US5531464A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cart with snap-locking members
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-12-09
•
Granted: 1996-07-02
•
Expires: 2014-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A readily assemblable and disassemblable cart has snap-locking vertical and lateral members. The vertical members and top and bottom rails include notched end portions which define extended portions. The lateral rails have bores formed in each of the ends thereof for receiving two of the extended portions. The extended portions also include latching members which, when the cart is assembled, extend into openings in the lateral rails which are transverse to, and contiguous with the bores.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond N. Maurer
- 👤 David A. Maurer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:28
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62B; B62B3/00; B62B3/006; B62B2202/00; B62B2202/12; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A cart comprising: a frame having first and second substantially identical, rectangular end frame portions, said end frame portions defining first and second planes being positioned generally parallel one to the other, each said end frame portion having at least one pair of spaced apart vertical members and top and bottom rails extending between and connecting said vertical members, each of said vertical members having first and second ends having a notch formed therein defining an extended portion, and a biased latching member located on said extended portion movable between a first position and a second position and wherein said latching member extends outwardly relative to a surface of said extended portion; at least one pair of substantially identical lateral rails extending generally transverse to said first and second planes and extending between and connecting said end frame portions, said rails have substantially identical ends, and being spaced apart and extending substantially parallel to one another, each of said ends defining a bore therethrough for receiving two of said vertical member extended portions inserted therein in generally opposing and abutting relation one with the other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A cart comprising: a frame having first and second substantially identical, rectangular end frame portions, said end frame portions defining first and second planes being positioned generally parallel one to the other, each said end frame portion having at least one pair of spaced apart vertical members and top and bottom rails extending between and connecting said vertical members, each of said vertical members having first and second ends having a notch formed therein defining an extended portion, and a biased latching member located on said extended portion movable between a first position and a second position and wherein said latching member extends outwardly relative to a surface of said extended portion; at least one pair of substantially identical lateral rails extending generally transverse to said first and second planes and extending between and connecting said end frame portions, said rails have substantially identical ends, and being spaced apart and extending substantially parallel to one another, each of said ends defining a bore therethrough for receiving two of said vertical member extended portions inserted therein in generally opposing and abutting relation one with the other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The cart of claim 1, wherein each of said rails further includes a pair of openings formed therein, in opposing relation one with the other, and wherein said openings are generally transverse to and contiguous with said bore for receiving said latching members when said latching members are in said second position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The cart of claim 1 wherein each of said top and bottom rails include first and second ends having a notch formed therein defining an extended portion and being configured for receipt in one of said bores of said lateral rails in generally opposing and abutting relation with said extended portion of an adjacent vertical member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
The cart of claim 3 further including a latching member on each of said top and bottom rail extended portions, wherein each said latching member is movable between a first position and a second position wherein said latching member extends outwardly relative to a surface of said extended portion, and being configured for receipt in said opening of an associated lateral rail when said latching member is in said second position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cart of claim 1 wherein said latching members are integrally formed with said extended portions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The cart of claim 1 wherein said latching members include means for biasing said latching members into said second position, extending outwardly relative to said surface of said extended portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cart of claim 6 wherein said biasing means is integrally formed with said latching member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The cart of claim 1 further including at least one basket, wherein said basket is receivable along a pair of corresponding lateral rails.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The cart of claim 1 further including caster wheels mounted to said bottom rails.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cart of claim 1 wherein said latching member extends outwardly from an outward facing side of said extended portion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-02 | 2000-01-01 | 2000-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-02 | 2004-01-01 | 2004-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-02 | 2008-01-01 | 2008-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |