Wagon With Footwell And Handle
Patent No. US11760399 (titled "Wagon With Footwell And Handle") was filed by Veer Gear Llc on Nov 22, 2021.
What is this patent about?
’399 is related to the field of consumer wagons, specifically those designed for carrying children and/or cargo. Traditional wagons, like the Radio Flyer, have drawbacks that this patent aims to address by providing improved features for multi-purpose use. The patent focuses on two main improvements: a collapsible footwell and a position-locking handle.
The underlying idea behind ’399 is to enhance the versatility and convenience of consumer wagons. This is achieved by incorporating a collapsible footwell that can be repositioned for use or storage, and a position-locking handle that can be secured in multiple positions for ease of use and storage. The collapsible footwell reduces the wagon's overall size when not in use, while the locking handle provides stability and prevents unwanted movement.
The claims of ’399 focus on a wagon comprising at least one peripheral wall, a bottom surface forming a container, a footwell extending from the bottom surface, and a handle that can be locked in a first position and moved about a pivot point in a second position to facilitate pulling. The handle extends beyond the end walls of the wagon when in the second position, allowing it to be positioned on either end for pulling.
The collapsible footwell is implemented using various mechanisms, including telescoping assemblies, pivoting linkages, or flexible materials. These designs allow the footrest to be easily moved between an extended position for use and a collapsed position for storage. The position-locking handle uses a pivot-lock mechanism with a release actuator, allowing the handle to be locked in positions such as upright, stowed, or down, providing flexibility and preventing the handle from contacting the ground.
The invention differentiates itself from prior art by offering a wagon with enhanced functionality and convenience. The collapsible footwell addresses the need for compact storage and transportation, while the position-locking handle provides improved control and prevents damage. Unlike traditional wagons with fixed footwells and freely rotating handles, ’399 offers a more versatile and user-friendly design, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2010s when ’399 was filed, wagons at a time when wagons were typically implemented using a rectangular base and four upright walls forming an open-topped container, with a pull handle pivotally coupled to the base front, and with four wheels rotationally mounted to the base bottom.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner approved the application because the prior art, whether considered individually or in combination, does not teach or fairly suggest a wagon with the features recited in claims 5, 16, and 36. These features include a wagon with end walls that can be positioned in a use position and a second position, a U-shaped handle that can be locked in a first position and rotated in a second position, and a footwell extending below the bottom surface of the container.
Claims
There are 42 claims in total. Independent claims are numbered 1, 4, and 23. These independent claims are directed to a wagon with features such as foldable walls, a footwell, and a locking handle. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the features and configurations described in the independent claims.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
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Date
Description
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US11760399
- Application Number
- US17456072
- Filing Date
- Nov 22, 2021
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Mar 8, 2037
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents