AU2020201729A1

AU2020201729A1 - Trolley Return System

Info

Publication number: AU2020201729A1
Application number: AU2020201729A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shaun Illingworth
Original assignee: Returned Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Returned Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-11
Filing date: 2020-03-09
Publication date: 2020-10-01

Abstract

A trolley return system comprising a securing device (12) securable to a trolley. The securing device (12) including a locking mechanism provided to allow the 5 securing device (12) to be attached to another item and an identifier is provided on the securing device (12). A software application is provided on a portable processing device having a sensor such that a registered user of the software application can release the locking mechanism to allow use of the trolley by detecting the identifier with the sensor. 10 1/8 28 50 32 12 20 24 26 Fig8 38 28 32

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Invention title:

"Trolley Return System"

Applicant:

Returned Pty Ltd

Associated provisional applications:

Application number 2019900785 filed on 11 March 2019

The following statement is a full description of the invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:

"Trolley Return System"

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring return of trolleys of the type that may be used in supermarkets.

Background to the Invention

[002] Many supermarkets utilise systems to control the use and return of trolleys. A common system uses locking devices on the handles of trolleys that lock each trolley to a previous trolley. In order to release a trolley, a coin must be inserted into the locking device. Such systems are provided to encourage the return of the trolley to the correct location, as the user of the trolley must return the trolley in order to retrieve their coin.

[003] Such systems however can be misused, either by inserting an object other than a coin into the slot or using another device to retrieve the coin from the slot while the trolley is disconnected.

[004] The present invention relates to a system for controlling return of shopping trolleys aimed at both alleviating such problems and providing additional functionality.

Summary of the Invention

[005] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a trolley return system comprising: a securing device securable to a trolley, the securing device including a locking mechanism provided to allow the securing device to be attached to another item; a sensing device provided for detecting an identifier; and a communication device provided in connection with the sensing device; wherein when the sensing device detects the identifier, information regarding a registered user of the system and a trolley is transmitted by the communication device to a remote computing device and the securing device releases the locking mechanism on receiving a return signal from the remote computing device confirming that the registered user is allowed to use the trolley.

[006] In one embodiment, the identifier is provided on the securing device and the sensing device and communication device are provided together on a portable processing device having application software.

[007] In one embodiment, the identifier comprises a visible marking, the portable processing device comprises a mobile phone and the sensor comprises a camera within the mobile phone.

[008] In one embodiment, the identifier comprises a QR code.

[009] Preferably the application software provides reminders regarding a time limit for use of the trolley.

[010] Preferably the software application includes a rating system to allow the user to provide feedback regarding the trolley and to report any damage to the trolley.

[011] In a further embodiment, the identifier is provided on a portable device having information regarding the registered user and the sensing device is provided on the securing device.

[012] In one embodiment, the communication device is provided on a base station to which trolleys are connected.

[013] In one embodiment, the portable device comprises a card and the identifier comprises an RFID chip on the card.

[014] Preferably the securing device comprises a housing fixable to a handle of the trolley and the locking mechanism is provided to allow connection between the housing of securing device and the housing of a securing device on an adjacent trolley.

[015] Preferably the housing comprises an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion each including a semi-cylindrical recess such that when the upper and lower housing portions are connected together, the recesses align to form a cylindrical bore extending from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing to receive a portion of the handle of the trolley.

[016] Preferably the locking mechanism includes a tether extending outwardly from the housing and having a plug at a distal end thereof, the housing also including an opening provided to receive a tongue extending outwardly from the plug.

[017] Preferably the locking mechanism includes a latch member provided within the housing to engage with the tongue.

[018] Preferably the latch member comprises a rod slidable within the housing to engage into or disengage from a hole provided in the tongue.

[019] Preferably the rod is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position by a motor which rotates a gear to engage with teeth provided along the length of the rod.

[020] Preferably the trolley return system records warning flags against the account of a user if trolleys are not detected as returned and wherein the trolley return system then alerts the user if the user attempts to use a further trolley.

[021] Preferably a ban flag may be recorded against a user's account, after which no further trolleys may be used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[022] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[023] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a securing device of a trolley return system in accordance with the present invention;

[024] Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the securing device of Figure 1;

[025] Figure 3 is a top view of the securing device of Figure 1;

[026] Figure 4 is a side view of the securing device of Figure 1;

[027] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the securing device of Figure 1;

[028] Figure 6 is a side cross sectional view of the securing device of Figure 1;

[029] Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of a plurality of securing devices secured to handles of shopping trolleys; and

[030] Figure 8 is a representation showing a number of screens presented to a registered user of the software application of the trolley return system.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[031] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a trolley return system comprising generally a securing device 12, a sensing device (not shown) and a communication device (not shown). The sensing device is capable of reading an identifier and the communication device is provided to transmit information to a remote computing device. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the sensing device and the communication device are provided together in the form of a portable processing device, such as a mobile phone with suitable application software installed. It will be appreciated however that other physical electronic devices may be used. The identifier in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8 is provided on the securing device 12.

[032] The securing device 12 is securable to the trolley and includes a locking mechanism such that the securing device 12 may be attached to, or released from, another item by the locking mechanism in order to allow securing and release of the trolley.

[033] In the embodiment shown, the securing device 12 comprises a housing 16 fixable to a handle 18 of the trolley. The locking mechanism is provided to allow connection between the housing 16 of the securing device 12 and the housing 16 of an adjacent securing device 12. In this way, the securing device 12 allows a series of trolleys to be interconnected such that each trolley must be disconnected from the other trolleys to allow the trolley to be used.

[034] The housing 16 comprises an upper housing portion 20 and a lower housing portion 21. Each of the upper and lower housing portions 20 and 21 includes a semi-cylindrical recess 22 such that when the upper and lower housing portions 20 and 21 are connected together, the recesses 22 align to form a cylindrical bore 24 extending from a first end of the housing 16 to a second end of the housing 16. The bore 24 is provided to receive a portion of the handle 18 of the trolley.

[035] The locking mechanism in the embodiment shown includes a tether 26 extending outwardly from the housing 16 having a plug 28 at a distal end thereof. The housing 16 includes an opening 30 provided to receive a tongue 32 extending outwardly from the plug 28. The locking mechanism includes also a latch member 34 provided within the housing 16 to engage with the tongue 32.

[036] In the embodiment shown, the latch member 34 comprises a rod 36 slidable within the housing 16 to engage into or disengage from a hole 38 provided in the tongue 32. The rod 32 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position by a motor 40 which rotates a gear 30 to engage with teeth 44 provided along the length of the rod 36. The motor 40 comprises an electric motor powered by a battery 46. A solar panel 48 may be provided on the housing 16 to charge the battery 46.

[037] The securing device 12 includes internal circuitry having a receiver provided to receive an unlock signal from the processing device. On receipt of the unlock signal, the motor 40 is operated to retract the rod 32 from the tongue 32 and to allow the plug 28 from the adjacent securing device 12 to be disengaged from the housing 12 such that the trolley is then free to use.

[038] The securing device 12 is provided with an identifier which is detectable by a sensor on the portable processing device. The identifier in the embodiment shown comprises a visible marking on a surface of the housing 16. In one particular embodiment, the identifier comprises a QR code 50 provided on the housing 16. The QR code 50 is unique to the securing device 12 and therefore identifies the particular trolley to which it is attached. The sensor on the portable processing device in this embodiment comprises the camera of the mobile phone. In a further embodiment (not shown), the identifier may not be a visible identifier. For example, the identifier may be an RFID tag readable by the mobile phone.

[039] The software application provided on the phone allows a user of the system to register with the system by providing personal details to be stored in a database on a remote computing device. The database can store personal information regarding registered users along with information relating to when they have unlocked trolleys for use and returned the trolleys.

[040] The portable processing device may scan the identifier and, via the software application, check that the user is registered and allowed to use the trolley via communication with the remote computing device over a suitable network, such as the Internet. If the user is registered and allowed to use the trolley, the portable processing device will send the unlock signal to the securing device 12, thereby allowing the securing device 12 to be disengaged from the adjacent securing device 12. Information is also transmitted to the database on the remote computing device including information regarding the trolley which has been released and the time and location.

[041] The software application may also provide reminders regarding a time limit for use of the trolley. The software application may in this case display an alert within a particular timeframe from unlocking the trolley in order to remind the user regarding return of the trolley.

[042] When the trolley is returned and connected to the securing device of other trolleys, the securing device 12 transmits a locked signal to the portable processing device, which the software application receives and then passes information along to the remote computing device confirming that the trolley has been returned.

[043] It is expected that a base station will be provided at suitable locations for connection of the first trolley in a series of trolleys. Further, the tethers 26 and the plugs 28 will be conductive such that an electrical signal is passed in series along the trolleys from the base station to each of the securing devices 12. In this way, power may be provided to each of the securing devices 12 while connected together in order to charge the battery 46. Further, should the securing device 12 on a trolley be connected to another trolley which is not located at the base station (for example a trolley simply left in a car pack), the securing device 12 will not receive the power from the base station and will therefore not send the locked signal.

[044] Figure 8 shows examples of screens that may be displayed by the software application. Screens may comprise a home screen 60, a login screen 61, a main menu 62, a scanning screen 63 at which the QR code 50 is scanned and a confirmation screen 64 displayed when the securing device 12 is unlocked. A reminder screen 65 may also be displayed to show the return alert reminder.

[045] The trolley return system may record warning flags against the account of a user if trolleys are not detected as returned. If the user attempts to use a further trolley while such warning flags are in place, the software application may warn the user. The trolley return system may also record a ban flag against a user's account in prescribed circumstances, in which no further trolleys may be used. The ban flag may be initiated upon determining that a prescribed number of trolleys have not been returned.

[046] The software application may also include a rating system. The rating system is provided to allow the user to provide feedback regarding the trolley and also to report any damage to the trolley. The particular trolley in question may therefore be flagged within the system for repair or replacement. The software application may also provide information to be stored in the database regarding usage habits of the users. This information may include timeframes for use of trolleys, along with information regarding the locations visited by the trolley. The information may also be used in conjunction with shopping software applications provided by a retailer.

[047] This information may be used to display relevant information to the user, from the software application. For example, the stored information may identify that the user regularly purchases certain products at a particular store and may then notify the user regarding special prices in relation to such products at appropriate times.

[048] In a second embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the sensing device is provided on the securing device 12 and the communication device is provided on the base station where trolleys are connected. The identifier in this embodiment is provided on a portable device carried by the user. The portable device may comprise a card where the identifier comprises an RFID chip. The card may, for example, be a membership card for the retail outlet operating the trolleys.

[049] In this embodiment, the user places the portable device in proximity of the securing device 12, which senses the identifier. This information is passed through the connected trolleys to the base station, which includes the communication device in order to communicate to the remote computing device. The communication device still sends information regarding the trolley (obtained from the securing device) and the registered user (obtained from the portable device) to the remote computing device and allows unlocking of the locking mechanism on receiving a return signal indicating that the registered user is allowed access to the trolley.

[050] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A trolley return system comprising: a securing device securable to a trolley, the securing device including a locking mechanism provided to allow the securing device to be attached to another item; a sensing device provided for detecting an identifier; and a communication device provided in connection with the sensing device; wherein when the sensing device detects the identifier, information regarding a registered user of the system and a trolley is transmitted by the communication device to a remote computing device and the securing device releases the locking mechanism on receiving a return signal from the remote computing device confirming that the registered user is allowed to use the trolley.

2. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the identifier is provided on the securing device and the sensing device and communication device are provided together on a portable processing device having application software.

3. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the identifier comprises a visible marking, the portable processing device comprises a mobile phone and the sensor comprises a camera within the mobile phone.

4. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the identifier comprises a QR code.

5. A trolley return system in accordance with any one claims 2 to 4, wherein the application software provides reminders regarding a time limit for use of the trolley.

6. A trolley return system in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the software application includes a rating system to allow the user to provide feedback regarding the trolley and to report any damage to the trolley.

7. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the identifier is provided on a portable device having information regarding the registered user and the sensing device is provided on the securing device.

8. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the communication device is provided on a base station to which trolleys are connected.

9. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the portable device comprises a card and the identifier comprises an RFID chip on the card.

10. A trolley return system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing device comprises a housing fixable to a handle of the trolley and the locking mechanism is provided to allow connection between the housing of securing device and the housing of a securing device on an adjacent trolley.

11. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the housing comprises an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion each including a semi-cylindrical recess such that when the upper and lower housing portions are connected together, the recesses align to form a cylindrical bore extending from the first end of the housing to a second end of the housing to receive a portion of the handle of the trolley.

12. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 10 or 11, wherein the locking mechanism includes a tether extending outwardly from the housing and having a plug at a distal end thereof, the housing also including an opening provided to receive a tongue extending outwardly from the plug.

12. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism includes a latch member provided within the housing to engage with the tongue.

13. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the latch member comprises a rod slidable within the housing to engage into or disengage from a hole provided in the tongue.

14. A trolley return system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the rod is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position by a motor which rotates a gear to engage with teeth provided along the length of the rod.

15. A trolley return system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trolley return system records warning flags against the account of a user if trolleys are not detected as returned and wherein the trolley return system then alerts the user if the user attempts to use a further trolley.

16. A trolley return system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ban flag may be recorded against a user's account, after which no further trolleys may be used.

Returned Pty Ltd by its Patent Attorneys Armour IP