FOLDABLE CART PLATFORM AND BASKET COMBINATION
An apparatus (10) for transporting items includes a platform section (14) dimensioned to support an item, a basket section (12) having a plurality of basket walls (18, 20, 22, 24) adapted to transition between an operative condition defining an internal receiving area for accommodating an item, and a folded inoperative condition, and a handle section (16) operatively connected to the basket section (12). The handle section (16) is adapted to transition between a first condition corresponding to the operative condition of the basket section (12) and a second condition corresponding to the folded inoperative condition of the basket section (12). The apparatus (10) further includes at least one forward wheel (46) to facilitate transport when the basket is in the operative condition and at least one rear wheel (54). The platform section (14) also may be adapted to transition between a stored condition and a platform support condition to support the item.
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This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/312,919, filed Mar. 11, 2010.
BACKGROUND1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a transport apparatus and, more particularly, to a foldable and/or convertible transport apparatus adapted to transport items including groceries, luggage or the like.
2. Background of the Related Art
Various designs exist and are commonly known for foldable basket-style carts that are typically used for grocery shopping and for transporting small items. Also commonly known are foldable hand-truck style carts, commonly referred to as luggage carts and used for transporting suitcases, brief cases, small boxes and other items.
SUMMARYAccordingly, the present invention relates to a foldable cart that combines both aspects of known basket-style carts and luggage carts. Specifically, the apparatus may be capable of transitioning between a basket cart mode having a basket for storing items and a luggage cart mode where the basket is folded and a luggage support is utilized to convey luggage or large baggage. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for transporting items includes a platform section dimensioned to support an item, a basket section having a plurality of basket walls adapted to transition between an operative condition defining an internal receiving area for accommodating an item, and a folded inoperative condition, and a handle section operatively connected to the basket section. The apparatus further includes at least one forward wheel to facilitate transport when the basket is in the operative condition and at least one rear wheel. The platform section also may be adapted to transition between a stored condition and a platform support condition to support the item wherein in the supporting condition the platform section is arranged to support the item.
In one embodiment, the basket wall members include front and rear wall members and a pair of side wall members extending between the front and rear members. The side walls are foldably connected relative to the rear wall, and fold to assume the folded inoperative condition. Each side wall may include a plurality of individual side or rod elements. The individual side elements may be adapted to fold relative to the rear wall to cause the side walls to assume the folded inoperative condition. The individual side elements may be adapted to pivot relative to the rear wall.
A lock associated may be associated with the rear wall. The lock is dimensioned and adapted for releasably securing the basket section in the folded inoperative condition. The lock may be dimensioned to operatively connect the rear wall and the front wall when the basket section is in the folded inoperative condition.
The handle section may include first and second handle elements. The first and second handle elements may be operatively connected to the side walls of the basket section. Each handle element may support a forward wheel. First and second rear wheels may be operatively connected to one of the basket section and the platform section. The handle section may be adapted to transition between a first condition corresponding to the operative condition of the basket section and a second condition corresponding to the folded inoperative condition of the basket section.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar components throughout the several views,
With reference to
Base, front and rear walls 18, 20, 22 each includes a plurality of inner rod elements 30 arranged in a criss-cross and orthogonal manner to define a mesh arrangement. The upper ends of the rod elements 30 of the front and rear walls 20, 22 are connected to respective horizontal segments 26h, 28h of front and rear frames 26, 28, and the lower ends are connected to lower rod elements 30 of the front and rear walls 20, 22. Any means for connecting rod elements 30 are envisioned including with the use of fasteners, screws, welding or the like. In one embodiment, the upper ends of wire elements 30 are received within corresponding apertures within the horizontal segments 26h, 28h of the frames 26, 28.
Side walls 24 may comprise a plurality of horizontal rod elements 30 with respect to
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Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above description, disclosure, and figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.
Claims
1. An apparatus for transporting items, which comprises:
- a platform section dimensioned to support an item;
- a basket section including a plurality of basket walls adapted to transition between an operative condition defining an internal receiving area for accommodating an item, and a folded inoperative condition; and
- a handle section operatively connected to the basket section;
- at least one forward wheel to facilitate transport when the basket is in the operative condition; and
- at least one rear wheel.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the platform section is adapted to transition between a stored condition and a supporting condition wherein in the supporting condition the platform section is arranged to support the item.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the basket wall members include front and rear wall members and a pair of side wall members extending between the front and rear members.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the side walls are foldably connected relative to the rear wall, and fold relative to the rear wall to assume the folded inoperative condition.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein each side wall includes a plurality of individual side elements, the individual side elements adapted to fold relative to the rear wall to cause the side walls to assume the folded inoperative condition.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the individual side elements are adapted to pivot relative to the rear wall.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5 including a lock associated with the rear wall, the lock dimensioned and adapted for releasably securing the basket section in the folded inoperative condition.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the lock is dimensioned to operatively connect the rear wall and the front wall when the basket section is in the folded condition.
9. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the handle section includes first and second handle elements, the first and second handle elements operatively connected to the side walls of the basket section, each handle element having a forward wheel.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 including first and second rear wheels operatively connected to one of the basket section and the platform section.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the handle section is adapted to transition between a first condition corresponding to the operative condition of the basket section and a second condition corresponding to the folded inoperative condition of the basket section;
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 10, 2011
Publication Date: Sep 15, 2011
Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION (Stamford, CT)
Inventor: Anthony Kit Lun Leung (North Point)
Application Number: 13/044,882