cart

Abstract

A cart (100) including a first frame portion (110) having two front legs (113a, 113b) and at least one front wheel (115a, 115b), a second frame portion (120) having two rear legs (123a, 123b) and two rear wheels (125a, 125b), and a load carrying member (130) pivotally connected to the second frame portion (120), the load carrying member (130 having a connector (131) pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion (110), the cart (100) being movable between first and second states (S1, S2), and being in the first state ( In the first state (S1), the second frame portion (120) is rotated relative to the first frame portion (110) such that the rear legs (125a, 125b) and the front legs (115a, 115b) are moved towards each other and the load carrying member (130) is rotated to a transport position (TP), and in the second state (S2), the second frame portion (120) is rotated relative to the first frame portion (110) such that the front and rear legs (115a, 115b, 125a, 125b) are positioned at a distance (D) from each other and the load carrying member (130) is rotated to a use position (UP), of the cart (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cart including a first frame portion, a second frame portion, and a load-carrying member. [Background technology]

[0002] Carts for transporting different types of goods or articles between different locations are well known in the art. A cart typically includes a cargo-carrying structure in which the goods or articles are stored and one or more wheels that allow the cart to be pushed or pulled between different locations. A cart may be designed as a bag with wheels and a handle, allowing a user to push or pull the bag between different locations. Carts facilitate the transport of goods or articles between locations compared to traditional solutions, such as different types of bags that a user must carry between different locations.

[0003] However, one drawback of current carts is that loading and unloading them is difficult because this action typically requires the user to bend over one or more times. Carts are typically designed essentially as freestanding bags with the bottom closest to the ground. As a result, loading and unloading the cart, especially loading and unloading the bottom of the cart, requires the user to bend down significantly toward the ground.

[0004] In an attempt to address part of this problem, US Pat. No. 6,223,629 discloses a multi-mode cart that is movable between a nested mode and an extended mode. However, while the solution disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,629,999 addresses some of the above problems, there remains a need in the art for improvements, for example in terms of improving safety and ease of use for the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0011719 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect, a first frame portion having two interconnected front legs, the first frame portion including a handle at an upper portion thereof and at least one front wheel at a lower portion thereof; a second frame portion having two interconnected rear legs, each rear leg including two rear wheels at a lower portion thereof and each rear leg pivotally connected at an upper portion thereof to a respective front leg; a load carrying member pivotally connected to the second frame portion, the load carrying member having a connector pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion; A cart including: movable between a first state and a second state; In the first state, the second frame portion is rotated relative to the first frame portion such that the rear legs and front legs are moved toward each other and the load-carrying member is rotated to a transfer position, the first state allowing the cart to be pushed / pulled by the rear wheels; In a second state, the second frame portion is rotated relative to the first frame portion so that the lower portions of the front and rear legs are positioned at a distance from each other and the load carrying member is rotated to a use position, and a cart is provided, the second state allowing the cart to be pushed / pulled by the front and rear wheels.

[0008] When the load carrying member is in the transfer position, it is preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to the ground. When the load carrying member is in the transfer position and the cart is in the first position, a user can easily and efficiently move the cart by pulling or pushing it with the rear wheels. When the cart is in the first position, it may be referred to as a two-wheeled cart. When the cart is in the first position, the front wheels are preferably raised off the ground so that the cart is pushed / pulled only by the rear wheels. This has the advantage of reducing vibration, especially when a user pulls the cart with the rear wheels. The load carrying member in the transfer position is preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to the ground and preferably positioned approximately directly above the rear wheels, so that the center of gravity and resulting forces from the weight of the item are positioned approximately directly above and between the rear wheels, thereby minimizing inertia-induced torque when the cart is maneuvered. In this regard, it should be noted that the load carrying member may be empty or loaded with items while in the transfer position. The first state may be used, for example, when a user is walking from home to a store with an empty cart and / or when a user is walking back from a store to home with items loaded on the load carrying member.

[0009] When the load-carrying member is in the use position, the load-carrying member is preferably positioned horizontally relative to the ground. Accordingly, the load-carrying member may be rotatable approximately 90 degrees to be moved between the transport position and the use position. When the load-carrying member is in the use position and the cart is in the second state, a user can easily, efficiently, and ergonomically load and unload loads from the load-carrying structure. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot point is positioned such that the bottom of the load-carrying member, as seen in the transport position, is moved upward when the cart is moved to the use position. This is advantageous because it reduces the need for undesirable crouching movements typically required when loading and unloading loads from conventional carts. This is possible because, when the load-carrying structure is rotated to the use position, it is positioned off the ground, preferably at waist height or knee height, depending on the user's height. Furthermore, when the load-carrying member is in the use position and the cart is in the second state, a user can easily and efficiently move the cart by pushing or pulling it with the rear and front wheels. When the cart is in the second state, it may be referred to as a cart with at least three wheels, i.e., the cart may be designed similar to a shopping cart that is easy to load and unload as well as move between different locations. Note that the cart may include more than one front wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the cart has two front wheels. The second state may be useful, for example, when a user is in a store and loading items onto the luggage carrying member, and / or when the user arrives home with the cart in the first state and the items inside the luggage carrying member, removing the items from the luggage carrying member and putting it away for storage at home. After returning home, by changing the luggage carrying member with the items inside from the first state to the second state, the user can easily return home with the luggage carrying member in the first state, and then conveniently access the items by moving the luggage carrying member to the second state.

[0010] The rear wheels may be rotated about a fixed axis of rotation. One or more front wheels may be rotated about a respective rotatable axis of rotation. Rotatable axis of rotation in this context is intended to refer to an axis different from the respective axis of rotation of the front wheels. Preferably, the rotatable axis of rotation is preferably perpendicular and offset from the axis of rotation of the respective wheel. This has the advantage that the cart can be more controllable and the cart can be easier to push or pull with the wheels.

[0011] The rear legs are pivotally connected to the front legs, allowing the second frame portion to be rotatable relative to the first frame portion such that the rear legs and front legs are moved toward or away from each other. The load carrying member is pivotally connected to the second frame portion and the connector is pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion, allowing the load carrying member to be rotatable between a transport position and a use position. The rear legs are connected to the respective front legs such that the second frame portion can be rotated relative to the first frame portion. The load carrying member is connected to the second frame portion and the connector is connected to the first frame portion such that the load carrying member can be rotated between the transport position and the use position. Because the connector is pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion, the connector is slidable relative to, preferably along, the first frame portion. Preferably, the connector is slidable within a recess provided in the first frame portion.

[0012] Preferably, the cart is designed so that, when viewed along the axis of rotation of the rear wheels, each front leg and each rear leg is located on either side of the load-carrying member. Thus, the disclosed cart is advantageous because it not only allows the cart to be easily and efficiently moved between different locations, but also allows the cart to be loaded and unloaded in an easy, efficient, and ergonomic manner. Therefore, the cart is designed in a manner that accommodates the user using the cart, not only when moving the cart, but also when loading and unloading the cart. The ability to provide an ergonomic cart can minimize the risk of injury or injury to the user. Ergonomic carts therefore aim to improve ease of use and minimize the risk of injury and injury.

[0013] The connector may be spring biased against the first frame portion from a first position that the connector may be intended to assume when the cart is in a first state, toward a second position that the connector may be intended to assume when the cart is in a second state.

[0014] In this regard, it should be noted that in a preferred embodiment there is a connector on each opposing side of the load carrying member, one or both of which may be spring biased against the first frame portion as described above.

[0015] When the cart is in the first state, the first position the connector is intended to assume is preferably a position in which the load-carrying member is maintained in the transport position. When the cart is in the second state, the second position the connector is intended to assume is preferably a position in which the load-carrying member is maintained in the use position. A connector that is spring-loaded relative to the first frame portion is advantageous because it allows for an easy-to-use cart that is easy to move between the first and second states. A connector that is spring-loaded relative to the first frame portion facilitates a user to move the cart between the two states regardless of the weight of the load-carrying member.

[0016] The connectors may be spring-loaded by a gas spring. This is advantageous because it reduces the risk of the cart moving away from its intended position in each state and allows the cart to remain in each state. Spring-loading the connectors with a gas spring relative to the first frame portion is therefore advantageous for improving user safety when using the cart in different states. This is further advantageous because it allows the cart to be easily moved between different states regardless of the weight of the load-carrying member. Thus, the cart should preferably be easily moved between different states regardless of whether it is loaded or not. The gas spring may have a force of 50 to 100 N, preferably 70 to 80 N. The gas spring may have a spring stroke of 100 to 200 mm, preferably 150 mm, depending on the dimensions of the cart. One or both of the connectors may be spring-loaded relative to the first frame portion using a gas spring as described above.

[0017] A movable pivot point at which the connector can be pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion can be positioned to move along the front legs of the first frame portion and remain between the main pivot points at which each rear leg is connected to its respective front leg and the bottom of the first frame portion.

[0018] This is advantageous because it allows the load-carrying member to be moved between a substantially vertical position in the transport position and a horizontal position in the use position. When the cart is in the first state, the first position the connector is intended to assume is preferably closest to the bottom of the first frame portion. When the cart is in the second state, the second position the connector is intended to assume is preferably furthest from the ground.

[0019] When the cart is in the first state, the connection point at which the load-carrying structure is pivotally connected to the second frame portion may be located above the movable pivot point at which the connector of the load-carrying structure is pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion.

[0020] This is advantageous because when the cart is in the first state, the load-carrying member can be positioned in a desired manner in a transport position, i.e., substantially vertical to the ground. This is further advantageous because when the cart is in the second state, the load-carrying member can be positioned in a use position, i.e., horizontal to the ground. Thus, the connection point and the movable pivot point can be arranged substantially parallel to each other so that when the front and rear wheels move away from each other towards the second state of the cart, the load-carrying member can be positioned in a use position.

[0021] The load carrying member may be pivotally connected to the second frame portion about a fixed pivot point that is fixed relative to at least one of the second frame portion and the load carrying member, and preferably fixed relative to both, which is advantageous because it allows the load carrying member to be moved in a desired manner between the transport position and the use position.

[0022] The connector may be slidable along one of the front legs of the first frame portion. This is advantageous because it allows the load-carrying member to be moved in a desired manner between the transport position and the use position. This is further advantageous because it allows the load-carrying member to be moved between different positions in a simple and easy-to-use manner that avoids undesirable crouching movements.

[0023] The cart may further include a locking mechanism pivotally connected to the load-carrying structure, the locking mechanism configured to engage one of the front legs when the cart is in the first state to lock the cart in the first state, and configured to engage one of the rear legs when the cart is in the second state to lock the cart in the second state.

[0024] This is advantageous because when the locking mechanism engages one of the front legs, it can prevent the cart from moving from the first state toward the second state. This is advantageous because when the locking mechanism engages one of the rear legs, it can prevent the cart from moving from the second state toward the first state. When the locking mechanism is released, it allows the cart to move between the first state and the second state.

[0025] The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the cart in the first state by a locking member pivotally connected to the load-carrying structure and configured to engage an element fixedly disposed on one of the front legs. This is advantageous because when the first locking mechanism engages one of the front legs, it may prevent the cart from moving from the first state to the second state. When the first locking mechanism is released, it allows the cart to move from the first state to the second state.

[0026] The locking mechanism may be configured to lock the cart in the second state by a locking member pivotally connected to the load-carrying structure and configured to engage an element fixedly disposed on one of the rear legs. This is advantageous because when the second locking mechanism engages one of the rear legs, it may prevent the cart from moving from the second state to the first state. When the second locking mechanism is released, it allows the cart to move from the second state to the first state.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the member of the locking mechanism that locks the cart in the first state is the same as the member that locks the cart in the second state. However, it is contemplated that other types of locking mechanisms may be used, in which different members of the locking mechanism lock the cart in the first and second states, respectively. It is also possible to provide completely independent locking mechanisms located at a distance from each other, for example, a first locking mechanism configured to lock the cart in the first state and positioned on a first side of the cart, and a second locking mechanism configured to lock the cart in the second state and positioned on a second side of the cart.

[0028] The cart may further include an additional handle connected to the locking mechanism and movable between a locked state and an open state; In the locked state, the locking mechanism engages one of the front legs or one of the rear legs to lock the cart in the first state or the second state; In the open state, the locking mechanism is released to allow the cart to be moved from the first state or the second state and from there to the other of the first state or the second state.

[0029] To move the cart from the first state to the second state, the user can place one hand on the handle and the other on the additional handle. The additional handle can remain open as long as the user grips it. To move the cart from the first state to the second state, the user presses down with the other hand, which is gripping the additional handle. This causes the load-carrying member to rotate to the use position and the front wheels to contact the ground. The wheels preferably support the mass of the load-carrying member throughout the entire movement from the first state to the second state, thus providing a reciprocal movement that does not result in weight loss. Furthermore, this reciprocal movement causes the load-carrying member to move with minimal shift of its center of mass, particularly in the lateral direction. Small horizontal forces are transferred as rotational motion via the translation / rotation rods due to the low friction of the wheels, meaning that vertical forces need little or no pushing. Once the movement is complete, the user releases their grip on the additional handle, and the cart is locked in the second state. This means, as already mentioned, that movement from the second state can never be initiated accidentally but is always locked after execution, which, unlike known techniques, eliminates the risk of, for example, forgetting a critical step or accidentally "cutting" or tightening, with associated secondary damage.

[0030] For movement in the opposite direction, i.e., from the second state to the first state, the above is repeated in reverse order, the cart returns to the first state, the front wheels are again lifted so that they do not strike the ground, and the cart rests on the supports of the rear wheels and the first frame part. The fact that the front wheels are off the ground reduces vibrations when the user chooses to pull the cart.

[0031] Pulling / pushing in the manner described above allows the user to maintain an essentially upright position, pull the hands gripping the additional handles toward them, and rotate their torso to distribute the force from the movement across the legs, hips, torso and back, thereby minimizing stress on the entire body, especially the joints.

[0032] Existing solutions on the market typically require the user to bend downwards / forward and / or result in unnecessary strain on the arms, lumbar spine and shoulders. It should be noted that the use of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. is primarily regarded as a notation for ease of reading and does not necessarily imply that all intervening part numbers must be present. For example, it should be noted that it is envisioned to have a design in which there is a first part, a second part, a third part, and a fifth part, and the fourth part is omitted. However, for ease of reading, the numbers first, second, third, fourth, etc. will be used consistently as a notation based on an embodiment that, in a sense, includes all possible parts.

[0033] In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of that element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless expressly stated.

[0034] Briefly, the present disclosure relates to a cart including a first frame portion having two front legs and at least one front wheel, a second frame portion having two rear legs and two rear wheels, and a load carrying member pivotally connected to the second frame portion, the load carrying member having a connector pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion, the cart being movable between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the second frame portion is rotated relative to the first frame portion such that the rear and front legs are moved toward each other and the load carrying member is rotated to a transport position, and in the second state the second frame portion is rotated relative to the first frame portion such that the front and rear legs are positioned a distance from each other and the load carrying member is rotated to a use position.

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which show presently preferred embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] A cart in a first state is disclosed. [Figure 2] 1 shows the cart in a second state. [Figure 3] 1 shows a cart being moved from a second state to a first state. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cart being moved from a first state to a second state. [Figure 5] 1 shows the first and second frame portions of the cart in more detail. [Figure 6a-c] 1 illustrates a cart in a first state and a locking mechanism configured to lock the cart in the first state. [Figure 7a-b] 10 illustrates the cart in a second state and a locking mechanism configured to lock the cart in the second state. [Figure 8a-c] The locking mechanism is shown in more detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, the cart 100 is shown in a first state S1 by way of example. Referring to Figure 2, the cart 100 is shown in a second state S2 by way of example. The cart 100 is designed to be movable between the first state S1 and the second state S2. This is shown and discussed in relation to Figures 3 and 4.

[0039] The cart 100 includes a first frame portion 110 and a second frame portion 120. As best shown in FIG. 2, the first frame portion 110 is designed to have two interconnected front legs 113a, 113b. The first frame portion 110 includes a handle 114 at its upper portion 111. The cart 100 includes the handle 114 so that a user can easily push / pull the cart 100 by using the handle 114. The first frame portion 110 further includes two front wheels 115a, 115b (best shown in FIG. 2) at its lower portion 112. However, it should be noted that the cart 100 may include one front wheel or three or more front wheels. The first frame portion 110 further includes a member 117 configured to connect the respective front legs 113a, 113b at its lower portion 112.

[0040] The second frame portion 120 is designed to have two interconnected rear legs 123a, 123b. The rear leg 123b is pivotally connected at its upper portion 121 to the front leg 113b at the main pivot point 102. However, although not shown, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the rear leg 123a is also pivotally connected at its upper portion 121 to the front leg 123a at the main pivot point 102. Thus, each of the rear legs 123a, 123b is pivotally connected at its upper portion 121 to its respective front leg 113a, 113b at the main pivot point 102. As best shown in FIG. 2 , the second frame portion 120 includes two rear wheels 125a, 125b at its lower portion 122. However, it should be noted that the second frame portion 120 may include three or more rear wheels. The second frame portion 120 includes a connecting member 126 configured to connect each of the rear legs 123 a, 123 b at a middle portion thereof. The second frame portion 120 further includes a member 127 configured to connect each of the rear legs 123 a, 123 b at a lower portion 122 thereof.

[0041] The cart 100 further includes a load-carrying member 130. The load-carrying member 130 is pivotally connected to the second frame portion 120 at connection point 104 (see FIG. 5 ). The load-carrying member 130 is preferably pivotally connected to the second frame portion 120 about a fixed pivot point. The fixed pivot point may be fixed relative to the second frame portion 120 and / or the load-carrying member 130. The load-carrying member 130 includes a connector 131 that is pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion 110 at a movable pivot point 101. The connector 131 may be pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion 110 at two separate movable pivot points 101 on either side of the load-carrying structure 130. The connector 131 may be slidable along one or both of the front legs 113 a, 113 b of the first frame portion 110. As depicted in FIG. 1 , when the cart 100 is in the first state S1, the connection point 104 is positioned above the movable pivot point 101. The load-carrying member 130 includes a load-carrying structure 132 and a frame 133. The load-carrying structure 132 may be designed as a bag configured to allow items to be loaded and unloaded. The load-carrying structure 132 may include one or more openings for loading and unloading items to and from the load-carrying structure 132. The frame 133 is configured to provide a structure for the load-carrying structure 132 so that the load-carrying member 132 is held in place. The frame 133 may be designed to include an additional handle 133a at its top. The additional handle 133a may facilitate movement of the cart 100 between the first state S1 and the second state S2. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0042] The load carrying member 130 is configured to be in the transfer position TP when the cart 100 is in the first state S1. The load carrying member 130 is configured to be in the use position UP when the cart 100 is in the second state S2.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5 , the connector 131 (not shown in FIG. 5 ) is spring-biased relative to the first frame portion 110. The connector 131 is spring-biased relative to the first frame portion 110 from a first position P1 that the connector 131 is intended to take when the cart 100 is in the first state S1 to a second position P2 that the connector 131 is intended to take when the cart 100 is in the second state S2. Preferably, the connector 131 is spring-biased by a gas spring 135, as shown in FIG. 5 . As further shown, one front leg 113 b of the first frame portion 110 includes a recess 119 in which the gas spring 135 is disposed so that the connector 131 can be pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion 110 at the movable pivot point 101. However, it should be noted that the other front leg 113 a also includes a recess in which the connector can be pivotally and slidably connected. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 5 , the gas spring 135 is configured to be compressed and released, i.e., to move the load-carrying structure along the first frame portion 110, as shown by the arrows, thereby allowing the load-carrying member 130 to rotate between the transport position TP and the use position UP. In this regard, it should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, there is a connector on each of the opposing sides of the load-carrying member. One or both of the connectors may be spring-biased against the first frame portion, as shown above. One or both of the connectors may be spring-biased against the first frame portion using a gas spring, as shown above.

[0044] The cart 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is in a first state S1. When the cart 100 is in the first state S1, it is designed to be pushed / pulled by a user by the rear wheels 125a, 125b. This allows the cart 100 to be moved between different locations. The cart 100 depicted in FIG. 2 is in a second state S2. When the cart 100 is in the second state S2, the connection point 104 is positioned substantially parallel to the movable pivot point 101. Furthermore, when the cart 100 is in the second state S2, the rear wheels 125a, 125b and the front wheels 115a, 115b are positioned at a distance D from each other.

[0045] The cart 100 further includes a support 118 configured to support the cart 100 when in the first state S1. Thus, when the user stops the cart 100 in the first state, i.e., when the user is not pushing or pulling the cart 100 with the rear wheels 125 a, 125 b, the cart 100 is supported by the rear wheels 125 a, 125 b and the support 118. The support 118 is connected to the member 117 of the first frame portion 110.

[0046] Cart 100 further includes a locking mechanism 140 pivotally connected to load-carrying structure 130. Locking mechanism 140 is configured to lock cart 100 in first state S1 when cart 100 is in first state S1. Locking mechanism 140 is configured to lock cart 100 in second state S2 when cart 100 is in second state S2. Locking mechanism 140 is shown and discussed in more detail in connection with Figures 6-8.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the cart 100 is shown, by way of example, being moved from the second state S2 to the first state S1, as indicated by the arrows depicted in FIG. 3. When the cart 100 is moved from the second state S2 to the first state S1, the second frame portion 120 is rotated relative to the first frame portion 110 such that the rear legs 125 a, 125 b and the front legs 115 a, 115 b are moved toward each other. Additionally, when the cart 100 is moved from the second state S2 to the first state S1, the load-carrying member 130 is rotated to a transfer position TP. As shown in FIG. 3, the load-carrying member 130 is rotated counterclockwise to the transfer position TP, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0048] Additionally, the cart 100 depicted in FIG. 3 includes similar features to those introduced for the cart 100 in connection with FIGS. Referring to FIG. 4, the cart 100 is shown, by way of example, being moved from a first state S1 to a second state S2, as indicated by the arrows depicted in FIG. 4. When the cart is moved from the first state S1 to the second state S2, the second frame portion 120 is rotated relative to the first frame portion 110 such that the rear legs 125a, 125b and the front legs 115a, 115b are spaced apart from one another. As best shown in FIG. 2, when the cart 100 is in the second state S2, the rear wheels 125a, 125b and the front wheels 115a, 115b are positioned a distance D from one another. Returning to FIG. 4, when the cart is moved from the first state S1 to the second state S2, the load-carrying member 130 is rotated to the use position UP. As shown in FIG. 4, the load-carrying member 130 is rotated clockwise to the use position UP. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0049] Additionally, the cart 100 depicted in FIG. 4 includes similar features to those introduced for the cart 100 in connection with FIGS. 6a-6c, the locking mechanism 140 of the cart 100 is shown by way of example when the cart 100 is in the first state S1. 7a-7b, the locking mechanism 140 of the cart 100 is shown by way of example when the cart 100 is in the second state S2. 8a, the locking mechanism 140 of the cart 100 is shown in more detail when the cart 100 is in the first state S1. 8b, the locking mechanism 140 of the cart 100 is shown by way of example when the cart 100 is moved between the first state S1 and the second state S2. 8c, the locking mechanism 140 of the cart 100 is shown in more detail when the cart 100 is in the second state S2.

[0050] The locking mechanism 140 is configured to lock the cart 100 in the first state S1 by a first locking member 141, such as a locking hook. The first locking member 141 is pivotally connected to the load-carrying member 130 at a locking pivot point 145. The first locking member 141 is configured to engage with an element 142, such as a pin, fixedly disposed on one of the front legs 113 a, 113 b. The locking mechanism 140 is configured to lock the cart 100 in the second state S2 by a second locking member 143, such as a locking hook. The second locking member 143 is pivotally connected to the load-carrying member 130 at the locking pivot point 145. The second locking member 143 is configured to engage with an element 144, such as a pin, fixedly disposed on one of the rear legs 123 a, 123 b.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-8 , the locking mechanism 140 that locks the cart 100 in the first state S1 is the same locking mechanism 140 that locks the cart 100 in the second state S2. Thus, the locking mechanism 140 includes first and second locking members 141 and 143. The locking members 141 and 143 are disposed at opposite ends of the locking mechanism 140. When the cart 100 is in the first state S1, the first locking member 141 of the locking mechanism 140 is configured to lock the cart 100 in the first state S1. When the cart 100 is in the second state S2, the second locking mechanism 143 is configured to lock the cart 100 in the second state S2. When the cart 100 is moved between the first and second states S1 and S2, the locking members 141 and 143 are released, allowing the cart 100 to move between the states S1 and S2.

[0052] The locking mechanism 140 further includes a connecting member 146 configured to be connected to the further handle 133a. The locking mechanism 140 may be covered with a cover, which is advantageous because it may reduce the risk of a user being injured, for example pinched, by the locking mechanism 140. For purposes of illustration, the cover has been omitted from the drawings so that the locking mechanism 140 can be seen.

[0053] 3 and 4, the cart 100 can be moved between a first state S1 and a second state S2 by a user placing one hand on the handle 114 of the first frame portion 110 and the other hand on the further handle 133a of the frame 133 of the load-carrying member 130. The further handle 133a of the load-carrying member 130 is connected to a locking mechanism 140. Preferably, the further handle 133a is spring-loaded against the locking mechanism 140. The further handle 133a is movable between a locked state and an open state. In the locked state, the locking mechanism 140 engages one of the front legs 113a, 113b or one of the rear legs 123a, 123b to lock the cart 100 in the first state S1 or the second state S2. In the open state, the locking mechanism 140 is released to allow the cart 100 to be moved from the first state S1 or the second state S2 and from there to the other of the first state S1 and the second state S2. When the further handle 133a is in the open state, the locking mechanism 140 can be rotated about the locking pivot point 145. When the further handle 133a is in the locked state, the locking mechanism 140 cannot be rotated about the locking pivot point 145.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4 , to move the cart 100 from the first state S1 to the second state S2, the user places one hand on the handle 114 and the other hand on the additional handle 133a. As long as the user grips the periphery of the additional handle 133a, the additional handle 133a remains in an open state. The user pushes the other hand gripping the additional handle 133a downward to move the cart 100 from the first state S1 to the second state S2. When the load-carrying member 130 is moved clockwise to the use position UP, the front wheels 115a, 115b contact the ground. When the cart 100 is in the second state S2 and the user releases their grip on the additional handle 133a, the cart 100 is locked in the second state S2. As already mentioned, this means that movement from the second state S2 can never be initiated accidentally but is always locked after execution, which, unlike known techniques, eliminates the risk of, for example, forgetting an important step or accidentally "cutting" or tightening, with associated secondary damage.

[0055] For movement in the opposite direction, i.e., from the second state S2 to the first state S1 as shown in FIG. 3, the above is repeated in the reverse order, with the cart 100 returning to the first state S1, the front wheels being lifted again so as not to strike the ground, and the cart 100 resting on the rear wheels 125a, 125b and the support 118.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. a first frame part (110) having two interconnected front legs (113a, 113b), the first frame part (110) including a handle (114) at an upper part (111) thereof and at least one front wheel (115a, 115b) at a lower part (112) thereof; a second frame part (120) having two interconnected rear legs (123a, 123b), said rear legs (123a, 123b) including two rear wheels (125a, 125b) at their lower parts (122) and pivotally connected at their upper parts (121) to respective front legs (113a, 113b); a load carrying member (130) pivotally connected to the second frame portion (120), the load carrying member (130) having a connector (131) pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion (110); A cart (100) comprising: movable between a first state (S1) and a second state (S2); In the first state (S1), the second frame portion (120) is rotated relative to the first frame portion (110) such that the rear legs (125a, 125b) and the front legs (115a, 115b) are moved towards each other and the load carrying member (130) is rotated to a transfer position (TP), and the first state (S1) allows the cart (100) to be pushed / pulled by the rear wheels (125a, 125b); In the second state (S2), the second frame portion (120) is rotated relative to the first frame portion (110) so that the lower portions of the front and rear legs (115a, 115b, 125a, 125b) are positioned at a distance (D) from each other and the luggage carrying member (130) is rotated to a use position (UP), and the second state (S2) allows the cart (100) to be pushed / pulled by the front and rear wheels (115a, 115b, 125a, 125b).

2. 2. The cart (100) of claim 1, wherein the connector (131) is spring-biased against the first frame portion (110) from a first position (P1) that the connector (131) is intended to take when the cart (100) is in the first state (S1) toward a second position (P2) that the connector (131) is intended to take when the cart (100) is in the second state (S2).

3. The cart (100) of claim 2, wherein the connector (131) is spring-loaded by a gas spring (135).

4. 4. The cart (100) according to claim 1, wherein a movable pivot point (101) at which the connector (131) is pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion (110) moves along the front legs (113a, 113b) of the first frame portion (110) and is arranged so that the respective rear legs (123a, 123b) remain between a main pivot point (102) at which the respective front legs (113a, 113b) are connected and the lower part (112) of the first frame portion (110).

5. 5. The cart (100) of claim 4, wherein when the cart (100) is in the first state (S1), a connection point (104) at which the luggage carrying structure (130) is pivotally connected to the second frame portion (120) is positioned above the movable pivot point (101) at which the connector (131) of the luggage carrying structure (130) is pivotally and slidably connected to the first frame portion (110).

6. A cart (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the luggage carrying member (130) is pivotally connected to the second frame portion (120) about a fixed pivot point, and the fixed pivot point is fixed to at least one of the second frame portion (120) and the luggage carrying member (130), preferably fixed to both.

7. The cart (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connector (131) is slidable along one of the front legs (113a, 113b) of the first frame portion (110).

8. The cart (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a locking mechanism (140) pivotally connected to the load-carrying structure (130), the locking mechanism (140) being configured to engage one of the front legs (113a, 113b) when the cart (100) is in the first state (S1) to lock the cart (100) in the first state (S1), and to engage one of the rear legs (123a, 123b) when the cart (100) is in the second state (S2) to lock the cart (100) in the second state (S2).

9. 9. The cart (100) of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism (140) is configured to lock the cart (100) in the first state (S1) by a first locking member (141) pivotally connected to the luggage carrying member (130) and configured to engage with an element (142) fixedly positioned on one of the front legs (113a, 113b).

10. 10. A cart (100) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the locking mechanism (140) is configured to lock the cart (100) in the second state (S2) by means of a second locking member (143) pivotally connected to the luggage carrying member (130) and configured to engage with an element (144) fixedly arranged on one of the rear legs (123a, 123b).

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