HOUSEKEEPING CART WITH WALL PROTECTORS
The present invention relates to a mobile housekeeping cart having a base supported by casters and wheels, where the casters have user-accessible swivel-lock levers to aid in controlling the motion of the mobile cart. Brackets extend downward from the corners of the base as housings for wall-protecting corner rollers. The corner rollers are positioned at a sufficiently low height so that the adjustable shock absorption rollers will impact base trim on walls instead of the wall surfaces themselves. The cart also has a main body storage area with an adjustable shelf, and a top storage area with a top hood. Handles are provided for user control of the cart, as well as to provide an attachment area for removable side storage bags, as well as providing attachment of tools and cleaning supplies.
In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/593,838, entitled “HOUSEKEEPING CART WITH WALL PROTECTORS”, filed May 12, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,093,335, issued Oct. 9, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/335,914, entitled “HOUSEKEEPING CART WITH WALL PROTECTORS”, filed May 13, 2016. The contents of the above referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to mobile maintenance carts and, in particular, to such carts specifically adapted for use in hotels to transport cleaning supplies and to dispose of waste.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMobile carts for use in the performance of cleaning duties are well known, and have found a wide range of application in commercial functions. Mobile carts are commonly used when cleaning large buildings such as office buildings or hotels, where cleaning supplies need to be transported to many different rooms. In particular, with hotel use, carts must also have the ability to store and transport clean supplies to replenish the supplies used in the room. Typically, such carts will comprise an elongated wheeled platform with a top surface having spaces for various supplies to be easily accessed. They also typically carry refuse compartments, storage areas for supplies to be replenished in the room, and the ability to transport a vacuum cleaner.
One of the biggest problems with mobile housekeeping carts is that, in order to accommodate all the supplies necessary, they become large and heavy, and difficult to maneuver. Because of this difficulty in maneuvering the mobile carts, they are prone to coming into contact with the walls in the hallways and rooms, causing damage to the building that must be regularly maintained.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,423 discloses a mobile cart comprising a wheeled platform and a plurality of uprights extending upward therefrom to support a middle shelf at an intermediate level, and an upper shelf at a top level. The intermediate shelf is adapted to provide a forward surface for receiving and cradling a refuse container positioned upon the wheeled platform to prevent tipping of the container when the cart is turned. A handle affixes to the upper shelf and a bag is suspended from the handle. A compartment comprising a base and a cover is pivotally attached to the handle to move in unison between a lowered position, wherein the compartment covers the upper open end of the bag, and an upper position, wherein the bag top is exposed. The cover and base define an internal storage compartment for isolating objects from surrounding individuals, as well as isolating the contents of the bag from contact with the surrounding environment.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,467,801 discloses a compact, lightweight, residential mobile housekeeping cart, designed with low center of gravity. The cart provides for attachment and easily accessed storage of virtually all supplies and implements needed for cleaning. Easily transported by a user, the cart has two rear wheels, two front omni-directional casters, and skips on the back of the cart, whereby a ramp or elevator is not needed to access various levels or stairs, thereby providing mobility and requiring minimal space for maneuvering or storage. A plurality of implement and supply holders are disposed on the L-shaped sides and the back of the cart.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0066045 discloses a cart utilizing a sliding support to mount a container onto the cart. In one embodiment, the container is a linen bag mounted to the cart handles. A shelf or platform is located below the sliding support. The sliding support allows the container to be stored either under the support or over the platform, or if more storage space is required, the sliding support allows the container to slide on the support, providing open space for items to be placed on the platform. The container may also be easily slid off of the cart for removal by the user. The container may be provided with a telescopic handle and wheels for easy transport of the container and its contents.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 395,108 discloses the ornamental design for a similar utility cart, having a wheeled base. In the body of the cart, there is a lower compartment with a pull out drawer, a middle compartment with a pull-out drawer, and what appears to be a top compartment with a pull-out drawer for smaller items. There is an upper surface with a sink on one end, and on the opposing end there appears to be two side-by-side attachments for hanging bags.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 401,712 discloses a household cleaning cart with a main body receptacle with omni-directional wheels on the base. Each side of the body has apertures to attach compartments to the body to carry smaller items on the outside of the receptacle body.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 424,773 discloses a transport carriage comprising a main part with a bottom surface shelf, a top shelf, and two intermediate shelves with a first and second side part that are removable from the main part. Each side part appears to be a receptacle.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 425,279 discloses a maid cart with a central body having opening doors, a top surface providing a central portion for placing items, and a left and a right side aperture whereby receptacles can be placed extending from the top surface down to the bottom surface of the cart.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 464,185 discloses two embodiments of a housekeeping cart. The first embodiment has wheels, wire holders on the left side, bottom shelving, and embossed surface features. The first embodiment further has a cover on the top surface and an open space on the right side. The second embodiment disclosed has wheels, wire holders on the right side, and embossed surface features.
However, there still exists a need in the art for a hotel cart that provides sufficient storage space for all the necessary supplies on a housekeeping cart, including vacuum storage areas on both ends, hanging hooks integrated into the handles, an integrated base removable storage container with removable toilet bowl brush caddy, casters with swivel lock-out features with the control mounted at a user accessible height, and wall protecting corner rollers with adjustable shock absorption and impact indicators to protect the walls as the housekeeping cart is moving around.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe housekeeping cart of the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art, including those deficiencies identified above. The housekeeping cart disclosed overcomes these deficiencies by providing a housekeeping cart having a top storage area with an upper storage area enclosed by a protective hood, a main body portion with internal shelving and flush mounted doors and handles, and an under base storage area with a slide-out removable tray. Additionally, the side portions of the housekeeping cart have handles with integrated hanging hooks and integrated tool storage areas with molded rubber retaining arms and corresponding base receptacles. The handles also define side storage areas which utilize fabric storage bags which attach to the handles. Below the side storage areas, the wheels are covered by wall protecting corner rollers with adjustable shock absorption and impact indicators. The wall protecting corner rollers extend down from the lower platform of the housekeeping cart to a level sufficiently low that they will come into contact with the base trim of a wall before contacting the wall itself.
Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the instant invention to provide a housekeeping cart with wall protecting features such as corner rollers with adjustable shock absorption and impact indicators so that the walls and hallways of a building utilizing the housekeeping cart remain free from marks, scrapes, scuffs, and dents.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a housekeeping cart with sufficient storage for all housekeeping supplies and cleaning tools, keeping them all in a neat and organized fashion.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a housekeeping cart with integrated hooks and tool storage areas.
It is further an objective of the present invention to provide a housekeeping cart with removable fabric side compartments which can be attached to the molded handles.
It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a housekeeping cart with an enclosed hood over a top storage area.
It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a housekeeping cart with vacuum cleaner storage on both ends of the cart.
Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a housekeeping cart that is primarily constructed from plastic materials having metal reinforcements to provide additional rigidity and weight carrying capacity.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
As shown in
A pair of side walls (20) and a back wall (64) extend substantially vertically from the base (12) to form the main storage area of the cart (10). A pair of doors (36) encloses this main storage area. The doors (36) have flush mounted handles (38) that are recessed in the doors (36) to prevent the doors from accidentally striking walls or doorways as the cart (10) moves through a building. The doors (36) can be equipped with a door lock (40) to provide for increased security of items being stored in the main storage area.
The top of the main storage area defines an upper shelf (22), upon which items can be placed. The use of a top hood (42) on the upper shelf (22) can provide for greater security of items on the upper shelf (22). The top hood (42) has an opening (44) on the front side, which can be opened using a flush mounted handle (46). Security for the hood (42) can be added by virtue of a hood lock (48). Additionally, an internal light (not shown) can be included within the hood, to provide light within the hood.
Extending out from the side walls (20) at the same level as the upper shelf (22) is a pair of handles (24). The handles (24) have projecting arms (25) which extend perpendicularly out from the side walls (20) and are then joined by a handle grip (26). Along the projecting arms (25) are tool storage compartments (28) made from molded rubber retaining arms and receptacles, and grooves (30) for attachable side storage compartments (32) to attach to the handles (24). The handles also create an attachment location for a storage caddy (34) to be placed on the cart (10). Attached to the handle grips (26) are hooks (52) for attaching cleaning tools.
On the underside of the base (12), there is a lower storage compartment (60) with a pull-out tray (62) to allow for additional storage. At the corners of the base (12), there are corner brackets (54) extending downward from the base (12). The brackets (54) are housings for the corner rollers (56), which provide adjustable shock absorption and have impact indicators to prevent the cart (10) from causing damage to walls when pushed through a building. The corner rollers (56) extend downward so that the rollers (56) will contact base trim along a wall instead of contacting the wall surface. Strengthening ribs 74 are formed throughout the bottom of the plastic portions of the housekeeping cart to add strength and rigidity to the structures.
On opposite sides of the cart (10), crossbars (58) extend between the brackets (54). The crossbars (58) can be used to attach a vacuum cleaner to the cart (10), so that a user of the cart (10) can move the cart (10) with a vacuum cleaner attached.
As shown in
Not shown in the figures, the cart (10) includes flush connectors to allow for the cart to be cleaned more efficiently. Additionally, a hidden integrated battery pack can be included for rechargeable tools and accessories, as well as an integrated power strip for plugging in electric tools. In one embodiment of the cart (10), an integrated self-propelled module can be included for operator assisted movement.
When the switch (50) is pivoted from the first position to the second position, it causes the L-shaped bracket (104) to pivot, causing the front crossbar (102) to shift laterally, causing the second L-shaped bracket (104a) to pivot. As the L-shaped brackets (104, 104a) pivot, the vertical connectors (106, 106a) shift vertically downward. The vertical connectors (106, 106a) are coupled to corresponding vertical translational bars (112, 112a). The vertical translational bars (112, 112a) connect to a lower translational system which causes the casters (14) to lock in position. Detents (51) are formed on the switch (50) and cooperate with raised ribs formed, notches or the like on the bottom surface of the upper shelf (22) to retain the switch (50) in the desired position.
The lower translational system couples to the lower end of the vertical translational bars (112, 112a). Screws (116) can be used to couple the first lower crossbar (114) to the lower end of the vertical translational bars (112, 112a). The first lower crossbar (114) is then coupled to the second lower crossbar (118) by brackets (120). The brackets (120) include a housing (121) held together by a bolt (122) with a nut (126). To prevent lateral movement of the bracket (120) with respect to the first and second lower crossbars (114, 118), a groove 125 can be cut into each of the lower crossbars (114, 118), and the bracket housing (121) can include a ridge 127 for seating the bracket (120) on the crossbars (114, 118) at the groove.
The second lower crossbar (118) couples to a pair of wheel locking assemblies (150) one for each associated caster (14) and wheel (16). The ends of the second lower crossbar (118) couple to locking pins (136) that are slidably coupled to the locking pin housings (134). The locking pin housings (134) are fixedly coupled to the caster base (130). The caster wheel arm (132) couples the caster base (130) to the wheel (16).
On the lower side of the caster base (130) for the casters in the locking assembly (150) there is a rotating disk (138) that has openings at specific orientations of the caster wheel arm (132) relative to the caster base (130), specifically when the wheels (16) are aligned parallel to the long side of the housekeeping cart (10). When the vertical translational bars (112, 112a) are pulled up, the bracket (120) causes a rotation between the first and second lower crossbars (114, 118). This rotation causes the second lower crossbar (118) to move towards the caster base (130), which engages the locking pin (136) with the rotating disk (138), preventing the disk (138) from further rotation and, thus, locking the position of the caster (14). Conversely, when the vertical translational bars (112, 112a) are raised, the locking pin (136) disengages from the rotating disk (138), allowing the caster (14) to rotate freely.
Attached to the vertical attachment bars (176) are corner brackets (154). Bolts (198) extend downward through the base (12) to secure the corner brackets (154) with a washer (190) and nut (196). Each corner bracket (154) includes a bumper housing (172) with an axle (182) extending through a bumper made of a padded layer (180) around an inner portion (178) with an axle bearing (184) in the center. The axle (182) is secured within the housing (172) by a clip (194).
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A bumper assembly for attachment onto a cart comprising:
- a first corner bumper housing;
- a second corner bumper housing;
- an attachment bar, said attachment bar having at least one horizontal crossbar, said at least one horizontal crossbar having a first end and a second end; said first end of said horizontal crossbar coupled to a first end of a first vertical attachment bar, said second end of said at least one horizontal crossbar coupled to a first end of a second vertical attachment bar, said first and second vertical attachment bars each having a second end with threading; said first corner bumper housing coupled to said first vertical attachment bar, said second corner bumper coupled to said second vertical attachment bar;
- at least one first bumper coupled to said first corner bumper housing by a first axle;
- at least one second bumper coupled to said second corner bumper housing by a second axle;
- a first nut coupled to said second end of said first vertical attachment bar; and
- a second nut coupled to said second end of said second vertical attachment bar;
- wherein coupling of said first nut to said first vertical attachment bar and said second nut to said second vertical attachment bar couples the assembly to a cart.
2. The bumper assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one first bumper comprises an inner bumper portion having a vertical aperture and an outer bumper padding.
3. The bumper assembly of claim 2, wherein said at least one second bumper comprises an inner bumper portion having a vertical aperture and an outer bumper padding.
4. The bumper assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one first bumper is one first bumper and said at least one second bumper is one second bumper.
5. The bumper assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one first bumper is a set of three bumpers and said at least one second bumper is a set of three bumpers.
6. The bumper assembly of claim 5 further including a first bumper attachment member coupled to said first bumper housing and a second bumper attachment member coupled to said second bumper housing, said first bumper attachment member having a pair of extending arms with an aperture for engagement with said first axle, and said second bumper attachment member having a pair of extending arms with an aperture for engagement with said second axle.
7. The bumper assembly of claim 1 further comprising a first screw coupled to said first bumper housing to secure said first bumper housing to said cart and a second screw coupled to said second bumper housing to secure said second bumper housing to said cart.
8. A wheel caster locking system for a housekeeping cart comprising:
- a switch pivotable between a first position and a second position, said switch attached to a housekeeping cart frame;
- a first vertical translational bar, said first vertical translational bar having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first vertical translation bar coupled to said switch;
- a second vertical translational bar, said second vertical translational bar having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second vertical translational bar coupled to said switch by a horizontal translational bar;
- a lower translational system, said lower translational system coupled to said second end of said first vertical translational bar, said lower translational system coupled to said second end of said second vertical translational bar;
- a first wheel locking assembly coupled to said lower translational system; and
- a second wheel locking assembly coupled to said lower translational system;
- wherein, when said switch is in said first position, said first and second wheel locking assemblies allow free rotation of a first and second wheel of said housekeeping cart, and when said switch is in said second position, said first and second wheel locking assemblies prevent rotation of said first and second wheel of said housekeeping cart.
9. The wheel caster locking system for a housekeeping cart of claim 8, wherein said first wheel locking assembly includes a first locking pin disposed within a first pin housing, said first pin housing coupled to a first wheel caster, said first locking pin having a first end and a second end, said first end of said wheel locking pin coupled to said lower translational system, said second end of said wheel locking pin positionable within said first wheel caster to prevent rotation of said first wheel caster.
10. The wheel caster locking system for a housekeeping cart of claim 9, wherein said second wheel locking assembly includes a second locking pin disposed within a second pin housing, said second pin housing coupled to a second wheel caster, said second locking pin having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second locking pin coupled to said lower translational system, said second end of said wheel locking pin positionable within said second wheel caster to prevent rotation of said second wheel caster.
11. The wheel caster locking system for a housekeeping cart of claim 8, further comprising a first L-shaped bracket coupled to said switch and pivotably coupled to said housekeeping cart frame, said first L-shaped bracket having a first end and a second end, said first L-shaped bracket first end coupled to said first vertical translational bar first end, said first L-shaped bracket second end coupled to said horizontal translational bar first end.
12. The wheel caster locking system for a housekeeping cart of claim 11, further comprising a second L-shaped bracket pivotably coupled to said housekeeping cart frame, said second L-shaped bracket having a first end and a second end, said second L-shaped bracket first end coupled to said second vertical translational bar first end, said second L-shaped bracket second end coupled to said horizontal translational bar second end.
13. The wheel locking system for a housekeeping cart of claim 12, wherein said lower translational system comprises:
- a first lower crossbar having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first lower crossbar coupled to said second end of said first vertical translation bar, said second end of said first lower crossbar coupled to said second end of said second vertical translation bar;
- a second lower crossbar having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second lower crossbar coupled to said first wheel locking assembly, said second end of said second lower crossbar coupled to said second wheel locking assembly; and
- at least one bracket having a first end and a second end, said first end of said at least one bracket pivotably coupled to said stabilizing bar, said second end of said at least one bracket pivotably coupled to said engagement bar.
14. The wheel caster locking system for a housekeeping cart of claim 13, wherein said first wheel locking assembly comprises a first locking member disposed within a first housing, said first housing coupled to a first wheel caster, said first locking member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said wheel locking member coupled to said engagement bar first engagement pin, said second end of said wheel locking member positionable within said first wheel caster to prevent rotation of said first wheel caster.
15. The wheel caster locking system for a housekeeping cart of claim 14, wherein said second wheel locking assembly comprises a second locking member disposed within a second housing, said second housing coupled to a second wheel caster, said second locking member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second locking member coupled to said engagement bar second engagement pin, said second end of said wheel locking member positionable within said second wheel caster to prevent rotation of said second wheel caster.
16. A housekeeping cart comprising:
- a housekeeping cart frame;
- a bumper assembly coupled to said housekeeping cart frame, said bumper assembly comprising: a first corner bumper housing, a second corner bumper housing, an attachment bar, said attachment bar having at least one horizontal crossbar, said at least one horizontal crossbar having a first end and a second end; said first end of said horizontal crossbar coupled to a first end of a first vertical attachment bar, said second end of said at least one horizontal crossbar coupled to a first end of a second vertical attachment bar, said first and second vertical attachment bars each having a second end with threading; said first corner bumper housing coupled to said first vertical attachment bar, said second corner bumper coupled to said second vertical attachment bar, a first bumper set coupled to said first corner bumper housing by a first axle, a second bumper set coupled to said second corner bumper housing by a second axle, a first nut coupled to said second end of said first vertical attachment bar, and a second nut coupled to said second end of said second vertical attachment bar; and
- a wheel locking system, said wheel locking system including a switch pivotable between a first position and a second position, said switch attached to a housekeeping cart frame, a first vertical translational bar, said first vertical translational bar having a first end and a second end, said first end of said first vertical translation bar coupled to said switch, a second vertical translational bar, said second vertical translational bar having a first end and a second end, said first end of said second vertical translational bar coupled to said switch by a horizontal translational bar, a lower translational system, said lower translational system coupled to said second end of said first vertical translational bar, said lower translational system coupled to said second end of said second vertical translational bar, a first wheel locking assembly coupled to said lower translational system, and a second wheel locking assembly coupled to said lower translational system, wherein, when said switch is in said first position, said first and second wheel locking assemblies allow free rotation of a first and second wheel of said housekeeping cart, and when said switch is in said second position, said first and second wheel locking assemblies prevent rotation of said first and second wheel of said housekeeping cart.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 8, 2018
Publication Date: Feb 7, 2019
Inventors: Michael Thuma (La Grange, IL), Michael R. Vogler (Oswego, IL), Michael Uffner (Naperville, IL)
Application Number: 16/153,902