WO2011041852A1

WO2011041852A1 - Shopping trolley storage compartment

Info

Publication number: WO2011041852A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel William Mather Brown
Original assignee: Daniel William Mather Brown
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2010-10-11
Publication date: 2011-04-14

Abstract

A storage compartment (10) for a shopping trolley (16) comprises a first (frame 12) pivotally coupled to a rear wall (14) of the shopping trolley (16). The first frame (12) is movable from a collapsed position, in which it rests against the rear wall (14) of the shopping trolley (16), to an expanded position, in which it defines a temporary storage space formed between the first frame (12) and the rear wall (14) of the trolley. A child seat (28) is coupled to the rear wall of the shopping trolley (16) and to the first frame (12). In the expanded position the child seat (28) can be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item, such as a hand bag (22), therein in a secure manner.

Description

"SHOPPING TROLLEY STORAGE COMPARTMENT"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shopping trolley compartment and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a shopping trolley compartment for securely stowing a handbag or other personal item whilst shopping.

Background to the Invention

Most supermarkets and some other large stores provide shopping trolleys for their customers to collect the items they wish to purchase and to carry them from the shelf to the cashier. A typical shopping trolley comprises a rectangular metal basket mounted on a wheeled chassis, with a handle attached to the basket for pushing the trolley. The chassis is usually provided with four castor wheels to permit the trolley to be moved in any direction. Sometimes parents take small children with them shopping and most trolleys are therefore fitted with a child seat that folds out on the inside of the trolley. Apertures are provided in the rear wall of the trolley basket through which the child's legs can dangle as they sit facing the person pushing the trolley.

Even when the child seat is not being used for a seating a child, it is not unusual to see people with the child seat folded out and a handbag or other personal item resting on top of the seat whilst they wheel the trolley around the shop. The child seat provides a convenient place to temporarily store a bag or other personal item where it won't get buried under all the goods carried in the trolley basket. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people who will not hesitate to snatch a handbag or steal other personal items if left unattended even for a moment. It is relatively easy while a shopper is doing the shopping and momentarily turns away to inspect items on the shelves for someone walking past to lift such personal items out of the child seat. The thief can be gone before the owner of the personal item is even aware that the item is missing. The present invention was developed with a view to providing a compartment for temporarily storing a handbag or other personal item in or on a shopping trolley in a secure manner. It will be understood that the compartment may also be used for other purposes, such as for holding smaller product items.

References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a shopping trolley with a storage compartment for temporarily storing a handbag or other personal item, the storage compartment comprising: a first frame pivotally coupled to a wall of the shopping trolley, the first frame being movable from a collapsed position in which it rests against the wall of the shopping trolley to an expanded position in which it defines a temporary storage space formed between the first frame and the wall of the trolley; and, a child seat coupled to the wall of the shopping trolley and to the first frame, the child seat being movable with the first frame from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat, and wherein in the expanded position the child seat can be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item therein in a secure manner.

Typically the child seat is mounted on a seat-positioning member which is pivotally attached to the wall of the shopping trolley. Preferably the child seat is in the form of a substantially planar panel, which is itself pivotally attached to the wall of the shopping trolley, and which can be pivoted to an open position to provide access to the temporary storage space and returned to a closed position to secure a personal item in the temporary storage space. Preferably the storage compartment further comprises a security flap, which is also pivotally coupled to the wall of the shopping trolley. In one embodiment the seat-positioning member is of generally planar construction, and is formed with an opening therein. Preferably the security flap can be pivoted to an open position, to provide access to the temporary storage space through the opening, and returned to a closed position, to temporarily store a personal item in the temporary storage space. The purpose of the security flap is to provide a lid for the opening when the child seat panel is in its open position.

Alternatively the seat-positioning member and the child seat both need to be pivoted to an open position to provide access to the temporary storage space and returned to a closed position to secure a personal item in the temporary storage space. In this embodiment the storage compartment further comprises a pair of hinged connecting members, one on each side of the storage compartment, to permit the first frame to pivot from a collapsed position to its expanded position, and retain the first frame in its expanded position. Preferably the hinged connecting members each comprise first and second elongate members which are pivotally connected to one another at one end, and pivotally connected to the first frame and the rear wall respectively at the other ends.

Preferably the storage compartment further comprises a second frame coupled to the first frame, and a third frame coupled to the second frame and to the wall of the trolley, the second frame and the third frame being movable to respective expanded positions in which they form a wall and a floor respectively of an expanded temporary storage space. Typically the second and third frames are normally biased to remain in a collapsed position in which they lie substantially parallel to the first frame. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage compartment for a shopping trolley for temporarily storing a handbag or other personal item, the storage compartment comprising: a first frame adapted to be pivotally coupled to a wall of the shopping trolley, the first frame being movable from a collapsed position in which it would rest against the wall of the shopping trolley to an expanded position in which it would define a temporary storage space formed between the first frame and the wall of the trolley; and, a child seat adapted to be coupled to the wall of the shopping trolley and to the first frame, the child seat being movable with the first frame from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat, and wherein in the expanded position the child seat can be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item therein in a secure manner.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of several specific embodiments of a shopping trolley with a storage compartment, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a shopping trolley with a first embodiment of a storage compartment in accordance with the present invention incorporated therein, shown in its expanded condition; Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are side elevations of the compartment of Figure 1 separated from the shopping trolley and shown in its expanded and collapsed condition respectively;

Figure 3 shows the shopping trolley of Figure 1 with the compartment opened so that a handbag can be securely placed therein; Figure 4 shows the shopping trolley of Figure 1 with the compartment closed and a child seated on the lid of the compartment;

Figure 5 is a front elevation of the compartment of Figure 1 separated from the shopping trolley;

Figure 6 is a rear elevation of the compartment of Figure 1 separated from the shopping trolley;

Figures 7a and 7b are plan view and side view respectively of a child seat on the shopping trolley of Figure 1 which also acts as a lid for the compartment;

Figure 8 is side elevation of the compartment of Figure 1 separated from the shopping trolley and shown in its partially expanded condition;

Figures 9 (a) and (b) are a side elevation and plan view of the shopping trolley of Figure 1 with the storage compartment shown in its partially expanded condition;

Figures 10 (a) and (b) are a side elevation and plan view of the shopping trolley of Figure 1 with the storage compartment shown in its expanded condition; Figure 11 is a side elevation of a second embodiment of a storage compartment in accordance with the present invention, separated from a shopping trolley and shown in its expanded condition; Figure 12 is a front elevation of the compartment of Figure 11 separated from the shopping trolley;

Figure 13 is a rear elevation of the compartment of Figure 11 separated from the shopping trolley;

Figure 14 is a side elevation of the compartment of Figure 1 separated from the shopping trolley and shown in its collapsed condition;

Figures 15 (a), (b) and (c) are plan views of the compartment of Figure 1 separated from the shopping trolley and showing an opening, a security flap which also acts as a lid for the compartment and a child seat respectively; Figure 16 is a side elevation of a third embodiment of a storage compartment in accordance with the present invention, separated from a shopping trolley and shown in its expanded condition;

Figure 17 shows the storage compartment of Figure 16 in a partially collapsed condition; and Figure 18 is a side elevation of a fourth embodiment of a storage compartment in accordance with the present invention, separated from a shopping trolley and shown in an almost fully expanded condition.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments A first embodiment of a storage compartment 10 in accordance with the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, comprises a first frame 12 pivotally coupled to a rear wall 14 of a shopping trolley 16. The first frame 12 is movable from a collapsed position, as shown in Figure 2c, in which it rests against the rear wall 14 of the shopping trolley 16 to an expanded position, as shown in Figure 2a, in which it defines a temporary storage space formed between the first frame 12 and the rear wall 14 of the trolley. The first frame 12 is of wire frame construction, similar to the basket 18 of the shopping trolley 16, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 6. Preferably the first frame 12 extends substantially the full width of the trolley basket 18, as can be seen most clearly in Figures 5 and 6. In this way, the side walls of the shopping basket 18 form the side walls of the storage compartment 10 in its expanded condition.

A child seat 28 is coupled to the rear wall of the shopping trolley 16 and to the first frame 12. The child seat 28 is movable, simultaneously with the first frame 12, from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat as shown in Figure 4. In the expanded position the child seat 28 can be lifted, as shown in Figure 3, to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item, such as a hand bag 22, therein in a secure manner. Typically the child seat 28 is mounted on a seat-positioning member 30 which is pivotally coupled to the rear wall 14 of the shopping trolley 16. Advantageously, in use, when the first frame 12 is pivoted to the expanded position it simultaneously also moves seat-positioning member 30 with the child seat 28 to its expanded position to form the temporary storage space. In its collapsed position the seat-positioning member 30 lies substantially parallel to the first frame 12, as shown in Figure 2c.

Preferably the child seat is in the form of a substantially planar panel 28, which is also pivotally coupled to the rear wall 14 of the shopping trolley (see Figure 7). The child seat panel 28 can be pivoted to an open position, as shown in Figure 3, to provide access to the temporary storage space, and returned to a closed position, as shown in Figure 4, to temporarily store the personal item in the temporary storage space. Preferably the storage compartment 10 further comprises a second frame 20 pivotally coupled to the first frame 12, and a third frame 24 pivotally coupled to the second frame 20 and to the rear wall 14 of the trolley 16. The second frame 20 and third frame 24 are similarly of wire frame construction, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 5. The second frame 20 and the third frame 24 are both movable to respective expanded positions in which they form a wall and a floor respectively of an expanded temporary storage space.

The second and third frames 20 and 24 are normally biased to remain in a collapsed position, in which they lie substantially parallel to the first frame 12, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. For this purpose, a coil spring 32 is provided in connection with the pivotal connection of the third frame 24 to the rear wall 14 of the trolley (see Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 8). However when an item, such as handbag 22, is placed into the temporary storage space, the weight of the item forces the second and third frames 20 and 24 to move to their expanded positions to form the expanded temporary storage space, as shown in Figures 1 , 3, 4 and 10.

The rear wall 14 of the trolley is pivotally coupled to the trolley basket 18 at its top end, in a conventional manner, so that the basket of another trolley can be nested inside the trolley basket 18 when the other trolley is pushed into the rear of the trolley 16. When this occurs, the rear wall 14 swings upwards to a generally horizontal position. This is one reason why it is preferable that the first frame 12 can be easily returned to its collapsed position, so that it does not protrude upwards, but lies flat against the rear wall 14 when it swings upwards to a horizontal position. For the same reason it is also preferable that the expanded storage space can be easily returned to a collapsed condition in which it lies substantially flat against the rear wall 14 of the trolley. If this were not the case it would be difficult to nest the basket 18 of the trolley 16 inside the basket of another trolley, as the first frame 12 and/or the compartment 10 would interfere with, and not be able to enter through, the rear of the other trolley basket.

In order to facilitate the movement of the expanded storage space from an expanded to a collapsed condition, and vice versa, the pivotal coupling of the second frame 20 to the third frame 24 comprises a guide rail 25 which forms an elongated recess 26 within which the pivotal coupling is slidably received. The recess 26 accommodates a sliding movement of one edge of the third frame 24 in an upwards direction, as shown in Figure 2b, so as to permit the second frame 20 to be moved to a collapsed position in which is lies substantially parallel with the first frame 12. Preferably guide rail 25 is one of two guide rails 25a and 25b, provided on respective sides of the second frame 20, and forming the pivotal coupling of the third frame 24 to the second frame 20.

If desired, the seat-positioning frame 30 or child seat panel 28 can be provided with a locking device, (not shown) for locking the child seat panel 28 in its closed position for additional security.

A second embodiment of a storage compartment 40 in accordance with the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 11 to 15, comprises a first frame 42 pivotally coupled to a rear wall 44 of a plastic shopping trolley (not shown). The first frame 42 is movable from a collapsed position, as shown in Figure 14, in which it rests against the rear wall 44 of the shopping trolley to an expanded position, as shown in Figure 1 1 , in which it defines a temporary storage space formed between the first frame 42 and the rear wall 44 of the trolley. In this embodiment the first frame 42 is of moulded plastics construction, similar to the basket of a plastic shopping trolley. Such prior art shopping trolleys, manufactured from moulded plastics material such as polyurethane, are well known. Preferably the first frame 42 extends substantially the full width of the trolley basket. In this way, the side walls of the shopping basket form the side walls of the storage compartment 40 in its expanded condition.

A child seat 48 is coupled to the rear wall 44 of the shopping trolley and to the first frame 42. The child seat 48 is movable, simultaneously with the first frame 42, from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat. In the expanded position the child seat 48 can be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item, such as a hand bag, therein in a secure manner.

Typically the child seat 48 is mounted on a seat-positioning member 50 which is pivotally coupled to the rear wall 44 of the shopping trolley. Advantageously, in use, when the first frame 42 is pivoted to the expanded position it simultaneously also moves seat-positioning member 50 with the child seat 48 to its expanded position to form the temporary storage space. In its collapsed position the seat-positioning member 50 lies substantially parallel to the first frame 42, as shown in Figure 14. The seat-positioning member 50 of this embodiment is of generally planar construction, and is formed with an opening 52 of rectangular shape therein, as shown in Figure 15 (a).

Preferably the child seat is in the form of a substantially planar panel 48 of plastics material, which is also pivotally coupled to the rear wall 44 of the shopping trolley (see Figure 11). The child seat panel 48 can be pivoted to an open position, as shown in Figure 11 , to provide access to the temporary storage space through the opening 52, and returned to a closed position over the opening 52, as shown in Figure 15 (c), to temporarily store a personal item in the temporary storage space. As can be seen in Figure 12, the rear wall of the shopping trolley 44 is formed with two larger openings 46 through which the legs of a child may be received when the child is seated on the child seat 48. However when a child is not sitting on the child seat, the child seat panel 48 may be pivoted to an open position in which it covers the openings 46.

Preferably the storage compartment 40 further comprises a security flap 54, which is also pivotally coupled to the rear wall 44 (see Figure 11). The security flap 54 can be pivoted to an open position, as shown in Figure 11 , to provide access to the temporary storage space through the opening 52, and returned to a closed position, as shown in Figure 15 (b), to temporarily store a personal item in the temporary storage space. The purpose of the security flap 54 is to provide a lid for the opening 52 when the child seat panel 48 is in its open position. In its open position the child seat panel 48 covers the openings 46, and therefore with the security panel 52 in its closed position, the space above the seat-positioning member 50 can also be used as a temporary storage space for less valuable items, such as shopping items taken from the shelves. Without the child seat panel 48 covering the openings 46, such shopping items may fall through one of the openings 46 out of the trolley onto the floor and be damaged and/or spoiled. This also provides extra security as any potential thief would need to remove the shopping items positioned in the temporary storage space above the seat positioning member 50, before being able to lift up the security flap 54 to retrieve the valuable items stored in the storage compartment 40.

The security flap 54 is typically manufactured of plastic, and is sufficiently thin so that when the security flap 54 is its closed position, as shown in Figure 15 (b), the child seat panel 48 can also be moved to its closed position, as shown in Figure 15 (c) overlaying the security panel 54. In this way a child can still comfortably sit on the child seat 48 when it is in it closed position.

A third embodiment of a storage compartment 60 in accordance with the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 to 15, and therefore the same reference numerals will be used to identify the similar components which will not be described again in detail here. The storage compartment 60 comprises a first frame 42 pivotally coupled to a rear wall 44 of a plastic shopping trolley (not shown). The first frame 42 is movable from a collapsed position in which it rests against the rear wall 44 of the shopping trolley to an expanded position, as shown in Figure 16, in which it defines a temporary storage space formed between the first frame 42 and the rear wall 44 of the trolley.

A child seat 48, in the form of a substantially planar panel of plastics material, is pivotally coupled to the rear wall 44 of the shopping trolley. The child seat 48 is movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat, in a similar manner to that shown in Figures 11 and 15(c). In this third embodiment (as shown in Figures 16 and 17), the child seat 48 is mounted on a seat-positioning member 62 which is also pivotally coupled to the rear wall 44 of the shopping trolley. With this embodiment, in use, before the first frame 42 is pivoted to the collapsed position the seat-positioning member 62 with the child seat 48 has to be moved to its collapsed position, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. In its collapsed position the seat-positioning member 62 lies substantially parallel to and rests against the rear wall 44, similar to seat-positioning member 50 shown in Figure 14.

The seat-positioning member 62 of this embodiment is also of generally planar construction. However, unlike the seat-positioning member 50, it is not formed with an opening of rectangular shape beneath the child seat 48. Hence in this embodiment, in the expanded position both the seat-positioning member 62 and the child seat 48 must be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item, such as a hand bag, therein in a secure manner.

As with the previous embodiment shown in Figure 12, the rear wall of the shopping trolley 44 is formed with two larger openings 46 through which the legs of a child may be received when the child is seated on the child seat 48. However when a child is not sitting on the child seat, the child seat panel 48 may be pivoted to an open position in which is covers the openings 46. The space thus formed above the seat-positioning member 62 can also be used as a temporary storage space for less valuable items, such as shopping items taken from the shelves.

Another important difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment is the provision of a pair of hinged connecting members 64, one on each side of the storage compartment 60. The hinged connecting members 64 each comprise first and second elongate members 64a and 64b which are pivotally connected to one another at one end, and pivotally connected to the first frame 42 and the rear wall 44 respectively at the other ends. The hinged connecting members 64 permit the first frame 42 to pivot from a collapsed position to its expanded condition, and retain the first frame 42 in its expanded condition as shown in Figure 16. When it is desired to move the first frame 42 back to its collapsed position, the seat-positioning member 62 is first pivoted to its collapsed position, and then the hinged connecting members 64 begin to fold as the first frame 42 is pivoted to its collapsed position, as shown in Figure 17.

A fourth embodiment of a storage compartment 70 in accordance with the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 18, is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, and therefore the same reference numerals will be used to identify the similar components which will not be described again in detail here. The storage compartment 70 comprises a first frame 12 pivotally coupled to a rear wall 14 of a wire frame shopping trolley 16 (not shown). The first frame 12 is movable from a collapsed position in which it rests against the rear wall 14 of the shopping trolley to an expanded position, as shown in Figure 18, in which it defines a temporary storage space formed between the first frame 12 and the rear wall 14 of the trolley.

A child seat 72, in the form of a substantially planar panel of sheet metal (or plastic), is pivotally coupled to the rear wall 14 of the shopping trolley. The child seat 72 is movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat, in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment the child seat 72 is mounted on a seat-positioning member 74 which is also pivotally coupled to the rear wall 14 of the shopping trolley. As with the previous embodiment, in use, before the first frame 12 can be pivoted to the collapsed position the seat-positioning member 74 (and the child seat 72) has to be moved to its collapsed position, as shown in Figure 18. In its collapsed position the seat-positioning member 74 and the child seat 72 lie substantially parallel to and rest against the rear wall 14.

The seat-positioning member 74 of this embodiment is also of generally planar construction and, as with the previous embodiment, is not formed with an opening beneath the child seat 72. Hence in the expanded position both the seat-positioning member 74 and the child seat 72 must be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item, such as a hand bag, therein in a secure manner.

As with the previous embodiment shown in Figure 12, the first frame 42 is formed with two larger openings 46 through which the legs of a child may be received when the child is seated on the child seat 48. However when a child is not sitting on the child seat, the child seat panel 48 may be pivoted to an open position in which is covers the openings 46. The space thus formed above the seat-positioning member 62 can also be used as a temporary storage space for less valuable items, such as shopping items taken from the shelves.

Another important difference between this embodiment and that shown in Figures 1 to 10 is the provision of a pair of hinged connecting members, one on each side of the storage compartment 70. The hinged connecting members 76 each comprise first and second elongate members 76a and 76b which are pivotally connected to one another at one end, and pivotally connected to the first frame 12 and the rear wall 14 respectively at the other ends. The hinged connecting members 76 permit the first frame 12 to pivot from a collapsed position to its expanded condition, and retain the first frame 12 in its expanded condition. When it is desired to move the first frame 12 back to its collapsed position, the seat-positioning member 74 and child seat 72 are first pivoted to their collapsed position, and then the hinged connecting members 76 begin to fold as the first frame 42 is pivoted to its collapsed position, as shown in Figure 18. Seating positioning member 74 has a curved end 78 which rests on the frame 12 and steadies the member 74 to assist in minimising movement.

Now that preferred embodiments of the storage compartment have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages, including the following: (i) They provide a more secure storage space for personal items, such as a handbag, to be temporarily stored by a shopper.

(ii) They are of simple construction and can be retro-fitted to existing shopping trolleys or added to new trolleys at minimal expense. (iii) They do not interfere in any way with the normal operation of the shopping trolley, including its transport and storage.

(iv) They are easy to use and make good use of what would otherwise be wasted space beneath the child seat.

(v) The important components such as the first frame and child seat could be made largely of plastic by a relatively easy moulding process, with the only metal components usually required being the hanging points.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiment, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, it is not necessary that the second and third frames be of wire frame construction; they could also be in the form of solid panels so as to form a more enclosed space for securely holding smaller objects, such as car keys, wallets, etc. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.

Claims

Claims 1. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment for temporarily storing a handbag or other personal item, the storage compartment comprising: a first frame pivotally coupled to a wall of the shopping trolley, the first frame being movable from a collapsed position in which it rests against the wall of the shopping trolley to an expanded position in which it defines a temporary storage space formed between the first frame and the wall of the trolley; • and, a child seat coupled to the wall of the shopping trolley and to the first frame, the child seat being movable with the first frame from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat, and wherein in the expanded position the child seat can be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item therein in a secure manner.

2. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 1 , wherein the child seat is mounted on a seat-positioning member which is pivotally attached to the wall of the shopping trolley.

3. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 2, wherein the child seat is in the form of a substantially planar panel, which is itself pivotally attached to the wall of the shopping trolley, and which can be pivoted to an open position to provide access to the temporary storage space and returned to a closed position to secure a personal item in the temporary storage space.

4. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 3, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a security flap, which is also pivotally coupled to the wall of the shopping trolley.

5. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 4, wherein the seat-positioning member is of generally planar construction, and is formed with an opening therein.

6. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 5, wherein the security flap can be pivoted to an open position, to provide access to the temporary storage space through the opening, and returned to a closed position, to temporarily store a personal item in the temporary storage space.

7. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 2, wherein the seat-positioning member and the child seat both need to be pivoted to an open position to provide access to the temporary storage space and returned to a closed position to secure a personal item in the temporary storage space.

8. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 7, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a pair of hinged connecting members, one on each side of the storage compartment, to permit the first frame to pivot from a collapsed position to its expanded position, and retain the first frame in its expanded position.

9. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 8, wherein the hinged connecting members each comprise first and second elongate members which are pivotally connected to one another at one end, and pivotally connected to the first frame and the rear wall respectively at the other ends.

10. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in an one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a second frame coupled to the first frame, and a third frame coupled to the second frame and to the wall of the trolley, the second frame and the third frame being movable to respective expanded positions in which they form a wall and a floor respectively of an expanded temporary storage space.

11. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment as defined in claim 10, wherein the second and third frames are normally biased to remain in a collapsed position in which they lie substantially parallel to the first frame.

12. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley for temporarily storing a handbag or other personal item, the storage compartment comprising: a first frame adapted to be pivotally coupled to a wall of the shopping trolley, the first frame being movable from a collapsed position in which it would rest against the wall of the shopping trolley to an expanded position in which it would define a temporary storage space formed between the first frame and the wall of the trolley; and, a child seat adapted to be coupled to the wall of the shopping trolley and to the first frame, the child seat being movable simultaneously with the first frame from a collapsed position to an expanded position in which a child can be seated on the child seat, and wherein in the expanded position the child seat can be lifted to provide access to the temporary storage space for temporarily storing a personal item therein in a secure manner.

13. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 13, wherein the child seat is mounted on a seat-positioning member which is adapted to be pivotally attached to the wall of the shopping trolley.

14. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 13, wherein the child seat is in the form of a substantially planar panel, which is itself adapted to be pivotally attached to the wall of the shopping trolley, and which can be pivoted to an open position to provide access to the temporary storage space and returned to a closed position to secure a personal item in the temporary storage space.

15. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 14, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a security flap, which is also adapted to be pivotally coupled to the wall of the shopping trolley.

16. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 15, wherein the seat-positioning member is of generally planar construction, and is formed with an opening therein.

17. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 16, wherein the security flap can be pivoted to an open position, to provide access to the temporary storage space through the opening, and returned to a closed position, to temporarily store a personal item in the temporary storage space.

18. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 13, wherein the seat-positioning member and the child seat both need to be pivoted to an open position to provide access to the temporary storage space and returned to a closed position to secure a personal item in the temporary storage space.

19. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 18, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a pair of hinged connecting members, one on each side of the storage compartment, to permit the first frame to pivot from a collapsed position to its expanded position, and retain the first frame in its expanded position.

20. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 19, wherein the hinged connecting members each comprise first and second elongate members which are pivotally connected to one another at one end, and adapted to be pivotally connected to the first frame and to the wall of the shopping trolley respectively at the other ends.

21. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in an one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment further comprises a second frame coupled to the first frame, and a third frame adapted to be coupled to the second frame and to the wall of the trolley, the second frame and the third frame being movable to respective expanded positions in which they form a wall and a floor respectively of an expanded temporary storage space.

22. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley as defined in claim 21 , wherein the second and third frames are normally biased to remain in a collapsed position in which they lie substantially parallel to the first frame.

23. A shopping trolley with a storage compartment for temporarily storing a handbag or other personal item, substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

24. A storage compartment for a shopping trolley for temporarily storing a handbag or other personal item, substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any one or more of the accompanying drawings.