HK1245202B - Foldable wagon - Google Patents

Description

Foldable trolley

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/193,181, filed on July 16, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/234,368, filed on September 29, 2015, and U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 15/210,413, filed on July 14, 2016, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference and made a part hereof.

Federally sponsored research or development

not applicable.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to carts and, more particularly, to foldable carts that are convertible from an open or use configuration to a folded configuration for transport or storage.

Background Art

Handcarts, including folding handcarts, are well known in the art. While such prior art handcarts offer many advantages, they still suffer from certain limitations, including often having complex, heavy, and expensive frames. The present invention is intended to overcome some of these limitations of the prior art, as well as other disadvantages, and to provide new features not previously available. The following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provides a comprehensive discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

According to one embodiment, the disclosed subject technology relates to a foldable cart that is capable of transitioning from an open, deployed, or use position (i.e., an open configuration) to a closed, or folded position (i.e., a closed configuration). In one embodiment, the foldable cart has a collapsible frame, a floor assembly, and a coupling assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the foldable cart has a flexible housing positioned on the collapsible frame.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a cart, which includes a frame having a first end assembly and an opposed second end assembly; a chassis assembly, which includes a first chassis assembly and a second chassis assembly, the first chassis assembly being pivotally connected to the first end assembly, the second chassis assembly being pivotally connected to the second end assembly, and the first chassis assembly being pivotally connected to the second chassis assembly; a coupling assembly, which is connected to the first end assembly and the second end assembly, the coupling assembly having a first coupling and a second coupling, the first coupling being pivotally connected to the first end assembly, the second coupling being pivotally connected to the second end assembly, wherein the first coupling is also pivotally connected to the second coupling; and a flexible shell, which is located on a portion of the frame.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a foldable cart wherein the frame of the foldable cart does not include side walls that lie in a plane perpendicular to the chassis assembly.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a front wheel assembly connected to the first end assembly and a rear wheel assembly connected to the second end assembly.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a foldable cart having a first end assembly including a first vertical member and a second vertical member and a second end assembly including a first vertical member and a second vertical member.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a chassis assembly and a coupling assembly, wherein the chassis assembly moves in a first plane during the transition of the frame from the open configuration to the folded configuration; and the coupling assembly moves in a second plane during the transition of the frame from the open configuration to the folded configuration, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a central brace that pivotally connects the first chassis assembly and the second chassis assembly.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a foldable stroller having a coupling assembly comprising a two-bar linkage. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling assembly is V-shaped. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling assembly is located below the chassis assembly in both the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a receiver extending from the hitch assembly that releasably engages the chassis assembly.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a flexible housing positioned over a portion of the frame. In one embodiment, the flexible housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first end wall, and the second end wall form a wagon enclosure, wherein the first sidewall is retractable, openable, or lowerable. In an alternative embodiment, the second sidewall is retractable, openable, or lowerable.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a foldable cart comprising a frame having a first end assembly, an opposed second end assembly, and a chassis assembly, the frame transitioning from an open configuration to a folded configuration; a coupling assembly pivotally connecting the first end assembly to the second end assembly in both the open configuration and the folded configuration; and a housing positioned on a portion of the frame, wherein the housing has a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the wall, the first end wall, and the second end wall forming a cart periphery, and the first side wall being retractable.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a foldable cart comprising a frame having a first end assembly, an opposed second end assembly, and a chassis assembly, the frame transitioning from an open configuration to a folded configuration; and a two-bar linkage assembly pivotally connecting the first end assembly to the second end assembly in both the open configuration and the folded configuration, the linkage assembly having a first linkage pivotally connected to the first end assembly and a second linkage pivotally connected to the second end assembly, the first linkage also being pivotally connected to the second linkage.

The disclosed subject technology also relates to a foldable cart, the foldable cart comprising a frame having a first end assembly, a second end assembly opposite the first end assembly, and a chassis assembly, wherein the frame transitions from an open configuration to a folded configuration, and the frame has a first side and a second side; and a coupling assembly, wherein in both the open configuration and the folded configuration, the coupling assembly pivotally connects the first end assembly to the second end assembly, the coupling assembly having a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member being pivotally connected to a first side of the first end assembly and the second coupling member being pivotally connected to a first side of the second end assembly, wherein the coupling assembly is not directly connected to the second side of the frame, and wherein the first coupling member is also pivotally connected to the second coupling member.

It should be understood that other embodiments and configurations of the subject technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of example. It will be appreciated that the subject technology is capable of other different configurations and that various details of the subject technology are capable of modification in various other respects without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Therefore, the drawings and detailed description should be considered to be illustrative and non-restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of understanding the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and which together with the following description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

1 is a perspective view of a foldable cart according to one embodiment showing the foldable cart frame in an open, deployed, or in-use configuration.

2 is a top view of the foldable cart of FIG. 1 , with the foldable cart frame in an open, deployed, or in-use configuration.

3 is a perspective view of the foldable cart of FIG. 1 showing the foldable cart frame in a folded configuration.

4 is a top view of the foldable cart of FIG. 3 showing the foldable cart frame in a folded configuration.

5 is a perspective view of a foldable cart according to a second embodiment showing the foldable cart frame in an open, deployed or in-use configuration.

6 is a perspective view of the foldable cart of FIG. 1 with the foldable cart frame in an open, deployed, or in-use configuration and the flexible housing connected to the foldable frame.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 in FIG. 6 .

8 is a perspective view of the foldable cart of FIG. 5 with the foldable cart frame in an open, deployed, or in-use configuration and the flexible housing connected to the foldable frame.

9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foldable cart of FIG. 5 , with the foldable cart frame in an open, deployed, or in-use configuration and the flexible housing connected to the foldable frame.

10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the foldable cart of FIG. 5 , with the foldable cart frame in an open, deployed, or in-use configuration and the flexible housing connected to the foldable frame.

11 is a perspective view of a retainer for a foldable stroller frame.

12 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a retaining mechanism that uses the retainer of FIG. 11 to retain the chassis assembly in the open position.

13 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a foldable cart.

14 is a bottom perspective view of the foldable cart of FIG. 13 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the foldable stroller discussed herein is susceptible of many different forms of embodiment, a preferred embodiment is shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, it being understood that this description should be considered as an illustration of the principles of a foldable stroller and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings and initially to Figures 1-5, in various embodiments, a foldable cart 10 includes a collapsible frame assembly 14 that enables the foldable cart 10 and the collapsible frame assembly 14 to move between an expanded, open, or use configuration (Figures 1, 2, 5-6, 8-10, and 13-14) and a closed, collapsed, or folded configuration (Figures 3 and 4). In one embodiment, the frame assembly 14 includes a first end assembly 16, a second end assembly 18 opposite the first end assembly 16, a chassis assembly, and a coupling assembly 24. The chassis assembly may include a first chassis assembly 20 and a second chassis assembly 22. The first chassis assembly 20 is generally pivotally connected to and extends from the first end assembly 16, and the second chassis assembly 22 is generally pivotally connected to and extends from the second end assembly 18. The coupling assembly 24 generally connects the first end assembly 16 to the second end assembly 18. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 6-10 and 13 - 14 , in various embodiments, the foldable cart 10 includes a flexible shell 26 connected to the foldable frame assembly 14 .

The first end assembly 16 generally includes a first vertical member 30 and a second vertical member 32, with a front lower cross support 34 connecting the first and second vertical members 30 and 32 toward their bases. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a front upper cross support 36 connects the vertical members 30 and 32 toward their tops. It should be understood that the front upper cross support 36 may be omitted in alternative embodiments. In the first embodiment of Figures 1-4 , the front upper cross support 36 (if used) may be a seat back 36, preferably made of molded plastic. In the second embodiment of Figure 5 , the front upper cross support 36 may be a structural member, such as a hollow tubular or elongated solid rod-shaped member. In alternative embodiments, the upper cross member 36 may not be required. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a handle 38 is preferably pivotally coupled to the first end assembly 16 at the front lower cross member 34.

Similarly, the second end assembly 18 generally includes a first vertical member 40 and a second vertical member 42, with a rear lower cross support 44 connecting the vertical members 40 and 42 toward their bases. In one embodiment, a rear upper cross support 46 connects the vertical members 40 and 42 toward their tops. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , the rear upper cross support 46 may be omitted. The rear upper cross support 46, if used, may be a seat back 46 and may preferably be made of molded plastic. In the second embodiment of FIG5 , the rear upper cross support 46, if provided, may be a structural member, such as a hollow tubular member or an elongated solid rod-shaped member. Typically, if one or both of the upper cross supports are omitted, the flexible shell 26 may function as either an upper cross member or a seat back, as shown in FIG13 and FIG14 . For reference purposes, the frame 14 generally has a first side on a side of the frame 14 where the first vertical members 30 and 40 are located (see FIG. 1 ), and the frame 14 generally has a second side on a side of the frame 14 where the second vertical members 32 and 42 are located (see FIG. 1 ).

In various embodiments, the foldable cart 10 includes at least one front wheel assembly 50 and a rear wheel assembly 52. In one embodiment, the front wheel assembly 50 is connected to the first end assembly 16. In one embodiment, the front wheel assembly 50 preferably includes a caster assembly. In one embodiment, a wheel support 54 of the front wheel assembly 50 is pivotally connected to the first end assembly 16 to allow the cart 10 to steer when being pulled by a user. The front wheel support 54 is configured to support a front wheel 56, which is rotatably mounted on the axle assembly of the front wheel assembly 50. In one embodiment, the foldable cart 10 includes two front wheel assemblies 50 as caster assemblies to assist in steering the cart 10. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the front wheel assembly 50 is constructed of single-sided bent wire casters. Alternatively, the front wheel assembly 50 may be non-steerable similar to the rear wheel assembly 52 to facilitate steering the cart.

Referring to Figures 1 and 5, in various embodiments, the rear wheel assembly 52 is connected to the second end assembly 18. A pair of downwardly extending rear wheel supports 60 extend downwardly from the rear lower cross support 44. The rear wheel supports 60 rotatably support the rear wheel assembly 52. In one embodiment, the rear wheel assembly 52 includes a rear axle 62 and a pair of rear wheels 64. The rear axle 62 can extend between and through the rear wheel supports 60 to rotatably support the rear wheels 64. As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the front wheels 56 are outboard of the rear wheels 64, providing greater stability to the cart 10. Additionally, because the front wheels 56 are outboard of the rear wheels 64, the rear wheels 64 can be connected to the solid rear axle 62 and still clear of the front wheels 56 when the cart 10 is folded. Alternatively, however, a separate rear wheel axle can be connected to each rear wheel support 60 to independently and rotatably support each rear wheel 64.

As shown in Figures 1-5, the first chassis assembly 20 of various embodiments is pivotally connected to and extends from the first end assembly 16. The first chassis assembly 20 generally includes two side members 70, a first end member 72, a second end member 74, and a plurality of center support members 76. In one embodiment, the first end member 72 is pivotally connected between the two vertical members 30 and 32 of the first end member 16. Shoulder bolts or other rotatable fastening mechanisms can be used to pivotally connect the first end member 72 between the two vertical members 30 and 32 of the first end assembly 16 and pivotally connect to the two vertical members 30, 32 of the first end assembly 16. The two side members 70 are preferably fixed near opposite ends of the first end member 72 and extend toward the center of the chassis of the wheelbarrow 10. The second end member 74 and the plurality of center support members 76 serve to provide rigidity to the first chassis assembly 20. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the side members 70 extend to the vertical members 30, 32 and are pivotally connected to the respective vertical members 30, 32. The first end member 72 is then connected between the side members 70 rather than being connected to the vertical members 30 and 32 .

Similarly, the second chassis assembly 22 of various embodiments is pivotally connected to and extends from the second end assembly 18. The second chassis assembly 22 generally includes two side members 80, a first end member 82, a second end member 84, and a plurality of center support members 86. In one embodiment, the first end member 82 is pivotally connected between the two vertical members 40 and 42 of the second end member 18. Shoulder bolts or other rotatable fastening mechanisms can be used to pivotally connect the first end member 82 between the two vertical members 40 and 42 of the second end member 18 and to the two vertical members 40 and 42 of the second end member 18. The two side members 80 are preferably fixed near opposite ends of the second end member 82 and extend toward the center of the chassis of the wheelbarrow 10. The second end member 84 and the plurality of center support members 86 serve to provide rigidity to the second chassis assembly 22. In one embodiment, a chassis panel (not shown) can be secured to the top of the chassis assemblies 20, 22 to provide a base or chassis for the wheelbarrow 10 upon which the flexible shell 26 can rest. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the side members 80 extend to the vertical members 40, 42, respectively, and are pivotally connected to the respective vertical members 40, 42. The first end member 82 is then connected between the side members 80, rather than to the vertical members 40, 42.

The first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 are connected at a central strut 90. Preferably, the central strut 90 is pivotally connected to the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 to allow the first chassis assembly 20 to be pivotally connected to the second chassis assembly 22. In one embodiment, the central strut 90 is an elongated member, such as a circular or other shaped tube or solid member, that extends to connect each of the side members 70 of the first chassis assembly 20 and the side members 80 of the second chassis assembly 22. In a preferred embodiment, each of the side members 70, 80 of the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 has a side opening 92 at an end toward the center of the wheelbarrow 10. The side openings 92 preferably have an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of each side member 70, 80. The central strut 90 extends through the side openings 92 of each of the four side members 70, 80 to pivotally connect the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the width of the first chassis assembly 20 is less than the width of the second chassis assembly 22 to allow the side members 70 of the first chassis assembly 20 to be located inboard of and abut the side members 80 of the second chassis assembly 20 with clearance. Alternatively, a reverse configuration may be provided. The first chassis assembly 20 and the second chassis assembly 22 define the chassis of the hand truck 10. The chassis assemblies generally move in a first plane to transition from an open or deployed configuration ( FIG. 1 ) to a closed or folded configuration ( FIG. 3 ).

As best shown in Figures 1-5, in one embodiment, a coupling assembly 24 connects the first end assembly 16 to the second end assembly 18 and provides rigidity to the cart in both the open and closed configurations, while also allowing the cart 10 to collapse or fold so that the first and second end assemblies 16, 18 are adjacent to each other (see Figures 3 and 4). In one embodiment, the coupling assembly 24 is connected to the first and second end assemblies located on a first side of the frame 14, and the coupling assembly 24 is not directly connected to the second side of the frame 14. In both the open and folded configurations, the coupling assembly 24 preferably pivotally connects the first end assembly 16 to the second end assembly 18. In one embodiment, the coupling assembly 24 includes a first coupling member 100 and a second coupling member 106. Additionally, in one embodiment, the coupling assembly 24 is positioned below the chassis assemblies 20, 22 in both the open and folded configurations of the frame. The first coupling member 100 has a first end 102 and a second end 104. The first end 102 of the first coupling member 100 is pivotally connected to the first end assembly 16. The second link 106 has a first end 108 and a second end 110. The first end 108 of the second link 106 is pivotally connected to the second end assembly 18. Additionally, the first link 100 is pivotally connected to the second link 106. In one embodiment, the link assembly 24 is preferably v-shaped.

In one embodiment, the first end 102 of the first coupling 100 has an opening with a housing 103 that fits around the first end assembly 16 to pivotally secure the first coupling 100 to the first end assembly 16. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 103 at the first end 102 of the first coupling 100 can be a tubular member that pivotally fits around one of the vertical members 30 of the first end assembly 16, with a bushing and/or bearing disposed between the tubular member and the vertical member to facilitate rotation/pivoting of the first coupling 100 about the first end assembly 16. Similarly, the first end 108 of the second coupling 106 has an opening with a housing 103 that fits around the second end assembly 18 to pivotally secure the second coupling 106 to the second end assembly 18. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 103 at the first end 108 of the second link 106 can be a tubular member that is pivotally mounted around one of the vertical members 40 of the second end assembly 18, wherein a bushing and/or bearing is provided between the tubular member and the vertical member to facilitate rotation/pivoting of the second link 106 about the second end assembly 18. Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the housing 103 is a generally tubular or cylindrical structure having an extended length to provide additional rigidity to the frame assembly 14 of the wheelbarrow 10.

In addition, in one embodiment, the second end 104 of the first link 100 is pivotally connected to the second end 110 of the second link 106. In one embodiment, the pivot connection 118 between the first link 100 and the second link 106 has a clevis and tang orientation. For example, one of the second end 104 of the first link 100 or the second end 110 of the second link 106 has a clevis 120, and the other of the second end 104 of the first link 100 or the second end 110 of the second link 106 has a tang 122 that fits within the clevis 120. A pin 124 connects the clevis 120 and the tang 122 and allows the first link 100 and the second link 106 to pivot relative to each other during opening and closing of the cart 10. The first and second links 100, 106 form a two-bar mechanism to help maintain the first end assembly 16 secured to the second end assembly 18 in both the open and collapsed configurations, and during transitions between the open and collapsed configurations. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the first and second links 100, 106 have first and second portions 130, 132, respectively, with the first portion 130 extending at an angle to the first and second end assemblies 16, 18, and the second portion 132 extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cart 10. The second portion 132 meets at the pivot connection 118 between the first and second links 100, 106. The linkage assembly 24 generally moves in a second plane to transition from the open configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 3 . With reference to the plane of movement of the chassis assembly moving in the first plane, the second plane in which the linkage assembly 24 moves is generally perpendicular to the first plane in which the chassis assembly moves. In other words, the chassis assembly moves in the first plane, the linkage assembly moves in the second plane, and the first and second planes are perpendicular to each other.

7 , in one embodiment, the coupling assembly 24 can include a central clamping member or receiver 136 that engages the central strut 90 to hold the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 in a lowered position until sufficient force is applied to lift the chassis assemblies 20, 22 and disengage the central strut 90 from the central clamping member 136. Thus, the receiver 136 extends from the coupling assembly 24 and releasably engages the chassis assemblies. A tab 138, such as a fabric pull tab, can be attached to the central strut 90 to allow a user to pull the central strut 90 to disengage the central strut 90 from the central clamping member 136 to initiate collapse/folding of the wheelbarrow 10. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10-12 , one or more receivers 170 can be attached to the coupling assembly 24. As shown in FIG11 , a first receiving block 170 is coupled to the first coupling member 100 below the first chassis assembly 20, and a second receiving block 170 is coupled to the second coupling member 102 below the second chassis assembly 22. Furthermore, in one embodiment, each receiving block 170 includes a receiver 172, similar to the central clamping member 136, for receiving the support rod 168 of the corresponding chassis assembly 20, 22. As shown in FIG11 , the snap receiver 172 of the first receiving block 170 removably engages the support rod 168 of the first chassis assembly 20, and the receiver 172 of the second receiving block 170 removably engages the support rod 168 of the second chassis assembly 22. While both receiving blocks 170 include receivers 172 in this embodiment, it should be understood that only one receiving block 170 need include receivers 172 to secure the chassis assemblies 20, 22 in the open position. However, two receiving blocks 170 are preferred because each receiving block 170 helps provide increased surface area for absorbing forces from the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22, respectively, as the chassis assemblies 20, 22 are lowered into place.

In one embodiment, at least 10 pounds (lbs.) of force is required to disengage the center strut 90 from the center clamping member 136, or to disengage the strut 168 from the clamp receiver 172, depending on the embodiment being employed. Thus, the chassis assemblies 20 and 22 cannot be accidentally disengaged from the center clamping member 136 or the clamp receiver 172, and the wheelbarrow 10 will remain in the unfolded configuration unless intentionally manipulated to move it into the folded configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 can be angled or skewed slightly downward and inwardly from the first and second end assemblies 16, 18, respectively, for example, by about 1° to 5°, thereby forming an over-center locking mechanism such that the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 remain in the open position until intentionally moved out of that position. Thus, in such an embodiment, the first chassis assembly is angled downwardly from the first end assembly at an angle greater than 90° therefrom, and the second chassis assembly is angled downwardly from the second end assembly at an angle greater than 90° therefrom.

In one embodiment, the cart 10 further includes a shell assembly 26 that defines the sidewalls of the cart 10 and preferably defines a bottom or chassis. In a preferred embodiment, the shell assembly 26 is made of fabric or other flexible material and is referred to as a flexible shell 26. The flexible shell 26 can be disposed on a portion of the frame 14. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the flexible shell 26 preferably includes sides or sidewalls 140, ends or endwalls 142, and a bottom wall 144 or chassis 144. Preferably, the shell 26 has first and second sidewalls 140 and first and second endwalls 142. The first and second sidewalls, first and second endwalls form the periphery of the cart. The shell assembly 26 may also include tabs that connect the shell assembly 26 to the cart frame 14. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, in the open configuration, the frame 14 of the foldable cart 10 does not include or has rigid sidewalls that lie in a plane perpendicular to the chassis assembly. This is because, in such embodiments, the shell 26 provides the sidewall features.

In various embodiments, as shown in Figures 6, 9-10, and 13-14, the shell assembly 26 is configured to be coupled to the stroller frame 14. In some embodiments, the shell assembly 26 includes a rigid seat back 36, 46 located at each of the first and second end assemblies 16, 18; however, in alternative embodiments, the rigid seat back 36, 46 is not part of the shell assembly 26, and the seat back is formed by the flexible shell 26. The end 142 of the shell assembly 26 can have a sleeve that extends around the first and second end assemblies 16, 18 and has an open end to allow the seat back 36 to be visible. Alternatively, the sleeve portion of the end 142 can extend over the seat back 36 or even have a closed top end 146, such as shown in the assemblies of Figures 8 and 13-14.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the sidewalls 140 can be independently and separately opened to provide a raised sidewall; alternatively, they can be lowered or retracted to provide access through the side of the cart 10. In one embodiment, only one sidewall 140 is retractable, while the other sidewall 140 is fixed at the end 142. In an alternative embodiment, both sidewalls are retractable. In one embodiment, any of the retractable sidewalls 140 has a fastener 148 at the top that engages with a mating member 150 to hold the sidewall 140 in place. In one embodiment, the fastener 148 and mating member 150 can be snap fasteners or other removable securing members, or alternatively, the fastener 148 can be an opening that engages with a protrusion. In an alternative embodiment, such as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the mating member 150 can be a button-like member and the fastener 148 can be a reinforced buttonhole. As shown in Figures 13 to 14, in a further embodiment, the fastener 148 is a Velcro strip, such as a fastener 176 connected to the mating member 150, and the mating member 150 is, for example, a matching Velcro strip 178. In one embodiment, the Velcro strip fastener 176 is connected to a tongue 174 extending from the vertical members 30, 32, 40, 42 (see Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 13 to 14). In addition, a zipper 152, buttons or other fasteners can be provided to secure the sides of the sidewalls 140 to the sides of the end 142 so as to form a joint therebetween. In addition, any retractable sidewalls 140 can be lowered or retracted and gathered together, such as shown in Figures 6 and 9, including using straps, Velcro, etc. to keep the sidewalls in a gathered orientation. Alternatively, as shown in FIG10 , the retractable sidewalls 140 can be independently lowered/retracted and folded or gathered, and the sidewalls 140 can have straps 149 or other fasteners that can be secured to mating members 150 at the lower portion of the end portion 142. Furthermore, the sidewalls 140 can have end members 151 secured to the end portion 142. Thus, because one or both of the first and second sidewalls 140 can be lowered/retracted, the housing assembly 26 can form a four-walled cavity (two sidewalls and two end walls in cart mode), a three-walled cavity (two end walls and one sidewall in bench mode), or a two-walled cavity (two end walls and no sidewalls in bed mode (i.e., both sidewalls are in the retracted/lowered position)). As shown in FIG13 and FIG14 , a cup holder 143 can be disposed in the end portion 142 of the housing assembly 26. 13, magnets 180 may be interspersed in the end 142 of the flexible housing 26 at the first end of the cart 10. The magnets 180 serve to magnetically engage the stem of the handle 38 to hold the handle 38 in the upward position.

In one embodiment, the bottom wall 144 of the housing assembly 26 may have an opening 160 through which the tongue 138 extends (see Figures 6-9) to allow the stroller frame 14 to retract. In an alternative preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the bottom wall 144 may have a pull handle 139 connected to the bottom wall 144 instead of the opening 160. Furthermore, the bottom wall 144 of the housing assembly 26 may have a series of rigid inserts or panels 162 integrated into the bottom wall 144, including by sewing into recesses in the bottom wall 144 of the housing assembly 26. A variety of panel 162 configurations may be provided. In the embodiment of Figure 6, six panels 162 are provided. Similarly, in the embodiment of Figure 8, four panels 162 are provided to provide rigidity to the chassis of the housing assembly 26. When the stroller 10 is in the open/use configuration, the bottom wall 144 of the housing assembly 26 (including the rigid panels in the housing assembly 26) is generally seated on the first chassis assembly 20 and the second chassis assembly 22.

It should also be understood that the cart 10 can be operated without the housing assembly 26. In this orientation, the cart frame 14 will provide a structure for transporting any items desired by the user.

10 , the frame assembly 14 can have receivers 164 for receiving a canopy rod 166 for the canopy of the stroller 10. The receivers 164 can be openings 164 provided in the vertical members 30, 32, 40, 42 of the first end assembly 16 and the second end assembly 18. Alternatively, the receivers 164 can be provided in the cross members 36, 46 or in the seat back.

6, 8, and 10, to fold the stroller, the center strut 90 is lifted in a generally vertical direction. To do this, a tongue 138 (FIGS. 6 and 8) can be attached to the center strut 90 and can extend through an opening 160 in the bottom wall 144 of the housing assembly 26. Alternatively, a connector (not shown) located on the bottom of the bottom wall 144 of the housing assembly 26 can be connected to the center strut 90, and a handle 139 (FIG. 10) can be connected to the top surface of the bottom wall 144 of the housing assembly 26. When the handle 139 is lifted, the center strut 90 is lifted accordingly, using the connector extending from the bottom wall of the center strut 90, thereby initiating the folding process as described herein. Specifically, when the center support 90 is lifted, assuming sufficient force is applied to overcome the resistance of the clamp receiver 172 on the support 168 or the center clamping member 136, the first and second chassis assemblies 20 and 22 will pivot upward about the connections between their first end members 72, 82 and the vertical members 30, 32 and 40, 42 of the respective end assemblies 16, 18, and the second ends of the chassis assemblies 20, 22 connected to the center support 90 will pivot vertically. Additionally, when the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 are lifted upward, the first and second links 100, 106 of the linkage assembly 24 will pivot about the pivot connection 118 at the second ends 104, 110 of the first and second links 100, 106, while simultaneously pivoting about the vertical members 30, 40 at the first ends 102, 108 of the first and second links 100, 106. This occurs when the first and second end assemblies 16, 18 are moved inwardly toward the center of the cart 10, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, when the cart 10 is folded, the front wheel assembly 50 rotates, thereby providing clearance for the rear wheels 64 to nest in the folded configuration. When the center support 90 has been moved upward to its maximum extent, the cart 10 is generally in the fully folded configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, the handle 38 may have telescopic capabilities and may be reduced in length before or after the cart 10 is folded. To lock the cart 10 in the folded configuration, an over-center locking mechanism may be employed in various components.

To deploy the cart 10, a user may grasp the first and second end assemblies 16, 18 and pull them apart, which tends to extend the cart 10 in a longitudinal direction and causes the center strut 90 to move downward to return the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 to a generally horizontal orientation. When the cart is in the deployed configuration, the center strut 90 engages the center clamping member 136 on the coupling assembly 24 to retain the first and second chassis assemblies 20, 22 in the lowered/opened/use position.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the features of the various embodiments and possible combinations and variations of these components. One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that any embodiment can be provided in combination with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" as used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. In addition, the term "plurality" as used herein refers, independently or in combination, to any number greater than one, up to an infinite number, as desired. In addition, the term "having" as used in this disclosure and claims is used in an open-ended manner.

It should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central features of the present invention. Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications are contemplated without departing significantly from the spirit of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. A foldable handcart, comprising: A frame having a first end component and an opposing second end component; A chassis assembly, comprising a first chassis assembly and a second chassis assembly, wherein the first chassis assembly is pivotally connected to a first end assembly, the second chassis assembly is pivotally connected to a second end assembly, and the first chassis assembly is pivotally connected to the second chassis assembly. A connecting assembly connected to a first end assembly and a second end assembly, the connecting assembly having a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member being pivotally connected to the first end assembly and the second connecting member being pivotally connected to the second end assembly, wherein the first connecting member is also pivotally connected to the second connecting member; A flexible housing, located on a portion of the frame, and a central strut, pivotally connecting the first chassis assembly and the second chassis assembly, and A receiving member extending from the connecting assembly engages the central strut to hold the first and second chassis assemblies in a lower position until sufficient force is applied to lift the first and second chassis assemblies and disengage the central strut from the receiving member, thereby allowing the receiving member to releasably engage the first and second chassis assemblies. 2. The foldable trolley according to claim 1, wherein the first end assembly includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member, and the second end assembly includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member. 3. The foldable trolley according to claim 1, wherein the connecting assembly includes a two-bar linkage. 4. The foldable trolley of claim 1, wherein the chassis assembly moves in a first plane, the coupling assembly moves in a second plane, and the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other. 5. The foldable trolley according to claim 1, wherein the foldable trolley is movable between an open configuration and a folding configuration, and in both the open configuration and the folding configuration the connecting assembly is located below the chassis assembly. 6. The foldable trolley according to claim 1, wherein the flexible shell has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, and a second endwall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first endwall, and the second endwall forming the periphery of the trolley, and the first sidewall is retractable. 7. The foldable trolley according to claim 6, wherein the second sidewall is retractable. 8. The foldable trolley of claim 6, wherein the foldable trolley is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the open configuration, the frame of the foldable trolley does not include sidewalls located in a plane perpendicular to the chassis assembly. 9. The foldable trolley of claim 1, wherein the first chassis assembly is inclined downward from the first end assembly at an angle greater than 90° with respect to the first end assembly. 10. A foldable handcart, comprising: A frame having a first end component, an opposing second end component, and a chassis component, the frame changing from an open configuration to a folding configuration, the chassis component including a first chassis component and a second chassis component; A connecting component that pivotally connects the first end component to the second end component in both the open configuration and the folded configuration; and A housing, located on a portion of the frame, wherein the housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, and a second endwall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first endwall, and the second endwall forming the periphery of the trolley, and the first sidewall is retractable. A central strut, which pivotally connects the first chassis assembly and the second chassis assembly, and A receiving member extending from the connecting assembly engages the central strut to hold the first and second chassis assemblies in a lower position until sufficient force is applied to lift the first and second chassis assemblies and disengage the central strut from the receiving member, thereby allowing the receiving member to releasably engage the first and second chassis assemblies. 11. The foldable trolley of claim 10, wherein, during the transition of the frame from the open configuration to the foldable configuration, the chassis assembly moves in a first plane, wherein, during the transition of the frame from the open configuration to the foldable configuration, the connecting assembly moves in a second plane, and the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other. 12. A foldable handcart, comprising: A frame having a first end component, a second end component opposite to the first end component, and a chassis component, the chassis component including a first chassis component and a second chassis component, wherein the frame changes from an open configuration to a folding configuration, and the frame has a first side and a second side; A connecting assembly, which pivotally connects the first end assembly to the second end assembly in both the open and folded configurations, the connecting assembly having a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being pivotally connected to a first side of the first end assembly and the second connector being pivotally connected to a first side of the second end assembly, wherein the connecting assembly is not directly connected to a second side of the frame, and the first connector is also pivotally connected to the second connector. A central strut, which pivotally connects the first chassis assembly and the second chassis assembly, and A receiving member extending from the connecting assembly engages the central strut to hold the first and second chassis assemblies in a lower position until sufficient force is applied to lift the first and second chassis assemblies and disengage the central strut from the receiving member, thereby allowing the receiving member to releasably engage the first and second chassis assemblies. 13. The foldable trolley of claim 12, wherein the first chassis assembly is pivotally connected to the first end assembly, and the second chassis assembly is pivotally connected to the second end assembly.