CA2154815A1 - Shopping cart with a device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack thereof, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart - Google Patents
Shopping cart with a device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack thereof, and a kit for modifying a shopping cartInfo
- Publication number
- CA2154815A1 CA2154815A1 CA002154815A CA2154815A CA2154815A1 CA 2154815 A1 CA2154815 A1 CA 2154815A1 CA 002154815 A CA002154815 A CA 002154815A CA 2154815 A CA2154815 A CA 2154815A CA 2154815 A1 CA2154815 A1 CA 2154815A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rack
- shopping cart
- basket
- pull member
- end section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
- B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
A shopping cart having a wheeled frame, an upper basket, a lower rack, and a lower rack signalling device for indicating the presence of a load on the lower rack. The lower rack signalling device has a pull member with one end section being connected to the lower rack and another end section connected to a flag assembly. The lower rack is biased to an upper position when the rack is not loaded.
When the lower rack is loaded, the weight of the load forces the lower rack to descend to a lower position thereby lowering the pull member and causing a flag of the flag assembly to swing from a retracted position to a raised position, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart as described.
When the lower rack is loaded, the weight of the load forces the lower rack to descend to a lower position thereby lowering the pull member and causing a flag of the flag assembly to swing from a retracted position to a raised position, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart as described.
Description
215g815 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shopping cart with a device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack of the shopping cart, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shopping carts are designed for use in shopping areas where groceries or other goods are to be carried on the shopping carts to the check-out cashier for checking out. A conventional shopping cart consists of a wheeled frame and a handle bar. A basket is attached to an upper portion of the frame. A rack is pivotally connected to a lower portion of thé frame.
Goods are adapted to be carried in the upper basket.
However, goods are sometimes being carried on the lower rack. When the shopping cart is brought to the check-out cashier, it will be positioned by the side of a check-out counter. In this position, the goods on the lower rack will be out of sight from the check-out cashier unless the goods are placed on top of the check-out counter by the shopper.
However, the shopper may sometimes either intentionally or unintentionally leave goods on the lower rack without showing the cashier for check out. This causes loss to the owner of the shop.
In order to avoid the above situation, it is desirable to provide a signal device on a shopping cart Z15~
to indicate the presence of goods on the lower rack that are supposed to be removed therefrom.
Shopping carts with signal devices to in*icate the presence of goods on lower racks are proposed in the prior art.
U.S. Patent No. 4,465,290 granted to Charles M.
Hooley on August 14, 1984 proposed a shopping cart with a lower rack signalling device. The signalling device proposed included an elongated hollow member connected between an upper basket and a lower rack of a shopping cart, and an elongated rigid member mounted to the basket with a portion slidably connected to an upper end of the hollow member. Either the hollow or the rigid member had a signal portion which when exposed, indicated the presence of a load on the lower rack. A disadvantage of this proposed signalling device was that it consists of a number of slidably connecting parts which are complicated in structure and are not readily repairable or replaceable when damaged.
U.S. Patent No. 3,051,936 granted to A. E. Finger et al on August 28, 1962 proposed an electric alarm system for shopping carts. An electric circuit was proposed which would close and an alarm would sound when a shopping cart with loaded lower rack comes in contact with special contact strips at the check-out aisle. This proposed alarm system was also very complicated and is costly to install and maintain.
215~81~
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a shopping cart with a lower rack load signalling device which is simple in construction and easy to install.
The present invention provides a shopping cart comprising a wheeled frame; a basket secured to an upper portion of the frame; a rack provided below the basket and having a front end pivotally connected to a lower portion of the frame; the rack being adapted to be moveable from an upper position to a lower position when the rack is loaded with an article; and signal means for indicating the presence of an article on the rack.
The indicating means comprisès a L-shaped member having a horizontally extending section and a vertically extending section, the horizontal section being extending across the rack at the free rear end thereof, and the vertical section being extending upwardly along one side of the basket; fastening means for fixedly connecting the horizontal section of the L-shaped member to the rack;
flag means pivotally connected to the upper free end of the vertical section of the L-shaped member, and adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position when the L-shaped member is lowered; means for biasing the rack in the upper position when the rack is not loaded; and means for limiting the downward movement of the rack at the lower position, wherein when the rack is loaded with an article, the weight of the article d~`' ' forces the rack to descend to the lower position thereby lowering the L-shaped member and raising the flag means.
The present invention further provides a receiving means mounted to an upper side edge of the basket for receiving the flag means in the retracted position.
The present invention further provides means for limiting the retracting movement of the flag means and supporting the flag means in the receiving means in the retracted position.
The present invention further provides a pivot pin about which the flag means pivots.
The present invention further provides a shopping cart wherein the biasing means are in the form of two laterally spaced spring members connecting between the horizontal section of the L-shaped member and the bottom of the basket.
The present invention further provides a shopping cart wherein the L-shaped member is formed by a single piece of rod member.
The present invention further provides a kit for modifying a conventional shopping cart into a shopping cart with a lower rack signal device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack thereof.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by 215~815 its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a shopping cart according to the present invention with movement shown in phantom;
Fig. 2 is a cutaway rear elevational view of the shopping cart of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the detailed mechanism of a lower rack signalling device of the shopping cart; and Fig. 4 is an exploded view showing the detailed structures of a flag assembly of the lower rack signalling device showing movement in phantom.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
Referring now in detail to the several views of the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a side elevational view of a shopping cart generally designated by reference numeral 10. The shopping cart 10 is provided with a basket 12 and a shelf or rack 14. The basket 12 is mounted to an upper portion of a wheeled frame 16 of the shopping cart lO. The rack 14 is hingedly connected to a lower front portion of the wheeled frame 16 of the shopping cart 10.
The basket 12 and the rack 14 are usually formed of interconnecting spaced wire or rod members 18. The 21~4815 basket 12, the rack 14, and the wheeled frame 16 are features of a conventional shopping cart.
A lower rack signalling device, generally designated by reference numeral 20, is connected to the shopping cart 10. This signal device 20 is moveable (as shown in phantom) to indicate to a check-out cashier whether goods are loaded on the lower rack 14 of the shopping cart 10, or whether it is empty.
Figs. 2 and 3 show the detailed structures of the signal device 20. The signal device 20 comprises a pull member represented by reference numeral 22. According to the present embodiment, the pull member 22 takes the form of a L-shaped rod member 22 having a vertically extending rod section 24 and a horizontally extending rod section 26.
The horizontal rod section 26 is fixedly connected to a cross member 28 of the lower rack 14 by a pair of laterally spaced clamp members 3Oa, 3Ob, as best illustrated in Fig. 3.
A pair of laterally spaced spring members 32a, 32b are used to bias the lower rack 14 in an unloaded or an upper position.
One end of the spring member 32a is secured to the horizontal rod section 26, and the other end of the spring member 32a is secured to a plate 34a mounted to the rod members 18 at the bottom of the basket 12 by inturned ends 35a. Similarly, one end of the spring member 32b is secured to the section 26, and the other end of the spring member 32b is secured to a plate 34b being laterally spaced from the plate 34a and mounted to the rod members 18 at the bottom of the basket 12 by inturned ends 35b.
When goods are put on the lower rack 14, the weight of the goods forces the lower rack 14 to descend to a loaded or a lower position, as shown by phantom (Figs. 1 and 3). Further downward movement of the lower rack 14 is limited by a cross member 38 which is fixedly connected to a lower portion of the shopping cart 10.
A flag assembly indicated by reference numeral 36 is operatively connected to the vertical rod section 24 of the L-shaped member 22. The flag assembly 36 consists of a moveable signalling flag 40.
When the lower rack 14 is unloaded and is in its upper position, the flag 40 rests inside the flag assembly 36. When the lower rack 14 is loaded with goods and is in its lower position, the flag 40 rises up from the flag assembly 36 indicating the presence of goods on the lower rack 14.
Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the signalling flag assembly 36. A flag 40 is pivotally connected to an upper end 42 of the vertical rod section 24 about pivot pin 44. It is understood that the pivot pin 44 has enlarged heads or other retaining means on both ends thereof for retaining the pin 44 in position. The flag 40 can be made of plastic, or metal, or other suitable materials.
~ According to the present embodiment, the flag 40 is in the form of a plate generally triangular in shape.
The generally triangular-shaped flag 40 has three rounded corners 46, 48, 50, and three sides 52, 54, 56. The flag 40 is pivotally connected to the upper end 42 of the vertical rod section 24 at the rounded corner 46.
According to the preferred embodiment, a pocket, designated by reference numeral 58, is provided to receive the flag 40. The pocket 58 is preferably made of plastic material, although it may be made of metal or other suitable materials. The pocket 58 is generally rectangular in shape. The pocket 58 is defined by a front panel 60, a rear panel 62, a top opening 64, a bottom end 66, a closed side 68, and an open side 70.
The flag 40 is adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position, as shown by phantom lines in Fig. 4. In the retracted position, the entire flag 40 lies within the pocket 58 with the side 52 of the flag 40 extending horizontally across the top opening 64 of the pocket 58 and substantially lying on a same horizontal plane with the top rod member 18' of the basket 12.
A flag support member 72 is provided within the pocket 58 at a bottom part thereof. The flag support member 72 is, according to the present embodiment, triangular in shape. In the retracted position, the side 56 of the flag 40 abuts against and is supported on a ~ slanted side 74 of the triangular-shaped flag support member 72.
The flag 40 is pivotally connected to the inner surface of the rear panel 62 about a pivot pin 75. It is also understood that the pivot pin 75 has retaining means such as enlarged heads at both ends thereof for retaining the pin 75 in position.
When the upright rod section 24 of the L-shaped member 22 moves downwards, it pulls the rounded corner 46 of the flag 40 downwards rendering the flag 40 to pivot about the pivot pin 75 thereby swinging the flag 40 upwards to a raised position, as illustrated by the phantom lines in Fig. 4. When the upright rod section 24 moves upwards, it causes the flag 40 to swing downwards and back into the pocket 58 in a retracted position.
The pocket 58 is mounted to an upper side edge of the basket 12 in a position best shown in Fig. 1. To secure the pocket 58 to the basket 12, three clips 76, 78, 80 with respective elongated openings 82, 84, 86 are employed. The elongated openings 82, 84, 86 are adapted to receive and tightly hold respective parallelly extending and spaced rod members 18 of the basket 12.
Screws 88, 90, 92 are used to fasten the clips 76, 78, 80 to the basket 12 through threaded openings 94, 96, 98 on the clips 76, 78, 80 respectively. Two clips 76, 78 are fastened on the outer surface of the rear panel 62 and clipped on one rod member 18. The clip 80 is fastened on the rear panel 62 and clipped on another parallelly spaced rod member 18.
The signal device 20 of the present invention can be produced together with and mounted to newly manufactured shopping carts, or it can be mounted retroactively to existing shopping carts.
When the lower rack 14 of the shopping cart 10 is not loaded, the lower rack 14 is held up in an upper position by springs 32a, 32b, and the flag 40 is down in a retracted position, within the pocket 58.
The signal device 20 does not cause any obstruction to a shopper. Furthermore, the signal device 20 does not cause any obstruction when like shopping carts are nested together for storage.
When the lower rack 14 is loaded with groceries or goods, the lower rack 14 is forced downwards by the weight of the groceries or goods G to a lower position where it is stopped by the cross member 38. As the lower rack 14 moves downwards, the L-shaped member 22 being fixedly connected to the lower rack 14 also moves downwards. The downward moving L-shaped member 22 pulls the flag 40 by one end 46 causing the flag 40 to swing upwards out of the pocket 58 from a retracted position to a raised position. This raised flag 40 gives an indication to a check-out cashier of the presence of goods on the lower rack 14.
The signal device of the present invention can be built in new shopping carts, or it can be sold as a kit and retrofitted on existing shopping cart.
When the signal device is sold as a kit, it can be fastened to an existing shopping cart. This would avoid the necessity of replacing existing shopping carts with new shopping carts, and save the expense of replacement of the carts. The objects of the present invention can therefore be achieved with a minimum cost.
The lower rack signal kit of the present invention is so designed that it could be fastened to existing shopping carts of various designs. With simple tools, an existing shopping cart can be modified to a shopping cart with a lower rack signal device.
To fasten the lower rack signal kit to a shopping cart, the L-shaped member 22 is fixedly mounted to a laterally extending cross bar of a lower rack of the shopping cart by fastening means 30a, 30b, and then the flag device 36 is fixedly mounted to the rod members of an upper basket of the shopping cart by fastening means 76, 78, 80.
The horizontal section 26 of the L-shaped member 22 extends across and above one end of the lower rack, whereas the vertical section 24 of the L-shaped member 22 extends upwards along and abuts against the outside of the upper basket. The flag device 36 is generally planar in shape and abuts against an upper edge outside the -basket. None of the features of the signal device would obstruct the nesting of like shopping carts together.
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention relates to a shopping cart with a device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack of the shopping cart, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shopping carts are designed for use in shopping areas where groceries or other goods are to be carried on the shopping carts to the check-out cashier for checking out. A conventional shopping cart consists of a wheeled frame and a handle bar. A basket is attached to an upper portion of the frame. A rack is pivotally connected to a lower portion of thé frame.
Goods are adapted to be carried in the upper basket.
However, goods are sometimes being carried on the lower rack. When the shopping cart is brought to the check-out cashier, it will be positioned by the side of a check-out counter. In this position, the goods on the lower rack will be out of sight from the check-out cashier unless the goods are placed on top of the check-out counter by the shopper.
However, the shopper may sometimes either intentionally or unintentionally leave goods on the lower rack without showing the cashier for check out. This causes loss to the owner of the shop.
In order to avoid the above situation, it is desirable to provide a signal device on a shopping cart Z15~
to indicate the presence of goods on the lower rack that are supposed to be removed therefrom.
Shopping carts with signal devices to in*icate the presence of goods on lower racks are proposed in the prior art.
U.S. Patent No. 4,465,290 granted to Charles M.
Hooley on August 14, 1984 proposed a shopping cart with a lower rack signalling device. The signalling device proposed included an elongated hollow member connected between an upper basket and a lower rack of a shopping cart, and an elongated rigid member mounted to the basket with a portion slidably connected to an upper end of the hollow member. Either the hollow or the rigid member had a signal portion which when exposed, indicated the presence of a load on the lower rack. A disadvantage of this proposed signalling device was that it consists of a number of slidably connecting parts which are complicated in structure and are not readily repairable or replaceable when damaged.
U.S. Patent No. 3,051,936 granted to A. E. Finger et al on August 28, 1962 proposed an electric alarm system for shopping carts. An electric circuit was proposed which would close and an alarm would sound when a shopping cart with loaded lower rack comes in contact with special contact strips at the check-out aisle. This proposed alarm system was also very complicated and is costly to install and maintain.
215~81~
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a shopping cart with a lower rack load signalling device which is simple in construction and easy to install.
The present invention provides a shopping cart comprising a wheeled frame; a basket secured to an upper portion of the frame; a rack provided below the basket and having a front end pivotally connected to a lower portion of the frame; the rack being adapted to be moveable from an upper position to a lower position when the rack is loaded with an article; and signal means for indicating the presence of an article on the rack.
The indicating means comprisès a L-shaped member having a horizontally extending section and a vertically extending section, the horizontal section being extending across the rack at the free rear end thereof, and the vertical section being extending upwardly along one side of the basket; fastening means for fixedly connecting the horizontal section of the L-shaped member to the rack;
flag means pivotally connected to the upper free end of the vertical section of the L-shaped member, and adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position when the L-shaped member is lowered; means for biasing the rack in the upper position when the rack is not loaded; and means for limiting the downward movement of the rack at the lower position, wherein when the rack is loaded with an article, the weight of the article d~`' ' forces the rack to descend to the lower position thereby lowering the L-shaped member and raising the flag means.
The present invention further provides a receiving means mounted to an upper side edge of the basket for receiving the flag means in the retracted position.
The present invention further provides means for limiting the retracting movement of the flag means and supporting the flag means in the receiving means in the retracted position.
The present invention further provides a pivot pin about which the flag means pivots.
The present invention further provides a shopping cart wherein the biasing means are in the form of two laterally spaced spring members connecting between the horizontal section of the L-shaped member and the bottom of the basket.
The present invention further provides a shopping cart wherein the L-shaped member is formed by a single piece of rod member.
The present invention further provides a kit for modifying a conventional shopping cart into a shopping cart with a lower rack signal device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack thereof.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by 215~815 its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a shopping cart according to the present invention with movement shown in phantom;
Fig. 2 is a cutaway rear elevational view of the shopping cart of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the detailed mechanism of a lower rack signalling device of the shopping cart; and Fig. 4 is an exploded view showing the detailed structures of a flag assembly of the lower rack signalling device showing movement in phantom.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
Referring now in detail to the several views of the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a side elevational view of a shopping cart generally designated by reference numeral 10. The shopping cart 10 is provided with a basket 12 and a shelf or rack 14. The basket 12 is mounted to an upper portion of a wheeled frame 16 of the shopping cart lO. The rack 14 is hingedly connected to a lower front portion of the wheeled frame 16 of the shopping cart 10.
The basket 12 and the rack 14 are usually formed of interconnecting spaced wire or rod members 18. The 21~4815 basket 12, the rack 14, and the wheeled frame 16 are features of a conventional shopping cart.
A lower rack signalling device, generally designated by reference numeral 20, is connected to the shopping cart 10. This signal device 20 is moveable (as shown in phantom) to indicate to a check-out cashier whether goods are loaded on the lower rack 14 of the shopping cart 10, or whether it is empty.
Figs. 2 and 3 show the detailed structures of the signal device 20. The signal device 20 comprises a pull member represented by reference numeral 22. According to the present embodiment, the pull member 22 takes the form of a L-shaped rod member 22 having a vertically extending rod section 24 and a horizontally extending rod section 26.
The horizontal rod section 26 is fixedly connected to a cross member 28 of the lower rack 14 by a pair of laterally spaced clamp members 3Oa, 3Ob, as best illustrated in Fig. 3.
A pair of laterally spaced spring members 32a, 32b are used to bias the lower rack 14 in an unloaded or an upper position.
One end of the spring member 32a is secured to the horizontal rod section 26, and the other end of the spring member 32a is secured to a plate 34a mounted to the rod members 18 at the bottom of the basket 12 by inturned ends 35a. Similarly, one end of the spring member 32b is secured to the section 26, and the other end of the spring member 32b is secured to a plate 34b being laterally spaced from the plate 34a and mounted to the rod members 18 at the bottom of the basket 12 by inturned ends 35b.
When goods are put on the lower rack 14, the weight of the goods forces the lower rack 14 to descend to a loaded or a lower position, as shown by phantom (Figs. 1 and 3). Further downward movement of the lower rack 14 is limited by a cross member 38 which is fixedly connected to a lower portion of the shopping cart 10.
A flag assembly indicated by reference numeral 36 is operatively connected to the vertical rod section 24 of the L-shaped member 22. The flag assembly 36 consists of a moveable signalling flag 40.
When the lower rack 14 is unloaded and is in its upper position, the flag 40 rests inside the flag assembly 36. When the lower rack 14 is loaded with goods and is in its lower position, the flag 40 rises up from the flag assembly 36 indicating the presence of goods on the lower rack 14.
Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the signalling flag assembly 36. A flag 40 is pivotally connected to an upper end 42 of the vertical rod section 24 about pivot pin 44. It is understood that the pivot pin 44 has enlarged heads or other retaining means on both ends thereof for retaining the pin 44 in position. The flag 40 can be made of plastic, or metal, or other suitable materials.
~ According to the present embodiment, the flag 40 is in the form of a plate generally triangular in shape.
The generally triangular-shaped flag 40 has three rounded corners 46, 48, 50, and three sides 52, 54, 56. The flag 40 is pivotally connected to the upper end 42 of the vertical rod section 24 at the rounded corner 46.
According to the preferred embodiment, a pocket, designated by reference numeral 58, is provided to receive the flag 40. The pocket 58 is preferably made of plastic material, although it may be made of metal or other suitable materials. The pocket 58 is generally rectangular in shape. The pocket 58 is defined by a front panel 60, a rear panel 62, a top opening 64, a bottom end 66, a closed side 68, and an open side 70.
The flag 40 is adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position, as shown by phantom lines in Fig. 4. In the retracted position, the entire flag 40 lies within the pocket 58 with the side 52 of the flag 40 extending horizontally across the top opening 64 of the pocket 58 and substantially lying on a same horizontal plane with the top rod member 18' of the basket 12.
A flag support member 72 is provided within the pocket 58 at a bottom part thereof. The flag support member 72 is, according to the present embodiment, triangular in shape. In the retracted position, the side 56 of the flag 40 abuts against and is supported on a ~ slanted side 74 of the triangular-shaped flag support member 72.
The flag 40 is pivotally connected to the inner surface of the rear panel 62 about a pivot pin 75. It is also understood that the pivot pin 75 has retaining means such as enlarged heads at both ends thereof for retaining the pin 75 in position.
When the upright rod section 24 of the L-shaped member 22 moves downwards, it pulls the rounded corner 46 of the flag 40 downwards rendering the flag 40 to pivot about the pivot pin 75 thereby swinging the flag 40 upwards to a raised position, as illustrated by the phantom lines in Fig. 4. When the upright rod section 24 moves upwards, it causes the flag 40 to swing downwards and back into the pocket 58 in a retracted position.
The pocket 58 is mounted to an upper side edge of the basket 12 in a position best shown in Fig. 1. To secure the pocket 58 to the basket 12, three clips 76, 78, 80 with respective elongated openings 82, 84, 86 are employed. The elongated openings 82, 84, 86 are adapted to receive and tightly hold respective parallelly extending and spaced rod members 18 of the basket 12.
Screws 88, 90, 92 are used to fasten the clips 76, 78, 80 to the basket 12 through threaded openings 94, 96, 98 on the clips 76, 78, 80 respectively. Two clips 76, 78 are fastened on the outer surface of the rear panel 62 and clipped on one rod member 18. The clip 80 is fastened on the rear panel 62 and clipped on another parallelly spaced rod member 18.
The signal device 20 of the present invention can be produced together with and mounted to newly manufactured shopping carts, or it can be mounted retroactively to existing shopping carts.
When the lower rack 14 of the shopping cart 10 is not loaded, the lower rack 14 is held up in an upper position by springs 32a, 32b, and the flag 40 is down in a retracted position, within the pocket 58.
The signal device 20 does not cause any obstruction to a shopper. Furthermore, the signal device 20 does not cause any obstruction when like shopping carts are nested together for storage.
When the lower rack 14 is loaded with groceries or goods, the lower rack 14 is forced downwards by the weight of the groceries or goods G to a lower position where it is stopped by the cross member 38. As the lower rack 14 moves downwards, the L-shaped member 22 being fixedly connected to the lower rack 14 also moves downwards. The downward moving L-shaped member 22 pulls the flag 40 by one end 46 causing the flag 40 to swing upwards out of the pocket 58 from a retracted position to a raised position. This raised flag 40 gives an indication to a check-out cashier of the presence of goods on the lower rack 14.
The signal device of the present invention can be built in new shopping carts, or it can be sold as a kit and retrofitted on existing shopping cart.
When the signal device is sold as a kit, it can be fastened to an existing shopping cart. This would avoid the necessity of replacing existing shopping carts with new shopping carts, and save the expense of replacement of the carts. The objects of the present invention can therefore be achieved with a minimum cost.
The lower rack signal kit of the present invention is so designed that it could be fastened to existing shopping carts of various designs. With simple tools, an existing shopping cart can be modified to a shopping cart with a lower rack signal device.
To fasten the lower rack signal kit to a shopping cart, the L-shaped member 22 is fixedly mounted to a laterally extending cross bar of a lower rack of the shopping cart by fastening means 30a, 30b, and then the flag device 36 is fixedly mounted to the rod members of an upper basket of the shopping cart by fastening means 76, 78, 80.
The horizontal section 26 of the L-shaped member 22 extends across and above one end of the lower rack, whereas the vertical section 24 of the L-shaped member 22 extends upwards along and abuts against the outside of the upper basket. The flag device 36 is generally planar in shape and abuts against an upper edge outside the -basket. None of the features of the signal device would obstruct the nesting of like shopping carts together.
The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A shopping cart comprising:
a wheeled frame;
a basket secured to an upper portion of said frame;
a rack provided below said basket and having one end pivotally connected to a lower portion of said frame, said rack being adapted to be moveable from an upper position to a lower position when said rack is loaded, indicator means provided at an upper portion of said basket for indicating the presence of a load on said rack;
a pull member having a first end section being connected to said rack at a free moveable end thereof and a second end section being connected to said indicator means;
fastening means for fixedly connecting said first end section of said pull member to said rack;
said indicator means being pivotally connected to an upper free end of said second end section of said pull member, and adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position when said pull member is lowered;
means for biasing said rack in said upper position when said rack is not loaded;
whereby when said rack is loaded with an article, the weight of said article forces said rack to descend to said lower position thereby lowering said pull member and raising said indicator means.
a wheeled frame;
a basket secured to an upper portion of said frame;
a rack provided below said basket and having one end pivotally connected to a lower portion of said frame, said rack being adapted to be moveable from an upper position to a lower position when said rack is loaded, indicator means provided at an upper portion of said basket for indicating the presence of a load on said rack;
a pull member having a first end section being connected to said rack at a free moveable end thereof and a second end section being connected to said indicator means;
fastening means for fixedly connecting said first end section of said pull member to said rack;
said indicator means being pivotally connected to an upper free end of said second end section of said pull member, and adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position when said pull member is lowered;
means for biasing said rack in said upper position when said rack is not loaded;
whereby when said rack is loaded with an article, the weight of said article forces said rack to descend to said lower position thereby lowering said pull member and raising said indicator means.
2. A shopping cart as claimed in claim 1 further comprising receiving means mounted to an upper side edge of said basket for receiving said indicator means in said retracted position.
3. A shopping cart as claimed in claim 2 wherein said receiving means further comprises means for limiting the retracting movement of said indicator means and supporting said indicator means in said receiving means in said retracted position.
4. A shopping cart as claimed in claim 2 wherein said receiving means further comprising a pivot pin about which said indicator means pivots.
5. A shopping cart as claimed in claim 2 wherein said indicator means is pivotally connected to said upper free end of said second end section of said pull member by means of a pin, said pin being adapted to slide along an elongated slot provided on said receiving means.
6. A shopping cart as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fastening means is in the form of at least one clamp.
7. A shopping cart as claimed in claim 1 wherein said biasing means is in the form of at least one spring connecting at one end to said first end section of said pull member and at the other end to a plate member mounted to the bottom of said basket.
8. A shopping cart as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pull member is in the form of a piece of L-shaped rod.
9. A kit for modifying a conventional shopping cart having an upper basket and a lower rack moveable relative thereto into a shopping cart with a lower rack signal device for indicating the presence of goods on the lower rack thereof, said kit comprising:
a pull member having a first end section adapted to be mounted across said rack at a free moveable end thereof and a second end section adapted to extend upwardly along one side of said basket;
fastening means for fixedly connecting said first end section of said pull member to said rack;
indicator means adapted to be mounted to an upper portion of said basket for indicating the presence of a load on said lower rack;
said indicator means being pivotally connected to an upper free end of said second end section of said pull member, and adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position when said pull member is lowered; and, spring means for biasing said rack into said upper position when said rack is not loaded.
a pull member having a first end section adapted to be mounted across said rack at a free moveable end thereof and a second end section adapted to extend upwardly along one side of said basket;
fastening means for fixedly connecting said first end section of said pull member to said rack;
indicator means adapted to be mounted to an upper portion of said basket for indicating the presence of a load on said lower rack;
said indicator means being pivotally connected to an upper free end of said second end section of said pull member, and adapted to be moveable from a retracted position to a raised position when said pull member is lowered; and, spring means for biasing said rack into said upper position when said rack is not loaded.
10. A kit as claimed in claim 9 further comprising receiving means for receiving said indicator means in said retracted position, and fastening means for fastening said receiving means to an upper edge of the shopping cart.
11. A kit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said receiving means further comprises stop means for limiting the retracting movement of said indicator means and supporting said indicator means in said receiving means in said retracted position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002154815A CA2154815A1 (en) | 1995-07-27 | 1995-07-27 | Shopping cart with a device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack thereof, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002154815A CA2154815A1 (en) | 1995-07-27 | 1995-07-27 | Shopping cart with a device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack thereof, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2154815A1 true CA2154815A1 (en) | 1997-01-28 |
Family
ID=4156305
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002154815A Abandoned CA2154815A1 (en) | 1995-07-27 | 1995-07-27 | Shopping cart with a device for indicating the presence of goods on a lower rack thereof, and a kit for modifying a shopping cart |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2154815A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2374944A (en) * | 2000-04-13 | 2002-10-30 | Alpa Ind Ltd | Load indicating, overload warning and/or movement prevention in a load carrying device |
| US7839284B2 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2010-11-23 | Oossite Technologies Inc. | Monitoring of shopping cart bottom tray |
-
1995
- 1995-07-27 CA CA002154815A patent/CA2154815A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2374944A (en) * | 2000-04-13 | 2002-10-30 | Alpa Ind Ltd | Load indicating, overload warning and/or movement prevention in a load carrying device |
| GB2374944B (en) * | 2000-04-13 | 2003-08-06 | Alpa Ind Ltd | Load indicating device |
| US7839284B2 (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2010-11-23 | Oossite Technologies Inc. | Monitoring of shopping cart bottom tray |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20020729 |