JP7525942B2 - Wheelbarrow - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to pushcarts such as walkers and walkers.

This type of pushcart is equipped with left and right steering frames extending downward from a steering section that is steered by a user while holding each frame with both hands, left and right front wheel legs connected to the lower ends of each steering frame and supporting the front wheels so that they can roll freely, and left and right rear wheel legs supported on the lower ends of each steering frame so that they can rotate about horizontal axes extending in the left and right direction and supporting the rear wheels so that they can roll freely. The pushcart also has front and rear front connecting frame members that extend left and right and connect the upper and lower ends of each front wheel leg to each other, and rear connecting frame members that extend left and right and connect the lower ends of each rear wheel leg to each other.

In addition, in such a pushcart, left and right connecting links are provided between each front wheel leg and each rear wheel leg, and each connecting link is provided with a front link member and a rear link member that bend in the middle when each front wheel leg and each rear wheel leg are folded (see Patent Document 1). In addition, the front end of each front link member is rotatably supported by each front wheel leg via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction, and the rear end of each rear link member is rotatably supported by each rear wheel leg via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction. The rear end of each front link member and the front end of each rear link member are rotatably supported by a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction.

JP 2020-82739 A

However, in the conventional system, it is necessary to provide left and right connecting links to fold the front and rear wheel legs. Each connecting link requires a front link member and a rear link member that fold together when the front and rear wheel legs are folded, which increases the number of parts and leads to higher costs.

The present invention was made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to provide a pushcart that eliminates the left and right connecting links required to fold the front and rear wheel legs, reducing the number of parts and lowering costs.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is based on a pushcart that includes left and right steering frames extending downward from a steering section that is steered by a user while being held with both hands, left and right front wheel legs connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting the front wheels so that they can roll freely, left and right rear wheel legs connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting the rear wheels so that they can roll freely, a front connecting frame connecting the front wheel legs, and a rear connecting frame connecting the rear wheel legs, and the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs can be folded from an open leg position to a closed leg position around a horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the rear connecting frame is provided with a pair of left and right rear vertical frame members whose tips are rotatably supported by the rear wheel legs via horizontal axes extending in the left-right direction, and rear horizontal frame members extending in the left-right direction whose both ends are integrally connected to the base ends of the rear vertical frame members. On the other hand, the front connecting frame is provided with a pair of left and right front vertical frame members, each of whose base ends are rotatably supported on each of the front wheel legs via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction and whose tips are rotatably supported on the base end side of each of the rear vertical frame members via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction, and a front horizontal frame member extending in the left-right direction and whose both ends are integrally connected to the base ends of each of the front vertical frame members. The rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame are abutted against each other so as to prohibit rotation when each of the rear wheel legs and each of the front wheel legs are converted to the open leg position.

It is also preferable that the rear vertical frame members and the front vertical frame members are inclined downward from a horizontal line passing through the horizontal axes that become the centers of rotation of the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs when they are converted to the open leg position.

Furthermore, the rear vertical frame members are positioned outside the front vertical frame members. The rear connecting frame may be abutted against the front connecting frame from above when the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are moved to the open leg position.

In response to this, the front vertical frame members are positioned outside the rear vertical frame members, and both ends of an abutting frame member extending in the left-right direction are connected between the tips of the front vertical frame members. The abutting frame member may then be abutted against the rear connecting frame from above when the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are converted to the open leg position.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is based on the same premise as the handcart, and includes a pair of left and right rear vertical frame members, each of which has a tip rotatably supported on each of the rear wheel legs via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction, and a rear horizontal frame member extending in the left-right direction, both ends of which are integrally connected to the base ends of the rear vertical frame members. Meanwhile, the front connecting frame includes a pair of left and right front vertical frame members, each of which has one end rotatably supported on each of the front wheel legs via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction, and each of which has a middle portion rotatably supported on the base end side of each of the rear vertical frame members via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction. The front vertical frame members are positioned outside the rear vertical frame members, and between the other ends of the front vertical frame members, abutting frame members that abut from above against the rear connecting frame are extended in the left-right direction and connected so that the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are prevented from rotating when they are converted to the open leg position.

Furthermore, it is preferable to integrally provide an extension operating section at the other end of each of the front vertical frame members, which extends each of the front vertical frame members rearward beyond each of the rear wheel legs so that each of the rear wheel legs and each of the front wheel legs can be operated to be foldable from an open leg position to a closed leg position.

In short, the base end of each rear vertical frame member of the rear connecting frame that connects the rear wheel legs and the tip of each front vertical frame member of the front connecting frame that connects the front wheel legs are bent around a horizontal axis, and when each rear wheel leg and each front wheel leg are converted to the open leg position, the rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame are abutted to prevent each other from rotating. For this reason, the front link members and rear link members of the left and right connecting links required to fold each front wheel leg and each rear wheel leg are replaced by the rear vertical frames of the rear connecting frame and the front vertical frame members of the front connecting frame. This makes it possible to eliminate the front link members and rear link members that bend the left and right connecting links, thereby reducing the number of parts and thereby reducing costs.

In addition, by integrally connecting the base ends of each rear vertical frame of the rear connecting frame to both ends of the rear horizontal frame material, and by integrally connecting the base ends of each front vertical frame of the front connecting frame to both ends of the front horizontal frame material, the rigidity of the front link member and the rear link member is greatly increased, and durability can be improved.

In addition, by inclining each of the rear vertical frame members and each of the front vertical frame members downward from a horizontal line passing through the horizontal axis that serves as the center of rotation for each of the rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame when they are abutted, each of the rear vertical frame members and each of the front vertical frame members are less likely to incline upward from the horizontal line. This stabilizes the posture of each of the rear wheel legs and each of the front wheel legs in the spread leg position, and the spread leg posture can be smoothly maintained.

Furthermore, the rear vertical frame members are positioned outside the front vertical frame members, and when the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are moved to the open leg position, the rear connecting frame abuts against the front connecting frame from above. This ensures that the open leg posture of the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs can be maintained reliably when in the open leg position.

In response to this, the front vertical frame members are positioned outside the rear vertical frame members, and when the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are converted to the open leg position, the abutment frame members, both ends of which are connected to the tips of the front vertical frame members, abut from above against the rear connecting frame. This ensures that the open leg posture of the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs can be maintained reliably in the open leg position.

In addition, the base end of each rear vertical frame member of the rear connecting frame and the middle part of each front vertical frame member of the front connecting frame are bent around a horizontal axis, and when each rear wheel leg and each front wheel leg are converted to the open leg position, the abutting frame member between the other ends of each front vertical frame member abuts from above against the rear connecting frame to prohibit mutual rotation. For this reason, the front link members and rear link members of the left and right connecting links required to fold each front wheel leg and each rear wheel leg are replaced by each rear vertical frame and each front vertical frame member. This makes it possible to eliminate the front link members and rear link members that bend the left and right connecting links in the middle, and reduce the number of parts, thereby reducing costs.

Furthermore, by providing an extension operating section integrally at the other end of each front vertical frame member, which extends rearward from each rear wheel leg, the extension operating section, whose tip is located rearward from each rear wheel leg, can very easily change each rear wheel leg and each front wheel leg from the open leg position to the closed leg position, improving the ease of changing to the closed leg position.

1 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from the front with the front wheel legs and the rear wheel legs in an open position; FIG. 2 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 1 as seen from the rear. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 1 as seen from the right side. 2 is a perspective view of the pushcart of FIG. 1 with the front and rear wheel legs in a closed position, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 5 as seen from the right side. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from the front with the front wheel legs and the rear wheel legs in an open position; FIG. 10 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 9 . FIG. 10 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 9 as seen from the rear. FIG. 10 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 9 as seen from the right side. 10 is a perspective view of the pushcart of FIG. 9 with the front and rear wheel legs in a closed position, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. FIG. 14 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 13 . FIG. 14 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 13 as seen from the rear. FIG. 14 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 13 as seen from the right side. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from the front with the front wheel legs and the rear wheel legs in an open position. FIG. 18 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 17 . FIG. 18 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 17 as seen from the rear. 18 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 17 as seen from the right side. 18 is a perspective view of the pushcart of FIG. 17 with the front and rear wheel legs in a closed position, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. FIG. 22 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 21 . FIG. 22 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 21 as seen from the rear. 22 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 21 as seen from the right side. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from the front with the front wheel legs and the rear wheel legs in an open position; FIG. 26 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 25 . FIG. 26 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 25 as seen from the rear. 26 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 25 as seen from the right side. 26 is a perspective view of the pushcart of FIG. 25 with the front and rear wheel legs in a closed position, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. FIG. 30 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 29 . FIG. 30 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 29 as seen from the rear. 30 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 29 as seen from the right side. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from the front with the front wheel legs and the rear wheel legs in an open position. FIG. 34 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 33 . FIG. 34 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 33 as seen from the rear. 34 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 33 as seen from the right side. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the pushchair of FIG. 33 with the seat in a closed position, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 38 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 37 . FIG. 38 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 37 as seen from the rear. 38 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 37 as seen from the right side. 38 is a perspective view of the pushcart of FIG. 37 with the front and rear wheel legs in a closed position, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 42 is a front view of the pushcart of FIG. 41 . FIG. 42 is a rear view of the pushcart of FIG. 41 as seen from the rear. 42 is a right side view of the pushcart of FIG. 41 as seen from the right side.

The following describes a pushcart according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the front and rear wheel legs in an open position, as seen diagonally from the front, and Figure 2 is a front view of the pushcart of Figure 1, as seen from the front. Also, Figure 3 is a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 1, as seen from the rear, and Figure 4 is a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 1, as seen from the right side.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this pushcart 1A is used as a walking cart and has a pair of left and right front wheel legs 11, 11, a pair of left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12, and a handle frame 13.

The left and right front wheel legs 11, 11 have their upper ends connected to the lower ends of the left and right handlebar supports 18, 18, which will be described later, and are provided with front wheels 14, 14 that are supported so as to be freely rollable at their respective lower ends. Meanwhile, the left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12 have rear wheels 15, 15 that are supported so as to be freely rollable at their respective lower ends. In addition, brakes 16 that apply brakes to the respective rear wheels 15 are supported so as to be freely rotatable at the lower ends of the left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12.

The handle frame 13 is composed of a roughly U-shaped handle 17 as a steering section, and left and right handle support sections 18, 18 as a steering frame that support both ends (the lower end in the figure) of the handle 17 from below. The handle 17 is equipped with a handle member 21 that extends left and right from its bottom (the front end in the figure) and then extends rearward from both ends, and handle support members 22, 22 that extend downward from the left and right corners of the handle member 21.

The handlebars 17 also have grips 23, 23 extending rearward from the left and right corners of the handlebar member 21, and are steered while the user holds each grip 23 with both hands. Brake levers 24, 24 extending in the front-rear direction are provided below each grip 23. The front ends of each brake lever 24 are supported by the left and right corners of the handlebar member 21, and when operated, the brakes 16 are rotated via a brake operating wire (not shown) to brake the rear wheels 15. The brakes 16 are connected by a brake frame 19 extending left and right, and the rear wheels 15 can be braked by operating one of the brake levers 24.

The left and right handlebar support members 22, 22 are formed in a generally cylindrical shape and are attached to the upper ends of the respective handlebar support sections 18. Each handlebar support section 18 is supported so as to be able to slide freely in the vertical direction along each front wheel leg section 11. In this case, each handlebar support section 18 is formed from a pipe extruded from aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, steel, or the like.

Upper brackets 25, 25 are provided at the upper ends of the left and right front wheel legs 11, 11, respectively. The left and right upper brackets 25, 25 are connected by a front upper end frame 27 that extends in the left-right direction. In this case, the front upper end frame 27 connects the left and right handlebar support parts 18, 18 to each other via the upper brackets 25, ensuring the rigidity of the left and right front wheel legs 11, 11.

The upper ends of the left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12 are rotatably supported on the rear end of each upper bracket 25 via horizontal shafts 26 extending in the left-right direction. In addition, the lower ends of the left and right front wheel legs 12, 12 are connected to each other by a front lower end frame 28 extending in the left-right direction.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pushcart 1A of Figure 1 when the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 are in a closed position, as seen diagonally from the front, and Figure 6 is a front view of the pushcart 1A of Figure 5 when seen from the front. Also, Figure 7 is a rear view of the pushcart 1A of Figure 5 when seen from the rear, and Figure 8 is a right side view of the pushcart 1A of Figure 5 when seen from the right side.

As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the left and right front wheel legs 11, 11 and the left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12 can be folded around a horizontal axis 26 relative to each front wheel leg 11 from an open leg position (the position shown in Figures 1 to 4) to a closed leg position (the position shown in Figures 5 to 8).

Between the vertically approximately middle positions of the left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12, a roughly U-shaped rear connecting frame 3 that opens to the rear when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position is connected. In addition, between the vertically approximately middle positions of the front wheel legs 11, which are located between the front upper end frame 27 and the front lower end frame 28, a roughly U-shaped front connecting frame 4 that opens to the rear when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position is connected.

The rear connecting frame 3 comprises a pair of left and right rear vertical frame members 32, 32 whose tips (rear ends in Figs. 1 to 4) are rotatably supported via horizontal shafts 31, 31 extending in the left-right direction at approximately the vertical center of each rear wheel leg 12, and rear horizontal frame members 33 extending in the left-right direction, both left and right ends of which are integrally connected to the base ends (front ends in Figs. 1 to 4) of the rear vertical frame members 32.

On the other hand, the front connecting frame 4 comprises a pair of left and right front vertical frame members 43, 43 whose base ends (front ends in Figs. 1 to 4) are rotatably supported on the front wheel legs 11 via horizontal shafts 41, 41 extending in the left-right direction, and whose tips (rear ends in Figs. 1 to 4) are rotatably supported on the base end sides (front end sides in Figs. 1 to 4) of the rear vertical frame members 32 via horizontal shafts 42, 42 extending in the left-right direction, and front horizontal frame members 44 extending in the left-right direction and whose left and right ends are integrally connected to the base ends of the front vertical frame members 43.

A bending portion 45 that is bent downward in a generally dogleg shape is provided at approximately the middle of each front vertical frame member 43 of the front connecting frame 4. Furthermore, each rear vertical frame member 32 of the rear connecting frame 3 is located outside each front vertical frame member 43 of the front connecting frame 4.

When the rear wheel legs 12 are moved to the open leg position relative to the front wheel legs 11, the left and right ends of the rear horizontal frame member 33 come into contact with the bent portions 45 of the front vertical frame members 43 from above. At this time, the rear vertical frame members 32 and the front vertical frame members 43 stop in a state inclined downward from the horizontal line passing through the horizontal axes 31, 41, which are the centers of rotation of each other, and further rotation of the rear connecting frame 3 and the front connecting frame 4 is prohibited.

Lower brackets 50, 50 are attached to the upper ends of the front wheel legs 11, 11, and are connected to the lower sides of the upper brackets 25. The pair of left and right vertical frame members 51, 51 of the support frame 5, which is generally U-shaped and opens rearward to support a shopping basket (not shown), are rotatably supported on each lower bracket 50 via horizontal pins 52, 52 extending in the left and right directions. In this case, the support frame 5 includes left and right vertical frame members 51, 51 and horizontal frame members 53, both ends of which are integrally connected to the base ends of the vertical frame members 51, and is converted into a generally horizontal standing position (position shown in FIGS. 1 to 4) and a lying position (position shown in FIGS. 5 to 8) in which it is lying down upward along each handle support 18.

The base end (rear end) of a link 54 extending forward is rotatably supported on the upper end of the right rear wheel leg 12 via a horizontal shaft 55 extending in the left-right direction. In addition, a roughly U-shaped guide groove 56 that opens upward is provided on the tip end (front end) of the link 54, and a horizontal pin 52 at the tip of the right vertical frame member 51 of the support frame 5 is slidably guided within this guide groove 56.

When folding each rear wheel leg 12 relative to each front wheel leg 11 from the open leg position to the closed leg position, the rear horizontal frame member 33 of the rear connecting frame 3 is pulled upward to fold each rear wheel leg 12. The tip of the link 54 is constantly biased downward by the biasing spring 57, so that the support frame 5 is converted to the upright position in conjunction with the conversion operation when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position, and the horizontal pin 52 is engaged at the front upper end position of the guide groove 56. On the other hand, the support frame 5 is converted to the lying position in conjunction with the conversion operation when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the closed leg position, and the horizontal pin 52 is engaged at the rear upper end position of the guide groove 56.

Each front wheel leg 11 is provided with slide brackets 29, 29 that slide up and down along each front wheel leg 11 between each frame bracket 50 and each horizontal shaft 41. Each slide bracket 29 is provided with a horizontal shaft 59 extending in the left-right direction, and one end (lower end) of each link arm 58, 58 extending forward is rotatably supported on this horizontal shaft 59. The other end of each link arm 58 is rotatably supported at approximately the middle position of each vertical frame member 51 of the support frame 5, so that the posture of the support frame 5 in the upright position is maintained by each link arm 58. Each link arm 58 is connected by a link frame 20 extending in the left-right direction. Each slide bracket 29 slides upward to the vicinity of each frame bracket 50 when the support frame 5 is converted to the lying position.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the base end side of each rear vertical frame member 32 of the rear connecting frame 3 that connects between the rear wheel legs 12 and the tip end of each front vertical frame member 43 of the front connecting frame 4 that connects between the front wheel legs 11 are bent in the middle around the horizontal axis 42, and when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position with respect to each front wheel leg 11, both left and right ends of the rear horizontal frame member 33 of the rear connecting frame 3 are abutted from above against the bent portion 45 of each front vertical frame member 43 to prohibit mutual rotation. For this reason, the front link members and rear link members of the left and right connecting links necessary to fold each front wheel leg 11 and each rear wheel leg 12 are substituted by each rear vertical frame 32 of the rear connecting frame 3 and each front vertical frame member 43 of the front connecting frame 4. This eliminates the need for front and rear link members that cause the left and right connecting links to bend in the middle, reducing the number of parts and lowering costs.

In addition, the base ends of each rear vertical frame 32 of the rear connecting frame 3 are integrally connected to both ends of the rear horizontal frame member 33, and the base ends of each front vertical frame 43 of the front connecting frame 4 are integrally connected to both ends of the front horizontal frame member 44. This greatly increases the rigidity of the front link member and the rear link member, improving durability.

In addition, the rear connecting frame 3, which connects the rear wheel legs 12, 12 at approximately the middle positions in the vertical direction, is formed in a roughly U-shape that opens to the rear, ensuring sufficient space at the feet of a user holding each gripping portion 23 with both hands, providing a pushcart 1A with excellent walkability.

In addition, each rear vertical frame member 32 and each front vertical frame member 43 is inclined downward from the horizontal line passing through the horizontal axes 31, 41 that become the center of rotation when the rear connecting frame 3 and the front connecting frame 4 are abutted. Therefore, each rear vertical frame member 32 and each front vertical frame member 43 are unlikely to incline upward from the horizontal line. This stabilizes the posture of each rear wheel leg 12 in the open leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11, and the open leg posture can be smoothly maintained.

Furthermore, each rear vertical frame member 32 is positioned outside each front vertical frame member 43, and when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11, both left and right ends of the rear horizontal frame member 33 of the rear connecting frame 3 abut from above against the bent portion 45 of each front vertical frame member 43. This, in combination with each rear vertical frame member 32 and each front vertical frame member 43 abutting at positions that make it difficult for them to tilt upward above the horizontal line, ensures that the open leg posture of each rear wheel leg 12 in the open leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11 can be reliably maintained.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame has been changed. Note that the other configurations except for the rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a pushcart according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 in an open position, as seen diagonally from the front. Also, Figure 10 shows a front view of the pushcart of Figure 9, Figure 11 shows a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 9, as seen from the rear, and Figure 12 shows a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 9, as seen from the right side. Furthermore, Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the pushcart of Figure 9, with the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 in a closed position, as seen diagonally from the front, Figure 14 shows a front view of the pushcart of Figure 13, Figure 15 shows a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 13, as seen from the rear, and Figure 16 shows a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 13, as seen from the right side.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 to 16, the handcart 1B is used as a walker, and a roughly U-shaped rear connecting frame 6 that opens rearward when the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to the open-leg position is connected between the roughly middle positions of the left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12. In addition, a roughly U-shaped front connecting frame 7 that opens rearward when the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to the open-leg position is connected between the roughly middle positions of the front wheel legs 11, which are located between the front upper end frame 27 and the front lower end frame 28.

The rear connecting frame 6 comprises a pair of left and right rear vertical frame members 62, 62 whose tips (rear ends in Figs. 9 to 12) are rotatably supported via horizontal shafts 31, 31 extending in the left-right direction at approximately the middle of each rear wheel leg 12, and rear horizontal frame members 63 extending in the left-right direction, both left and right ends of which are integrally connected to the base ends (front ends in Figs. 9 to 12) of the rear vertical frame members 62.

On the other hand, the front connecting frame 7 comprises a pair of left and right front vertical frame members 73, 73 whose base ends (front ends in Figs. 9 to 12) are rotatably supported on the front wheel legs 11 via horizontal shafts 41, 41 extending in the left-right direction, and whose tips (rear ends in Figs. 9 to 12) are rotatably supported on the base ends (front ends in Figs. 9 to 12) of the rear vertical frame members 62 via horizontal shafts 42, 42 extending in the left-right direction, and front horizontal frame members 74 extending in the left-right direction and whose left and right ends are integrally connected to the base ends of the front vertical frame members 73.

At the approximate middle of each front vertical frame member 73 of the front connecting frame 7, a bent portion 75 is provided that is bent downward in an approximately L-shape. Furthermore, each front vertical frame member 73 of the front connecting frame 7 is located outside each rear vertical frame member 62 of the rear connecting frame 6. In addition, both ends of an abutment frame member 77 extending in the left-right direction are connected between the tips of each front vertical frame member 73. Then, both left and right ends of the abutment frame member 77 abut from above against the approximate middle position in the front-rear direction of each rear vertical frame member 62 when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position with respect to each front wheel leg 11. At this time, each rear vertical frame member 62 and each front vertical frame member 73 stop in a state inclined downward from the horizontal line passing through the horizontal axes 31, 41 that are the rotation centers of each other, and further rotation of the rear connecting frame 6 and the front connecting frame 7 is prohibited.

In this case, when folding each rear wheel leg 12 relative to each front wheel leg 11 from the open leg position to the closed leg position, each rear wheel leg 12 is folded by pulling upward the abutting frame member 77 of the front connecting frame 7.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the front vertical frame members 73 are positioned outside the rear vertical frame members 62, and when the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to the open leg position relative to the front wheel legs 11, both left and right ends of the abutting frame member 77 abut from above against the approximate midpoint in the fore-aft direction of the rear vertical frame members 62. This, in combination with the rear vertical frame members 62 and the front vertical frame members 73 abutting at positions that make it difficult for them to tilt upward above the horizontal line, ensures that the open leg posture of the rear wheel legs 12 relative to the front wheel legs 11 can be reliably maintained in the open leg position.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the front connecting frame has been changed. Note that the other configurations, except for the front connecting frame, are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a pushcart according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 in an open position, as seen diagonally from the front. Also, Figure 18 shows a front view of the pushcart of Figure 17, Figure 19 shows a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 17, and Figure 20 shows a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 17, as seen from the right side. Furthermore, Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the pushcart of Figure 17, with the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 in a closed position, as seen diagonally from the front, Figure 22 shows a front view of the pushcart of Figure 21, Figure 23 shows a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 21, and Figure 24 shows a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 21, as seen from the right side.

In other words, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 17 to 24, the handcart 1C is also used as a walker. In addition, a front connecting frame 8 is provided between the approximate midpoints of the front wheel legs 11, which are located between the front upper end frame 27 and the front lower end frame 28.

The front connecting frame 8 is provided with a pair of left and right front vertical frame members 81, 81, each of which is rotatably supported at one end (front end in Figs. 17 to 20) via horizontal shafts 41, 41 extending in the left-right direction on each front wheel leg 11, and is rotatably supported at the base end (front end in Figs. 17 to 20) of each rear vertical frame member 62 via horizontal shafts 42, 42 extending in the left-right direction at the other end (rear end in Figs. 17 to 20). The front connecting frame 8 also includes front horizontal frame members 82, each of which is integrally connected at both left and right ends to one end (front end in Figs. 17 to 20) of each front vertical frame member 81 and extends in the left-right direction. In this case, the front connecting frame 8 has an approximately U-shaped shape that opens rearward when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position.

At approximately the middle of each front vertical frame member 81 of the front connecting frame 8, a bent portion 83 is provided that is bent downward in an approximately L-shape. Each front vertical frame member 81 is located outside each rear vertical frame member 62 of the rear connecting frame 6. In addition, between the other ends of each front vertical frame member 81, both ends of an abutting frame member 84 extending in the left-right direction are connected. Then, when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position with respect to each front wheel leg 11, both left and right ends of the abutting frame member 84 abut from above against the approximately middle position in the front-rear direction of each rear vertical frame member 62. At this time, each rear vertical frame member 62 and each front vertical frame member 81 stop in a state inclined downward from the horizontal line passing through the horizontal axes 31, 41 that are the rotation centers of each other, and further rotation of the rear connecting frame 6 and the front connecting frame 8 is prohibited.

Furthermore, an extension operating part 85 is integrally provided at the other end of each front vertical frame member 81, which extends each front vertical frame member 81 rearward beyond each rear wheel leg 12 so that each rear wheel leg 12 can be folded from the open leg position to the closed leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11. A gripping part 80 is attached to the tip (rear end in Figures 17 to 20) of each extension operating part 85. In this case, when folding each rear wheel leg 12 from the open leg position to the closed leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11, each rear wheel leg 12 is folded by gripping each gripping part 80 and pulling the extension operating part 85 upward.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the front vertical frame members 81 are positioned outside the rear vertical frame members 62, and when the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to the open leg position relative to the front wheel legs 11, both left and right ends of the abutting frame member 84 are abutted from above against the approximately middle position in the fore-aft direction of the rear vertical frame members 62. This, in combination with the rear vertical frame members 62 and the front vertical frame members 81 abutting at positions that make it difficult for them to tilt upward above the horizontal line, ensures that the open leg posture of the rear wheel legs 12 relative to the front wheel legs 11 can be reliably maintained in the open leg position.

Furthermore, an extension operating part 85 is integrally provided at the other end of each front vertical frame member 81, which extends rearward from each rear wheel leg 12. The extension operating part 85, whose tip grip part 80 is located rearward from each rear wheel leg 12, can very easily operate each rear wheel leg 12 from the open position to the closed position relative to each front wheel leg 11, improving the operability of each rear wheel leg 12 in the closed position.

Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the front connecting frame has been changed. Note that the other configurations, except for the front connecting frame, are the same as those in the third embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a pushcart according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 in an open position, as seen diagonally from the front. Also, Figure 26 shows a front view of the pushcart of Figure 25, Figure 27 shows a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 25, and Figure 28 shows a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 25, as seen from the right side. Furthermore, Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the pushcart of Figure 25, with the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 in a closed position, as seen diagonally from the front, Figure 30 shows a front view of the pushcart of Figure 29, Figure 31 shows a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 29, and Figure 32 shows a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 29, as seen from the right side.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 25 to 32, the handcart 1D is used as a walker. In addition, a front connecting frame 8 is provided between the front upper end frame 27 and the front lower end frame 28, approximately at the midpoints of the front wheel legs 11, and has a generally U-shaped front opening when the rear wheel legs 12 are shifted to the open leg position.

The front connecting frame 8 is provided with a pair of left and right front vertical frame members 81, 81, each of which is rotatably supported at one end (the front end in Figs. 25 to 28) on each front wheel leg 11 via horizontal shafts 41, 41, and each of which is rotatably supported at the other end (the rear end in Figs. 25 to 28) of its middle portion on the base end side (the front end in Figs. 25 to 28) of each rear vertical frame member 62 via horizontal shafts 42, and the front connecting frame 8 is provided with front horizontal frame members 82, both left and right ends of which are integrally connected to one end (the front end in Figs. 25 to 28) of each front vertical frame member 81.

Furthermore, an extension operating section 86 is integrally provided at the other end of each front vertical frame member 81, which extends each front vertical frame member 81 rearward from each rear wheel leg 12 so that each rear wheel leg 12 can be folded from an open leg position to a closed leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11. Each extension operating section 86 is provided with a bending section 87, which holds each extension operating section 86 in contact with the horizontal shaft 31 at the tip of each rear vertical frame member 62 when each rear wheel leg 12 is in the open leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11. A grip section 80 is attached to the tip of each extension operating section 86 (the rear end in Figures 25 to 28). In this case, when folding each rear wheel leg 12 relative to each front wheel leg 11 from the open leg position to the closed leg position, each rear wheel leg 12 is folded by grasping each gripping part 80 and pulling the extension operating part 86 upward.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the front vertical frame members 81 are positioned outside the rear vertical frame members 62, and when the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to the open leg position relative to the front wheel legs 11, both left and right ends of the abutting frame member 84 are abutted from above against the approximately middle position in the fore-aft direction of the rear vertical frame members 62. This, in combination with the rear vertical frame members 62 and the front vertical frame members 81 abutting at positions that make it difficult for them to tilt upward above the horizontal line, ensures that the open leg posture of the rear wheel legs 12 relative to the front wheel legs 11 can be reliably maintained in the open leg position.

Moreover, the bent portion 87 of each extension operating portion 86 keeps each extension operating portion 86 in contact with the horizontal shaft 31 at the tip of each rear vertical frame member 62 when each rear wheel leg 12 is in the open position, so each extension operating portion 86 can be kept in a stable state, ensuring reliability during use.

Furthermore, an extension operating part 86 is integrally provided at the other end of each front vertical frame member 81, which extends rearward from each rear wheel leg 12. The grip part 80 at the tip of each extension operating part 86 is located rearward from each rear wheel leg 12, making it very easy to operate each rear wheel leg 12 to the closed leg position, improving the ease of operating each rear wheel leg 12 to the closed leg position.

Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame has been changed. Note that the other configurations except for the rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Figure 33 is a perspective view of a pushcart according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 in the open position, as seen obliquely from the front, Figure 34 is a front view of the pushcart of Figure 33, Figure 35 is a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 33, and Figure 36 is a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 33, as seen from the right side. Also, Figure 37 is a perspective view of the pushcart of Figure 33, with the seat in the closed position, as seen obliquely from the front, Figure 38 is a front view of the pushcart of Figure 37, Figure 39 is a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 37, and Figure 40 is a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 37, as seen from the right side. Furthermore, Figure 41 is a perspective view of the pushcart of Figure 37 when the front wheel legs 11 and the rear wheel legs 12 are in a closed position, as seen diagonally from the front, Figure 42 is a front view of the pushcart of Figure 41 when seen from the front, Figure 43 is a rear view of the pushcart of Figure 41 when seen from the rear, and Figure 44 is a right side view of the pushcart of Figure 41 when seen from the right side.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 33 to 44, the handcart 1E is used as a walker, and a front connecting frame 9 is provided between the approximate midpoints of the left and right front wheel legs 11, 11. This front connecting frame 9 has a pair of left and right front vertical frame members 91, 91, each of which has one end (the front end in Figures 33 to 36) rotatably supported on each front wheel leg 11 via a horizontal shaft 41.

A roughly U-shaped rear connecting frame 10 that opens rearward when each rear wheel leg 12 is in the open position is connected between the vertically approximately middle positions of the left and right rear wheel legs 12, 12. This rear connecting frame 10 is equipped with a pair of left and right rear vertical frame members 101, 101 whose tips (rear ends in Figs. 33 to 36) are rotatably supported on each rear wheel leg 12 via horizontal shafts 31, and rear horizontal frame members 102 that extend in the left-right direction and whose left and right ends are integrally connected to the base ends (front ends in Figs. 33 to 36) of each rear vertical frame member 101.

A bending portion 103 is provided at the approximate middle of each rear vertical frame member 101 of the rear connecting frame 10, which bends downward in an approximate dogleg shape when each rear wheel leg 12 is converted to the open leg position. In addition, each front vertical frame member 91 of the front connecting frame 9 is located outside each rear vertical frame member 101 of the rear connecting frame 10. Furthermore, each front vertical frame member 91 is supported at its middle portion rotatably on the base end side of each rear vertical frame member 101 via a horizontal shaft 42.

In addition, between the other ends of the front vertical frame members 91, abutting frame members 92 that abut from above against the bent portions 103 of the rear vertical frame members 101 are connected so that the rear wheel legs 12 and the front wheel legs 11 are prevented from rotating relative to each other when the rear wheel legs 12 and the front wheel legs 11 are converted to the open leg position, extend in the left-right direction. In this case, the abutting frame members 92 extend in the left-right direction with both left and right ends protruding downward from the other ends of the front vertical frame members 91 when the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to the open leg position.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 37 to 40, two of the three corners of a substantially triangular bracket 94 are screwed to the other end of each front vertical frame member 91, that is, between each horizontal shaft 42 and both left and right ends of the abutting frame member 92. The remaining corner of this bracket 94 protrudes from each front vertical frame member 91 toward the opposite abutting frame member 92, and both ends of a substantially U-shaped seat frame 95 on which a person can sit are supported rotatably by each horizontal shaft 96. The vicinity of both ends of the seat frame 95 is connected by frame members 97 extending in the left and right direction. In this case, the seat frame 95 is stored in a state in which it is approximately U-shaped and opens forward when in a collapsed position in which it is collapsed so that it can be sat on, and in a standing position in which it stands upright so as not to get in the way when not in use, such as when traveling, in a state in which it is approximately U-shaped and opens downward.

An extension operating section 93 is integrally provided at the other end of each front vertical frame member 91, which extends each front vertical frame member 91 rearward beyond each rear wheel leg 12 so that each rear wheel leg 12 can be folded from an open leg position to a closed leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11. Each extension operating section 93 is adapted to be held in contact with the horizontal shaft 31 at the tip of each rear vertical frame member 101 by a bent section 103 when each rear wheel leg 12 is in the open leg position relative to each front wheel leg 11. A grip section 80 is attached to the tip of each extension operating section 93 (the rear end in Figures 37 to 40). In this case, as shown in Figures 41 to 44, when folding each rear wheel leg 12 relative to each front wheel leg 11 from the open leg position to the closed leg position, the seat frame 95 is converted to an upright position, and then each gripping portion 80 is grasped and the extension operating portion 93 is pulled upward to fold each rear wheel leg 12.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the front vertical frame members 91 are positioned outside the rear vertical frame members 101, and when the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to the open leg position relative to the front wheel legs 11, both left and right ends of the abutting frame member 92 are abutted from above against the bent portion 103 of the rear vertical frame member 101. This, in combination with the rear vertical frame members 101 and the front vertical frame members 91 abutting at positions that make it difficult for them to tilt upward above the horizontal line, ensures that the open leg posture of the rear wheel legs 12 relative to the front wheel legs 11 can be reliably maintained in the open leg position.

In addition, when each rear wheel leg 12 is in the open position, each extension operating part 93 is held in contact with the horizontal shaft 31 at the tip of each rear vertical frame member 101, so each extension operating part 93 can be held in a stable state, ensuring reliability during use.

Furthermore, an extension operating part 93 is integrally provided at the other end of each front vertical frame member 91, which extends rearward from each rear wheel leg 12. The extension operating part 93, whose tip grip part 80 is located rearward from each rear wheel leg 12, can very easily operate each rear wheel leg 12 to the closed leg position, improving the ease of operating each rear wheel leg 12 to the closed leg position.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various other modified examples. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the rear wheel legs 12 are converted to an open leg position relative to the front wheel legs 11, but the front wheel legs may be converted to an open leg position relative to the rear wheel legs.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the pushcarts 1A to 1E are described as being used as walking carriages, but it goes without saying that they can also be used in foldable pushcarts such as walkers and baby carriages.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the front connecting frame 9 is provided with left and right front vertical frame members 91, 91, but the front connecting frame may also be provided with front horizontal frame members whose left and right ends are integrally connected to one end of each front vertical frame member (the front end in Figures 37 to 40).

1A to 1E Handcart 11 Front wheel leg 12 Rear wheel leg 14 Front wheel 15 Rear wheel 17 Handle (steering part)
18 Handle support (steering frame)
4 Front connecting frame 26 Horizontal axis 3 Rear connecting frame 31 Horizontal axis 32 Rear vertical frame member 33 Rear horizontal frame member 4 Front connecting frame 41 Horizontal axis 42 Horizontal axis 43 Front vertical frame member 44 Front horizontal frame member 6 Rear connecting frame 62 Rear vertical frame member 63 Rear horizontal frame member 7 Front connecting frame 73 Front vertical frame member 74 Front horizontal frame member 77 Abutment frame member 8 Front connecting frame 81 Front vertical frame member 82 Front horizontal frame member 84 Abutment frame member 85 Extension operation section 86 Extension operation section 9 Front connecting frame 91 Front vertical frame member 92 Abutment frame member 93 Extension operation section 10 Rear connecting frame 101 Rear vertical frame member 102 Rear horizontal frame member

Claims (6)

A pushcart comprising left and right steering frames extending downward from a steering section which is steered by a user while being held with both hands, left and right front wheel legs connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting the front wheels so as to be able to roll freely, left and right rear wheel legs connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting the rear wheels so as to be able to roll freely, a front connecting frame connecting the front wheel legs together, and a rear connecting frame connecting the rear wheel legs together, wherein the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are foldable from an open leg position to a closed leg position about a horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction,
The rear connecting frame includes a pair of left and right rear vertical frame members, each of which has a tip end rotatably supported on each of the rear wheel legs via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction, and a rear horizontal frame member extending in the left-right direction and having both ends integrally connected to a base end of each of the rear vertical frame members,
The front connecting frame includes a pair of left and right front vertical frame members, the base ends of which are rotatably supported on the front wheel legs via horizontal shafts extending in the left-right direction, and the tips of which are rotatably supported on the base end sides of the rear vertical frame members via horizontal shafts extending in the left-right direction, and a front horizontal frame member extending in the left-right direction and having both ends integrally connected to the base ends of the front vertical frame members,
A pushcart characterized in that the rear connecting frame and the front connecting frame abut each other so as to be prohibited from rotating relative to each other when the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are converted to a spread leg position. The handcart according to claim 1, wherein the rear vertical frame members and the front vertical frame members are inclined downward from a horizontal line passing through the horizontal axes that become the centers of rotation of the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs when they are converted to the open leg position. The rear vertical frame members are located outside the front vertical frame members,
3. The pushcart according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear connecting frame is adapted to abut against the front connecting frame from above when the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are converted into an open leg position. The front vertical frame members are located outside the rear vertical frame members,
Both ends of an abutment frame member extending in the left-right direction are connected between the tips of the front vertical frame members,
3. The pushcart according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abutment frame material abuts against the rear connecting frame from above when the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are converted to an open leg position. A pushcart comprising left and right steering frames extending downward from a steering section which is steered by a user while being held with both hands, left and right front wheel legs connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting the front wheels so as to be able to roll freely, left and right rear wheel legs connected to the lower ends of the steering frames and supporting the rear wheels so as to be able to roll freely, a front connecting frame connecting the front wheel legs together, and a rear connecting frame connecting the rear wheel legs together, wherein the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs are foldable from an open leg position to a closed leg position about a horizontal axis extending in the left-right direction,
The rear connecting frame includes a pair of left and right rear vertical frame members, each of which has a tip end rotatably supported on each of the rear wheel legs via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction, and a rear horizontal frame member extending in the left-right direction and having both ends integrally connected to a base end of each of the rear vertical frame members,
the front connecting frame includes a pair of left and right front vertical frame members, one end of which is rotatably supported on each of the front wheel legs via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction, and a middle portion of which is rotatably supported on a base end side of each of the rear vertical frame members via a horizontal shaft extending in the left-right direction,
The front vertical frame members are located outside the rear vertical frame members,
This handcart is characterized in that between the other ends of each of the front vertical frame members, an abutment frame member is connected extending in the left-right direction and abutting against the rear connecting frame from above so as to prevent the rear wheel legs and the front wheel legs from rotating relative to each other when they are converted to a spread leg position. The handcart according to claim 5, wherein the other end of each of the front vertical frame members is integrally provided with an extension operating section that extends each of the front vertical frame members rearward beyond each of the rear wheel legs so that each of the rear wheel legs and each of the front wheel legs can be folded from an open leg position to a closed leg position.

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