Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
This invention relates to a cart. ~ore particularlg~ 1~ relates
to a cart especially adapted ~or domestic use for the transportation of
household trash, w~ether it be in garbage bags or gar~age cans.
These types of carts are well known in the art. For example,
Canadian Patent No. ~84,235 issued June 2~, 1952 to Frank Neal, provides
a cart having a relatively low center of gravity whether lt is empty or
loaded ar.d which has its load-carrying platform relatively low or close
to the roadway. Such cart has large awkward bicycle-type wlleels and a
fixed-size skeleton frame with a single central foot thereon. This makes it
difficult to transport, in an equally secure fashion, one, two, three or
more garbage cans or one, two, three or more garbage bags. In addition,
because of the single central foot, the static stability of the cart when
at rest is not definitely assured.
- Joyce, in Canadian Patent No. 575,126 issued May 5, 1959, pro-
vides such a art which has a wheel-equipped, open frame construction for
transporting cans from place to place. The construction, however, provides
a rigid cart only when it is braced by structure which enables its sole
use to provide circumferential support for two such cans. ~loreover, it is
provided with a ground-engaging skid which does not always provide suffi-
cient static control. Thus, it cannot be used, interchangeably, for the
transportation of one or a plurality of cans or one or a plurality of
garbage bags and to be assured that it remains at rest where it is placed.
Marini et al, in United States Patent No. 3,111,333 issued Novem-
ber 19, 1963, provide such a cart which was alleged to be light weight,
strong and durable and inexpensive to manufacture. They provided such a
cart which was so designed and constructed that it could be packaged and
sold in knockdown form and could be quickly and easily assembled by a pur-
chaser. Apart from the difficulty of assembling such so~called "quickly
and easily assembled kits", the cart was limited, because of its particula~
rigidifying bracing structure, to the carrying of only two cans. ~50reover,
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it was provided with ground-engaging slcids which did not always assure
sufficient static control.
Accordingly, it i5 an ob~ect of one aspect of this invention to
provide such a cart which is adjustable in si~e to accommodate one or a
plurality of garbage cans or one or a plurality of garbage bags.
An object of another aspect of this invention is to provlde such
a cart which is provided with legs particularly designed to provlde secure
static support and control.
By one broad aspect of thls lnventlon, a utlllty cart i5 provlded
which is made up of preformed tubular elements which are adapted to be
detachably assembled together, and which comprises: (a~ an upper genera]ly
rectangular framework, the upper framework including a for~ard, U-shaped
portion provided by a fon~ard, transversely extending arm and a pair of
rearwardly directed, longitudinally extending, transversely spaced-apart
arms, and a rearward, U-shaped portion provided by a rearward, transverse-
ly extending arm and a pair of forwardly directe,d longitudinally exten-
ding, transversely spaced-apart arms, the facing, mutually opposed ends of
the rearwardly directed arms and the forwardly directed arms being adjus-
tably telescopically joined together; (b) a lower generally rectangular
framework, the framework including a forward portion constituted by a pair
of identical L-shaped members, each such member including a vertically
extending arm adapted to be rlgidly secured to the forward transversely
extending arm of the upper framework, and a rearwardly directed longltu-
dinally extending arm, the~identical L-shaped members being transversely
spaced apart, and a rearward U-shaped portion provided by a rearward,
transversely extending arm and a pair of forwardly directed longitudinally
extending, transversely spaced-apart arms, the facing mutually opposed
ends of the rearwardly directed arms and the forwardly directed arms being
adjustably telescopically joined together, (c) a vertical handle portion
comprising a pair of L-shaped members~ each such member including a verti-
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cal leg extending below the lower framework to terminate in a synthetic
plastic material capped, e.g., vinyl plastic capped,foot, and extending
above the upper framework to terminate in a rearwardly directed handle exten-
.,
ding at right angles to the vertical leg, each such vertical leg being firm-
ly secured at its intersection with the respective rearward transversely
extending arm of the upper framework, the L-shaped members being transverse-
ly spaced apart; and (d) a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on a transverse-
ly extending axle removably secured to the reanwardly directed arms of the
L-shaped members of the lower rectangular framework.
By another aspect of this invention, a utility cart is provided
made up of preformed tubular elements adapted to be detachably assembled
together, the cart comprising: (a) an upper generally rectangular frame-
work, the upper framework inclduing a forward, U-shaped portion provided
by a fon~ard, transversely extending arm and a pair of rearwardly
directed, longitudinally extending, transversely spaced-apart arms, and a
rearward, U-shaped portion provided by a rearward, transversely extending
arm and a pair of fon~ardly directed, longitudinally extending, trans-
versely spaced-apart arms, the facing, mutually opposed ends of the rear-
wardly directed arms and the fon~ardly directed arms being adjustably
telescopically joined together, and the forward U-shaped portion is pro-
vided by a pair of identical, but mirror-imaged, L-shaped members whose
facing mutually opposed ends are non-adjustably telescoped together to
form the forward, transversely extending arm; and the rean~ard U-shaped
portion is provided by a pair of identical, but mirror-imaged, L-shaped
members whose facing mutually opposed ends are non-adjustably telescoped
together to form the rean~ard transversely extending arms; ~b) a lower
generally rectangular framework, the framework including a forward portion
constituted by a pair of identical L-shaped members, eac~ such member
including a vertically extending arm adapted to be rigidly secured to the
fon~ard transversely extending arm of the upper framework, and a rean~ardly
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directed longitudinally extending arm~ the identical L-shaped members bein~
transversely spaced apart~ and a rear~ard U-shaped portion provided by a
rearward, transversely extending arm and a pair oE for~ardly directed
longitudinally extendln~, ~ransversely spaced~apart arms, the frlclng
mutually opposed ends of ~he rear~ardly directed arms and the forwardly
dlrected arms being ad~lstably telescopically ~oined together; (c) a
vertical handle portion comprising a pair of L-shaped members, each such
member including a vertical leg extending below the lower framework to ter-
minate in a synthetic plastic material capped, e.g. vinyl plastic capped,
and extending above the upper framework to terminate in a rearwardly
directed handle extending at right angles to the vertical leg,
each such vertical leg being firmly secured at its intersection
with the respective rearwàrd transversely extending arm of the
upper framework, the L-shaped members being transversely spaced apart;
and (d) a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on a transversely extending
axle removably secured to the rearwardly directed arms of the L-shaped
members of the lower rectangular framework.
By a variation of these two aspects, the transverse dimension
of the lower generally rectangular framework is less than the transverse
dimension of the upper generally rectangular framework.
By another variation, the utility cart includes a pair of longi-
tudinally spaced-apart U-shaped intermediate support members.
By another variation, the utility cart is formed of aluminum
tubing.
b
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cart of one aspect of this
invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cart of a second aspect oE
this invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cart of a third aspect of
this invention; and
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cart of a fourth aspect of
this invention.
As seen in Figure 1, the cart 10 comprises an upper rectangular
frame 20 and a lower rectangular frame 30, each made up of hollow, light-
weight tubular members, e.g., aluminum, polyethylene, etc. Upper, rectan-
gular frame 20 is constituted by a pair of fon~ard, L-shaped, identical
but mirror-imaged members 21R, 21L, each constituted by a longitudinal
arm 22, and a transverse arm 23. The facing mutually opposed ends of arms
23 are non-adjustably telescoped together (as known by a person skilled
in the art or otherwise interconnected in a manner kno~n to those skilled
in the art) to form the fon~ard edge 24 of the upper rectangular frame 20.
Upper rectangular frame 20 is also constituted by a pair of rear-
ward, L-shaped, identical but mirror-imaged members 25R, 25L, each con-
stituted by a longitudinal arm 26 and a transverse arm 27. The facing
mutually opposed ends of arm 27 are non-adjustably telescoped together (as
kno~n by a person skilled in the art or otherwise interconnected in a
manner known to those skilled in the art) to form the rean~ard edge 28 of
the upper rectangular frame 20~
The facing mutually opposed ends of arms 22 and 26 are adjustably
telescopically joined together. The term "adjustably telescopically
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joined together" means a telescopic connection which is facilitated by
having the interior diameter of one of the arms 22 or 26 slightly greater
than the exterior diameter of the othar, or Dy naving an extension tnot
shown) on one of the arms 22 or 26 whose external diameter is slightly
less than the internal diameter of the other arm. The cooperatlng clrcum-
ferences may be provlded with longltudinally spaced-apart cooperatlng
dlmples in order to provide a plurality of spaced-apart "stops" to provlde
for a preselected orientation of the end of one arm with respect to the
other arm. Alternatively, a plurality of spaced-apart, alignable aper-
tures may be provided whic~, with a cooperating pin, may be used to pro-
vide such a preselected orientation of the end of one arm with respect to
the other arm. Hereinafter, when the term "adjustably telescopically
joined together" is used, it is intended to embrace the two above-described
structures, as well as functional equivalents thereof.
The lower rectangular frame 30 is constituted by a pair of
L-shaped, but mirror-imaged, members 31R, 31L, each constituted by a lower,
longitudinal arm 32 and a vertical leg 33, joined to arm 32 by an integra~
curved portion 34 and terminating at a secure connection 35 (e.g., by
welding or bolting) at the upper face of forward edge 24.
20 - The lower rectangular frame 30 is also constituted by a U-shaped
member 36 including a transverse rear edge 37 and a pair of spaced-apart
transverse arms 38. The facing mutually opposed ends af arms 3B are
adjustably telescopically ~oined together to the facing mutually opposed
ends of arms 32.
Supporting the rear end of the frame 20 is a pair of legs 41R,
41L, each constituted by a vertical leg 42 firmly connected to the trans-
verse rear edge 37 at 43 (e.g., by welding or bolting) and extending
upwardly and then forwardly at right angles thereto as handle 45 termina-
ting in handle grip 46. The legs 42 extend downwardly as feet 47, termina-
ting in synthetic plastic ~aterial capped, e.g., vinyl plastic capped feet 48.
.
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Supporting the forward end of the frame 20 is a pair of wheels
50R, 50L, rotatably mounted in any conventional fashion on transverse
axle 51 secured to arms 32 at 52 (e.g., by welding or bolting).
It will be observed that the transverse dimension of the lower
frame 30 is less than that of the upper frame 20, in order to provlde
greater stability and securement of the garbage cans or gar~age bag~
within the frame~ork. Moreover, the telescopic adjustability provides
for secure embracing of one, two or more garbage cans or garbage bags.
As seen in Figure 2, the cart 210 comprises an upper rectangular
frame 220 and a lower rectangular frame 230, each made up of hollow, light-
weight tubular members, e.g., aluminum, polyethylene, etc. Upper rectan-
gular rrame 220 is constituted by a pair of forward, L-shaped, identical,
but mirror imaged, members 221R, 221L, each constituted by a longitudinal
arm 222, and a transverse arm 223, The facing mutually opposed ends of
arms 223 are non-adjustably telescoped together (as known by a person
skilled in the art or otherwise interconnected in a manner known to those
skilled in the art) to form the rearward edge 228 of the upper rectangular
frame 220. The facing mutually opposed ends of arms 222 and 226 are
adjustably telescopically joined together.
The lower rectangular frame 230 is constituted by a pair of
L-shaped, but mirror-imaged, ~embers 231R, 231L, each constituted by a
lower, longitudinal arm 232 and a vertical leg 233, joined to arm 232 by
an integral curved portion 234 and terminating at a secure connection 235
(e.g., by welding or bolting) at the upper face of forward edge 224.
The lo~er rectangular frame 230 is also constituted by a U-shaped
member 236 including a transverse rear edge 237 and a pair of spaced-apart
transverse arms 238. The facing mutually opposed ends of arms 238 are
adjustably telescopically joined together to the facing mutually opposed
ends of arms 232.
Supporting the rear end of the frame 220 is a pair of legs 241R,
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241L. each constituted by a vertical leg 2~2 firmly connected to the trans-
verse rear edge 237 at 243 (e.g., by welding or bolting) and extending
upwardly and then forwardly at right angles thereto as handle 245 terminating
in handle grip 246. The legs 242 extend downwardly as feet 247, terminating
in synthetic plastic material capped, e.g. J vinyl plastic capped, ~eet 248.
Supporting the forward end of the frame 220 is a pa-ir of wlleels
250R, 250L, rotatably mounted in any conventional fashion on transverse
axle 251 secured to arms 232 at 252 (e.g., by welding or bolting).
The cart 210 of this embodiment is provided with reinforcing
ribs~ constituted by a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart, U-shaped ribs
260, each comprising v~rtical arms 261, 262, firmly connected to the top
longitudinal edges of upper rectangular frame 230 at 263 (as by welding
or bolting) and firmly secured to the lower longitudinal upper edges of
the lower rectangular frame 230 at 264 (as by welding or bolting). The
reinforcing ribs also provide an additional support for the garbage cans
or bags.
It will be observed that the transverse dimension of the lower
frame 230 is less than that of the upper frame 220, in order to provide
greater stability and securement of the garbage cans or garbage bags
within the framework. Moreover, the telescopic adjustability provides
for secure embracing of one, two or more garbage cans or garbage bags.
As seen in Figure 3, the cart 310 comprises an upper rectangular
frame 320 and a lower rectangular frame 330, each made up of hollow, light-
weight tubular members, e.g., aluminum, polyethylene, etc. Upper rectan-
gular frame 320 is constituted by a fon~ard, V-shaped member 321, con-
stituted by a pair of longitudinal arms 322, and a transverse arm 323.
Upper rectangular frame 320 is also constituted by a rean~ard~
U-shaped member 325, constituted by a pair of longitudinal arms 326 and a
transverse arm 327. The facing mutually opposed ends of arms 322 and 326
are adjustably telescopically joined together.
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The lower rectangular frame 330 is constituted by a pair of
L-shaped, but mirror-imaged members 331R, 331L, each constituted by a
lower, longitudinal arm 332 and a vertical leg 333, joined to arm 332 b~
an integral curved portion 334 and terminating at a secure connection 335
(e.g., by welding or bolting) at the upper face of Eorward edge 3Z4.
The lower rectangular frame 330 is also constituted by a U-s~laped
member 336 including a transverse rear edge 337 and a pair of spaced-apar~
transverse arms 338. The facing mutually opposed ends of arms 338 are
adjustably telescopically ~oined together to the facing mutually opposed
ends of arms 332.
Supporting the rear end of the frame 320 is a pair of legs 341R,
341L, each constituted by a vertical leg 342 firmly connected to the trans-
verse rear edge 337 at 343 (e.g., by welding or bolting) and extending
upwardly and then forwardly at right angles thereto as handle 345 termina-
ting in handle grip 346. The legs 342 extend downwardly as feet 347, ter-
minating in chisel-shaped gripping points 348.
Supporting the forward end of the frame 320 is a pair of wheels
350R, 350L, rotatably mounted in any conventional fashion on transverse
axle 351 secured to arms 332 at 352 (e.g., by welding or bolting).
It will be observed that the transverse dimension of the lower
frame 330 is less than that of the upper frame 320, in order to provide
greater stability and securement of the garbage cans or garbage bags
within the framework. Moreover, the telescopic ad~ustability provides
for secure embracing of one, two or more garbage cans or garbage bags.
As seen in Figure 4, the cart 410 comprises an upper rectangular
frame 420 and a lower rectangular frame 430, each made up of hollow, light-
weight tubular membersJ e.g., aluminum, polyethylene, etc. Upper rectan-
gular frame 420 is constituted by a forward, U-shaped member 421, con-
stituted by a pair of longitudinal arms 422 and a transverse arm 423.
Upper rectangular frame 420 is also constituted by a rearward,
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V-shaped member 425, constituted by a pair of longltudi~al arms 426 and a
transverse arm 427. The facing mutually opposed ends of arms 422 and 426
are ad~ustably telescopically joined together.
The lower rectangular frame 430 is constituted by a pair of
L-shaped,but mirror-imaged, members 431R, 431L, each constituted by a
lower, longitudinal arm 432 and a vertical leg 433, joined to arm l~32 by
an integral curved portion 434 and terminating at a secure connection 435
(e.g., by welding or bolting) at the upper face of forward edge 424.
The lower rectangular frame 430 is also constituted by a U-shaped
member 43~ including a transverse rear edge 437 and a pair of spaced-apart
transverse arms 438. The facing mutually opposed ends of arms 438 are
adjustably telescopically ~oined together to the facing mutually opposed
; ends of arms 432.
Supporting the rear end of the frame 420 is a pair of legs 441R,
441L, each constituted by a vertical leg 442 firmly connected to the trans-
verse rear edge 437 at 443`(e.g., by welding or bolting) and extending
upwardly and then forwardly at right angles thereto as handle 445 termina-
t~ng in handle grip 446. The legs 442 extend downwardly as feet 447, termina-
ting in synthetic plastic material capped, e.g., vinyl plastic capped, feet 448.Supporting the forward end of the frame 420 is a pair of wheels
450R, 450L, rotatably mo~nted in any conventional fashion on transverse
axle 451 secured to arms 432 at 452 (e.g., by welding or bolting).
The cart 410 of this e~odiment is provided with reinforcing
ribs, constituted by a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart U-shaped ribs
460, each comprising vertical arms 461, 462, firmly connected to the top
longitudinal edges of upper rectangular frame 420 at 463 ~as by welding or
bolting) and fimrly secured to the lower longitudinal upper edges of the
lower rectàngular frame 430 at 464 ~as by welding or bolting). The rein
forcing ribs also provide an additional support for the garbage cans or
bags.
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It will be obseryed that the transverse dimension of the lower
frame 430 is less than that of the upper frame 420, in order tc provide
greater stability and securement of the garbage cans or garbage bags
within the framework. Moreover, the telescopic adlustability provides
Eor secure embracing of one, two or more garbage cans or garbage bags.
Thus, the cart has the advantages over the prior art as de.scrihed herein~
above.
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