Handle assembly for a collapsible utility cart

Abstract

A utility cart may include a top support platform, a plurality of support members vertically disposed to operably couple the top support platform to a bottom support platform at a second portion of the plurality of support members, a mobility assembly operably coupled to a second end of the plurality of support members, and a handle assembly which may be operably coupled to the top support platform and to the plurality of support members. The handle assembly may enable a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via the mobility assembly. The handle assembly may include a first handle type, the first handle type may be operably coupled to the first end of the plurality of support members at the perimeter of the top support platform, and a second handle type which may be operably coupled to the top support platform.

Description

[0001] HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A COLLAPSIBLE UTILITY CART

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Example embodiments generally relate to collapsible utility carts and, in particular, relate to a handle assembly for a collapsible utility cart.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Utility carts may be commonly used in various settings ranging from dedicated workspaces such as labs, garages, construction sites and warehouses or storage facilities to miscellaneous settings such as in offices, homes, restaurants, and many more. Within the various settings that utility carts may be used, utility carts may also be used for various purposes including but not limited to transporting objects, storing objects, working on objects, displaying objects, and many more. Utility carts may essentially be ubiquitously used in any sort of productive setting involving objects that may be desirable to transport due to their widely applicable and often simple design allowing the cart to be a useful resource in many use cases.

[0006] Existing utility carts may be rather simplistic and outdated in their design considering how they have come to be commonly used today. In this regard, many existing utility carts may include a rather simple and outdated handle design. The existing handle may not be ideal for many of the numerous scenarios that the cart may be used in. For example, collapsible carts having existing handle designs may not fold in the most efficient or compact manner. As such, there may be a need to develop an improved design for a utility cart that may include a handle assembly to improve user ergonomics and utility cart functionality.

[0007] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0008] Some example embodiments may provide for a utility cart. The utility cart may include a top support platform, the top support platform may have a rectangular shaped perimeter with a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, a plurality of support members which may be vertically disposed to operably couple the top support platform, proximate to a first end of the plurality of support members, to a bottom support platform at a second portion of the plurality of support members, a mobility assembly which may be operably coupled to the utility cart at a second end of the plurality of support members, and a handle assembly which may be operably coupled to the top support platform and to the plurality of support members. The handle assembly may enable a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via the mobility assembly. The handle assembly may include a first handle type, the first handle type may be operably coupled to the first end of the plurality of support members at the perimeter of the top support platform. The first handle type may have a grip portion that may be larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members.

[0009] Some example embodiments may provide for a utility cart. The utility cart may include a top support platform, the top support platform may have a rectangular shaped perimeter with a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, a plurality of support members which may be vertically disposed to operably couple the top support platform, proximate to a first end of the plurality of support members, to a bottom support platform at a second portion of the plurality of support members, a mobility assembly which may be operably coupled to the utility cart at a second end of the plurality of support members, and a handle assembly which may be operably coupled to the top support platform and to the plurality of support members. The handle assembly may enable a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via the mobility assembly. The handle assembly may include a first handle type, the first handle type may be operably coupled to the first end of the plurality of support members at the perimeter of the top support platform, and a second handle type which may be operably coupled to the top support platform. A first length of the second handle type may be less than a first width of the top support platform.

[0010] Some example embodiments may provide for a handle assembly for a collapsible utility cart. The handle assembly may include a first handle type which may be operably coupled to a first end of a plurality of support members at a perimeter of a top support platform of the utility cart, and a second handle type which may be operably coupled to the top support platform. The handle assembly may enable a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via a mobility assembly operably coupled to a second end of the plurality of support members. The first handle type may have a grip portion that may be larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members. A first length of the second handle type may be less than a first width of the top support platform.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0012] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible utility cart according to an example embodiment; FIG. 2 illustrates a close up perspective view of a collapsible utility cart according to an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the collapsible utility cart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the collapsible utility cart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective section view showing the central plane and half of the collapsible utility cart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up perspective view of part of the handle assembly of the collapsible utility cart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up end view of the handle assembly of the collapsible utility cart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the utility cart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an isolated perspective view of the second handle type in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an isolated bottom perspective view of the second handle type in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an isolated bottom perspective view of the second handle type operably coupled to the utility cart in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a close up perspective view of the first handle type in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates an isolated perspective view of the first handle type in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates an isolated perspective view of the first handle type in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the first handle type operably coupled to the support member in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates a section view of the first handle type operably coupled to the support member in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0030] The utility cart of some example embodiments may therefore be collapsible and may include a handle assembly to enable a user to grasp the utility cart and urge movement of the utility cart via a mobility assembly. The handle assembly of some embodiments may include a first handle type and a second handle type. The first and second handle types may be have different shapes and sizes and may fulfill different roles for the utility cart and for the user of the utility cart. The first handle type may be a pommel handle. In this regard, the first handle type may have an oversized grip portion to provide ergonomic grips disposed at the ends of the plurality of support members. The second handle type may be a bar handle. In this regard, the second handle type may be elongated, shorter than the first handle type, and disposed between consecutive ones of the first handle type. The second handle type may be useful for single- handed pushing of the utility cart as well as for lifting the utility cart over obstacles such as cracks or bumps in the surface on which the cart may roll. In some cases, the handle assembly may include either the first or the second handle type, or in some other cases, such as the one described herein, the handle assembly may include both the first and the second handle types simultaneously.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the collapsible utility cart 100 may include a handle assembly 110, a top support platform 120, a middle support platform 130, a bottom support platform 140, a plurality of support members 150 and a mobility assembly 160. In some cases, the collapsible utility cart 100 may be shaped substantially like a rectangular prism, with the top support platform 120 having a substantially rectangular shaped perimeter. That is, the collapsible utility cart 100 may include a first end 102, a second end 104, a first side 106 and a second side 108. The first end 102 and the second end 104 may both be equal to each other in length and may be shorter in length than each of the first side 106 and second side 108 of the collapsible utility cart 100. Additionally, the first end 102 may be disposed parallel to the second end 104, and perpendicular to each of the first and second sides (106, 108). The first end 102 and the second end 104 may each be contiguous with the first side 106 and the second side 108, so as to form the edges of the rectangular perimeter of the top support platform 120.

[0032] In some cases, the handle assembly 110 may allow for a user of the collapsible utility cart 100 to apply forces onto the handle assembly 110 to urge and move and steer the collapsible utility cart 100 as desired. In an example embodiment, the handle assembly 110 may be operably coupled to the collapsible utility cart 100 at the first end 102 and / or the second end 104 of the collapsible utility cart 100, and at, or proximate to, the top support platform 120 so that the handle assembly 110 may be disposed at a comfortable position for the user of the collapsible utility cart 100 to interact with. The handle assembly 110 of some example embodiments may also be adjustable. In this regard, the operable coupling of the handle assembly 110 to the utility cart 100 may be pivotable such that the handle assembly 110 may rotate to be made further away from, closer to, or simply at a different orientation to, the top support platform 120. The handle assembly 110 may also be fixable in any angle or position the user may desire via the operable coupling of the handle assembly 110 to the utility cart 100. In some example embodiments, the handle assembly 110 may be removable as well. In this regard, the handle assembly 110 may be operably coupled to the utility cart 100 via fasteners (e.g. screws, bolts, nuts, etc.) which may be removable as desired.

[0033] In some cases, the handle assembly 110 may include a first handle type 112 and a second handle type 114. In this regard, the second handle type 114 may be a bar handle and may be operably coupled to the top support platform 120 disposed between two of the plurality of support members 150 that may be disposed at corners at the first end 102 or second end 104 of the cart 100. In some cases, the cart 100 may include two of the second handle type 114, one disposed at each of the first and second ends (102, 104) of the cart 100. This may allow the user to steer and / or push the cart 100 from either of the first or second ends (102, 104). On the other hand, the first handle type 112 may not be bar shaped or extend horizontally between support members 150, but may instead be a pommel handle. In this regard, the first handle type 112 may be disposed at a first end of a support member 150 at the perimeter of the top support platform 120 so that the user may grasp or interact with the first handle type 112 to guide and urge / move the cart 100. In this regard, the handle assembly 110 may include a plurality of the first handle type 112. In some cases, the cart 100 may include four of the first handle types 112, and each of the first handle types 112 may be disposed at the first end of respective ones of the plurality of support members 150. The first handle type 112 may allow the user to push and / or steer the collapsible utility cart 100 from any of the first end 102, the second end 104, the first side 106 or the second side 108. In another example embodiment, such as the one depicted in FIG. 1, the collapsible utility cart 100 may include six total handles in the handle assembly 110. In this regard, the handle assembly 110 may include two of the second handle type 114 (e.g. one at each of the first and second ends (102, 104)) and four of the first handle type 112.

[0034] Each of the support members 150 may be disposed substantially vertically, and may be pivotably operably coupled to each of the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) via respective hinge assemblies. In this regard, each support member 150 may include the first end disposed proximate to the top support platform 120, and a second end disposed proximate to the bottom support platform 140. The support members 150 may thus extend substantially vertically at the corners of the cart 100 such that a longitudinal axis of each support member 150 may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of each of the other support members 150. In some cases, the top support platform 120 may include a first portion 122 and a second portion 124, the bottom support platform 140 may include a third portion 142 and a fourth portion 144, and the middle support platform 130 may include a fifth portion 132 and a sixth portion 134. The first portion 122, the third portion 142, and the fifth portion 132 may be pivotably operably coupled to the second portion 124, the fourth portion 144, and the sixth portion 134, respectively, via respective hinge assemblies disposed at the underside of each of the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140). In this regard, the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) may each include two portions pivotably operably coupled to each other a midpoint of a length of each respective support platform (120, 130, 140). In this regard, the hinge assembly disposed at the underside of the top support platform 120 may include a top pivot axis 126, the hinge assembly disposed at the underside of the middle support platform 130 may include a middle pivot axis 136, and the hinge assembly disposed at the underside of the bottom support platform 140 may include a bottom pivot axis 146. For example, the top support platform 120 may include the first portion 122, which may be pivotably operably coupled to a first support member 150, a second support member 150, and the second portion 124. The second portion 124 may thus be pivotably operably coupled to the first portion 122, a third support member 150, and a fourth support member 150. The middle and bottom support platforms (130, 140) may follow similar patterns regarding the operable coupling of their respective portions (132, 134, 142, 144).

[0035] As such, the collapsible utility cart 100 may be collapsible from a working state (i.e. the state depicted in FIG. 1) to a collapsed state (as indicated by the arrows 20 in FIGS. 2 and 3). Transitioning the cart from the working state to the collapsed state may require folding each of the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) at the junction of their respective portions that make up each of the support platforms. In other words, collapsing the cart 100 may pivot the first portion 122, the third portion 142, and the fifth portion 132 relative to the second portion 124, the fourth portion 144, and the sixth portion 134, respectively. Transitioning the cart 100 may also bring the first and second ends (102, 104) of the cart 100 closer together. In this regard, in the working state, the support members 150 disposed at the first end 102 of the cart 100 may be a first distance away from the support members 150 disposed at the second end 104 of the cart 100. The first distance may be equal to a length of the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140). Also, when the collapsible utility cart 100 is in the working state (i.e. the non-collapsed state), the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) may all be planar surfaces disposed substantially parallel to each other. In this regard, they may each be capable of supporting various objects thereon. In other words, in the working state, the first and second portions (122, 124) may be coplanar, the third and fourth portions (142, 144) may be coplanar, and the fifth and sixth portions (132, 134) may be coplanar. In the working state, the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140), and thus their respective portions (122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144), may be disposed horizontally, and perpendicularly to the support members 150 and their respective longitudinal axes. In some cases, the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) may each include a lip that may extend around the entire perimeter of each of the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) that may help retain objects on respective ones of the support platforms by prohibiting the objects from rolling off of the collapsible utility cart 100 in the working state.

[0036] On the other hand, in the collapsed state, the first end 102 may be disposed proximate to the second end 104, or in other words, the support members 150 at the first end 102 may be disposed proximate to the support members 150 at the second end 104. Also in the collapsed state, the first, third and fifth portions (122, 142, 132) may be coplanar with each other as a result of having pivoted approximately 90° relative to their respective orientations in the working state. The second, fourth, and sixth portions (124, 144, 134) may also be coplanar with each other in a similar manner as described for the first, third and fifth portions (122, 142, 132). In the collapsed state, the first, third and fifth portions (122, 142, 132) may be disposed substantially vertically and substantially parallel to the support members 150, and the second, fourth and sixth portions (124, 134, 144) may be disposed substantially vertically and substantially parallel to the support members 150. In the above descriptions, “substantially vertically” and “substantially parallel” should be taken to mean within 5° of being completely vertical, and parallel, respectively.

[0037] In any case, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the cart 100 may include a central plane 170 disposed vertically through the center of the cart 100, passing through each of the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140). In this regard, while the cart 100 is in the working state, the central plane 170 may extend perpendicularly through the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) and may be disposed between the first and second portions (122, 124), the third and fourth portions (142, 144) and the fifth and sixth portions (132, 134), respectively. In other words, the central plane 170 may bisect the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140), and may be disposed parallel to the plurality of support members 150. While the cart 100 transitions from the working state to the collapsed state, the support members 150 may move towards the central plane 170, whereas while the cart 100 transitions from the collapsed state to the working state, the support members 150 may move away from the central plane 170. In an example embodiment, the respective pivotal operable couplings of the first and second portions (122, 124), the third and fourth portions (142, 144) and the fifth and sixth portions (132, 134), may all be disposed at the central plane 170.

[0038] The mobility assembly 160 may be operably coupled to the second end of each support member 150, and may include a plurality of wheels. In some cases, the utility cart may include a total of four wheels, though more or less may also be used in other cases. The wheels may be disposed at each of the four comers of the collapsible utility cart 100 as shown in FIG. 1 in order to maximize the balance of the collapsible utility cart 100 and limit instability of the cart 100. Additionally, in some cases, the support members 150 may include a central bore from the manufacturing process of the support members 150. In this regard, the mobility assembly 160 may operably couple to the support members 150 via the central bore formed in each support member 150. In an example embodiment, all of the wheels on the utility cart 100 may be caster wheels. In such cases, all of the wheels may be capable of turning 360° to allow the collapsible utility cart 100 to travel in any direction regardless of the orientation of the cart 100. In some other cases, the wheels operably coupled to the first end 102 may be caster wheels and the wheels operably coupled to the second end 104 may be fixed wheels. In this regard, the collapsible utility cart 100 may be capable of being steered from the handle assembly 110 at the first end 102 responsive to the caster wheels turning in a desired direction. In another example embodiment, the wheels operably coupled to the second end 104 may be caster wheels and the wheels operably coupled to the first end 102 may be fixed wheels. In this regard, the collapsible utility cart 100 may be capable of being steered at the second end 104 via the handle assembly 110 responsive to the caster wheels turning in a desired direction. In some cases, the mobility assembly 160 may be fitted with a brake on each wheel. Each brake may immobilize the respective wheel to which it may be operably coupled. With the brake for each wheel engaged, the collapsible utility cart 100 may be held in place and may not roll anywhere. This feature may be useful when work may be done on the collapsible utility cart 100 itself, or in other cases where the cart 100 may roll away from the user unintentionally. In an example embodiment, less than all of the wheels of the mobility assembly 160 may include respective brakes.

[0039] In some cases, some components of the collapsible utility cart 100 may be formed from structural foam. In this regard, the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140), and / or the handle assembly 110 may be formed from the structural foam. In some embodiments, the structural foam may be a black or gray color which may be a traditional appearance for many structural foams. The use of structural foam to construct the cart 100 may allow the cart 100 to achieve a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio than standard injection molded utility carts while also being more cost effective to produce. In some cases, products formed from structural foam may achieve a weight reduction of approximately 10-20% compared to their injection molded counterparts. However, the collapsible utility cart 100 of some embodiments may also include portions that are formed via an injection molding process. In this regard, the top, middle and bottom support platforms (120, 130, 140) and / or the handle assembly 110 may, in some other cases, be injection molded from impact modified polypropylene, which may allow for the components to be colored without impacting the structural integrity of the collapsible utility cart 100.

[0040] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict perspective and end views, respectively, of part of the handle assembly 110 according to an example embodiment, and FIG. 8 depicts a top view of the utility cart 100 showing the handle assembly 110 according to an example embodiment. The handle assembly 110 of some embodiments may be separated into two portions, with one portion being disposed at the first end 102 of the cart 100, and the other portion being disposed at the second end 104 of the cart 100. In some cases, such as the one depicted and described herein, the handle assembly 110 may be operably coupled to both the top support platform 120 and to the plurality of support members 150 to enable a user to grasp the utility cart 100 to urge movement of the utility cart 100 via the mobility assembly 160.

[0041] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first handle type 112 may have a grip portion 180 that may be larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members 150. In other words, the first handle type 112 may form an oversized cap at the first end of the plurality of support members 150. The first handle type 112 with the enlarged grip portion 180 may provide improved operating ergonomics when compared to traditional handle assemblies. For example, the first handle type 112 may be disposed at respective intersections of the first end 102 with the first side 106, the first end 102 with the second side 108, the second end 104 with the first side 106 and the second end 104 with the second side 108, that form corners of the top support platform 120. This placement of the first handle type 112 at the perimeter of the top support platform 120 may encourage the user to adopt a wider placement of their hands when grasping the utility cart 100. The wider hand placement of the user when urging movement of the cart 100 may enable the user to turn the cart 100 tighter and with greater ease as well as improve the stability of the cart 100 when the cart 100 may be moving via the mobility assembly 160. In some cases, the mobility assembly 160 may include castor wheels, which may be capable of turning 360°, at each of the plurality of support members 150. In such cases, the cart 100 may be grasped and urged / moved from a position at any of the first end 102, the second end 104, the first side 106 and / or the second side 108. Thus, having the first handle type 112 disposed at each of the plurality of support members 150 at the perimeter of the top support platform 120 may allow the user to take up a position on any side or end of the cart 100 when guiding the cart 100 elsewhere, to improve the stability of the cart 100.

[0042] Additionally, the enlarged grip portion 180 of the first handle type 112 may provide improved comfort, reliability and ergonomics for the user compared to the respective support members 150 without the first handle type 112. In this regard, the grip portion 180 may reduce the sharp edges of the first end of the plurality of support members 150 to rounded features which may improve the handling experience of the cart 100 as well as the comfort of the user. In some cases, the material with which the first handle type 112 is formed may also improve comfort when compared to grasping the plurality of support members 150 on their own. In this regard, the first handle type 112 may be formed from a polypropylene material while the plurality of support members 150 may be extrusions formed from a metal or metal alloy. As will be described below in relation to FIG. 7, the oversized grip portion 180 of the first handle type 112 may also help retain hanging items in a recessed portion 190 formed between the first handle type 112 and the second handle type 114.

[0043] In some cases, the handle assembly 110 may further include the second handle type 114. The second handle type 114 may be disposed at the first and second ends (102, 104) of the top support platform 120, and in an example embodiment, may be disposed in between consecutive ones of the first handle type 112. In some cases, the second handle type 114 may be referred to as a bar handle or a lift handle. For example, if a user were to be moving the cart 100 with fragile goods or liquids or other objects that they needed to take extra care with transporting, then the user could grasp the second handle type 114 and lift the first end 102 or the second end 104 up over any bumps on the floor or ground or whatever surface the cart 100 may be used on so that the bump does not disrupt the objects on the cart 100. As such, in an example embodiment, the second handle type 114 may be a bar handle having an elongated portion 185 that may extend along a longitudinal axis 200 of the second handle type 114 from a first base member 210 to a second base member 220, parallel to the top support platform 120. In some other cases, the second handle type 114 may be grasped with a single hand to urge / move the cart 100 via the mobility assembly 160. For example, if the user were to only have one free hand available to grasp the handle assembly 110, then grasping one of the first handle types 112 may not be the most efficient manner to move the cart 100 due to the first handle types 112 being offset from the longitudinal axis 175 of the cart 100. In other words, since the first handle types 112 are disposed at the comers of the top support platform 120, urging movement of the cart 100 with one hand via the first handle type 112 may be more difficult to move the cart 100 as desired. Thus, for one-handed grasping of the handle assembly 110, the second handle type 114 may improve the efficiency of urging movement of the cart 100 compared to the first handle type 112.

[0044] As mentioned above, and shown in FIGS. 6-8, the second handle type 114 may be disposed between consecutive ones of the first handle type 112. In other words, a first length (LI) of the second handle type 114 measured from the first base member 210 to the second base member 220 may be less than a first width (Wl) of the top support platform 120. More importantly, the first length (LI) of the second handle type 114 may be less than a distance between a pair of consecutive support members 150 disposed at the first end 102 and / or the second end 104. Accordingly, there may be space between the ends of the second handle type 114 and the support members 150, which may be the recessed portion 190.

[0045] Additionally, the second handle type 114 may be shorter in height than the first handle type 112. In other words, as seen in FIG. 7, the maximum height (Hl) of the first handle type 112 measured from the top support platform 120 may be greater than the maximum height (H2) of the second handle type 114 measured from the top support platform 120. In this regard, the maximum height (H2) of the second handle type 114 may be selected to be high enough to provide room for the user to wrap their hand around the elongated portion 185 without the top support platform 120 interfering with their knuckles and making it difficult to grasp the second handle type 114. The maximum height (H2) of the second handle type 114 may also be selected to minimize the amount of the second handle type 114 that may extend outside of the plurality of support members 150 when the cart 100 is in the collapsed state. In this regard, when the cart 100 transitions to the collapsed state, the top support platform 120 may pivot the first and second portions (122, 124) with the top pivot axis 126 forming an apex between the first and second portions (122, 124). As such, the second handle type 114 may therefore rotate outwards towards the first and second ends (102, 104) as the cart 100 transitions between the working and collapsed states. Thus, if the maximum height (H2) of the second handle type 114 were to be greater than the maximum height (Hl) of the first handle type 112, then the second handle type 114 may extend too far out from the top support platform 120 when the cart 100 may be in the collapsed state. This may inhibit some of the desired storage functionality of the cart 100 while in the collapsed state, and may be undesirable for this reason. Accordingly, the maximum height (H2) of the second handle type 114 measured from the top support platform 120 may be less than the maximum height (Hl) of the first handle type 112 measured from the top support platform 120, which may be critical for maintaining the folding / collapsing functionality of the utility cart 100, as described above.

[0046] FIG. 7 also depicts the utility cart 100 having a hanging item 230 operably coupled to the recessed portion 190. In this regard, the first and second base members (210, 220) may be separated from the first handle type 112 and the plurality of support members 150 by the recessed portion 190. The recessed portion 190 may be bounded by the first handle type 112, one support member 150 of the plurality of support members 150, the first or second base member (210, 220) of the second handle type 114, and the top support platform 120, to retain hanging items 230 therein. In this regard, there may be a gap between the grip portion 180 of the first handle type 112 and the first or second base member (210, 220) in which the hanging item 230 may be inserted and left to hang from off of one of the first end 102, the second end 104, the first side 106 or the second side 108 of the utility cart 100 as a way to store the hanging item 230. The oversized grip portion 180 of the first handle type 112 may extend towards the second handle type 114 to reduce the likelihood that the hanging item 230 gets removed from the recessed portion 190 unintentionally. In other words, since the grip portion 180 of the first handle type 112 may be larger than the cross sectional area of the support member 150 that the first handle type 112 may be operably coupled to, then the recessed portion 190 may more securely retain hanging items 230 therein. Thus, the enlarged grip portion 180 may be critical not only for improving the ergonomics of the first handle type 112, but also for retaining hanging items 230 within the recessed portion 190.

[0047] Similarly, the first or second base member (210, 220) may be angled towards the respective proximate support member 150. As such, the first or second base member (210, 220) may help retain the hanging item 230 in the recessed portion 190 by biasing the hanging item 230 into operable coupling with the support member 150. In some example embodiments, the hanging item 230 may be any items such as a tool belt, any tools with a strap, a coiled cord, a coiled hose, or the like. It should be appreciated that the hanging item 230 depicted in FIG. 7 is merely a schematic view of the hanging item 230 and is not intended to resemble any particular example embodiment of the hanging item 230.

[0048] FIGS. 9-11 depict various views of the second handle type 114 according to an example embodiment. As described above, the second handle type 114 may include an elongated portion 185 which may extend between first and second base members (210, 220). The first and second base members (210, 220) may include an angled surface at longitudinal ends of the second handle type 114 that may slope towards the support members 150, which may enable the hanging items 230 to be biased towards the support members 150 in the recessed portion 190. The first and second base members (210, 220) may be the only portion of the second handle type 114 that may contact the top support platform 120. In this regard, the second handle type 114 may be removably operably coupled to the top support platform 120 via fasteners 240 inserted into the first and second base members (210, 220) from an underside 250 of the top support platform 120. In an example embodiment, the fasteners 240 may be screws, and in such cases the top support platform 120 may include orifices formed in the top support platform 120 at the locations where the fasteners 240 may extend into the first and second base members (210, 220). In some other cases, the fasteners 240 may be clips, snaps, buckles, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, grooves, pegs, or any other sort of similar structures used for operably coupling items together. In some cases, the elongated portion 185 may include a textured pattern disposed thereon which may improve the ability of the user to grip the second handle type 114. In this regard, the elongated portion 185 may be disposed away from the top support platform 120 enough to enable the user to wrap their fingers around the elongated portion 185 without their knuckles contacting the top support platform 120.

[0049] FIGS. 12-16 depict various views of the first handle type 112 according to an example embodiment. As described above, the first handle type 112 may be a pommel handle and may be operably coupled to a first end of the plurality of support members 150 at a perimeter the top support platform 120. The first handle type 112 may include the oversized grip portion 180. In this regard, the grip portion 180 may enable the user to, at least partially, wrap their fingers around the grip portion 180 to improve the user’s grip on the handle assembly 110. The first handle type 112 may include a reception orifice 260 disposed at a bottom side of the first handle type 112 that may be operably coupleable to the plurality of support members 150. In this regard, the reception orifice 260 may be shaped to receive one of the plurality of support members 150 therein. In some cases, the reception orifice 260 may therefore have a rectangular shaped cross section to complementarily operably couple to the rectangular shaped cross section of the plurality of support members 150. In other cases, the reception orifice 260 may be shaped to operably couple with one of the plurality of support members 150 regardless of what shape the plurality of support members 150 may have. In an example embodiment, the first handle type 112 may be permanently operably coupled to the plurality of support members 150 via respective rivets 270. As such, the rivet 270 of each of the first handle types 112 may extend transversely through the reception orifice 260 and a hole in the support member 150 to which the first handle type 112 may be operably coupled. The rivet 270 may therefore not permit the first handle type 112 to be removed from the first end of support member 150 to which the first handle type 112 may be operably coupled. In some other cases, the first handle types 112 may be removably operably coupled to the plurality of support members 150 via fasteners similar to the second handle type 114. In this regard, rather than a permanent rivet 270, the fasteners may be clips, snaps, buckles, adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, grooves, pegs, or any other sort of similar structures used for operably coupling items together. In some cases, the grip portion 180 of the first handle type 112 may be hollow, as shown in the section view of FIG. 16. This may save weight and thus may reduce the amount of material used to form the first handle type 112 to improve efficiency of the manufacturing process.

[0050] Some example embodiments may provide for a utility cart. The utility cart may include a top support platform, the top support platform may have a rectangular shaped perimeter with a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, a plurality of support members which may be vertically disposed to operably couple the top support platform, proximate to a first end of the plurality of support members, to a bottom support platform at a second portion of the plurality of support members, a mobility assembly which may be operably coupled to the utility cart at a second end of the plurality of support members, and a handle assembly which may be operably coupled to the top support platform and to the plurality of support members. The handle assembly may enable a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via the mobility assembly. The handle assembly may include a first handle type, the first handle type may be operably coupled to the first end of the plurality of support members at the perimeter of the top support platform. The first handle type may have a grip portion that may be larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members. The collapsible utility cart of some embodiments may include additional, optional features, and / or the features described above may be modified or augmented. Some examples of modifications, optional features and augmentations are described below. It should be appreciated that the modifications, optional features and augmentations listed below may each be added alone, or they may be added cumulatively in any desirable combination. For example, in some embodiments, the first handle type may be disposed at respective intersections of the first end with the first side, the first end with the second side, the second end with the first side and the second end with the second side, that may form corners of the top support platform. In some cases, the first handle type may be a pommel handle. In an example embodiment, the first handle type may form an oversized cap at the first end of the plurality of support members. In some cases, the handle assembly may further include a second handle type. In an example embodiment, the second handle type may be disposed at the first and second ends of the top support platform. In some cases, the second handle type may be a bar handle having a grip portion extending along a longitudinal axis from a first base member to a second base member, parallel to the top support platform. In an example embodiment, the second handle type may be removably operably coupled to the top support platform via fasteners inserted into the first and second base members from an underside of the top support platform. In some cases, the second handle type may be disposed between consecutive ones of the first handle type. In an example embodiment, the first and second base members may be separated from the first handle type and the plurality of support members by a recessed portion. In some cases, the recessed portion may be bounded by the first handle type, one support member of the plurality of support members, the second handle type, and the top support platform, to retain hanging items therein. In an example embodiment, a first length of the second handle type measured from the first base member to the second base member may be less than a first width of the top support platform. In some cases, the first handle type may be permanently operably coupled to the plurality of support members via respective rivets. In an example embodiment, the first handle type may have a grip portion that may be larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members.

[0051] Some example embodiments may provide for a utility cart. The utility cart may include a top support platform, the top support platform may have a rectangular shaped perimeter with a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, a plurality of support members which may be vertically disposed to operably couple the top support platform, proximate to a first end of the plurality of support members, to a bottom support platform at a second portion of the plurality of support members, a mobility assembly which may be operably coupled to the utility cart at a second end of the plurality of support members, and a handle assembly which may be operably coupled to the top support platform and to the plurality of support members. The handle assembly may enable a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via the mobility assembly. The handle assembly may include a first handle type, the first handle type may be operably coupled to the first end of the plurality of support members at the perimeter of the top support platform, and a second handle type which may be operably coupled to the top support platform. A first length of the second handle type may be less than a first width of the top support platform.

[0052] Some example embodiments may provide for a handle assembly for a collapsible utility cart. The handle assembly may include a first handle type which may be operably coupled to a first end of a plurality of support members at a perimeter of a top support platform of the utility cart, and a second handle type which may be operably coupled to the top support platform. The handle assembly may enable a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via a mobility assembly operably coupled to a second end of the plurality of support members. The first handle type may have a grip portion that may be larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members. A first length of the second handle type may be less than a first width of the top support platform.

[0053] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A utility cart comprising: a top support platform, the top support platform having a rectangular shaped perimeter with a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side; a plurality of support members vertically disposed to operably couple the top support platform, proximate to a first end of the plurality of support members, to a bottom support platform at a second portion of the plurality of support members; a mobility assembly operably coupled to the utility cart at a second end of the plurality of support members; and a handle assembly operably coupled to the top support platform and to the plurality of support members, the handle assembly enabling a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via the mobility assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises a first handle type, the first handle type being operably coupled to the first end of the plurality of support members at the perimeter of the top support platform, and wherein the first handle type has a grip portion that is larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members.

2. The utility cart of claim 1, wherein the first handle type is disposed at respective intersections of the first end with the first side, the first end with the second side, the second end with the first side and the second end with the second side that form corners of the top support platform.

3. The utility cart of claim 1, wherein the first handle type is a pommel handle, and wherein the first handle type forms an oversized cap at the first end of the plurality of support members.

4. The utility cart of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a second handle type, and wherein the second handle type is disposed at the first and second ends of the top support platform.

5. The utility cart of claim 4, wherein the second handle type is a bar handle having a grip portion extending along a longitudinal axis from a first base member to a second base member, parallel to the top support platform.

6. The utility cart of claim 5, wherein the second handle type is removably operably coupled to the top support platform via fasteners inserted into the first and second base members from an underside of the top support platform.

7. The utility cart of claim 5, wherein the second handle type is disposed between consecutive ones of the first handle type, and wherein the first and second base members are separated from the first handle type and the plurality of support members by a recessed portion.

8. The utility cart of claim 7, wherein the recessed portion is bounded by the first handle type, one support member of the plurality of support members, the second handle type, and the top support platform, to retain hanging items therein.

9. The utility cart of claim 5, wherein a first length of the second handle type measured from the first base member to the second base member is less than a first width of the top support platform.

10. The utility cart of claim 1, wherein the first handle type is permanently operably coupled to the plurality of support members via respective rivets.

11. A utility cart comprising: a top support platform, the top support platform having a rectangular shaped perimeter with a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side; a plurality of support members vertically disposed to operably couple the top support platform proximate to a first end of the plurality of support members to a bottom support platform at a second portion of the plurality of support members; a mobility assembly operably coupled to the utility cart at a second end of the plurality of support members; anda handle assembly operably coupled to the top support platform and to the plurality of support members, the handle assembly enabling a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via the mobility assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises a first handle type, the first handle type being operably coupled to the first end of the plurality of support members at the perimeter of the top support platform, and a second handle type operably coupled to the top support platform, and wherein a first length of the second handle type is less than a first width of the top support platform.

12. The utility cart of claim 11, wherein the first handle type is a pommel handle, and wherein the first handle type forms an oversized cap at the first end of the plurality of support members.

13. The utility cart of claim 11, wherein the second handle type is a bar handle having a grip portion extending along a longitudinal axis from a first base member to a second base member, parallel to the top support platform.

14. The utility cart of claim 13, wherein the second handle type is operably coupled to the top support platform via fasteners inserted into the first and second base members from an underside of the top support platform.

15. The utility cart of claim 13, wherein the second handle type is disposed between consecutive ones of the first handle type, and wherein the first and second base members are separated from the first handle type and the plurality of support members by a recessed portion.

16. The utility cart of claim 15, wherein the recessed portion is bounded by the first handle type, one support member of the plurality of support members, the second handle type, and the top support platform, to retain hanging items therein.

17. The utility cart of claim 11, wherein the first handle type has a grip portion that is larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members.

18. A handle assembly for a collapsible utility cart, the handle assembly comprising: a first handle type operably coupled to a first end of a plurality of support members at a perimeter of a top support platform of the utility cart; and a second handle type operably coupled to the top support platform, wherein the handle assembly enables a user to grasp the utility cart to urge movement of the utility cart via a mobility assembly operably coupled to a second end of the plurality of support members, wherein the first handle type has a grip portion that is larger than a cross sectional area of the plurality of support members, and wherein a first length of the second handle type is less than a first width of the top support platform.

19. The handle assembly of claim 18, wherein the first handle type is a pommel handle, and wherein the first handle type forms an oversized cap at the first end of the plurality of support members.

20. The handle assembly of claim 18, wherein the second handle type is a bar handle having a grip portion extending along a longitudinal axis from a first base member to a second base member, parallel to the top support platform.

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