CA2576548A1 - Portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier - Google Patents
Portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2576548A1 CA2576548A1 CA 2576548 CA2576548A CA2576548A1 CA 2576548 A1 CA2576548 A1 CA 2576548A1 CA 2576548 CA2576548 CA 2576548 CA 2576548 A CA2576548 A CA 2576548A CA 2576548 A1 CA2576548 A1 CA 2576548A1
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- Prior art keywords
- cart
- members
- components
- platform
- friction
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
- B62B3/02—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable or convertible
- B62B3/027—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable or convertible collapsible shopping trolleys
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B7/00—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators
- B62B7/04—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor
- B62B7/06—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor collapsible or foldable
- B62B7/068—Carriages for children; Perambulators, e.g. dolls' perambulators having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor collapsible or foldable by sliding a bushing along a rod, e.g. like folding means of an umbrella
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2205/00—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use
- B62B2205/02—Hand-propelled vehicles or sledges being foldable or dismountable when not in use foldable widthwise
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
A portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier has a folding frame and a flexible basket and bottom shelf which can be folded to a compact size and shape for storage when not in us and can be readily unfolded for use.
Wheels permit the cart to be easily transported. The basket and shelf are capable of carrying loads of about seventy-five pounds and fifty pounds, respectively.
Wheels permit the cart to be easily transported. The basket and shelf are capable of carrying loads of about seventy-five pounds and fifty pounds, respectively.
Description
1 "PORTABLE FOLDING SHOPPING CART AND UTILITY CARRIER"
2
3 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
4 The present invention relates to the field of shopping and utility carts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable folding 6 shopping cart and utility carrier.
9 In general, there are many types of shopping carts, utility carriers and the like in today's market. Some devices are used for carrying purchases, 11 such as when shopping, some for transporting small items such as books and 12 others are used for transporting clothing and the like from place to place.
13 Shopping carts are typically used, such as in supermarkets, to 14 transport groceries or other objects around the store and to a vehicle for transport to a final destination. Conventionally, shoppers carry the articles from 16 the vehicle to the residence however this requires a certain amount of strength 17 and can be very time consuming and tiring, particuiarly if the distances are great 18 or there are a number of articles to be transported.
19 Further, in the absence of a vehicle, carts may be used to transport articles from one location to another, such as purchases from a shopping trip to 21 a residence, laundry to a laundromat and from one place to another within the 22 home or office.
23 When the cart is not in use it must be stored, which can be 24 problematic, particularly if space is limited. It is known to provide folding carts 1 which can be collapsed when not in use for storage and which can be readily 2 transported in their folded state, such as in a vehicle, for use wherever desired.
3 There is interest in a multi-purpose portable cart which could be 4 quickly and easily deployed for use and folded for storage, would be relatively lightweight, large enough to carry a significant number of articles and would be 6 sturdy enough to carry a significant amount of weight.
9 A portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier comprises a frame which can be collapsed to a compact folded position for storage when not 11 in use and an open position for use in carrying a variety of loads in an top flexible 12 basket and on a bottom shelf. A tensile connector is connected between the 13 basket and the shelf to support the basket and shelf in spaced relationship when 14 in use, for assisting in folding the shelf and the lower platform portion of the frame during folding of the cart and for ensuring the folded basket and shelf 16 remain in a space defined by the frame, when folded.
17 In a broad aspect, a portable folding shopping cart and utility 18 carrier comprising: a foldable substantially rectangular frame having, four 19 substantially vertical members; a substantially rectangular upper horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the end and side members 21 comprising two components, the upper platform being hingedly connected to the 22 vertical members adjacent a top end of the vertical members; a substantially 23 rectangular lower horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the 24 end and side members comprising two components, the lower platform being hingedly connected to the vertical members adjacent a lower end of the vertical 1 members; wherein the two components of each of the end and side members of 2 the upper and lower platforms are foldable between each of the two components 3 between a substantially aligned open position and a folded position; a flexible top 4 basket, having a peripheral upper edge, closed ends, sides and a bottom and an open top, supported at the upper edge by the upper platform, the top basket 6 being foldable into a space defined by the substantially rectangular frame in the 7 folded position; a flexible lower shelf having a peripheral edge supported by the 8 lower platform and being foldable in the space defined by the substantially 9 rectangular frame in the folded position; a plurality of wheels connected to bottoms of the vertical members; and a tensile connector connected between a 11 bottom of the top basket and the a top of lower shelf for supporting the top 12 basket and lower shelf in spaced relationship in the open position, for retaining 13 the top basket and the lower shelf within the space defined by the rectangular 14 frame in the folded position and for assisting in folding the lower shelf when the top basket is in a folded position.
16 In one embodiment, the upper and lower platform are formed 17 having two components on each of the sides and ends connected therebetween 18 by a swivel hinge which permits the two components, forming ends and sides of 19 the upper platform, to fold downwards and the two components, forming ends and sides of the lower platform, to fold upwards. Friction hinges connect the 21 ends and side members of each of the upper and lower platforms to the vertical 22 members and permit folding at the vertical members.
23 The friction hinges and lower swivel hinges have friction means 24 incorporated therein to aid in locking the cart in the open position to permit voluntary folding when loaded. The upper swivel hinges have a tensile member 1 incorporated therein for maintaining the two components of each of the side and 2 end members in an aligned horizontal position when the cart is unfolded.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention in 6 an open usable position (unfolded condition), a top basket and bottom shelf 7 shown in dashed lines for clarity of a frame structure;
8 Figures 2A-2E illustrate the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a 9 variety of views, more particularly Figure 2A is a side view according to Fig. 1;
11 Figure 2B is a front view according to Fig. 1;
12 Figure 2C is a back view according to Fig. 1, the handles 13 having been removed for clarity;
14 Figure 2D is a plan view according to Fig. 1; and Figure 2E is a bottom view according to Fig. 1 16 Figures 3A-3D illustrate folding of the embodiment according to 17 Fig. 1, more particularly, 18 Figure 3A is a side view according to Fig. 1, illustrating the 19 cart in a partially folded position;
Figure 3B is a front view according to Fig. 3A;
21 Figure 3C is a side view according to Fig. 1 in the folded 22 position; and 23 Figure 3D is a front view according to Fig. 1 in the folded 24 position;
1 Figures 4A-4D are schematic views according to Figs. 3A-3D, 2 dashed lines illustrating a top and bottom platform in a partially folded position 3 and arrows illustrating the direction of movement of the cart components during 4 folding, more particularly Figure 4A is a schematic side view in the partially folded 6 position according to Fig. 3A;
7 Figure 4B is a schematic front view in the partially folded 8 position according to Fig. 3B;
9 Figure 4C is a schematic front view in the folded position according to Fig. 3D; and 11 Figure 4D is a schematic side view in the folded position 12 according to Fig. 3C;
13 Figures 5A-5C are partial sectionai views of an upper swivel hinge 14 for connecting components of an upper platform so as to permit downwards folding of the upper platform components, more particularly 16 Figure 5A is a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating 17 the top platform components and a swivel hinge in a locked, unfolded 18 position;
19 Figure 5B a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating the top platform components and the swivel hinge in an unlocked position for 21 folding; and 22 Figure 5C a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating the 23 top platform components and the swivel hinge in the folded position;
9 In general, there are many types of shopping carts, utility carriers and the like in today's market. Some devices are used for carrying purchases, 11 such as when shopping, some for transporting small items such as books and 12 others are used for transporting clothing and the like from place to place.
13 Shopping carts are typically used, such as in supermarkets, to 14 transport groceries or other objects around the store and to a vehicle for transport to a final destination. Conventionally, shoppers carry the articles from 16 the vehicle to the residence however this requires a certain amount of strength 17 and can be very time consuming and tiring, particuiarly if the distances are great 18 or there are a number of articles to be transported.
19 Further, in the absence of a vehicle, carts may be used to transport articles from one location to another, such as purchases from a shopping trip to 21 a residence, laundry to a laundromat and from one place to another within the 22 home or office.
23 When the cart is not in use it must be stored, which can be 24 problematic, particularly if space is limited. It is known to provide folding carts 1 which can be collapsed when not in use for storage and which can be readily 2 transported in their folded state, such as in a vehicle, for use wherever desired.
3 There is interest in a multi-purpose portable cart which could be 4 quickly and easily deployed for use and folded for storage, would be relatively lightweight, large enough to carry a significant number of articles and would be 6 sturdy enough to carry a significant amount of weight.
9 A portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier comprises a frame which can be collapsed to a compact folded position for storage when not 11 in use and an open position for use in carrying a variety of loads in an top flexible 12 basket and on a bottom shelf. A tensile connector is connected between the 13 basket and the shelf to support the basket and shelf in spaced relationship when 14 in use, for assisting in folding the shelf and the lower platform portion of the frame during folding of the cart and for ensuring the folded basket and shelf 16 remain in a space defined by the frame, when folded.
17 In a broad aspect, a portable folding shopping cart and utility 18 carrier comprising: a foldable substantially rectangular frame having, four 19 substantially vertical members; a substantially rectangular upper horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the end and side members 21 comprising two components, the upper platform being hingedly connected to the 22 vertical members adjacent a top end of the vertical members; a substantially 23 rectangular lower horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the 24 end and side members comprising two components, the lower platform being hingedly connected to the vertical members adjacent a lower end of the vertical 1 members; wherein the two components of each of the end and side members of 2 the upper and lower platforms are foldable between each of the two components 3 between a substantially aligned open position and a folded position; a flexible top 4 basket, having a peripheral upper edge, closed ends, sides and a bottom and an open top, supported at the upper edge by the upper platform, the top basket 6 being foldable into a space defined by the substantially rectangular frame in the 7 folded position; a flexible lower shelf having a peripheral edge supported by the 8 lower platform and being foldable in the space defined by the substantially 9 rectangular frame in the folded position; a plurality of wheels connected to bottoms of the vertical members; and a tensile connector connected between a 11 bottom of the top basket and the a top of lower shelf for supporting the top 12 basket and lower shelf in spaced relationship in the open position, for retaining 13 the top basket and the lower shelf within the space defined by the rectangular 14 frame in the folded position and for assisting in folding the lower shelf when the top basket is in a folded position.
16 In one embodiment, the upper and lower platform are formed 17 having two components on each of the sides and ends connected therebetween 18 by a swivel hinge which permits the two components, forming ends and sides of 19 the upper platform, to fold downwards and the two components, forming ends and sides of the lower platform, to fold upwards. Friction hinges connect the 21 ends and side members of each of the upper and lower platforms to the vertical 22 members and permit folding at the vertical members.
23 The friction hinges and lower swivel hinges have friction means 24 incorporated therein to aid in locking the cart in the open position to permit voluntary folding when loaded. The upper swivel hinges have a tensile member 1 incorporated therein for maintaining the two components of each of the side and 2 end members in an aligned horizontal position when the cart is unfolded.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention in 6 an open usable position (unfolded condition), a top basket and bottom shelf 7 shown in dashed lines for clarity of a frame structure;
8 Figures 2A-2E illustrate the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a 9 variety of views, more particularly Figure 2A is a side view according to Fig. 1;
11 Figure 2B is a front view according to Fig. 1;
12 Figure 2C is a back view according to Fig. 1, the handles 13 having been removed for clarity;
14 Figure 2D is a plan view according to Fig. 1; and Figure 2E is a bottom view according to Fig. 1 16 Figures 3A-3D illustrate folding of the embodiment according to 17 Fig. 1, more particularly, 18 Figure 3A is a side view according to Fig. 1, illustrating the 19 cart in a partially folded position;
Figure 3B is a front view according to Fig. 3A;
21 Figure 3C is a side view according to Fig. 1 in the folded 22 position; and 23 Figure 3D is a front view according to Fig. 1 in the folded 24 position;
1 Figures 4A-4D are schematic views according to Figs. 3A-3D, 2 dashed lines illustrating a top and bottom platform in a partially folded position 3 and arrows illustrating the direction of movement of the cart components during 4 folding, more particularly Figure 4A is a schematic side view in the partially folded 6 position according to Fig. 3A;
7 Figure 4B is a schematic front view in the partially folded 8 position according to Fig. 3B;
9 Figure 4C is a schematic front view in the folded position according to Fig. 3D; and 11 Figure 4D is a schematic side view in the folded position 12 according to Fig. 3C;
13 Figures 5A-5C are partial sectionai views of an upper swivel hinge 14 for connecting components of an upper platform so as to permit downwards folding of the upper platform components, more particularly 16 Figure 5A is a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating 17 the top platform components and a swivel hinge in a locked, unfolded 18 position;
19 Figure 5B a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating the top platform components and the swivel hinge in an unlocked position for 21 folding; and 22 Figure 5C a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating the 23 top platform components and the swivel hinge in the folded position;
5 1 Figures 6A-6D are partial sectional views of a lower swivel hinge 2 for connecting components of a lower platform so as to permit upward folding of 3 the lower platform components, more particularly 4 Figure 6A a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating the lower platform components and the swivel hinge in a locked, unfolded
6 position;
7 Figure 6B a longitudinal partial sectional view illustrating the
8 lower platform components and the swivel hinge in the folded position;
9 Figure 6C is a partial sectional end view of the lower platform components and the swivel hinge in the unfolded position; and 11 Figure 6D is a partial sectional end view of the lower 12 platform components and the swivel hinge in the folded position 13 Figures 7A-7E are views of a friction hinge for connecting top and 14 lower platform components to vertical members to permit folding of the cart, more particularly, 16 Figure 7A is an isometric view of the friction hinge 17 connected to a vertical member;
18 Figure 7B is a plan view of the friction hinge, platform 19 components and vertical member in the folded position;
Figure 7C is a plan view of the friction hinge, platform 21 components and vertical member in the unfolded position;
22 Figure 7D is a side view of the friction hinge, platform 23 components and vertical member in the folded position; and 24 Figure 7E is a side view of the friction hinge, platform components and vertical member in the unfolded position;
1 Figures 8A and 8B are isometric views of the top basket, the 2 bottom shelf and a tensile member connected therebetween, clips being used to 3 attach the basket and shelf to the cart frame, more particularly, 4 Figure 8A is an isometric view of the top basket; and Figure 8B is an isometric view of the bottom shelf;
6 and 7 Figures 9A and 9B are isometric views of the top basket, the 8 bottom shelf and a tensile member connected therebetween, sleeves being used 9 to attach the basket and shelf to the cart frame, more particularly, Figure 9A is an isometric view of the top basket; and 11 Figure 9B is an isometric view of the bottom shelf.
14 Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such 16 embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small 17 number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent 18 applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and 19 modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the 21 present invention as further defined in the appended claims.
22 Referring to Figs. 1-4D, an embodiment of a portable folding utility 23 shopping cart and carrier apparatus 10 for transporting objects is shown.
The 24 cart 10 comprises a substantially three dimensional rectangular (space) frame structure 11 formed by four substantially vertical members 12 and upper (top) 1 and lower 14 platforms hingedly connected thereto. Each of the upper and lower 2 platforms 13, 14 is further comprised of side members 15 and end members 16 3 the side and end members 15 16 being hinged at about a center 17 of each of 4 the side and end members 15,16, which form the two-dimensional substantialiy rectangular upper and lower platforms 13,14. The cart 10 is moveable between 6 an open usable unfolded position and a folded position wherein the cart 10 can 7 be readily stowed for storage.
8 Swivel castor wheels 18 are connected to the lower platform 14, 9 preferably directly beneath a bottom 19 of each of the vertical members 12.
A top basket 20 is supported by the side and end members 15,16 11 of the upper platform 13 and a bottom shelf 21 is supported by the side and end 12 members 15,16 of the lower platform 14. A folding support cord, basket cord or 13 tensile connector 22, such as a strap, is connected between a bottom 23 of the 14 upper basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21 for maintaining the top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 in spaced relationship in the unfolded position, to maintain the 16 top basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21 within the frame 11 in the folded position 17 and to aid in folding the bottom shelf 21 when the cart 10 is folded. In one 18 embodiment, the tensile member 22 is connected between about a center 24 of 19 the bottom of the basket 23 and about a center 25 of the bottom shelf 21.
As shown in Figs. 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5C and 6A-6D, the side and 21 end members 15,16 of each of the upper and lower platforms 13,14 comprise 22 two components 26,27 which are hinged together using upper swivel hinges 28 23 and lower swivel hinges 29 which permit the two components 26,27 to be locked 24 in substantially end to end horizontal arrangement, in the unfolded position and further, to permit the two components 26,27 to be folded within the upper and 1 lower swivel hinges 28,29 to permit the upper platform 13 to be folded downward 2 (Figs. 5A-5C) and the lower platform 14 to be folded upwards (Figs. 6A-6D).
3 Upper and lower swivel hinges 28,29 are typically located at about the center 17 4 of the side and end members 15,16 of each of the upper and lower platforms 13,14.
6 Further, as shown in Figs. 7A-7E, friction hinges 30 act to connect 7 the side and end members 15,16 of both the upper and lower platforms 13,14 to 8 the vertical members 12 of the frame 11 and to permit the side and end 9 members 15,16 to fold at the vertical members 12 to further assist in folding the cart 10 to a compact size. As with the upper and lower swivel hinges 28,29, the 11 friction hinges 30, connecting the upper platform 13 adjacent a top end 31 of the 12 vertical members 12, permit the side and end members 15,16 of the upper 13 platform 13 to fold downwards and the friction hinges 30, connecting the lower 14 platform 13 adjacent a lower end 32 of the vertical members 12, permit the side and end members 15,16 of the lower platform 14 to fold upwards.
16 Having reference to Figs. 5A-5C, in one embodiment, the upper 17 swivel hinges 28 comprise a short sleeve 33 sized to fit substantially snuggly 18 over abutted inner ends 34,35 of the two components 26,27 which form each of 19 the side members 15 and end members 16 of the upper platform 13. The sleeve 33 is welded, crimped, or otherwise secured to one of the two components 21 26,27, the other of the two components 26,27 being free from the sleeve 33 and 22 having a free inner end 35. Further, a tension member 36, preferably a spring, is 23 passed through an inner diameter or bore 37 of both of the two components 24 26,27 and is secured at opposing ends 38,39 to opposing vertical members 12, typically to at least a portion of the friction hinges 30 connected to the upper 1 platform 13. In one embodiment, the spring 36 is connected at one end 38 to a 2 friction hinge 30 and at the opposing end 39 to a chain (not shown) which is 3 secured to an opposing friction hinge 30. The chain is pulled through the aligned 4 bores 37 of the two components 26,27 and stretched until a force is generated to pull the inner ends 34,35 of the two components 26,27 together inside the sleeve 6 33.
7 As shown in Figs. 5B and 5C, and to unfold the cart 10, the two 8 components 26,27 are pulled away from each other against the force applied by 9 the spring 36 tension, so as to free the two components 26,27 from connection in the sleeve 33 (Fig 5B), and are pushed downwards (Fig. 5C).
11 When unfolded, the free inner end 35 of the one of the two 12 components 26,27 is aligned with the sleeve 33 and, under tension from the 13 spring 36, the two components 26,27 assume the end to end horizontal 14 alignment, the inner ends 34,35 being within the bore of the sleeve 33. As loads are placed in the top basket 20, the two components 26,27 are locked into place 16 and cannot voluntarily begin to fold.
17 As shown in Figs 6A-6D, and in one embodiment, the lower swivel 18 hinges 29 comprise a substantially U-shaped saddle 40 having open ends 41 19 into which inner ends 34,35, of the two components 26,27 of each of the side members 15 and the end members 16 of the lower platform 14, are fit. The inner 21 ends 34,35 are pivotally connected to the saddle 40 by fasteners 41, such as by 22 steel pins which pass through holes 42 formed through the saddle 40 and 23 through the inner ends 34,35 of the two components 26,27. An opening 43 is 24 formed in a top 44 of the saddle 40 to permit the inner ends 34,35 to extend when pivoted to the folded position. Friction means 45, such as small protrusions 1 or bumps, are formed on an inside 46 of the saddle to assist in maintaining the 2 two components 26,27 in the end to end horizontal arrangement in the unfolded 3 position. Load placed on the bottom shelf 21 also assists in maintaining the two 4 components 26,27 in end to end horizontal arrangement in the lower swivel hinge 29. The friction means 45 must be overcome in order to move the two 6 components 26,27 to the pivoted, folded position, 7 In one embodiment as shown in Figs. 6A-6D, the lower swivel 8 hinges 29 are manufactured from a steel plate or the like or from a suitable 9 strong plastic by a process such as injected moulding. In the case of a flat piece of steel plate, the plate can be cut to shape and bent to form the U-shaped 11 saddle 40 having two flanges 47. The bending radius is sized to accommodate 12 the outside diameter of the side and members 15,16, which are typically hollow 13 tubing. Four holes 42 are drilled in the saddle flanges 47 to permit passage of 14 the steel pins therethrough to pivotally connect the saddle 40 to the two components 26,27 for movement between the folded and the unfolded position.
16 Four friction means 45 are formed by pressing indents into the saddle flanges 47 17 from an outside 48 to form the protrusions or bumps 45 on the inside 46 at such 18 positions to allow the bumps 45 to firmly hold the two components 26,27 locked 19 in the open position when the cart is unfolded. The bumps 45 are also sized to allow the two components 26,27 to move past the bumps 45 when force is 21 applied thereto, when the cart is folded.
22 As shown in Figs. 7A-7E, friction hinges 30 used at the upper and 23 lower platforms 13,14 are substantially the same, however the friction hinges 30 24 are installed on the vertical members 12 in an orientation which permits the upper platform 13 to fold downwards and the lower platform 14 to fold upwards.
1 Like the lower swivel hinges 29, the friction hinges 30 comprise a 2 substantially U-shaped saddle 50 into which outer ends 51,52 of the two 3 components 26,27 of each of the side and end members 15,16 adjacent the 4 vertical member 12, are fit. Further, the friction hinges 30 are formed having a substantially 90 degree angle for forming a corner 53 in which an opening 54 is 6 made to accommodate the vertical member 12 as well as the outer ends 51,52 7 of the side and end members 15,16 when in the folded position.
8 The friction hinges 30 are affixed to the vertical members 12 9 adjacent the top and lower end 31,32 of each of the four vertical members 12.
In one embodiment show in Figs. 7A-7E, like the lower swivel 11 hinges 29, the friction hinges 30 are manufactured from a steel plate or the like 12 or from a suitable strong plastic such as by an injected moulding process.
In the 13 case of a flat piece of steel plate, the plate can be cut to shape and bent to form 14 the U-shaped saddle 50. The bending radius accommodates the outside diameter of the side and end members 15,16. Two flanges 55,56 are formed as 16 well as the substantially 90-degree corner 53 between the flanges 55,56 to 17 enable the friction hinges 30 to fit snugly around the vertical components 12. The 18 opening 54 in the saddle 50 is sized to allow the vertical member 12 to extend 19 therethrough as well as the outer ends 51,52 of the side and end members 15,16, when folded. Holes 57 are drilled through the corner 53 area between the 21 flanges 55,56 to permit fasteners such as pop rivets or the like 58 to permanently 22 fasten the friction hinge 30 about the vertical member 12.
23 Further, four holes 59 are drilled in the flanges 55,56 to 24 accommodate pivoting fasteners 60, such as steel pins, for pivotally connecting the side and end members 15,16 to the friction hinges 30, for pivoting of the side 1 and end members 15,16 thereon during the folding and unfolding processes.
2 Four friction means or bumps 61, are formed on an inside 62 of the saddle 50 by 3 pressing indents into the flanges 55,56 from an outside 63 of the saddle 50.
The 4 bumps 61 are formed at such positions and sized to allow the bump 61 to firmly hold the side and end members 15,16 in the open position when the cart 10 is 6 unfolded, but will allow the side and end members 15,16 to move past when 7 force is applied thereto when the cart 10 is folded.
8 Further, the flanges 55,56 of the friction hinges 30 protrude 9 sufficiently into a space S defined by the cart frame 11 to create space sufficient to accommodate folding of the top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 therein.
11 Having reference to Figs. 1, 2A, 3A, 8A and 9A, the top basket 20 12 is a rectangular shaped basket having enclosed sides 64, ends 65, the bottom 13 23 and an open top 66. The basket 20 is typically manufactured from a flexible 14 material, such as a canvas or the like, which is suitable for supporting loads placed therein whilst being flexible enough to fold into the space S within the 16 frame 11 when the cart 10 is in the folded position. The top basket 20 is sized 17 and shaped to fit into a space U defined by the side and end members 15,16 of 18 the upper platform 13 and is supported therefrom. As best seen in Figs. 8A
and 19 9A, upper corners 67 of the basket 20 are cut out to facilitate upper friction hinges 30. Further, accommodation is made along a peripheral upper edge 68 of 21 the sides 64 and the ends 65, such as about a center 69, for the upper swivel 22 hinges 28, connecting the components 26,27 of the upper platform 13.
23 In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 8A, one or more elongate flaps 24 70 are formed at the peripheral edge along at least a portion of the upper edge 68 leaving the corners 67 and about the center 69 of each side 64 and end 65 1 open to accommodate the upper swivel and friction hinges 28,30 and are fit with 2 fasteners 71, such as co-operating male and female snap fasteners, or the like.
3 When the top basket 20 is lowered into the space U defined by the upper 4 platform 13, the flaps 70 are folded over the side and end members 15,16 of the upper platform 13 and the co-operating male and female snap fasteners 71 are 6 engaged for securing the top basket 20 thereto.
7 Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9A, the top basket 20 can be 8 secured to the upper platform 13 by elongate sleeves 72 which are formed along 9 at least a portion of the upper edge 68 of basket 20 through which the side and end members 15,16 of the upper platform 13 are fit. The sleeves 72 are 11 positioned so as to avoid interference with the upper swivel and friction hinges 12 28,30. Sleeves 72 are also provided for the vertical members 12.
13 A flexible basket handle 73, typically made from the same material 14 as the basket, is affixed to about the centre 24 of an inner surface 74 of the bottom 23 of the top basket 20, typically at a position which corresponds to the 16 connection of the tensile connector 22 on an opposing surface 75 of the bottom 17 23 of the top basket 20. During folding of the cart 10, the handle 73 permits the 18 user to grip the bottom 23 of the basket 20 and lift both the basket bottom 23 and 19 the tensile connector 22, causing the bottom shelf 21 to fold upward with the lower platform 14 and to ensure the top basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21 are 21 retained within the space S within the frame 11, when folded.
22 As shown in Figs. Figs. 1, 2A, 3A, 8B and 9B, the bottom shelf 21 23 is a flat rectangular-shaped shelf, typically manufactured from a flexible material 24 such as is used for the top basket 20. The bottom shelf 21 is shaped to fit a 1 space V defined by the lower platform's end and side members 15,16 and is 2 supported thereon.
3 In one embodiment, seen in Fig. 8B, the bottom shelf 21 is further 4 shaped having one or more elongate flaps 76 formed on sides 77 and ends 78 of the shelf 21, the flaps 76 being fit with fasteners 79, such as co-operating male 6 and female snap fasteners. In one embodiment, flaps 76 are formed leaving 7 openings at corners 80 and about a center 81 of each side 77 and end 78 to 8 avoid interference with the lower swivel and friction hinges 29, 20 for folding. The 9 flaps 76 are folded over each of the side and end members 15,16 of the lower platform 14 and the cooperating male and female snap fasteners 79 are 11 engaged for securely fastening the shelf 21 to the lower platform 14.
12 Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9B, the bottom shelf 21 can be 13 secured to the lower platform 14 by elongate sleeves 82 which are formed at a 14 peripheral edge 83 along at least a portion of each side and end 77,78 of the lower shelf 21, through which the side and end members 15,16 of the lower 16 platform 14 are fit. The sleeves 82 are positioned so as to avoid interference with 17 the lower swivel and friction hinges 29,30.
18 Typically, the cart 10 is fitted with handles 90 which, in one 19 embodiment, are upwardly extending outwardly curving extensions of both of the vertical members 12 at one end of the cart 10. The handles 90 are typically 21 round or squared in section depending upon the shape of the tubular material 22 from which the vertical members 12 are formed. Ends of the handles 90 are 23 fitted with non-slip grips 91 such as rubber caps or the like.
24 The swivel castor wheels 18 facilitate the easy motion of the cart
18 Figure 7B is a plan view of the friction hinge, platform 19 components and vertical member in the folded position;
Figure 7C is a plan view of the friction hinge, platform 21 components and vertical member in the unfolded position;
22 Figure 7D is a side view of the friction hinge, platform 23 components and vertical member in the folded position; and 24 Figure 7E is a side view of the friction hinge, platform components and vertical member in the unfolded position;
1 Figures 8A and 8B are isometric views of the top basket, the 2 bottom shelf and a tensile member connected therebetween, clips being used to 3 attach the basket and shelf to the cart frame, more particularly, 4 Figure 8A is an isometric view of the top basket; and Figure 8B is an isometric view of the bottom shelf;
6 and 7 Figures 9A and 9B are isometric views of the top basket, the 8 bottom shelf and a tensile member connected therebetween, sleeves being used 9 to attach the basket and shelf to the cart frame, more particularly, Figure 9A is an isometric view of the top basket; and 11 Figure 9B is an isometric view of the bottom shelf.
14 Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such 16 embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small 17 number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent 18 applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and 19 modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the 21 present invention as further defined in the appended claims.
22 Referring to Figs. 1-4D, an embodiment of a portable folding utility 23 shopping cart and carrier apparatus 10 for transporting objects is shown.
The 24 cart 10 comprises a substantially three dimensional rectangular (space) frame structure 11 formed by four substantially vertical members 12 and upper (top) 1 and lower 14 platforms hingedly connected thereto. Each of the upper and lower 2 platforms 13, 14 is further comprised of side members 15 and end members 16 3 the side and end members 15 16 being hinged at about a center 17 of each of 4 the side and end members 15,16, which form the two-dimensional substantialiy rectangular upper and lower platforms 13,14. The cart 10 is moveable between 6 an open usable unfolded position and a folded position wherein the cart 10 can 7 be readily stowed for storage.
8 Swivel castor wheels 18 are connected to the lower platform 14, 9 preferably directly beneath a bottom 19 of each of the vertical members 12.
A top basket 20 is supported by the side and end members 15,16 11 of the upper platform 13 and a bottom shelf 21 is supported by the side and end 12 members 15,16 of the lower platform 14. A folding support cord, basket cord or 13 tensile connector 22, such as a strap, is connected between a bottom 23 of the 14 upper basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21 for maintaining the top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 in spaced relationship in the unfolded position, to maintain the 16 top basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21 within the frame 11 in the folded position 17 and to aid in folding the bottom shelf 21 when the cart 10 is folded. In one 18 embodiment, the tensile member 22 is connected between about a center 24 of 19 the bottom of the basket 23 and about a center 25 of the bottom shelf 21.
As shown in Figs. 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5C and 6A-6D, the side and 21 end members 15,16 of each of the upper and lower platforms 13,14 comprise 22 two components 26,27 which are hinged together using upper swivel hinges 28 23 and lower swivel hinges 29 which permit the two components 26,27 to be locked 24 in substantially end to end horizontal arrangement, in the unfolded position and further, to permit the two components 26,27 to be folded within the upper and 1 lower swivel hinges 28,29 to permit the upper platform 13 to be folded downward 2 (Figs. 5A-5C) and the lower platform 14 to be folded upwards (Figs. 6A-6D).
3 Upper and lower swivel hinges 28,29 are typically located at about the center 17 4 of the side and end members 15,16 of each of the upper and lower platforms 13,14.
6 Further, as shown in Figs. 7A-7E, friction hinges 30 act to connect 7 the side and end members 15,16 of both the upper and lower platforms 13,14 to 8 the vertical members 12 of the frame 11 and to permit the side and end 9 members 15,16 to fold at the vertical members 12 to further assist in folding the cart 10 to a compact size. As with the upper and lower swivel hinges 28,29, the 11 friction hinges 30, connecting the upper platform 13 adjacent a top end 31 of the 12 vertical members 12, permit the side and end members 15,16 of the upper 13 platform 13 to fold downwards and the friction hinges 30, connecting the lower 14 platform 13 adjacent a lower end 32 of the vertical members 12, permit the side and end members 15,16 of the lower platform 14 to fold upwards.
16 Having reference to Figs. 5A-5C, in one embodiment, the upper 17 swivel hinges 28 comprise a short sleeve 33 sized to fit substantially snuggly 18 over abutted inner ends 34,35 of the two components 26,27 which form each of 19 the side members 15 and end members 16 of the upper platform 13. The sleeve 33 is welded, crimped, or otherwise secured to one of the two components 21 26,27, the other of the two components 26,27 being free from the sleeve 33 and 22 having a free inner end 35. Further, a tension member 36, preferably a spring, is 23 passed through an inner diameter or bore 37 of both of the two components 24 26,27 and is secured at opposing ends 38,39 to opposing vertical members 12, typically to at least a portion of the friction hinges 30 connected to the upper 1 platform 13. In one embodiment, the spring 36 is connected at one end 38 to a 2 friction hinge 30 and at the opposing end 39 to a chain (not shown) which is 3 secured to an opposing friction hinge 30. The chain is pulled through the aligned 4 bores 37 of the two components 26,27 and stretched until a force is generated to pull the inner ends 34,35 of the two components 26,27 together inside the sleeve 6 33.
7 As shown in Figs. 5B and 5C, and to unfold the cart 10, the two 8 components 26,27 are pulled away from each other against the force applied by 9 the spring 36 tension, so as to free the two components 26,27 from connection in the sleeve 33 (Fig 5B), and are pushed downwards (Fig. 5C).
11 When unfolded, the free inner end 35 of the one of the two 12 components 26,27 is aligned with the sleeve 33 and, under tension from the 13 spring 36, the two components 26,27 assume the end to end horizontal 14 alignment, the inner ends 34,35 being within the bore of the sleeve 33. As loads are placed in the top basket 20, the two components 26,27 are locked into place 16 and cannot voluntarily begin to fold.
17 As shown in Figs 6A-6D, and in one embodiment, the lower swivel 18 hinges 29 comprise a substantially U-shaped saddle 40 having open ends 41 19 into which inner ends 34,35, of the two components 26,27 of each of the side members 15 and the end members 16 of the lower platform 14, are fit. The inner 21 ends 34,35 are pivotally connected to the saddle 40 by fasteners 41, such as by 22 steel pins which pass through holes 42 formed through the saddle 40 and 23 through the inner ends 34,35 of the two components 26,27. An opening 43 is 24 formed in a top 44 of the saddle 40 to permit the inner ends 34,35 to extend when pivoted to the folded position. Friction means 45, such as small protrusions 1 or bumps, are formed on an inside 46 of the saddle to assist in maintaining the 2 two components 26,27 in the end to end horizontal arrangement in the unfolded 3 position. Load placed on the bottom shelf 21 also assists in maintaining the two 4 components 26,27 in end to end horizontal arrangement in the lower swivel hinge 29. The friction means 45 must be overcome in order to move the two 6 components 26,27 to the pivoted, folded position, 7 In one embodiment as shown in Figs. 6A-6D, the lower swivel 8 hinges 29 are manufactured from a steel plate or the like or from a suitable 9 strong plastic by a process such as injected moulding. In the case of a flat piece of steel plate, the plate can be cut to shape and bent to form the U-shaped 11 saddle 40 having two flanges 47. The bending radius is sized to accommodate 12 the outside diameter of the side and members 15,16, which are typically hollow 13 tubing. Four holes 42 are drilled in the saddle flanges 47 to permit passage of 14 the steel pins therethrough to pivotally connect the saddle 40 to the two components 26,27 for movement between the folded and the unfolded position.
16 Four friction means 45 are formed by pressing indents into the saddle flanges 47 17 from an outside 48 to form the protrusions or bumps 45 on the inside 46 at such 18 positions to allow the bumps 45 to firmly hold the two components 26,27 locked 19 in the open position when the cart is unfolded. The bumps 45 are also sized to allow the two components 26,27 to move past the bumps 45 when force is 21 applied thereto, when the cart is folded.
22 As shown in Figs. 7A-7E, friction hinges 30 used at the upper and 23 lower platforms 13,14 are substantially the same, however the friction hinges 30 24 are installed on the vertical members 12 in an orientation which permits the upper platform 13 to fold downwards and the lower platform 14 to fold upwards.
1 Like the lower swivel hinges 29, the friction hinges 30 comprise a 2 substantially U-shaped saddle 50 into which outer ends 51,52 of the two 3 components 26,27 of each of the side and end members 15,16 adjacent the 4 vertical member 12, are fit. Further, the friction hinges 30 are formed having a substantially 90 degree angle for forming a corner 53 in which an opening 54 is 6 made to accommodate the vertical member 12 as well as the outer ends 51,52 7 of the side and end members 15,16 when in the folded position.
8 The friction hinges 30 are affixed to the vertical members 12 9 adjacent the top and lower end 31,32 of each of the four vertical members 12.
In one embodiment show in Figs. 7A-7E, like the lower swivel 11 hinges 29, the friction hinges 30 are manufactured from a steel plate or the like 12 or from a suitable strong plastic such as by an injected moulding process.
In the 13 case of a flat piece of steel plate, the plate can be cut to shape and bent to form 14 the U-shaped saddle 50. The bending radius accommodates the outside diameter of the side and end members 15,16. Two flanges 55,56 are formed as 16 well as the substantially 90-degree corner 53 between the flanges 55,56 to 17 enable the friction hinges 30 to fit snugly around the vertical components 12. The 18 opening 54 in the saddle 50 is sized to allow the vertical member 12 to extend 19 therethrough as well as the outer ends 51,52 of the side and end members 15,16, when folded. Holes 57 are drilled through the corner 53 area between the 21 flanges 55,56 to permit fasteners such as pop rivets or the like 58 to permanently 22 fasten the friction hinge 30 about the vertical member 12.
23 Further, four holes 59 are drilled in the flanges 55,56 to 24 accommodate pivoting fasteners 60, such as steel pins, for pivotally connecting the side and end members 15,16 to the friction hinges 30, for pivoting of the side 1 and end members 15,16 thereon during the folding and unfolding processes.
2 Four friction means or bumps 61, are formed on an inside 62 of the saddle 50 by 3 pressing indents into the flanges 55,56 from an outside 63 of the saddle 50.
The 4 bumps 61 are formed at such positions and sized to allow the bump 61 to firmly hold the side and end members 15,16 in the open position when the cart 10 is 6 unfolded, but will allow the side and end members 15,16 to move past when 7 force is applied thereto when the cart 10 is folded.
8 Further, the flanges 55,56 of the friction hinges 30 protrude 9 sufficiently into a space S defined by the cart frame 11 to create space sufficient to accommodate folding of the top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 therein.
11 Having reference to Figs. 1, 2A, 3A, 8A and 9A, the top basket 20 12 is a rectangular shaped basket having enclosed sides 64, ends 65, the bottom 13 23 and an open top 66. The basket 20 is typically manufactured from a flexible 14 material, such as a canvas or the like, which is suitable for supporting loads placed therein whilst being flexible enough to fold into the space S within the 16 frame 11 when the cart 10 is in the folded position. The top basket 20 is sized 17 and shaped to fit into a space U defined by the side and end members 15,16 of 18 the upper platform 13 and is supported therefrom. As best seen in Figs. 8A
and 19 9A, upper corners 67 of the basket 20 are cut out to facilitate upper friction hinges 30. Further, accommodation is made along a peripheral upper edge 68 of 21 the sides 64 and the ends 65, such as about a center 69, for the upper swivel 22 hinges 28, connecting the components 26,27 of the upper platform 13.
23 In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 8A, one or more elongate flaps 24 70 are formed at the peripheral edge along at least a portion of the upper edge 68 leaving the corners 67 and about the center 69 of each side 64 and end 65 1 open to accommodate the upper swivel and friction hinges 28,30 and are fit with 2 fasteners 71, such as co-operating male and female snap fasteners, or the like.
3 When the top basket 20 is lowered into the space U defined by the upper 4 platform 13, the flaps 70 are folded over the side and end members 15,16 of the upper platform 13 and the co-operating male and female snap fasteners 71 are 6 engaged for securing the top basket 20 thereto.
7 Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9A, the top basket 20 can be 8 secured to the upper platform 13 by elongate sleeves 72 which are formed along 9 at least a portion of the upper edge 68 of basket 20 through which the side and end members 15,16 of the upper platform 13 are fit. The sleeves 72 are 11 positioned so as to avoid interference with the upper swivel and friction hinges 12 28,30. Sleeves 72 are also provided for the vertical members 12.
13 A flexible basket handle 73, typically made from the same material 14 as the basket, is affixed to about the centre 24 of an inner surface 74 of the bottom 23 of the top basket 20, typically at a position which corresponds to the 16 connection of the tensile connector 22 on an opposing surface 75 of the bottom 17 23 of the top basket 20. During folding of the cart 10, the handle 73 permits the 18 user to grip the bottom 23 of the basket 20 and lift both the basket bottom 23 and 19 the tensile connector 22, causing the bottom shelf 21 to fold upward with the lower platform 14 and to ensure the top basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21 are 21 retained within the space S within the frame 11, when folded.
22 As shown in Figs. Figs. 1, 2A, 3A, 8B and 9B, the bottom shelf 21 23 is a flat rectangular-shaped shelf, typically manufactured from a flexible material 24 such as is used for the top basket 20. The bottom shelf 21 is shaped to fit a 1 space V defined by the lower platform's end and side members 15,16 and is 2 supported thereon.
3 In one embodiment, seen in Fig. 8B, the bottom shelf 21 is further 4 shaped having one or more elongate flaps 76 formed on sides 77 and ends 78 of the shelf 21, the flaps 76 being fit with fasteners 79, such as co-operating male 6 and female snap fasteners. In one embodiment, flaps 76 are formed leaving 7 openings at corners 80 and about a center 81 of each side 77 and end 78 to 8 avoid interference with the lower swivel and friction hinges 29, 20 for folding. The 9 flaps 76 are folded over each of the side and end members 15,16 of the lower platform 14 and the cooperating male and female snap fasteners 79 are 11 engaged for securely fastening the shelf 21 to the lower platform 14.
12 Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9B, the bottom shelf 21 can be 13 secured to the lower platform 14 by elongate sleeves 82 which are formed at a 14 peripheral edge 83 along at least a portion of each side and end 77,78 of the lower shelf 21, through which the side and end members 15,16 of the lower 16 platform 14 are fit. The sleeves 82 are positioned so as to avoid interference with 17 the lower swivel and friction hinges 29,30.
18 Typically, the cart 10 is fitted with handles 90 which, in one 19 embodiment, are upwardly extending outwardly curving extensions of both of the vertical members 12 at one end of the cart 10. The handles 90 are typically 21 round or squared in section depending upon the shape of the tubular material 22 from which the vertical members 12 are formed. Ends of the handles 90 are 23 fitted with non-slip grips 91 such as rubber caps or the like.
24 The swivel castor wheels 18 facilitate the easy motion of the cart
10 in forwards, sideways and backwards directions. In one embodiment, the 1 castor wheels 18 are of industrial strength and are preferably made from steel or 2 steel alloys or the like having sufficient strength to carry the loads placed into the 3 cart, particularly when traversing over rough surfaces. The wheels are connected 4 to the bottoms 19 of the vertical members 12 such as by a pin that is welded onto a swivel of the wheels 18 and extends upwardly thereform and a spacer 6 bushing that holds the pin securely in position inside the vertical member's 7 tubular bore (not shown). A rubber tread or the like is formed about the running 8 surface of the wheels 18 to prohibit slipping in wet or smooth surface conditions.
9 The portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier 10 can be made from a number of different materials. In one embodiment, the structural
9 The portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier 10 can be made from a number of different materials. In one embodiment, the structural
11 components, which include the vertical members 12, the side and end members
12 15,16 and the handles 90, are made of a thin walled metal tubing manufactured
13 from steel, aluminium or the like. In other embodiments, the structural
14 components may be manufactured from hollow carbon fiber, plastics and the like.
16 The swivel and friction hinges 28,29,30 are manufactured from a 17 thin steel or aluminium plate, or alternatively may be injected or thermoform 18 moulded or the like.
19 The top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 are manufactured from a fabric materials, such as a light canvas type material or the like, that is 21 sufficiently strong to carry the loads placed therein and are able to fold easily to 22 accommodate the folding process of the cart. In one embodiment the top basket 23 20 is capable of carrying about 75 pounds and the bottom shelf 21 is capable of 24 carrying about 50 pounds.
1 Different colors and designs on the fabric components can be 2 incorporated to embody the various types of activities of users of the portable 3 folding shopping cart and utility carrier 10. Moulding and mass production 4 processes relatively inexpensively production, thereby making embodiments of the invention available to the consumer at a low cost.
6 Optionally, once folded, a VELCROTM or bungee cord type strap or 7 the like 104 is provided to wrap about the folded cart 10 to hold the cart 10 in the 8 folded position until the strap 104 is released for unfolding the cart 10.
In Use 11 Having reference to Figs 3A-3D and 4A-4D, the portable folding 12 shopping cart and utility carrier 10 is capable of being folded into a small 13 portable unit for storage when not required.
Folding the Cart:
16 The first step in the folding process is to release the lower 17 platform's side and end members 15,16 from the locked unfolded position. To 18 initiate the first step, the basket pull handle 73 is grasped and pulled upwards to 19 create a lifting force which is transferred to the tensile connector 22, connected between the top basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21, and thus, to the bottom shelf 21 21. The upward force on the bottom shelf 21, typically at about the center 25 of 22 the shelf 21 is transferred to the lower swivel hinges 29 connecting the side and 23 end members 15,16 of the lower platform 14, causing the lower swivel hinges 24 to overcome the friction bumps 45 and fold upwards in the direction of the lifting force. The user then exerts sufficient force to overcome the friction bumps 61 on 1 the lower friction hinges 30, unlocking the side and end members 15,16 from the 2 lower friction hinges 30 and permitting the side and end members 15,16 to pivot 3 about the pins 41 towards the folded position. The lower platform's side and end 4 members 15,16 are substantially only permitted to move in a vertical plane due to constraints imposed by the lower swivel and friction hinges' flanges 47,55,56.
6 The upward folding movement of the lower platform's members 15,16 is partially 7 completed as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. The basket handle 73 is released at this 8 stage of folding, the cart 10 being vertically geometrically stable on the wheels 9 18, permitting the user to initiate the next step of the folding process.
The next step of the folding process is to unlock and fold the side 11 and end members 15,16 of the top p(atform 13. The two components 26,27 of 12 each of the side and end members 15,16 are grasped and pulled apart against 13 the force applied therein by the tension spring 36. Once the free end 35 is pulled 14 from the sleeve 33, the user applies a force to fold the two components 26,27 downwards. Force is applied to the side and end members 15,16 at the friction 16 hinges 30 to overcome the friction means 61 and permit the side and end 17 members 15,16 to pivot about the pins 58 towards the folded position. The 18 vertical members 12 are moved towards one another until the cart 10 is in the 19 compact folded position (Figs 3C, 3D, 4C and 4D), the top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 having automatically folded within the space S defined therebetween.
21 If the strap 104 is provided, the final step in the folding process is 22 to pull the strap 104 around the outside of the vertical members 12 to assist in 23 moving the vertical members 12 closer together in compact folded arrangement, 24 The strap 104 is then fastened about the folded cart 10 using a fastener such as a clip or the like (not shown).
1 Unfoldin4 the Cart:
2 When required for use, the cart 10 is unfolded substantially by 3 reversing the process as described for folding of the cart 10.
4 The cart 10 is first placed in a vertical position supported on the wheels 18 where it is typically capable of standing independently. If provided, the 6 strap 104 is released from about the folded cart 10.
7 Two of the vertical members 12 are grasped, typically the two 8 vertical members 12 at one end of the cart 10, and pulled away from one 9 another. This is repeated with the remaining two vertical members 12 until the cart 10 is partially unfolded as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. The process is 11 repeated again by pulling apart vertical members 12 at opposing ends of the cart 12 10 until the upper and lower platforms 13,14 are substantially in horizontal 13 planes and the cart 10 is completely unfolded.
14 In the final step, the two components 26,27 of each of the side and end members 15,16 of the upper and lower platforms 13,14 locked in end to end 16 horizontal arrangement at the swivel hinges 28,29 and the friction hinges 30 are 17 similarly locked into place to lock the platforms 13,14 at the vertical members 12.
18 A downward force is applied to the lower swivel hinges 29 causing the side and 19 end members 115,16 to overcome and pass by the friction means 45,61 at both the lower swivel hinges 29 and the lower friction hinges 30 and to lock therein.
21 Each of the two components 26,27 of the side and end members 22 15,16 of the upper platform 13 are grasped and pulled upwards, aligning the free 23 end 35 of one member with the sleeve 33 attached to the other and permitting 24 the tension spring 36 to pull the free end35 into the sleeve 33 for positioning and locking the two components 26,27 in end to end substantially horizontal 1 alignment therein. Further the upward force required to engage and lock the 2 upper swivel hinges 28 also causes the side and end members 15,16 to 3 overcome the friction means 61 in the upper friction hinges 30 at the vertical 4 members 12, locking the side and end members 15,16 therein.
The cart 10 is now in the unfolded position and is ready for use.
16 The swivel and friction hinges 28,29,30 are manufactured from a 17 thin steel or aluminium plate, or alternatively may be injected or thermoform 18 moulded or the like.
19 The top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 are manufactured from a fabric materials, such as a light canvas type material or the like, that is 21 sufficiently strong to carry the loads placed therein and are able to fold easily to 22 accommodate the folding process of the cart. In one embodiment the top basket 23 20 is capable of carrying about 75 pounds and the bottom shelf 21 is capable of 24 carrying about 50 pounds.
1 Different colors and designs on the fabric components can be 2 incorporated to embody the various types of activities of users of the portable 3 folding shopping cart and utility carrier 10. Moulding and mass production 4 processes relatively inexpensively production, thereby making embodiments of the invention available to the consumer at a low cost.
6 Optionally, once folded, a VELCROTM or bungee cord type strap or 7 the like 104 is provided to wrap about the folded cart 10 to hold the cart 10 in the 8 folded position until the strap 104 is released for unfolding the cart 10.
In Use 11 Having reference to Figs 3A-3D and 4A-4D, the portable folding 12 shopping cart and utility carrier 10 is capable of being folded into a small 13 portable unit for storage when not required.
Folding the Cart:
16 The first step in the folding process is to release the lower 17 platform's side and end members 15,16 from the locked unfolded position. To 18 initiate the first step, the basket pull handle 73 is grasped and pulled upwards to 19 create a lifting force which is transferred to the tensile connector 22, connected between the top basket 20 and the bottom shelf 21, and thus, to the bottom shelf 21 21. The upward force on the bottom shelf 21, typically at about the center 25 of 22 the shelf 21 is transferred to the lower swivel hinges 29 connecting the side and 23 end members 15,16 of the lower platform 14, causing the lower swivel hinges 24 to overcome the friction bumps 45 and fold upwards in the direction of the lifting force. The user then exerts sufficient force to overcome the friction bumps 61 on 1 the lower friction hinges 30, unlocking the side and end members 15,16 from the 2 lower friction hinges 30 and permitting the side and end members 15,16 to pivot 3 about the pins 41 towards the folded position. The lower platform's side and end 4 members 15,16 are substantially only permitted to move in a vertical plane due to constraints imposed by the lower swivel and friction hinges' flanges 47,55,56.
6 The upward folding movement of the lower platform's members 15,16 is partially 7 completed as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. The basket handle 73 is released at this 8 stage of folding, the cart 10 being vertically geometrically stable on the wheels 9 18, permitting the user to initiate the next step of the folding process.
The next step of the folding process is to unlock and fold the side 11 and end members 15,16 of the top p(atform 13. The two components 26,27 of 12 each of the side and end members 15,16 are grasped and pulled apart against 13 the force applied therein by the tension spring 36. Once the free end 35 is pulled 14 from the sleeve 33, the user applies a force to fold the two components 26,27 downwards. Force is applied to the side and end members 15,16 at the friction 16 hinges 30 to overcome the friction means 61 and permit the side and end 17 members 15,16 to pivot about the pins 58 towards the folded position. The 18 vertical members 12 are moved towards one another until the cart 10 is in the 19 compact folded position (Figs 3C, 3D, 4C and 4D), the top basket 20 and bottom shelf 21 having automatically folded within the space S defined therebetween.
21 If the strap 104 is provided, the final step in the folding process is 22 to pull the strap 104 around the outside of the vertical members 12 to assist in 23 moving the vertical members 12 closer together in compact folded arrangement, 24 The strap 104 is then fastened about the folded cart 10 using a fastener such as a clip or the like (not shown).
1 Unfoldin4 the Cart:
2 When required for use, the cart 10 is unfolded substantially by 3 reversing the process as described for folding of the cart 10.
4 The cart 10 is first placed in a vertical position supported on the wheels 18 where it is typically capable of standing independently. If provided, the 6 strap 104 is released from about the folded cart 10.
7 Two of the vertical members 12 are grasped, typically the two 8 vertical members 12 at one end of the cart 10, and pulled away from one 9 another. This is repeated with the remaining two vertical members 12 until the cart 10 is partially unfolded as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. The process is 11 repeated again by pulling apart vertical members 12 at opposing ends of the cart 12 10 until the upper and lower platforms 13,14 are substantially in horizontal 13 planes and the cart 10 is completely unfolded.
14 In the final step, the two components 26,27 of each of the side and end members 15,16 of the upper and lower platforms 13,14 locked in end to end 16 horizontal arrangement at the swivel hinges 28,29 and the friction hinges 30 are 17 similarly locked into place to lock the platforms 13,14 at the vertical members 12.
18 A downward force is applied to the lower swivel hinges 29 causing the side and 19 end members 115,16 to overcome and pass by the friction means 45,61 at both the lower swivel hinges 29 and the lower friction hinges 30 and to lock therein.
21 Each of the two components 26,27 of the side and end members 22 15,16 of the upper platform 13 are grasped and pulled upwards, aligning the free 23 end 35 of one member with the sleeve 33 attached to the other and permitting 24 the tension spring 36 to pull the free end35 into the sleeve 33 for positioning and locking the two components 26,27 in end to end substantially horizontal 1 alignment therein. Further the upward force required to engage and lock the 2 upper swivel hinges 28 also causes the side and end members 15,16 to 3 overcome the friction means 61 in the upper friction hinges 30 at the vertical 4 members 12, locking the side and end members 15,16 therein.
The cart 10 is now in the unfolded position and is ready for use.
Claims (21)
EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS
FOLLOWS:
1. A portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier comprising:
a foldable substantially rectangular frame having, four substantially vertical members;
a substantially rectangular upper horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the end and side members comprising two components, the upper platform being hingedly connected to the vertical members adjacent a top end of the vertical members;
a substantially rectangular lower horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the end and side members comprising two components, the lower platform being hingedly connected to the vertical members adjacent a lower end of the vertical members;
wherein the two components of each of the end and side members of the upper and lower platforms are foldable between each of the two components between a substantially aligned open position and a folded position;
a flexible top basket, having a peripheral upper edge, closed ends, sides and a bottom and an open top, supported at the upper edge by the upper platform, the top basket being foldable into a space defined by the substantially rectangular frame in the folded position;
a flexible lower shelf having a peripheral edge supported by the lower platform and being foldable in the space defined by the substantially rectangular frame in the folded position;
a plurality of wheels connected to bottoms of the vertical members;
and a tensile connector connected between a bottom of the top basket and a top of the lower shelf for supporting the top basket and lower shelf in spaced relationship in the open position, for retaining the top basket and the lower shelf within the space defined by the rectangular frame in the folded position and for assisting in folding the lower shelf when the top basket is in a folded position.
a foldable substantially rectangular frame having, four substantially vertical members;
a substantially rectangular upper horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the end and side members comprising two components, the upper platform being hingedly connected to the vertical members adjacent a top end of the vertical members;
a substantially rectangular lower horizontal platform having end and side members, each of the end and side members comprising two components, the lower platform being hingedly connected to the vertical members adjacent a lower end of the vertical members;
wherein the two components of each of the end and side members of the upper and lower platforms are foldable between each of the two components between a substantially aligned open position and a folded position;
a flexible top basket, having a peripheral upper edge, closed ends, sides and a bottom and an open top, supported at the upper edge by the upper platform, the top basket being foldable into a space defined by the substantially rectangular frame in the folded position;
a flexible lower shelf having a peripheral edge supported by the lower platform and being foldable in the space defined by the substantially rectangular frame in the folded position;
a plurality of wheels connected to bottoms of the vertical members;
and a tensile connector connected between a bottom of the top basket and a top of the lower shelf for supporting the top basket and lower shelf in spaced relationship in the open position, for retaining the top basket and the lower shelf within the space defined by the rectangular frame in the folded position and for assisting in folding the lower shelf when the top basket is in a folded position.
2. The cart of claim 1 wherein the tensile connector is a strap.
3. The cart of claim 1 wherein the upper platform further comprises:
upper swivel hinges for hingedly connecting between the two components of each of the end members and side members, wherein the upper swivel hinges permit each of the end and side members of the upper platform to fold downwards between the two components.
upper swivel hinges for hingedly connecting between the two components of each of the end members and side members, wherein the upper swivel hinges permit each of the end and side members of the upper platform to fold downwards between the two components.
4. The cart of claim 1 wherein the lower platform further comprises:
lower swivel hinges for hingedly connecting between the two components of each of the end members and side members, wherein the lower swivel hinges permit each of the end and side members of the lower platform to fold upwards between the two components.
lower swivel hinges for hingedly connecting between the two components of each of the end members and side members, wherein the lower swivel hinges permit each of the end and side members of the lower platform to fold upwards between the two components.
5. The cart of claim 1 further comprising upper and lower friction hinges for hingedly connecting the end and side members of the upper platform and of the lower platform to the vertical members, wherein the end and side members can overcome friction means in the friction hinge to permit the upper platform to fold downwards and the lower platform to fold upwards.
6. The cart of claim 5 wherein the upper swivel hinges comprise:
a short sleeve fixedly connected to an inner end of one of the two components of each end and side member of the upper platform, an inner end of the second of the two components being removeably fit within the sleeve; and a tensile member connecting between the inner ends of the two components and attached at opposing ends to opposing vertical members, the tensile member acting to bias the two components in inner end to inner end, substantially horizontal arrangement in the open position, wherein the free inner end of the other component is removable from the sleeve when the tensile member is overcome so as to permit folding of the end and side members of the upper platform.
a short sleeve fixedly connected to an inner end of one of the two components of each end and side member of the upper platform, an inner end of the second of the two components being removeably fit within the sleeve; and a tensile member connecting between the inner ends of the two components and attached at opposing ends to opposing vertical members, the tensile member acting to bias the two components in inner end to inner end, substantially horizontal arrangement in the open position, wherein the free inner end of the other component is removable from the sleeve when the tensile member is overcome so as to permit folding of the end and side members of the upper platform.
7. The cart of claim 6 wherein the tensile member is a spring.
8. The cart of claim 6 wherein the tensile member is a spring connected to a chain, the spring being connected to one vertical member and the chain being connected to the opposing vertical member, the spring and chain passing through the bores of the two components.
9. The cart of claim 4 wherein the lower swivel hinge comprises:
a substantially inverted and U-shaped saddle having open ends for accepting the inner ends of the two components of each of the end and side members therein;
fasteners for pivotally connecting the inner ends to the saddle to permit movement between an inner end to inner end, substantially horizontal open position and a folded position;
an opening formed in a top of the saddle for accommodating the inner ends of the two components of each of the end and side members when pivoted to the folded position; and friction means formed on an inner surface of the saddle for locking the inner ends in the saddle in the open position.
a substantially inverted and U-shaped saddle having open ends for accepting the inner ends of the two components of each of the end and side members therein;
fasteners for pivotally connecting the inner ends to the saddle to permit movement between an inner end to inner end, substantially horizontal open position and a folded position;
an opening formed in a top of the saddle for accommodating the inner ends of the two components of each of the end and side members when pivoted to the folded position; and friction means formed on an inner surface of the saddle for locking the inner ends in the saddle in the open position.
10. The cart of claim 9 wherein the fasteners are pins.
11. The cart of claim 9 wherein the friction means are protrusions.
12. The cart of claim 5 wherein the upper and lower friction hinges comprise:
a substantially U-shaped saddle having open ends for accepting outer ends of the each of the two components of each of the side and end members therein;
fasteners for pivotally connecting the outer ends to the saddle to permit movement of the side and end members between a substantially horizontal open position and a folded position;
an opening formed in a top of the saddle for accommodating the vertical member and the outer ends of each of the two components of each of the side and end members when pivoted to the folded position; and friction means formed on an inner surface of the saddle for locking the outer ends in the saddle in the open position.
a substantially U-shaped saddle having open ends for accepting outer ends of the each of the two components of each of the side and end members therein;
fasteners for pivotally connecting the outer ends to the saddle to permit movement of the side and end members between a substantially horizontal open position and a folded position;
an opening formed in a top of the saddle for accommodating the vertical member and the outer ends of each of the two components of each of the side and end members when pivoted to the folded position; and friction means formed on an inner surface of the saddle for locking the outer ends in the saddle in the open position.
13. The cart of claim 12 wherein the fasteners are pins.
14. The cart of claim 12 wherein the friction means are protrusions.
15. The cart of claim 1 further comprising:
one or more elongate flaps formed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the top basket, the elongate flaps being foldable over the end and side members of the upper platform without restricting the upper friction and swivel hinges; and fasteners positioned in the one or more elongate flaps so as to permit fastening of the top basket to the end and side members of the upper platform.
one or more elongate flaps formed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the top basket, the elongate flaps being foldable over the end and side members of the upper platform without restricting the upper friction and swivel hinges; and fasteners positioned in the one or more elongate flaps so as to permit fastening of the top basket to the end and side members of the upper platform.
16. The cart of claim 15 wherein the fasteners are co-operating male and female snap fasteners.
17. The cart of claim 1 further comprising:
one or more elongate flaps formed on a peripheral edge of ends and sides of the lower shelf, the flaps being foldable over the end and side members of the lower platform without restricting the lower friction and swivel hinges the flanges; and fasteners positioned in the one or more elongate flaps so as to permit fastening of the lower shelf to the end and side members of the lower platform.
one or more elongate flaps formed on a peripheral edge of ends and sides of the lower shelf, the flaps being foldable over the end and side members of the lower platform without restricting the lower friction and swivel hinges the flanges; and fasteners positioned in the one or more elongate flaps so as to permit fastening of the lower shelf to the end and side members of the lower platform.
18. The cart of claim 17 wherein the fasteners are co-operating male and female snap fasteners.
19. The cart of claim 1 further comprising a strap for wrapping about the vertical members in the folded position for restraining the certical members in the folded position.
20. The cart of claim 1 further comprising:
one or more elongate sleeves formed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the top basket and positioned spaced from the upper friction and swivel hinges, wherein the side and end members of the upper platform are fit within the sleeves for supporting the top basket thereon.
one or more elongate sleeves formed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the top basket and positioned spaced from the upper friction and swivel hinges, wherein the side and end members of the upper platform are fit within the sleeves for supporting the top basket thereon.
21. The cart of claim 1 further comprising:
one or more elongate sleeves formed on a peripheral edge of ends and sides of the lower shelf and being positioned spaced from the lower friction and swivel hinges the flanges, wherein the side and end members of the lower platform are fit within the sleeves for supporting the lower shelf thereon.
one or more elongate sleeves formed on a peripheral edge of ends and sides of the lower shelf and being positioned spaced from the lower friction and swivel hinges the flanges, wherein the side and end members of the lower platform are fit within the sleeves for supporting the lower shelf thereon.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2576548 CA2576548A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 | 2007-02-01 | Portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2576548 CA2576548A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 | 2007-02-01 | Portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2576548A1 true CA2576548A1 (en) | 2008-08-01 |
Family
ID=39671525
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2576548 Abandoned CA2576548A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 | 2007-02-01 | Portable folding shopping cart and utility carrier |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2576548A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104908790A (en) * | 2015-06-12 | 2015-09-16 | 上海绿植花卉园艺有限公司 | Potted plant maintenance vehicle |
| NO20191050A1 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2020-07-01 | Abou Diaz Gonzalez | Collapsible Cart System |
| US20230001972A1 (en) * | 2021-03-25 | 2023-01-05 | Lorna Bryan | Canvas Laundromat Hamper for Shopping Cart |
-
2007
- 2007-02-01 CA CA 2576548 patent/CA2576548A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104908790A (en) * | 2015-06-12 | 2015-09-16 | 上海绿植花卉园艺有限公司 | Potted plant maintenance vehicle |
| NO20191050A1 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2020-07-01 | Abou Diaz Gonzalez | Collapsible Cart System |
| NO345587B1 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2021-04-26 | Abou Diaz Gonzalez | Collapsible Cart System |
| US20230001972A1 (en) * | 2021-03-25 | 2023-01-05 | Lorna Bryan | Canvas Laundromat Hamper for Shopping Cart |
| US12005946B2 (en) * | 2021-03-25 | 2024-06-11 | Lorna Bryan | Canvas laundromat hamper for shopping cart |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |