Wheelbarrow

Abstract

To provide a handcart that makes it possible to readily attach an opening edge of a storage bag and has an excellent appearance because the storage bag can be attached without making the storage bag bulky and causing a sag in an internal part of the opening edge due to a difference between outer and inner diameters.SOLUTION: A seat frame 21 that supports a seat part of a handcart 1 capable of being seated includes left and right side frame pieces 212 extending in a fore-and-aft direction and being borne by respective front wheel leg frames 13, and front and rear side frame pieces 213 and 214 extending in a horizontal direction and being coupled to front and rear ends of the left and right side frame pieces 212. Both ends of a bar material 24 whose cross-sectional shape is smaller than those of the left and right side frame pieces 212 and front side frame piece 213 and which is disposed along the lower sides of the left and right side frame pieces 212 and front side frame piece 213 out of the frame pieces 212 to 214 are attached to the seat frame 21. An opening edge of a storage bag 42 that opens upward is attached to the bar material 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pushcart such as a silver cart or a walking cart. [Background technology]

[0002] This type of pushcart has left and right steering frames that extend downward from a steering section that the user holds with both hands, and left and right leg frames that are connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and support the front and rear wheels so that they can roll freely.The front and rear lower ends of the left and right leg frames are connected by connecting frames that extend left and right.

[0003] Also, among such pushcarts, there are known ones that have a seat section between the left and right leg frames where the user can sit (see Patent Document 1).Furthermore, a bag-like object such as a shopping bag is attached to the rear surfaces of the left and right leg frames.

[0004] On the other hand, there is also a chair in which a bag-like object is provided below the seat surface of the seat portion provided between the left and right leg frames (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-225719 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-221183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to ensure the rigidity of the seat, a seat frame that is roughly square-shaped in plan view is sometimes provided below the seat, and when providing a bag-like object below the seat, it is possible to use the seat frame and attach the bag-like object by folding back and wrapping the edge of the opening that opens upward around the seat frame. In this case, if the seat surface of the seat is supported by the seat frame so that it can be positioned between an in-use state and a stored state, it is very suitable because when the opening edge is attached to the seat frame, the opening of the bag-like object opens and closes by changing the position of the seat surface.

[0007] However, since the seat frame is supported not only by the seat surface but also by the left and right leg frames and other frames, the task of folding back and wrapping the opening edge of the bag-like object while avoiding interference with these supporting parts becomes very cumbersome.

[0008] Furthermore, because the seat frame has a large diameter to ensure rigidity when seated, folding the edge of the bag-like object around the large diameter seat frame makes the stroller very bulky. Furthermore, if the corners of adjacent frame pieces of the seat frame are curved, the difference in inner and outer diameters due to the large diameter causes the inside of the folded edge of the bag-like object to sag. As a result, the appearance of the stroller is significantly impaired.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a pushcart that allows the attachment of the opening edge of a bag-like object to be easily performed, and that has an excellent appearance and can be attached without making the bag-like object bulky or causing slack in the inner part of the opening edge due to the difference in inner and outer diameters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above object, the present invention is based on a pushcart having left and right steering frames extending downward from a steering section that is held by a user with both hands, and left and right leg frames connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting front and rear wheels so that they can roll freely. A seat frame is provided between the leg frames to support a seat on which the user can sit. The seat frame is further provided with left and right frame pieces extending in the front-to-rear direction and supported by the leg frames, respectively, and front and rear frame pieces extending in the left-to-right direction and connected to the front and rear ends of the left and right frame pieces. The seat frame is then provided with a pair of frame pieces arranged along the undersides of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece, and a pair of frame pieces extending along the front-to-rear direction. The aforementioned Both ends of a rod having a cross section smaller than that of the front frame piece are attached, and the opening edge of a bag-like object that opens upward is attached to the rod. Furthermore, the seat frame supports an opening edge of a basket that opens upward, and the basket is covered from the outside by the bag-like object. It is characterized by the following.

[0011] The rods may be arranged along at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece among the frame pieces of the seat frame.

[0012] In contrast, the rod material may be arranged so that it is along the outside of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece of each frame piece of the seat frame, rather than directly below the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece.

[0013] On the other hand, the rod material may be arranged so that it is along the inside of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece of each frame piece of the seat frame, rather than directly below the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece.

[0015] Furthermore, the seat frame may be capable of carrying a shopping basket for placing items to be purchased in the store. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] In summary, the edge of the bag-like object, which opens upward, is attached to a rod with a small cross-section, both ends of which are attached to the lower ends of the frame pieces of the seat frame and which is arranged along the underside of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece. Therefore, there is no need to attach the edge of the bag-like object while avoiding interference with the seat surface supported by the seat frame, movable members such as the left and right leg frames and links, or the supports for the rotating shafts that serve as their axes. This allows the bag-like object to be easily attached by simply folding back and wrapping the edge of the opening around the rod that extends along the underside of the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece, without avoiding interference with interfering members such as the movable members and the rotating shafts, with both ends attached to at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece.

[0017] Furthermore, by attaching the opening edge of the bag-like object to a rod with a small cross section, it is possible to avoid the bulkiness that would occur if the opening edge of the bag-like object were attached to a seat frame with a large diameter, and it is also possible to avoid slack on the inside of the bag-like object due to the difference in inner and outer diameters caused by the large diameter at the corners that curve along the seat frame. This allows the opening edge of the bag-like object to be attached in an aesthetically pleasing manner, making it possible to provide a pushcart with a great appearance.

[0018] Furthermore, by arranging the rod material along the left and right frame pieces and directly below the front frame piece, the opening edge of the bag-like object can be contained within the diameter of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece of the seat frame, allowing the opening edge of the bag-like object to be attached in a more aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0019] In contrast, by arranging the rod material along the outside of the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece rather than directly below them, the opening edge of the bag-like object is expanded to the outside of the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece, thereby increasing the volume of the bag-like object.

[0020] On the other hand, by arranging the rod material along the inside of the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece rather than directly below them, it is easy to avoid interference of bag-like objects with links and the like arranged near at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece of each frame piece of the seat frame, allowing the operation of the links and the like to be carried out smoothly and without hindrance.

[0021] In addition, by covering the basket, whose opening edge is supported on the seat frame, from the outside with a bag-like material, the contents of the basket can be shielded by the bag-like material, thereby protecting the privacy of the user of the pushcart.

[0022] Furthermore, by making it possible to place a shopping basket containing items to be purchased in the store on the seat frame, shopping in the store can be done efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a mounting frame in a forward-folded position, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 1 as seen from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pushcart of FIG. 1 as seen from the side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 1 as seen from behind. [Figure 5] 1 with the mounting frame in a rearwardly laid position. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the bar of the pushcart of FIG. 1 with a bag-like object attached thereto. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 6 as seen from the front. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a side view of the pushcart of FIG. 6 as seen from the side. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 6 as seen from behind. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the seat frame of the pushcart of FIG. 1, seen from above. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a front view of the seat frame of FIG. 10 as seen from the front. [Figure 12] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame of FIG. 10 taken along line AA. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a modified example of the first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the seat frame of the pushcart of FIG. 13, seen from above. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of the seat frame of FIG. 14 as seen from the front. [Figure 16] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame of FIG. 14 taken along line BB. [Figure 17] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bar of the pushcart of FIG. 13 with a bag-like object attached to the bar. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to another modified example of the first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the seat frame of the pushcart of FIG. 18, seen from above. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front view of the seat frame of FIG. 19 as seen from the front. [Figure 21] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame of FIG. 19 taken along line CC. [Figure 22] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bar of the pushcart of FIG. 18 with a bag-like object attached to the bar. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the mounting frame in a forward-folded position, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view of the pushcart of FIG. 23 as seen from the side. [Figure 25] FIG. 24 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 23 as seen from behind. [Figure 26] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the pushcart of FIG. 23 with a basket attached. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a side view of the pushcart of FIG. 26 as seen from the side. [Figure 28] FIG. 27 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 26 as seen from behind. [Figure 29]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the bar of the pushcart of FIG. 26 with a bag-like object attached to it. [Figure 30] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the seat frame of the pushcart of FIG. 23, seen from above. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a side view of the seat frame of FIG. 30 as seen from the side. [Figure 32] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame of FIG. 30 taken along line DD. [Figure 33] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the pushcart of FIG. 29 with a shopping basket placed on the seat frame. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a side view of the pushcart of FIG. 33 as seen from the side. [Figure 35] FIG. 34 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 33 as seen from behind. [Figure 36] 30 is a perspective view showing the pushcart of FIG. 29 in a state where the mounting frame is in a backward-folded position and the seat portion is in a seated position. FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a modified example of the second embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a plan view of the seat frame of the pushcart of FIG. 37, seen from above. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a side view of the seat frame of FIG. 38. [Figure 40] 39 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame of FIG. 38 taken along line EE. [Figure 41] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to another modified example of the second embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a plan view of the seat frame of the pushcart of FIG. 41, seen from above. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a side view of the seat frame of FIG. 42 as seen from the side. [Figure 44] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame of FIG. 42 taken along line FF. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, a pushcart according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a first embodiment of the present invention as seen diagonally from the front, and Fig. 2 is a front view of the pushcart of Fig. 1 as seen from the front. Fig. 3 is a side view of the pushcart of Fig. 1 as seen from the side, and Fig. 4 is a rear view of the pushcart of Fig. 1 as seen from the rear. Furthermore, Fig. 5 is a side view of the pushcart 1 of Fig. 1 as seen from the side with the mounting frame 22 in the rearward-folded position.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the pushcart 1 is used as a silver cart and has a handle 11 at its top as a steering part. The handle 11 extends in the left and right direction so that it can be easily gripped by a user. The pushcart 1 also has handle frames 12, 12 as steering frames that extend downward from both the left and right ends of the handle 11.

[0027] The upper ends of a pair of left and right front wheel leg frames 13, 13 (leg frames) extending vertically relative to the lower end of each handle frame 12 are inserted into the handle frame 12 in an adjustable length manner and fixed in an optimum position. Each front wheel leg frame 13 has an upper straight portion 131 extending vertically from the lower end of the handle frame 12, and a lower straight portion 133 extending diagonally downward and forward from the lower end of the upper straight portion 131 with a bent portion 132 sandwiched therebetween.

[0028] The front wheels 14F are supported so as to be able to roll freely at the lower ends of the lower straight portions 133. The lower ends of the lower straight portions 133 are firmly connected to each other by a horizontal frame 130 extending in the left-right direction.

[0029] A leg bracket 134 is fixed to the lower end of the upper straight portion 131 of each front wheel leg frame 13, and the upper ends of a pair of left and right rear wheel leg frames 15, 15 (leg frames) extending diagonally downward and rearward are supported on this leg bracket 134 so as to be rotatable about horizontal shafts 151. A rear wheel 14R is supported at the lower end of each rear wheel leg frame 15 so as to be rollable. The lower ends of the rear wheel leg frames 15 are firmly connected to each other by horizontal frames 152 extending in the left-right direction.

[0030] Additionally, brakes 16 that brake the respective rear wheels 14R are rotatably supported at the lower end of each rear wheel leg frame 15. Brake levers 10 extending in the left-right direction are rotatably supported on the front side of the handlebars 11 about horizontal axes on both the left and right ends. When the brake levers 10 are rotated so as to be pulled toward the handlebars 11, each brake 16 is actuated via a brake operating wire (not shown) to brake the rear wheel 14R.

[0031] A seat section 2 is provided between the lower ends of the upper straight sections 131 of each front wheel leg frame 13, on which a user can sit and on which a shopping basket (not shown) containing items to be purchased in the store can be placed. The seat section 2 has a roughly U-shaped seat frame 21 that opens to the rear. In this case, the seat frame 21 is made of a tubular material with a diameter of about 14 to 16 mm.

[0032] The seat frame 21 includes left and right frame pieces 212, 212 rotatably supported at positions rearward of the longitudinal center via horizontal shafts 211 on the lower ends of the upper straight sections 131 of the front wheel leg frames 13, i.e., on the leg brackets 134, and a front frame piece 213 extending laterally between and connecting the tips (front ends) of the left and right frame pieces 212. The base ends (rear ends) of the left and right frame pieces 212 of the seat frame 21 are connected by a rear frame piece 214 extending laterally. A round bar having a diameter of approximately 6 to 7 mm is used as the rear frame piece 214.

[0033] Furthermore, a pair of left and right folding links 3, 3 for folding each rear wheel leg frame 15 relative to each front wheel leg frame 13 is provided between the lower end of the lower straight section 133 of each front wheel leg frame 13 and the lower end of each rear wheel leg frame 15. Each folding link 3 includes a front link 31 whose front end is rotatably supported on the lower end of the lower straight section 133 of the front wheel leg frame 13 and extends rearward, and a rear link 32 whose rear end is rotatably supported on the lower end of the rear wheel leg frame 15 and extends forward.

[0034] The front link 31 and the rear link 32 are rotatably supported via a horizontal shaft 33 extending in the left-right direction, and the front end of the rear link 32 is brought into contact with a projection 34 that projects substantially horizontally from the rear end of the front link 31, thereby maintaining each rear wheel leg frame 15 in a state in which it can travel relative to each front wheel leg frame 13. In addition, a biasing spring 35 is stretched between the rear end pin 311 of the front link 31 and the front end pin 321 of the rear link 32, and the biasing force of this biasing spring 35 maintains each rear wheel leg frame 15 in a state in which it can travel relative to each front wheel leg frame 13 and in a folded state.

[0035] A pair of left and right vertical links 36, 36 extending in the up-down direction are rotatably connected between the midpoint of each front link 31 and the front of each of the left and right frame pieces 212 of the seat frame 21 via upper and lower horizontal shafts 37, 38. When the seat frame 21 is rotated around the horizontal shaft 211, each vertical link 36 bends and stretches the front link 31 and the rear link 32 in conjunction with this rotation, converting each rear wheel leg frame 15 relative to each front wheel leg frame 13 between a movable state and a folded state.

[0036] The seat 2 also includes a generally U-shaped mounting frame 22, both ends of which are rotatably supported near the front of the left and right frame pieces 212 of the seat frame 21 via horizontal shafts 37 (horizontal shafts at the upper ends of the vertical links 36). The mounting frame 22 includes a pair of left and right side frame pieces 222, 222 whose base ends rotate in the front-to-rear direction on the horizontal shafts 37, and a connecting frame piece 223 that connects the tips of the side frame pieces 222. In this case, the connecting portions between the tips of the left and right side frame pieces 222, 222 and the left and right ends of the connecting frame piece 223 are rounded.

[0037] The placing frame 22 then rotates upward by approximately 180° around the horizontal axis 37, and is converted into a forward-folded position (position shown in FIGS. 1 to 4) in which the connecting frame piece 223 is folded forward of the seat frame 21, and a rearward-folded position (position shown in FIG. 5) in which it is folded rearward. At this time, when the placing frame 22 is converted into the forward-folded position, the left and right side frame pieces 222, 222 abut against the seat frame 21 from above, positioning the placing frame 22 in that position, allowing a shopping basket (not shown) to be placed on it. On the other hand, when the placing frame 22 is converted into the rearward-folded position, the connecting frame piece 223 abuts against the rear frame piece 214 of the seat frame 21, positioning the placing frame 22 in that position, converting the placing frame 22 into a position in which a user can sit.

[0038] Further, each side frame piece 222 is provided with a generally U-shaped seat frame 23, the left and right base ends of which are rotatably supported by the side frame piece 222 via horizontal shafts 231. When the mounting frame 22 is converted to the forward-folded position, the seat frame 23 is positioned in a state in which it hangs downward with the horizontal shaft 231 as a fulcrum. On the other hand, when the mounting frame 22 is converted to the backward-folded position, the seat frame 23 folds along the seat frame 21, and its tip end abuts against the front frame piece 213 of the seat frame 21, thereby positioning it in the folded state.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the wheelbarrow 1 of Fig. 1 with a bag-like object attached to the bar, Fig. 7 is a front view of the wheelbarrow 1 of Fig. 6 as viewed from the front, Fig. 8 is a side view of the wheelbarrow 1 of Fig. 6 as viewed from the side, and Fig. 9 is a rear view of the wheelbarrow 1 of Fig. 6 as viewed from the rear.

[0040] 6 to 9, a cloth storage bag 42 serving as a bag-like object having an opening 41 that opens upward and is generally rectangular in plan view is provided below the seat frame 21. A generally rectangular seat cushion 5 serving as a seat surface is placed over the seat frame 21 so as to close the opening 41 of the storage bag 42 from above. The seat cushion 5 is formed in a bag shape with all four sides closed, and is provided with notches (not shown) at two locations near the center, one at the front and one at the back, that extend linearly in the left-right direction.

[0041] The seat cushion 5 is attached to the seat frame 23 with its front portion 51 inserted through a front notch, and its rear portion 52 inserted through a rear notch to the connecting frame piece 223 of the mounting frame 22. In this case, when the seat frame 23 is converted to a forward-folded position relative to the seat frame 21, the mounting frame 22 is positioned in a state where it hangs downward with the horizontal shaft 231 as a fulcrum, and the seat cushion 5 (seat) is converted to a stored state where it is stored. On the other hand, when the seat frame 23 is converted to a backward-folded position relative to the seat frame 21, the mounting frame 22 is positioned in a state where it folds along the seat frame 21, and the seat cushion 5 is converted to a usable state where it can be sat on. At this time, the opening 41 of the storage bag 42 opens and closes as the seat cushion 5 changes its position.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a plan view of the seat frame 21 of the handcart 1 of Fig. 1 seen from above, Fig. 11 is a front view of the seat frame 21 of Fig. 10 seen from the front, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame 21 of Fig. 10 taken along line AA. As shown in Figs. 10 to 12, rods 24, 24 are attached to the seat frame 21 so as to be arranged along the underside of at least the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213 of the frame pieces 212-214, and have a smaller cross-sectional shape than the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213. In this case, each rod 24 is a round bar with a diameter of about 4 mm.

[0043] Both ends of the rods 24 are individually connected to the lower end of the center of the front frame piece 213 and to the lower ends of the rear ends of the left and right frame pieces 212. In other words, the rods 24 each protrude downward by about 20 mm from positions spaced about 10 mm apart in the left-right direction from each other in the center of the front frame piece 213, and extend outward in the left-right direction below the front frame piece 213 along the front frame piece 213. The rods 24 extending below the front frame piece 213 extend rearward in a curved manner below the left and right frame pieces 212 so as to follow the left and right frame pieces 212, and are connected to the rear ends of the left and right frame pieces 212 in a state where they protrude straight upward.

[0044] The rods 24 are connected to the lower ends of the left and right frame pieces 212 near the approximate centers thereof via protrusions 214 extending upward from the approximate middle of the rods 24 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the rods 24 are arranged so as to be directly below the left and right frame pieces 212 and the front frame piece 213.

[0045] The front and left and right edges of the opening edge of the storage bag 42 are attached to each of the rods 24 arranged along the underside of the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213, and the rear edge of the opening edge of the storage bag 42 is attached to the rear frame piece 214. In this case, the front, rear, and left edges of the opening edge of the storage bag 42 are attached by folding back and wrapping around each of the rods 24 and the rear frame piece 214, and are fastened with hooks (not shown). In this case, each rod 24 is arranged approximately 20 mm below the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213 so that the hooks can pass through smoothly when the front, rear, and left edges of the opening edge of the storage bag 42 are folded back and wrapped around each of the rods 24. Note that fasteners other than hooks may be used, such as double-sided tape, and the distance between each rod and each of the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece may be small as long as such fasteners can pass through.

[0046] A connecting frame 224 that connects the side frame pieces 222, 222 in the left-right direction and protrudes upward like a partition is provided between the tip ends of the side frame pieces 222, 222. This connecting frame 224 abuts against the bottom of the shopping basket from the front when the shopping basket is placed on the mounting frame 22. In this case, a peripheral rib that protrudes downward in a roughly rectangular frame shape along the periphery of the bottom surface of the shopping basket protrudes.

[0047] A pair of left and right locking devices 6, 6 are provided at the front end of each side frame piece 222 of the loading frame 22. When a shopping basket is placed on the loading frame 22, the pair of locking devices 6, 6 lock the shopping basket only at the left and right positions of the front end of the bottom of the shopping basket. Each locking device 6 has front and rear protrusions 61, 62 that protrude upward in a roughly U-shape in side view, and are fixed along the inside of the front end of each side frame piece 222 of the loading frame 22. The front and rear protrusions 61, 62 each protrude upward by approximately 10 to 12 mm.

[0048] When a shopping basket is placed on the mounting frame 22, the front portion of the peripheral rib is located between the connecting frame 224 of the mounting frame 22 and the left and right locking members 6, 6 (front and rear protrusions 61, 62). At this time, forward movement of the shopping basket is restricted by the abutment of the lower portion against the connecting frame 224, while rearward movement of the shopping basket is restricted by the abutment of the front portion of the peripheral rib against the left and right locking members 6, 6. On the other hand, left and right movement of the shopping basket is restricted by the abutment of both left and right side portions of the peripheral rib against the left and right locking members 6, 6.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, the opening edge of the storage bag 44, which opens upward, is attached to rods 24, 24 with small cross sections, whose both ends are attached to the lower ends of the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213 of the seat frame 21, and which are arranged along the bottom of each frame piece 212 to 213 of the seat frame 73. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach the opening edge of the storage bag 42 while avoiding interference with movable members such as the mounting frame 22 supported by the seat frame 21, the left and right front wheel leg frames 13, 13, and the left and right vertical links 36, 36, as well as with rotational axes such as the horizontal shafts 211, 37 that serve as the axes for these movable members.

[0050] As a result, with both ends attached to the left and right frame pieces 212 and the front frame piece 213, there is no need to avoid interference with interfering objects such as movable members or rotating shafts for the rods 24, 24 extending along the undersides of the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213. Therefore, the storage bag 42 can be easily attached by simply folding back and wrapping the opening edge around the rods 24, 24 while avoiding only the protrusion 241 near approximately the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] Furthermore, because the edges of the opening of storage bag 42 are attached to rods 24, 24 with small cross sections and rear frame piece 214, the opening of storage bag 42 does not become very bulky as would be the case if the opening edge were attached to a seat frame with a large diameter, and slack due to the difference in inner and outer diameters caused by the large diameter at the corners that curve along the seat frame does not occur on the inside of storage bag 42. This allows the opening edge of storage bag 42 to be attached in an aesthetically pleasing manner, making it possible to provide a pushcart 1 with an excellent appearance.

[0052] Furthermore, since the rods 24, 24 are arranged along the right and left frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213, the opening edge of the storage bag 42 can be accommodated within the diameter of each of the right and left frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213 of the seat frame 21, and the opening edge of the storage bag 42 can be attached in a more aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0053] In this embodiment, the rods 24 are arranged along the area directly below the left and right frame pieces 212 and the front frame piece 213. However, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, rods 25 made of round bars having a diameter of approximately 4 mm may be arranged along the outside of the area directly below the left and right frame pieces 212 and the front frame piece 213. Specifically, the rods 25 are arranged so that both ends of each protrude downward by approximately 20 mm from the center of the front frame piece 213 and the rear ends of the left and right frame pieces 212, respectively, and are then bent horizontally outward by approximately 10 mm, so that they are along the outside of the area directly below the left and right frame pieces 212 and the front frame piece 213. In this case, the opening edge of the storage bag 42 is spread outward from the left and right frame pieces 212 and the front frame piece 213, thereby increasing the volume of the storage bag 42.

[0054] 18 to 22, rods 26, 26 made of round bars with a diameter of about 4 mm may be arranged so as to run along the inside of the area directly below the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213. Specifically, the rods 26, 26 are arranged so that both ends of each protrude downward by about 20 mm from the center of the front frame piece 213 and the rear ends of the left and right frame pieces 212, 212, respectively, and are then bent horizontally inward by about 10 mm, running along the inside of the area directly below the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213. In this case, interference of the storage bag 42 with movable members such as the left and right folding links 3, 3 arranged near the left and right frame pieces 212, 212 and the front frame piece 213 of the seat frame 21 can be easily avoided, allowing the folding links 3 and the like to move smoothly and without hindrance.

[0055] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0056] In this embodiment, a basket is provided on the seat frame. Since the other configurations except for the seat frame and basket are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0057] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen obliquely from the front, Fig. 24 is a side view of the pushcart of Fig. 23 as seen from the side, and Fig. 25 is a rear view of the pushcart of Fig. 23 as seen from the rear. Note that Figs. 23 to 25 do not show the biasing spring that is stretched between the rear end pin 311 of the front link 31 and the front end pin 321 of the rear link 32.

[0058] 23 to 25, in this embodiment, each front wheel leg frame 71 (leg frame) of the handcart 7 has an upper straight section 711 extending vertically from the lower end of the handle frame 12, and a lower straight section 713 extending diagonally downward and forward from the lower end of the upper straight section 711, with a bent section 712 sandwiched between them. In this case, the upper straight section 711 is set to a very short length, and the lower straight section 713 extends diagonally downward and forward from directly below the handle frame 12, with the bent section 712 sandwiched between them.

[0059] A seat section 72 is provided between the upper parts of the lower straight sections 713 of each front wheel leg frame 71, on which a user can sit and on which a shopping basket K (described later) can be placed. This seat section 72 includes a seat frame 73 formed from a cylindrical pipe material in a generally rectangular frame shape in a plan view. The seat frame 73 includes left and right frame pieces 731, 731 that are rotatably supported at positions rearward of the front-to-rear center via horizontal shafts 211 on the upper parts of the lower straight sections 713 of each front wheel leg frame 71, and front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 that connect the front and rear ends of the left and right frame pieces 731, 731. In this case, the connecting portions (corners) between the front and rear ends of the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 and the left and right ends of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 are slightly rounded to match the shape of the four corners of the opening edge 80 of the basket 8 (described later).

[0060] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the wheelbarrow 7 of Figure 23 with a basket attached, Figure 27 is a side view of the wheelbarrow 7 of Figure 26 viewed from the side, and Figure 28 is a rear view of the wheelbarrow 7 of Figure 26 viewed from the rear. In Figures 26 to 28, the biasing spring stretched between the rear end pin 311 of the front link 31 and the front end pin 321 of the rear link 32 is also not shown.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 , the seat frame 73 is sized to approximately match the opening edge 80 of the basket 8, which has a generally rectangular opening edge 80 that opens upward, so that the basket 8 can be inserted from above. A pair of handles 81, 81 that can be carried by hand are provided on the inside of the opening edge 80 of the basket 8. When not in use, the handles 81 are folded away from each other and stored along the inside of the opening edge 80. The opening edges 80 of the basket 8 protrude outward approximately horizontally, and only the opening edges 80 are supported detachably by the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 and the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 of the seat frame 73 from above. At this time, the user is free to detach the basket 8 from the seat frame 73.

[0062] A front wheel 14F is supported in a rollable manner at the lower end of the lower straight portion 713 of each front wheel leg frame 71. The lower ends of the lower straight portions 713 are firmly connected to each other by a horizontal frame 710 extending in the left-right direction. In addition, the upper ends of a pair of left and right rear wheel leg frames 74, 74 (leg frames) extending diagonally rearward and downward are supported in a rollable manner around a horizontal axis 741 at the rear ends (rearward of the horizontal axis 211) of the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 of the seat frame 73. A rear wheel 14R is supported in a rollable manner at the lower end of each rear wheel leg frame 74. The lower ends of the rear wheel leg frames 74 are firmly connected to each other by a horizontal frame 742 extending in the left-right direction.

[0063] A pair of left and right folding links 3, 3 are provided between the lower end of the lower straight section 713 of each front wheel leg frame 71 and the lower end of each rear wheel leg frame 74, for folding each rear wheel leg frame 74 relative to each front wheel leg frame 71. Vertical links 36 are rotatably connected between the front end of each rear link 32 and the front-side frame pieces 731, 731 of the seat frame 73 via horizontal shafts 37, 38, respectively.

[0064] The seat section 72 is provided with a roughly U-shaped mounting frame 75, both ends of which are rotatably supported via horizontal shafts 751 near the front of left and right frame pieces 731 of the seat frame 73. The mounting frame 75 is provided with a pair of left and right side frame pieces 752, 752 whose base ends rotate in the front-to-rear direction on the horizontal shafts 751, and a connecting frame piece 753 that connects the tips of the side frame pieces 752. In this case, the connecting portions between the tips of the left and right side frame pieces 752, 752 and the left and right ends of the connecting frame piece 753 are R-chamfered.

[0065] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the handcart 7 of Figure 26 with a bag-like object attached to the rod. As shown in Figure 29, a storage bag 44 serving as a bag-like object is provided on the underside of the seat frame 73, with an opening 43 that opens upward and has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. A generally rectangular seat cushion 5 serving as a seat surface is placed over the seat frame 73 so as to close the opening 43 of the storage bag 44 from above. The seat cushion 5 is formed in a bag shape with all four sides closed, and has two cutouts (not shown) at the front and back near the center that extend linearly in the left-right direction.

[0066] The seat cushion 5 is attached to the seat frame 23 by inserting the front portion 51 through a front notch, and is attached to the connecting frame piece 753 of the mounting frame 75 by inserting the rear portion 52 through a rear notch. In this case, when the seat frame 23 is converted to a forward-folded position relative to the seat frame 73, the mounting frame 75 is positioned in a state where it hangs down with the horizontal shaft 751 as a fulcrum, and the posture of the seat cushion 5 (seat) is converted to a stored state where it is stored.

[0067] On the other hand, when the seat frame 23 is converted to a backward-folded position relative to the seat frame 73, the placement frame 75 is positioned in a folded state along the seat frame 73, and the seat cushion 5 is converted to a usable state where it can be sat on. At this time, the opening 43 of the storage bag 44 opens and closes as the seat cushion 5 changes its position.

[0068] Figure 30 is a plan view of the seat frame 73 of the pushcart 7 of Figure 23 seen from above, Figure 31 is a side view of the seat frame 73 of Figure 30 seen from the side, and Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the seat frame 73 of Figure 30 taken along line DD. As shown in Figures 30 to 32, rods 27, 27 with a smaller cross-sectional shape than the frame pieces 731 to 733 are attached to the seat frame 73 so as to run along the underside of each of the frame pieces 731 to 733. In this case, each of the rods 27 is a round rod with a diameter of about 4 mm.

[0069] Both ends of the rods 27, 27 are individually connected to the lower end of the center of the front frame piece 732 and the lower end of the center of the rear frame piece 733. In other words, the rods 27, 27 each protrude downward by about 20 mm from positions spaced apart from each other by about 10 mm in the left-right direction at the center of the front frame piece 732, and each extend outward in the left-right direction below and along the front frame piece 732.

[0070] The rods 27 extending below the front frame piece 732 extend rearward in a curved state below the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 so as to follow the left and right frame pieces 731. The rods 27 extending rearward below the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 extend inward in the left-right direction below the rear frame piece 733 in a curved state so as to follow the rear frame piece 733, and are connected to the center of the front frame piece 732 in a state where they protrude straight upward.

[0071] At this time, the rods 27, 27 extending inward in the left-right direction below the rear frame piece 733 are connected to positions spaced apart from each other by approximately 10 mm in the left-right direction in the center of the rear frame piece 733. In this case, only both ends of the rods 27, 27 are connected to the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733, and the rods 27, 27 are arranged so as to extend along directly below the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 and the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733.

[0072] The left and right and front and rear edges of the opening edge of the storage bag 44 are attached to the rods 27 arranged along the underside of the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 and the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733. In this case, the front and rear and left and right edges of the opening edge of the storage bag 44 are attached by folding back and wrapping around the rods 27, respectively, and are fastened with hooks (not shown). In this case, the rods 27 are arranged approximately 20 mm below the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 and the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 so that the hooks can pass through smoothly when the front and rear and left and right edges of the opening edge of the storage bag 44 are folded back and wrapped around the rods 27. Note that fasteners other than hooks may be used, such as double-sided tape, and the distance between each rod and the left and right frame pieces and the front and rear frame pieces may be small as long as such fasteners can pass through.

[0073] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the pushcart 7 in Fig. 29 with a shopping basket placed on the seat frame 73, Fig. 34 is a side view of the pushcart 7 in Fig. 33 as viewed from the side, and Fig. 35 is a rear view of the pushcart 7 in Fig. 33 as viewed from the rear. As shown in Figs. 33 to 35, a shopping basket K is placed on the loading frame 75 with the loading frame 75 converted into a forward-folded position.

[0074] When the shopping basket K is placed on the mounting frame 75, both left and right positions of the front end of the bottom of the shopping basket K are locked by the locking devices 6 of the side frame pieces 752 of the mounting frame 75.

[0075] Furthermore, when the shopping cart K is placed on the mounting frame 75, the front portion of the peripheral rib K1, which protrudes downward in a generally rectangular frame shape along the periphery of the bottom surface of the shopping cart K, is located between the connecting frame 224 of the mounting frame 75 and the left and right locking devices 6, 6. At this time, forward movement of the shopping cart K is limited by the abutment of the lower portion against the connecting frame 224, while rearward movement of the shopping cart K is limited by the abutment of the front portion of the peripheral rib K1 against the left and right locking devices 6, 6. On the other hand, left and right movement of the shopping cart K is limited by the abutment of both left and right side portions of the peripheral rib K1 against the left and right locking devices 6, 6.

[0076] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the pushcart 7 in Figure 29 with the seat 72 converted to a seated position. As shown in Figure 36, when the seat frame 23 is converted to a backward-folded position relative to the seat frame 73 and the mounting frame 75 is positioned in a collapsed state along the seat frame 73, the seat cushion 5 is converted to a usable position where it can be sat on. At this time, the opening of the storage bag 4 opens and closes as the seat cushion 5 changes its position.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, only both ends are attached to the lower ends of the centers of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 of the seat frame 73, and the opening edge of the storage bag 44, which opens upward, is attached to rods 27, 27 with a small cross-section that are arranged along the bottom of each frame piece 731-733 of the seat frame 73. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach the opening edge of the storage bag 44 while avoiding interference with movable members such as the left and right front wheel leg frames 71, 71, the left and right rear wheel leg frames 74, 74, the mounting frame 75, and the left and right vertical links 36, 36 that are supported by the seat frame 73, as well as with rotation axes such as the horizontal shafts 211, 37, 741 that serve as axes for these movable members.

[0078] As a result, with both ends attached to the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733, there is no need to avoid interference with interfering objects such as movable members or rotating shafts for the rods 27, 27 extending along directly below the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731. Therefore, the storage bag 44 can be easily attached in an aesthetically pleasing manner simply by folding back and wrapping the opening edge around the rods 27, 27.

[0079] Moreover, because each edge of the opening edge of storage bag 44 is attached to rods 27, 27 with a small cross section, slack due to the difference in inner and outer diameters caused by the large diameter at the corners that curve along seat frame 73 does not occur inside storage bag 44. This allows the opening edge of storage bag 44 to be attached in an aesthetically pleasing manner, making it possible to provide a pushcart 7 with an excellent appearance.

[0080] In this embodiment, the rods 27 are arranged along the outer side of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731, but as shown in Figures 37 to 40, rods 28 made of round rods with a diameter of about 4 mm may be arranged along the outer side of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731. Specifically, the rods 28 are arranged so that both ends protrude downward by about 20 mm from the center of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and are then bent horizontally outward by about 10 mm, so that they are along the outer side of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731. In this case, the opening edge of the storage bag 44 is expanded to the outside of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731, so that the volume of the storage bag 44 can be increased.

[0081] 18 to 22, rods 29, 29 made of round bars having a diameter of about 4 mm may be arranged so as to run along the inside of the area directly below the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731. Specifically, the rods 29, 29 are arranged so that both ends of the rods protrude downward from the centers of the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 by about 20 mm and then bent horizontally inward by about 10 mm (enough to avoid interference with the basket 8), running along the inside of the area directly below the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731. In this case, interference of the storage bag 44 with movable members such as the left and right folding links 3, 3 arranged near the front and rear frame pieces 732, 733 and the left and right frame pieces 731, 731 of the seat frame 73 can be easily avoided, allowing the folding links 3 and the like to move smoothly and without hindrance.

[0082] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, rods 24 to 29 made of round bars with a diameter of approximately 4 mm were used, but the cross-sectional shape and diameter of the rods are not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the cross-sectional shape is smaller than that of the seat frame.

[0083] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, cloth storage bags 42, 44 are used as the bag-like objects, but a storage bag with a heat-insulating structure capable of keeping things hot or cold may also be used. That is, the storage bag may be made of a material with heat insulating properties, or may have a pocket for storing a heat insulator or a cold insulator.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the pushcarts 1 and 7 are described as being used as silver carts, but it goes without saying that they may also be applied to pushcarts such as walking carts and shopping carts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Wheelbarrow 11 Handle section (steering section) 12 Handle frame (steering frame) 13 Front wheel leg frame (leg frame) 14F front wheel 14R rear wheel 15 Rear wheel leg frame (leg frame) 2 Seats 21 Seat frame 212 Left and right frame pieces 213 Front frame piece 214 Rear frame piece 42 Storage bag (bag-like object) 44 Storage bag (bag-like object) 7. Wheelbarrow 71 Front wheel leg frame (leg frame) 72 Seat 73 Seat frame 731 Frame pieces on both sides 732 Front frame piece 733 Rear frame piece 74 Rear wheel leg frame (leg frame) 8. Basket 80 Opening edge K Shopping Cart

Claims

1. A pushcart having left and right steering frames extending downward from a steering section that is held by a user with both hands, and left and right leg frames connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting the front and rear wheels so that they can roll freely, a seat frame for supporting a seat on which the user can sit is provided between the leg frames; The seat frame includes left and right frame pieces extending in the front-rear direction and supported by the leg frames, respectively, and front and rear frame pieces extending in the left-right direction and connected to the front and rear ends of the left and right frame pieces, respectively; a rod member having a cross-sectional shape smaller than that of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece is attached to the seat frame at both ends, the rod member being arranged along the underside of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece, and an opening edge of a bag-like member opening upward is attached to the rod member; The pushcart is characterized in that the seat frame supports an opening edge of a basket that opens upward, and the basket is covered from the outside by the bag-like object.

2. 2. The pushcart according to claim 1, wherein the rods are arranged along and directly below at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece among the frame pieces of the seat frame.

3. The pushcart of claim 1, wherein the rod material is arranged along the outside of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece of each frame piece of the seat frame, rather than directly below the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece.

4. The pushcart according to claim 1, wherein the rod material is arranged so as to be along the inside of at least the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece of each frame piece of the seat frame, rather than directly below the left and right frame pieces and the front frame piece.

5. 5. The pushcart according to claim 1, wherein a shopping basket for carrying items to be purchased in a store can be placed on the seat frame.

Images