U.S. patent application number 14/992899 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-16 for wagon with latch system for collapsible walls.
This patent application is currently assigned to DRAGONFLY GEAR, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is DRAGONFLY GEAR, LLC. Invention is credited to Noah DINGLER, Mike DOTSEY, Patrick NOLAN, Brady SCHROEDER.
Application Number | 20160167687 14/992899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52666165 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160167687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NOLAN; Patrick ; et
al. |
June 16, 2016 |
WAGON WITH LATCH SYSTEM FOR COLLAPSIBLE WALLS
Abstract
A collapsible wagon includes a base and one or more upstanding
walls forming a container for cargo. At least one of the upstanding
walls is pivotally mounted to the base for pivoting between an
unfolded position for use and a folded position for storage and
transport. In some embodiments, the wagon includes a pinchless
internal mechanical stop that eliminates pinch points where a
user's fingers can be pinched during folding and unfolding of the
walls. In some embodiments, the wagon includes a gang-operated
latch system for releasably securing one of the walls to another
one of the walls that is quick, easy, and reliable to use for
folding and unfolding. And in some embodiments, the wagon includes
a latch system that eliminates slack or play when in the unfolded
use position for structural integrity.
Inventors: |
NOLAN; Patrick; (Royersford,
PA) ; DOTSEY; Mike; (Chester Springs, PA) ;
DINGLER; Noah; (Phoenixville, PA) ; SCHROEDER;
Brady; (Milton, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DRAGONFLY GEAR, LLC |
Milton |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DRAGONFLY GEAR, LLC
Milton
GA
|
Family ID: |
52666165 |
Appl. No.: |
14/992899 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14811340 |
Jul 28, 2015 |
9242663 |
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14992899 |
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14444380 |
Jul 28, 2014 |
9108656 |
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14811340 |
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61877266 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/87.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 11/045 20130101;
B62B 3/007 20130101; B62B 5/082 20130101; B62B 3/022 20130101; F16C
11/10 20130101; B62B 5/067 20130101; B62B 7/008 20130101; B62B
3/002 20130101; B62B 3/001 20130101; B62B 3/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62B 3/02 20060101
B62B003/02; B62B 3/00 20060101 B62B003/00 |
Claims
1. A wagon for cargo, comprising: a base; at least one first wall
that extends generally upright from the base in a use position to
help hold the cargo, wherein the wall is movably mounted to the
base and moves relative to the base between the upright use
position and a storage position collapsed into a compact
arrangement; and a latch system including first and second latches
and an actuator operably coupled to the first and second latches,
each of the first and second latches including a first latch member
and a respective second latch member that releasably secure to each
other, wherein the first latch members are movable between a locked
position and an unlocked position, each first latch member in the
locked position is secured to the respective second latch member so
that the movable wall is secured in the upright use position, and
each first latch member in the unlocked position is released from
the respective second latch member so that the movable wall is free
to move to the collapsed storage position, wherein the first latch
members are positioned at opposite ends of the movable wall, the
actuator is positioned on the movable wall, and the second latch
members are positioned on the wagon on at least one element of the
wagon other than the movable wall and positioned to engage with the
respective first latch members in the locked position when the
movable wall is in the upright use position, wherein the first
latch members are spring-biased toward the locked position, and
wherein operation of the actuator moves the first latch members
from the locked position to the unlocked position so that both the
first and second latches are unlocked simultaneously by operation
of the actuator to release the movable wall for movement from the
upright use position to the collapsed storage position.
2. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the second latch members are fixed
in place.
3. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the first movable latch members
are plungers and the second latch members are receivers.
4. The wagon of claim 3, wherein in the locked position the
plungers are received in the respective receivers to prevent the
movable wall from moving past the upright use position.
5. The wagon of claim 3, wherein the plungers are linearly
reciprocating fingers and the receivers are recesses.
6. The wagon of claim 5, wherein in the locked position the
plungers are extended into the respective receivers to secure the
movable wall in the upright use position and in the unlocked
position the plungers are retracted from the respective receivers
to release the movable wall to move out of the upright use
position.
7. The wagon of claim 1, further comprising first and second
connections extending between the actuator and the first movable
latch members of the first and second latches, wherein the actuator
is operably coupled to the first and second latches by the first
and second connections.
8. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the actuator is positioned on the
movable wall between the first latch members at the opposite ends
of the movable wall.
9. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a movable
body to which both the first latch members are operably coupled and
a housing to which the actuator movable body is movably
mounted.
10. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the movable wall is pivotally
mounted to the base for pivotal movement between the upright use
position and the collapsed storage position.
11. The wagon of claim 1, further comprising second and third walls
that extend upward from the base and that are arranged at and
extending transversely from the opposite ends of the movable wall,
wherein the second latch members are positioned on respective ones
of the second and third walls adjacent the opposite ends of the
first wall.
12. The wagon of claim 11, further comprising a minimized-play
feature including at least one ramped surface on one of the first
and second walls, an interference between the first and second
walls, and a resilient deflection feature of the second wall,
wherein when the first movable wall is moved from the collapsed
storage position toward the upright use position, the first and
second walls interfere with each other, the ramped surface of the
first or second wall slidingly engages the other one of the first
and second walls to generate a lateral displacement force, the
second wall is resiliently displaced generally laterally by the
lateral displacement force as permitted by the resilient deflection
feature to provide clearance for the first wall to move into the
upright use position, and the resilient displacement of the second
wall generates a compression force on the first wall in the upright
use position so that the first and second walls are held together
tightly under pressure to prevent wiggling relative to each
other.
13. The wagon of claim 11, wherein the plungers and the respective
receivers are positioned at upper portions of the respective first
and second walls.
14. The wagon of claim 1, wherein the movable first wall includes a
first retainer that engages a second retainer on at least one
element of the wagon other than the movable wall when the movable
wall is in the upright use position to prevent the movable wall
from lateral displacement past the upright use position.
15. The wagon of claim 1, further comprising a stop member that the
movable first wall abuts against in the upright use position and
that prevents the movable wall from moving past the upright use
position.
16. A collapsible consumer-use wagon for cargo, comprising: a base
with a plurality of wheels mounted thereto; at least three
peripheral walls that extend generally upright from the base in a
use position to help hold the cargo, that are pivotally mounted to
the base to pivot relative to the base between the upright use
position and a folded position for storage, and that cooperate in
the upright use position to form a container for holding the cargo;
a latch system adapted to releasably secure a first one of the
pivotal walls to adjacent second and third ones of the pivotal
walls when the first, second, and third walls are in the upright
use position with the first wall extending between the second and
third walls, wherein the latch system includes first and second
latches and an actuator operably coupled to the first and second
latches, each of the first and second latches including a plunger
and a respective receiver that releasably secure to each other,
wherein the plungers are movable between a locked position and an
unlocked position, each plunger in the locked position is secured
to the respective receiver so that the first wall is secured in the
upright use position, and each plunger in the unlocked position is
released from the respective receiver so that the first wall is
free to pivot to the collapsed storage position, wherein the
plungers are positioned at opposite ends of the first wall, the
actuator is positioned on the first wall between the plungers at
the opposite ends of the first wall, and the receivers are
positioned on respective ones of the second and third walls
adjacent the opposite ends of the first wall to engage with the
respective plungers in the locked position when the first wall is
in the upright use position, wherein the plungers are spring-biased
toward the locked position, and wherein operation of the actuator
moves the plungers from the locked position to the unlocked
position so that both the first and second latches are unlocked
simultaneously by operation of the actuator to release the first
wall for pivoting from the upright use position to the collapsed
storage position.
17. The wagon of claim 16, wherein the plungers and the respective
receivers are positioned at upper portions of the respective first
and second walls.
18. The wagon of claim 16, further comprising: a fourth peripheral
wall that extends generally upright from the base in a use position
to help hold the cargo, that is pivotally mounted to the base to
pivot relative to the base between the upright use position and a
folded position for storage, and that is opposite from the first
wall and transverse to the second and third walls; and a second one
of the latch systems adapted to releasably secure the fourth
pivotal wall to the second and third pivotal walls when the second,
third, and fourth walls are in the upright use position with the
fourth wall extending between the second and third walls, wherein
the second latch system includes third and fourth latches and a
second actuator operably coupled to the third and fourth latches,
and wherein the second latch system releasably secures opposite
ends of the fourth wall to the second and third walls at ends
thereof that are opposite from second and third wall ends where the
first and second latches are positioned.
19. The wagon of claim 16, wherein the plungers are linearly
reciprocating fingers and the receivers are recesses, wherein in
the locked position the plungers are extended into the respective
receivers to secure the first wall in the upright use position and
in the unlocked position the plungers are retracted from the
respective receivers to release the first wall to pivot out of the
upright use position.
20. The wagon of claim 16, further comprising a stop member that
the first wall abuts against in the upright use position and that
prevents the first wall from pivoting past the upright use
position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 14/811,340, filed Jul. 28, 2015, which
is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.
14/444,380, filed Jul. 28, 2014, which claims the priority benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/877,266, filed
Sep. 12, 2013, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to consumer-use
wagons for carrying children and other cargo, and in particular to
such wagons with one or more walls that collapse into a compact
arrangement for storage.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional consumer-use wagons are commonly used for
holding and carrying cargo such as children, their toys, beach
items (e.g., chairs, towels, and sand buckets/shovels), and sports
equipment (e.g., balls, bats, and helmets). Such wagons typically
include a generally rectangular base and four generally rectangular
upright walls forming an open-topped container, with a pull handle
pivotally coupled to the base front, and with four wheels
rotationally mounted to the base bottom. A traditional and
well-known wagon of this type is the classic RADIO FLYER wagon.
[0004] While these wagons have their advantages, they also have
some drawbacks. For example, they tend to be bulky and occupy
valuable storage space in the garage as well as in a parent's car
or minivan. Efforts to address this drawback have produced some
collapsible wagons designs. But these wagons have not proven
sufficiently satisfactory, for example many have finger-pinch areas
where fingers can get pinched during collapsing, many have
collapsing mechanisms that are not as quick and easy to use as is
desired, and many are not as structurally robust as is desired.
[0005] Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improved
features for collapsing wagons into a compact arrangement for
storage and transport and for securing collapsible walls of wagons
in their upright position for use. It is to the provision of
solutions to these and other problems that the present invention is
primarily directed.
SUMMARY
[0006] Generally described, the present invention relates to a
wagon including a base and one or more upstanding walls forming a
container for cargo. At least one of the upstanding walls is
pivotally mounted to the base for pivoting between an unfolded
position for use and a folded position for storage and transport.
In some embodiments, the wagon includes a pinchless internal
mechanical stop that eliminates pinch points where a user's fingers
can be pinched during folding and unfolding of the walls. In some
embodiments, the wagon includes a gang-operated latch system for
releasably securing one of the walls to another one of the walls
that is quick, easy, and reliable to use for folding and unfolding.
And in some embodiments, the wagon includes a latch system that
eliminates slack or play when in the unfolded use position for
structural integrity.
[0007] The specific techniques and structures employed to improve
over the drawbacks of the prior devices and accomplish the
advantages described herein will become apparent from the following
detailed description of example embodiments and the appended
drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible wagon
according to a first example embodiment of the present invention,
shown with its peripheral sidewalls and endwalls as well as its
pull handle in an unfolded position for use.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the collapsible wagon of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of the collapsible wagon of FIG.
2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of the collapsible wagon of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows the collapsible wagon of FIG. 2 with its
peripheral sidewalls and endwalls as well as its pull handle in a
folded position for storage and transport.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front view of the collapsible wagon of FIG.
5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a top view of the collapsible wagon of FIG. 5.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows the collapsible wagon of FIG. 1 with its front
endwall folded down during a step of a collapsing method.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows the collapsible wagon of FIG. 8 with its rear
endwall folded down during a further step of the collapsing
method.
[0017] FIG. 10 shows the collapsible wagon of FIG. 9 with its right
sidewall folded down during a further step of the collapsing
method.
[0018] FIG. 11 shows the collapsible wagon of FIG. 10 with its left
sidewall folded down during a further step of the collapsing
method.
[0019] FIG. 12 shows the collapsible wagon of FIG. 10 with its pull
handle folded down to complete the collapsing method.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the collapsible wagon of
FIG. 1, showing covers of its peripheral walls and including minor
design variations.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective exploded view of a pinchless
internal mechanical stop for one of the peripheral walls of the
collapsible wagon of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the pinchless
internal mechanical stop of FIG. 14, shown in a storage position in
which its peripheral wall is in the folded storage position.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a side view of the pinchless stop of FIG. 15.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the pinchless stop of
FIG. 16 taken at line 17-17 thereof and showing its housing.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the pinchless stop of
FIG. 16 taken at line 18-18 thereof and showing its housing.
[0026] FIG. 19 shows the pinchless stop of FIG. 15 in a tipping
position of a rotating motion in which its peripheral wall is being
pivoted from the folded storage position to an unfolded use
position.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a side view of the pinchless stop of FIG. 19.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the pinchless stop of
FIG. 20 taken at line 21-21 thereof and showing its housing.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the pinchless stop of
FIG. 20 taken at line 22-22 thereof and showing its housing.
[0030] FIG. 23 shows the pinchless stop of FIG. 19 pivoted to a use
position in which its peripheral wall has been pivoted to the
unfolded use position.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a side view of the pinchless stop of FIG. 23.
[0032] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the pinchless stop of
FIG. 24 taken at line 25-25 thereof and showing its housing.
[0033] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the pinchless stop of
FIG. 24 taken at line 26-26 thereof and showing its housing.
[0034] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a latch system for
releasably securing the peripheral walls of the collapsible wagon
of FIG. 1 in the use position, showing the latch system in a locked
position.
[0035] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of the latch system of FIG.
27, shown in the locked position securing the peripheral walls in
the use position.
[0036] FIG. 29 shows the latch system of FIG. 27 in the unlocked
position releasing the peripheral walls for pivoting to the stored
position.
[0037] FIG. 30 is a detail schematic diagram of the latch system of
FIG. 27, showing one of the endwalls being pivoted toward one of
the sidewalls.
[0038] FIG. 31 shows the latch system of FIG. 30 with the pivoting
endwall engaging and resiliently deflecting the sidewall.
[0039] FIG. 32 shows the latch system of FIG. 31 with the pivoted
endwall releasably locked to the deflected the sidewall.
[0040] FIG. 33 is a top view of a front portion of the wagon
showing the latch system and the endwall in the pivoting position
of FIG. 31.
[0041] FIG. 34 is an end view of the latch system and the endwall
of FIG. 33.
[0042] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of a latch system
of a collapsible wagon according to a second example embodiment of
the present invention, shown in the locked position releasably
securing the peripheral walls in the unfolded use position.
[0043] FIG. 36 is an end view of a portion of the latch system of
FIG. 35.
[0044] FIG. 37 is a top view of a portion of the latch system of
FIG. 35.
[0045] FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the latch
system of FIG. 35, showing the end wall being released from the
sidewall.
[0046] FIG. 39 is a side view of the latch system portion of FIG.
38.
[0047] FIG. 40 shows the latch system portion of FIG. 39 with the
end wall being pivoted toward the folded storage position.
[0048] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a collapsible wagon
according to a third example embodiment of the present invention,
shown with its peripheral walls unfolded in the use position.
[0049] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a collapsible wagon
according to a fourth example embodiment of the present invention,
shown with its endwalls unfolded in the use position.
[0050] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a latch
system of the collapsible wagon of FIG. 42, shown in a locked
position releasably securing a wagon endwall in the use
position.
[0051] FIG. 44 shows the latch system portion of FIG. 43 in an
unlocked position with the endwall released to pivot to the folded
storage position.
[0052] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a collapsible wagon
according to a fifth example embodiment of the present invention,
shown with its endwalls unfolded in the use position.
[0053] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the collapsible wagon of
FIG. 45, shown with its endwalls folded in the storage
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0054] Generally described, the present invention relates to wagons
that are at least partially collapsible by having at least one wall
that is repositionable between a folded storage position and an
unfolded use position. In typical commercial embodiments, the
wagons are consumer-use wagons of the type commonly used for
holding and carrying household cargo such as children, toys, beach
items (e.g., chairs, towels, and sand buckets/shovels), sports
equipment (e.g., balls, bats, and helmets), and gardening and
do-it-yourself wagons for yard use. In other embodiments, the
wagons are in the form of multi-use wagons, industrial-use wagons,
utility trailers, medical or office carts, moving dollies, or other
wheeled transport containers.
[0055] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-34 show a consumer-use
wagon 10 according to a first example embodiment of the present
invention. Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-4, the wagon 10
includes a base 12, two opposing upright sidewalls 14, two opposing
upright endwalls 16, a pull handle 18, and wheels 20. The sidewalls
14 and the endwalls 16 extend upward (including bowed outward and
not necessarily vertical) from the base 12 to cooperatively form an
open-topped container for the cargo. The sidewalls 14 are typically
longer than the endwalls 16 so that the resulting container is
generally rectangular (in plan view). It should be noted that the
sidewalls 14 and the endwalls 16 are sometimes referred to
collectively herein as the peripheral walls 14/16 for
convenience.
[0056] In the depicted embodiment, the base 12, the sidewalls 14,
and the endwalls 16 are all generally rectangular and made of
lightweight and strong plastic and metal, though in other
embodiments they are provided in other shapes and/or made of
composite or other materials, as is well-known in the art. The pull
handle 18 is pivotally coupled to the base 12 at its front end so
that it pivots between a folded storage position and an unfolded
use position for pulling the wagon 10. And the wheels 20 are
rotationally mounted to the base at its bottom surface, for example
four wheels can be provided for supporting and rolling the wagon 10
as depicted. These aspects of the basic underlying design of the
wagon 10 are conventional and well-known, so further details are
not provided for brevity and clarity.
[0057] The base 12 of this embodiment includes a peripheral frame
22 that supports front and rear seat-pan panels 24, a footrest
panel 26 between the seat-pans, and front and rear seatback panels
28. The seat-pans 24, the footrest 26, and the seatbacks 28
cooperatively form seats for children to sit in when riding in the
wagon 10. The base frame 22 can be made of generally rectangular
tubular metal (as depicted), solid rectangular bars or cylindrical
rods, or other conventional structural members. The footrest 26 can
be supported by and suspended from the seat-pans 24 by support
members (e.g., similar structural members) 30. In other
embodiments, the wagon is provided without the seats, or the seats
are removable.
[0058] The depicted seatbacks 28 are pivotally mounted to the base
12, for example by conventional hinges to the seat-pans 24 as
depicted, so that they pivot between a folded storage position
generally flat against the seat-pans for compact storage and an
unfolded use position generally upright for supporting a child's
back when seated on the respective seat-pan. In some embodiments,
the seatbacks 28 are also coupled to the endwalls 16 so that they
pivot together, and in such embodiments the pivotal mounting to the
base 12 can be eliminated. Details of the pivoting of the endwalls
16 are described below.
[0059] In the depicted embodiment, the base 12 has fixed peripheral
dimensions, that is, it does not fold or otherwise collapse into a
smaller footprint, that is, length and/or width (in plan views), or
into a shorter height (in elevation views). In particular, the base
frame 22 typically is rigid for structural strength (it has fixed
dimensions of length and width as well as height) and does not
include any hinges, pivots, swivels, or other joints that permit it
to fold or otherwise collapse into a smaller arrangement. In other
embodiments, the base frame includes such joints to permit folding
into a compact arrangement for storage.
[0060] In addition, the sidewalls 14 and the endwalls 16 of the
depicted embodiment each include a respective support frame 32 and
34. The sidewall frames 32 each include one or more (e.g., the
depicted two) upper frame members 36 and the endwall frames 34 each
include one or more (e.g., the depicted one) upper frame member 38,
with these upper frame members cooperating to define a peripheral
frame extending continuously about the wagon 10. And the sidewall
frames 32 each include one or more (e.g., the depicted two)
connecting frame members 40 and the endwall frames 34 each include
one or more (e.g., the depicted two) connecting frame members 42,
with these connecting frame members extending between the base
frame 22 and their respective upper frame members 36 and 38. As
such, the connecting frame members 40 and 42 extend generally
upright, though not necessarily vertical, as can be seen by the
steeply-sloped sidewall connecting frame members and the
gently-sloped endwall connecting frame members of the depicted
embodiment. The sidewall and endwall support frames 32 and 34 can
be made of generally rectangular tubular metal (as depicted), solid
rectangular bars or cylindrical rods, or other conventional
structural members.
[0061] The sidewall connecting frame members 42 can be connected to
the respective sidewall upper frame members 36 by a frame connector
44. In the depicted embodiment, with each sidewall frame 32
including two upper frame members 36 and two connecting frame
members 42, the frame members are positioned in a generally
X-shaped arrangement. And the frame connector 44 includes four
connections arranged so that a front one of the sidewall upper
frame members 36 is generally aligned with a rear one of the
sidewall connecting frame members 42, and a rear one of the
sidewall upper frame members is generally aligned with a front one
of the sidewall connecting frame members.
[0062] In other embodiments, a single continuous sidewall upper
frame member is provided and a single continuous sidewall
connecting frame member is provided, with bends for example in
their middle portions, and with the frame connector connecting the
two frame members together in the same generally X-shaped and
aligned arrangement. And in still other embodiments, the sidewall
and/or endwall frames are provided in other forms, for example each
can be provided by a single frame member that extends along and
defines the wagon top and that bends downward at the corners,
thereby forming an inverted and wide U. It will be understood that
other configurations of sidewall and/or endwall frames (e.g.,
O-frames, H-frames, W-frames, M-frames, T-frames, V-frames, and the
like) can be selected by persons of ordinary skill in the art to
provide the functionality described herein, and such other
configurations are contemplated by and within the scope of the
invention.
[0063] Furthermore, the sidewalls 14 and the endwalls 16 of the
depicted embodiment each include a respective cover 46 and 48 (see
FIG. 13) mounted to and supported by their respective support
frames 32 and 34. The covers 46 and 48 are typically not mounted to
each other (or to other of the frame members) to permit them to
pivot with their respective frame members, as described below. The
covers 46 and 48 are typically provided by sheets of a flexible
material such as woven or non-woven plastic, cotton, or a blend
thereof. In other embodiments, the peripheral sidewalls and/or the
endwalls include the frames but not the covers, they include rigid
wall panels without structural frame members, or they are provided
by other conventional peripheral structural wall elements. It will
be understood that the term "wall` as used herein is intended to be
broadly construed to include the depicted frames 32 and 34, as well
as other similar structures, with or without covers, and not just
solid one-piece panels. In addition, in some embodiments the base
12 includes side covers for the areas under the base frame and
above the footrest (see FIG. 13).
[0064] Referring additionally to FIGS. 5-12, the wagon 10 includes
features that permit the peripheral walls 14/16 to be pivotally
repositioned between their unfolded use positions (FIGS. 1-4) and
their folded storage positions (FIGS. 5-7 and 12). In particular,
the wagon 10 includes pivotal couplings 50 and 52 that pivotally
mount the peripheral sidewalls 14 and endwalls 16, respectively, to
the base 12, and a gang-operated latch system 54 including latches
56 and actuators 58 for releasably locking the peripheral walls in
the use position. For example, the pivotal couplings 50 and 52 can
be mounted to the frame 22 of the base 12, as depicted, or to
another part of the base such as the seat-pans 24. The pivotal
couplings 50 and 52 and the latch system 54 can be provided by
conventional components known in the art (e.g., pivot-pin couplings
and snap-fit latches), or they can be provided by innovative
components described below.
[0065] The general operation of the pivotal couplings 50 and 52 and
the latch system 54 to reposition the wagon 10 between the unfolded
use position and the folded storage position is shown in FIGS.
8-12. With the wagon 10 in the use position of FIG. 1, one of the
latch actuators 58 (e.g., the depicted front one) is operated to
actuate the respective latches 56 from their locked positions to
their unlocked positions in which the respective endwall 16 is
released from securement in its use position. Then that endwall 16
is pivoted, about its pivotal coupling 52, downward and inward to
its storage position adjacent (against or almost against) the base
12, as shown in FIG. 8. Then the other latch actuator 58 (e.g., the
depicted rear one) is operated to actuate its latches 56 from their
locked positions to their unlocked positions, and that endwall 16
is then pivoted, about its pivotal coupling 52, downward and inward
to its storage position adjacent the base 12, as shown in FIG. 9.
Of course, both latch actuators 58 can be operated at the same time
and/or both endwalls 16 can be pivoted at the same time, if
desired. And of course the sequence can be performed in the
opposite order, first releasing the rear endwall then the front
one, if desired. In other embodiments, each latch includes a
dedicated actuator or all latches are operated by a single
actuator.
[0066] Next, one of the released sidewalls 14 is pivoted, about its
pivotal coupling 50, downward and inward to its storage position
adjacent the base 12, as shown in FIG. 10. Then the other released
sidewalls 14 is pivoted, about its pivotal coupling 50, downward
and inward to its storage position adjacent the base 12, as shown
in FIG. 11. In the depicted embodiment, the latches 56 releasably
secure the sidewalls 14 and the endwalls together in the use
position, so operating the latch actuators 58 releases the
sidewalls to pivot and not just the endwalls. In other embodiments,
the latches secure the sidewalls and the endwalls to the base, so
separate actuators are operated to release the sidewalls. And in
yet other embodiments, the actuators are mounted on the sidewalls
instead of the endwalls, for example at the front or rear ends
thereof for ease of joint operation.
[0067] Finally, the handle 18 is pivoted down to its storage
position, as shown in of FIG. 12. The wagon 10 is now in a much
more compact arrangement for storage and transport, with its height
(excluding the handle) reduced by about half in the embodiment
shown. In some embodiments, a handle-storage latch is provided to
releasably secure the handle in its storage position, thereby also
retaining the endwalls 16 and the sidewalls 14 (underneath the
retained handled) in their storage positions. And in some
embodiments, the wheels 20 and/or the footrest 26 are removable or
foldable relative to the base 12 for further compactness, though
details of such features are not provided herein for brevity.
[0068] It should be noted that in the depicted embodiment the
endwall pivotal couplings 152 have pivot axes 153 positioned lower
than (e.g., subjacent) pivot axes 151 of the sidewall pivotal
couplings 150 (see FIGS. 1-2). This enables the endwalls 16 to be
folded down generally flat and the sidewalls 14 to then be folded
down on top of them and still be arranged generally flat for a
compact configuration in the storage position (see FIGS. 5-6). In
other embodiments, this is reversed, with the sidewall pivots lower
than the endwall pivots so the endwalls can fold generally flat
over the sidewalls.
[0069] Referring additionally to FIGS. 14-26, details of the
pivotal couplings 50 of the depicted embodiment will now be
provided. The pivotal couplings 50 are innovative in that they
provide for "pinchless" pivoting of the sidewalls 14 relative to
the base 12 by eliminating pinch points where fingers can be
pinched between mechanical stops during folding and unfolding of
the sidewalls. In some embodiments, this same pinchless design is
used for the pivotal couplings 52 for mounting the endwalls 16 to
the base 12, additionally or alternatively to its use for the
sidewalls 14. Typically, two of the pivotal couplings 50 and 52 are
provided for each corresponding peripheral wall 14/16, though more
or fewer can be used as may be desired.
[0070] The pivotal couplings 50 each include an anchor 60 and a
pivot 62 that pivots relative to the anchor. The anchor 60 is
fixedly mounted to the base 12, for example it can be mounted to
the base frame member 22 by a bracket 64, as depicted, or it can be
mounted by a weld, a strap, bolts, pins, or another conventional
mounting or fastener. The pivot 62 is fixedly mounted to the
respective sidewall 14, for example it can be mounted to the
sidewall connecting frame member 40 by a weld, as depicted, or it
can be mounted by a strap, a bracket, bolts, pins, or another
conventional mounting or fastener.
[0071] The anchor 60 includes a fixed housing 66 that internally
contains two fixed stop surfaces 68 and 70, and the pivot 62
includes a rotary housing 72 that internally contains a rotary stop
member 74. The two fixed stop surfaces 68 and 70 correspond to the
storage and use positions, respectively, with the rotary stop
member 74 positioned between them and pivotable through an angular
motion limited by them. Thus, the pivot 62 rotates relative to the
anchor 60 in one angular direction to a storage position (in which
the respective sidewall 14 is folded into its storage position)
defined by, and with further travel in that direction limited by,
abutting contact of the rotary stop member 74 against the storage
fixed stop surface 68 (see FIGS. 15-18). And the pivot 62 rotates
relative to the anchor assembly 60 in the opposite angular
direction to a use position (in which the respective sidewall 14 is
unfolded into its use position) defined by, and with further travel
in that direction limited by, abutting contact of the rotary stop
member 74 against the use fixed stop surface 70 (see FIGS. 23-26).
It will be understood that in the present context rotating and
pivoting are considered to be synonymous.
[0072] In the depicted embodiment, the fixed housing 66 and the
fixed stop surfaces 68 and 70 of the anchor 60 are provided as two
parts that are assembled together so that they do not pivot
relative to each other. For example, the fixed stop surfaces 68 and
70 can be defined by two protrusions 76 extending axially from a
cylindrical fixed body 78, and the fixed housing 66 can be in the
form of a cylindrical shell, with the cylindrical fixed body and
the fixed housing having interengaging male parts (e.g., fingers,
ribs, or bosses) 80 and female parts (e.g., grooves, channels, or
holes) 82 that prevent rotation between them. In addition, the
anchor 60 can include two sets of the fixed stop surfaces 68 and 70
defined by opposite sides faces of the two protrusions 76, as
depicted. In other embodiments, these parts are integrally formed
as a single part, or more, fewer, or differently configured sets of
fixed stop surfaces are provided (e.g., each storage stop surface
can be formed by a dedicated storage protrusion and each use stop
surface can be formed by a dedicated use protrusion, or only one
set of stop surfaces is provided). In any design, the fixed stop
surfaces 68 and 70 are internally contained within the fixed
housing 66 (or alternatively the rotary housing 72).
[0073] Similarly, in the depicted embodiment the rotary housing 72
and the rotary stop member 74 of the pivot 62 are provided as two
parts that are assembled together so that they do not pivot
relative to each other. For example, the rotary stop member 74 can
be in the form of at least one protrusion that extends axially from
a cylindrical rotary body 86 and that defines oppositely facing
storage and use contact surfaces, and the rotary housing 72 can be
in the form of a cylindrical shell, with the cylindrical rotary
body and the rotary housing having interengaging male parts (e.g.,
fingers, ribs, or bosses) 88 and female parts (e.g., grooves,
channels, or holes) 90 that prevent rotation between the parts. In
addition, the pivot 62 can include two of the rotary stop members
74, positioned oppositely (e.g., 180 degrees apart around the
circumference of the pivot body 86), with each contacting a
respective set of the fixed stop surfaces 68 and 70 to mechanically
limiting rotation, as depicted. In other embodiments, these parts
are integrally formed as a single part, or more, fewer, or
differently configured rotary stop members are provided (e.g., a
storage stop member contacts the storage stop surface and a
separate use stop member contacts the use stop surface, or only one
stop member is provided). In any design, the rotary stop members 74
are internally contained within the rotary housing 72 (or
alternatively the fixed housing 66).
[0074] In other embodiments, the stop-surface sets are provided on
the pivot and the stop members are provided on the anchor in a vice
versa arrangement. In such embodiments, the stop member(s) and the
stop-surface set(s) (which can be collectively referred to as "stop
elements") are nevertheless internally contained within respective
housings.
[0075] In addition, the pivotal coupling 50 can optionally include
an auto-positioning feature that biases the pivot 62 (and thus its
endwall 14) relative to the anchor 60 (and thus the base 12) toward
either the use position or the storage position. In typical
embodiments, this functionality is built into the pivotal couplings
50, though in other embodiments it can be provided as a stand-alone
assembly or incorporated into another assembly of the wagon 10. In
the depicted embodiment, for example, the auto-positioning feature
includes at least one cam surface 84 that extends between one set
of storage and use stop surfaces 68 and 70, that is contacted and
guided by a respective stop member 74, and that includes a peaked
mid-section 92 with a tipping point 93 between two ramps 91 sloping
down and away from the tipping point. And the auto-positioning
feature further includes at least spring element 94 that biases the
stop members 74 against the respective cam surfaces 84 (or vice
versa) for guidance by them.
[0076] To effect this, an axle 96 can be provided extending between
and mounted to the anchor 60 and the pivot 62 so as to not unduly
restrict rotational movement between the parts. For example, the
axle 96 can be mounted to the anchor 60 by the depicted
conventional fastener 98 and mounted to the pivot 62 by the
depicted conventional fastener 100, with the pivot no more than
negligibly restricted by friction from rotation relative to the
anchor. In addition, bearing surfaces can be provided at the anchor
and pivot ends of the positioning spring 94, such as by the
depicted anchor flange 101 (e.g., a washer on the anchor-end of the
axle 96) and the pivot body endwall 102. And the positioning spring
94 can be provided by the depicted tension coil spring positioned
about the pivot axle 96 or by another conventional spring (e.g., a
torsion, compression, or leaf spring, or another resiliently
deformable element) mounted in another manner. In embodiments
without the auto-positioning feature, the same or a similar pivot
axis is included to provide the pivotal motion of the pivot
relative to the anchor.
[0077] In addition, a spacer 89 can be provided axially between the
housings 66 and 72, with the anchor and pivot bodies 78 and 86
extending through a bore thereof. The spacer 89 can be in the form
of an annular washer for avoiding binding between the housings 66
and 72 and for partially filling the slightly-enlarged gap between
the housings caused by their relative axial movement as the pivot
is rotated relative to the anchor toward the tipping position.
[0078] In use, one of the sidewalls 14 is initially in its storage
position (see FIG. 12) with its pivotal coupling 50 in its storage
position (see FIGS. 15-18), with the rotary stop members 74
abutting against the respective storage stop surfaces 68. Then the
sidewall 14 is lifted and thereby pivoted toward its use position
(see FIG. 1), causing the stop members 74 of its pivotal coupling
50 to rotate (as indicated by the angular arrows of FIGS. 19 and
22) toward the use stop surfaces 70 (see FIGS. 19-22). This causes
the stop members 74 to ride along the cam surface 84 up (relatively
speaking, not necessarily vertically upward) one of the ramps 91
toward the tipping point 93 of the peaked mid-section 92, which
causes the pivot 62 to axially move (as indicated by the linear
arrows of FIGS. 19-21) away from the anchor 60 a relatively small
length (e.g., typically about 1/16 inch to about 1/8 inch), which
elongation in turn charges the positioning spring 94. If the
sidewall 14 is released before reaching the tipping point 93, the
positioning spring 94 will discharge to bias and drive the stop
members 74 back down the ramps 91 toward the storage stop surfaces
68.
[0079] If the sidewall 14 is further pivoted, the pivotal coupling
50 will reach the tipping position defined by FIGS. 19-22, with the
stop members 74 at the tipping point 93 of the peaked midsection
92. If the sidewall 14 is pivoted past the tipping position, the
positioning spring 94 will discharge to bias and drive the stop
members 74 down (relatively speaking, not necessarily vertically
downward) the opposite ramps 91 toward the use stop surfaces 70.
Then the sidewall 14 can be released and it will pivot further
(under the discharging force of the positioning spring 94) toward
or until it reaches the use position with the stop members 74
abutting the use stop surfaces 70 (see FIGS. 23-26). Or the
sidewall 14 can be manually pivoted further to the use
position.
[0080] After use when it is desired to return the sidewall 14 to
its storage position, the process steps can simply be reversed,
thereby returning the stop members 74 into contact with the storage
stop surfaces 70. The ramps 91 are typically generally symmetrical
to provide the same auto-positioning functionality when folding or
unfolding the sidewalls 14. In this way, the auto-positioning
elements function to induce the sidewall 14 to "spring" toward, and
thereby biasingly retain the sidewall in, the storage or use
position under the force of the positioning spring 94, without the
need for a blocking-type lock or latch for the storage
position.
[0081] Because the stop surfaces 68 and 70 and the stop members 74
are all contained within their respective housings 66 and 72 (both
axially and transversely), there are no exposed gaps between them
that get closed in a pinching manner when folding and unfolding the
wagon 10. In this way, even the small fingers of children do not
get caught between pivoting parts and pinched, resulting in a
design that is safer for children as well as adults.
[0082] Referring additionally to FIGS. 27-34, details of the latch
system 54 of the depicted embodiment will now be provided. The
latch system 54 is innovative in that it provides for quickly and
easily releasing the peripheral walls 14/16 for folding to the
storage position and it provides for robustness and minimized loose
play when the peripheral walls are secured in the use position. In
some embodiments, the basic latch design is used without also
including the minimized-play design. And in other embodiments, the
minimized-play design is included with a different latch
design.
[0083] In the depicted embodiment, the wagon 10 includes two latch
systems 54, each including two latches 56 controlled by one
actuator 58, and each releasably securing the ends of its
respective endwall 16 to the corresponding ends of the two
sidewalls 14 in the use position. The latches 56 are typically
located at upper portions 104 and 106 of the sidewalls 14 and
endwalls 16, respectively, for example at the upper frame members
36 and 38, to provide strength to the peripheral walls when secured
together in the use position. As such, the latches 56 are generally
located at the four upper corners of the wagon 10 in the unfolded
use position, in which each of the endwalls 16 is adjacent to the
two sidewalls 14 with the respective endwall upper portions 106
adjacent the sidewall upper portions 104. Because the latches 56
couple the sidewalls 14 to the adjacent endwalls 16, they each
include two parts, one part on the sidewall and the other part on
the adjacent endwall
[0084] As shown in FIGS. 27-29, the latches 56 each include a
receiver 106 formed on one of the sidewalls 14 and a plunger 108
movably mounted to a corresponding one of the endwalls 16. For
example, the receivers 106 can be located at opposite ends of each
of the endwall upper frame members 38, and the plungers 108 can be
located at opposite ends of each of the sidewall upper frame
members 36. The plungers 108 move between a locked position (see
FIGS. 27-28) and an unlocked position (see FIG. 29). In the locked
position, with the peripheral walls 14/16 in their unfolded use
position, the tips 110 of the plungers 108 are extended from their
endwalls 16 and received in their respective receivers 106 in a
blocking-type retention fit. And in the unlocked position, the
plunger tips 110 are retracted relative to their endwall 16 and
thereby retracted from their respective receivers 106 to release
the peripheral walls 14/16 to fold to their storage position. The
endwalls 16 typically include an internal bore (e.g., when provided
by tubular frame members) within which the plungers 16 are
retracted to the unlocked position.
[0085] The plungers 108 are biased toward the locked position by
springs 112. For example, the plunger springs 112 can each be
provided by a compression coil spring retained between a bearing
surface 114 of the plunger 108 and a bearing surface 116 of the
endwall 16. In other embodiments, other types of spring elements
can be used, such as torsion, tension, or leaf springs, or other
resiliently deformable elements.
[0086] In the depicted embodiment, the plungers 108 are in the form
of linearly reciprocating fingers and the receivers 106 are in the
form of recesses that receive the tips of the fingers. In other
embodiments, the plungers are in the form of pivoting hooks and the
receivers are in the form of transverse pins about which the hooks
can pivotally lock. And in still other embodiments, the plungers
and receivers are of other conventional types understood by persons
of ordinary skill in the art to provide the releasable securement
functionality described herein.
[0087] The actuators 58 are operable to retract the respective
plungers 108 to their unlocked positions. The actuators 58
typically include one or more (e.g., the depicted two) bodies 118
each having a contact surface 120 where the user contacts and
applies a force to move the actuator body from a locked position
(see FIGS. 27-28) to an unlocked position (see FIG. 29), one or
more (e.g., the depicted two) springs 122 that bias the actuator
bodies to the locked position, and a housing 124 for the actuator
bodies. A connection 126 interconnects the actuator body 118 to the
plunger 108, so that applying an operating force to the actuator
body to move it from the locked position to the unlocked position
causes the plunger 108 to move from its locked position to its
unlocked position.
[0088] In the depicted embodiment, the actuator bodies 118 are
pivotally mounted, for example to the actuator housing 124 (or to
the endwall 14), so that they pivot between the locked and unlocked
positions. In other embodiments, the actuator bodies slide or
rotate between the locked and unlocked positions. In the depicted
embodiment, the connection 126 between the actuator body 118 and
the plunger 108 is a cable, for example a wire, cord, string, or
other flexible elongated element. In other embodiments, the
connection is in the form of a rigid rod, a mechanical linkage, or
a gear-set. In the depicted embodiment, pivoting the actuator body
118 from the locked to the unlocked position generates a pulling
force on the connection 126. In other embodiments, moving the
actuator body from the locked to the unlocked position generates a
pushing or rotary force on the connection. In the depicted
embodiment, the actuator springs 122 are each provided by a
compression coil spring retained between a bearing surface 128 of
the actuator body 118 and a bearing surface 130 of the actuator
housing 124. In other embodiments, other types of spring elements
can be used, such as torsion, tension, or leaf springs, or other
resiliently deformable elements. In the depicted embodiment, the
actuator 58 includes two actuator bodies 118 and two actuator
springs 122, one set for each respective one of the plungers 108.
In other embodiments, the actuator includes one actuator body and
one actuator spring for unlocking both plungers.
[0089] In use, as shown in FIG. 29, operating forces can be applied
(as indicated by the two inner directional arrows) to the actuator
bodies 118 to pivot them from their locked to their unlocked
positions, which causes the plungers 108 to retract (as indicated
by the two outer directional arrows) from their locked to their
unlocked positions. In this way, each of the actuators 58 can be
operated by one hand of a user (e.g., by wrapping a hand around the
actuator housing 124, with the thumb on one actuator body and one
or more of the other fingers on the other actuator body, then
squeezing) to release its endwall 16 from its sidewall 14 in the
use position so the walls can then be folded down to the storage
position.
[0090] Referring additionally to FIGS. 30-34, details of the
minimized-play feature of the latch system 54 of the depicted
embodiment will now be provided. The latch end 132 of a sidewall 14
and the latch end 134 of an adjacent endwall 16 have interfering
positions (in conflict because of their physical inability to
occupy the same space) when the peripheral walls are in the
unfolded use position. But at least one of the peripheral walls
includes a ramped surface 136 along which the other peripheral wall
rides immediately before it reaches the unfolded use position, and
at least one of the peripheral walls resiliently displaces outward
(out of its interfering position) under outward forces generated by
the ramp being ridden across, thereby providing clearance for the
pivoting wall to reach its use position.
[0091] In the depicted embodiment, there are cooperating ramped
surfaces 136 on both the sidewall latch end 132 and the endwall
latch end 134. In other embodiments, only the sidewall latch end or
the endwall latch end includes a displacement ramp. In the depicted
embodiment, the sidewall upper frame member 36 deflects outward,
and as such has a sufficient length (between its latch end 132 and
the frame connector 44) and is made of a material (e.g., with
sufficient elastic deformation properties) selected to permit this
resilient displacement. In other embodiments, the sidewall includes
a spring-biased joint that permits this resilient displacement and
a stop member to prevent over-displacement. In the depicted
embodiment, the sidewall latch end 132 displaces slightly,
typically less than about 1/10 inch, though in other embodiments
the peripheral wall displacement can be greater or lesser.
[0092] In use, FIG. 30 shows the endwall 16 pivoting up and
approaching its upright use position (as indicated by the
directional arrow). FIG. 31 shows the endwall 16 further pivoting
(as indicated by the corresponding directional arrow) to where it
comes into contact with the sidewall 14 (in its neutral interfering
position), causing the cam-like ramps 136 of the two walls to ride
along each other, which in turn pushes outward on and thereby
causes the sidewall to displace outward (as indicated by the
corresponding directional arrow) for clearance. At the same time,
the sidewall ramp 136 pushes (as indicated by the corresponding
directional arrow of FIG. 31) the plunger 108 into the unlocked
position for clearance. Now the sidewall latch end 132 and the
endwall latch end 134 are no longer in interfering positions, and
FIG. 32 shows the endwall 16 further pivoted (as indicated by the
corresponding directional arrow) into its use position, with the
plunger 108 resiliently returning to its locked position (as
indicated by the corresponding directional arrow).
[0093] Because in the use position the sidewall 14 is under a
slight shear stress from and deflected slightly outward by the
endwall 16, it stores a charge such that its latch end 132 applies
a compression force on the endwall. In this way, there is no "play"
in the system, that is, the sidewall 14 and adjacent endwall 16 are
connected by a fit that is pressured tight (not loose, no slack or
excess space between them) so the sidewall and endwall are held
tightly together and cannot wiggle relative to each other.
[0094] After use of the wagon 10, the actuator 58 can be operated
to release the endwall 16, then the endwall can be folded down out
of its use position. The reverse displacement process then occurs,
with the sidewall 14 resiliently returning to its neutral inward
interfering position.
[0095] In addition, the sidewall latch end 132 can include a stop
member 138 that limits the adjacent endwall latch end 134 from
pivoting past its use position (see FIG. 32). In the depicted
embodiment, for example, the sidewall latch end 132 includes a stop
member 138 in the form of a laterally extending wall against which
the adjacent endwall latch end 134 abuts in its use position to
limit further travel. In other embodiments, the stop member 138 can
be in the form of a laterally extending pin or other
protrusion.
[0096] Furthermore, the sidewall latch end 132 and the endwall
latch end 134 can include lateral retainers 140 and 142,
respectively. The lateral retainers 140 and 142 hold the sidewall
14 and the endwall 16 from lateral outward displacement from their
use positions (the latch system 54 holds them from pivoting beyond
their use positions). In the depicted embodiment, for example, the
sidewall retainer 140 is in the form of at least one retainer wall
extending transversely from the sidewall latch end 132 (e.g.,
extending transversely from the outer-positioned sidewall stop
member 138), thereby defining a retainer opening 144. The sidewall
retainer can additionally or alternatively include one or more
retainer walls extending from the top and/or bottom of the sidewall
latch end 132, as depicted. And the endwall retainer 142 is in the
form of at least one retainer wall extending transversely from a
neck 146 that extends longitudinally from the endwall latch end
134, thereby defining a retainer opening 148. In other embodiments,
the retainers 140 and 142 are in the form of transversely extending
pins or other protrusions.
[0097] With the sidewall 14 and the endwall 16 in their use
positions, the endwall retainer 142 is positioned behind the
sidewall retainer 140 and thus received in the sidewall retainer
opening 144 (see FIG. 32). And the sidewall retainer 140 is
positioned behind the endwall retainer 142 and thus received in the
endwall retainer opening 148. In this way, the lateral retainers
140 and 142 hold the sidewall 14 and the endwall 16 from lateral
displacement outward in their use positions, as the respective
mechanical stops prevent further pivoting but not necessary
deflection.
[0098] Having discussed the structure and operation of this
embodiment, details of additional embodiments will now be
described. FIGS. 35-40 show a portion of a latch system 1054 of a
collapsible wagon 1010 according to a second example embodiment of
the present invention. The wagon 1010 of this embodiment is
substantially similar to that of the first example embodiment
described above, with some differences as will be noted.
[0099] In this embodiment, the latch system 1054 still releasably
secures the endwalls 1016 to the sidewalls 1014 at upper portions
1104 and 1106 of the walls. But instead of operating a discrete
actuator (coupled to the latches by a connection) to manipulate the
latches 1056 from their locked to unlocked positions, this is done
by applying an upward force (e.g., pulling) on the endwall 1016. So
the endwall 1016 effectively functions as an actuator in additional
to functioning to define the wagon interior. The latches 1056 each
include a retainer (the receiver) 1106 on the sidewall 1014 and a
catch (the plunger) 1108 on the endwall 1016. The retainer 1106 can
be in the form of a wall extending from the sidewall 1014 and the
catch 1108 can be in the form of a wall extending from the endwall
1016, or they can be provided in other conventional forms to
provide the functionality described herein. In the use position,
the catch 1108 is engaged and laterally blocked by the retainer
1106 from pivoting inward, thereby preventing the endwall 1016 from
folding toward its storage position by retaining it in its use
position. The endwall 1016 is biased downward by a spring 1112, for
example a compression coil spring in a housing that is mounted to
the base 12 and that is positioned between a bearing surface of the
endwall and a bearing surface of the spring housing mounted to the
base 12, or another conventional spring element and arrangement. In
addition, with the endwalls 1016 and sidewall 1014 in their use
positions, the sidewall retainer 1106 abuts against the endwall,
and/or the endwall receiver abuts against the sidewall, to retain
the sidewall in its use position.
[0100] In use, with the endwall 1016 locked by the latch 1056 in
the use position (see FIGS. 35-37), a user moves the endwall
generally upward relative to the adjacent sidewall 1014 it is
latched to (see FIGS. 38-39). This upward movement of the endwall
1016 is against the force of the spring 1112, so this charges the
spring (see FIGS. 36 and 38). And this upward movement of the
endwall 1016 clears the catch 1108 from being laterally blocked by
the retainer 1018 (see FIGS. 38-39), so the endwall is now folded
downward from its use position toward its storage position (see
FIG. 40). The endwall 1016 can be released (i.e., the upward force
can be removed), and it will retract to its neutral position under
the discharging force of the spring 1112. After both endwalls 1016
are folded, the sidewalls 1014 are free to be folded too. To return
the endwall 1016 to its use position, the process is reversed, with
the endwall pulled so the catch 1108 can pivotally clear the
retainer 1106 to get the endwall to the use position, then the
endwall is released to drop it downward and latch it in place
relative to the sidewall 1014.
[0101] FIG. 41 shows a collapsible wagon 2010 according to a third
example embodiment of the present invention. The wagon 2010 of this
embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first example
embodiment described above, for example, it includes a base 2012,
sidewalls 2014, endwalls 2016, a handle 2018, and wheels 2020, but
with some differences as will be noted.
[0102] In this embodiment, the latches 2056 can be of the same type
as of the second embodiment described above. To facilitate the
lifting motion on the endwalls 2016 to release and lock the
endwalls to the sidewalls 2014, the endwalls can include handles
2050. In addition, the sidewalls 2014 and the endwalls 2016 are in
the form of solid walls instead of the frame-and-soft-cover design
of the first embodiment.
[0103] FIGS. 42-44 show a collapsible wagon 3010 according to a
fourth example embodiment of the present invention. The wagon 3010
of this embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first
example embodiment described above, for example, it include a base
3012, sidewalls 3014, endwalls 3016, a handle 3018, and wheels
3020, but with some differences as will be noted.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 42, in this embodiment the sidewalls 3014
do not include sidewall frames, and so the sidewall flexible covers
3046 extend between and are mounted to the adjacent endwall 3016
and a longitudinal midsection 3052 of the base 3012, with two
sidewall covers (front and rear) per side. When the endwalls 3016
are in the use position, the sidewall covers 3046 are generally
pulled taut, and in the storage position they fold into the
interior of the wagon 3010.
[0105] FIGS. 43-44 show a latch system 3054 that can be used with
the wagon 3010 of this embodiment (or other of other embodiments).
The latch system 3056 releasably secures the endwalls 3016 to the
base 3012 in the use position. The latch system 3054 includes
latches 3056 each including a receiver 3016 on the base 3012 (for
example in the base frame 3022) and a plunger 3018 on the endwall
3016. The plunger 3018 moves between a locked position with its tip
3110 extended into the receiver (see FIG. 43) and an unlocked
position with its tip retracted from the receiver (see FIG. 44).
The plungers 3018 are located at lower portions of the endwalls
3016, for example at lower ends of their connecting frame members
3042. Springs 3112 are provided to bias the plungers 3018 toward
their extended locked positions. An actuator (not shown) is
included to actuate the plungers 3018 via a connection 3144 that
operably connects the actuator to two of the plungers 3018 (one at
each end of the endwall 3016). The receivers 3016, plungers 3018,
springs 3112, connections 3144, and actuator can be of the same or
a modified type as in the first embodiment. As such, this latch
system 3054 is similar to that of the first embodiment in many
regards, except for the lower (instead of upper) location of the
latches. In other embodiments, the receivers are located on the
peripheral walls (endwall or sidewalls), and the plungers and
actuator are located on the base. In some such embodiments, a
single actuator (e.g., in the form of a foot pedal) on the base
controls a plurality of the plungers, for example four latches at
the four corners of the base, to lock and unlock the endwalls
and/or the sidewalls.
[0106] FIGS. 45-46 show a collapsible wagon 4010 according to a
fifth example embodiment of the present invention. The wagon 4010
of this embodiment is substantially similar to that of the fourth
example embodiment described above, for example it includes a base
4012, sidewalls 4014, endwalls 4016, a handle 4018, and wheels
4020, but does not include sidewall frames, with differences as
will be noted.
[0107] In this embodiment, the sidewall flexible covers 4046 extend
between and are mounted to the endwalls 4016 of each side, so there
is one on each side forming a continuous sheet. When the endwalls
4016 are in the use position the sidewall covers 4046 are generally
pulled taut (see FIG. 45), and in the storage position they fold
onto (or into) the base 4012 of the wagon 4010 (see FIG. 46). In
addition, the endwalls 4016 are in the form of solid walls, and the
sidewalls 4014 are formed by the sidewall covers 4046 and wing
walls 4154 extending from the endwalls.
[0108] It is to be understood that the various features described
herein can be combined in various ways to form various embodiments
not specifically detailed herein but still contemplated by the
inventors. As such, this invention expressly includes each
individual feature disclosed herein as well as every combination of
those features.
[0109] Furthermore, it is to be understood that this invention is
not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, and/or
parameters of the example embodiments described and/or shown
herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments by way of example only. Thus, the
terminology is intended to be broadly construed and is not intended
to be unnecessarily limiting of the claimed invention. For example,
as used in the specification including the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, the term
"or" means "and/or," and reference to a particular numerical value
includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods described herein are
not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but
can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated
otherwise herein.
[0110] While the claimed invention has been shown and described in
example forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the following claims.
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