Wheeled container cart

#This invention relates to a wheeled container cart and, more particularly, to an improved cart for supporting and transporting a container.

#Containers of different shapes and sizes have found widespread use for storage and transportation of materials. Containers in everyday use may range from the size of a shoebox to that of a 55 gallon drum. Depending on the size and shape of the particular container, as well as weight of the material in the container, the container can be difficult to lift and carry. Also, consideration must be given to protecting the material in the container during storage.

#One example of such a container is a plastic recycling bin. These bins are generally parallelepiped in shape and are used to collect recyclable material such as newspapers, bottles, cans, jars, etc. As such, provision must be made to locate the recycling bin when not in use or while accumulating recyclable materials. Subsequently, when it is necessary to move the recycling bin, such as for curbside collection, the bin might be difficult to lift and carry due to weight or awkward size and shape.

#FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wheeled cart in accordance with the invention with a handle in an upright position;

#FIG. 2 is a front perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, showing movement of the handle from the upright position to a folded position;

#FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1, showing the handle in a folded position;

#Referring to FIG. 1, a cart 10 is illustrated for supporting and transporting a container (not shown in FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the cart 10 is adapted for supporting and transporting containers such as plastic recycling bins. However, the cart 10 may be used for transporting containers of various shapes and sizes, including, for example, plastic storage boxes, trash cans, bankers' boxes, picnic coolers, toolboxes, tubs, mail handling containers, etc.

#The cart 10 includes a container carrier or frame 12 for removably receiving a container. The frame 12 includes a bottom support 14, a rear support 16 and opposite side supports 18 and 20. Wheels 22 are rotatably mounted to the frame 12 for moving the frame over a ground surface. A handle 24 is operatively connected to the frame 12, as discussed below, for manually manipulating the frame 12 over the ground surface.

#In accordance with the invention, the frame 12 and handle 24 are of tubular construction. Advantageously, the frame 12 and handle 24 are of tubular steel or of tubular metal construction, although other materials may be utilized, as will be apparent.