COLLAPSIBLE LOCOMOTION PLATFORM AND CART

Abstract

A cart and a locomotion platform comprising a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly, and a payload module articulated to said locomotion platform. The locomotion platform is manipulable between a maneuverable riding position at which the front wheel assembly and rear wheel assembly are deployed at an extended position, and a collapsed position, at which the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are collapsed, where the front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly are configured to automatically collapse upon encountering a barrier of a loading platform extending above the ground, and the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly sequentially manipulate between their respective positions.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A locomotion platform, comprising: a front wheel assembly; a rear wheel assembly; and a payload module articulated to said locomotion platform; wherein said locomotion platform is manipulable between a maneuverable riding position at which said front wheel assembly and said rear wheel assembly are deployed at an extended position, and a collapsed position at which the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are collapsed; wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are configured to be automatically unlocked from the extended position and automatically collapse upon encountering a barrier of a loading platform extending above ground; wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly sequentially manipulate between the respective positions thereof.

19. The locomotion platform according to claim 18, wherein said front wheel assembly includes a uniform arm articulated to a break-link mechanism associated with a front activating mechanism, said break-link mechanism including a first link articulated at one end thereof to a base frame and pivotally linked to a second link which in turn is articulated at an end thereof to a wheel arm fitted at a bottom end with a caster, whereby the at an extended, the first link and the second link are geometrically locked at coextensive position.

20. The locomotion platform according to claim 19, wherein the first link is further configured with a lever articulated with the front activating mechanism, whereupon pivotal displacement of the activating mechanism entails corresponding pivotal displacement of the first link, resulting in collapsing of the link mechanism with corresponding swinging of the wheel arm into the collapsed position.

21. The locomotion platform according to claim 18, wherein: said rear wheel assembly includes a parallel link mechanism including a wheel arm having a top arm link pivotally articulated at one end to the base frame of the locomotion platform and pivotally coupled at an opposed end thereof to a bottom arm link fitted at a bottom end thereof with a caster; and a parallel link having a first end pivotally secured to the base frame and a second end pivotally articulated to a second arm link, below the pivoting point of the top arm link, wherein said parallel link remains parallely disposed with respect to the top arm link.

22. The locomotion platform according to claim 18, wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are similar mechanisms.

23. The locomotion platform according to claim 18, wherein the arms of at least one of the front wheel assembly or the rear wheel assembly are configured with a height adjusting mechanism.

24. The locomotion platform according to claim 18, wherein, at the collapsed position, the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly can be configured such that the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly substantially do not project from the payload module of the cart.

25. The locomotion platform according to claim 18, wherein, at the collapsed position, the locomotion platform can be locomoted over the respective wheels of the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly, as well as over encountering wheels.

26. A cart, comprising: a locomotion platform including: a front wheel assembly; a rear wheel assembly; and a payload module fixedly or detachably articulated to said locomotion platform; wherein said locomotion platform is manipulable between a maneuverable riding position at which said front wheel assembly and said rear wheel assembly are deployed at an extended position, and a collapsed position at which the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are collapsed; wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are configured to be automatically unlocked from the extended position and automatically collapse upon encountering a barrier of a loading platform extending above ground; wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly sequentially manipulate between the respective positions thereof.

27. The cart according to claim 26, wherein said front wheel assembly includes a uniform arm articulated to a break-link mechanism associated with a front activating mechanism, said break-link mechanism including a first link articulated at one end thereof to a base frame and pivotally linked to a second link which in turn is articulated at an end thereof to a wheel arm fitted at a bottom end with a caster, whereby the at an extended, the first link and the second link are geometrically locked at coextensive position.

28. The cart according to claim 27, wherein the first link is further configured with a lever articulated with the front activating mechanism, whereupon pivotal displacement of the activating mechanism entails corresponding pivotal displacement of the first link, resulting in collapsing of the link mechanism with corresponding swinging of the wheel arm into the collapsed position.

29. The cart according to claim 26, wherein said rear wheel assembly includes: a parallel link mechanism including a wheel arm having a top arm link pivotally articulated at one end to the base frame of the locomotion platform and pivotally coupled at an opposed end thereof to a bottom arm link fitted at a bottom end thereof with a caster; and a parallel link having a first end pivotally secured to the base frame and a second end pivotally articulated to a second arm link, below the pivoting point of the top arm link, wherein said parallel link remains parallely disposed with respect to the top arm link.

30. The cart according to claim 26, wherein the payload module is detachably attachable to a base frame of the locomotion platform.

31. The cart according to claim 26, wherein the payload module is configured with one or more landing wheels disposed at a front, bottom portion thereof, and configured for encountering an elevated loading surface, said payload module is detachable from the locomotion platform wherein the landing wheels facilitate for manually locomoting the detached payload module.

32. A front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly, for use in conjunction with a locomotion platform, at least one of the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly is manipulable between a maneuverable riding position at which said front wheel assembly and rear wheel assembly are deployed at an extended position, and a collapsed position at which the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are collapsed, wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are configured to be automatically unlocked from the extended position and automatically collapse upon encountering a barrier of a loading platform extending above ground, and wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly sequentially manipulate between the respective positions thereof.

33. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly according to claim 32, each including a pair of arms each disposed at a respective side of the locomotion platform and configured at a free end thereof with a caster; each of the arms of the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly is manipulable between a riding position at which the arms are locked out at an extended position, and a collapsed position at which the arms are collapsed and retracted, disposed adjacent a rear edge of the locomotion platform; and wherein at the riding position the casters are substantially equi-leveled and configured for rolling over a surface.

34. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly according to claim 32, wherein said front wheel assembly includes a uniform arm articulated to a break-link mechanism associated with a front activating mechanism, said break-link mechanism including a first link articulated at one end thereof to a base frame and pivotally linked to a second link which in turn is articulated at an end thereof to a wheel arm fitted at a bottom end with a caster, whereby the at an extended, the first link and the second link are geometrically locked at coextensive position.

35. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly according to claim 34, wherein the rear activating mechanism includes an activating link pivotally articulated to the base frame and detachably arrested by a connecting link to the top arm link, whereupon pivotal manipulation of a free end of the activating link entails disengaging of the connecting link and corresponding pivotal displacement of the parallel link mechanism and simultaneous collapsing of a rear wheel arm, between a fully expanded, operative position, and a fully collapsed position.

36. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly according to claim 34, wherein the first link is further configured with a lever articulated with the front activating mechanism, whereupon pivotal displacement of the activating mechanism entails corresponding pivotal displacement of the first link, resulting in collapsing of the link mechanism with corresponding swinging of the wheel arm into the collapsed position.

37. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly according to claim 32, wherein said rear wheel assembly includes: a parallel link mechanism including a wheel arm having a top arm link pivotally articulated at one end to the base frame of the locomotion platform and pivotally coupled at an opposed end thereof to a bottom arm link fitted at a bottom end thereof with a caster; and a parallel link having a first end pivotally secured to the base frame and a second end pivotally articulated to a second arm link, below the pivoting point of the top arm link, wherein said parallel link remains parallely disposed with respect to the top arm link.

38. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly according to claim 32, wherein each of the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly includes a collapse activating mechanism, wherein a respective one of the front wheel assembly or rear wheel assembly begins collapsing displacement thereof only upon said collapse activating mechanism encountering a barrier of a loading surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] FIG. 1A is a top front perspective view of a shopping cart according to the present disclosure, at a fully expanded, riding position;

[0078] FIG. 1B is a side view of FIG. 1A, illustrating the shopping cart approaching the rear of a schematically displayed vehicle;

[0079] FIG. 1C is a front view of FIG. 1A;

[0080] FIG. 1D is a top view of FIG. 1A;

[0081] FIG. 1E is an enlarged side view of a rear wheel assembly;

[0082] FIG. 1F is an enlarged side view of a front wheel assembly;

[0083] FIGS. 2A to 2D are same respective views as FIGS. 1A to 1D, at a first step of mounting the shopping cart into the cargo area of the vehicle;

[0084] FIGS. 3A to 3D, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5D, 6A to 6D, 7A to 7D and 8A to 8D are same respective views as FIGS. 1A to 1D, at consecutive steps of mounting the shopping cart into the cargo area of the vehicle;

[0085] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a shopping cart according to a modification of the disclosure, at a fully expanded, riding position; and

[0086] FIGS. 9B to 9E are a side view illustrating consecutive steps of collapsing the rear assembly, wherein in FIGS. 9C to 9E the front wheel assembly has been removed for sake of clarity;

[0087] FIG. 9F is an enlargement of the portion marked F in FIG. 9C;

[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates the shopping cart, with the basket removed, and comprising a manual collapse activating mechanism for both of the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly;

[0089] FIGS. 11A to 11F are illustrations of a cart according to another example of the present disclosure, at different configurations and positions thereof; FIG. 11F being an enlargement of the portion marked XI in FIG. 11A;

[0090] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a cart wherein the payload module us fitted with a removable divider, seen displaced in FIG. 12B;

[0091] FIG. 13 illustrates a cart serving as a utility/tool cart, in while loading onto a truck;

[0092] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a cart according to an embodiment of the disclosure wherein the front wheel assembly is a similar mechanism as the rear wheel assembly, the locomotion platform at the fully expanded, riding position;

[0093] FIG. 14B is a side view of FIG. 14A;

[0094] FIGS. 14C to 14F are side views illustrating consecutive steps of manipulating the locomotion platform of the cart of FIG. 14A into the fully collapsed position; and

[0095] FIG. 14G is a perspective view of FIG. 14E, illustrating the cart at the fully collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0096] Attention is directed to FIGS. 1 to 10 of the drawings illustrating a cart, configured with a locomotion platform, in accordance with an example the present disclosure. In the illustrated example the cart, generally designated 10, is a shopping cart, though, as mentioned, the cart can be configured with a payload module of any type and for any use, and may differ in shape and size, depending of its nature.

[0097] The cart 10 comprises a utility container, namely payload module generally designated 14, said payload module is a solid cage-like structure made of a grid of steel wire, having a generally rectangular shape comprising a base 22, two side walls 24 disposed between a front wall 26 and a rear wall 28. Disposed at a top of the rear wall there is provided a handle bar 32 disposable between an operative pushing/pulling position (FIGS. 1 to 7) and a collapsed/stowing position (FIG. 8). It is appreciated that the handle bar 32 can be arrested at several intermediate locations, for convenience of a user.

[0098] According to some examples (not shown) the payload module can comprise a child seat (fixed or removable), or the payload module can be compartmented (fixedly or removable as illustrated in FIG. 12, discussed herein after) and further, the entire payload module walls can be collapsible such that at a stowed position the cart/payload module occupies minimum space.

[0099] The cart 10 further comprises a locomotion platform generally designated 40 and configured for bearing the payload module 14. In the present example the payload module 14 is detachably mounted over a base frame of the locomotion platform 40 and is secured in place by upwardly extending frame walls 42 of the base frame, and latches 46 (best seen in the top vies) arresting interconnecting bars 48 disposed between the frame walls 42.

[0100] Thus, it is appreciated that the cart can be adopted for different purposes, and a different payload module (e.g. as discussed with reference to FIG. 11) can be fitted over the locomotion platform 40, depending on the intended use.

[0101] The locomotion platform 40 comprises a pair of landing wheels 50 disposed at a front, bottom portion of the frame walls 42 of the payload module 14, said landing wheels 50 configured for encountering a loading surface of a cargo space of the vehicle, at seen in FIG. 2B and as will be discussed herein after in further detail. It should be noted that one or more landing wheels can be provided, or a rolling cylinder (not shown), however with several such wheels offering improved stability as opposed to one wheel.

[0102] It is appreciated that the cart is in fact suitable for loading/unloading with respect to any elevated surface such as a stage, ramp, platform, etc. and thus the term vehicle is used herein the specification and claims as an example, and denotes a broad meaning.

[0103] The locomotion platform 40 further comprises a front wheel assembly generally designated 54 (FIG. 1D) and a rear wheel assembly generally designated 58 (FIG. 1E). The front wheel assembly 54 and the rear wheel assembly 58 are displaceable between a fully extended, deployed, riding position (FIG. 1) and a fully collapsed, stowing position (FIG. 8).

[0104] In the present example, and as seen in the drawings, the front wheel assembly 54 and the rear wheel assembly 58 are each bilateral and comprise like components at both sides of the cart, and are configured for cooperation in register in light of inter-connecting bar members 48, 55 and 57 extending therebetween.

[0105] As best seen in FIG. 1D, each side of the front wheel assembly 54 comprises a uniform arm 60 pivotally articulated at 69 to the articulated to the frame wall 42. A break-link mechanism 64 (a so-called collapsing link mechanism) is associated with a front activating mechanism in the form of an encountering wheel 66. The break-link mechanism 64 comprising a triangular link 68 articulated at one end 70 to the base frame walls 42 and is pivotally linked at 72 to a second link 74 which in turn is articulated at an end thereof to the wheel arm 60, fitted at a bottom end with a caster 78.

[0106] At the fully extended, deployed, riding position (FIG. 1), the triangular link 68 and the second link 74 are geometrically locked at a coextensive position. The triangular link 68 is in communication at a top arm thereof with a lever arm 79 of a pivotable lever 80 articulated with the encountering wheel 66, with a laterally projecting pushing pin 81 (in the present example extending coaxial with encountering wheels 66) configured for engaging with a fore edge wheel arm 60. The arrangement being such that pivotal displacement of the pivotable lever 80 (in direction of arrow 91) entails corresponding pivotal displacement of the triangular link 68 (in direction of arrow 93), resulting in collapsing of the break-link mechanism 64 (in direction of arrow 95), and upon further displacement the pushing pin 81 encounters the fore edge wheel arm 60 causing corresponding swinging of the wheel arm 60 into its collapsed position, progressive along with pivotal displacement of the pivotable lever 80 (in direction of arrow 97).

[0107] Thus, it is seen that the pushing pin 81 encounters the fore edge wheel arm 60 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) only after the break-link mechanism 64 has pivotally displaced into its unlocked position.

[0108] It is noted that at the extended, (FIG. 1) the break-link mechanism 64 of the front wheel assembly 54 supports the wheel arm 60 and prevents it from automatically collapsing.

[0109] The rear wheel assembly 58 (best seen in FIG. 1E) comprises a parallel link mechanism comprising a wheel arm having a top arm link 100 pivotally articulated at one end 102 to the frame walls 42 of the locomotion platform, and pivotally coupled at a pivoting point 103 of its opposed end to a bottom arm link 106 fitted at its bottom end with a caster 108. A parallel link 110 has a first end thereof pivotally secured at 114 to the frame walls 42 and a second end pivotally articulated at 116 to the second arm link 106, however below the pivoting point 103 of the top arm link 100, wherein said parallel link 110 remains parallely disposed with respect to the top arm link 100.

[0110] According to one particular example, pivotal displacement of the bottom arm link 106 is restricted whereupon at the fully extended position as it encounters the rear inter-connecting bar member 57.

[0111] The rear activating mechanism 130 comprises an activating link 132 pivotally articulated at axle pin 114 to the frame walls 42 and fitted at a fore end thereof with a rear activating mechanism in the form of an encountering wheel 133. The activating link 132 is detachably arrested by a hook portion 134 of a connecting link 136 arresting the top arm link 100 pivot at axle pin 114 and preventing pivotal displacement thereof. Furthermore, the activating link 132 is configured adjacent a top end thereof with a rearward projecting crescent member 135 (shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 1A and 1E) configured for encountering connecting link 136, and a laterally projecting engaging member 137 configured for encountering parallel link 110.

[0112] The arrangement is such that as the rear encountering wheels 133 encounter the barrier, the activating link 132 pivots in direction of arrow 141, whereby the tip of crescent member 135 (shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 1A and 1E) encounters connecting link 136 and resulting in pivotal displacement of the connecting link 136 in direction of arrow 139 to thereby disconnect hook portion 134 from axle pin 114 into an unlocked position. As the encountering wheels 133 continue their displacement (in direction of arrow 141) the engaging members 137 encounter an edge of the parallel link 110 entailing its displacement rearwards to commence folding/collapsing of the rear wheel assembly 58.

[0113] At the fully extended, deployed, riding position (FIG. 1), the top arm link 100 is arrested and engaged by connecting link 136, preventing collapse thereof. However, upon encountering wheel 133 encountering a barrier (bumper) of a loading area the activating link 132 is impacted and pivots (in direction of arrow 141), resulting in disengagement of hook portion 134 from arresting the axle pin 114 and facilitating pivotal displacement of the rear wheel assembly 58 in direction of arrow 143 until a fully collapsed position (FIG. 8).

[0114] It is appreciated that interconnecting bars members 48, 55 and 57 ensure mutual and simultaneous displacement of the left side and right side wheel assemblies, and further increase rigidity and stability of the cart.

[0115] In use, the cart 10 is manipulable between its fully extended, deployed, riding position (FIG. 1), and the fully collapsed, stowing position (FIG. 8), in the following sequence.

[0116] In FIG. 1 the cart 10 is configured for riding just like any cart, with casters 78 and 108 riding over a ground surface, the cart manipulable by handle bar 32. When it required to transfer the cart 10 into a cargo space 160 of a vehicle 162 (or, for example, to mount the cart on a ramp, etc.), the cart is pushed towards the vehicle 162 (direction of arrow A) and at a first instance the landing wheels 50 at the fore end of the cart encounter the loading surface 168 of the vehicle. As the cart 10 is further pushed against the rear bumper 164 (FIG. 2B), the front activating mechanism, namely encountering wheels 66 encounter the bumper 164 (acting as an obstacle/barrier), resulting in pivotal displacement thereof (in direction of arrow 91), entailing corresponding pivotal displacement of the triangular link 68 (in direction of arrow 93), and collapsing of the break-link mechanism 64 (in direction of arrow 95) with corresponding swinging of the wheel arm 60.

[0117] As the cart 10 is further pushed into the cargo space 160 of the vehicle the bumper 164 applies further pressure over the front wheel assembly 54, resulting in detaching the casters 78 from the ground and progressive collapsing of the front wheel assembly 54 until obtaining its fully collapsed position as in FIG. 4B. It is appreciated that at this position the rear wheel assembly 58 is still at its load bearing position. i.e. fully deployed, such that if an operator of the cart lets go of the cart, it will not topple over.

[0118] As the cart 10 is further pushed into the cargo space 160, riding over cargo surface, by landing wheels 50 (optionally also aided by encountering wheel 66), the rear encountering wheels 133 encounter the bumper 164 (FIG. 5B) resulting in pivot of the activating link 132 (in direction of arrow 141), and consequentially resulting in disengagement of hook portion 134 from arresting the pivot 115 and facilitating pivotal displacement of the rear wheel assembly 58 in direction of arrow 143 until a fully collapsed position (FIG. 7). At this position the casters 108 are disposed above the cargo surface 168 and the cart is supported over the landing wheels 50 and the encountering wheels 133.

[0119] A final collapsing position, which can take place also earlier, is collapsing the handle bar 32 as illustrated in FIG. 8. Then, the cargo door 171 of the vehicle 162 can be closed. It is noted that the cart 10 can be secured to the cargo surface 168, e.g. by suitable latched or straps (not shown).

[0120] It is noted that that at the collapsed position (FIGS. 7C and 8C) the arms of the front wheel assembly are disposed between the arms of the rear wheel assembly and the payload module (or rather the frame walls 42).

[0121] It is seen that at the fully collapsed position of the front wheel assembly 54, the front wheel assembly reached a final collapsed position (FIG. 4) wherein the encountering wheel 66 project below a bottom face of the cart basket (namely the frame walls 42) and are substantially equi-leveled with the landing wheels 50. This is facilitated by the front arms engaging a stopper portion of the frame. Likewise, at the collapsed position the rear wheel assembly 58 assumes a configuration wherein the rear arms are collapsed over side walls of the basket of the cart and substantially do not project beyond boundaries thereof, as there is configured an depression 17 at the rear wall 28, receiving the rear wheel interconnecting bar and arresting it a fully folded position, such that the encountering wheels 66 project below the bottom face of the cart basket (namely the frame walls 42) and are substantially equi-leveled with the landing wheels 50.

[0122] Now, when it is required to withdraw the cart 10 from the vehicle 162 (or any elevated surface, as discussed hereinabove), a reverse sequence of operations takes place. Accordingly, first the handle 32 is unfolded and then the cart is gradually pulled out of the vehicle, allowing first the rear wheel assembly 58 to automatically displace into the erect, riding position. However, displacement of the rear wheel assembly takes place gradually (i.e. the top arm link 100 and the bottom arm link 106 reach their final riding position only as the encountering wheel 133 disengages from the loading surface 168 of the vehicle, and upon interlocking at this position, allowing the rear casters 108 to engage the ground.

[0123] As the cart 10 is further pulled out of the vehicle, now already riding over the rear wheel assembly 58, front wheel assembly 54 begins to gradually displace into the erect, riding position and likewise, the front wheel arms 60 reach their final riding position only as the front encountering wheel 66 disengages from the loading surface 168 of the vehicle, and upon arresting at this position, allowing the front casters 78 to engage the ground, facilitating riding the cart 10 over the ground.

[0124] As seen in the drawings, with an enlarged view in the example illustrated in FIG. 11F, each of the front casters 78 and the rear casters 108 is articulated at the bottom end of the front arm 60 and the rear bottom arm link 106, respectively, through a height adjusting mechanism 195, such that the height of the cart 10 can be adjusted in conjunction with the height of different loading surfaces of vehicles, loading rams, etc., and if the need arises, to level the cart. Such a height adjusting mechanism 195 can be, for example, a screw coupling engagement, an extension piece etc. In FIG. 11F a caster 197 is rotatably articulated to an end piece 199, the latter being telescopically received within a bottom leg portion 201 and configured for arresting at a desired extension level upon fastening of a bolt 203 extending from end piece 199 and slidingly received within a recess 205 formed at the bottom leg portion 201.

[0125] The arrangement is such that the wheel assemblies displace sequentially, namely upon loading the cart over a platform the rear wheel assembly begins its collapsing procedure only after the front wheel assembly has completed its collapse, and vise versa upon deploying the cart and unloading it from the platform, the front wheel assembly begins its deployment into the extended position only after the rear wheel assembly has reached its fully extended position and is ready for bearing loads.

[0126] In FIGS. 9A through 9E there is illustrated a modification of the previous example, wherein the main difference resides in the rear wheel assembly 258, and wherein like elements are designated with like reference numbers, however shifted by 200.

[0127] The cart 210 is illustrated in full in the perspective view of FIG. 9A whilst FIGS. 9B to 9E are front views, and wherein at FIGS. 9c to 9E the front wheel assembly 254 has been removed for sake of clarity.

[0128] Similar to the previous example of FIGS. 1 to 8, the rear wheel assembly 258 comprises a parallel link mechanism comprising a wheel arm having a top arm link 300 pivotally articulated at one end 302 to the frame walls 242 of the locomotion platform, and pivotally coupled at its opposed end 303 to a bottom arm link 306 fitted at its bottom end with a caster 308. A parallel link 310 has a first end thereof pivotally secured at 314 to the frame walls 242 and a second end pivotally articulated at 316 to the second arm link 306, however below the pivoting point 303 of the top arm link 300, wherein said parallel link 310 remains parallely disposed with respect to the top arm link 300.

[0129] The parallel link 310 further comprises a stopper member 320 laterally projecting and configured for limiting pivotal displacement of the bottom arm link 306 as they encounter each other (at point of contact 315).

[0130] The rear activating mechanism 330 comprises an activating link 332 pivotally articulated at 315 to the frame walls 242 and fitted at a fore end thereof with a rear activating mechanism in the form of an encountering wheel 333. The activating link 332 is detachably arrested by a hook portion 334 of a connecting link 336 arresting the top arm link 300 and preventing pivotal displacement thereof.

[0131] In FIG. 9 the front wheel assembly generally designated 355 is configured with a laterally extending triangular member 381 replacing the pushing pin disclosed in the previous examples and configured for encountering the fore edge wheel arm only after the break-link mechanism has pivotally displaced into its unlocked position.

[0132] As can best be seen in FIG. 9F, the rear wheel assembly 258 is further configured with an activating mechanism limiting mechanism comprising a limiting link 335 pivotally articulated at one end to the encountering wheel 333 and having its opposite end fitted with an arm articulating pin 337 slidingly displaceable within an elongate groove 339 configured at the parallel link 310. The arrangement being such that displacement of the encountering wheel 333 (upon encountering or a barrier of the loading surface) entails initial pivotal displacement of the activating link 332 with the associated arced lever portion 341 to thereby pivotally displace arm 336 in direction of arrow 345 (FIG. 9F) so that the hook portion 334 disengages from pivot axle 314, this being facilitated owing to arm articulating pin 337 being slidingly received within the elongate groove 339, thereby commencing unlocking of the wheel assembly.

[0133] The arrangement is such that collapsing the rear wheel assembly 258 or deploying it into the fully extended, takes place substantially as discussed hereinabove in connection with the first embodiment, however wherein parallel link 310 is pushed rearwards, into its collapsed position, by virtue of pin 337 displacing to the end of the elongate groove 339, thus bearing against the wall portion marked 347 (as in FIG. 9F) and pushing parallel link 310 into completing its folding displacement.

[0134] It is also seen that the activating link 332 is configured with an arced lever portion 341, having an arresting recess 343, whereby at a folding procedure the pivot 314 slides over the arced lever portion 341 until the pivot 314 nests at the arresting recess 343 (at the folded position the hook portion 334 of a connecting link 336 is disengaged from the pilot point 314).

[0135] In the illustration of FIG. 10 there is yet a modification of the cart wherein the payload module (14 in the example of FIGS. 1 to 8) is removed by unlocking latches 421). In this example the locomotion platform 410 is configured with a manual collapse activating mechanism comprising, for example, a Bowden cable mechanism or a hydraulic mechanism activated by a lever 423 fitted at the handle bar 432, wherein manipulating the lever 423 results in releasing of arresting levers 441 and 442 configured at the front wheel assembly 454 and at the rear wheel assembly 458, respectively.

[0136] Notable, such a manual collapse activating mechanism can activate one or both of the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly, typically gradually.

[0137] Further attention is now directed to FIGS. 11A to 11F illustrating yet an example of a cart generally designated 500, comprising a locomotion platform 510 and a payload module 514. The front wheel assembly 520 and the rear wheel assembly 526 are substantially similar to the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly disclosed herein before, and operate substantially alike, whereby reference is made thereto. However, it is seen that in the examples of FIGS. 11A to 11F the payload module 514 is a light weight, plastic molded basket-like element, configure at a bottom front end thereof with a pair of landing wheels 532 and a handle 536 at a top rear end of the basket. The basket 514 is detachably articulated to the locomotion platform 510, such that at the assembled position it is received in a cradling portion 538 at a top of the locomotion platform 510 and is readily and easily detachable and securely mounted back.

[0138] In use, the cart 500 operates as disclosed hereinbefore as far as locomoting over the ground and as far as mounting onto an elevated surface while automatically collapsing the front wheel assembly 520 and the rear wheel assembly 526, and reversely upon unloading from the elevated surface and allowing the front wheel assembly 520 and the rear wheel assembly 526 to automatically displace into the fully extended (FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11D). Once detached (FIG. 11D) from the locomotion platform 510 the basket 514 can be manipulated (FIG. 11E) over the landing wheels 532 by aid of the handle 536, which remain articulated to the basket.

[0139] It is seen, best in FIG. 11D, that the handle 536 extends at the top end of the basket 514 and is articulated to side supports 542 each having a bottom coupler 544 which at the assembled position are configured for interconnecting with locking member 548 of the locomotion platform 510, to thereby rigidify the structure, such that pulling/pushing forces applied to the cart through the handle 536 are transferred to the locomotion platform.

[0140] FIG. 11C illustrates a slight modification of the previous example, the difference residing in that the handle 537 is slidingly articulated to the payload module, namely basket 515, such that it is displaceable between a fully withdrawn position (similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 11A, 11B), and a fully retracted position (FIG. 11C) as it is flush with the rear top edge of the basket 515 upon slidingly displacing in direction of arrow 517 (stow position). It is appreciated that a handle locking arrangement can be provided (not shown), for arresting the handle 537 at either of its respective positions.

[0141] FIGS. 12A and 12B are directed to yet a modification of a cart 549, comprising a payload module, namely basket 550 mounted over a locomotion platform 552, wherein the basket 550 is configured with a detachable divider 554 for compartmenting the basket into respective front and rear compartments (FIG. 12A). It is appreciated that the basket can be configured with several dividers, and furthermore, that the basket can be configured with different other utility elements, such as a child seat, a powerbank, one or more holders (e.g. for cellular devices, bags and the like), advertising support, digital shopping means, and the like (not illustrated).

[0142] FIG. 13 illustrates how a utility cart according to the disclosure, generally designated 580, comprising a locomotion platform 582 according to any of the examples discussed herein, and a utility payload module 584 configured with sub compartments such as a detachable tool caddy 588 and a compartmented cabinet 600.

[0143] Turning now to FIGS. 14A to 14G of the drawings there is illustrated a cart according to yet an embodiment of the disclosure, generally designated 620. The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments resides in that the locomotion platform 622 comprises a front wheel assembly 624 configured similar to the rear wheel assembly 626, and accordingly operates in the same fashion as well, namely displacing between the fully extended (FIGS. 14A and 11B) and the fully folded/collapsed position (FIGS. 14F and 14G) takes place similarly to the arrangement as disclosed hereinbefore with particular reference to the example of FIGS. 9A to 9F.

[0144] The cart 620 is illustrated in full at a perspective view in FIGS. 14A and 14G, whilst FIGS. 14B to 14F are side elevations, wherein like elements configured at the front wheel 624 and at the rear wheel assembly 626 are designated with like reference numbers, however with indication of F (designated front wheel assembly components), and R (designated rear wheel assembly components), respectively.

[0145] The cart 620 is configured with a payload module 623, i.e. a loading basket, according to any example as disclosed herein above, said basket fitted at its fore bottom end with a pair of landing wheels 625, as discussed herein before.

[0146] Each of the front and rear wheel assembly comprises a parallel link mechanism fitted with a wheel arm having a top arm link 630R; 630F pivotally articulated at one end 632R; 632F to a frame portion 645 of the locomotion platform 622, and pivotally coupled at its opposed, lower end 646R; 646F to a bottom arm link 648R; 648F, the latter fitted at its bottom end with a height adjusting mechanism (e.g. 195 as in FIG. 11F), fitted at its bottom end with a caster 650R; 650F.

[0147] A parallel link 654R; 654F has a first end thereof pivotally secured at 656R; 656F; 656F to the frame portion 645, and a second, bottom end pivotally articulated at 658R; 658F to said bottom arm link 648R; 648F, however below the pivoting point 646R; 646F of the top arm link 630R; 630F, respectively, wherein said parallel link 654R; 654F remains parallely disposed with respect to the top arm link 630R; 630, at all times.

[0148] It is seen that the pivot point at the lower end 646R; 646F of the top arm link 630R; 630F is configured with a laterally projecting stopper member configured for limiting pivotal displacement of the bottom arm link 648R; 648F (and of the parallel mechanism) as they encounter each other, so as to restrict pivotal displacement.

[0149] An activating mechanism 660R; 660F comprises an activating link 662R; 662F pivotally articulated at 664R; 664F to the frame portion 645, and is fitted at a fore end thereof with a rear activating mechanism in the form of an encountering wheel 668R; 668F disposed at an end of a limiting link 676R; 676F. The activating link 662R; 662F is detachably arrested by a hook portion 670R; 670F of a connecting link 672R; 672R arresting the top arm link 630R; 630F and preventing pivotal displacement thereof.

[0150] It is also seen that the activating link 662R; 662F is configured with an arced lever portion 680R; 680F, having an arresting recess 682R; 682F, whereby at a folding procedure the pivot 632R; 632F slides over the arced lever portion 680R; 680F until the pivot 632R; 632F nests at the arresting recess 682R; 682F.

[0151] The arrangement is such that collapsing both the front wheel assembly 624 and the rear wheel assembly 626 takes place similar to the disclosure above, however with the front wheel assembly 624 configured for first encountering an elevated platform obstacle (not shown) for collapsing first as in the gradual steps illustrated in FIGS. 14C and 14D, and only after the front wheel assembly are at their fully collapsed position, and as the cart 620 continues to progress over the elevated surface, the rear wheel assembly 626 begins its collapsing as in FIGS. 14E to 14G. it is noted that at their collapsed position, both the front wheel assembly 624 and the rear wheel assembly 626 are disposed at a grasshopper-like configuration, namely extending upwards and rearwards substantially parallel to side walls of the payload basket 623.

[0152] Likewise, deploying the cart 620 into its fully deployed, extended position (i.e. riding position of FIGS. 14A and 14B) takes place in a reverse sequence, as discussed before, such that the rear wheel assembly 626 first deploys and only after complete deployment thereof, when it can bear loads, the front wheel assembly 624 begins to deploy into its fully extended.