US 12,128,858 B2
Cart with powered folding in a battery electric vehicle
Randall A. Smock, Redondo Beach, CA (US)
Assigned to HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Oct. 25, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/509,206.
Prior Publication US 2023/0126601 A1, Apr. 27, 2023
Int. Cl. B62B 3/02 (2006.01); B60S 5/06 (2019.01); B62B 3/04 (2006.01); B62B 3/14 (2006.01); B62B 5/00 (2006.01); H02J 7/00 (2006.01)
CPC B60S 5/06 (2013.01) [B62B 3/025 (2013.01); B62B 3/04 (2013.01); B62B 3/1464 (2013.01); B62B 5/0003 (2013.01); H02J 7/0045 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A cart with powered folding and unfolding capability comprising:
a cradle for holding a load;
a frame supporting said cradle, said frame including:
a U-shaped leg member defining a pair of free ends connected to said cradle and a cross-bar end connected to a pair of primary wheels for ground engagement to enable said cart to roll along the ground;
at least one leg pivot motor coupled to said U-shaped leg member to enable powered folding of said U-shaped leg member rotatably about said cradle to: (a) a first position in which the U-shaped leg member is beneath the cradle with the pair of primary wheels engaging the ground and (b) a second position in which the U-shaped leg member is substantially parallel with the cradle;
a battery disposed on said cradle to power said leg pivot motor to enable powered folding and unfolding of said U-shaped leg member with respect to said cradle upon actuation; and
an actuator disposed on said frame to initiate powered folding or unfolding of said U-shaped leg member.