HIGH LOAD CAPACITY COLLAPSIBLE CARTS

Abstract

Compressible carts and methods for using the same are provided. The compressible carts include a rigid frame having a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a bottom wall. The right sidewall comprising a first right panel rotatably coupled to a second right panel. The compressible carts may also include a first lock assembly integrated with the first right panel and the second right panel. The first lock assembly having a first condition for locking the first right panel to the second right panel, and a second condition for unlocking the first right panel from the second right panel.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A collapsible cart configured to transition from a closed condition where it is folded up to an open condition where it is expanded for use, the collapsible cart comprising: a frame defining a compartment, wherein: the frame comprises at least five walls, with at least three of the walls configured to rotatably fold inwardly when the cart is folded up into the closed condition, two of which are opposing walls; each of the two opposing walls is rotatably coupled to at least one wall which does not fold inwardly when the cart is folded up into the closed condition; and at least one of the two opposing walls comprises a first panel and a second panel, the second panel being rotatably coupled to the first panel; a first coupler disposed on an edge of the first panel when the collapsible cart is in the closed condition and the open condition; and a second coupler adapted to couple with the first coupler and disposed on an edge of the second panel when the collapsible cart is in the closed condition and the open condition; wherein the first panel and second panel are held in a common plane with each other when the first coupler and second coupler are coupled together, and the second panel is capable of rotating relative to the first panel when the first coupler and second coupler are not coupled together.

22. The collapsible cart of claim 21, further comprising a top cover adapted to fit securely over the compartment in the open condition.

23. The collapsible cart of claim 21, further comprising a retractable handle.

24. The collapsible cart of claim 23, further comprising a plurality of wheel assemblies.

25. The collapsible cart of claim 24, wherein one or more of the wheel assemblies comprises a rotatable swivel wheel.

26. The collapsible cart of claim 25, wherein one or more of the wheel assemblies comprises a wheel locking assembly.

27. The collapsible cart of claim 21, wherein at least one of the walls includes an aperture disposed therethrough.

28. A collapsible cart configured to transition from a closed condition where it is folded up to an open condition where it is expanded for use, the collapsible cart comprising: a rigid frame forming a compartment in the open condition, the rigid frame having a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a bottom wall, wherein: the right sidewall and left sidewall are capable of folding inwardly to the closed condition; and at least one sidewall comprises a first panel rotatably coupled to a second panel, wherein: the first panel comprises a first fastener in the open condition and the closed condition; the second panel comprises a second fastener in the open condition and the closed condition, the second fastener formed to engage with the first fastener; and the first panel and the second panel are in alignment with each other when the first fastener and second fastener are engaged with each other.

29. The collapsible cart of claim 28, further comprising a top cover adapted to fit securely over the compartment in the open condition.

30. The collapsible cart of claim 28, further comprising a retractable handle adjacent the rear wall.

31. The collapsible cart of claim 30, further comprising a plurality of wheel assemblies adjacent the bottom wall.

32. The collapsible cart of claim 31, wherein one or more of the wheel assemblies comprises a rotatable swivel wheel.

33. The collapsible cart of claim 32, wherein one or more of the wheel assemblies comprises a wheel locking assembly.

34. The collapsible cart of claim 28, wherein at least one of the walls includes an aperture disposed therethrough.

35. A collapsible cart configured to transition from a closed condition where it is folded up to an open condition where it is expanded for use, the collapsible cart comprising: a frame defining a compartment in the open condition, the frame comprising at least five walls, including a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, and a fifth wall, wherein: at least three of the walls are capable of folding inwardly toward one of the two other walls to the closed condition; an inwardly-foldable wall comprises a first panel and a second panel, the second panel rotatably coupled to the first panel; and a coupler integrated with the first right panel and the second right panel in both the closed condition and in the open condition, the coupler having a coupled state wherein the first panel and the second panel are coupled together in a first plane in the open condition, and having an uncoupled state wherein the first panel and the second panel are not coupled together in the first plane.

36. The collapsible cart of claim 35, further comprising a top cover adapted to fit securely over the compartment in the open condition.

37. The collapsible cart of claim 35, further comprising a retractable handle.

38. The collapsible cart of claim 37, further comprising a plurality of wheel assemblies.

39. The collapsible cart of claim 38, wherein one or more of the wheel assemblies comprises a rotatable swivel wheel.

40. The collapsible cart of claim 39, wherein one or more of the wheel assemblies comprises a wheel locking assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] These and other features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible cart illustrated in an open condition, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 is right side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3 is left side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 4 is front plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 5 is rear plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 6 is top view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7 is bottom view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 illustrated with the sidewalls folded inwardly, according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 illustrated in a closed condition, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a collapsible cart illustrated in an open condition, according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 11 is right side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 12 is left side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 13 is front plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 14 is rear plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 15 is top view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 16 is bottom view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 illustrated with the sidewalls folded inwardly, according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 illustrated in a closed condition, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Unique and inventive collapsible carts are disclosed herein. Although embodiments of collapsible carts are disclosed herein, it is to be expressly understood that the present invention is not restricted solely to such embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure is directed to each of the inventive features described below, both individually as well as collectively, in various embodiments. Further, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated in other devices.

[0035] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an embodiment of a collapsible cart 10 with swivel wheels, according to an embodiment. The collapsible cart 10 may include a rigid frame 12 forming a compartment 14. The rigid frame may a front wall 16, a rear wall 18, a right sidewall 20, a left sidewall 22, and a bottom wall 24. The right sidewall 20 and the left sidewall 22 are adapted to fold inwardly. The right sidewall 20 may include a first right panel 26 and a second right panel 28. The first right panel 26 may be coupled with a first hinge 27 to the second right panel 28 along a first vertical axis 30. The left sidewall 22 may include a first left panel 32 and a second left panel 34. The first left panel 32 may be coupled with a second hinge 33 to the second left panel 34 along a second vertical axis 36.

[0036] As can be appreciated, the first right panel 26, the second right panel 28, the first left panel 32 and the second left panel 34 may be formed of molded rigid plastic. In one embodiment, the first right panel 26, the second right panel 28, the first left panel 32 and the second left panel 34 may each be a solid panel member. In another embodiment, the first right panel 26, the second right panel 28, the first left panel 32 and the second left panel 34 may each be configured in a frame structure with a plurality of apertures 38 positioned between vertical and horizontal rigid members 39. Artisans would appreciate that this configuration allows for light-weight construction of the sidewalls 20 and 22.

[0037] In one embodiment, the collapsible cart 10 may include a rotatable base panel 40 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 8) rotatably coupled to the bottom wall 24 within the compartment 14. The rotatable base panel 40 may include a lower surface 42 (shown FIG. 8) and an upper surface 44 (shown FIG. 6). As can be appreciated, when in use, the rotatable base panel 40 may be rotated so that its lower surface rests against an interior surface of the bottom wall 24.

[0038] In another embodiment, the collapsible cart 10 may include a first track 46 and a second track 48. The first track 46 may extend across the first vertical axis 30 from a first position 50 on the first right panel 26 to a second position 52 on the second right panel 28. The second track 48 may extend across the second vertical axis 36 from a first position 54 on the first left panel 32 to a second position 56 on the second left panel 34.

[0039] The collapsible cart 10 may also include a first slideable member 58 and a second slideable member 60. The first slideable member 58 may cooperatively engage the first track 46 and may be movable between an open position to allow the right sidewall 20 to fold inwardly (shown in FIG. 8), to a closed position to selectively secure or lock the first right panel 26 to the second right panel 28 (shown in FIG. 2). As can be appreciated, the first slideable member 58 is in the open position when adjacent the first position 50 of the first track 46 and is in the closed position when adjacent the second position 52 of the first track 46. Similarly, the second slideable member 60 may be cooperatively engage the second track 48 and may be movable between an open position to allow the left sidewall 22 to fold inwardly (shown in FIG. 8), to a closed position to selectively secure or lock the first left panel 32 to the second left panel 34. As can be appreciated, the second slideable member 60 is in the open position when adjacent the first position 54 of the second track 48 and is in the closed position when adjacent the second position 56 of the second track 48. In another embodiment, the collapsible cart 10 may include one only one slideable member on either one of the sidewalls 20 or 22. Alternatively, the collapsible cart 10 may include a plurality of slideable members for each sidewall 20 and 22.

[0040] In one embodiment, the collapsible cart 10 may include a rigid cover panel 62 and a retractable handle 64. The rigid cover panel 62 may be formed of a molded plastic with a ribbed pattern for increased rigidity. The rigid cover panel 62 may be configured to confirm in shape and fit snugly to a top opening 63 of the compartment 14. The rigid cover panel 62 may securely fit in a first position over the top opening 63 to serve as a cover or seat on top of the collapsible cart 10. The rigid cover panel 62 may include one or more protrusions on a bottom surface to removably secure to the front wall 16 of the collapsible cart 10. Meanwhile, the retractable handle 64 may be positioned adjacent the back wall 12.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the collapsible cart 10 may include a plurality of rotatable swivel wheels 66 coupled to the bottom wall 24 of the collapsible cart 10. The rotatable swivel wheels 66 may include at least one wheel locking assembly 68 having a first condition for locking at least one of the rotatable swivel wheels to prevent rolling movement, and a second condition for unlocking the at least one of the rotatable swivel wheels. As can be appreciated, the at least one wheel locking assembly may include a brake actuator pedal 70.

[0042] FIGS. 10-18 illustrate an embodiment of a collapsible cart 100 with a pair of three-wheel assemblies 102, according to an embodiment. The collapsible cart 100 may include a spindle 104 rotatably coupled to the bottom wall 24 and adjacent an intersection of the bottom wall 24 and the rear wall 18. Each three-wheel assembly 102 may include three wheels 106, three spokes 108 and a central rotational point 110. As can be appreciated, each wheel 106 may be rotatably coupled to one of the three spokes 108, and each spoke 108 may be connected to the central rotational point 110 coupled to the spindle 104.

[0043] As can be appreciated, the collapsible cart 10 may be fabricated with a light-weight material, such as plastic. In one embodiment, one or more of the walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be formed of a molded plastic with a ribbed pattern for increased rigidity.

[0044] In operation, the collapsible cart 10 and 100 is transitioned from a closed condition where it is folded up to an open position where it is expanded for use. In the closed condition (shown in FIGS. 9 and 18), a user may unlock clips 72 on the right side and left side to extend the right and left opposing sidewalls 20 and 22. The user may need to insert his or hands in the compartment 14 to push out the sidewalls 20 and 22. As the sidewalls 20 and 22 are pushed outwards, the rotatable base panel 40 drops down such that its lower surface rests against the interior surface of the bottom wall 24, and stabilizes the cart by fitting tightly between the lower region of the two opposing sidewalls 20 and 22. The first slideable member 58 and the second slideable member 60 may then be moved along their respective tracks 46 and 48 and from their respective open position to their respective closed position to selectively secure the sidewall panels. As can be appreciated, the slideable members 58 and 60 may be used to hold the extended sidewalls 20 and 22 in place. The rigid cover panel 62, which may be secured to the front wall 16 for storage, may be unlatched and securely fit over the top opening 63 of the compartment 14 to serve as a cover or seat. The collapsible cart 10 or 100 may be used to transport heavy loads in this open condition or may be collapsed in reverse fashion to place in a closed condition for storage.

[0045] Although the various inventive aspects are herein disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, implementations, and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the inventive aspects have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within their scope will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It should be also understood that the scope this disclosure includes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes of implementation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments or implementations described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

[0046] Similarly, this disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

[0047] Further, all claim terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. Although the embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings and specific examples, it will readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and adaptations of the processes, methods and apparatuses described herein are possible without departure from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as claimed herein. Thus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the embodiments as claimed below.