Utility cart
First Claim
1. A utility cart including means providing for the removable anchoring of said cart in a motor vehicle, said utility cart and anchoring means comprising:
- a cart having a rigid container portion with a generally rectangular configuration, with a first and an opposite second lateral wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a floor, and an open top and interior;
said first and said second lateral wall each respectively having a front and a rear wheel strut pivotally secured thereto, with each said wheel strut having a large diameter wheel installed thereon and being automatically lockable in a downwardly extended position and automatically pivotable to an upwardly retracted position to provide for the automatic folding and retraction of each said wheel strut and wheel;
said cart further including a laterally disposed handlebar extending rearwardly past said rear wall adjacent said open top, and at least a forward and rear handle extending respectively from said front wall and said rear wall, and;
said floor of said cart further including a longitudinal cart track centered therebelow, with said track being adapted to engage at least one mating vehicle floor track installed within the motor vehicle and with said cart track and said vehicle floor track including locking means providing for the selective locking of said cart immovably within the motor vehicle as desired.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wheeled utility cart includes a rigid rectangular basket component formed of molded plastic or a wire basket weave configuration. The wheels are relatively large, to permit use of the cart on rough, soft, and/or uneven surfaces, unlike the conventional small diameter casters provided on shopping carts. The wheels support the cart at a convenient height and the front and rear wheels are independently and automatically retractable, to permit the cart to be inserted into the back of a motor vehicle, such as a van, station wagon, or sport utility vehicle having a back door or gate. Lockable brakes are also provided for at least the rear wheels, to prevent the cart from rolling on a slope. The brake operation is by means of a high mounted lever, to preclude operation or disengagement by small children. A track is provided beneath the cart, which engages a mating track installed in the rear floor of the vehicle. The cart may thus be securely but removably anchored within the vehicle, for transport from store to home or other destinations as desired. Removable child seating and inner liner, as well as a cover which may be secured over the basket, are also provided for further utility. Thus, the cart may be loaded into the owner'"'"'s vehicle, transported to the store or other area, used by the owner for shopping, and loaded back into the vehicle for transport back home or to another destination as desired, by the retractable and extendible wheel mechanism.
120 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A utility cart including means providing for the removable anchoring of said cart in a motor vehicle, said utility cart and anchoring means comprising:
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a cart having a rigid container portion with a generally rectangular configuration, with a first and an opposite second lateral wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a floor, and an open top and interior; said first and said second lateral wall each respectively having a front and a rear wheel strut pivotally secured thereto, with each said wheel strut having a large diameter wheel installed thereon and being automatically lockable in a downwardly extended position and automatically pivotable to an upwardly retracted position to provide for the automatic folding and retraction of each said wheel strut and wheel; said cart further including a laterally disposed handlebar extending rearwardly past said rear wall adjacent said open top, and at least a forward and rear handle extending respectively from said front wall and said rear wall, and; said floor of said cart further including a longitudinal cart track centered therebelow, with said track being adapted to engage at least one mating vehicle floor track installed within the motor vehicle and with said cart track and said vehicle floor track including locking means providing for the selective locking of said cart immovably within the motor vehicle as desired. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A motor vehicle and utility cart, comprising in combination:
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a motor vehicle having a rear structure including a rear door and rear floor with at least one vehicle floor track installed generally longitudinally therein; a utility cart having a rigid container portion with a generally rectangular configuration, with a first and an opposite second lateral wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a floor, and an open top and interior; said first and said second lateral wall of said container portion of said cart each respectively having a front and a rear wheel strut pivotally secured thereto, with each said wheel strut having a large diameter wheel installed thereon and being automatically lockable in a downwardly extended position and automatically pivotable to an upwardly retracted position to provide for the automatic folding and retraction of each said wheel strut and wheel of said cart; said cart further including a laterally disposed handlebar extending rearwardly past said rear wall adjacent said open top, and at least a forward and rear handle extending respectively from said front wall and said rear wall, and; said floor of said cart further including a longitudinal cart track centered therebelow, with said track being adapted to engage said vehicle floor track of said motor vehicle and with said cart track and said vehicle floor track including locking means providing for the selective locking of said cart immovably within said motor vehicle as desired. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification