U.S. patent application number 13/044882 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-15 for foldable cart platform and basket combination.
This patent application is currently assigned to CONAIR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Anthony Kit Lun Leung.
Application Number | 20110220642 13/044882 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44558984 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110220642 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leung; Anthony Kit Lun |
September 15, 2011 |
FOLDABLE CART PLATFORM AND BASKET COMBINATION
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for transporting items includes a platform
section (14) dimensioned to support an item, a basket section (12)
having a plurality of basket walls (18, 20, 22, 24) adapted to
transition between an operative condition defining an internal
receiving area for accommodating an item, and a folded inoperative
condition, and a handle section (16) operatively connected to the
basket section (12). The handle section (16) is adapted to
transition between a first condition corresponding to the operative
condition of the basket section (12) and a second condition
corresponding to the folded inoperative condition of the basket
section (12). The apparatus (10) further includes at least one
forward wheel (46) to facilitate transport when the basket is in
the operative condition and at least one rear wheel (54). The
platform section (14) also may be adapted to transition between a
stored condition and a platform support condition to support the
item.
Inventors: |
Leung; Anthony Kit Lun;
(North Point, CN) |
Assignee: |
CONAIR CORPORATION
Stamford
CT
|
Family ID: |
44558984 |
Appl. No.: |
13/044882 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61312919 |
Mar 11, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 2205/24 20130101;
A45C 13/385 20130101; B62B 3/027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for transporting items, which comprises: a platform
section dimensioned to support an item; a basket section including
a plurality of basket walls adapted to transition between an
operative condition defining an internal receiving area for
accommodating an item, and a folded inoperative condition; and a
handle section operatively connected to the basket section; at
least one forward wheel to facilitate transport when the basket is
in the operative condition; and at least one rear wheel.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the platform section
is adapted to transition between a stored condition and a
supporting condition wherein in the supporting condition the
platform section is arranged to support the item.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the basket wall
members include front and rear wall members and a pair of side wall
members extending between the front and rear members.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the side walls are
foldably connected relative to the rear wall, and fold relative to
the rear wall to assume the folded inoperative condition.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein each side wall
includes a plurality of individual side elements, the individual
side elements adapted to fold relative to the rear wall to cause
the side walls to assume the folded inoperative condition.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the individual side
elements are adapted to pivot relative to the rear wall.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5 including a lock associated
with the rear wall, the lock dimensioned and adapted for releasably
securing the basket section in the folded inoperative
condition.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the lock is
dimensioned to operatively connect the rear wall and the front wall
when the basket section is in the folded condition.
9. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the handle section
includes first and second handle elements, the first and second
handle elements operatively connected to the side walls of the
basket section, each handle element having a forward wheel.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 including first and second
rear wheels operatively connected to one of the basket section and
the platform section.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the handle section
is adapted to transition between a first condition corresponding to
the operative condition of the basket section and a second
condition corresponding to the folded inoperative condition of the
basket section;
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of,
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/312,919, filed Mar. 11,
2010.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a transport apparatus and,
more particularly, to a foldable and/or convertible transport
apparatus adapted to transport items including groceries, luggage
or the like.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Various designs exist and are commonly known for foldable
basket-style carts that are typically used for grocery shopping and
for transporting small items. Also commonly known are foldable
hand-truck style carts, commonly referred to as luggage carts and
used for transporting suitcases, brief cases, small boxes and other
items.
SUMMARY
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a foldable
cart that combines both aspects of known basket-style carts and
luggage carts. Specifically, the apparatus may be capable of
transitioning between a basket cart mode having a basket for
storing items and a luggage cart mode where the basket is folded
and a luggage support is utilized to convey luggage or large
baggage. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for transporting items includes a platform
section dimensioned to support an item, a basket section having a
plurality of basket walls adapted to transition between an
operative condition defining an internal receiving area for
accommodating an item, and a folded inoperative condition, and a
handle section operatively connected to the basket section. The
apparatus further includes at least one forward wheel to facilitate
transport when the basket is in the operative condition and at
least one rear wheel. The platform section also may be adapted to
transition between a stored condition and a platform support
condition to support the item wherein in the supporting condition
the platform section is arranged to support the item.
[0007] In one embodiment, the basket wall members include front and
rear wall members and a pair of side wall members extending between
the front and rear members. The side walls are foldably connected
relative to the rear wall, and fold to assume the folded
inoperative condition. Each side wall may include a plurality of
individual side or rod elements. The individual side elements may
be adapted to fold relative to the rear wall to cause the side
walls to assume the folded inoperative condition. The individual
side elements may be adapted to pivot relative to the rear
wall.
[0008] A lock associated may be associated with the rear wall. The
lock is dimensioned and adapted for releasably securing the basket
section in the folded inoperative condition. The lock may be
dimensioned to operatively connect the rear wall and the front wall
when the basket section is in the folded inoperative condition.
[0009] The handle section may include first and second handle
elements. The first and second handle elements may be operatively
connected to the side walls of the basket section. Each handle
element may support a forward wheel. First and second rear wheels
may be operatively connected to one of the basket section and the
platform section. The handle section may be adapted to transition
between a first condition corresponding to the operative condition
of the basket section and a second condition corresponding to the
folded inoperative condition of the basket section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described
hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIGS. 1-2 are perspective views of the transport apparatus
in accordance with the principles of the present invention
illustrating the platform section and the basket section with the
basket section in the operative condition for accommodating goods
or items;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transport apparatus
illustrating the basket section in the folded inoperative condition
and the platform section in the supportive condition for supporting
an item such as luggage;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged isolated view of the area of detail of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 an enlarged isolated view of the area of detail of
FIG. 3 illustrating the lock for securing the walls of the basket
section in the folded inoperative condition;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side plan view illustrating the lock engaging
select individual rod elements of the front and rear walls of the
basket section; and
[0016] FIGS. 7-11 are views illustrating a sequence of steps
illustrating transition of the transport apparatus from the
operative open and supporting conditions of the basket section and
platform section, respectively, to the folded inoperative and
stored conditions thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals identify similar components throughout the several views,
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the transport apparatus in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. Transport apparatus 10 is
adapted to transition or convert between a device suitable for
carrying groceries, goods, etc., in a basket-type arrangement as
depicted in FIGS. 1-2, and a device suitable to transport boxes or
small luggage, in a hand truck arrangement, as depicted in FIG. 3.
Apparatus 10 is further adapted to fold to assume a stored
condition.
[0018] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, apparatus 10 includes basket
section 12, platform section 14 disposed beneath the basket section
12 and handle section 16 which is operatively connected to the
basket section 12. Basket section 12 includes a plurality of
interconnected walls, specifically, base or bottom wall 18, front
and rear walls 20, 22, and side walls 24 extending between, and
connecting, the front and rear walls 20, 22. Base, front and side
walls 18, 20 and 24 are adapted to move or fold upon each other to
assume the collapsed or folded inoperative condition of basket
section 12 as depicted in FIG. 3. Basket section 12 further
includes front and rear frames 26, 28 connected to base, front and
rear walls 18, 20, 22. Front and rear frames 26, 28 may be
generally U-shaped including respective horizontal segments 26h,
28h and vertical segments 26v, 28v depending from opposed ends of
the horizontal segments 26h, 28h. Rear frame 28 may further include
oblique lower end segments 28l (FIG. 1) depending obliquely
relative to vertical segments 28v. Front and rear frames 26, 28 may
include tubular elements or piping and may be manufactured from a
suitable metallic or metal material.
[0019] Base, front and rear walls 18, 20, 22 each includes a
plurality of inner rod elements 30 arranged in a criss-cross and
orthogonal manner to define a mesh arrangement. The upper ends of
the rod elements 30 of the front and rear walls 20, 22 are
connected to respective horizontal segments 26h, 28h of front and
rear frames 26, 28, and the lower ends are connected to lower rod
elements 30 of the front and rear walls 20, 22. Any means for
connecting rod elements 30 are envisioned including with the use of
fasteners, screws, welding or the like. In one embodiment, the
upper ends of wire elements 30 are received within corresponding
apertures within the horizontal segments 26h, 28h of the frames 26,
28.
[0020] Side walls 24 may comprise a plurality of horizontal rod
elements 30 with respect to FIGS. 1-2 and are connected at their
respective ends to front and rear frames 26, 28 of basket 12. The
ends of rod elements 30 may be connected to vertical segments 26v,
28v of front and rear frames 26, 28 in a manner where the rod
elements 30 pivot relative to the respective frames 26, 28. Any
means for permitting pivotal movement are envisioned, including,
but, not limited to, screw and nut means, pins or the like. In one
embodiment, the longitudinal ends of wire elements 30 incorporate
mounting segments 32 (FIG. 4) projecting radially inwardly to be
received within correspondingly dimensioned apertures within
vertical segments 26v, 28v of front and rear frames 26, 28. The
mounting segments 32 may rotate within the apertures of front and
rear frames 26, 28.
[0021] With reference to FIG. 2, in conjunction with FIG. 4, a pair
of outer side support members 34 extends between the front and rear
frames 26, 28 adjacent the periphery of base wall 18. The outer
side support members 34 include opposed forward and rear arcuate
end regions 36, 38 defining apertures. The forward arcuate end
regions 36 of each support member 34 accommodate the ends of the
lowest rod member 30 of the front wall 20. The rear arcuate region
38 accommodate the ends of the rear most rod member 30 of the base
wall 18. The arcuate regions 36, 38 permit relative rotational or
pivotal movement of the respective rod members 30 and the arcuate
regions 36, 38 during movement between the operative and
inoperative condition of the basket section 12 as will be
discussed.
[0022] Referring again to FIGS. 1-2, handle section 16 includes
handle bar 40 extending across basket section 12 and a pair of
elongated handle elements 42 depending from opposed ends of the
handle bar 40. Handle bar 40 may include a padded or conformable
surface dimensioned for engagement by the user. Elongated handle
elements 42 are pivotally connected to the upper rod element 30 of
side walls 24. Any of the aforementioned means for effecting the
pivotal connection are envisioned. In one embodiment, pivot pins 44
are utilized to connect and permit pivotal or rotational movement
about the pins. A front control wheel or roller 46 is mounted to
each lower end of handle elements 42. Rollers 46 are
multidirectional and may pivot about a vertical axis to permit
maneuvering of the apparatus 10.
[0023] As best seen in FIGS. 2-4, a rectangular support bracket 48
is disposed beneath base wall 12. Support bracket 48 includes side
beams 50 and cross beams 52 extending between the side beams 50 and
beneath base wall 18. The front most cross beam 52 is connected to
handle elements 42 with screw threads, nuts, pins or the like (FIG.
3). The rear most cross beam 52 is connected to the base wall 18
with screws or the like (see FIG. 4). Support bracket 48 provides
support for base wall 18 during use.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 4, rear wheels 54 are mounted to rear
frame 28 through axle rod 56 which extends between the oblique end
segments 28l of the frame 28. A bar-like stopper 58 also extends
between and is connected to oblique end segments 28l of rear frame
54 adjacent axle rod 56. Stopper 58 stabilizes platform section 14
as will be discussed.
[0025] As best depicted in FIG. 4, platform section 14 defines a
generally L-shape in plan view having front bar 60, opposed side
bars 62 extending from the front bar 60, vertical bars 64 depending
upwardly from the opposed side bars 62 and rear support bar 66
adjacent the lower surface of base wall 18 (see also FIG. 3).
Platform section 14 is connected to rear frame 28 with a rod 68 or
the like extending through the opposed vertical segments 28v of
rear frame 28, and rear support bar 66. Platform section 14 may
pivot relative to rear frame 28 about axel rod 68. Platform section
14 further includes support bars 70 extending between side bars 62
for supporting the luggage or large box. Vertical bars 64 contact
stopper bar 58 mounted to rear frame 28 to position platform
section 14 at a desired orientation for moving the luggage.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, apparatus 10 further includes a
lock 72 which is securable to rear wall 28 and/or front wall 26.
Lock 72 may define an element having opposed arcuate openings 74
connected through a bridge 76. Arcuate openings 74 operatively
engage rod elements 30 on each of the front and rear walls 26, 28
to retain the walls 26, 28 in juxtaposed relation as shown in FIG.
3. Other lock arrangements are also envisioned including hooks,
clamps or the like. Releasable engagement may be achieved through a
snap or frictional fit between the components.
[0027] FIGS. 7-11 illustrate use of the apparatus 10. In FIG. 7,
apparatus 10 includes basket section 12 in the operative condition
to receive goods, groceries or the like. Platform section 14 may
also be utilized for support of other items. FIG. 8 illustrates the
first step in converting apparatus 10 to the hand truck capability.
As shown, front wall 26 is lifted in the vertical direction of
arrow "m" which causes base wall 18 and front wall 26 to pivot
through the provision of arcuate regions 36, 38 of side support
members 34 with respective rod members 30 of these components as
discussed hereinbelow. Front wall 26 is continued to be displaced
toward the position depicted in FIG. 9. During such movement,
handle section 16 pivots about pivot pins 44 mounted to side walls
24 to assume a vertical position depicted in FIG. 10.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates apparatus 10 with basket in the folded
inoperative condition and platform section 14 in the condition for
transporting larger items or luggage. In this position, lock
element 72 is secured to respective rod elements 30 of front and
rear walls 26, 28 to secure the basket section 14 in the folded
inoperative condition. Apparatus 10 may then be used as a hand
truck with luggage or the like loaded on platform section 14. Upon
completion of use, platform section 14 may be pivoted upwardly
about axle 68 to assume the stored condition of FIG. 11.
[0029] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present
disclosure have been described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings, the above description, disclosure, and
figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as
exemplifications of particular embodiments. It is to be understood,
therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to those precise
embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may
be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing
from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.
* * * * *