Brake assembly and control mechanism for a cart, and method
DC
First Claim
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1. A method of transporting carts including at least a first cart and a second cart, each of the carts including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the front end of each frame defining a lower platform including at least one platform support member, the rear end of each frame being coupled to an upright member and at least one rear wheel, the upright member extending upwardly from the rear end of the frame, the method comprising:
- providing a brake assembly on the first cart adjacent the rear wheel, the brake assembly being configured to move between an engagement position and a disengagement position, the brake assembly being configured to brake the first cart when the brake assembly is moved into the engagement position and to release the first cart when the brake assembly is moved into the disengagement position;
providing a brake release device on the first cart, the brake release device being configured to move the brake assembly into the disengagement position when the brake release device is moved from an original position to a release position, wherein the brake release device moves from the original position to the release position when the brake release device is moved in a lateral direction relative to the upright member of the first cart;
nesting the second cart behind the first cart by sliding the front end of the frame of the second cart through the rear end of the frame of the first cart, wherein the platform support member of the frame of the second cart moves the brake release device in the lateral direction; and
transporting the first and second carts.
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Abstract
A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested.
27 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of transporting carts including at least a first cart and a second cart, each of the carts including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the front end of each frame defining a lower platform including at least one platform support member, the rear end of each frame being coupled to an upright member and at least one rear wheel, the upright member extending upwardly from the rear end of the frame, the method comprising:
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providing a brake assembly on the first cart adjacent the rear wheel, the brake assembly being configured to move between an engagement position and a disengagement position, the brake assembly being configured to brake the first cart when the brake assembly is moved into the engagement position and to release the first cart when the brake assembly is moved into the disengagement position; providing a brake release device on the first cart, the brake release device being configured to move the brake assembly into the disengagement position when the brake release device is moved from an original position to a release position, wherein the brake release device moves from the original position to the release position when the brake release device is moved in a lateral direction relative to the upright member of the first cart; nesting the second cart behind the first cart by sliding the front end of the frame of the second cart through the rear end of the frame of the first cart, wherein the platform support member of the frame of the second cart moves the brake release device in the lateral direction; and transporting the first and second carts. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A cart comprising:
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a frame having a top, a bottom, a front end, and a rear end, the bottom of the frame defining a lower platform, the rear end of the frame including at least one upright support member; at least one rear wheel coupled to the rear end of the frame; a brake assembly arranged at the bottom of the frame adjacent the rear wheel, the brake assembly including a member configured to move between an engagement position and a disengagement position, the brake assembly being configured to provide braking operation of the cart when the brake assembly is moved into the engagement position and to allow transport of the cart when the brake assembly is moved into the disengagement position; a brake actuation device arranged at the top of the frame, the brake actuation device being configured to move the brake assembly to the disengagement position when the brake actuation device is actuated and to allow the brake assembly to return to the engagement position when the brake actuation device is released; and a brake release device arranged on the frame above the lower platform, the brake release device being configured to move the brake assembly to the disengagement position when the brake release device is moved laterally with respect to the upright support member from an original position to a release position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification
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Litigation Data
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Current AssigneeSmarte Carte Incorporated (SMARTE CARTE)
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Original AssigneeSmarte Carte Incorporated (SMARTE CARTE)
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InventorsAmdahl, Keith Louis, Otterson, Dan L.
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Primary Examiner(s)Siconolfi; Robert A
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Assistant Examiner(s)Sy; Mariano
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Application NumberUS12/268,155Publication NumberTime in Patent Office778 DaysField of Search188/19, 188/20, 188/21, 188/1.12, 188/29, 188/31, 188/60, 188/69, 188/265, 280/33.991, 280/33.994, 280/33.998US Class Current188/19CPC Class CodesB62B 2202/24 Suit-cases, other luggageB62B 3/1404 Means for facilitating stow...B62B 3/1476 the main load support being...B62B 5/0006 Bumpers; Safety devicesB62B 5/04 Braking mechanisms; Locking...B62B 5/0442 using a handle bar alone
