Cart apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to cart devices and more particularly pertains to a new cart device for assisting a hunter in transporting game.

[0002] The present invention meets the objectives presented above by generally comprising a frame for receiving game. The frame includes a pair of side supports and a plurality of lateral supports that are attached to and extend between the side supports. A netting material is attached to the frame and extends between the side supports. An axle is rotatably coupled to the frame. The axle extends between the side supports and has a pair of opposite ends. A pair of wheels is attached to the axle. Each of the wheels is positioned adjacent to one of the opposite ends. A motor is mounted to the frame. A drive shaft is mechanically coupled to the motor and to the axle. The motor rotates the wheels when the drive shaft is engaged.

[0003] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0004] The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

[0015] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 9 thereof, a new cart device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0016] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 9, the cart apparatus 10 generally comprises a frame 12 for receiving game 8, such as deer, acquired during hunting. The frame 12 includes a pair of side supports 14. Each of the side supports 14 includes a first leg 16 and a second leg 18 each having a first end 20 and a second end 22. The first ends 20 are attached together and an angle between the first 16 and second 18 legs is between 40 degrees and 70 degrees so that the first 20 and second 22 ends extend upwardly from a ground surface when the frame 12 is being used to transport game 8. Each of the first 16 and second 18 legs has a break 24 therein to define a first 26 and second 28 portion of each of the first 16 and second 18 legs. Each of the first portions 26 is hingedly coupled to a corresponding one of the second 28 portions. The first portions 26 are foldable into a stored position to allow the frame 12 to be more easily transported and stored when not in use. The first legs 16 have a longer length than the second legs 18.

[0017] The frame 12 further includes a plurality of lateral supports 30 that are attached to and extend between the side supports 14. The frame 12 includes a handle 32 that is attached to and extends between the side supports 14. The handle 32 is positioned adjacent to the second ends 22 of the first arms 16. The handle 32 may be pivotally coupled to the side supports 14 to allow the handle 32 to be folded into a stored position as shown in FIG. 7. A pair of braces 34 is provided. Each of the braces 34 is attached to and extends between an attached pair of the first 16 and second 18 legs.

[0018] A netting material 36 is attached to the frame 12 and extends between the side supports 14. The netting material 36 may be attached to the frame 12 by hooks 38 mounted on the first 16 and second 18 legs or on the lateral supports 30. The hooks 38 allow the netting material 36 to be removed when the apparatus 10 is not being used. The netting material 36 receives the game 8 and supports it on the frame 12.

[0019] An axle 40 is rotatably coupled to the frame 12. The axle 40 extends between the side supports 14 and has a pair of opposite ends 42. The axle 40 is positioned at a juncture of the first 16 and second 18 legs of each of the side supports 14. A pair of wheels 44 is attached to the axle. Each of the wheels 44 is positioned adjacent to one of the opposite ends 42. A motor 46 is mounted to the frame 12 and a drive shaft 48 is mechanically coupled to the motor 46 and to the axle 40. The motor 46 rotates the wheels 44 when the drive shaft 48 is engaged. An actuator 50 for actuating the drive shaft 48 is mounted on the handle 32 and mechanically coupled to the motor 46. Apparatus 10 may use a conventional centrifugal clutch assembly 56 which engages the motor 46 with the axle 40 when the motor 46 attains sufficient rpm. The motor 46 may be an electric motor or a gas powered motor. The actuator 50 controls fuel flow or electrical power being supplied to the motor 46 which in turns increases the speed of the centrifugal clutch 56 to cause it to engage the axle 40. The motor 46, actuator 50 and drive shaft 48 are conventional in nature and may include both reverse and forward drive options. A brake assembly 52 is mechanically coupled to the axle 40. The brake assembly 52 restricts rotation of the axle 40 when the brake assembly 52 is actuated by its grip 54. FIG. 8 depicts a version which is gear driven where as FIG. 9 utilizes a chain and sprocket wheels.

[0020] In use, the apparatus 10 is retained in a stored, folded position until needed as seen in FIG. 7. The wheels 44 are removably coupled to the axle 40 to allow them to be removed when the apparatus 10 is being stored. When needed, the first 16 and second 18 arms are extended and the netting 36 positioned on the frame 12. The game 8 is then positioned on the netting 36 and the motor 46 used to rotate the wheels 44 and transport the game 8 where needed.

[0021] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0022] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.