The present invention relates to a garden cart.

An aim of this invention is to provide several embodiments of a garden cart having useful features.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a cart comprising a frame with a handle and a pair of laterally spaced wheels rotatable on a common wheel axis, and a lower support means/platform provided with ground engaging legs which in use are positioned to one side of the wheel axis and characterised in that the support means/platform is mounted pivotally with respect to the frame to move between a first deployed position and a second retracted position.

In the first position the legs are positioned for ground engagement at a position to one side of the wheel axis. In one embodiment the support meanslplatform is pivotally connected to a first frame element and conveniently it is formed in two parts that are pivotably interconnected. The pivotal interconnection is preferably about an axis aligned substantially parallel to the wheel axis. Preferably a second frame element connects with the support means at a position remote from the connection with the first frame element. Preferably the connection between the second frame element and the support means is a pivotal connection.

In one embodiment the pivotal connection of the support means with the first and second frame elements is about an axis substantially parallel to the wheel axis.

The first frame element may comprise a hoop-like configuration having spaced uprights connected by lower and upper transverse elements. The upper transverse element conveniently forms a handle for manoeuvring the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the second frame element comprises a U-shaped frame having two uprights and a transverse connecting portion that co-operates with the platform. In one embodiment the uprights are substantially vertical (in use) and connected to the first frame element by a pair of link members. The link members preferably comprise a pair of hinged elements and are pivotally connectable with a respective one of the uprights of the first and second frame members. The pivot axes are substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis.

In another embodiment, the uprights of the second frame element are connected to the uprights of the first frame by a sliding connection.

Accessories are connectible with one or both of the aforesaid frames, comprising the likes of trays, channels, retaining loops, a water reservoir and a table. Conveniently the table is pivotally connectible with the first frame element and is provided with at least one support leg that is one retractable when the table is to be stored away. The platform can support a refuse bag and the frame is conveniently provided with means for holding the bag open at the top. Thus, from another aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising a cart according to any preceding claim and accessories connectible with a frame of the cart.

In another embodiment the first and second frame elements are pivotally interconnected in the manner of a scissor action having an axis parallel to the wheel axis to move between a position for use and a storage position.

In another embodiment the support means/platform is rigid but pivotally mounted with respect to a frame. The first frame element may comprise a central spine. Preferably it is telescopically extendible. The support frame is moveable between two or more positions.

Conveniently it is moveable between a storage position in which it occupies a plane that is substantially parallel to that in which the spine is disposed-usually vertical-and a position that is displaced from said plane into a plane that is substantially perpendicular thereto. The height of the support frame may be adjustable along the spine.

In another embodiment, upper and lower support frames are provided. Conveniently they are pivotally attached to the first frame element. Alternatively at least one may be rigidly mounted with respect to the first frame element.

Another aspect of the invention provides a cart comprising a frame with a handle and a pair of laterally spaced wheels rotatable about an axis, and a lower support means provided with ground engaging legs spaced to one side of the wheel axis and wherein the support means comprises tubing configured to provide at least one said ground engaging leg.

Preferably there are two laterally spaced legs formed by bending the tube into loops.

Preferably the tubing is configured to form a cradle extending from the opposite side of the frame to the ground engaging leg. Preferably a second support means is provided spaced upwardly from the aforesaid lower support means and having a pair of projecting hoops. The hoops conveniently project in the same direction as the above-mentioned loops and preferably by a corresponding amount. Conveniently the upper support means has a cradle projecting in the other direction relative to the frame. Preferably the apparatus accommodates a receptacle for garden waste.

The various aspects of the present invention will now be described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of apparatus including optional accessories prior to attachment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1 including other optional accessories prior to attachment.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus with the accessories of figure 2 fitted in place and showing some garden tools in place and a refuse bag.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the apparatus of figure 1 with an optional table attached thereto, figure 4 showing the table in a collapsed/storage position, and figure 5 showing it in its erected position.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the table separated from the cart.

Figure 6 shows the apparatus of figure 1 in a collapsed/storage position.

Figure 7 shows the apparatus of figure 1 in a partially collapsed/storage position.

Figure 8 shows the apparatus of figure 1 prior to the attachment of an optional watering system with water reservoir.

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of apparatus in its assembled position with a refuse bag in place.

Figure 10 shows the apparatus of figure 9 in a partially erect position.

Figure 11 shows the apparatus of figure 9 erected and prior to the addition of a refuse bag support means.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 13 to 15 are a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 12 in alternative configurations according to the incorporation of various accessories.

Figures 16 to 23 are perspective views of yet another embodiment of apparatus shown with alternative optional accessories.

Referring firstly to the embodiment of figures 1 to 8. The apparatus comprises a frame 1 having a handle 3 to its upper extent and a pair of wheels 5 mounted adjacent its lower extent and rotatable about axis X. In the illustrated embodiment the frame 1 comprises a first frame element in the form of a hoop having two parallel upright sides 7,9 and bottom and top rails 11,13. The top rail constitutes the aforesaid handle. The bottom rail conveniently serves as a pivotal mounting point for a lower support means/platform 15. The platform is formed in two parts 15a, 15b that are pivotally connected-see figures 6 and 7. A forward edge of part 15b has downwardly extending ground engaging feet 17. The wheels 5 are shown mounted on the opposite ends of an axle 18 that is mounted to the frame. Alternatively, the wheels could be mounted directly to the frame.

A U-shaped second frame 19 connects with the platform 15b adjacent its forward edge and the upper ends 21 of upright limbs 23,25 of the second frame are connected to the first frame by link members 27,29. The link members each comprise two parts 27a, 27b ; 29a, 29b that are pivotally connected-see figures 6 and 7. By virtue of this construction, the forward frame 19 can be moved from its position of use (as shown in figure 1) to a storage position (see figure 6) by pivoting the links 27,29 inwardly and the platform halves 15a, 15b, upwardly, thereby drawing the second frame towards the first frame element. The links are pivotal on the uprights of the respective frames, which are circular in cross-section, whilst the pivot axis of the support is parallel to the wheel axis.

Figures 1 to 8 also show transverse members 31,33 secured between the uprights of the first frame element at vertically spaced positions. These serve to strengthen the frame and serve as hangers for accessories described further hereinafter.

For example, figure 1 shows two tray-like elements 34 having a lip 35 for hooking over one of the transverse members 31,33.

Figure 2 shows additional accessories in the form of (1) a channelled support member 41 with end connections 43,45 for engaging with respective uprights of the first and second frames and, (2) a retaining bar 47 with corresponding end connections 43,45. Figure 3 shows the accessories of figure 2 in place, with garden tools retained thereby. In addition, figure 3 shows how the uprights of the first and second frame members together with the platform, define a reception space for a refuse bag 48. Note in particular that both frame members carry elements 97 at each end thereof in the form of jaws to grip the edges of a refuse bag.

Referring now to figures 4 and 5, there is illustrated another accessory comprising a table 51 having a first part 51 a that attaches to the apparatus, connecting by way of an upper one of the transverse members 31, and which is pivotally connected with a second part 51b. This is provided with a pair of legs 53 that are pivotally connected to the table (part 51b) to fold upwardly up to the underside thereof when support strut 55 is disengaged. Thus, the table is moveable from its position of use as illustrated in figure 5 to a storage position as illustrated in figure 4.

Figure 8 illustrates how a water reservoir 61 can be located with respect to the apparatus by means of a lower support bracket 63 that hooks onto a lower one of the transverse elements 33 and a hook element 65 connected to the water tank and which hooks onto an upper one of the transverse element 31. A water hose with a watering lance (not illustrated) connects with the water reservoir.

Referring now to figures 9 to 11, an alternative embodiment of apparatus is illustrated. Like parts use the same reference numerals to those of the first embodiment and are not described in further detail. Thus the embodiment has the wheeled frame 1,5 and lower support platform 15 of the first embodiment, but the second frame 19'is connected directly to the uprights of the first frame element by a respective sliding connection 71 and the second frame is inclined, in use, rather than upright. The sliding connection 71 in conjunction with the pivotal construction of the platform 15 and the pivot connection with the second frame 19' allows the apparatus to pivot between a position of use and a storage position. Figures 9 and 11 also illustrate how locating elements 75, 77 are provided that are releasably connectable with the housing of the sliding connection 71 and which carry jaws 79 at opposite ends thereof to grip a refuse bag 48 as illustrated in figure 9.

The water reservoir described and illustrated with reference to figures 8 can be used with the embodiment of figures 9 to 11.

Figures 12 to 15 illustrate yet a further embodiment which has a frame comprising first and second parts 81, 83 that are pivotally connected at a point 82 intermediate the opposite ends of uprights 85,87 ; 89,91. Wheels 5'are attached via a mounting to one of the frames 83. The frame 83 is generally U-shaped and of tubular construction having a circular cross-section.

The frame 81 comprises a hoop having top and bottom transverse elements connecting the sides 85, 87. A platform 15 which is the same as that of the previous embodiments in that it comprises two parts 15a', 15b'pivotally interconnected serves to interconnect lower transverse elements 93,95 of the first and second frame parts. One frame part includes a handle 94 and a transverse bracing element 95 extending between uprights 85,87. The opposite ends of the bracing element has gripping jaws 97, as do the free ends of uprights 89,91, for gripping a refuse bag 48-shown in figure 14. Figure 13 illustrates how members 103,105 can be connected to the gripping jaws 97 and a hinged tray 107 attached thereto. The members 103, 105 carry jaws 99 for gripping a refuse bag 48-as illustrated in

figure 15. The tray 107 can act as a lid for the refuse bag and has useful recesses 108. A position is created between the bracing element 95 and the tray 107 for accommodating tools, especially long handled tools.

Figures 16 to 23 show yet an alternative embodiment of apparatus. Here, the aforesaid frame is replaced by a central spine member 121, which has a one-piece support platform 123 with support leg 125 mounted at its lower end. Wheels 127 are journalled with respect to the platform or with respect to a transverse axle element (not illustrated) connected to the spine 121. The spine is tubular and has a telescopically adjustable upper part 121b that carries a T- bar handle 131 at its upper end. A rectangular support frame 133 for tools or a refuse bag depends from the spine and is preferably slidably and pivotally adjustable with respect thereto. A locking mechanism 135 allows it to be located in at least a lower position and an upper position-see figures 17 and 18 or rotated-see figure 19. The platform has useful recessing 124 to one side and the other of the line of the wheels to receive/locate tools. The rectangular frame may be provided with clips 141 for holding a refuse bag 48-as seen in figure 16. Figure 21 shows a tray like component 143 that can be attached to the spine for holding small tools or other objects. To this end, an upstanding flange thereof 144 has a hole 146 to locate on a hook 148 of the spine. Figure 22 shows a watering attachment, whilst figure 23 shows a clip bar 145 and to receive tools attached to the spine and having recesses 147 closed by releasable closure elements 149.

Figures 24 to 28 illustrate yet another embodiment of apparatus comprising a first frame 151 similar in construction to that of the first embodiment and having a pair of wheels 5 attached thereto. A ground-engaging support platform is provided and comprises a tubular construction that is generally W-shaped as viewed in plan to provide a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending support legs 153, and a rearwardly extending cradle 155 as viewed relative to the frame 151.

An upper support frame 157 having a similar configuration is also provided and attached to the first frame 151. The lower frame supports a platform 161. The upper and lower cradles support upper and lower trays 163. A refuse bag 48 can be attached to the upper frame by gripping element 165 as shown in figure 24. An X-shape brace 167 connects between the upper and lower frames to improve rigidity. Figure 27 shows how tools can be retained by the loops of the upper frame and supported on the platform 161. Figure 28 shows how a lid 169 can be fitted over the open top of the bag by connecting it to the upper support frame.

The legs of the lower frame may be provided with wheels 173.