FOLDABLE CART

Abstract

The invention provides a cart for transporting objects, such as game, that can be folded into a closed configuration for easy transportation and storage. In the open configuration, the cart is suitable for transporting heavy objects over difficult terrain. The cart has an angled frame such that it cradles the object retained thereon. The cart is designed such that an object can be easily loaded onto the cart. For example, the cart may be pivoted downward to minimize the distance that the object being loaded on the cart needs to be lifted, and the cart also has one or more rollers that allow the object to be slidably loaded and positioned on the cart. The cart may additionally have retaining straps to secure an object to the cart. Finally, the cart has forward wheels that allow the cart to be easily loaded into a vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a cart in accordance with teachings of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the cart of FIG. 1 with retaining straps and a hitch attached;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 with the support arms lowered;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational side view of the cart of FIG. 1 with the brake disengaged;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational side view of the cart of FIG. 1 with the brake engaged;

FIG. 8 is a forward perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 in a partially assembled open configuration;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the cart of FIG. 1 in a partially assembled open configuration;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration with one of the slide locks engaged;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 with several components coupled to the cart; and

FIG. 15 is a further perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 with a ski assembly coupled to the cart.

Claims

1. A cart for transporting across a surface an object disposed on the cart, the cart comprising: a frame for supporting the object, the frame including a handle portion;at least one wheel assembly coupled to the frame for supporting the frame on said surface, the at least one wheel assembly having at least one wheel;at least one roller rotatably coupled to the frame, the at least one roller being disposed such that when the object is placed on the frame, the object contacts the at least one roller to facilitate movement of the object relative to the frame.

2. The cart of claim 1 further comprising a retainer for securing the object on the cart.

3. The cart of claim 2 wherein the retainer comprises at least one strap coupled to the frame.

4. The cart of claim 1 wherein the cart is foldable to a storage configuration.

5. The cart of claim 4 further comprising a locking structure for locking the cart in the storage configuration.

6. The cart of claim 1 wherein the at least one wheel assembly is removably coupled to the frame.

7. The cart of claim 1 wherein the frame has a length and the at least one wheel assembly is substantially centrally disposed along the length of the frame.

8. The cart of claim 1 wherein the frame has a first end and a second end, the handle portion being disposed near the first end, and the cart further comprising at least one secondary wheel assembly having at least one secondary wheel, the at least one secondary wheel assembly being disposed near the second end.

9. The cart of claim 1 wherein the at least one roller is disposed substantially parallel to the handle portion.

10. The cart of claim 1 further comprising at least one support leg pivotably coupled to the frame.

11. The cart of claim 1 further comprising a brake mechanism coupled to the at least one wheel assembly for resisting rotation of the at least one wheel.

12. The cart of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises at least two frame portions and a hinge disposed between the at least two frame portions such that the at least two frame portions are pivotable at the hinge.

13. A cart for transporting across a surface an object disposed on the cart, the cart comprising: a frame for supporting the object, the frame having a first end and a second end, the frame including a handle portion disposed near the first end of the frame;at least one main wheel assembly coupled to the frame for supporting the frame on said surface, the at least one main wheel assembly having at least one main wheel with a main wheel outer diameter, the main wheel outer diameter being approximately greater than or equal to ten inches, and the main wheel outer diameter being approximately smaller than or equal to sixteen inches;at least one second wheel assembly disposed near the second end of the frame, the at least one second wheel assembly having at least one second wheel with a second wheel outer diameter, the second wheel outer diameter being smaller than the main wheel outer diameter; andthe frame being pivotable at the main wheel with respect to the surface such that the second end of the frame and the at least one second wheel can be raised with respect to the surface by asserting a pivoting force on the handle portion.

14. The cart of claim 13 wherein the frame comprises at least two frame portions and a hinge disposed between the at least two frame portion such that the at least two frame portions are pivotable at the hinge.

15. The cart of claim 13 wherein the cart is foldable to a storage configuration.

16. The cart of claim 15 further comprising a locking structure for locking the cart in the storage configuration.

17. The cart of claim 13 wherein the frame has a length and the at least one wheel assembly is substantially centrally disposed along the length of the frame.

18. The cart of claim 13 wherein the at least one main wheel assembly is removably coupled to the frame.

19. The cart of claim 13 wherein the at least one second wheel assembly is removably coupled to the frame.

20. The cart of claim 13 further comprising a brake mechanism coupled to the at least one main wheel assembly for resisting rotation of the at least one main wheel.