Land vehicles – Wheeled – Convertible
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-15
2001-07-24
Mar, Michael (Department: 3619)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Convertible
C280S047250, C280S047330, C297S017000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06264216
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a multi-purpose cart and more particularly to a multi-purpose cart that can store and transport a multiplicity of items and which can easily, quickly and efficiently convert into a table and chairs, to inherently provide a device ideally suited for use on a beach, at a picnic, during a social and/or public gathering/event or the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recreational activities are enjoyed by many. However, many of these activities require additional items to be brought along for further enhancing the particular event. For example, many have found that to luxuriate in a day at the beach, one must bring along items which are deemed a necessity, such as towels, umbrellas, coolers, suntan lotion, and the like. These items can and tend to be bulky and cumbersome to carry and bring to the beach. Accordingly, efforts have been made to render a more efficient means of carrying items for any recreational activity. These efforts have provided for a plurality of carts to be assembled in the hopes of aiding and assisting the participants of the particular recreational activity. In addition, these devices have further been embellished by providing additional features to consequently provide a cart which is versatile and user friendly.
One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,458 issued to Chaparian. In this patent there is disclosed a recreation cart which is used for transporting recreational paraphernalia and that can be converted into a utility surface, such as table. Though useful, this device is limited in its options for the consumer. In addition, in order to utilize the cart as a utility surface, the entire cart must be empty. This can pose a situation which is inconvenient and undesirable by the user.
Another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,914 issued to Cohen. In this patent there is disclosed a cart which is folded to provide for the device to act as a carrying means and then converted into a chair, when in a folded position. Though somewhat efficient, this device does suffer some shortcomings. One shortcoming is that the device is fabricated from a webbing material. This material is flimsy and not structurally sound, and as such this cart will be incapable of carrying many items which are deemed necessary, such as a filled cooler. Further, the webbing will inherently include apertures, which in an invitation for small items, such as suntan lotion, toys, or the like, to fall therebetween. An issue undesirable by the consumer.
Hence, as seen what is needed is an apparatus, which will act as a cart for adequately, and effectively carrying a multiplicity of items as well as provide for an alternative use, such as converting to a chair and/or table. The conversion process would be accomplished easily and quickly so as to provide an apparatus which is user friendly. In addition, it is desirable that the conversion takes place without removing any of the items stored and carried on the cart. Such an apparatus should be versatile and simple in construction so as to provide a device that is successful in use for any individual regardless of age, physics and dexterity can use that.
Accordingly, it is seen that none of these previous efforts provide the benefits intended with the present invention, such as identified above. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed and claimed herein. The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages over the prior art devices through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a multi-purpose cart device that is designed and configured to carry a multiplicity of items and then can be converted into chairs, a utility surface, or a combination of chairs and a utility surface. This will provide for a final product that is beneficial, advantageous, and one, which will simplify and minimize the process of carrying and taking items to a recreational event.
To enable such an apparatus, the cart of the present invention comprises a front portion, a rear portion and a center section sandwiched therebetween. In summary, the front and rear portions will constitute the seat assembly when converted, while the center section can be transformed into a utility surface, such as a table. When assembled, in the non-converted stage, the cart will enable adequate transportation of a multiplicity of items, via a transportation means, as is conventionally known.
Hence, each portion, front and rear, includes a frame or chassis member. The member includes a wheel assembly secured thereto and a container body. A lid, hingedly secured thereto, is used as a seat and when lifted, exposes the container body for storing items. The front portion of the frame or chassis member is removably secured to rear portion of the frame or chassis member via a simple removing means. This removing means will allow for the sections to be separated, and thus permit for the sections to act as chairs and to be located in any desirable location, as deemed necessary by the user. For added safety, locks, stabilizers, or a combination thereof, can be located on each wheel assembly for locking and, intrinsically, stabilizing the device, whether being used as a cart or as chairs, in a fixed and secured position. In this configuration, items need not be removed from each portion in order to successfully utilize the device as either a seat or a cart.
To further enhance the multi-purpose cart of the present invention, at least one section, preferably both, can be fabricated from material possessing insulating properties, so as to enable at least one compartment or preferably both to act as a cooler. In addition, these compartments also may be used for dry storage. Alternatively, pockets or the like can be located on the circumference, or side walls, of one or each portion, so as to add extra storage for miscellaneous and small items. Further, a holding means, specifically designed for elongated items or shafts, such as an umbrella, fishing rods, or the like, can be located along the sides of each compartment for adequately transporting and storing these awkward items. For easy clean-up and/or drainage, each compartment is designed with a drain plug.
The lid of one or each compartment can include an optional design, wherein a back, which folds upwardly, is provided and which can be altered angularly. Further, a front can be provided, which folds downwardly, and can be altered angularly. The back will provide for a backrest to exist while the front will provide for a leg rests to exist. This configuration will provide for a lounge like structure and a more comfortable and desirable chair.
Sandwiched between the front and rear portions is the center section. This center section removably receives a foldable table. The table includes foldable legs, which are telescopic in structure, so as to provide for a final product which is completely compact and efficient. The use of telescopic legs enables the user to select the desired height when utilizing the table.
To further assists the user, a handle is either permanently secured, or optionally, removably secured to the front portion of the apparatus of the present invention This will permit conventional utility of the cart and allow the user to easily and efficiently push or pull the apparatus of the present invention when used as a cart. In the removable embodiment, the side of the handle can include a plurality of circular members which can be individually used as drink holders.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide for a multi-purpose cart assembly which will overcome the deficiencies, shortcomings, and drawbacks of prior cart assemblies and methods there
Carnes Cona & Dixon
Mar Michael
LandOfFree
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