US 4,381,870 AGranted

Versatile cart apparatus

AssigneeSmarte Carte, Inc.

InventorJames M. Muellner

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Abstract

An improved versatile cart (20) structure is the subject of this invention. The cart (20) has a lower frame structure (20) for supporting bulky objects, a pair of spaced upright supports (30) extending from the lower frame (22) and an upper frame structure (30.1a) extending rearwardly from the upright support (30) and over the lower frame (22) in spaced relationship, for carrying objects and also forming a guide handle (32) for the cart (20). In preferred form, the cart (20) is configured for nesting engagement with similarly styled carts and for use for automatic cart vending systems. A unique wheel structure supports the cart (20) in a manner that enables stable positioning of the cart (20) on escalators. In one configuration, the cart (20) forms a luggage carrier having a child seat convertible to an adult seat for use as a temporary wheelchair.

Claims42

Dependent claims

An improved multipurpose luggage cart, comprising:

(a) a lower frame defining a broad upper support surface suitable for supportably carrying a plurality of luggage items, said lower frame being generally symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and extending between longitudinally spaced forward and trailing ends;
(b) wheel support means for movably supporting said lower frame on a floor surface, comprising:
(i) a pair of spaced primary support wheels coaxially mounted to said lower frame adjacent said forward end and at oppositely disposed sides thereof;
and
(ii) a caster, rotatable about a vertical axis, mounted to said lower frame along its longitudinal axis and adjacent said trailing end thereof;
(c) a pair of upright support members mounted to said lower frame adjacent its forward end and at opposite sides thereof, and rising generally vertically upward therefrom;
(d) an upper frame operatively connecting said pair of upright support members and defining a broad upper support surface suitable for supportably carrying bulky luggage items, said upper frame being generally symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and extending rearward from said upright support members, and overlying in generally parallel spaced relationship, said lower frame;
(e) a first substantially planar member extending generally horizontally between said upright support members;
and
(f) a second substantially planar member pivotally mounted between said upright support members for rotation about an axis spaced above and extending generally parallel to, said first planar member, and configured for selective disposition in a first position generally parallel to, and overlying, said first planar member, a second position generally perpendicular to said first planar member, and a third position generally parallel to, and extending rearwardly from, said first planar member.

7 more elements

An improved multipurpose personalized cart apparatus of the type suitable for use in carrying luggage in transportation terminals or packages in shopping center complexes and the like, comprising:

(a) a lower frame defining a broad upper surface suitable for carrying a plurality of relatively bulky items, said lower frame being generally symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis and extending between longitudinally spaced first and second ends, said lower frame having a retaining member mounted pivotally, proximate said second end thereof for movement between orientations generally parallel and generally perpendicular to said upper surface of said frame;
(b) a pair of upright side support members mounted to said lower frame adjacent to said first end at opposite sides thereof, and rising generally vertically upward therefrom;
(c) an upper frame portion operatively connecting and longitudinally extending from said pair of upright support members, generally symmretrically about a longitudinal axis, and terminating at a transverse handle portion for guiding said cart, said upper frame portion overlying, in spaced relationship, said lower frame;
(d) first child seat means operatively mounted at said first end of said cart for supportably carrying a child in seated position, said child seat means comprising:
a broad seat portion mounted transversely between said pair of upright side members and spaced above said lower frame, a back support upwardly extending from said seat member, and a retention bar mounted transversely between said upright support members and spaced above the general plane of said seat and generally parallel to said back support;
(e) wheel support means operatively connected with said lower frame for movably supporting said cart over a floor surface, comprising:
(i) a pair of primary support wheels coaxially mounted on said lower frame adjacent said first end and at oppositely disposed sides thereof;
and
(ii) caster means operatively mounted to said lower frame near said second end thereof, and rotatable about a generally upright axis, for enabling ease of steering movement of said cart;
wherein the combination of the manner in which said wheel support means supportively carry said lower frame, the relative sizing of said primary support wheels relative to said caster means, and the longitudinal spacing between said primary support wheels and said caster means adapt said cart to be placed upon and operatively used in a stable upright manner, on a moving escalator;
(f) conversion means operatively connecting with said first child seat means, for converting said child seat means into a seat suitable for supportive seating of an adult thereon;
and
(g) adaption means for adapting said conversion means to function as a second child seat.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 06/239,971Filed 3 Mar 1981 · continuation in part
Priority: 4 May 1979
Granted: 3 May 1983
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

B62B 3/12
Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor: characterised by three-wheeled…
A47C 13/00
Convertible chairs, stools or benches
B62B 3/144
Characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys: adaptations for transporting children; Mounting of toys for the children
B62B 5/021
Providing for travelling up or down a flight of stairs: specially adapted for escalators