GB2251650A

GB2251650A - Calculator with clip, mounted on e.g. a shopping trolley

Info

Publication number: GB2251650A
Application number: GB9026727A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Andrew Edson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-12-08
Filing date: 1990-12-08
Publication date: 1992-07-15
Also published as: GB9026727D0

Abstract

A calculator 15 is provided with means such as an integral clip 18, so that it can be mounted on a support, and in particular on the handle 14 of a shopping trolley. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Calculator Description of Invention This invention relates to a calculator, a shopping trolley and a combination of a shopping trolley and a calculator.

According to one aspect of the present invention I provide a calculator (as herein defined) and means to mount the calculator on a shopping trolley.

In one example, the calculator has secured to it, or integrally provided with a casing part thereof, a clip means, whereby the calculator can readily be mounted on and demounted from a shopping trolley.

Conveniently, the clip means may be adapted to mount the calculator on a handle of the shopping trolley so as to be conveniently positioned for use.

Throughout this specification by "a calculator" I mean a portable electronic calculating machine which does not require physical connection to any external power source, and is able at least to perform numerical additions.

The invention is particularly useful for application to a supermarket shopping trolley of the type having a basket carried on a frame on three or four wheels.

Preferably the calculator is dimensioned and the mounting means positioned such that the calculator lies generally horizontally in use, for convenience of use.

According to a second aspect of the invention I provide a calculator (as herein defined) having secured to it, or integrally provided with a casing part thereof, a clip means whereby the calculator can be mounted on or demounted from a support.

According to a third aspect of the invention I provide in combination a shopping trolley and a calculator according to the first or second aspect of the invention mounted on the shopping trolley.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective illustration of a shopping trolley having a calculator mounted thereon, FIGURE 2 is a rear view of the calculator of Figure 1 showing a clip means, FIGURE 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a shopping trolley of the type used in supermarkets comprises a basket 11 of wirework, mounted on a frame 12 which carries four wheels 13.

A handle 14 of the trolley has mounted upon it a calculator 15 comprising a portable electronic calculating machine which either carries its own batteries, and/or is light powered as desired.

The calculator 15 comprises a display 16 and a plurality of buttons 17. The calculator preferably is of the type able to perform at least numerical additions, subtractions, multiplications and divisions but at least is able to perform additions. The calculator 15 may have a memory if desired.

The calculator 15 is mounted on the handle 14 of the shopping trolley by means of clip means 18 shown in figure 2 which comprises a pair of resilient arms 19 which are movable apart as the calculator 15 is moved towards the handle 14, and spring back resiliently to grip the handle 14 of the trolley when the handle is in a wide part of the space between the arms 19.

Preferably the clip means 18 is integrally provided with a rear casing part 20 of the calculator 15 as shown, but may be secured to the calculator 15, for example, by adhesive, or one or more fasteners, as desired.

Alternative clip means may be provided which includes a sprung leg which may be moved against the force of a spring to permit the entry of the handle 14 of the trolley into the space between the limbs of the clip means, the sprung leg then springing back to entrap the handle 14 within the clip means. The sprung leg would need to be moved manually against the force of the spring to permit the calculator 15 to be demounted from the handle of the trolley.

If desired, a clip means may be provided which may enable adjustment of the orientation of the calculator in use, to be achieved.

By virtue of the nature of the clip means 18 shown, the calculator 15 is rotatable about the handle 14 but preferably the calculator 15 in use, is arranged to lie generally horizontally.

In figure 3, it can be seen that the calculator 15 is secured to a mounting means 22, for example by double sided adhesive pads 23, the mounting means 22 carrying a clip means 18.

The object of the invention is to enable a shopper to use the calculator 15 to total the prices of the shopping placed in the basket 11, although the calculator 15 may be used for example to compare prices by calculating price for unit weight or quantity so that one item can be compared like for like, with another item on a supermarket shelf.

It will be appreciated that the calculator 15 with the clip means 18, or the calculator attached to the mounting means 22, may be used for other applications than attaching to supermarket or other shopping trolleys and with a suitable clip means, the calculator 15 can be mounted on other supports.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the accompanying drawing, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A calculator (as herein defined) and means to mount the calculator on a shopping trolley.

2. A calculator according to claim 1 wherein the calculator has secured to it, or integrally provided with a casing part thereof, a clip means, whereby the calculator can readily be mounted on and demounted from a shopping trolley.

3. A calculator according to claim 2 wherein the clip means is adapted to mount the calculator on a handle of the shopping trolley so as to be conveniently positioned for use.

4. A calculator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the calculator is dimensioned and the mounting means positioned such that the calculator lies generally horizontally in use.

5. A calculator (as herein defined) having secured to it, or integrally provided with a casing part thereof, a clip means whereby the calculator can be mounted on or demounted from a support.

6. A calculator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

7. In combination a shopping trolley and a calculator mounted on a shopping trolley according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A combination according to claim 7 wherein the trolley has a basket carried on a frame on three or four wheels.

9. A combination of a shopping trolley and calculator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

10. Any novel feature or novel combination of features herein disclosed and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.