Foldable trolley and side wall of foldable trolley

Abstract

The utility model discloses a foldable trolley which comprises a frame forming a cavity, the frame comprises at least two opposite side walls, and each of the at least two opposite side walls comprises a first panel and a second panel which are connected through at least one hinge; the locking channel is formed in the first panel and the second panel and stretches across the first panel and the second panel along the length, the locking channel is provided with a first channel wall and a second channel wall, the second channel wall is adjacent to the cavity, and the first channel wall is opposite to the second channel wall; a locking lever having a first end secured within the locking channel and configured to move from a locked position in the locking channel extending across the first panel and the second panel to an unlocked position in the locking channel above the first panel; the at least two opposite side walls are configured to be folded inwards; the utility model further discloses a side wall of the foldable trolley.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to trolleys and their side walls, in particular to foldable trolleys and their side walls. BACKGROUND

[0002] Folding trolleys are widely used tools in both domestic and commercial environments. They provide a convenient way of transporting items when required and can be collapsed or folded for storage.

[0003] The following patents and published applications are representative of the prior art: U.S. Patent No. 2,564,939, issued August 21, 1951 to Louis S. Weast, entitled “Collapsible shopping cart”; U.S. Patent No. 3,092,395, issued June 4, 1963 to Mitty et al., entitled “Corrugated shopping cart and parts thereof”; U.S. Patent No. 3,135,527, issued June 2, 1964 to Philip B. Knapp, entitled “Wheeled market trolley”; U.S. Patent No. D292,135, issued September 29, 1987 to John W. Grube et al., entitled “Folding trolley”; and U.S. Patent No. 4,765,646, issued August 23, 1988 to Karen Cheng, entitled “Folding shopping cart”.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 0212536, published August 27, 2009 to Maria I. Tadeo, entitled “Folding rolling tote”; U.S. Patent No. 7,731,221, issued June 8, 2010 to Suzan L. Bess, entitled “Folding portable wheeled cart particularly adapted for use by students or other persons to transport items”; U.S. Patent No. 7,066,476, issued June 27, 2006 to Elden, entitled “Side mounted cover / seat for stroller enclosures”; U.S. Patent No. 8,439,374, issued May 14, 2013 to Elden, entitled “Lightweight high load capacity folding utility trolley with unique support structure and ergonomic handle”; and U.S. Patent No. 11,338,835, issued May 24, 2022 to Elden, entitled “Foldable trolley with high load capacity”.

[0005] Due to the foldable nature of the prior art trolley designs, the side walls can not be strong enough to transport heavy loads, and therefore, there is a need in the art for a foldable trolley with rigid side walls that can be moved from a locked position to an unlocked and foldable position. Some solutions in the art provide flexible side walls that can be moved from a rigid position to a flexible position, but the locking solutions of these rigid positions do not effectively solve the problem.

[0006] In particular, U.S. Patent No. 11,338,835 to Elden, entitled "FOLDABLE CART WITH HIGH LOAD CAPACITY," teaches a foldable cart having side walls with a fastening mechanism, such as a slidable member, that cooperatively engages a track or fastening connector and can be moved between an open position to allow the side walls to fold inwardly and a closed position to selectively lock the panels of the side walls. However, as shown and taught by Elden, the locking mechanism is a slidable member that engages the outside of the side walls with a track, which can be removed, losing the locking mechanism. Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements to foldable carts. SUMMARY

[0007] Generally, the foldable cart of the present disclosure can include a rigid frame forming a chamber, the frame having a front wall, a rear wall, a right side wall, a left side wall, and a bottom wall. The right side wall and the left side wall each include a first panel and a second panel. The panels of the side walls are in a hinged relationship, the first panel coupled to the second panel along a longitudinal axis.

[0008] The top surface of the frame has a top edge providing a lip along each of the walls and the side walls. The lip of the right side wall and the left side wall each have a locking mechanism embedded therein to allow the side walls to be selectively engaged to a locked position. In particular, a locking arm is pivotally engaged within the lip of the first panel of both the right side panel and the left side panel and is configured to move from a first, unlocked position to a second, locked position within the lip of the second panel.

[0009] In another embodiment, the locking mechanism is embedded in the left side wall or the right side wall to allow the side walls to be selectively engaged to a locked position. In particular, a locking arm is pivotally engaged within the lip of the first panel of both the right side panel and the left side panel and is configured to move from a first, unlocked position to a second, locked position within the lip of the second panel.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses a foldable cart having rigid frame side walls in a hinged arrangement to allow the side walls to fold. Each side wall includes a rotatable lever to lock or unlock the side wall, wherein the unlocked position is configured to allow the side walls to fold inwardly and the locked position restricts inward movement of the panels of the side walls.

[0011] The present application also provides a foldable stroller, wherein the foldable stroller comprises: a frame forming a chamber, the frame comprising at least two opposing sidewalls, each of the at least two opposing sidewalls comprising a first panel and a second panel connected by at least one hinge; a locking channel formed within and spanning a length of the first panel and the second panel, the locking channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall, the second channel wall adjacent to the chamber, the first channel wall opposite the second channel wall; a locking lever having a first end fixed within the locking channel and configured to move from a locked position in the locking channel extending across the first panel and the second panel to an unlocked position in the locking channel above the first panel; the at least two opposing sidewalls configured to fold inward.

[0012] The present application also provides a foldable stroller, wherein the foldable stroller comprises: a frame forming a chamber, the frame comprising at least two opposing sidewalls, at least one of the at least two opposing sidewalls comprising a first panel and a second panel connected by at least one hinge; a locking channel formed within and spanning a length of the first panel and the second panel, the locking channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall, the second channel wall adjacent to the chamber, the first channel wall opposite the second channel wall; a locking lever having a first end fixed within the locking channel and configured to move from a locked position in the locking channel extending across the first panel and the second panel to an unlocked position in the locking channel above the first panel; the at least two opposing sidewalls configured to fold inward.

[0013] The present application also provides a foldable stroller, wherein the foldable stroller comprises: a frame forming a chamber, the frame comprising at least two opposing sidewalls, at least one of the at least two opposing sidewalls comprising a first panel and a second panel connected by at least one hinge; a locking channel formed within and spanning a length of the first panel and the second panel, the locking channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall, the second channel wall adjacent to the chamber, the first channel wall opposite the second channel wall; a locking lever having a first end fixed within the locking channel and configured to move from a locked position in the locking channel extending across the first panel and the second panel to an unlocked position in the locking channel above the first panel; the at least two opposing sidewalls configured to fold inward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable stroller in an unfolded configuration;

[0015] Figure 2is a left side view of the stroller, the right side being a mirror image thereof;

[0016] Figure 3 is a front view of the stroller;

[0017] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the stroller;

[0018] Figure 5 is a top view of the stroller;

[0019] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of the display area A;

[0020] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area A shown in Figure 6

[0021] Figure 8 is a side perspective view of the display area B;

[0022] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area B shown in Figure 8

[0023] Figure 10 is a side perspective view of the foldable stroller in a half-folded configuration;

[0024] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the foldable stroller in a folded configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Before the present application is described in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present application will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0026] Generally, as shown in Figures 1-11 the present application is directed to a foldable stroller 10 having wheels 12, an extendable handle 14, and a frame 16. Typically, the frame 16 is comprised of a front wall 18, a rear wall 20, a detachable base 22, and left and right opposing side walls 24, 26. The right side wall 24 and the left side wall 26 are each comprised of a first panel 28 and a second panel 30, respectively, and are connected in an articulatable relationship by at least one hinge 32.

[0027] The walls of the frame 16 that make up the outer side 50 of the stroller 10, the front wall 18, the rear wall 20, and the left and right opposing walls 24, 26, extend in length from the top 44 of the stroller 10 to the bottom 46 of the stroller 10. Additionally, the outer walls 50 extend inwardly from the outer surface 48 of the stroller a distance and provide an upper edge 52 to the top of the outer side 50 of the stroller. ​​

[0028] As Figures 1-11 shown, the collapsible cart 10 can include a plurality of rotatable wheels 12 coupled to the front wall 18 and the rear wall 20 at the base 46 of the walls of the collapsible cart 10. The rotatable wheels 12 can include at least one wheel locking assembly to prevent rolling motion.

[0029] The collapsible cart has an unfolded, uncollapsed configuration as Figures 1-9 shown and has a compressed, collapsed configuration as Figures 10-11 shown. In the unfolded, uncollapsed configuration, the walls of the frame 16, the front wall 18, the rear wall 20, the detachable base 22, and the left and right opposing side walls 24, 26 form the cavity 34. In one embodiment, the detachable base 22 is in a pivotal relationship with the front wall 18 or the rear wall 20. In another embodiment, the detachable base 22 is configured to be detached by a user of the cart 10 prior to folding of the cart 10.

[0030] As Figures 10-11 shown, the right side wall 24 and the left side wall 26 are configured to fold inwardly at the hinges 32 to move the cart from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration. As shown, the right side wall 24 has a first panel 28 and a second panel 30 coupled or connected to each other along a first longitudinal axis by a hinge 32. The first panel 28 and the second panel 30 can be connected by one or more hinges 32. As shown, the left side wall 26 has a first panel 28 and a second panel 30 coupled or connected to each other along a first longitudinal axis by a hinge 32. The first panel 28 and the second panel 30 can be connected by one or more hinges 32.

[0031] As shown, the locking mechanism 60 is configured to maintain the uncollapsed configuration and provide a rigid structure for the side walls. The locking mechanism 60 can be located on the right side wall 24 or the left side wall 26 or on both the right side wall 24 and the left side wall 26. The locking mechanism 55 is comprised of a locking channel 62 positioned along the upper edge 52 and extending along a portion of the first panel 28 and the second panel 30 of the right side wall 24 and the left side wall 26 at the top of the longitudinal axis of the hinge 32. The locking channel 62 is formed in and located within the walls of the first panel 28 and the second panel 30, with a first channel wall 68 of the channel 62 proximate to the outer wall 48 of the cart 10 and a second channel wall 70 proximate to the interior of the cart 10. The first channel wall 68 is opposite the second channel wall and collectively form a cavity for the locking rod 64 within the first panel 28 and the second panel 30.

[0032] As Figures 6-9As shown, the locking bar 64 is an elongated arm having a first end 98 with the engagement portion 92 and a second end 76 pivotally connected to the locking pin 66 and secured within the locking channel 62. When the locking bar 64 is in the locked position, the locking bar 64 is held within the locking channel 62, the first channel wall 68 and the second channel wall 70 provide reinforcement and support for the locking bar 64. As Figures 6-7 As shown, the locking bar 64 in the locked position is located on the first side 72 of the locking channel 62, at which time the locking bar 64 extends from the second end 76 of the locking bar above the first panel 28 of the side wall to the first end 98 of the locking bar 64 above the second panel 30. In this manner, the locking bar 64 within the locking channel above the hinge 32 restricts the inward movement of the first panel 28 and the second panel 30 at the hinge 32. Once the bar 64 is pivotally driven, the bar 64 moves to the second side 74 of the locking channel 62 to the unlocked position 90 Figure 10 As shown, the locking bar 64 in the locked position is located on the first side 72 of the locking channel 62, at which time the locking bar 64 extends from the second end 76 of the locking bar above the first panel 28 of the side wall to the first end 98 of the locking bar 64 above the second panel 30. In this manner, the locking bar 64 within the locking channel above the hinge 32 restricts the inward movement of the first panel 28 and the second panel 30 at the hinge 32. Once the bar 64 is pivotally driven, the bar 64 moves to the second side 74 of the locking channel 62 to the unlocked position 90

[0033] Once the locking bar is in the unlocked position 90, the left side wall 24 and the right side wall 26 can be folded inwardly along the hinge 32 to fold the stroller. As Figures 10-11 As shown, once the stroller is in the folded configuration, the locking arm 40 connected to the rear wall 20 can engage the locking port 42 on the front wall 18. In another embodiment, the locking arm 40 connected to the front wall 18 can engage the locking port 42 on the rear wall 20. In this manner, the stroller 20 can be locked to maintain the folded configuration.

[0034] All terms used in the present document are to be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner, consistent with the context of the foregoing disclosure. When a group is used in the present document, all individual members of the group and all possible combinations and subcombinations of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure. When a range is stated in the present document, the range is intended to include all sub-ranges and individual points within the range. To the extent that any reference is made in this document to any patent or application, such reference is provided solely for disclosing and for any purpose other than indicating that the patent or application is available as prior art.

[0035] The present utility model has been described with reference to certain preferred and alternative embodiments, which are exemplary only and are not limiting of the full scope of the present utility model as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable trolley characterised by: The collapsible stroller includes: a frame forming a chamber, the frame including at least two opposing sidewalls, each of the at least two opposing sidewalls including a first panel and a second panel connected by at least one hinge; a locking channel formed within and spanning a length of the first panel and the second panel, the locking channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall, the second channel wall adjacent the chamber, the first channel wall opposite the second channel wall; a locking bar having a first end secured within the locking channel and configured to move from a locked position in the locking channel extending across the first panel and the second panel to an unlocked position in the locking channel above the first panel; the at least two opposing sidewalls configured to collapse inwardly.

2. The foldable stroller of claim 1, wherein Further including a locking pin for securing the first end of the locking bar within the locking channel.

3. The collapsible pushcar of claim 1, wherein Further including a second end having an engagement portion.

4. A foldable trolley characterised by: The collapsible stroller includes: a frame forming a chamber, the frame including at least two opposing sidewalls, at least one of the at least two opposing sidewalls including a first panel and a second panel connected by at least one hinge; a locking channel formed within and spanning a length of the first panel and the second panel, the locking channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall, the second channel wall adjacent the chamber, the first channel wall opposite the second channel wall; a locking bar having a first end secured within the locking channel and configured to move from a locked position in the locking channel extending across the first panel and the second panel to an unlocked position in the locking channel above the first panel; the at least two opposing sidewalls configured to collapse inwardly.

5. The collapsible pushcar of claim 4, wherein Further including a locking pin for securing the first end of the locking bar within the locking channel.

6. The collapsible pushcar of claim 4, wherein Further including a second end having an engagement portion.

7. A side wall of a collapsible trolley, characterised in that: The sidewall includes: a first panel; a second panel; at least one hinge connecting the first panel and the second panel in a hinged relationship; a locking channel formed within and spanning a length of the first panel and the second panel above the at least one hinge, the locking channel having a first channel wall and a second channel wall, the second channel wall opposite the first channel wall bounding the locking channel; a locking bar having a first end pivotally secured within the locking channel and configured to move from a locked position in the locking channel extending across the first panel and the second panel to an unlocked position in the locking channel above the first panel.

8. The side wall of the collapsible stroller of claim 7, wherein Further including a locking pin for securing the first end of the locking bar within the locking channel.

9. The side wall of the collapsible stroller of claim 7, wherein Further including a second end having an engagement portion.

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