WO2018085383A2

WO2018085383A2 - Metallic stackable rolling cart having wheel guards and wheel-stacking recesses

Info

Publication number: WO2018085383A2
Application number: PCT/US2017/059512
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kendal MALSTROM
Original assignee: Malstrom Kendal
Priority date: 2016-11-01
Filing date: 2017-11-01
Publication date: 2018-05-11
Also published as: WO2018085383A3

Abstract

A rolling cart includes a plate defining an upper support surface and a perimetrical edge extending upward from the upper support surface. Front and rear channels are positioned on an underside of the plate. The front and rear channels cooperate with the underside of the plate to define front and rear interior compartments. Apertures defined within the plate place the upper support surface in communication with the front and rear interior compartments. A plurality of wheeled casters is attached to the bottom of the front and rear channels, wherein the front and rear interior compartments are configured to receive vertically adjacent casters of a vertically adjacent cart to define a stacked position that substantially prevents movement of the vertically adjacent cart with respect to the upper support surface.

Description

METALLIC STACKABLE ROLLING CART HAVING WHEEL

GUARDS AND WHEEL-STACKING RECESSES

FI ELD OF TH E I NVENTION

The present invention generally relates to rolling carts, and more specifically, a stackable rolling ca rt that is made of a metallic material and includes guards for use in conjunction with fork-type loadi ng mechanisms.

BACKG ROUND OF THE I NVENTION

Typical rolling dollies are made of plastic and include a plurality of enclosed apertures that provide structural rigidity to the plastic cart. These recesses can contain water, food materia l, a nd other materials that may be difficult to clean a nd maintain.

SUM MARY OF TH E INVENTION

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a rolling cart includes a plate defining a n upper support surface a nd a pe rimetrical edge extending upwa rd from the upper support surface. Front a nd rear channels are positioned on an underside of the plate. The front and rea r channels cooperate with the underside of the plate to define front and rear interior compa rtments. Apertures defined within the plate place the upper support surface in comm unication with the front and rear interior compa rtments. A plura lity of wheeled casters is attached to the bottom of the front and rea r channels, wherein the front and rea r interior compartments a re configured to receive vertica lly adjacent casters of a vertica lly adjacent cart to define a stacked position that substa ntially prevents movement of the vertically adjacent cart with respect to the upper support surface.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a rolling cart includes an upper plate defining an u pper support surface a nd a perimetrical edge extending upward from the upper support surface. At least one lower plate is positioned under the upper plate, wherein an interior loading space is defined between the upper plate and the at least one lower plate. An interna l structural frame defines front and rea r interior compartments within the interior loadi ng space. Apertures are defined within the upper plate and place the upper support surface in communication with the front and rear interior compartments. A plurality of wheeled casters are attached to a bottom of the lower plate at the front and rea r interior compartments, wherein the front and rear interior compartments are configured to receive vertically adjacent casters of a vertically adjacent cart to define a stacked position that substantially prevents movement of the vertically adjacent cart with respect to the upper support surface.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a rol ling cart incl udes a metallic plate defining an upper support surface. Front and rea r channels are positioned on an underside of the plate that define front and rear interior compartments. Apertures defined within the meta llic plate place the upper support surface in com munication with the front and rear interior compartments. A plurality of wheeled casters are attached to the bottom of the front and rea r channels, respectively, wherein the front and rear channels at least partially define a loading space. The loading space is configured to selectively receive forks from a loading device. The forks can be received within the loading space within a n a rea between the front and read rea r cha nnels a nd ca n selectively and alternatively be received within an area extending through at least one of the front and rear interior compa rtments.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood a nd appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended d rawings.

BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF TH E DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an aspect of the rolling dolly in a stacked position;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an a lternate pe rspective view of the rolling dolly of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two aspects of the rolling dolly having separate configu rations of the whee l gua rds;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front elevationa l view of one of the rolling dollies of FIG. 3;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other rolling dolly of FIG . 3;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the rolling dollies of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 7 is another top perspective view of the rolling dollies of FIG. 3;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second rolling dolly of FIG. 3; [0016] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an aspect of the rolling dolly in the stacked position;

[0017] FIG. 10 is a first side elevational view of an aspect of the rolling dolly under a loaded condition;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a second side elevational view of the rolling dolly of FIG. 10;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the rolling dolly of FIG. 11;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an aspect of the rolling dolly shown in the stacked position;

[0021] FIG. 14 is a first side elevationa l view of the rolling dolly of FIG. 13;

[0022] FIG. 15 is a second side elevational view of the rolling dolly of FIG. 13;

[0023] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling dolly of FIG. 15, taken along line XVI-

XVI;

[0024] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an aspect of the rolling dolly in a stacked position; and

[0025] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the rolling dolly of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left,"

"rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1-16, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a rolling cart that is adapted to receive various products 12 for movement through a particular space, such as a loading dock, storage area, retail space, or other similar area requiring movement of products 12 from one location to a nother. According to various embodiments, the rolling cart 10 can include a metallic plate 14 that includes an upper support surface 16 and a perimetrical edge 18 extending upward from the upper support surface 16. Front and rear channels 20, 22 are positioned on an underside 24 of the metallic plate 14. The front and rear channels 20, 22 cooperate with an underside 24 of the metallic plate 14 to define front and rear interior compartments 26, 28. It is contemplated that apertures 30 can be defined within the metallic plate 14. These apertures 30 serve to place the upper support surface 16 in communication with the front and rear interior compartments 26, 28. A plurality of wheeled casters 32 are attached to the bottom 34 of the front and rear channels 20, 22. It is contemplated that the plurality of wheeled casters 32 are selectively received in the apertures 30 of a vertically adjacent cart 36. I n this manner, the wheeled casters 32 can selectively rest on an interior surface 38 of the front and rear channels 20, 22 of the vertically adjacent cart 36 when in a stacked position 40.

[0028] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, the rolling cart 10 is constructed such that the upper support surface 16, the area around the wheeled casters 32 and the front and rear interior compartments 26, 28 are at least partially open to allow for cleaning, spray washing, or other maintenance of the rolling cart 10 during, after or between uses. In this manner, water can be sprayed on the rolling cart 10 and the apertures 30 spaced throughout portions of the rolling cart 10 allow for the fluid to drain off of the various surfaces of the rolling cart 10. The open configuration of the rolling cart 10 allows for cleaning, the drainage of water and sanitizing while multiple rolling carts 10 are in the stacked position 40. Additionally, the metallic construction of the rolling cart 10 allows for various sanitizing operations to be performed on the rolling cart 10 without the rolling cart 10 incurring significant damage as a result of the sanitization operations.

[0029] In order to provide for convenient cleaning of the rolling cart 10, the rolling cart

10 can include a metallic construction, typically stainless steel. It is contemplated that other metals can be used in construction of the rolling cart 10. Such metals can include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, alloys thereof, plated metals, combinations thereof, and other similar metallic materials. It is also contemplated that various sturdy plastic materials can also be used to form the rolling cart 10. Such plastic materials can include, but are not limited to, various polymers, composite materials, combinations thereof, and other similar materials. It is contemplated that the typical construction of the rolling cart 10 will be of stainless steel to allow for convenient cleaning, sanitizing, and other cleaning functions while also providing a substantially sturdy construction for transporting significant loads from one location to another. [0030] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, the rolling cart 10 can include the metallic plate 14 that includes a plurality of apertures 30 defined therein. The plurality of apertures 30 can allow for a lighter weight construction, and also, as discussed above, allow for drainage of fluid after cleaning. Attached to the underside 24 of the metallic plate 14 are front and rear channels 20, 22 that are generally made of a "C" or "U" shaped structural section or other metallic structural section. It is contemplated that the front and rear channels 20, 22 serve to reinforce the metallic plate 14 and also provide a support area within the bottom 34 of the front and rear channels 20, 22 to which the wheeled casters 32 can be attached. At least a portion of the a pertures 30 defined within the metallic plate 14 are positioned over the front and rear channels 20, 22. In this manner, the apertures 30 defined within the metallic plate 14 allow for the placement of wheeled casters 32 of a vertically adjacent cart 36 to be placed through the apertures 30 and into the front and rear interior compartments 26, 28 of the rolling cart 10. Once placed through the apertures 30, the boundary 48 of the apertures 30 laterally supports the vertically-adjacent casters 32 of the vertically adjacent cart 36 to substantially prevent significant movement of the vertically adjacent rolling cart 10 when in the stacked position 40.

[0031] According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the apertures 30 can be generally elongated and substantially similar to the shape of a wheel 50 of a wheeled caster 32. In this manner, when the wheeled casters 32 of a rolling cart 10 are placed within the apertures 30 of a vertically adjacent cart 36, the wheeled casters 32 are substantially held in place and prevented from operating in a rolling motion or twisting where the wheeled casters 32 are rotationally operable for steering purposes. It is also contemplated that the various apertures 30 of the metallic plate 14 can be of a different configuration such as circular, rectilinear, or other similar shape, as will be described more fully below.

[0032] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, the rolling cart 10 can include a plurality of protective sleeves 60 that extend at least partia lly around each wheeled caster 32 of the plurality of wheeled casters 32. According to the various embodiments, the protective sleeve 60 extends downward and around a portion of each wheeled caster 32 to prevent a collision between forks 62 of a fork-type loading mechanism 64, as the fork-type loading mechanism 64 engages the rolling cart 10. Such fork-type loading mechanisms 64 can include, forklifts, hand carts, and other similar mechanisms. During use, when a fork-type loading mechanism 64 engages the rolling cart 10, the forks 62 typically extend under the metallic plate 14 and between the wheeled casters 32. The protective sleeve 60 serves to prevent a collision between the forks 62 and the wheeled casters 32 to prevent damage to the wheeled casters 32. Additionally, the shape of the protective sleeve 60 can serve to bias or position the rolling cart 10 relative to the forks 62, as the forks 62 are inserted under the metallic plate 14 of the rolling cart 10.

[0033] In order to allow the forks 62 to conveniently slide under the metallic plate 14, the protective sleeves 60 can have a generally cylindrical shape. Additionally, to allow for easy cleaning without having to lift the rolling cart 10 to a n inverted or inclined position, as well as in the stacked position 40, the protective sleeve 60 can have an angled lower edge 66. The angled lower edge 66 can angle upward from an interior portion 68 of the rolling cart 10 toward the perimetrical edge 18 of the rolling cart 10. Accordingly, around the perimeter of the rolling cart 10 the wheeled casters 32 within the protective sleeve 60 are generally visible and accessible for cleaning and other maintenance. Additionally, the angled lower edge 66 also provides a configuration that allows the rolling cart 10 to easily move up and down inclined surfaces such as those typically found within loading docks, ramps, and other similar height transitions between locations.

[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, it is contemplated that the rolling cart 10 can include four wheeled casters 32. These wheeled casters 32 can all be swivel-type casters 32 to allow for convenient steering and rotation of the rolling cart 10 during operation. It is also contemplated that two of the wheeled casters 32 can be rotationally fixed and two of the wheeled casters 32 can be swivel-type casters 32. In this configuration, the rolling cart 10 can have additional control during movement of the rolling cart 10, such that the rolling cart 10 is not prone to twisting or rotate during operation.

[0035] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, as discussed above, the rolling cart 10 includes various apertures 30 spaced throughout portions of the rolling cart 10 to allow for drainage of fluid from the surfaces of the rolling cart 10 and prevent accumulation of fluids within portions of the rolling cart 10. It is contemplated that each of the front and rear interior compartments 26, 28 defined by the front and rear channels 20, 22 can include at least one drain aperture 80. It is contemplated that such a drain aperture 80 is adapted to allow for the flow of fluid therethrough, such that when the rolling cart 10 is cleaned or otherwise sanitized, various fluids can flow through the drain apertures 80 and away from the rolling cart 10. This movement of fluid away from the rolling cart 10 serves to prevent the accumulation of fluid and other material. This also serves to prevent accumulation of debris, dirt, contaminants, and other material sought to be removed during the various cleaning and sanitizing operations performed on the rolling cart 10.

[0036] As discussed above, the design of the rolling cart 10 is such that each portion of the rolling cart 10 that is at least partially enclosed will typically include an a perture 30 through which fluid can flow and be removed from a surface of the rolling cart 10. Additionally, these apertures 30 are typically used to allow fluid to be sprayed onto the various surfaces of the rolling cart 10 for cleaning and sanitizing.

[0037] By way of example, and not limitation, where milk is transported on one or more of the rolling ca rts 10, certain amounts of milk may leak out of the milk containers. Milk on the rolling cart 10 may quickly spoil and allow for the speedy growth of bacteria populations and other microorganisms. The configuration of the rolling cart 10 having the various apertures 30 that allow for the spraying of fluid and the outflow of fluid therethrough serves to provide space and access to remove these substances from the rolling cart 10 for easy cleaning. Such fluids can include water, cleaners, steam, sanitizing materials, combinations thereof and other fluid-type substances.

[0038] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, the various rolling carts 10 are able to be stacked on top of one another for easy storage and also for convenient cleaning within a limited space. To define the stacked position 40, an upper rolling cart 10 can be stacked on the vertically adjacent cart 36. In this manner, the wheeled casters 32 of the upper rolling cart 10 are retained within the apertures 30 of the vertically adjacent cart 36. The space defined between the upper rolling cart 10 and the vertically adjacent cart 36 defines a loading space 90 that selectively receives the forks 62 from the fork-type loading mechanism 64. In this manner, the forks 62 can be received within the loading space 90 via any of the sides 92 of the upper rolling cart 10 and the vertically adjacent cart 36.

Stated another way, the fork-type loading mechanism 64 can approach the rolling carts

10 in the stacked position 40 from any of the sides 92 for engaging, lifting, moving, and lowering the various rolling carts 10 during use. The forks 62 can also be received within the loading space 90 proximate any one or more of the sides 92 of the perimetrical edge rolling cart 10 and the vertically adjacent cart 36, the front and rear channels 20, 22 include a generally low profile. This low profile of the front and rear channels 20, 22 serves to receive the wheeled casters 32 of the upper rolling cart 10 in the stacked position 40 while also providing a minimal intrusion of the front and rear channels 20, 22 within loading space 90.

[0039] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, it is contemplated that the metallic plate 14, front and rear channels 20, 22 and protective sleeves 60 can be made of metallic material that is welded together. The various weld connections are typically easy to be cleaned, and minimize gaps and spaces therebetween. Such gaps and spaces that can be difficult to clean may be present within connections that are bolted, screwed, or attached through some other mechanical fastening means.

[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, it is contemplated that a rolling cart 10 can include a braking mechanism 100 that is coupled proximate one of the metallic plate 14, the front channel 20 and/or the rear channel 22 of the rolling cart 10. The braking mechanism 100 is positioned to be substantially free of interference with the selective insertion of the forks 62 within the loading space 90 between an upper rolling cart 10 and the vertically adjacent rolling cart 10. It is contemplated that the braking mechanism 100 can be placed distal from the casters 32 as a stand-alone braking member attached to a portion of the metallic plate 14. In such an embodiment, the forks 62 of the fork-type loading mechanism 64 are inserted at either side 92 of the braking mechanism 100 when inserted into the loading space 90 between the loading cart and the vertically adjacent rolling cart 10. It is also contemplated that the braking mechanism 100 can be coupled with one or more of the casters 32, such that the braking mechanism 100 acts directly on the casters 32 during use. Where the braking mechanism 100 is located on the casters 32, the braking mechanism 100, similar to the casters 32, can be protected within the protective sleeve 60 of the rolling cart 10.

[0041] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, it is contemplated that the protective sleeve 60 extending around portions of the casters 32 can include various bumper members 110 that further protect the wheeled casters 32 and can soften an impact between the forks

62 of the fork-type loading mechanism 64 and the wheeled cart. Such bumper members

110 can be elastomeric, rubberized, cushioned or other similar configuration that serves to prevent damage during use. It is also contemplated that the perimetrical wall 122 of the wheeled cart can include various openings 112 that can be used as handles, and also the various cleaning functions described herein.

[0042] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, the various apertures 30 of the rolling cart 10 provide for the cleaning functions and also serve to minimize the weight of the rolling cart 10, such that the rolling cart 10 can be lifted by hand when substantially unloaded. In this manner, an individual can lift one rolling cart 10 and place it on top of a vertically adjacent rolling cart 10 to define the stacking position.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 1-16, the loaded condition 114 of the rolling cart 10 can receive various layers of products 12, such as fluid containers, boxes, and other items to be transported on the rolling cart 10. Through the use of the loading space 90 between the rolling cart 10 and the vertically adjacent rolling cart 10, the various rolling carts 10 in the stacked position 40 can be loaded while in the stacked position 40. Once the top rolling cart 10 is loaded, the fork-type loading mechanism 64 can remove the top cart that is in a loaded condition 114, remove it from the stack of rolling carts 10 and expose the next rolling carts 10 within the stack for subsequent loading.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, it is contemplated that the rolling cart 10 can include an upper stainless steel plate 120 that includes an upwardly extending perimetrical wall 122 for containing products 12 disposed within the rolling cart 10. The upper stainless steel plate 120 can be positioned parallel with and over a lower stainless steel plate 124. It is contemplated that the upper and lower stainless steel plates 120,

124 are attached to one another at an internal structural frame 126. The internal structural frame 126 can be disposed within the open interior loading space 90 that, in such an embodiment, is defined between the upper and lower stainless steel plates 120,

124. In this manner, the fork-type loading mechanism 64 can be inserted between the upper and lower stainless steel plates 120, 124 for manipulation of the rolling ca rt 10 between locations. The internal structural frame 126 can be sized to allow the forks 62 of a fork-type loading mechanism 64 can be inserted between the upper and lower steel plates and through any outer edge 128 of the rolling cart 10. The internal structural frame 126 can be sized to allow the forks 62 of the fork-type loading mechanism 64 to straddle the internal structura l frame 126. In this manner, when the forks 62 are inserted within the loading space 90, the internal structural frame 126 is positioned between the forks 62 of the fork-type loading mecha nism 64. It is contemplated that the internal structural frame 126 can be made of an open web-type member that includes various apertures 30 therethrough to allow for cleaning and lightening of the overall weight of the rolling cart 10.

[0045] Referring again to FIGS. 17 and 18, the internal structural frame 126 can include various configurations. Such configurations can include, but are not limited to, a rectilinear frame, an "H" configuration, and other similar configurations that provide for vertical and lateral stability between the upper and lower stainless steel plates 120, 124. It is contemplated that the interior structural frame 126 can include apertures 30 that allow for insertion of the forks 62 therethrough. Typically, the forks 62 will extend around the internal structural frame 126 during use. The lower stainless steel plate 124 and the interior structural frame 126 can, in various embodiments, be defined by the front and rear channels 20, 22. In such an embodiment, the front and rea r channels 20, 22 define at least one lower stainless steel plate 124 that supports the casters 32 and also receives the vertically adjacent casters 32 of a vertically adjacent cart 36.

[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 17 and 18, the lower stainless steel plate 124 ca n include the wheeled casters 32 that are attached to the bottom surface 140 of the rolling cart 10. The wheeled casters 32 can include two swivel-type casters 32 and two substantially fixed casters 32 that are free of a swiveling motion. It is contemplated that the upper stainless steel plate 120 can include the apertures 30 that are cut through the upper stainless steel plates 120 to allow for placement of the wheeled casters 32 of the upper rolling cart 10 in the stacked position 40 when placed through the apertures 30. The wheeled casters 32 are positioned within the loading space 90 and rest on an interior surface 38 of the lower stainless steel plate 124.

[0047] As exemplified in FIGS. 17 and 18, the apertures 30 defined within the upper stainless steel plate 120 may be generally circular, such that the various rolling carts 10 can be stacked on top of one another in any 90° rotational configuration. Where the various apertures 30 are substantially linear in their orientation, the rotationally fixed casters 32 prevent this 90° universal stacking orientation. Where the apertures 30 are linear in configuration, the rolling carts 10 can only be stacked along a single linear orientation and can be rotated 180° for stacking purposes. [0048] According to the various embodiments, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-18, the wheeled casters 32 are attached to either the bottom 34 of the front and rear channels 20, 22 or to the underside 24 of the lower stainless steel plate 124. In these embodiments, the wheeled casters 32 in the stacked position 40 rest on the opposing surface of the front and rear channels 20, 22 or the lower stainless steel plate 124, respectively. Accordingly, it is typical that only one layer of metal lies between the lower end of the casters 32 of the upper rolling cart 10 and the top of the casters 32 of the vertically adjacent cart 36. In this manner, vertical forces can be efficiently transferred through the casters 32 of the rolling carts 10 in the stacked position 40.

[0049] Within the various configurations of the rolling cart 10, the various apertures 30 will substantially prevent the collection of fluid, debris, and other material on the various surfaces of the rolling cart 10. Additionally, the use of the protective sleeve 60 around at least the wheeled casters 32 serve to protect the wheeled casters 32 and minimize damage to the casters 32 during use of the rolling cart 10 in connection with the fork- type loading mechanism 64.

[0050] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A rolling cart comprising:

a plate defining an upper support surface a nd a perimetrical edge extending upward from the upper support surface;

front and rear channels positioned on an underside of the plate, wherein the front and rear channels cooperate with the underside of the plate to define front and rear interior compartments, wherein apertures defined within the plate place the upper support surface in communication with the front and rear interior compartments; and a plurality of wheeled casters attached to the bottom of the front and rear channels, wherein the front and rear interior compartments are configured to receive vertically adjacent casters of a vertica lly adjacent cart to define a stacked position that substantially prevents movement of the vertically adjacent cart with respect to the upper support surface.

2. The rolling ca rt of claim 1, wherein the apertures defined within the plate are configured to receive the vertically adjacent casters of the vertically adjacent cart.

3. The rolling ca rt of any one or more of claims 1-2, wherein each of the front and rear channels includes an interior surface, and wherein the apertures and the interior surfaces of the front and rear channels cooperate to define the front and rear interior compartments.

4. The rolling ca rt of claim 3, wherein the interior surfaces of the front and rear channels are configured to selectively support the vertically adjacent casters in the stacked position.

5. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 1-4, wherein the apertures of the plate that define the front and rear interior compartments are configured to laterally support the vertically adjacent casters in the stacked position.

6. The rolling ca rt of any one or more of claims 1-5, wherein the plate is a metallic plate.

7. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 1-6, wherein when the vertically adjacent cart is stacked on top of the plate to define the stacked position, the vertically adjacent casters are retained within at least a portion of the apertures of the plate and the front and rear interior compa rtments, wherein the space defined between the vertically adjacent cart and the plate defines a loading space that selectively receives forks from a loading device, wherein the forks can be received within the loading space proximate the perimetrical edge of the plate.

8. A rolling cart comprising:

an upper plate defining an upper support surface and a perimetrical edge extending upward from the upper support surface;

at least one lower plate positioned under the upper plate, wherein an interior loading space is defined between the upper plate and the at least one lower plate;

an internal structural frame that defines front and rear interior compartments within the interior loading space, wherein apertures defined within the upper plate place the upper support surface in communication with the front and rear interior

compartments; and

a plurality of wheeled casters attached to a bottom of the lower plate at the front and rear interior compartments, wherein the front and rear interior compartments are configured to receive vertica lly adjacent casters of a vertically adjacent cart to define a stacked position that substantially prevents movement of the vertically adjacent cart with respect to the upper support surface.

9. The rolling cart of claim 8, wherein each wheeled caster of the plurality of wheeled casters includes a protective sleeve extending at least partially around the respective wheeled caster.

10. The rolling cart of claim 9, wherein the protective sleeve is generally cylindrical.

11. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 9-10, wherein the protective sleeve includes an angled lower edge.

12. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 8-11, wherein the plurality of wheeled casters includes at least two swivel-type casters and at least two rotationally fixed casters.

13. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 8-12, wherein each of the front and rear interior compartments includes at least one drain aperture, wherein the drain apertures are adapted to a llow for flow of fluid therethrough.

14. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 8-13, wherein a space defined between the upper plate and the lower plate further defines a loading space that selectively receives forks from a loading device, wherein the forks can be received within the loading space proximate the perimetrical edge.

15. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 8-14, wherein the at least one lower plate and the internal structural frame are defined by front and rear channels positioned on an underside of the upper plate.

16. A rolling cart comprising:

a metallic plate defining an upper support surface;

front and rear channels positioned on an underside of the metallic plate that define front and rear interior compa rtments, wherein apertures defined within the metallic plate place the upper support surface in communication with the front and rear interior compartments; and

a plurality of wheeled casters attached to the bottom of the front and rear channels, respectively, wherein the front and rear channels at least partially define a loading space, the loading space configured to selectively receive forks from a loading device, wherein the forks can be received within the loading space within an area between the front and rear channels and can selectively and alternatively be received within an area extending through at least one of the front and rear interior

compartments.

17. The rolling cart of claim 16, wherein the apertures defined within the metallic plate are configured to receive vertically adjacent casters of a vertically adjacent cart, and wherein each of the front and rear channels includes an interior surface, and wherein the apertures and the interior surfaces of the front and rear channels cooperate to define the front and rear interior compartments.

18. The rolling cart of claim 17, wherein the interior surfaces of the front and rea r channels are configured to selectively support the vertically adjacent casters in the stacked position, and wherein the apertures of the metallic plate that define the front and rear interior compartments are configured to laterally support the vertically adjacent casters in the stacked position.

19. The rolling cart of any one or more of claims 16-18, wherein each wheeled caster of the plurality of wheeled casters includes a protective sleeve extending at least partially around the respective wheeled caster.

20. The rolling cart of claim 19, wherein the protective sleeve includes an angled lower edge.