Utility cart unloading system

• US 6,824,223 B2
• Filed: 06/13/2002
• Issued: 11/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: EZ Lift Backsaver, Inc.
• Original Assignee: EZ Lift Backsaver, Inc.
• Inventors: Davidovic, Slobodan
• Primary Examiner(s): GORDON, STEPHEN T
• Application Number:
  US10/170,844
• Publication Number:
  US 20030230924A1
• Time in Patent Office: 901 Days
• Field of Search: 298/1.B, 298/1.A, 298/2, 414/304, 414/325, 414/404, 414/518, 414/545, 414/556
• US Class Current: 298/1.00B
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 95/002 Baskets or bags specially adapted for holding or transporting laundry; Supports therefor

Abstract

A utility cart unloading system that is both functional and necessary. A canvas sling is attached to a steel tube which is installed into a frame that fits on the top rim of a cart. Rotation clockwise/counterclockwise of the steel tube is provided by an electrical tubular motor and controlled by a rocker switch. Lifting of the contents of a cart is provided by winding one side of a canvas sling around the steel tube. The other side of the canvas sling is attached to the frame opposite the steel tube.

Claims

1. A portable cart unloading device comprising:

a frame comprising a front end and a back end and being configured to be removably attached to a top edge of a utility cart;

a hollow tube rotatably secured to the back end of the frame;

a flexible sling having a front edge and a back edge, wherein the front edge is secured to the front end of the frame and the back edge is secured to the hollow tube, such that the sling is rolled up on the hollow tube when the tube is rotated;

a tubular motor arranged within the hollow tube and connected at one end to the frame and comprises a shaft rigidly connected to the hollow tube to rotate the hollow tube; and

a switch wired to the tubular motor to control rotation of the hollow tube;

wherein the sling has a length from the front edge to the back edge that permits the sling to line the utility cart when completely unrolled, and to span a distance between the front and back ends of the frame when completely rolled up on the hollow tube.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sling comprises canvas.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the frame and hollow tube comprises metal.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the switch controls clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the hollow tube.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises guide locks to secure the frame to the top edge of the utility cart.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the hollow tube is rotatably connected to the back end of the frame by a bracket at one end, and the tubular motor at the other.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the tubular motor comprises a rotating shaft extending from a central axis of the motor, and a crown rigidly connected at a central point to the shaft and attached to the inside of the hollow tube, wherein rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the crown and the hollow tube.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cylindrical idler that fits into the hollow tube and comprises a shaft arranged to rest in a bracket connected to the frame.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the bracket comprises a bearing which rotatably holds the shaft of the idler into the bracket.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the switch is a rocker switch to control rotation of the hollow tube, and further wherein the switch automatically stops the motor when released.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the motor comprises a limit switch to stop rotation once the sling is fully wound or unwound from the hollow tube.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a crown that fits into the hollow tube to enable the hollow tube to rotate about the tubular motor within the hollow tube.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises steel.

13. A portable automatically unloading utility cart system comprising:

a utility cart having a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls connecting the front and back walls;

a hollow tube rotatably secured to the back wall;

a flexible sling having a front edge and a back edge, wherein the front edge is secured to the front wall of the utility cart and the back edge is secured to the hollow tube, such that the sling is rolled upon the hollow tube when the tube is rotated;

a tubular motor arranged within the hollow tube and connected at one end to the back or side wall of the utility cart and comprises a shaft rigidly connected to the hollow tube to rotate the hollow tube; and

a switch wired to the tubular motor to control rotation of the hollow tube;

wherein the sling has a length from the front edge to the back edge that permits the sling to line the utility cart when completely unrolled, and to span a distance between the front and back walls of the cart when completely rolled up on the hollow tube.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a frame that is configured to rest securely on top of the walls of the utility cart.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the switch controls clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the hollow tube.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the tubular motor comprises a rotating shaft extending from a central axis of the motor, and a crown rigidly connected at a central point to the shaft and attached to the inside of the hollow tube, wherein rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the crown and the hollow tube.

17. The system of claim 13, further comprising a cylindrical idler that fits into the hollow tube and comprises a shaft arranged to rest in a bracket connected to the frame.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the switch is a rocker switch to control rotation of the hollow tube, and automatically stops the motor when released.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the motor comprises a limit switch to stop wound or unwound from the hollow tube.

20. The system of claim 13, further comprising a crown that fits into the hollow tube to enable the hollow tube to rotate about the tubular motor within the hollow tube.