Wheel retraction assembly, cart and related components

摘要

The present invention provides a wheel retraction assembly that can be used with a convertible cart for transport of cargo. The convertible cart includes a support structure, first and/or second wheels, each with a retraction assembly that includes telescopic and fixed struts. The wheel retraction assembly is operatively associated with the support structure and is movable between retracted and expanded positions. One end of telescopic strut mounts the wheel axle structure and the opposite end is connected to the support structure. In the retracted position, the wheel retraction assembly maintains the first and/or second wheels in a position to enable the cart to be moved. In the expanded position, the retraction assembly moves the first and/or second wheels to another position to be adjacent the support structure wherein the wheels do not support the cart. The cart also features a convertible handle assembly and a mountable platform.

主权项

1. A retractable wheel assembly, comprising:
a support structure having bottom and side portions; a wheel having an axle; a wheel retraction assembly including a fixed strut connecting one end of the wheel axle to the support structure, and a telescopic strut connecting the opposite end of the wheel axle to the support structure; wherein one end of the fixed strut is fixedly mounted to the wheel axle and the other end is pivotally mounted to a side portion of the support structure; and wherein one end of the telescopic strut is fixedly mounted to the wheel axle and the other end is pivotally mounted to the bottom portion of the support structure, with the telescopic strut movable between retracted and expanded positions, wherein the retracted position maintains the wheel in an operative position with the struts positioned essentially perpendicular to the support structure to enable the support structure to be moved upon the first wheel to transport cargo that is placed on the support structure, while in the retracted position the wheel is placed in an inoperative position with the struts essentially parallel to the first support structure.