane of the front-side frame and at a minimum, can pivot to being in the same plane as the front-side frame for storing and perpendicular to the front-side frame (or more) for seating and for pushing the cart. Another aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of multiple open-ended barrels that are fitted with a stop mechanism at one end and attached to one of the various frames. Each barrel is can receive a device such as an attachment, fishing rod or umbrella. In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of an insert that can be inserted into a trailer hitch for transporting the transformable device. 
         [0010]    Other aspects, embodiments and features of the present invention will be more fully understood by examining the figures, along with the detailed description and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is an isometric illustration of the preferred embodiment of the invention when in the utility cart state. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a rear view isometric drawing of the preferred embodiment of the invention when in the seat/fishing state. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an isometric drawing of the preferred embodiment of the invention when in the collapsed state. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front view isometric drawing of the preferred embodiment of the invention when in the seat/fishing state. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a close up view of a connection assembly usable in various embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of a shade attachment assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is perspective diagram of the device in the collapsed state. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    The present invention is generally directed towards a portable device that can be converted on-site between one of three states: cart, chair and storage. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a collapsible fishing cart system used for transporting fishing equipment and supplies as well as to provide a fishing seat and rod holder once at the chosen fishing site. However, embodiments of the present invention are also suitable for many other purposes including, as non-limiting examples, tail-gaiting, camping, hiking, attending sporting events, picnics, parades, gardening, hunting, bird watching, pyrotechnic events, or the like. More specifically, in one embodiment, the invention can be configured to reside in any of three states: 1) a collapsed state for space savings and easy storage, 2) a utility cart state for ease of transporting sundry supplies, and 3) a seating state for convenient and comfortable seating via a sturdy seat with a back and, in some embodiments, including an elevated mounting apparatus that can be used to hold a multi-rod mount site, a shade-casting device, cup-holders and various other accessories. 
         [0019]    Referring now to the drawings, hereinafter  FIGS. 1 through 4 , exemplary embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention are described. In its simplest form, one embodiment of the present invention is fitted with wheels on an axle and includes multiple frames that are hinged to one another in such a way that it is possible to move and/or adjust the frames or panels into various positions, and thereby transform the device between any of several states.  FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of the present invention in a utility cart state and is the primary drawing used in this detailed description. Two other states: the storage state and the seating state are illustrated respectfully in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . 
         [0020]    In the illustrated embodiment, the device is anchored by a substantially rectangular base frame  10  oriented such that the two short parallel lengths  11  represent the front and rear of the base frame  10  while the two longer parallel lengths  12  represent the sides of the base frame  10 . Although the base frame is illustrated as being rectangular, the exact dimensions are only provided as an example and in fact, in various embodiments, the base may be square, long-wise rectangular, short-wise rectangular, oval, elliptical, D-shaped or any other of a magnitude of varieties. The base frame  10  can actually be a panel fabricated from a wide variety of materials or, as illustrated may actually be constructed of tubing material, such as aluminum, titanium, steel, PVC or other materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the base frame  10  includes a plurality of cross members  13 A and  13 B (see  FIG. 2 ) rigidly fixed to a set of parallel base frame sides  12  (the longer sides as illustrated in this embodiment) and are placed parallel to one another and in the same plane as the base frame  10 . A series of boards or other fascia material  14  are rigidly fixed to the cross members  13 A and  13 B such that a flat surface is created within the confines of the space defined by the base frame  10 . Obviously, in a panel type embodiment, such boards or fascia material is not required. In addition, rather than rigidly attaching the fascia material  14 , the material can be constructed to lay on the cross members  13 A and  13 B or be attached to the cross members in a manner that allows for the easy removal of the fascia material  14 . 
         [0021]    One or more support stubs  15  (two are illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) extend outwardly from each side  12  of the base frame  10  and in a plane ranging from a slight angle from the plane of the base frame  10  to perpendicular. The purpose of the support stubs  15  is to elevate a pair of hinge-supports  16  of some shorter length than the sides  12  of the base frame  10  to a distal position that is parallel to, and slightly above, the plane of the base frame. Similarly, there is also a one or more hinge-support stubs  17  extending up and/or outwardly from each of the sides  11  of the base frame  10  in a plane ranging from perpendicularly upward from the base frame  10  to a plane slightly angled up from the plane of the base frame  10 . The hinge-support stubs  17  extending from the sides  11  of the base frame serve the purpose of rigidly positioning a pair of hinge supports  18  to the base frame  10  to be parallel to the sides  11  of the base frame  10  and simultaneously in a plane ranging from perpendicularly upward from the base frame plane to a slight angle up depending on the embodiment. The particular support-hinge  18   b  located on the rear end of the base frame  10 , as illustrated in this embodiment, is fitted with a hole drilled through its center and on a parallel plane with the base frame  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support-hinges are basically tubes that have a diameter that is sufficient in size to receive another tube inserted therein such that the internal tube can be rotated within the interior of the support-hinge tube. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although this structure, in and of itself may be considered as novel, that the present invention is not necessarily limited to this structure in other embodiments. For instance, other hinge mechanisms may also be employed in various embodiments of the invention including, as non-limiting examples, door-type hinges, vinyl or cloth based hinge tabs, plastic or vinyl clip on hinges or clips that allow for rotation, or the like. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a separate support frame  19  is anchored beneath the base frame  10  via a pivot mechanism  20  that is rigidly fixed or integral to a cross member  13   b  located toward the rear of the base frame  10 . The pivot mechanism  20  enables the user to rotate the bottom frame  19  between two positions or extremes. The first position places the support frame  19  in a plane substantially parallel with, and immediately juxtaposed to, the plane of the base frame  10  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The second position places the support frame  19  in a plane located some angle away from the base frame  10  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The support frame  19  comprises a set of parallel members or sides  21 , each anchored via said pivot mechanism  20  to the cross member  13 B of the base frame and extending in parallel to some length roughly the same as the base frame  10  before bending or angling perpendicularly downward from the plane represented by the support frame  19  such that two foot members  22  are formed. At least one cross member  23  connecting the parallel members of the support frame  19  serves the purpose of exacting structural rigidity. Also, a transverse axle member  24  is fixed in parallel to the cross member  23  and located toward the pivot end of the support frame  19 . Two wheels  25  are mounted on respective ends of the transverse axle member  24 . It should be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, the foot members  22  could be replaced by additional wheels or wheels that can also be locked into position. Further, the wheels  25  could be replaced with foot members and the foot members could be replaced by wheels. Finally, releasable retaining devices  26  are located beneath the base frame cross member  13   a  found toward the front of the base frame  10  such that the cross member  13   a  can be used to retain the support frame  19  against the base frame  10  when the frames are in a juxtaposed position. It will be appreciated that the support frame, although illustrated and described as a frame constructed of tubes, can also take on a variety of other forms and although the illustrated embodiment may be considered novel, it is not restrictive on the scope of the invention. For instance, the support frame  19  may be constructed of a single bar that pivotally attaches to the cross member  13 B and includes a T-shape handle on the opposing end. Similarly, the support frame  19  may be a panel, independently moveable legs, telescoping poles, etc. 
         [0023]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , a pair of side frames  27  (substantially rectangular shaped as shown in this illustrated embodiment) each comprising four sides with two long sides  28 A and  28 B roughly the same length of the base frame  10  and two short sides  29  having a length that is roughly two thirds the width of the base frame  10  in the illustrated embodiment but can range from having a length that approximates the width of the base frame  10  or shorter. A cross member  30  runs in parallel to the long sides  28 A and  28 B of the side frame  27  and is fixed at either end to the short sides  29  of the side frame such that the cross member  30  is in plane with the overall side frame  27 . The side frames  27  become part of the total system via one long side  28 A of each side frame  27  running through each respective hinge-support tube  16 , the tube  16  being affixed to the aforementioned support stubs  15  that come off the base frame  10 . The side frames  27  can therefore be pivoted or rotated from a position roughly in plane with and extending from the base frame  10  (see  FIG. 4 ) up to a position perpendicular to the base frame  10 , and then over and roughly parallel to the base frame  10  (see  FIG. 3 ). It will be appreciated that the side frames  27  may also be panels or could be constructed with support tubes extending parallel to the short sides  29 , diagonally, or otherwise constructed. Furthermore, the side frames  27  can be constructed in a manner so as to be open (as illustrated) or closed (i.e., as in a panel) to prevent small items from passing through the frame. In fact, similar to the base  10 , the side frames  27  may include permanently or temporarily attached fascia material. 
         [0024]    A front frame  31  (shown as being substantially rectangular in the illustrated embodiment) comprises four sides with two long sides  32 A and  32 B roughly the same length as the width of the base frame  10  and two short sides  33  roughly the same length as the short sides  29  of the side frames. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the short sides could exist over a larger range of lengths including shorter than the short sides of the side frames  27  or longer than the short sides of the side frames  27  depending on the various uses and embodiments. A cross member  34  runs in parallel to the long sides  32 A and  32 B of the front frame  31  and is fixed at either end to the short sides  33  of the front frame  31  such that the cross member  34  is in plane with the overall front frame  31 . The front frame  31  becomes part of the total system via one long side  32 A of the front frame  31  running through a tube  18   a , the tube  18   a  being affixed to the aforementioned support stubs  17  that extend from the front short side  11  of the base frame. The front frame  31  can therefore be pivoted or rotated from a position that lays it juxtaposed and coplanar to the base frame  10  ( FIG. 3 ) up to a position at least perpendicular to the base frame  10  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0025]    In the illustrated embodiment, fixed to the upper long side  32 B of the front frame  31  are two pairs of parallel wings or flanges  35  fitted with a plurality of holes. Each set of wings  35  extends in a direction perpendicularly upward from the front frame plane  31  when the front frame  31  is in a position juxtaposed and coplanar to the base frame  10 . Each pair of wings  35  creates a nominal gap and extends roughly six inches, give or take, from the front frame  31  upper long side member  32 B. 
         [0026]    Yet another component of the system illustrated in the figures is a substantially rectangular handle frame  36  that includes four sides with its two longer sides  37  a length shorter than the longer sides  32  of the front frame  31 . This handle frame  36  is pivotally attached to the front frame  31  using a hinged attachment  51 . Again, the attachment of the handle frame  36  to the front frame  31  can be accomplished in a variety of manners and the illustrated attachment is similar to the mechanism used to attach the front frame  31  to the base frame  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of anchor plates  38  (see  FIG. 3 ) with drilled holes fixed to the interior of the handle frame&#39;s  36  shorter sides  40  and in plane with the handle frame  36  such that a series of boards or other fascia material  39  can be bolted or attached to the anchor plates  38  thereby defining a surface in plane with the handle frame  36 . Also fixed to each anchor plate  38  is a positioning plate  41  with a plurality of holes. The positioning plates  41  are oriented to extrude from or extend from the handle frame anchor plates  38  on the opposite side from the handle frame boards  39  such that the handle frame  36  can be attached via a cotter pin to the aforementioned parallel wings  35  that are located on the upper long member  32 B of the front frame  31 . As such, the handle frame  36  can be pivoted with respect to the side  32 B of the front frame  31  and then locked into a particular position using the anchor plate  38 , positioning plate  41  and a pin. 
         [0027]    The final frame component of the cart system is a rear frame  42 . As illustrated in the figures, the substantially rectangular or substantially square rear frame  42  has four sides with two long sides  43 A and  43 B roughly the same length as the width of the base frame  10  and two short sides  44  having a length longer than the short sides  29  of the side frames  27 . Obviously, in an embodiment in which the rear panel is square, the terms “long side” and “short side” are only used to provide identifying labels for the various sides as opposed to accurately describing the characteristics of the sides. In the illustrated embodiment, structural support for the rear frame  42  is provide by a pair of cross members  45  that run in parallel and equidistant from each other, as well as the long sides  43  of the rear frame  42  and that are fixed at either end to the short sides  44  of the rear frame  42  such that the cross members  45  are in plane with the overall rear frame  42 . The rear frame  42  becomes part of the total system via the lower long side  43 B of the rear frame  42  running through the aforementioned hinge tube  18 B. Therefore, the rear frame  42  can be pivoted or rotated from a position that is juxtaposed and coplanar to the base frame  10  (collapsed state—see  FIG. 3 ) up to a position that is at least perpendicular to the base frame  10  (and typically beyond this point) thereby aligning a hole drilled in the center of the lower long side  43   b  of the rear frame  42  with the hole drilled in the center of the rear tube  18   b , thus enabling the position to be locked via a cotter pin  46  (chair state—see  FIG. 2 ) inserted through the holes. 
         [0028]    One aspect of the present invention is the inclusion of fishing rod holders by including a rod mount system. The rod mount system is integral to, but could also be attached in a removable manner to, the rear frame  42  and consists of a plurality of open ended barrels  47 , with a pin or some other mechanism fitted at their lower end for the purpose of obstructing a foreign object placed within them from passing through. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrels  47  are fixed equidistantly apart and in parallel to one another along the upper and outer portion of the rear frame  42  such that the unobstructed open end of each barrel  47  faces up when the rear frame is in a position perpendicular to the base frame  10  (utility cart state). However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are also anticipated, such as angled, adjustable, etc. 
         [0029]    Four releasable retaining devices  48  are located roughly mid-way up the short sides  29  of the side frames  27  such that when the side frames  27  and the front frame  31  and the rear frame  42  are all in a position perpendicular to the base frame  10 , then the devices  48  can secure the system and define a box-like space with the base frame  10  comprising its bottom and the side frames  27  and the rear frame  42  and the front frame  31  comprising its sides. It will be appreciated that other mechanisms could be used to secure the frames to each other. One specific embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 5  which shows a pressure connected clamp  54  that is secured to one tube of one panel and that includes a cavity for receiving and retaining another tube. To further secure the frames to each other, a locking mechanism  56  could be used. 
         [0030]    The present invention can take the form of three states—a collapsed state or storage state as best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a cart state as best illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), and a seating state as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 4 ). In the exemplary embodiment of the invention depicted in the figures, an operator can transform the device between the various states. Furthermore, these actions can be performed without the need of any tools. In addition, once transformed, all of the pieces of the device are still connected to each other and as such, the risk of misplacing or losing parts is minimized. 
         [0031]    More specifically, a user can transform an embodiment of the invention from the collapsed state as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 7  to the cart state by following a few steps. It should be understood that although the steps are presented sequentially, the user can actually perform many of the steps in a variety of orders to perform the transformation. The transformation is performed by first pivoting the front frame  31 , rear frame  42 , and side frames  27  from their juxtaposed and coplanar to the base frame  10  positions to a position perpendicular to the plane of the base frame  10 . Once pivoted to the perpendicular position, the front frame  31 , rear frame  42 , and side frames  27  define a box-like space such that the base frame  10  is its bottom and the aforementioned rear  42 , front  31 , and side frames  27  constitute its sides. Structural rigidity of the box-like space is achieved when the operator secures the frames to one another by employing the releasable retaining devices  48 . It should be appreciated that any of a wide variety of mechanisms may be used to secure the frames into the box-like configuration, some non-limiting examples including cotter pins, straps, VELCRO, snaps, clamps, male/female mating connectors, etc. To complete the transformation from collapsed state to cart state, the operator need only rotate the handle frame  36  to desired position and secure it in place with the front frame flanges  35  by use of a cotter pin inserted through the flanges  35  and corresponding holes in the handle frame positioning plates  41 . As a result, the device then exists in the state substantially illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0032]    Once in the cart state, an operator can simply reverse the steps outlined above to return the cart system to its collapsed state. If, however, the operator chooses to transform the cart from its cart state to its seat state, then the releasable retaining devices  48  must first be disengaged. Next, the operator pivots the side frames  27  outward and away from the base frame  10  to a position that places them in contact with the tires. The handle frame  36  becomes functional as a seat by way of the operator pivoting the front frame  31  toward the base frame  10  until it is juxtaposed and coplanar to said base frame  10 . Next, the operator pivots the rear frame  42  away from the base frame  10  to a position away from said base frame  10 , thereby aligning predrilled holes in tubing  18 B and rear frame member  43 B. Once aligned, a cotter pin can be inserted through said holes such that the position of the rear frame  42  relative to the base frame  10  is fixed. It should be appreciated that other mechanisms could also be used such as clamps, or hand tightened screw clamps that allow the rear frame to be adjusted to any of a variety of positions. Finally, the operator stands up the whole apparatus such that the front member  11  of the base frame  10  is in contact with the ground, thereby enabling the support frame  19  to be pivoted away from the underside of the base frame  10  and also placed in contact with the ground at its feet  22 . The complete transformation from cart state to seat state creates an “A” frame structure with the handle frame  36  becoming functional as a seat for the operator and the base frame  10  becoming functional as a back rest (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a sketch of another aspect of the present invention which is a shade canopy attachment that can be attached to the device. The shade canopy attachment  600  includes a shade canopy  610 , a pivoting connection assembly  620  and a cart connection assembly  630 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shade canopy  610  includes a substantially rectangular or square shaped frame  612  with a canvas or other material cloth  614  that is webbed onto the frame with a string, rope or other similar material  616 . It will be appreciated that this is simply one embodiment of such a shade canopy and the present invention anticipates other such embodiments as well. The pivoting connection assembly  620  is simply a dual universal ball type joint that allows multi-directional pivoting of the canopy with respect to the connection assembly  630 . A knob  622  that is attached to a screw  624  that runs through the two sides of a clamp assembly  626  is used to tighten the clamp assembly against the two balls  627  and  628  to hold the canopy into a desired position. The connection assembly  630  illustrated mates with the barrels  47  of the rod mount assembly. The connection assembly  630  includes a main shaft  632  and a securing tip  634 . The securing tip  634  is constructed similar to the construction of a standard fishing pole, as is known to those skilled in the art, such that the canopy shade assembly can be inserted into a barrel  47  and then positioned in a manner to provide shade to the user. It will be appreciated that other attachments may also be provided in various embodiments of the present invention. For instance, using the same technique, lights, a small grill or hibachi, cup holders, or the like may also be attached to the device. 
         [0034]    In addition, the present invention may also be used to hold an umbrella in place. Any umbrella that includes a fishing pole like base end could be inserted into one of the barrels and held to provide shelter from the sun or from rain. 
         [0035]    Another aspect of the present invention is to attach, either permanently or in a removable fashion, a trailer hitch mating adapter. This aspect of the present invention advantageously would allow for the ease in transportation of the device. For instance, in one embodiment of the invention, interface to a trailer hitch could be mounted to the bottom side of the bottom frame  10 . Thus, when the device is in the collapsed state, the trailer hitch interface could be slid into the receiving slot of a standard trailer hitch assembly and then secured with a cotter pin or similar device. Thus, this aspect of the present invention allows the device to be easily transported without having to be stored in the interior of the vehicle. 
         [0036]    Thus, it will be appreciated that embodiments, features and aspects of an invention have been described herein. The specific examples, features, aspects, and embodiments presented herein have been for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In fact, the present invention may be incorporated into various other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, although many of the aspects, features and embodiments may in and of themselves be considered novel, the present invention is not necessarily limited by any such aspect, feature and/or embodiment even though such aspect, feature and/or embodiment may be presented in the claims.

Technology Category: 7