Collapsible legs for use with utility cart or other objects

Abstract

A utility cart includes an upper tray, a lower tray, and collapsible legs attached to the upper and the lower tray. Each leg includes an upper and a lower member pivotably connected to the upper and the lower tray, respectively, a spring-loaded hinge pivotably connecting the upper and the lower member to each other and permitting the upper and lower members to pivot about the hinge to transition the upper and the lower member from an erect configuration to a collapsed configuration during a folding motion. Each leg further includes a spring-loaded support mechanism that holds the upper and the lower member in an erect configuration, one of the leg members or one of the trays having a block and the other of the leg members or the trays defining a corresponding opening that receives the block when the leg is in the erect configuration.

Description

PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCTTITLECOLLAPSIBLE LEGS FOR USE WITH UTILITY CART OR OTHER OBJECTSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 706,497, filed October 11 , 2024 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to collapsible legs and more particularly to collapsible legs for objects such as carts, tables, chairs, tripods, grills, stools, workbenches, sawhorses, camping equipment, or keyboard stands.SUMMARY

[0003] One general aspect includes a utility cart. The utility cart includes an upper tray; a lower tray; a leg attached to and supporting the upper tray and the lower tray, where the leg is transitionable into a collapsed configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion, and where the leg includes: an upper member pivotably attached to the upper tray; a lower member pivotably attached to the lower tray, where the lower member may include an aperture; a hinge to pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member; and a spring-loaded support mechanism that includes: a support brace attached to the upper member; a lock pin retained by and translatable relative to the support brace between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the lower member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the lower member; and a spring to bias the lock pin into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration, where the lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be transitioned into the collapsed configuration. The cart includes at least one block extending from one of an underside surface of the upper tray, an upper surface of the lower tray, an upper end of the upper member, or a lower end of the lower member; and at least one corresponding opening defined in one of the underside surface of the upper tray, the upper surface of the lower tray, the upper end of the upper member, or the lower end of the lower member, where the at least one corresponding opening is to receive the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration.1602425014.2PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0004] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. At least one block may extend from the underside surface of the upper tray, and the upper end of the upper member of the leg may include the corresponding opening configured to receive the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration. The at least one block may include a peg extending downward away from the upper tray, and the opening may define a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration. The at least one block may extend from an upper surface of the lower tray, and the lower end of the lower member of the leg may include a complementary opening that receives the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration. The at least one block may include a peg extending upward away from the lower tray, and opening may define a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration. The at least one block may extend from the upper end of the upper member, and the corresponding opening may be defined in the underside surface of the upper tray. The at least one block may include a peg extending downward, and where the opening may define a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration. The at least one block may extend from the lower end of the lower member, and corresponding opening may be defined in the upper surface of the lower tray. The at least one block may include a peg extending upward, and the opening may define a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration. The upper member may include: an upper outer tube; and a first mounting block received by the upper outer tube, the first mounting block including a boss extending beyond the upper outer tube, the boss forming a periphery, where the lower member may include: a lower outer tube; and a second mounting block received by the lower outer tube, the second mounting block may include a block extending beyond the lower outer tube, the block may be configured to fit within the periphery of the boss when the leg is in the erect configuration. In the erect configuration, the block of the lower member and the boss of the upper member form an interference fit. In the erect configuration, the block of the lower member may be press fit into the periphery of the boss of the upper member.

[0005] One general aspect includes a utility cart. The utility cart includes an upper tray; a lower tray; a leg attached to and supporting the upper tray and the lower tray, where the leg is transitionable into a collapsed configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion, and where the leg includes: an upper member pivotably attached to the upper tray, the upper member including: an upper outer tube; and a first mounting block received by the upper outer tube, the first mounting block including a boss extending beyond the upper outer tube, the boss forming a periphery. The cart also includes a lower member pivotablyPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT attached to the lower tray, where the lower member may include: a lower outer tube; a second mounting block received by the lower outer tube, the second mounting block including a block extending beyond the lower outer tube, the block is configured to fit within the periphery of the boss when the leg is in the erect configuration; and an aperture defined in the second mounting block; a hinge formed by a portion of the upper member and a portion of the lower member, the hinge is configured to pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member; and a spring-loaded support mechanism, may include: a support brace attached to the upper member; a lock pin retained by and translatable relative to the support brace between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the lower member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the lower member; and a spring to bias the lock pin into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration, where the lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be transitioned into the collapsed configuration.

[0006] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. In the erect configuration, the block of the lower member and the boss of the upper member may form an interference fit. In the erect configuration, the block of the lower member may be press fit into the periphery of the boss of the upper member. The at least one corresponding opening may receive the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration.

[0007] One general aspect includes a utility cart. The utility cart includes an upper tray; a lower tray; and a leg attached to and supporting the upper tray above the lower tray, where the leg is transitionable into a collapsed configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion, and where the leg may include: an upper member pivotably attached to the upper tray; a lower member pivotably attached to the lower tray, where the lower member defines an aperture; a hinge to pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member; and a spring-loaded support mechanism, including: a support brace attached to the lower member; a lock pin retained by and translatable relative to the support brace between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the lower member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the lower member; and a spring to bias the lock pin into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration, where the lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be transitioned into the collapsed configuration, and where the upper tray and / or the lower trayPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT includes a plurality of molded cavities formed on an underside of the respective tray.

[0008] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The upper tray or the lower tray may include at least one molded groove formed on an underside of the respective tray. A first groove may be formed along a transverse midline of the respective tray. A second groove may be formed along a longitudinal midline of the respective tray.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The various aspects described herein, both as to organization and methods of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cart including an upper tray, a lower tray, a plurality of collapsible legs, and a handle;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 shown in a partially collapsed configuration;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the cart of FIG. 1 shown in the partially collapsed configuration;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 in a fully collapsed configuration;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a leg of the plurality of legs of the cart of FIG. 1, wherein the leg includes an upper member, a lower member, and a support plate assembly;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the leg of FIG. 5 with the support plate assembly removed for illustrative purposes;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the leg of FIG. 6 with an upper outer tube of the upper member and a lower outer tube of the lower member removed for illustrative purposes, wherein the leg includes a support mechanism affixed to the upper member;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the leg of FIG. 6 illustrating a lock pin of the support mechanism that is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position to transition the support mechanism between a first configuration and a second configuration;PATENT Attorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front elevation view of the leg of FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support mechanism and lower member of the leg 130 of FIG. 6 illustrating a lock pin in a locking position;

[0020] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the support mechanism and lower member of the leg 130 of FIG. 6 illustrating the lock pin in the locking position;

[0021] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the support mechanism of the leg 130 of FIG. 6;

[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the leg of FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the leg of FIG. 5 with a pair of outer plates removed for illustrative purposes;

[0024] FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view of the leg of FIG. 5;

[0025] FIG. 16 is another partial exploded view of the leg of FIG. 5;

[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the leg of FIG. 5 in a partially collapsed configuration with the lock pin of the support mechanism in an unlocking position;

[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view two of the legs of the cart of FIG. 1 in a partially collapsed configuration with the lock pin of each of the legs in an unlocking position;

[0028] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one of the legs of the cart of FIG. 1 in a fully collapsed configuration with the lock pin of the leg in the locking position;

[0029] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the leg of FIG. 20 with the support plates on one side of the leg removed for illustrative purposes;

[0030] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the leg of FIG. 20 in the fully collapsed configuration;

[0031] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 with all four legs of the cart in the fully collapsed configuration with the upper tray of the cart removed for illustration purposes;

[0032] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a short side of the utility cart of FIG. 1 illustrating a locking mechanism for locking an upper tray of the cart to a lower tray of the cart;PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0033] FIG. 25 is plan view of a lock system of the utility cart of FIG. 24; FIG. 26 is a perspective view of two collapsible legs of the utility cart of FIG. 24;

[0034] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the top portion of one of the collapsible legs of FIG. 26 and the lock system;

[0035] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of two collapsible legs of FIG. 24 and the lock system;

[0036] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a first shaft and a first actuation bar of FIG. 28;

[0037] FIG. 30 is a side view of an actuator relative to the upper tray of the utility cart ofFIG. 24;

[0038] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the actuator positioned intermediate the first actuation bar and the second actuation bar of the utility cart of FIG. 24;

[0039] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of FIG. 31 ;

[0040] FIG. 33 is a side view of FIG. 31 ;

[0041] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the actuator;

[0042] FIG. 35 is a detail view of a pinion gear engaged with first and second racks the actuator;

[0043] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an upper tray of a utility cart from above;

[0044] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an upper tray of a utility cart from below;

[0045] FIG. 38 is a second perspective view of an upper tray of a utility cart from below;

[0046] FIG. 39 is a side side view of a utility cart;

[0047] FIG. 39A is a side view of a utility cart;

[0048] FIG. 40 is a side side view of a utility cart;

[0049] FIG. 40A is a side view of a utility cart;

[0050] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a partially folded collapsible leg;PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0051] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a hinge between the upper member and the lower member of a collapsible leg; and

[0052] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a mounting block of the upper member of a collapsible leg.

[0053] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.DESCRIPTION

[0054] Before explaining various aspects of utility carts in detail, it should be noted that the illustrative examples are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative examples may be implemented or incorporated in other aspects, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative examples for the convenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitation thereof. Also, it will be appreciated that one or more of the following- described aspects, expressions of aspects, and / or examples, can be combined with any one or more of the other following-described aspects, expressions of aspects and / or examples.

[0055] Various aspects are directed to improved utility carts. Aspects of the utility carts can be configured for transporting objects, for example.

[0056] FIGS. 1-24 depict a utility cart 100 configured to transport objects. Referring primarily to FIGS. 1-4, the utility cart 100 includes an upper tray 110, a lower tray 150, and a plurality of collapsible legs 130 supported between the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 150. Discussed in greater detail below, the plurality of collapsible legs 130 are pivotably attached to the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 150 and are movable between an erect configuration (FIG. 1) and a collapsed configuration (FIG. 4) to permit folding of the utility cart 100. Folding of the utility cart 100 can be useful for transporting the utility cart in a vehicle and / or for storing the utility cart in a compact space, for example. The utility cart 100 further includes a plurality of wheels 155 attached to the lower tray 150 to permit the utility cart 100 to roll across the surface on which the utility cart 100 is being pushed. The utilityPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT cart 100 further includes a first handle 120a and a second handle 120b. The handles 120a, 120b permit the utility cart 100 to be easily grabbed by a user, for example, to be pushed and / or pulled during use.

[0057] The upper tray 110 includes a base 113 and outer walls 111 extending therefrom. The upper tray 110 can be used for holding objects during use of the utility cart 100. The outer walls 111 include one or more handle slots 112 which can be useful for lifting the utility cart 100, for example. Discussed in greater detail below, the handle slots 112 can also be utilized while transitioning the utility cart 100 into its collapsed configuration.

[0058] The lower tray 150 includes a base 153 to which the wheels 155 are attached and outer walls 151 extending therefrom. The lower tray 150 can also be used for holding objects during use of the utility cart 100. The outer walls 151 include one or more handle slots 152 which can also be useful for lifting the utility cart 100, for example. The lower tray 150 can also act as a compartment for the collapsible legs 130 when the utility cart 100 is folded into its fully collapsed configuration, discussed in greater detail below. In at least one instance, the wheels 155 are attached directly below the attachment points of the legs 130 to increase the overall strength and / or weight capacity, for example. Further, each of the wheels 155 includes a brake 157 attached thereto for locking and unlocking the rotation of the wheels 155 relative to the utility cart 100. In various aspects, the brake 157 can be actuated to lock the rotation of the wheel 155 relative to the utility cart 100 to prevent the utility cart 100 from rolling along a surface, for example.

[0059] The handles 120a, 120b extend from a side of the upper tray 110. In at least one instance, more than the first handle 120a and the second handle 120b may be attached to the utility cart 100. In such an instance, each wall 111 may contain first and second handles 120a, 120b attached thereto.

[0060] The utility cart 100 further includes a plurality of guard plates 180 attached to the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 150. Specifically, the upper tray 110 includes one guard plate 180 on either side of each of the legs 130 and the lower tray 150 includes one guard plate 180 on either side of each of the legs 130. The guard plates 180 are bolted to the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 150. However, other attachment mechanisms for attaching the guards 180 to the trays 110, 150 are contemplated. For example, the guards may be glued, welded, and / or formed as part of the trays 110, 150 themselves. In any event, the guard plates 180 are positioned where the legs 130 attach to the upper tray 110 and thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT lower tray 150. In at least one instance, the guard plates 180 provide pinch point protection to prevent, or at least substantially mitigate the chances of a user of the utility cart 100 from pinching their fingers / hands when the utility cart 100 is collapsed.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the legs 130 are illustrated in a partially collapsed, or folded, configuration. To allow for such folding, the legs 130 include a lower member 131 and an upper member 135. The mechanism for providing the collapsibility of the legs 130 will be discussed in greater detail below. The legs 130 include a plurality of hinges pivotably connecting the legs 130 to the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 150. More specifically, each leg 130 includes a hinge 170 pivotably connecting the lower member 131 and the upper member 135. The hinges 170 face outward toward a short side of the utility cart 100; however, the hinges may be placed to face any suitable direction. Further, the hinge 170 permits the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 to pivot relative to one another about the hinge 170 to transition the leg 130 from an erect configuration (FIG. 8) to a fully collapsed configuration (FIG. 22) during a folding motion. Further, the hinge 170 permits the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 to pivot relative to one another about the hinge to transition the leg 130 from the fully collapsed configuration (FIG. 22) to the erect configuration (FIG. 8) during an unfolding motion.

[0062] Each leg 130 also includes an upper hinge 171 and a lower hinge 173 (FIGS. 5- 8). The upper hinge 171 pivotably connects the upper member 135 to the base 113 of the upper tray 110 and the lower hinge 173 pivotably connects the lower member 131 to the base 153 of the lower tray 150. While butt hinges are illustrated, any suitable hinge may be used. For example, flush hinges, pivot hinges, barrel hinges, and / or spring-loaded hinges may be used. Moreover, any suitable combination of the hinges listed can be used.

[0063] Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the utility cart 100 further include a support plate assembly 190 attached to either side of each of the legs 130. As will be described in greater detail below, the support plate assemblies 190 includes two plates on either side of each leg with one plate attached to the upper member 135 of the leg 130 and another plate attached to the lower member 131 of the leg 130. The support plate assemblies 190 are attached on either side of the legs 130 along the long side of the utility cart 100; however, the support plates 190 may be placed to face any suitable direction. The support plate assemblies 190 are attached to each of the legs 130 at the pivot point of each leg 130 such that, in at least one aspect, the support plate assemblies 190 provide lateral stability and / or pinch point protection, as will be described in greater detail below.PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0064] As discussed above, each leg 130 includes an upper member 135 and a lower member 131. Referring primarily to FIGS. 5-7, the lower member 131 includes a lower outer tube 132, a lower mounting block 133 positioned within the lower outer tube 132, and an upper mounting block 134 positioned within the lower outer tube 132. Further, the upper member 135 of the leg 130 includes an upper outer tube 137, a lower mounting block 138 positioned within the upper outer tube 137, and an upper mounting block 139 positioned within the upper outer tube 137. FIG. 7 illustrates the leg 130 with the lower outer tube 132 and the upper outer tube 137 hidden to illustrate the location of the mounting blocks 133, 134, 138, 139. Further, the mounting blocks 133, 134, 138, and 139 are attached within the lower outer tube 132 and upper outer tube 137, respectively, by bolts; however, the mounting blocks 133, 134, 138, 139 may be attached using any suitable attachment mechanism. The mounting blocks 133, 134, 138, 139 provide support to the lower outer tube 132 and the upper outer tube 137 against collapsing and further provide extra wall thickness for which to attach the hinges 170, 171 , 173 and the support plate assemblies 190 to the legs 130.

[0065] Each of the legs 130 includes a spring-loaded support mechanism 140 configured to hold the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 in an erect configuration (FIGS. 7-11). Further, the support mechanism 140 is also configured to be actuated to release, or unlock, the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 to allow the leg 130 to be folded. As such, the support mechanism 140 is transitionable between a first configuration where the support mechanism 140 maintains the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 in the erect configuration and a second configuration where the support mechanism 140 permits the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 to pivot relative to one another into a folded or collapsed configuration. The support mechanism 140 is illustrated as being primarily positioned within the upper member 135; however, the support mechanism 140 can include any suitable position such as, for example, primarily in the lower member 131.

[0066] The support mechanism 140 includes an internal support brace, or bracket, 141, a shaft 142, a lock pin 145, a rack 146, a gear 147, and a spring 148. The internal support brace 141 is fixedly attached to the lower mounting block 138 housed within the upper outer tube 137 of the upper member 135. In at least one aspect, the internal support brace 141 is bolted to the lower mounting block 138 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 12. The internal support brace 141 does not move relative to the upper member 135 owing to its attachment to thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT lower mounting block 138 which is affixed to the upper member 135. Referring primarily to FIGS. 10-12, the internal support brace 141 includes a base 141a and an upstanding portion 141b extending upward from the base 141a. The base 141a includes an aperture 141c for receiving the lock pin 145 and the upstanding portion 141b includes apertures 141 d for receiving the shaft 142. Further, a gap, or space 141e is provided in the top end of the upstanding portion 141b for positioning the gear 147 therein. The gear 147 is fixedly attached to the shaft 142 and rotates relative to the internal support brace 141 in response to rotation of the shaft 142, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0067] The rack 146 includes a base 146a and an upstanding portion 146b. The upstanding portion 146b includes a rack of teeth 146c defined thereon and extending toward the gear 147. In at least one aspect, the rack of teeth 146c is in meshing engagement with the gear 147 such that rotation of the gear 147 results in translation of the rack 146 relative to the internal support brace 141 and, thus, relative to the upper member 135. Further, the upstanding portion 146b includes a plurality of apertures 146d defined therein. Each aperture 146d has a wheel 146e positioned therein that is pinned to the rack 146 such that the wheels 146e are rotatable relative to the rack 146. In at least one aspect, the wheels 146e are positioned to engage an inner surface of the upper outer tube 137 of the upper member 135 to provide stability to the rack 146 as the rack 146 translates in response to the rotation of the shaft 142 and gear 147. Further, the base 146a of the rack 146 includes an aperture 146f define therein for receiving the lock pin 145. Specifically, the lock pin 145 is pinned to the base 146a of the rack 146 by way of a pin 146g. Other arrangements are contemplated where the rack 146 and lock pin 145 are one unitary structure. In any event, the lock pin 145 includes an annular boss 143. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the spring 148 of the support mechanism 140 is positioned around the lock pin 145 and between the underside of the base 141a of the support brace 141 and the annular boss 143 of the lock pin 145. As such, the spring 148 biases the rack 146 and lock pin 145 attached thereto in the downward direction DD (FIG. 9) toward the lower member 131.

[0068] In at least one aspect, the support mechanism 140 further includes an upper support collar 149a and a lower support collar 149b positioned around and affixed to the lock pin 145 above and below the spring 148. Each upper support collar 149a and each lower support collar 149b includes a flange 149c that extends away from the lock pin 145. The flanges 149c and the annular boss 143 of the lock pin 145 provide additional radial width away from the lock pin 145 to prevent the spring 148 from sliding off the bottom end of thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT lock pin 145. In at least one aspect, the spring 148 is positioned between the annular boss 143 and the base 141a of the support brace 141 such that the lock pin 145 is biased toward the lower member 131 and into the locking position. In at least one aspect, the entire length of the spring 148 surrounds the lock pin 145 between the internal support brace 141 and the annular boss 143.

[0069] The lock pin 145 includes a roller, or wheel 145a, rotatably pinned to its bottom end via a pin 145b. In at least one aspect, the pin 145b extends through an aperture in the wheel 145a and is fixed to the lock pin 145. As such, the wheel 145a is rotatable relative to the lock pin 145. Referring primarily to FIG. 10, the upper mounting block 134 of the lower member 131 includes a groove, or ramp 134a defined therein which extends from an aperture 134b extending through the upper mounting block 134. The aperture 134b receives the wheel 145a and at least a portion of the lock pin 145 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In at least one aspect, the ramp 134a is laterally aligned with the wheel 145a of the lock pin 145. The ramp 134a and the wheel 145a aid in re-engaging the lock pin 145 with the aperture 134b in the upper mounting block 134 of the lower member 131 when the utility cart 100 is transitioned from a folded, or partially folded, configuration into the erect configuration, as discussed in greater detail below

[0070] Turning now to FIGS. 13-23. As discussed above, the utility cart 100 includes support plate assemblies 190 attached to either side of each of the legs 130. Each support plate assembly 190 includes an inner support plate 192 and an outer support plate 194. In each support plate assembly 190, the inner support plate 192 is positioned between the outer support plate 194 and the leg 130. The inner support plate 192 is attached to the upper member 135 by way of screws 196 as illustrated in FIG. 14. The outer support plates 194 are not shown in FIG. 14 for clarity. In at least one aspect, the screws 196 extend through the upper outer tube 137 of the upper member 135 and into the lower mounting block 138 (FIG. 8) that is affixed within the upper member 135. Further, the inner support plate 192 includes spacers 192a positioned at the location of the screws 196 to space the inner support plate 192 away from the upper member 135. The screws 196 extend through the spacers 192a and into the upper member 135. Further, the inner support plate 192 includes an arcuate slot 192b defined therein and a protrusion 192c extending along the perimeter of the slot 192b toward the upper member 135. The spacers 192a and the protrusions 192c act to space the inner support plate 192 away from the upper member 135.

[0071] The outer support plate 194 of each support plate assembly 190 includesPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT cylindrical protrusions 194a extending toward the upper member 135. The outer support plate 194 is attached to the lower member 131 by way of screws 198 which extend through the cylindrical protrusions 194a and into the lower member 131. In at least one aspect, the screws 198 extend through the lower outer tube 132 of the lower member 131 and into the upper mounting block 134 that is affixed within the lower member 131. Referring primarily to FIGS. 15 and 16, when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration, the cylindrical protrusions 194a of the outer support plate 194 are positioned within the arcuate slot 192b of the inner support plate 192. Further, the screws 198 extend through the cylindrical protrusions 194a and the arcuate slot 192b and into the lower member 131 to affix the outer support plate 194 to the lower member 131. As such, the inner plate 192 will rotate with the upper member 135 and the outer support plate 194 will rotate with the lower member 131 as the leg 130 transitions between the erect configuration and the collapsed configuration. Further, the geometry of the arcuate slot 192b of the inner support plate 192 and the location of the cylindrical protrusions 194a and screws 198 of the outer support plate 194 relative to the arcuate slot 192b are selected such that, as the leg 130 transitions from the erect configuration (FIGS. 13-16) toward a folded, or partially folded configuration (FIGS. 17 and 18), the cylindrical protrusions 194a move within the arcuate slot 192b. Once the leg 130 is transitioned into a completely (or fully) folded (or collapsed) configuration (FIGS. 20 and 21) the cylindrical protrusions 194a will no longer be positioned within the arcuate slot 192b.

[0072] When the leg 130 transitions from the fully collapsed configuration toward the erect configuration, the cylindrical protrusions 194a will once again enter and move within the arcuate slot 192b in the inner plate 192. As such, as the leg 130 transitions between the erect configuration and the folded configuration, the support plate assemblies 190 cover the pivot point between the upper member 135 and the lower member 131 along the long side of the utility cart 100 as illustrated in FIG. 19. In various aspects, the support plate assemblies 190 provide lateral stability to the leg 130 as the leg transitions between the erect configuration and the folded configuration. In other words, the support plate assemblies 190 provide stability along the long side of the utility cart 100 on either side of each leg 130. In at least one aspect, the support plate assemblies 190 are oriented orthogonal to the hinges 170 and therefore provide support to each of the legs 130 in a direction that is orthogonal to the hinges 170. Further, in various aspects, the support plate assemblies 190 prevent, or at least substantially reduce the likelihood of a user becoming pinched between the upper member 135 and the lower member 131 as the legs 130 transition between their erect configuration and their folded configuration.PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0073] Referring primarily to FIGS. 3, 19, and 23, the utility cart 100 further includes a lock handle 160 positioned intermediate each of the legs 130 on both ends of the utility cart 100. The lock handle 160 is positioned along the short side of the utility cart 100 at both ends. The lock handle 160 includes a bar 162 and a grip 164 positioned around the bar 162. In at least one aspect, the grip 164 aids a user by increasing their purchase on the lock handle 160 when actuating the lock handle 160, for example. Further, the lock handle 160 includes a coupling shaft 166 that connects the bar 162 of the lock handle 160 to the shaft 142 (FIG. 9) of the support mechanism 140 of each leg 130 at one end of the utility cart 100.

[0074] In at least one aspect, set screws are used to pin the coupling shaft 166 to the bar 162 of the lock handle 160 and to pin the coupling shaft 166 to the shaft 142 of the support mechanism 140, for example. In any event, the bar 162 of the lock handle 160 is coupled to the shaft 142 such that rotation of the lock handle 160 will rotate the shaft 142 of each leg 130 on one end of the utility cart 100. As discussed in greater detail below, actuation of the shaft 142 within each of the four legs 130 by rotating the lock handle 160 at both ends of the utility cart 100 will permit each of the legs 130 to transition from their erect configuration to a partially folded configuration (FIG. 19) and / or into the folded configuration (FIG. 23). When the utility cart 100 is in the erect configuration (FIG. 1), each of the legs 130 are in an erect configuration (FIGS. 5-12). When the leg 130 is in the erect configuration, the lock pin 145 is biased in the downward direction DD (FIG. 9) by the spring 148 to maintain the wheel 145a and at least a portion of the lock pin 145 within the aperture 134b in the upper mounting block 134 of the lower member 131 as illustrated in FIG. 8. The lock pin 145 is maintained in a locking position (FIG. 8) by the spring 148 to hold the leg 130 in an erect configuration. To transition the legs 130 on each end of the utility cart 100 from their erect configuration into their folded configuration, the user applies a downward force DF (FIG. 19) to the lock handle 160 to rotate the bar 162 and shaft 166 in direction FD (FIG. 19).

[0075] In at least one aspect, the downward force DF applied to the lock handle 160 will rotate the lock handle 160 from a first position to a second position. As discussed above, the bar 162 of the lock handle 160 is fixedly attached to the shaft 142 within each of the legs 130 on one end of the utility cart 100. Further, the shaft 142 is fixedly attached to the gear 147 supported in each of the legs 130 by the support brace 141 (FIGS. 8 and 9). As such, when the user applies the downward force DF to the lock handle 160, the gear 147 within each of the legs 130 on one end of the cart is rotated in the first direction FD (FIG. 8). When the gear 147 is rotated in the first direction FD, the rack 146 and the lock pin 145 attached thereto willPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT translate in an upward direction UD (FIGS. 8 and 9) owing to the meshing engagement between the gear 147 and the rack 146. When the lock pin 145 translates in the upward direction UD, the lock pin 145 will move out of the aperture 134b in the upper mounting block 134 of the lower member 131 and into an unlocking position (FIG. 19) to permit the leg 130 to transition from the erect configuration to the folded configuration. In other words, actuation of the lock handle 160 transitions the lock pin 145 from the locking position (FIG. 8) where the leg 130 is held in an erect configuration to the unlocking position (FIG. 19) where the leg 130 is permitted to collapse into a partially folded (FIG. 19) or folded configuration (FIGS 20- 23).

[0076] When the user applies the downward force DF to the lock handle 160, the lock pin 145 moves out of engagement with the lower member 131 as discussed above. In at least one aspect, the downward force DF applied by the user to the lock handle 160 also acts to collapse the legs 130. Specifically, when the downward force DF is applied to the lock handle 160, a rotational moment is applied to each of the legs 130 on one end of the utility cart 100. As such, not only does the downward force DF transition the lock pin 145 from the locking position to the unlocking position, it also serves to collapse each of the legs 130. Moreover, when the lock handles 160 on both ends of the utility cart 100 are actuated at the same time, all four legs 130 will be transitioned from their erect or unfolded configuration toward their collapsed or folded configuration.

[0077] In at least one aspect, the hinge 170 which attaches the upper member 135 to the lower member 131 of each of the legs 130 is a spring-loaded hinge. In such an arrangement, the spring-loaded hinge 170 will automatically collapse the legs 130 when the lock pin 145 is moved from the locking position (FIG. 8) into its unlocked position (FIG. 19) by the lock handle 160. In various aspects, all of the hinges 170, 171, 173 are spring-loaded hinges that apply a biasing force to each of the legs 130 toward their folded or collapsed configurations. In such instances, the only thing maintaining the legs 130 in their erect, or unfolded configuration, is the lock pin 145. When the lock pin 145 is moved from its locking position into its unlocked position by actuating the lock handle 160, the legs 130 will automatically collapse to a partially folded or completely folded configuration due to the bias of the hinges 170, 171 , 173.

[0078] When the lock pin 145 is translated in the upward direction UD by the lock handle 160, the spring 148 will compress and apply a biasing force to the lock pin 145 in the downward direction DD. As such, when the legs 130 are in their partially collapsedPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT configuration as illustrated in FIG. 19 and the user maintains the downward force DF on the lock handle 160, the lock pin 145 will remain in its unlocked position. However, if the user releases the lock handle 160, the spring 148 will bias the lock pin 145 into the locking position again. In other words, the lock pin 145 will extend out of the upper member 135 toward the lower member 131 further than when the downward force DF is maintained on the lock handle 160. For example, FIG. 22 illustrates one of the legs 130 in the completely collapsed configuration where the user has released the lock handle 160 causing the lock pin 145 to move into its locking position. To transition the leg 130 from the fully collapsed configuration into the erect or unfolded configuration (FIG. 1), the user can lift the upper tray 110 relative to the lower tray 150. As the user lifts the upper tray 110, all four the legs 130 attached to the upper tray 110 will move from their completely collapsed configuration (FIG. 22) toward their erect or unfolded configuration (FIG. 1). As the upper member 135 and lower member 131 of each of the legs 130 pivot relative to one another toward the erect configuration, the wheel 145a of the lock pin 145 extending from the upper member 135 will engage the ramp 134a in the upper mounting block 134 of the lower member 131. The ramp 134a guides the wheel 145a of the lock pin 145 into the aperture 134b of the upper mounting block 134 in the lower member 131 and moves the lock pin 145 in the upward direction UD against the bias of the spring 148. In other words, the upper mounting block 134 of the lower member 131 engages the lock pin 145 and transitions the lock pin 145 from its extended, unlocking position, into its locking position where the wheel 145a and lock pin 145 are once again aligned within the aperture 134b of the lower member 131. Once the lock pin 145 is once again aligned with the aperture 134b, the lock ping 145 will spring back into the aperture 134b thereby locking the leg 130 into its erect configuration.

[0079] In various aspects, the user can actuate both lock handles 160 and lift up on the upper tray 110 at the same time to move all four of the legs 130 from their collapsed or folded configurations into their erect or unfolded configurations. Specifically, when the lock handles 160 are actuated by applying the downward force FD and the upper tray 110 is lifted at the same time, the lock pin 145 will be held in its unlocking position against the bias of the spring 148. Once the upper tray 110 is lifted and the legs 130 are in their erect configuration, the lock handle 160 can be released permitting the lock pins 145 to move in the downward direction DD, due to the bias of the spring 148, and into locking engagement with the lower member 131 to hold the leg 130 in the erect configuration. In other words, when the legs 130 are in their erect configurations and the lock handle 160 is released, the lock pin 145 moves into its locking position (FIG. 8) where the wheel 145a and a portion of the lock pin 145 arePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT positioned within the aperture 134b in the lower member 131. Further, in such instances where the downward force DF is maintained on the lock handle 160 throughout the lifting of the upper tray 110, the lock pins 145 will not extend as far away from the upper member 135 as compared to instances where the downward force DF is not maintained. As such, in at least one aspect, the lock pins 145 will not interfere with the lower member 131 as the legs 130 are transitioned from their collapsed configurations into their erect configurations when the downward force DF is maintained on the lock handle 160 as the upper tray 110 is lifted. In such instances, when the leg 130 is moved back into its erect configuration, the lock handle 160 can be released to permit the lock pin 145 and wheel 145a to snap back into the aperture 134b thereby locking the leg 130 into its erect configuration.

[0080] Referring primarily to FIGS. 23 and 24, the utility cart further includes locking detents and / or tabs, for example, which may be used to lock the upper tray 110 to the lower tray 150 and, thus, hold the cart in the fully collapsed configuration (FIG. 4). In at least one aspect, the utility cart 100 includes a pair of upper brackets 115 bolted to the upper tray 110 on each end of the utility cart 100 along the short side of the utility cart 100. An L-shape bracket 117 is bolted to each of the upper brackets 115. The L-shaped bracket 117 includes a catch 117a extending away from the utility cart 100. Further, the utility cart 100 includes a pair of lower brackets 154 bolted to the lower tray 150 on each end of the utility cart 100 along the short side of the utility cart 100. A rotatable latch includes a spring-loaded latch 158 that is bolted to each of the lower brackets 154. The spring-loaded latch 158 includes a base 158a bolted to the lower bracket 154 and a rotatable portion 159 that is rotatable relative to the base 158a and the lower bracket 154. The rotatable portion 159 is biased relative to the base 158a by an internal spring such that the rotatable portion 159 is rotatably biased toward the utility cart 100, i.e. , toward a locking position. The rotatable portion 159 of the spring-loaded latch 158 includes a hook 159a, a ramp 159b, and a tab 159c. Further, a bar 156 is fixedly attached to the rotatable portion 159 of each of the spring-loaded latch 158 on each end of the utility cart 100. In at least one aspect, the bar portion 156 is rotatably coupled to each of the rotatable portions 159 on one end of the utility cart 100 such that the bar 156 is rotatable relative to the rotatable portions 159.

[0081] In use, when the legs 130 are transitioned from the erect configuration to the folded configuration, the upper tray 110 moves toward the lower tray 150. As the upper tray 110 moves toward the lower tray 150, the L-shaped brackets 117 attached to the upper tray 110 move toward the spring-loaded latch 158 attached to the lower tray 150. The catch 117aPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT of each of the L-shaped brackets 117 engages the ramps 159b of each of the rotatable portions 159 and rotates the rotatable portions 159 away from the utility cart 100 against the bias of the internal spring and permits the catches 117a to move below the hooks 159a of the rotatable portions 159. As discussed above, the rotatable portions 159 are spring loaded relative to the bases 158a. As such, when the catches 117a engage the ramps 159b, the rotatable portions 159 move from their locking positions into an unlocking position until the catches 117a pass underneath the hooks 159a. Once the catch 117a passes underneath the hook 159a, the rotatable portion 159 is biased back into its locking position by the internal spring and retains the catch 117a of the L-shape bracket 117 underneath as shown in FIG. 24. The upper tray 110 is held in position relative to the lower tray 150 when the catch 117a are positioned underneath the hooks 159a of the spring-loaded latches 158. Further, a user can actuate the rotatable portions 159 of the spring-loaded latches 158 to release the upper tray 110 from the lower tray 150. Specifically, a user can move the bar 156 in the downward direction DD (FIG. 24) to engage the tabs 159c of the rotatable portions 159 and rotate the rotatable portions 159 away from the utility cart 100 against the bias of the internal springs to permit the catches 117a to move above the rotatable portions 159. In at least one aspect, the bar 156 can be actuated in the downward direction DD by a user’s foot in order to release the upper tray 110 from the lower tray 150 and permit the utility cart 100 to transition from the collapsed configuration to the erect configuration.

[0082] In at least one aspect, the spring 148 includes a coil spring and, more specifically, a compression spring. While a coil spring is illustrated, any suitable spring may be used. For example, a leaf spring may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, a coil spring. In at least one instance, the hinges 170, 171, and 173 (FIGS. 5-8) include maximum range of motion limits. For example, each hinge 170, 171, 173 may not be able to bend beyond a 90- degree range of motion. This may provide more stability and strength to the utility cart 100. This may also ensure proper unfolding and folding of the legs 130 so as to not overextend the legs 130 during folding and unfolding of the utility cart 100.

[0083] FIGS. 24-35 depict an alternative embodiment of the utility cart 100. Specifically, FIGS. 24-35 illustrate a utility cart 200 that is identical to the utility cart 100, except for the difference discussed herein. The utility cart 200 includes the upper tray 110, the lower tray 150, and the plurality of collapsible legs 130 supported between the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 150. As discussed above, the plurality of collapsible legs 130 are pivotably attached to the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 150 and are movable between the erectPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT configuration (FIG. 1) and the collapsed configuration (FIG. 4) to permit folding of the utility cart 100.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, in one embodiment, the utility cart 200 includes a lock system 205 in lieu of the two lock handles 160 (FIG. 3) at either end of the utility cart 200. The lock system 205 is configured to transition the spring-loaded support mechanisms 140 of each of the collapsible legs 130 between the first configuration where the support mechanism 140 maintains the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 in the erect configuration and the second configuration where the support mechanism 140 permits the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 of each of the legs 130 to pivot relative to one another into the folded, or the collapsed configuration.

[0085] The lock system 205 includes an actuator 210, a first actuation bar 220, a second actuation bar 230, a first pulley system 240, and a second pulley system 250. The actuator 210 includes a housing 211 and an actuation lever 212 that is actuatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position relative to the housing 211. In one embodiment, the actuation lever 212 is initially raised upward away from the housing 211 (e.g., raised upward from the position in FIG. 24) and then rotated between the unactuated position and the actuated position. When the actuation lever 212 is actuated from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the first actuation bar 220 and the second actuation bar 230 move inward, toward each other (e.g., toward the actuation lever 210). Further, when the first actuation bar 220 and the second actuation bar 230 move inward, toward each other, the first pulley system 240 and the second pulley system 250 are actuated to transition the support mechanisms 140 of each of the legs 130 from the first configuration to the second configuration, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0086] FIGS. 26-28 illustrate two of the collapsible legs 130 of the utility cart 200 on the shorter side of the utility cart 200. Further, the upper member 135 of each of the legs 130 has been removed to illustrate the interaction between the first pulley system 240 and the support mechanisms 140 of each of the collapsible legs 130. Similarly, the second pulley system 250 interacts with the support mechanisms 140 at the other short side of the utility cart 200.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 26-28, the first pulley system 240 includes a first pulley 240a, a second pulley 240b, and a first shaft 242 intermediate the first pulley 240a and the second pulley 240b. The first pulley 240a includes a first upper wheel 244a rotatably attached to aPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT first one of the legs 130, a first lower wheel 246a operably attached to the support mechanism 140 of the leg 130, and a first belt 248a positioned around the first upper wheel 244a and the first lower wheel 246a. The second pulley 240b includes a second upper wheel 244b rotatably attached to a second one of the legs 130, a second lower wheel 246a operably attached to the support mechanism 140 of the leg 130, and a second belt 248b positioned around the second upper wheel 244b and the second lower wheel 246b.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 25, the first actuation bar 220 and the first pulley system 240 are a mirror image of the second actuation bar 230 and the second pulley system 250 about a central axis CA of the utility cart 200. The second pulley system 250 includes a second shaft 245, a third pullet 250a, and a fourth pulley 250b. For the sake of brevity, only the first actuation bar 220 and the first pulley system 240 are discussed in greater detail herein.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first upper wheel 244a is rotatably attached to the upper hinge 171 of a first one of the legs 130 by the first shaft 242 as shown in FIG. 27. In such instances, the upper hinge 171 may include an opening in which one end of the first shaft 242 is received, and the first upper wheel 244a rests on the first shaft 242. Similarly, the upper hinge 171 of a second one of the legs 130 may include an opening in which the other end of the first shaft 242 is received, with the second upper wheel 244b resting upon the first shaft 242, as shown in FIG. 26. The first upper wheel 244a, the second upper wheel 244b, and the first shaft 242 are fixedly attached to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the first upper wheel 244a, the second upper wheel 244b, and the first shaft 242 may be rotatably attached to a different portion of the opposing legs 130 than the hinges 171 , such as the upper members 135, for example. Further, in one embodiment, the first shaft 242 may include a protruding key that is keyed into slots in the first upper wheel 244a and the second upper wheel 244b such that when the first shaft 242 is rotated, the first upper wheel 244a and the second upper wheel 244b rotate. In an alternative embodiment, the first upper wheel 244a, the second upper wheel 244b, and the first shaft 242 are a one-piece unitary structure that is rotatably attached to opposing legs 130 of the utility cart 200. In such instances, the one-piece unitary structure may be seated in the openings in the hinges 171 of the opposing legs 130 or the unitary structure may be seated in openings in the upper members 135 of the opposing legs 130.

[0090] Referring still to FIG. 27, the first lower wheel 246a is fixedly attached to the shaft 142 of the spring-loaded support mechanism 140 of the leg 130 (e.g., a first leg). In one embodiment, the first lower wheel 246a is keyed onto the shaft 142 such that the first lowerPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT wheel 246a and the shaft 142 rotate together. In an alternative embodiment, the first lower wheel 246a and the shaft 142 may be a one-piece unitary structure. Similarly, the second lower wheel 246b is fixedly attached to the shaft 142 of the spring-loaded support mechanism 140 of the opposing leg 130 (e.g., a second leg), see FIG. 26. Similarly, the second lower wheel 246b may be keyed onto the shaft 142 such that the second lower wheel 246b and the shaft 142 rotate together. In an alternative embodiment, the second lower wheel 246b and the shaft 142 may be a one-piece unitary structure.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 27, in the illustrated embodiment, the first belt 248a includes belt teeth 247a that engage corresponding gear teeth 243a of the first upper wheel 244a and the first lower wheel 246a. Similarly, the second belt 248b includes belt teeth that engage corresponding gear teeth of the second upper wheel 244b and the second lower wheel 246b. In an alternative embodiment, the belt teeth and the gear teeth are not present on at least one of the first and second pulleys 240a, 240b. In such instances, the first belt 248a and / or the second belt 248b still provide enough traction onto their respective upper and lower wheels to permit the transfer of rotation from the upper wheel to the lower wheel. In any event, the first belt 248a is positioned around the first upper wheel 244a and the first lower wheel 246a such that rotation of the first upper wheel 244a results in rotation of the first lower wheel 246a. Similarly, the second belt 248b is positioned around the second upper wheel 244b and the second lower wheel 246b such that rotation of the second upper wheel 244b results in rotation of the second lower wheel 246b.

[0092] As discussed above, the shaft 142 of each of the support mechanisms 140 housed within each of the legs 130 is fixedly attached to the gear 147 of the spring-loaded support mechanism 140. The gear 147 is engaged with teeth of the rack 146, and the rack 146 is attached to the lock pin 145. As such, rotation of the shaft 142 in the first direction FD (FIG. 27) results in rotation of the gear 147 in the first direction FD, and translation of the lock pin 145 in the upward direction UD from the locking position (FIGS. 8 and 27) into the unlocking position. As discussed above, when the lock pin 145 moves from the locking position to the unlocking position, the upper member 135 and the lower member 131 of the leg 130 are permitted to transition from the erect configuration to the collapsed, or folded, configuration. As such, rotation of the shaft 142 of the support mechanism 140 of each of the legs 130 in the first direction FD permits the upper member 135 and the lower member 131 of each of the legs 130 to transition from the erect configuration to the collapsed, or folded, configuration. The first and second pulley systems 240, 250 are configured to actuate thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT shafts 142 of each of the collapsible legs 130, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 29, the first shaft 242 defines a first shaft axis SA1 and the first actuation bar 220 defines a first actuation bar axis ABA1. The first shaft 242 and the first actuation bar 220 are connected by a first linkage 249a such that the first shaft axis SA1 and the first actuation bar axis ABA1 are vertically offset. Similarly, the second shaft 245 of the second pulley system 250 is linked to the second actuation bar 230 by a linkage 249b and the second actuation bar 230 and the second shaft 245 are vertically offset from each other. As such, translation of the first actuation bar 242 will result in rotation of the first shaft 242 about the first shaft axis SA1. Similarly, translation of the second actuation bar 245 will result in rotation of the second shaft 245 about a second shaft axis SA2.

[0094] In use, the first actuation bar 220 and the second actuation bar 230 move toward each other in response to the actuation lever 212 moving from the unactuated position to the actuated position, as discussed above. Specifically, the first actuation bar 220 moves in a first inward direction FID from an extended position (FIG. 25) toward the actuation lever 212 to a retracted position and the second actuation bar 230 moves in a second inward direction SID from an extended position (FIG. 25) toward the actuation lever 212 to a retracted position. Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the first actuation bar 220 and the first shaft 242 of the first pulley system 240 are shown with the first actuation bar 220 in the extended position. Movement of the first actuation bar 220 in the first inward direction FID results in rotation of the first shaft 242 about the first shaft axis SA1 in the first direction FD. Rotation of the first shaft 242 about the first shaft axis SA1 in the first direction FD results in rotation of the first upper wheel 244a to actuate the first belt 248a and rotate the first lower wheel 246a in the first direction FD. Similarly, rotation of the first shaft 242 about the first shaft axis SA1 in the first direction FD results in rotation of the second upper wheel 244b to actuate the second belt 248b and rotate the second lower wheel 246b in the first direction FD. Rotation of the first lower wheel 246a and the second lower wheel 246b in the first direction FD results in rotation of each of the corresponding gears 147 in the first direction FD to actuate the corresponding lock pins 145 in the upward direction UD.

[0095] The second pulley system 250 (FIG. 25) is actuated in a similar manner as the first pulley system 240. Specifically, the third pulley 250a and the fourth pulley 250b of the second pulley system 250 are actuated in response to the second actuation bar 230 moving in the second inward direction SID. As such, the second pulley system 250, when actuated by the second actuation bar 230, effectuates rotation of the corresponding gear 147 of thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT corresponding support mechanism 140 within each of the other two legs 130 at the opposite end of the utility cart 200 from the first pulley system 240. As such, movement of the actuation bars 220, 230 from the extended position to the retracted position (e.g., inward and toward each other) actuates the first and second pulley systems 240, 250 to rotate the corresponding gears 147 of each of the four legs 130 in the first direction FD to permit the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 of each of the legs 130 to transition from the erect configuration into the collapsed configuration. In other words, movement of the actuation bars 220, 230 from the extended position to the retracted position results in the lock pin 145 of each of the legs 130 moving from the locking position to the unlocking position which permits each of the legs 130 to transition from the erect configuration into the collapsed configuration. Further, in one embodiment, a downward force applied by a user to the actuation lever 212, the upper tray 110, or any location above the lower members 131 will transition each of the lower member 131 and the upper member 135 of each of the legs 130 into the collapsed configuration when the actuation lever 212 is in the actuated position (e.g., when the actuation bars 220, 230 are in their retracted positions).

[0096] FIG. 30 illustrates the actuator 210 relative to the upper tray 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 212 of the actuator 210 is positioned above the upper tray 110 with the housing 211 of the actuator 210 positioned below an underside 110a of the upper tray 110. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the first and second actuation bars 220, 230 and the first and second pulley systems 240, 250 are positioned underneath the upper tray 110. As such, in at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the lock system 205 is positioned underneath the upper tray 110.

[0097] FIG. 31 illustrates the actuator 210 positioned intermediate the first actuation bar 220 and the second actuation bar 230. The actuator 210 includes the housing 211 , a first rack 216, a second rack 218, and a pinion gear 217 configured to engage the first rack 216 and the second rack 218. Referring still to the exploded view of the actuator 210 shown in FIG. 32, the first actuation bar 220 is coupled to the first rack 216 of the actuator 210 and the second actuation bar 230 is coupled to a second rack 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation bars 220, 230 are coupled to corresponding first and second racks 216, 218 by way of protrusions 222, 232 extending from the first and second racks 216, 218. The protrusions 222, 232 are received in openings defined in the first and second actuation bars 220, 230. The protrusions 222, 232 are retained into engagement with the first and second actuation bars 220, 230 by way of cotter pins 223 received in openings defined in thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT protrusions 222, 232. In an alternative embodiment, the actuation bars 220, 230 may be mechanically attached to the first and second rack 216, 218 by any suitable mechanical means such as bolts, fasteners, clamps, welding, soldering, fusing, bonding, etc. In an alternative embodiment, one of the first and second actuation bars 220, 230 and a corresponding one of the first and second racks 216, 218 may be a one-piece unitary structure. In another alternative embodiment, both the first and second actuation bars 220, 230 and the corresponding one of the first and second racks 216, 218 may be a one-piece unitary structure.

[0098] The pinion gear 217 is operably engaged with the first and second racks 216, 218, as shown in FIG. 35. Specifically, a plurality of gear teeth 217b of the pinion gear 217 are configured to engage a plurality first openings 216a in the first rack 216 and a plurality of second openings 218a in the second rack 218. In an alternative embodiment, the first rack 216 and the second rack 218 include corresponding teeth that complement the plurality of gear teeth 217b (e.g., in lieu of the openings 216a, 216b). In any event, the pinion gear 217 is operably engaged with the first and second racks 216, 218 such that rotation of the pinion gear 217 results in the translation of the first rack 216 and the second rack 218 in opposite directions.

[0099] The pinion gear 217 is rotatably attached to the housing 211 of the actuator 210 such that the pinion gear 217 is rotatably relative to the housing about a pinion axis PA (FIG. 32). Further, in one embodiment, the pinion gear 217 is fixedly attached to the actuation lever 212 by way of a pin received in a first opening 212a of the actuation lever 212 and received in a second opening 217a defined in the pinion gear 217. As shown in FIG. 33, the openings 212a, 217a align such that a pin may be received therein to rotatably attach the actuation lever 212 to the pinion gear 217. As such, the actuation lever 212 is pivotable relative to the housing 211 about an actuation lever axis ALA (FIG. 34) defined by the openings 212a, 217a and the pin therein. The actuation lever 212 is pivotable in the clockwise direction CW (FIG. 33) about the actuation lever axis ALA relative to the housing 211. For clarity, the housing 211 is not shown in FIG. 33.

[0100] The actuation lever 212 is pivotable from a recessed position (FIGS. 31 and 33) to a raised position about the actuation lever axis ALA (FIG. 34) in the clockwise CW direction. Once in the raised position, the actuation lever 212 can be rotated about the pinion axis PA to rotate the pinion gear 217 and translate the racks 216, 218 engaged with the pinion gear 217 which in turn translate the actuation bars 220, 230. In one embodiment,PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT once the actuation lever 212 is moved to the raised position, the actuation lever 212 is in an unactuated position. Movement of the actuation lever 212 from the unactuated position to an actuated position will rotate the pinion gear in a first rotation direction FRD (FIG. 32) to translate the first and second actuation bars 220, 230 inward and toward each other. Specifically, the first actuation bar 220 translates in the first inner direction FID and the second actuation bar 230 translates in the second inner direction SID in response to the pinion gear 217 being rotated in the first rotation direction FRD by the actuation lever 212.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation lever 212 is initially pivoted about the actuation lever axis ALA to raise the actuation lever 212 to the raised position so that the actuation lever 212 may be rotated about the pivot axis PA to rotate the pinion gear 217 and translate the actuation bars 220, 230. In an alternative embodiment, the actuation lever 212 does not need to be initially raised in order to effectuate rotation of the pinion gear 217 about the pivot axis PA to actuate the first and second actuation bars 220, 230.

[0102] In at least one embodiment, the actuator 210 includes a lock 215 configured to lock the actuation lever 212 to the housing 211 to prevent the actuation lever 212 from moving to the raised position from the recessed position (FIGS. 31 and 33). Further, in various aspects, the lock 215 prevents the actuation lever 212 from being actuated and, thus, prevents each of the legs 130 of the utility cart 200 from transitioning from the erect configuration to the collapsed configuration.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 36, in at least one embodiment, the upper tray 110 includes outer walls 111, one or more hand slots 112, and a base 113. A first handle 120a and a second handle 120b may be attached to the upper tray 110 by one or more fasteners, for example, by bolts or other suitable means. The upper tray 110 also may include guard plates 180 that are fastened to the bottom of the upper tray 110 by bolting, gluing, welding, or other suitable means.

[0104] In FIG. 37, the underside of the upper tray 110 is displayed. Four pairs of guard plates 180 are attached to the bottom of the upper tray 110. As seen in FIG. 1, for example, the pairs of guard plates 180 may be located on opposite sides of the each of the four collapsible legs 130. Previously mentioned first handle 120a and second handle 120b are seen attached to the upper tray 110.

[0105] Further, the underside of the upper tray 110 may be formed to include structuresPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT that may decrease the weight of the utility cart and the amount and cost of materials. These structures may also provide additional strength and rigidity to the upper tray 110. Such structures include a plurality of cavities 310 and a plurality of grooves 320, 330 and may be molded into the upper tray 110. The cavities 310 and the grooves 320, 330 are shown in FIG. 37 originating on the underside of the upper tray 110. Alternatively, these structures could originate from the top of the upper tray 110, specifically, from base 113.

[0106] Referring again to FIG. 37, the cavities 310 and the grooves 320, 330 may be arranged in a regular pattern as shown or in a pattern that appears random. All the cavities 310 may have the same shape, or a plurality of shapes may be used. Cross sections of the cavities 310 taken parallel to the base 113 of the upper tray 110 may be regular geometric shapes or irregular shapes. Examples of regular geometric shapes include circle, square, rectangle, regular polyhedron, ellipse, and the like. Cross sections of the cavities 310 may also be combinations of regular geometric shapes.

[0107] Grooves may lie along an axis of symmetry. For example, a groove 320 lies along the transverse midline (or center line) <L as shown in FIG. 37. Though not shown, a groove may also lie along a longitudinal midline, perpendicular to the transverse midline.

[0108] Other grooves may have other orientations, such as groove 330 shown in FIG. 37. Grooves may intersect at a single location or at multiple locations. Grooves may be linear or have one or more radii of curvature. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of grooves may be parallel to each other.

[0109] Referring now to FIG. 38, the underside of an upper tray 110 may include structures such as cavities 310 and grooves 320, 330 as discussed above. These structures may have a bottom 340 and sidewalls 350. In the case of grooves, there may also be end walls 360. The sidewall 350 and / or the end walls 360 of a groove 320, 330 (or a cavity 310) may be perpendicular to the bottom 340 or the main surface 114 of the underside of the upper tray 110. In one or more embodiments, a sidewall 350 and / or an end wall 360 may be sloped. In addition, as shown in FIG. 38, fillets 370, 380 may be used at the tops and bottoms of sidewalls 350 and end walls 360.

[0110] While structures have been described above with regard to the upper tray 110, the same or similar structures may be included in a lower tray 150.

[0111] Hinges may be molded into or attached to an upper member 135 and lowerPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT member 131 of a collapsible leg, an upper member 135 and a base 113 of an upper tray 110, and / or a lower member 131 and a base 153 of a lower tray 150. Examples of attached hinges 170, 171, 173 may be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 38 shows four hinges 390 molded into the base 113 of an upper tray 110. In one or more embodiments, the one or more of the hinges (attached or molded) may be spring-loaded.

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 39, a side view of a utility cart 400 is illustrated. In one or more embodiments, the top of one or more of the upper members 135 includes an opening 435 defined at a top end of the upper outer tube 137. The opening 435 is designed to mate with a block 440 located on an underside surface 114 of upper tray 110. The block 440 may be attached to or formed in the upper tray 110. The block 440 may extend from the underside surface of the upper tray 110 and be received in the corresponding opening 435 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. In one embodiment, the opening 435 and the block 440 may form an interlocking fit allowing them to fit tightly together, for example, to form a press fit (or interference fit). The block 440 and the opening 435 may form a secure and stabilizing fit that increases the rigidity of the utility cart 400 when in an unfolded state (e.g., when the legs 130 are in the erect configuration).

[0113] Further to the above, the lower member 131 may include an opening 431 at the bottom end of the lower outer tube 132. The opening 431 may mate with a block 445 located on the upper surface 116 of the lower tray 150. The block 445 may be attached to or formed in the lower tray 150. The block 445 may extend from the upper surface 116 of the lower tray 150 and be received in the corresponding opening 431 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. In one embodiment, the opening 431 and the block 445 may form an interlocking fit allowing them to fit tightly together, for example, to form a press fit (or interference fit). The block 445 and the opening 431 may form a secure and stabilizing fit that increases the rigidity of the utility cart 400 when in an unfolded state (e.g., when the legs 130 are in the erect configuration).

[0114] Referring now to FIG. 39A, a side view of a utility cart 400’ is illustrated. In one or more embodiments, the top of one or more of the upper members 135 includes a block 442 extending from a top end of the upper outer tube 137. The block 442 is designed to mate with a complementary opening 444 defined in the underside surface 114 of upper tray 110. The block 442 may be attached to or formed in the upper member 135. The opening 444 may receive the block 442 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. The opening 444 and the block 442 may form an interlocking fit allowing them to fit tightly together, forPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT example, to form a press fit (or interference fit). The block 442 and the opening 444 may form a secure and stabilizing fit that increases the rigidity of the utility cart 400 when in an unfolded state.

[0115] Further to the above, the bottom of lower member 131 may include a block 443 extending from the bottom end of the lower outer tube 132. The block 443 is designed to mate with a complementary opening 446 defined in the upper surface 116 of lower tray 150. The block 443 may be attached to or formed in the lower member 131. The opening 446 may receive the block 443 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. The opening 446 and the block 443 may form an interlocking fit allowing them to fit tightly together, for example, to form a press fit (or interference fit). The block 443 and the opening 446 may form a secure and stabilizing fit that increases the rigidity of the utility cart 400 when in an unfolded state.

[0116] Referring again to FIG. 39, a block 450 may be recessed in the lower end of one or more of the upper members 135 of the collapsible legs 130. A complementary block 455 may insert into and extend out from the upper end of one or more of the lower members 131 of the collapsible legs 130. The block 450 and the complementary block 455 may increase the stability and rigidity of the joint between an upper member 135 and a lower member 131 of a collapsible leg 130. The face of the block 450 and the face of the complementary block 455 may further include features that allow for a secure interlocking fit, for example, a press fit (interference fit) among others. In one or more embodiments, the complementary block 455 may extend beyond the top end of the lower outer tube 132 by between 10% and 90% of the complementary block’s 455 length in the direction parallel to the length of the lower outer tube 132. In one embodiment, the range is between 40% and 60%. In one embodiment, the extent of the complementary block’s 455 length beyond the lower outer tube 132 is 50%. In one or more embodiments, the complementary block 455 extends beyond the lower outer tube 132 by between 0 and 2 inches (0 and 5.0 centimeters (cm)). In one embodiment, the range is between 0 and 0.50 inches (0 and 1.27 cm). In one embodiment, the complementary block 455 extends 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) beyond the lower outer tube 132. In one or more embodiments, the recessed block 450 and the complementary block 455 are positioned in the lower member 131 and the upper member 135, respectively. In other words, the blocks 450, 455 exchange positions.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 39A, in one embodiment, the block 450 may be recessed in the upper end of one or more of the lower members 131 of the collapsible legs 130. ThePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT complementary block 455 may be inserted into and extend out from the lower end of one or more of the upper members 135 of the collapsible legs 130. The block 450 and the complementary block 455 may increase the stability and rigidity of the joint between an upper member 135 and a lower member 131 of a collapsible leg 130. The face of the block 450 and the face of the complementary block 455 may further include features that allow for a secure interlocking fit, for example, a press fit (interference fit) among others. In one or more embodiments, the complementary block 455 may extend beyond the lower end of the upper outer tube 137 by between 10% and 90% of the complementary block’s 455 length in the direction parallel to the length of the upper outer tube 137. In one embodiment, the range is between 40% and 60%. In one embodiment, the extent of the complementary block’s 455 length beyond the upper outer tube 137 is 50%. In one or more embodiments, the complementary block 455 extends beyond the upper outer tube 137 by between 0 and 2 inches (0 and 5.0 centimeters (cm)). In one embodiment, the range is between 0 and 0.50 inches (0 and 1.27 cm). In one embodiment, the complementary block 455 extends 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) beyond the lower outer tube 132.

[0118] Referring now to FIG. 40, a utility cart 500 is illustrated. Elements noted above will not be repeated here. In one embodiment, a block 540 attached to or formed in the underside surface 114 of the upper tray 110 may include a peg 541 protruding downward from the block 540 away from the upper tray 110. The block 540 may mate with a recess 535 defined in the top end of the upper member 135 and the peg 541 may mate with a complementary hole 536 in the recess 535 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration.

[0119] In one embodiment, a block 545 attached to or formed in the upper surface 116 of the lower tray 150 may include a peg 546 protruding upward from the block 545 away from the lower tray 150. The block 545 may mate with a recess 531 defined in the bottom end of the lower member 131 and the peg 546 may mate with a complementary hole 532 in the recess 531 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. These elements, similar to those discussed in reference to FIG. 39, may provide enhanced stability and or rigidity for the utility cart 500 and the collapsible legs 130.

[0120] Referring now to FIG. 40A, a utility cart 500’ is illustrated. Elements noted above will not be repeated here. In one embodiment, a block 542 attached to or formed on the upper end of the upper member 135 may include a peg 543 protruding upward from block 542 toward the upper tray 110 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. The peg 543 may fit into a complementary hole 544 of an opening 551 defined in the underside surfacePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT114 of the upper tray 110 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration.

[0121] In one embodiment, a block 556 attached to or formed on the upper end of the lower member 131 may include a peg 547 protruding downward from block 556 toward the lower tray 150 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. The block 556 may mate with a recess 548 defined in the upper surface 116 of the lower tray 150 and the peg 547 may mate with a complementary hole 549 of the recess 548 when the leg 130 is in the erect configuration. These elements, similar to those discussed in reference to FIG. 40, may provide enhanced stability and or rigidity for the utility cart 500’ and the collapsible legs 130.

[0122] Mating parts such as blocks and complementary blocks, blocks and recesses, and pegs and holes may be interchanged in location and still provide desired properties such as improved stability and rigidity of a utility cart and / or collapsible legs. The exchanges may be partial or full. For example, a partial exchange may involve forming a block with a hole and a recess with a peg. A full exchange may involve exchange the location of a recess with a hole and a block with a peg.

[0123] In FIG. 41, a perspective view of a partially folded collapsible leg 130 is presented. The collapsible leg 130 includes the upper member 135 pivotably connected to the underside of the upper tray 110 by a hinge 671 formed by the upper tray 110 and the upper member 135. In one embodiment, a portion of the hinge 671 is formed by the upper tray 110 and a portion of the hinge 671 is formed by the upper member 135. In one embodiment, a block 640 is formed by the hinge 671 , the block 640 extending downward away from the upper tray 110. The block 640 may fit into an opening 641 defined by the upper outer tube 137 at the upper end of the upper member 135.

[0124] In a similar fashion, the lower member 131 of the collapsible leg 130 pivotably connects to the upper side of lower tray 150 by a hinge 673, shown in FIG. 41. The hinge 673 is formed by the lower member 131 and the lower tray 150. In one embodiment, a portion of the hinge 673 is formed by the lower tray 150 and a portion of the hinge 673 is formed by the lower member 131. In one embodiment, a block 645 is formed by the hinge 673. The block 645 fits in an opening 642 defined by the lower outer tube 132 at the lower end of the lower member 131.

[0125] In one embodiment, a hinge 670 is formed by the upper member 135 and the lower member 131. In some embodiments, a portion of the hinge 670 is formed by thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT upper member 135 and a portion of the hinge 670 is formed by the lower member 131. The hinge 670, a first mounting block 638 in the upper outer tube 137, and a second mounting block 634 in the lower outer tube 132 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0126] FIG. 42 provides a more detailed view of the hinge 670 between the upper member 135 and the lower member 131 of collapsible leg 130. Hinge 670 as illustrated is molded in the lower member 131 and the upper member 135. Alternatively, the hinge 670 may be attached to the upper member 135 and the lower member 131. The mounting blocks 634, 638 in the upper outer tube 137 and the lower outer tube 132, respectively, may include structures that allow a complementary fit that provides strength, rigidity, and stability to the leg 130 when the leg 130 is in an erect, or unfolded configuration.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first mounting block 638 includes a boss 681 designed to mate with a block 686 molded in second mounting block 634. The boss 681 may form a periphery 683 into which the block 686 fits. The boss 681 and the block 686 may fit snugly to form an interlocking fit as in, for example, a press fit, though other types of fits may be used. The fit between the boss 681 and the block 686 may provide the collapsible leg 130 with additional strength, stability, and rigidity when the leg 130 is in an erect, or unfolded configuration.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first mounting block 638 includes an opening 682 from which the lock pin 145 and the wheel 145a may extend and enter aperture 634b in the second mounting block 634. The second mounting block 634 may also include a groove, or ramp, 634a that extends from the aperture 634b to the edge of the second mounting block 634.

[0129] FIG. 43 provides a perspective view of the first mounting block 638. The boss 681 and opening 682 have been discussed above. In one embodiment, the first mounting block 638 includes a chamfered portion 690 which allow room for the hinge 670 when the hinge 670 is molded into the upper member 135 and the lower member 131.

[0130] In various aspects, the collapsible legs described in this specification can be applied to a wide range of objects, both stationary and mobile, that benefit from folding or collapsing capabilities. These objects include, but are not limited to, carts, tables, chairs, tripods, grills, stools, workbenches, sawhorses, camping equipment, and keyboard stands.

[0131] Objects with collapsible legs may be designed for portability, space efficiency,PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT and ease of storage. For example, folding tables with collapsible legs may be ideal for events, camping, or temporary setups, allowing for easy collapse and storage after use. Folding chairs with these legs are well suited for indoor or outdoor events, travel, and compact living spaces.

[0132] Tripods for cameras, telescopes, or other optical instruments can also benefit from collapsible legs, enabling easy transport and quick setup. Portable grills equipped with collapsible legs are convenient for camping or outdoor cooking, offering ease of transport and storage.

[0133] Stools with collapsible legs are useful for outdoor activities, workshops, or as extra seating in small spaces. Workbenches or sawhorses with collapsible legs save space in garages or workshops and are easy to transport. Camping equipment, such as chairs, tables, and cots, can be made lightweight and easy to carry with collapsible legs.

[0134] Keyboard stands for musicians' portable electronic keyboards can also feature collapsible legs, facilitating transport between performances or practice spaces. These designs prioritize convenience, especially when portability or space-saving is essential.

[0135] Components of the utility cart, or the collapsible legs, may be constructed of a one or more materials. For example, various portions of the utility cart may include of a metal, wood, and / or a plastic, for example. Plastic body components may be formed using an injection molding process, for example. Metal body components may be constructed using any suitable metal working process such as, for example, stamping. The legs may be made of plastic and / or steel angle. The body components may be assembled using any suitable fastener and quantity thereof such as, weld, screws, adhesive, and / or rivets, for example. The wheels may be any suitable type of wheel. For example, the wheels may include of plastic and / or may be a traditional rubber tire. The wheels may include casters and can be free to swivel in any direction as the cart is moved from place to place.

[0136] In a first embodiment, a utility cart, or foldable cart, includes an upper tray (or upper frame), a lower tray (or lower frame), and a plurality of collapsible legs attached to the upper tray and the lower tray. Each collapsible leg includes an upper member pivotably connected to the upper tray, a lower member pivotably connected to the lower tray, a spring- loaded hinge, a spring-loaded support mechanism, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The spring-loaded hinge is positioned on a first side of the collapsible leg toPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member to each other and to permit the upper member and the lower member to pivot about the spring-loaded hinge to transition the upper member and the lower member into a collapsed configuration during a folding motion. The spring-loaded support mechanism is transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the spring-loaded support mechanism holds the upper member and the lower member in an erect configuration. In the second configuration the upper member and the lower member are permitted to pivot relative to each other into the collapsed configuration. The first support plate is fixedly attached to one of the upper member or the lower member. The first support plate includes an arcuate slot defined therein. The second support plate is fixedly attached to the other one of the upper member or the lower member. The first support plate and the second support plate are positioned on a second side of the collapsible leg that is orthogonal to the first side. At least a portion of the first support plate is positioned between the second support plate and the upper and lower members. The second support plate includes a protrusion movable within the arcuate slot of the first support plate during at least a portion of the folding motion.

[0137] In one aspect of the first embodiment, the first support plate and the second support plate laterally stabilize the upper member and the lower member relative to one another as the upper member and the lower member transition between the erect configuration and the collapsed configuration.

[0138] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the first embodiment, at least one of the collapsible legs is attached to one of the upper tray or the lower tray by another spring-loaded hinge.

[0139] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the first embodiment, the lower tray includes a rotatable latch including a hook. The upper tray may include a catch. The hook may receive the catch based on the upper member and the lower member moving into their collapsed configuration to lock the upper tray relative to the lower tray.

[0140] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the first embodiment, the spring-loaded support mechanism includes a lock pin movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locked position the lock pin holds the upper member and the lower member in the erect configuration. In at least one aspect, in the unlocking position the lock pin permits the upper member and the lowerPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT member to pivot relative to each other into the collapsed configuration.

[0141] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the first embodiment, the lock pin includes a roller. The lower member may include a ramp and an aperture. In at least one aspect, the ramp guides the roller of the lock pin into the aperture to move the lock pin into the locking position as the upper member and the lower member are transitioned from the collapsed configuration to the erect configuration.

[0142] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the first embodiment, the lock pin includes an annular boss. Each collapsible leg may include a spring positioned between the annular boss and a support brace of the spring- loaded support mechanism such that the lock pin is biased toward the locking position. The spring may be positioned around the lock pin between the support brace and the annular boss.

[0143] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the first embodiment, the upper member may include a gear rotatable relative to the upper member in a first direction, and a rack translatable relative to the upper member. The rack may be operably engaged with the gear and attached to the lock pin. The gear may translate the rack to move the lock pin from the locking position into the unlocking position based on the gear rotating in the first direction.

[0144] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the first embodiment, the utility cart may include a handle rotatable between a first position and a second position. The handle may rotate the gear in the first direction to move the lock pin from the locking position into the unlocking position based on the handle rotating from the first position toward the second position.

[0145] In a second embodiment, a utility cart, or foldable cart, includes an upper tray, a lower tray, and a plurality of legs attached to and supporting the upper tray and the lower tray is disclosed. Each leg is foldable into a folded configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion. Each leg includes a first member pivotably attached to the upper tray, a second member pivotably attached to the lower tray, a spring-loaded hinge pivotably connecting the first member and the second member on a first side of the leg, and a spring- loaded support mechanism to hold the leg in the erect configuration. The spring-loaded support mechanism includes a lock pin, an internal support brace, and a spring. The internalPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT support brace is attached to the first member. The lock pin is movable relative to the internal support brace between a locking position and an unlocking position. The spring is to bias the lock pin toward the locking position and hold the leg in the erect configuration. The lock pin is movable into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be folded into the folded configuration. The utility cart further includes a first support plate fixedly attached to the first member and a second support plate fixedly attached to the second member. The first support plate includes an arcuate slot defined therein. The first support plate and the second support plate are positioned on a second side of the leg. The second side is orthogonal to the first side. At least a portion of the first support plate is positioned between the second support plate and the first and second members. The second support plate includes a protrusion that moves within the arcuate slot of the first support plate during at least a portion of the folding motion.

[0146] In one aspect of the second embodiment, the first support plate and the second support plate laterally stabilize the first member and the second member relative to each other as the leg transitions between the erect configuration and the folded configuration.

[0147] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the second embodiment, the lock pin includes an annular boss. In at least one aspect, the spring is positioned around the lock pin between the internal support brace and the annular boss.

[0148] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the second embodiment, at least one of the legs may be attached to one of the upper tray or the lower tray by another spring-loaded hinge.

[0149] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the second embodiment, the lock pin may include a wheel. The second member may include a guide and an aperture. The guide may guide the wheel of the lock pin into the aperture to move the lock pin into the locking position based on the leg transitioning from the folded configuration to the erect configuration.

[0150] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the second embodiment, the lower tray may include a rotatable latch including a hook. The upper tray may include a catch. The hook may receive the catch based on the plurality of legs moving into their folded configurations to prevent the lower tray and thePATENT Attorney Docket No. 242354PCT upper tray from moving relative to one another.

[0151] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the second embodiment, the spring-loaded support mechanism may include a gear rotatable in a first direction relative to the first member, and a rack translatable relative to the first member. The rack may be operably engaged with the gear and attached to the lock pin. The gear may translate the rack to move the lock pin from the locking position into the unlocking position based on the gear rotating in the first direction.

[0152] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the second embodiment, the utility cart may include a handle rotatable between a first position and a second position. The handle may rotate the gear in the first direction to move the lock pin from the locking position into the unlocking position based on the handle rotating from the first position toward the second position.

[0153] In a third embodiment, a utility cart, or a foldable cart, includes an upper tray, a lower tray, and a leg attached to and supporting the upper tray and the lower tray. The leg is transitionable into a collapsed configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion. The leg includes a first member pivotably attached to the upper tray, a second member pivotably attached to the lower tray, a spring-loaded hinge, and a spring-loaded support mechanism. The second member includes an aperture. The spring-loaded hinge pivotably connects the first member and the second member on a first side of the leg. The spring-loaded support mechanism includes a support brace, a gear, a rack, a lock pin, and a spring. The support brace is attached to the first member. The gear is rotatably mounted to the support brace and is rotatable relative to the support brace in a first direction. The rack is operably engaged with the gear and translatable relative to the support brace based on the gear rotating in the first direction. The lock pin is attached to the rack. The lock pin is translatable relative to the support brace between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the second member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the second member. The spring biases the lock pin into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration. The lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be transitioned into the collapsed configuration based on the gear rotating in the first direction.

[0154] In another aspect of the third embodiment, the utility cart may include a handlePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT rotatable between a first position and a second position. The handle may rotate the gear in the first direction to move the lock pin from the locking position into the unlocking position based on the handle rotating from the first position toward the second position.

[0155] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the third embodiment, the lock pin may include an annular boss. The spring may be positioned around the lock pin between the support brace and the annular boss.

[0156] In a fourth embodiment, a utility cart, or a foldable cart, includes: an upper tray; a lower tray; a first leg attached to the upper tray and the lower tray; a second leg attached to the upper tray and the lower tray. Each of the first leg and the second leg includes: a first member pivotably attached to the upper tray; a second member pivotably attached to the lower tray, wherein the second member includes an aperture; a hinge pivotably connecting the first member and the second member to each other such that the first member and the second member are transitionable between an erect configuration and a collapsed configuration; and a spring-loaded support mechanism. The spring-loaded support mechanism includes: a rotatable gear; a rack that translates in response to rotation of the gear; a lock pin attached to the rack and transitionable between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the second member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the second member; and a spring to bias the lock pin into the locking position to hold the first member and the second member in the erect configuration, wherein the lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the first member and the second member to transition into the collapsed configuration in response to rotation of the gear in a first direction; an actuation lever actuatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position; an actuation bar operably engaged with the actuation lever, wherein the actuation bar is movable from an extended position to a retracted position in response to actuation of the actuation lever from the unactuated position to the actuated position; and a pulley system operably engaged with the actuation bar, the gear of the first leg, and the gear of the second leg, wherein movement of the actuation bar from the extended position to the retracted position actuates the pulley system to rotate the gear of the first leg and the gear of the second leg in the first direction to permit the first member and the second member of each of the first and second legs to transition into the collapsed configuration.

[0157] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than onePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT aspect of the fourth embodiment, the utility cart may include a downward force applied by a user to the actuation lever or the upper tray transitions the first member and the second member of each of the first leg and the second leg into the collapsed configuration when the actuation lever is in the actuated position.

[0158] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fourth embodiment, the pulley system may include: a first pulley, a second pulley, and a shaft. The first pulley includes: a first upper wheel rotatably attached to the first leg; a first lower wheel attached to the gear of the first leg; and a first belt positioned around the first upper wheel and the first lower wheel. The second pulley includes: a second upper wheel rotatably attached to the second leg; a second lower wheel attached to the gear of the second leg; and a second belt positioned around the second upper wheel and the second lower wheel. The shaft connects the first upper wheel and the second upper wheel to each other.

[0159] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fourth embodiment, the shaft may be operably coupled to the actuation bar and rotates in the first direction in response to the actuation bar moving from the extended position to the retracted position. The gear of the first leg and the gear of the second leg rotate in the first direction in response to the shaft rotating in the first direction.

[0160] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fourth embodiment, a shaft axis may be vertically offset from an actuation bar axis defined by the actuation bar.

[0161] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fourth embodiment, the shaft of a previous embodiment is attached to the actuation bar by a linkage which vertically offsets the shaft axis from the actuation bar axis.

[0162] In a fifth embodiment, a utility cart, or a foldable cart, includes: an upper tray; a lower tray; a first leg and a second leg attached to the upper tray and the lower tray. Each of the first leg and the second leg includes: an upper member pivotably connected to the upper tray; a lower member pivotably connected to the lower tray; a hinge pivotably connecting the upper member and the lower member to each other such that the upper member and the lower member are transitionable between an erect configuration and a collapsed configuration; and a spring-loaded support mechanism transitionable between a firstPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the spring-loaded support mechanism holds the upper member and the lower member in the erect configuration. In the second configuration the upper member and the lower member are permitted to pivot relative to each other into the collapsed configuration. In the present embodiment, the utility cart further includes: an actuation lever actuatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position; an actuation bar operably engaged with the actuation lever, wherein the actuation bar is movable from an extended position to a retracted position in response to actuation of the actuation lever from the unactuated position to the actuated position; and a pulley system operably engaged with the actuation bar, the spring-loaded support mechanism of the first leg, and the spring-loaded support mechanism of the second leg, wherein movement of the actuation bar from the extended position to the retracted position actuates the pulley system to transition the spring-loaded support mechanism of the first leg and the spring-loaded support mechanism of the second leg from the first configuration to the second configuration to permit the upper member and the lower member of each of the first leg and the second leg to transition from the erect configuration into the collapsed configuration.

[0163] In one aspect of the fifth embodiment, a downward force applied by a user to the actuation lever or the upper tray may transition the upper member and the lower member of each of the first leg and the second leg into the collapsed configuration when the actuation lever is in the actuated position.

[0164] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fifth embodiment, the pulley system may include: a first pulley, a second pulley, and a shaft. The first pulley includes: a first upper wheel rotatably attached to the first leg; a first lower wheel operably attached to the spring-loaded support mechanism of the first leg; and a first belt positioned around the first upper wheel and the first lower wheel. The second pulley includes: a second upper wheel rotatably attached to the second leg; a second lower wheel operably attached to the spring-loaded support mechanism of the second leg; and a second belt positioned around the second upper wheel and the second lower wheel. The shaft connects the first upper wheel and the second upper wheel to each other.

[0165] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fifth embodiment, the shaft may be operably coupled to the actuation bar and rotates in a first direction to actuate the pulley system in response to the actuation bar moving from the extended position to the retracted position.PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0166] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fifth embodiment, a shaft axis defined by the shaft may vertically offset from an actuation bar axis defined by the actuation bar.

[0167] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the fifth embodiment, the shaft may be attached to the actuation bar by a linkage which vertically offsets the shaft axis from the actuation bar axis.

[0168] In a sixth embodiment, a utility cart, or a foldable cart, includes: an upper tray; a lower tray; four legs, each of the four legs attaching the upper tray to the lower tray. Each leg of the four legs includes: an upper member pivotably connected to the upper tray; a lower member pivotably connected to the lower tray; a hinge pivotably connecting the upper member to the lower member such that the upper member and the lower member are transitionable between an erect configuration and a collapsed configuration; and a spring- loaded support mechanism transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration In the first configuration the spring-loaded support mechanism holds the upper member and the lower member in the erect configuration. In the second configuration the upper member and the lower member are permitted to pivot relative to each other into the collapsed configuration. The actuation lever positioned in the upper tray and operably coupled to each of the spring-loaded support mechanisms of the four legs, the actuation lever actuatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, wherein the upper member and the lower member of each of the four legs is permitted to transition from the erect configuration to the collapsed configuration in response to the actuation lever moving from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

[0169] In one aspect of the sixth embodiment, a downward force applied by a user to the actuation lever or the upper tray mat transition the upper member and the lower member of each of the four legs into the collapsed configuration when the actuation lever is in the actuated position.

[0170] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the sixth embodiment, the utility cart may include: a first actuation bar operably engaged with the actuation lever; a second actuation bar operably engaged with the actuation lever, where the first actuation bar and the second actuation bar are movable toward each other in response to actuation of the actuation lever from the unactuated position to the actuated position; a first pulley system operably engaged with the firstPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT actuation bar; and a second pulley system operably engaged with the second actuation bar. Movement of the first actuation bar and the second actuation bar toward each other actuates the first pulley system and the second pulley system to transition each spring-loaded support mechanism of the four legs from the first configuration to the second configuration to permit the upper member and the lower member of each of the four legs to transition from the erect configuration into the collapsed configuration.

[0171] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the sixth embodiment, the first actuation bar may include a first rack, the second actuation bar includes a second rack, and the actuation lever includes a pinion gear engaged with the first rack of the first actuation bar and the second rack of the second actuation bar. The first actuation bar and the second actuation bar translate in opposite directions toward each other in response to rotation of the pinion gear in a first rotational direction.

[0172] In another aspect, in addition to or in combination with one or more than one aspect of the sixth embodiment, the pinion gear may rotate in the first rotational direction in response to the actuation lever moving from the unactuated position to the actuated position.

[0173] One general aspect includes a utility cart. The utility cart includes an upper tray; a lower tray; four legs, each of the four legs attaching the upper tray to the lower tray, where each leg of the four legs includes: an upper member pivotably connected to the upper tray; a lower member pivotably connected to the lower tray; a hinge pivotably connecting the upper member to the lower member such that the upper member and the lower member are transitionable between an erect configuration and a collapsed configuration; and a spring- loaded support mechanism transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration, where in the first configuration the spring-loaded support mechanism holds the upper member and the lower member in the erect configuration, and where in the second configuration the upper member and the lower member are permitted to pivot relative to each other into the collapsed configuration. The cart includes an actuation lever positioned in the upper tray and operably coupled to each of the spring-loaded support mechanisms of the four legs, the actuation lever actuatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, where the upper member and the lower member of each of the four legs is permitted to transition from the erect configuration to the collapsed configuration in response to the actuation lever moving from the unactuated position to the actuated position. The upper tray and / or the lower tray may include a plurality of molded cavities formed on anPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT underside of the respective tray.

[0174] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The upper tray and / or the lower tray may include at least one molded groove formed on an underside of the respective tray. A first groove may be formed along a transverse midline of the respective tray. Second groove may be formed along a longitudinal midline of the respective tray. The upper tray may include at least one block attached to or formed in the underside of the upper tray, and where the top of the upper member of at least one collapsible leg includes a complementary opening configured to receive the at least one block when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The at least one block may include a peg extending downward, and where the opening defines a hole configured to receive the peg when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The lower tray may include at least one block attached to or formed in the upper side of the lower tray, and where the bottom of the lower member of at least one collapsible leg may include a complementary opening that receives the at least one block when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The at least one block may include a peg extending upward, and where the opening includes a hole configured to receive the peg when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. An upper end of the lower member of at least one collapsible leg may include a block that extends beyond the lower member, where the lower end of the upper member of the collapsible leg may include a recessed block, and where the block and the recessed block mate when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. A lower end of the upper member of at least one collapsible leg may include a lower mounting block that includes a boss that forms a periphery, where the upper end of the lower member of the collapsible leg may include an upper mounting block that includes a block extending upward from the upper mounting block and configured to form a complementary fit with the boss when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The block and the boss form an interference fit.

[0175] One general aspect includes a collapsible leg. The collapsible leg includes an upper member configured to be pivotably connected to an upper tray; a lower member configured to be pivotably connected to a lower tray; a spring-loaded hinge positioned on a first side of the collapsible leg to pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member to each other and to permit the upper member and the lower member to pivot about the spring-loaded hinge to transition the upper member and the lower member into a collapsed configuration during a folding motion; a spring-loaded support mechanism transitionable between a first configuration and a second configuration, where in the first configuration thePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT spring-loaded support mechanism holds the upper member and the lower member in an erect configuration, and where in the second configuration the upper member and the lower member are permitted to pivot relative to each other into the collapsed configuration; a first support plate fixedly attached to one of the upper member or the lower member, where the first support plate includes an arcuate slot defined therein; a second support plate fixedly attached to the other one of the upper member or the lower member, where the first support plate and the second support plate are positioned on a second side of the collapsible leg that is orthogonal to the first side, where at least a portion of the first support plate is positioned between the second support plate and the upper and lower members, and where the second support plate may include a protrusion movable within the arcuate slot of the first support plate during at least a portion of the folding motion.

[0176] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. A top of the upper member may include an opening configured to receive a complementary block formed in or attached to an underside of the upper tray when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The opening may define a hole configured to receive a complementary peg that extends downward from the complementary block when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. A top of the upper member may include a block configured to be received by a complementary opening in an underside of the upper tray when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The block may include a peg that extends upward and is configured to be received by a complementary hole defined by the opening when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. A bottom of the lower member may include an opening configured to receive a complementary block formed in or attached to an upper side of the lower tray when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The opening may define a hole configured to receive a complementary peg that extends upward from the complementary block when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. A bottom of the lower member may include a block configured to be received by a complementary opening in an upper side of the lower tray when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The block may include a peg that extends downward and is configured to be received by a complementary hole defined by the opening when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The spring-loaded support mechanism may include a lock pin movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, where in the locked position the lock pin holds the upper member and the lower member in the erect configuration, where in the unlocking position the lock pin permits the upper member and the lower member to pivot relative to each other into the collapsed configuration. The lock pin may include a roller, where the lower member may include aPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT ramp and an aperture, and where the ramp guides the roller of the lock pin into the aperture to move the lock pin into the locking position as the upper member and the lower member are transitioned from the collapsed configuration to the erect configuration. The lock pin may include an annular boss, where each collapsible leg further may include a spring positioned between the annular boss and a support brace of the spring-loaded support mechanism with the lock pin being biased toward the locking position, and where the spring is positioned around the lock pin between the support brace and the annular boss. The upper member further may include: a gear rotatable relative to the upper member in a first direction; and a rack that is translatable relative to the upper member, where the rack is operably engaged with the gear and attached to the lock pin, where the rack is translatable by a gear to move the lock pin from the locking position into the unlocking position based on the gear rotating in the first direction. The gear is rotatable by the handle in the first direction to move the lock pin from the locking position into the unlocking position based on the handle rotation from the first position toward the second position. An upper end of the lower member may include a block that extends beyond the lower member, where the lower end of the upper member may include a recessed block, and where the block and the recessed block mate when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. A lower end of the upper member may include a lower mounting block that may include a boss that forms a periphery, where the upper end of the lower member may include an upper mounting block that may include a block extending upward from the upper mounting block and configured to form a complementary fit with the boss when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. An upper end of the lower member may include a upper mounting block that may include a boss that forms a periphery, where the lower end of the upper member may include a lower mounting block that may include a block extending downward from the lower mounting block and configured to form a complementary fit with the boss when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The block and the boss may form an interference fit. The collapsible leg may include a means to securely and rigidly attach the upper member to the upper tray when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The collapsible leg may include a means to securely and rigidly attach the lower member to lower upper tray when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration. The collapsible leg may include a means to securely and rigidly attach the upper member to the lower member when the collapsible leg is in an erect configuration.

[0177] While several forms have been illustrated and described, it is not the intention of Applicant to restrict or limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Numerous modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents to thosePATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT forms may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, elements of different embodiments and examples may be combined. Moreover, the structure of each element associated with the described forms can be alternatively described as a means for providing the function performed by the element. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed forms. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0178] One or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adapted / adaptable," "able to," "conformable / conformed to," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that "configured to" can generally encompass active-state components and / or inactive-state components and / or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

[0179] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Further, the term "plurality" as used in the specification and appended claims constitutes "two" or "more than two".PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT

[0180] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be typically understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0181] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flow diagrams are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like "responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

[0182] It is worthy to note that any reference to "one aspect," "an aspect," "an exemplification," "one exemplification," and the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one aspect," "in an aspect," "in an exemplification," and "in one exemplification" in various places throughout the specificationPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0183] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referred to in this specification and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated by reference herein, to the extent that the incorporated materials is not inconsistent herewith. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0184] In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result from employing the concepts described herein. The foregoing description of the one or more forms has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more forms were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles and practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various forms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith define the overall scope.

Claims

PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A utility cart, comprising: an upper tray; a lower tray; a leg attached to and supporting the upper tray and the lower tray, wherein the leg is transitionable into a collapsed configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion, and wherein the leg comprises: an upper member pivotably attached to the upper tray; a lower member pivotably attached to the lower tray, wherein the lower member comprises an aperture; a hinge to pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member; and a spring-loaded support mechanism, comprising: a support brace attached to the upper member; a lock pin retained by and translatable relative to the support brace between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the lower member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the lower member; and a spring to bias the lock pin into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration, wherein the lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be transitioned into the collapsed configuration; at least one block extending from one of an underside surface of the upper tray, an upper surface of the lower tray, an upper end of the upper member, or a lower end of the lower member; and at least one corresponding opening defined in one of the underside surface of the upper tray, the upper surface of the lower tray, the upper end of the upper member, or the lower end of the lower member, wherein the at least one corresponding opening is to receive the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration.

2. The utility cart of claim 1 , wherein the at least one block extends from the underside surface of the upper tray, and wherein the upper end of the upper member of the leg definesPATENT Attorney Docket No. 242354PCT the corresponding opening configured to receive the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration.

3. The utility cart of Claim 2, wherein the at least one block includes a peg extending downward away from the upper tray, and wherein the opening defines a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration.

4. The utility cart of claim 1 , wherein the at least one block extends from an upper surface of the lower tray, and wherein the lower end of the lower member of the leg defines a complementary opening that receives the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration.

5. The utility cart of claim 4, wherein the at least one block includes a peg extending upward away from the lower tray, and wherein the opening defines a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration.

6. The utility cart of claim 1 , wherein the at least one block extends from the upper end of the upper member, and wherein the corresponding opening is defined in the underside surface of the upper tray.

7. The utility cart of Claim 6, wherein the at least one block includes a peg extending downward, and wherein the opening defines a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration.

8. The utility cart of claim 1 , wherein the at least one block extends from the lower end of the lower member, and wherein the corresponding opening is defined in the upper surface of the lower tray.

9. The utility cart of claim 8, wherein the at least one block includes a peg extending upward, and wherein the opening defines a hole configured to receive the peg when the leg is in the erect configuration.

10. The utility cart of claim 1 , wherein the upper member comprises: an upper outer tube; andPATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT a first mounting block received by the upper outer tube, the first mounting block including a boss extending beyond the upper outer tube, the boss forming a periphery, wherein the lower member comprises: a lower outer tube; and a second mounting block received by the lower outer tube, the second mounting block including a block extending beyond the lower outer tube, the block is configured to fit within the periphery of the boss when the leg is in the erect configuration.

11. The utility cart of claim 10, wherein, in the erect configuration, the block of the lower member and the boss of the upper member form an interference fit.

12. The utility cart of claim 10, wherein, in the erect configuration, the block of the lower member is press fit into the periphery of the boss of the upper member.

13. A utility cart, comprising: an upper tray; a lower tray; a leg attached to and supporting the upper tray and the lower tray, wherein the leg is transitionable into a collapsed configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion, and wherein the leg comprises: an upper member pivotably attached to the upper tray, the upper member comprising: an upper outer tube; and a first mounting block received by the upper outer tube, the first mounting block including a boss extending beyond the upper outer tube, the boss forming a periphery; a lower member pivotably attached to the lower tray, wherein the lower member comprises: a lower outer tube; a second mounting block received by the lower outer tube, the second mounting block including a block extending beyond the lower outer tube, the block is configured to fit within the periphery of the boss when the leg is in the erect configuration; and an aperture defined in the second mounting block;PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT a hinge formed by a portion of the upper member and a portion of the lower member, the hinge is configured to pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member; and a spring-loaded support mechanism, comprising: a support brace attached to the upper member; a lock pin retained by and translatable relative to the support brace between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the lower member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the lower member; and a spring to bias the lock pin into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration, wherein the lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be transitioned into the collapsed configuration.

14. The utility cart of claim 13, wherein, in the erect configuration, the block of the lower member and the boss of the upper member form an interference fit.

15. The utility cart of claim 13, wherein, in the erect configuration, the block of the lower member is press fit into the periphery of the boss of the upper member.

16. The utility cart of claim 13, further comprising: at least one block extending from one of an underside surface of the upper tray, an upper surface of the lower tray, an upper end of the upper member, or a lower end of the lower member; and at least one corresponding opening defined in one of the underside surface of the upper tray, the upper surface of the lower tray, the upper end of the upper member, or the lower end of the lower member, wherein the at least one corresponding opening is to receive the at least one block when the leg is in the erect configuration.

17. A utility cart, comprising: an upper tray; a lower tray; and a leg attached to and supporting the upper tray above the lower tray, wherein the leg is transitionable into a collapsed configuration from an erect configuration during a folding motion, and wherein the leg comprises:PATENTAttorney Docket No. 242354PCT an upper member pivotably attached to the upper tray; a lower member pivotably attached to the lower tray, wherein the lower member comprises an aperture; a hinge to pivotably connect the upper member and the lower member; and a spring-loaded support mechanism, comprising: a support brace attached to the lower member; a lock pin retained by and translatable relative to the support brace between a locking position where at least a portion of the lock pin is positioned within the aperture of the lower member and an unlocking position where the lock pin is not positioned within the aperture of the lower member; and a spring to bias the lock pin into the locking position to hold the leg in the erect configuration, wherein the lock pin is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position against the bias of the spring to permit the leg to be transitioned into the collapsed configuration, and wherein the upper tray and / or the lower tray comprises a plurality of molded cavities formed on an underside of the respective tray.

18. The utility cart of claim 17, wherein the upper tray or the lower tray comprises at least one molded groove formed on an underside of the respective tray.

19. The utility cart of claim 17, wherein a first groove is formed along a transverse midline of the respective tray.

20. The utility cart of claim 17, wherein second groove is formed along a longitudinal midline of the respective tray.

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