HIGH LOAD CAPACITY COLLAPSIBLE CARTS

Abstract

A collapsible cart includes a front and rear wall, a right and left sidewall and a pivotable base panel forming a compartment. For storage, the base panel can be folded upwards while the right and left sidewalls are folded inwardly. A rigid cover panel is conforming in shape to a top opening of the compartment and configured to securely fit in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/or seat. The rigid cover panel is movably attached to a top of the front wall and is configured to be moved to a second position residing adjacent the front wall outside the compartment. A retractable handle mechanism is disposed at, within or adjacent the back wall. The retractable handle mechanism includes a hand grip attached to a telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly is pivotably attached at a proximal end to the bottom of the rear wall.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent document relates to collapsible carts, and more particularly, to wheeled collapsible carts for high load capacity that is capable of folding up for convenient storage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Collapsible carts have been widely used in household and commercial settings. They provide a convenient way to transport objects when needed but can be folded or collapsed for storage.

The following patents and published applications are representative prior art: 1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,564,939 issued to Louis S. Weast on Aug. 21, 1951 for “Foldable Shopping Cart”; 2. U.S. Pat. No. 2,786,692 issued to Anne Jackson Timpson on Mar. 26, 1957 for “Collapsible Cart”; 3. U.S. Pat. No. 3,092,395 issued to Sol Mitty et al. on Jun. 4, 1963 for “Corrugated Shopping Cart and Parts”; 4. U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,527 issued to Philip B. Knapp on Jun. 2, 1964 for “Wheeled Market Carts”; 5. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 292,135 issued to John W. Grube et al. on Sep. 29, 1987 for “Collapsible Cart”; 6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,644 issued to Laurence G. Bell on Aug. 23, 1988 for “Foldable Cart”; 7. U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,646 issued to Karen Cheng on Aug. 23, 1988 for “Collapsible Shopping Cart”; 8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,754 issued to Lyla B. Ward on Mar. 30, 1993 for “Collapsible Beach Cart”; 9. U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,219 issued to Sidney R. Hadlum on Sep. 14, 1993 for “Hand Held Carrier”; 10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,671 issued to Kevin G. Abelbeck et al. on Nov. 23, 1999 for “Collapsible Cart”; 11. United States Published Patent Application No. 2002/0050429 to Cory O. Nykoluk et al. on May 2, 2002 for “Pivotal Handle For Towable Baggage”; 12. United States Published Patent Application No. 2002/0139628 to Wen-Cheng Chang on Oct. 3, 2002 for “Retractable Handle Assembly”; 13. United States Published Patent Application No. 2002/0144874 to Cory O. Nykoluk et al. on Oct. 10, 2002 for “Pivotal Handle For Towable Baggage”; 14. U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,898 issued to Yong S. Chu on Jul. 29, 2003 for “Folding Cart”; 15. U.S. Pat. No. D477,916 issued to Cory O. Nykoluk on Aug. 5, 2003 for “Towing Member For A Piece of Baggage”; 16. U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,791 issued to Cory O. Nykoluk et al. on Nov. 25, 2003 for “Pivotal Handle For Towable Baggage”; 17. United States Published Patent Application No. 2004/0211635 to Chen-Tien Lu on Oct. 28, 2004 for “Apparatus for Mounting Telescopic Handle on Trunk”; 18. U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,474 issued to Cory O. Nykoluk on Jul. 19, 2005 for “Towable Wheeled-Backpack”; 19. United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0212536 to Maria I. Tadeo on Aug. 27, 2009 for “Collapsible Rolling Tote Bag”; 20. U.S. Pat. No. 7,731,221 issued to Suzan L. Bess on Jun. 8, 2010 for “Collapsible and Portable Wheeled Dolly Particularly Suitable for Use by Students or Others in the Transport of Items”; 21. U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,476 issued to the named inventor Richard Elden on Jun. 27, 2006 for “Side Attachable Cover/Seat for a Cart Carrying Box”; and 22. U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,374 issued to the named inventor Richard Elden on May 14, 2013 for “Lightweight High Load Capacity Folding Utility Cart with Unique Support Structure and Ergonomic Handle.”

Because of the collapsible nature of the prior art cart design, the sidewalls may not be sufficiently sturdy to allow for transporting heavy objects. None of the prior art has effectively addressed this problem. Thus, the need for improvements to collapsible carts still remains.

SUMMARY

Collapsible carts are disclosed herein. The collapsible carts may include a rigid frame forming a compartment, and having a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a bottom wall. The right sidewall may include a first right panel and a second right panel, whereby the first right panel is coupled to the second right panel along a first vertical axis. The left sidewall may include a first left panel and a second left panel, whereby the first left panel is coupled to the second left panel along a second vertical axis.

In one embodiment, the collapsible carts may include a rotatable base panel rotatably coupled to the bottom wall within the compartment and having a lower surface and an upper surface. The rotatable base panel may be configured to be capable of rotating so that its lower surface rests against an interior surface of the bottom wall.

In another embodiment, the collapsible carts may include one or more tracks extending across the first vertical axis from a first position on the first right panel to a second position on the second right panel. The collapsible carts may also include one or more slideable members to cooperatively engage the one or more tracks, and movable between an open position to allow the right sidewall to fold inwardly, to a closed position to selectively lock the first right panel to the second right panel. The one or more slideable members are in the open position when adjacent the first position of the one or more tracks and in the closed position when adjacent the second position of the one or more tracks.

In yet another embodiment, the collapsible carts may include one or more tracks extending across the second vertical axis from a first position on the first left panel to a second position on the second left panel. The collapsible carts may also include one or more slideable members to cooperatively engage the one or more tracks, and movable between an open position to allow the left sidewall to fold inwardly, to a closed position to selectively lock the first left panel to the second left panel. The one or more slideable members are in the open position when adjacent the first position of the one or more tracks and in the closed position when adjacent the second position of the one or more tracks.

In yet another embodiment, the collapsible carts may include a plurality of wheel assemblies, such as a plurality of rotatable swivel wheels mounted at one or more locations underneath the bottom wall, or a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to a plurality of spokes, where each spoke is coupled to a spindle located underneath the bottom wall or at the intersection between the bottom wall and the rear wall.

In one embodiment, the a plurality of rotatable swivel wheels coupled to the bottom wall of the cart include at least one wheel locking assembly 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. The at least one wheel locking assembly comprising a brake actuator pedal.

In yet another embodiment, the collapsible carts include a rigid cover panel and a retractable handle. The rigid cover panel may be configured to confirm in shape to a top opening of the compartment, and securely fitting in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover or seat on top of the cart. The rigid cover panel may include protrusions or a latch on a bottom surface to removably secure to the front wall of the cart. The retractable handle adjacent the back wall.

Each of the foregoing various aspects, together with those set forth in the claims and described in connection with the embodiments summarized above and disclosed herein may be combined to form claims for a device, apparatus, system, methods of manufacture and/or use in any way disclosed herein without limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

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

FIG. 2 is a right-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a left-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a rear-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 19 is a right-side view of the collapsible cart similar to FIG. 1 now illustrating a new embodiment having the rigid cover panel pivoting in a first axis by a hinge mechanism that connects the cover panel to the front wall;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 now showing the rigid cover panel in a vertical orientation;

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of the structure of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 now showing the rigid cover panel rotating in a second axis;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 now showing the rigid cover panel further rotating in a second axis;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the magnets and washers disposed inside the collapsible cart;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the hinge mechanism of FIGS. 20-24;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view taken along line 26 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the collapsible cart now having a pivoting telescoping handle;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 now showing a locking slide being moved upwards to unlock the telescoping handle relative to the rear wall of the cart; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the structure of FIGS. 27-28 now showing how the telescoping handle can pivot at its proximal end for rolling the cart while allowing all four wheels to remain in contact with the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 conform 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Through significant field testing and development, it was discovered that the rigid cover panel 62 may be lost or unavailable at various points during usage of the collapsible cart 10 by the end user. Therefore, a new embodiment is now disclosed in FIGS. 19-26 that includes a movable latch that secures the cover panel to the collapsible cart 10.

FIG. 19 illustrates this new embodiment of the present invention. The collapsible cart 10 is very similar to the previous embodiments already disclosed, such that common reference numbers are used herein. Similarly, the rigid frame 12 forms the compartment 14. The rigid frame includes the front wall 16, the rear wall 18, the right sidewall 20, the left sidewall 22, and the pivotable base panel 40. The pivotable base panel is pivotably connected to a bottom 16b of the front wall or a bottom 18b of the rear wall. The pivotable base panel still has a lower surface 42 opposite an upper surface 44, where the upper surface forms a bottom floor of the compartment. The pivotable base panel is configured to pivot between being disposed parallel to the front wall and rear wall for storage (as shown in FIG. 8) or being disposed perpendicular to the front wall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor of the compartment (as shown in FIG. 1). As with previous embodiments, the right sidewall and the left sidewall are configured to fold inwardly into the compartment allowing the cart to collapse for storage.

The rigid cover panel 62 still conforms in shape to a top opening 63 of the compartment as the rigid cover panel is configured to securely fit in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/or a seat as shown in FIG. 1. However, as now shown in FIG. 19, the rigid cover panel is movably attached to a top 16a of the front wall. The rigid cover panel is configured to be moved to a second position residing adjacent the front wall outside the compartment as best shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 19 shows the rigid cover panel 62 starting to pivot upwards about a first axis 82 and then FIG. 20 shows the rigid cover panel in a vertical orientation. FIG. 21 is a front view of the FIG. 20. The cover panel 62 is able to pivot upwards due to a novel hinge mechanism 80 which is best shown in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26. FIG. 26 is a close up of the hinge mechanism taken from FIG. 25.

FIG. 26 shows that the hinge mechanism can pivot in both the first axis 82 and also a second axis 84. The first axis and second axis are perpendicular to one another. Accordingly, the cover panel first pivots about the first axis 82 in FIGS. 19-21. Then, in FIG. 22, the cover panel rotates about the second axis 84 and continues to rotate in FIG. 23. As shown in FIG. 23, the cover panel is positioned out of the way of the compartment such that it is easy to place and remove items from the compartment. Yet, the cover panel will no longer be lost or unavailable as it is permanently connected to the front wall 16.

The hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 26 comprises a first portion 86 and a second portion 88. The first portion is able to rotate about the second axis 84 in relationship to the second portion 88. In this embodiment, the hinge mechanism comprises two parts, but could comprise one part or any number of parts to achieve the multi-axis movement and shown and described herein.

The first portion of the hinge at a proximal end 90 is pivotably connected to the top of the front wall. In this case, it is attached on the inside of the front wall but could be attached to the outside as well. In this embodiment, the proximal end 90 has cylindrical extensions 94 that are configured to snap into circular recesses 96 formed into the front wall. Thus, the cylindrical extensions are able to pivot within the circular recesses. It is understood that other devices or structures could achieve the same movements, such an auxiliary pin used for an axle that would extend through both the front wall and the proximal end of the front part. Accordingly, this teaching is not to be limited to the precise form shown and described herein.

The second portion of the hinge is connected at a distal end 92 to the cover panel 62 through the use of clips 90 and fasteners 92. As is understood by those skilled in the art, the second portion 88 could be connected to the cover panel 62 through any combination of clips and/or fasteners and/or bonding agents (not shown). Furthermore, the second portion 88 could be formed as part of the cover panel 62 when the cover panel is injection molded during production.

In another embodiment not shown, the hinge mechanism could be replaced with a fabric strap where the fabric strap is inherently flexible to allow the multi-axis movement required.

Once the cover panel is in the open position as shown in FIG. 26, it may swing back and forth undesirably as the cart is moved around. Thus, the inventors have further improved the novel hinge mechanism with a cam and flexure mechanism. A raised bump 100 is formed as part of a cam 101 that is made as part of the first portion 86 or attached to the first portion 86. The cam 101 is generally circular in shape except for the raised bump 100. The cam is generally hidden from view as being disposed behind the second portion 88, but the raised bump 100 can be seen through the hole of the flexure 102 formed in the second portion 88. Here, two flexures 102a and 102b are formed, but one flexure could have been used. The flexures abut the raised bump and create an interference fit that helps hold the cover panel into location once the raised bump is disposed between the two flexures. To move the cover panel out of the position, the raised bump engages at least one flexure and causes it to deflect a small distance which in turn creates a resistance to movement and a resistance for swinging back and forth. As is understood by those skilled in the art, a number of different cam and flexure mechanisms are possible, as this teaching is not to be limited to the precise form described herein.

There is also another solution that can be added to the previous solution or used in lieu of the previous solution to prevent or reduce the cover panel from swinging undesirably back and forth. Referring now to FIG. 24, magnets 104a and 104b can be disposed as part of the front wall 16. Then, additional magnets or ferromagnetic material, such as metal washers 106, can be attached to the inside surface of the cover panel 62. When the cover panel is used to close the top of the cart, the magnets 104 and washers 106 are far apart. Yet, when the cover panel is opened and disposed as shown in FIG. 26, they are appropriately positioned such that they align with one another. Therefore, a magnetic attraction occurs between the magnets and washers that keeps the cover panel in its position relative to the cart and prevents or reduces the undesirable swinging.

It is shown in FIG. 24 that the washers 106 are held with fasteners 107, but they could also be bonded into place or securely held through an interference fit. Likewise, the magnets 104 can be screwed, bonded or held in place with an interference fit. The magnets 104 could be placed on either the outside of the front wall or on the inside of the front wall. Here, the magnets are shown in the inside of the front wall.

The rigid cover panel may also include a locking mechanism 110 configured to lock or unlock the rigid cover panel in the first position. The locking mechanism can be a switch that can be slid forwards and backwards to engage the rear wall.

FIGS. 27-29 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention. The collapsible cart 10 is very similar to the previous embodiments already disclosed, such that common reference numbers are used herein. The retractable handle mechanism 64 is disposed at, within or adjacent the back wall 18 as best shown in FIG. 27. The retractable handle mechanism 64 comprises a hand grip 120 attached to a telescoping assembly 122.

The hand grip is attached at a distal end 124 of the telescoping assembly. Importantly, the telescoping assembly is pivotably attached at a proximal end 126 to the bottom 18b of the rear wall 18 as best seen in FIG. 28. There are a multitude of mechanism and methods that may be used by those skilled in the art to create the pivot joint at the proximal end of the telescoping assembly, as this teaching is not to be limited to any one specific structure.

A locking slide 128 is translatable along at least a portion of the telescoping assembly. The locking slide is a rigid structure that captures both of the telescoping tubes and helps secure them in parallel relationship. It is understood by those skilled in the art that just one telescoping tube could have been used and as such the locking slide would translate along this one telescoping tube.

In FIG. 27 the locking slide is locking the telescoping assembly to the rear wall at a distance apart from the proximal end which is pivotable. Then, in FIG. 28, the locking slide has moved upwards and no longer locks the telescoping assembly to the rear wall.

The locking slide is configured to lock to the rear wall securing the telescoping assembly parallel to the rear wall. Then, the locking slide is configured to unlock from the rear wall allowing the telescoping assembly to pivot at an angle away from the rear wall as shown in FIG. 28. A release button 130 is configured to lock and unlock the locking slide from the rear wall. As shown in FIG. 28, the collapsible cart 10 can now be rolled with all four wheels remaining on the ground while still retaining the functionality of the cart as described in the previous embodiments.

It is also understood by those skilled in the art that the locking slide could be replaced with a locking mechanism that either secures the telescoping assembly to the rear wall or allows the telescoping assembly to pivot about the proximal end. In other words, in other embodiments, the locking slide need not translate along the telescoping assembly while still being able to lock and unlock the telescoping assembly in relation to the rear wall.

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.

Similarly, this disclosure is not 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.

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.

Claims

1. A cart comprising: a rigid frame forming a compartment, the rigid frame comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a pivotable base panel;wherein the pivotable base panel is pivotably connected to a bottom of the front wall or a bottom of the rear wall, the pivotable base panel having a lower surface opposite an upper surface, the upper surface forming a bottom floor of the compartment;wherein the pivotable base panel is configured to pivot between being disposed parallel to the front wall and rear wall for storage or being disposed perpendicular to the front wall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor of the compartment;wherein the right sidewall and the left sidewall are configured to fold inwardly into the compartment allowing the cart to collapse for storage;a rigid cover panel conforming in shape to a top opening of the compartment, the rigid cover panel configured to securely fit in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/or a seat;wherein the rigid cover panel is movably attached to a top of the front wall, the rigid cover panel configured to be moved to a second position residing adjacent the front wall outside the compartment; anda retractable handle mechanism disposed at, within or adjacent the back wall.

2. The cart of claim 1, including a hinge mechanism movably connecting the rigid cover panel to the front wall.

3. The cart of claim 2, wherein the hinge mechanism at a proximal end is pivotably connected to the top of the front wall, wherein the hinge mechanism is configured to pivot about a first axis that is parallel to the front wall.

4. The cart of claim 3, wherein the hinge mechanism at a distal end is rotatably connected to the rigid cover panel, wherein the rigid cover panel is configured to rotate about a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

5. The cart of claim 1, wherein a first magnet is disposed at, near or within the front wall, and wherein a second magnet or ferromagnetic material is disposed at, near or within the rigid cover panel, wherein when the rigid cover panel is in the second position, the first magnet and the second magnet or ferromagnetic material are aligned.

6. The cart of claim 1, wherein the rigid cover panel includes a locking mechanism configured to lock or unlock the rigid cover panel in the first position.

7. The cart of claim 1, wherein hinge mechanism comprises a first portion rotatably coupled to a second portion, wherein the first portion is pivotably connected to the front wall and the second portion is connected to the rigid cover panel.

8. The cart of claim 7, wherein the first portion comprises a cam having a raised bump and the second portion comprises at least one flexure, wherein the raised bump is configured to abut the flexure when the second portion rotates about the first portion.

9. The cart of claim 1, wherein the retractable handle mechanism comprises a hand grip attached to a telescoping assembly.

10. The cart of claim 9, wherein the hand grip is attached at a distal end of the telescoping assembly and the telescoping assembly is pivotably attached at a proximal end to the bottom of the rear wall.

11. The cart of claim 10, including a locking slide translatable along at least a portion of the telescoping assembly, wherein the locking slide is configured to lock to the rear wall securing the telescoping assembly parallel to the rear wall, and wherein the locking slide is configured to unlock from the rear wall allowing the telescoping assembly to pivot at an angle away from the rear wall.

12. The cart of claim 11, wherein the locking slide includes a release button configured to lock and unlock the locking slide from the rear wall.

13. The cart of claim 1, wherein the right sidewall comprises a first right panel and a second right panel, the first right panel is coupled to the second right panel along a first vertical axis, and the left sidewall comprises a first left panel and a second left panel, the first left panel is coupled to the second left panel along a second vertical axis.

14. The cart of claim 13, including a first track extending across the first vertical axis from a first position on the first right panel to a second position on the second right panel; and a first slideable member to cooperatively engage the first track, the first slideable member is movable between an open position to allow the right sidewall to fold inwardly, to a closed position to selectively lock the first right panel to the second right panel, wherein the first slideable member is in the open position when adjacent the first position of the first track and is in the closed position when adjacent the second position of the first track.

15. The cart of claim 14, further including a second track extending across the second vertical axis from a first position on the first left panel to a second position on the second left panel; and a second slideable member to cooperatively engage the second track, the second slideable member is movable between an open position to allow the left sidewall to fold inwardly, to a closed position to selectively lock the first left panel to the second left panel, wherein the second slideable member is in the open position when adjacent the first position of the second track and is in the closed position when adjacent the second position of the second track.

16. The cart of claim 15, further comprising a wheel assembly connected to the cart.

17. The cart of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of rotatable swivel wheels connected to the cart having at least one wheel locking assembly, the at least one wheel locking assembly 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.

18. The cart of claim 16, wherein the at least one wheel locking assembly comprising a brake actuator pedal.

19. A cart comprising: a rigid frame forming a compartment, the rigid frame comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a pivotable base panel;wherein the pivotable base panel is pivotably connected to a bottom of the front wall or a bottom of the rear wall, the pivotable base panel having a lower surface opposite an upper surface, the upper surface forming a bottom floor of the compartment;wherein the pivotable base panel is configured to pivot between being disposed parallel to the front wall and rear wall for storage or being disposed perpendicular to the front wall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor of the compartment;wherein the right sidewall and the left sidewall are configured to fold inwardly into the compartment allowing the cart to collapse for storage;a rigid cover panel conforming in shape to a top opening of the compartment, the rigid cover panel configured to securely fit in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/or a seat;wherein the rigid cover panel is movably attached to a top of the front wall by a hinge mechanism, the rigid cover panel configured to be moved to a second position residing adjacent the front wall outside the compartment;wherein the hinge mechanism at a proximal end is pivotably connected to the top of the front wall, wherein the hinge mechanism is configured to pivot about a first axis that is parallel to the front wall;wherein the hinge mechanism at a distal end is rotatably connected to the rigid cover panel, wherein the rigid cover panel is configured to rotate about a second axis; andwherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

20. A cart comprising: a rigid frame forming a compartment, the rigid frame comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a pivotable base panel;wherein the pivotable base panel is pivotably connected to a bottom of the front wall or a bottom of the rear wall, the pivotable base panel having a lower surface opposite an upper surface, the upper surface forming a bottom floor of the compartment;wherein the pivotable base panel is configured to pivot between being disposed parallel to the front wall and rear wall for storage or being disposed perpendicular to the front wall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor of the compartment;wherein the right sidewall and the left sidewall are configured to fold inwardly into the compartment allowing the cart to collapse for storage; anda retractable handle mechanism disposed at, within or adjacent the back wall;wherein the retractable handle mechanism comprises a hand grip attached to a telescoping assembly;wherein the hand grip is attached at a distal end of the telescoping assembly and the telescoping assembly is pivotably attached at a proximal end to the bottom of the rear wall.