# US 10,246,115 B2 · Food, water and vital supplies storage and transport cart

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- Number: US 10,246,115 B2
- Document ID: US10246115B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/639,372
- Filed: 2017-06-30
- Published: 2017-11-02
- Granted: 2019-04-02
- Earliest claimed: 2013-09-18
- Assignees: Allpillars, Inc.
- Applicants: Gregory Joseph Ryan
- Inventors: Gregory Joseph Ryan
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10246115B2

## CPC

- B62B 3/025: {Foldable roll containers}
- B31B 50/26: Folding sheets, blanks or webs
- B62B 3/02: involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable or convertible
- B62B 3/165: {roll baskets}
- B62B 5/0457: {by locking in a braking position}
- B65D 1/225: {Collapsible boxes}
- B65D 1/40: Details of walls (other container details B65D23/00, B65D25/00)
- B65D 1/46: Local reinforcements, e.g. adjacent closures
- B65D 21/0209: {stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position (B65D21/0234, B65D21/0235 take precedence)}
- B65D 21/0223: {the closure and the bottom presenting local co-operating elements, e.g. projections and recesses (B65D21/0222 takes precedence)}
- B65D 25/30: Hand holes
- B65D 25/48: Separable nozzles or spouts
- B65D 43/162: {the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece (B65D43/161 takes precedence)}
- B65D 43/168: {and connected by one or more hinges formed by a separate, single container and a flexible, band-like element fixed to the container and the lid}
- B65D 51/242: {provided with means for facilitating lifting or suspending of the container}
- B65D 81/3813: {rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container}
- B31B 2100/0024: {having all side walls attached to the bottom}
- B31B 2110/35: rectangular, e.g. square
- B65D 2313/00: Connecting or fastening means
- B65D 2313/02: of hook-and-loop type
- B65D 2543/00879: on the central part of the lid
- Y02W 30/80: Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging (bio-packaging Y02W90/10)
- B62B: HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES (characterised by animal propulsion B62C; propulsion of sledges by driver or engine B62M)
- B31B: MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER (making wound articles, e.g. wound tubes, B31C; combined making and filling B65B)
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- Y02W: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT

## Abstract

Collapsible reusable watertight carrying cases are provided in sizes varying from small containers to large sealable container bins on wheels, to provide large quantities of water to remote areas not served by public water supplies, or where water supplies are unavailable because of weather disasters. The cases are assembled or disassembled from a joined flat space-saving configuration to a functioning case and vice-versa. The sides of the cases are erected progressively by hand by interlocking elements at the corners. The panels also disassemble progressively by being manually pulled apart. When folded into a flat storage or shipping configuration, the panels stay together, resisting unfolding by virtue of snaps which are either molded into the panels or bonded to them. The carrying cases are resistant to water, dirt, bacteria, molds, allergens, and inclement weather.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A watertight collapsible storage and transport cart comprising:
a substantially rectangular bottom panel;
two pairs of side panels connected to said bottom panel at fold lines, said fold lines being continuous and uninterrupted from end to end between said two pairs of side panels connected to said bottom panel;
a cover panel joined to a top edge of one of said side panels by a cover fold line, said cover panel having a rectangular shaped recess adjacent each corner thereof;
said panels being constructed of plastic material used to store food and water;
said side panels having releasable attachments where side edges of said side panels meet, said respective releasable attachments each comprising one pair of facing side panels having elongated continuous, uninterrupted male members extending along and on both side edges, and another pair of alternating facing side panels having continuous, uninterrupted female molded channels along side edges adapted to receive said continuous, uninterrupted male members when said side panels are lifted upwardly to form an assembled configuration of said cart, and forming along with uninterrupted fold lines watertight joints between adjacent side panels;
said bottom panel having a rectangular, annular metal frame L-shaped in cross section partially enclosing outer edges of said bottom panel and supporting a wheel adjacent each corner thereof, and a housing containing braking elements located over each wheel under said annular metal frame;
in said assembled configuration, said bottom and side panels extending upwardly forming a top opening, said cover panel swiveling between a position closing said top opening and a position exposing said top opening;
in a collapsed configuration, said sides folded inwardly, and said cover panel folded over said side panels, said folded panels forming a flat, compact assembly for stacking and storage, when stacked said wheels fall into corresponding recesses in a compact assembly underneath; and
a spout with a release valve mounted on said bottom panel for dispensing liquid contained within said cart.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The collapsible cart of claim 1 in which said metal frame includes a braking system for engaging all wheels simultaneously, said braking system including said housings containing braking elements.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The collapsible cart of claim 2 in which said braking system includes a braking pedal which has a wheel lock position when fully depressed preventing wheels from rotating or swiveling regardless of the direction said wheels are pointing.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The collapsible cart of claim 3 in which said braking system includes a separate brake release pedal for unlocking said braking pedal and said wheels.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The collapsible cart of claim 4 in which each side panel is constructed of insulating material for keeping contents of said cart either hot or cold for an extended period of time.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The collapsible cart of claim 5 wherein all of said panels fold within a perimeter confines of said metal frame and to not protrude outside of said perimeter confines of said metal frame.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The collapsible cart as in claim 6 further comprising respective hitches being provided at opposite ends of said collapsible cart for moving said collapsible cart from opposite front and rear ends thereof.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The collapsible cart of claim 1 in which said bottom panel is contoured so liquid contents of said cart can empty completely, said spout and an interconnected separate push button release valve mounted on said bottom panel for dispensing liquid contained within said cart, both said spout and said release valve being provided with threaded safety caps and said spout being providing with interconnection for a garden hose.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The collapsible cart as in claim 1, wherein said cart is stackable in both of said assembled and collapsed configurations.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The collapsible cart of claim 1, wherein said folded panels form a flat, compact assembly for stacking and storage, said cover panel in a closed position allowing wheels from a cart stacked thereon falling into recesses of the cart below, whereby said recesses in said cover panel are adapted to received wheels from a cart stacked thereon for ease of storage.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The collapsible cart of claim 1 wherein said continuous, uninterrupted male and female members are correspondingly flat sided and flat ended.

### Claim 12

A method of forming and using a watertight collapsible storage and transport cart comprising the steps of:
forming said cart from a substantially rectangular bottom panel, upwardly extending two pairs of side panels connected to said bottom panel at fold lines, and a cover panel joined to a top edge of one of said side panels by a cover fold line, said cover panel having a rectangular shaped recess adjacent each corner thereof, said panels being constructed of plastic material used to store food and water;
forming watertight joints between adjacent side panels using releasable attachments where side edges of said side panels meet, forming said carrier cart, said respective releasable attachments each comprising one pair of facing side panels each having continuous, uninterrupted male members on both side edges, and another pair of alternating facing side panels having continuous, uninterrupted female molded channels along side edges adapted to receive said continuous, uninterrupted male members when said side panels are lifted upwardly to form along with uninterrupted fold lines an assembled configuration of said cart being watertight;
connecting said two pairs of side panels to said bottom panel at fold lines, said fold lines being continuous and uninterrupted from end to end between said two pairs of side panels connected to said bottom panel;
providing said bottom panel with a rectangular, annular metal frame L-shaped in cross section enclosing outer edges of said bottom panel and supporting a wheel adjacent each corner thereof with a housing containing braking elements located above each wheel under said annular metal frame;
in said assembled configuration, said bottom and side panels extending upwardly forming a top opening, said cover panel swiveling between a position closing said top opening and a position exposing said top opening;
in a collapsed configuration, said sides folded inwardly, and said cover panel folded over said side panels, said folded panels forming a flat, compact assembly for stacking and storage, said wheels falling into said rectangular shaped recesses when collapsed transport carts are stacked for storage; and
providing a spout with a release valve mounted on said bottom panel for dispensing liquid contained within said cart.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The method as in claim 12 further comprising the step of stacking a plurality of said box carts in either or both the assembled and folded configurations by placing an upper box cart over a lower box cart with the wheels of the upper box cart dropping into the recesses in the lower box cart.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of providing said metal frame with a braking system for locking and unlocking simultaneously all four wheels, said braking system including said housing over each wheel.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of providing said braking system with a braking pedal which has a wheel lock position when fully depressed preventing wheels from rotating or swiveling regardless of the direction said wheels are pointing.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of providing said braking system with a separate brake release pedal for unlocking said braking pedal and said wheels.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of constructing each side panel of insulating material for keeping contents of said cart either hot or cold for an extended period of time.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of folding all of said panels within a perimeter confines of said metal frame and so as to not protrude outside of said perimeter confines of said metal frame.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The method as in claim 18 further comprising the step of providing respective hitches at opposite ends of said collapsible cart for moving said collapsible cart from opposite front and rear ends thereof.

### Claim 20 (depends on 12)

The method as in claim 12, further comprising the step of stacking said cart with other carts in both of said assembled and collapsed configurations.

### Claim 21 (depends on 12)

The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of contouring said bottom panel so liquid contents of said cart can empty completely, and said spout and an interconnected separate push button release valve mounted on said bottom panel for dispensing liquid contained within said cart, both said spout and said release valve being provided with threaded safety caps and said spout being provided with an interconnection for a garden hose.

### Claim 22 (depends on 12)

The method of forming and using a watertight collapsible storage and transport cart according to claim 12 wherein the step of forming watertight joints between said panels includes said continuous, uninterrupted male and female members each having respective flat sided and flat ended male and female members.

### Claim 23

A watertight collapsible storage and transport cart comprising:
a substantially rectangular bottom panel;
two pairs of side panels connected to said bottom panel at fold lines;
a cover panel joined to a top edge of one of said side panels by a cover fold line, said cover panel having a recess adjacent each corner thereof;
said panels being constructed of insulated material wherein each side panel is constructed of said insulating material for keeping contents of said cart either hot or cold for an extended period of time, said cart used to store food and water, and for keeping contents of said cart either hot or cold for an extended period of time;
said side panels having releasable attachments where side edges of said side panels meet, said respective releasable attachments each comprising one pair of facing side panels having elongated male members extending along and on both side edges, and another pair of alternating facing side panels having female molded channels along side edges adapted to receive said male members when said side panels are lifted upwardly to form an assembled configuration of said cart, and forming watertight joints between adjacent side panels;
said bottom panel having a metal frame supporting a wheel adjacent each corner thereof, said metal frame including a braking system for engaging all wheels simultaneously, a braking pedal which has a wheel lock position when fully depressed preventing wheels from rotating or swiveling regardless of the direction said wheels are pointing, and a separate brake release pedal for unlocking said braking pedal and said wheels;
said bottom panel being contoured so liquid contents of said cart can empty completely;
in said assembled configuration, said bottom and side panels extending upwardly forming a top opening, said cover panel swiveling between a position closing said top opening and a position exposing said top opening;
in a collapsed configuration, said sides folded inwardly, and said cover panel folded over said side panels, said folded panels forming a flat, compact assembly for stacking and storage;
a spout with a release valve mounted on said bottom panel for dispensing liquid contained within said cart; and
said spout being provided in a protective bubble enclosure portion at a lower surface of said cart, with a protectively covered manually operable spout activator being provided on an exterior surface thereof, and a protectively covered threaded discharge end being recessed within an exterior surface of said bubble enclosure portion.

### Claim 24

A method of forming and using a watertight collapsible storage and transport cart comprising the steps of:
forming said cart from a substantially rectangular bottom panel, upwardly extending two pairs of side panels connected to said bottom panel at fold lines, and a cover panel joined to a top edge of one of said side panels by a cover fold line, said cover panel having a recess adjacent each corner thereof, said panels being constructed of insulating plastic material used to store food and water and keeping contents of said cart either hot or cold for an extended period of time;
forming watertight joints between adjacent side panels using releasable attachments where side edges of said side panels meet, forming said carrier cart, said respective releasable attachments each comprising one pair of facing side panels each having male members on both side edges, and another pair of alternating facing side panels having female molded channels along side edges adapted to receive said male members when said side panels are lifted upwardly to form an assembled configuration of said cart;
providing said bottom panel with a metal frame supporting a wheel adjacent each corner thereof, said metal frame with a braking system for locking and unlocking simultaneously all four wheels, providing said braking system with a braking pedal which has a wheel lock position when fully depressed preventing wheels from rotating or swiveling regardless of the direction said wheels are pointing, and providing said braking system with a separate brake release pedal for unlocking said braking pedal and said wheels, said bottom panel being contoured so that liquid contents of said cart can empty completely;
in said assembled configuration, said bottom and side panels extending upwardly forming a top opening, said cover panel swiveling between a position closing said top opening and a position exposing said top opening;
in a collapsed configuration, said sides folded inwardly, and said cover panel folded over said side panels, said folded panels forming a flat, compact assembly for stacking and storage, all of said panels being folded within a perimeter confines of said metal frame so as to not protrude outside of said perimeter confines of said metal frame;
providing a spout with a release valve mounted on said bottom panel for dispensing liquid contained within said cart; and
the step of stacking a plurality of said box carts in either or both the assembled and folded configurations by placing an upper box cart over a lower box cart with the wheels of the upper box cart dropping into the recesses in the lower box cart; and
the step of providing said spout within a protective bubble enclosure portion located at a lower surface of said cart, and providing a manually operable spout activator on an exterior surface thereof, and a recessing a protectively covered threaded discharge end of said spout within an exterior surface of said bubble enclosure.