Handle for trolley and trolley including the same

Abstract

A trolley can include a frame, wheels mounted on the frame, a basket configured to be mounted on the frame, and a handle configured to be attached to the frame. The handle can include a rear handle section and a front handle section. The rear handle section can include a main portion forming a rear grip portion for a user, and end portions extending from the main portion and configured to be attached to the frame. The front handle section can form a front grip portion for the user. The rear handle section and the front handle section can be attached to each other by a snap fit or clip fit.

Description

Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01HANDLE FOR TROLLEY AND TROLLEY INCLUDING THE SAMERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 698,655, filed on September 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] The following description relates to a handle for a trolley and trolley including the handle.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Trolleys (e.g., shopping carts or other rolling carts) are commonly used to carry items while consumers shop at stores, carry items in warehouses or distribution facilities, and carry purchased items out of stores. Existing trolleys include handles for pushing, pulling, and steering the trolleys. The construction of such handles is an important factor contributing to the ease of assembling the trolleys and the cost of the trolleys. Additionally, the configuration of such handles significantly affects ease of maneuvering the trolleys and comfort of a user while using the trolleys.SUMMARY

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one general aspect, a handle for a trolley can include a rear handle section and a front handle section. The rear handle section can include a main portion forming a rear grip portion for a user, and end portions extending from the main portion and configured to be attached to a frame of the trolley. The front handle section can form a front grip portion for14916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01 the user. The rear handle section and the front handle section can be configured to be attached to each other by a snap fit or a clip fit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rear handle section and the front handle section can be configured as respective shell members.

[0009] In some embodiments, the main portion and the end portions can be integrally formed with each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, the front handle section can include contoured regions that form ergonomic gripping surfaces.

[0011] In some embodiments, the contoured regions can have textured surfaces that form the ergonomic gripping surfaces.

[0012] In some embodiments, the main portion can include a first recessed portion located at a central region of the main portion, the front handle section can include a second recessed portion located at a central region of the front handle section, and the handle can further include a reinforcement member inserted in the first and second recessed portions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first recessed portion can include a substantially ovoid opening, the second recessed portion can include a substantially ovoid depression, and the reinforcement member can be substantially ovoid and can be inserted in the substantially ovoid opening of the first recessed portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the rear handle section can be made of either one of a plastic and a metal, and the front handle section can be made of an elastomer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the end portions can be configured to be inserted in respective openings in the frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the end portions can include external guide slots.

[0017] In another general aspect, a trolley can include a frame, wheels mounted on the frame, a basket configured to be mounted on the frame, and a handle configured to be attached to the frame. The handle can include a rear handle section and a front handle section. The rear handle section can include a main portion forming a rear grip portion for a user, and end portions extending from the main portion and configured to be attached to the frame. The front handle section can form a front grip portion for the user. The rear handle section and the front handle section can be configured to be attached to each other by a snap fit or a clip fit.24916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01

[0018] In some embodiments, the rear handle section and the front handle section can be configured as respective shell members.

[0019] In some embodiments, the main portion and the end portions can be integrally formed with each other.

[0020] In some embodiments, the main portion can include a first recessed portion located at a central region of the main portion, the front handle section can include a second recessed portion located at a central region of the front handle section, and the handle can further include a reinforcement member inserted in the first and second recessed portions.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first recessed portion can include a substantially ovoid opening, the second recessed portion can include a substantially ovoid depression, and the reinforcement member can be substantially ovoid and can be inserted in the substantially ovoid opening of the first recessed portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the rear handle section can be made of either one of a plastic and a metal, and the front handle section can be made of an elastomer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the end portions can be configured to be inserted into respective openings in the frame.

[0024] In some embodiments, the end portions can include external guide slots configured to engage matching internal structures in the openings in the frame.

[0025] In some embodiments, each guide slot can have an end section at a free end of a respective one of the end portions, and the end section can progressively widen toward the free end.

[0026] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a conventional handle for a trolley.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a trolley, according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating a handle of the trolley, according to an embodiment.34916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01

[0030] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the handle of FIGS. 3 and 4, according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an end portion of the handle of FIGS. 3 and 4, according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3, and illustrating a handle section attachment assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0033] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. Also, descriptions of features that are known in the art may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

[0035] The features described herein may be embodied in different forms, and are not to be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0036] Throughout the specification, when an element, such as a layer, region, section, or portion, is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element, there can be no other elements intervening therebetween.

[0037] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.44916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01

[0038] Although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers, sections, or portions, these members, components, regions, layers, sections, or portions are not to be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer, section, or portion from another member, component, region, layer, section, or portion. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer, section, or portion referred to in examples described herein may also be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer, section, or portion without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0039] Spatially relative terms such as "above," "upper," "below," "lower," “front,” and “rear” may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element’s relationship to another element as shown in the figures. Such spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as being "above" or "upper" relative to another element will then be "below" or "lower" relative to the other element. Thus, the term "above" encompasses both the above and below orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only, and is not to be used to limit the disclosure. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "includes," and "has" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0041] Due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, variations of the shapes shown in the drawings may occur. Thus, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include changes in shape that occur during manufacturing.

[0042] The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. Further, although the examples described herein have a variety of configurations, other54916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01 configurations are possible as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a conventional handle 10 of a trolley, such as a shopping cart or other rolling cart. The handle 10 is configured to be attached to a frame of the trolley and gripped by a user (e.g., consumer) for pushing, pulling, and steering the trolley.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1 , the handle 10 includes a rear handle section 20 and a front handle section 40. The rear handle section 20 includes a rear main portion 22 and rear end portions 30 extending from the rear main portion 22. The front handle section 40 includes a front main portion 42 and front end portions 50 extending from the front main portion 42. The rear handle section 20 and the front handle section 40 form respective half-shells of the handle 10.

[0045] The handle 10 is assembled by attaching the rear handle section 20 and the front handle section 40 to each other. More specifically, the rear handle section 20 and the front handle section 40 are attached to each other by screws (not shown) received in openings 24 in the rear main portion 22, and mating threaded openings (not shown) in the front main portion 42.

[0046] When the rear handle section 20 and the front handle section 40 are attached to each other, the rear main portion 22 and the front main portion 42 interface with each other, and the rear end portions 30 and the front end portions 50 interface with each other. The rear main portion 22 forms a rear grip portion for the user and the front main portion 42 forms a front grip portion for the user.

[0047] The rear end portions 30 and the front end portions 50 can be inserted in a frame of the trolley to enable the trolley to be pushed, pulled, and / or steered by the user gripping the handle 10.

[0048] The handle 10 has a disadvantage in that the rear handle section 20 and the front handle section 40 are joined together with screws, which leads to high assembly effort and aesthetically unpleasant openings 24 in the rear handle section 20. Additionally, because the handle 10 is constructed of two mating halves (the rear handle section 20 and the front handle section 40), the assembly process of the handle 10 is complex and the aesthetically unpleasant joints are formed along the entire handle 10. Additionally, the front handle section 40 includes a recessed portion 43 that creates a weak point, which can lead to breakage of the handle 10 under high loads. Further, the two-piece construction of the64916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01 handle 10 makes fitting of the rear end portions 30 and the front end portions 50 into the frame of the trolley a laborious process. Further still, the handle 10 is made of plastic and has a non-ergonomic structure that does not indicate correct grip points or provide a slipresistant grip.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a trolley 100 (e.g., a shopping cart or rolling cart) including a handle 110, according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the trolley 100 further includes a frame 102 supported for rolling motion by wheels 103 mounted thereon, a basket 170 configured to be removably mounted on the frame 102. The handle 110 is configured to be mounted to an upper end portion of the frame 102, and can be gripped by a user for pushing, pulling, and steering the trolley 100.

[0050] In some embodiments, the frame 102 is foldable from the expanded, operational configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 to a collapsed, storage configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the basket 170 is foldable from the expanded, operational configuration shown in FIG. 2 to a collapsed configuration.

[0051] FIGS. 3-5 show the handle 110 in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the handle 110 includes a rear handle section 120 and a front handle section 140. In an embodiment, the rear handle section 120 includes a main portion 122 and end portions 130 extending from the main portion 122. The rear handle section 120 can have a single-piece construction, such that the main portion 122 and the end portions 130 are integrally formed with each other.

[0052] The front handle section 140 can be configured as a cover member that is configured to cover the main portion 122 of the rear handle section 120. The rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 form respective shell members of the handle 110.

[0053] The handle 110 is assembled by attaching the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 to each other. The rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 can be attached to each other (e.g., snapped or clipped together) by a snap fit or clip fit. For example, the main portion 122 of the rear handle section 120 can include protrusions and the front handle section 140 can include shaped openings or detents respectively corresponding to the protrusions. The protrusions can be configured to be secured in the shaped openings or detents by a snap fit or clip fit. Alternatively, the main portion 122 of the rear handle section 120 can include the shaped openings or detents and the front handle section 140 can include the protrusions. An example handle section74916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01 attachment assembly 150 that attaches the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 to each other by a snap fit or clip fit is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, the handle 110 can include one or more handle section attachment assemblies 150. In embodiments in which the handle 110 includes a plurality of handle section attachment assemblies 150, the handle section attachment assemblies 150 can be spaced apart along the length of the handle 110. Each handle section attachment assembly 150 can include protrusions 152 and detents (e.g., recessed portions) 156. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusions 152 can be formed on the main portion 122 of the rear handle section 120, and the detents 156 can be formed on the front handle section 140. However, in other embodiments, the detents 156 can be formed on the main portion 122 of the rear handle section 120, and the protrusions 152 can be formed on the front handle section 140. Each protrusion 152 can be configured to engage a corresponding detent 156, and the protrusion 152 can be configured to be secured in the corresponding detent 156 by a snap fit or clip fit. More specifically, when the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 are pressed together, mating shaped surfaces of the protrusion 152 and the corresponding detent 156 can snap or clip together in locking engagement, thereby attaching the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 to each other.

[0055] When the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 are attached to each other, the main portion 122 and the front handle section 140 interface with each other such that the main portion 122 forms a rear grip portion for the user and the front handle section 140 forms a front grip portion for the user. The front handle section 140 can include contoured regions 144 that form ergonomic gripping surfaces for the user. In some embodiments, each of the contoured regions 144 can have a textured surface forming a secure gripping surface.

[0056] In some embodiments, the main portion 122 of the rear handle section 120 can include a first recessed portion 123 located at a central region of the main portion 122, and the front handle section 140 can include a second recessed portion 143 located at a central region of the front handle section 140. The first and second recessed portions 123 and 143 can be configured to interface with each other when the handle 110 is assembled. A reinforcement member 160 can be inserted in the first and second recessed portions 123 and 143 to reinforce the central regions of the front handle section 140 and the main portion 122, and thereby strengthen the handle 110.84916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01

[0057] In some embodiments, the first recessed portion 123 can include a substantially ovoid opening, the second recessed portion 143 can include a substantially ovoid depression, and the reinforcement member 160 can be substantially ovoid and can be inserted in the substantially ovoid opening of the first recessed portion 123. However, the handle 110 is not limited to this configuration, and other shapes and configurations are possible for the first and second recessed portions 123 and 143 and the reinforcement member 160.

[0058] In some embodiments, the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 can be made of a plastic. In some embodiments, either one or both of the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 can be made of a metal. In some embodiments, either one or both of the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 can be made of plastic. In some embodiments, the rear handle section 120 can be made of a plastic or a metal, and the front handle section can be made of an elastomer, such as rubber, to provide a relatively soft, slip-resistant gripping surface. The foregoing materials of the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 are merely examples, and other materials and combinations of materials can be used.

[0059] In some embodiments, the end portions 130 can be configured to be inserted in respective openings in the upper end portion of the frame 102. In some embodiments, the end portions 130 can include external guide slots 132 configured to engage matching internal structures in the openings in the upper end portion of the frame 102. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide slots 132 can have end sections 133 at the free ends 130a of the end portions 130. The end section 133 of each guide slot 132 has inclined side walls 134 that are inclined with respect to the sidewalls of the remainder of the guide slot such that the end section 133 progressively widens toward the free end 130a of the end portion 130. This configuration of the guide slots 132 facilitates alignment and engagement of the guide slots with the matching internal structures in the openings in the upper end portion of the frame 102, and thus makes the process of attaching the handle 110 to the frame 102 easier.

[0060] The handle 110 provides several advantages over conventional handles for trolleys. For example, since the handle 110 includes a single-piece rear handle section 120 and a single-piece front handle section 140 secured together by a snap fit or clip fit, assembly of the handle 110 is simplified and cost of the handle 110 is reduced with respect to conventional handles. Additionally, because the rear handle section 120 and the front handle section 140 are secured together by a snap fit or clip fit, fastening screws and94916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01 unsightly openings to accommodate the fastening screws are eliminated, resulting in a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing shape for the handle. Also, the contoured regions 144 of the front handle section 140 provide a comfortable ergonomic shape and secure gripping surfaces for the user, and the optional elastomer material of the front handle section 140 further contributes to providing secure, comfortable gripping surfaces for the user. Further, due to the reinforcement member 160 being inserted in the recessed portions 123 and 143 at a central region of the handle 110, the handle 110 is strengthened against breakage under high loads. Further still, because the end portions 130 are formed in a single-piece structure with the rear handle section 140, the handle 110 can be easily attached to the frame 102. In embodiments in which the end portions 130 include the guide slots 132, attachment of the handle 110 to the frame 102 is made even easier.

[0061] While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and details may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects in each example are to be considered as being applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if components in a described system or device are combined in a different manner, and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.104916-6655-2409, v. 3

Claims

Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A handle for a trolley, the handle comprising: a rear handle section including: a main portion forming a rear grip portion for a user, and end portions extending from the main portion and configured to be attached to a frame of the trolley; and a front handle section forming a front grip portion for the user, wherein the rear handle section and the front handle section are configured to be attached to each other by a snap fit or a clip fit.

2. The handle of claim 1, wherein the rear handle section and the front handle section are configured as respective shell members.

3. The handle of claim 1 , wherein the main portion and the end portions are integrally formed with each other.

4. The handle of claim 1, wherein the front handle section includes contoured regions that form ergonomic gripping surfaces.

5. The handle of claim 4, wherein the contoured regions have textured surfaces that form the ergonomic gripping surfaces.

6. The handle of claim 1 , wherein: the main portion includes a first recessed portion located at a central region of the main portion; the front handle section includes a second recessed portion located at a central region of the front handle section; and the handle further comprises a reinforcement member inserted in the first and second recessed portions.

7. The handle of claim 6, wherein: the first recessed portion includes a substantially ovoid opening; the second recessed portion includes a substantially ovoid depression; and114916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01 the reinforcement member is substantially ovoid and is inserted in the substantially ovoid opening of the first recessed portion.

8. The handle of claim 1, wherein the rear handle section is made of either one of plastic and metal, and the front handle section is made of an elastomer.

9. The handle of claim 1, wherein the end portions are configured to be inserted in respective openings in the frame.

10. The handle of claim 9, wherein the end portions include external guide slots.

11. A trolley, comprising: a frame; wheels mounted on the frame; a basket configured to be mounted on the frame; and a handle configured to be attached to the frame, wherein the handle comprises: a rear handle section including: a main portion forming a rear grip portion for a user, and end portions extending from the main portion and configured to be attached to the frame, and a front handle section forming a front grip portion for the user, wherein the rear handle section and the front handle section are configured to be attached to each other by a snap fit or a clip fit.

12. The trolley of claim 11, wherein the rear handle section and the front handle section are configured as respective shell members.

13. The trolley of claim 11, wherein the main portion and the end portions are integrally formed with each other.

14. The trolley of claim 11 , wherein: the main portion includes a first recessed portion located at a central region of the main portion;124916-6655-2409, v. 3Atty. Docket No. 6013-0013WO01 the front handle section includes a second recessed portion located at a central region of the front handle section; and the handle further comprises a reinforcement member inserted in the first and second recessed portions.

15. The trolley of claim 14, wherein: the first recessed portion includes a substantially ovoid opening; the second recessed portion includes a substantially ovoid depression; and the reinforcement member is substantially ovoid and is inserted in the substantially ovoid opening of the first recessed portion.

16. The trolley of claim 11, wherein the rear handle section is made of either one of plastic and metal, and the front handle section is made of an elastomer.

17. The trolley of claim 11, wherein the end portions are configured to be inserted in respective openings in the frame.

18. The trolley of claim 17, wherein the end portions include external guide slots configured to engage matching internal structures in the openings in the frame.

19. The trolley of claim 18, wherein each guide slot has an end section at a free end of a respective one of the end portions, and the end section progressively widens toward the free end.134916-6655-2409, v. 3

Images