WO2017122108A1

WO2017122108A1 - Cart locking system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017122108A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/050072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Danny HERZBRUNN; Iris HERZBRUNN
Original assignee: Herzbrunn Danny; Herzbrunn Iris
Priority date: 2016-01-12
Filing date: 2017-01-08
Publication date: 2017-07-20
Also published as: GB201600531D0; GB2546261A; GB2546261B

Abstract

A cart locking system comprising a cart locking arrangement including: (a) a first housing having a first surface: (b) a second housing having a second surface: wherein, in assembled configuration, said first and second surfaces are set apart from, and facing, one another, to form a space therebetween; (e) at least one engaging element, comprising a rotating clement rotatable around an axis thereof and spring-loaded by a spring- loading mechanism, and disposed on said first housing, said engaging element having: (i) an extended position, in which a perimeter of said rotating element rigidly and non-retractably juts into said space between said surfaces to engage a cart in said space to inhibit traversal of said cart through said space; and (ii) a retracted position, in which a perimeter of said rotating element is retracted relative to said extended position, and in which retracted position, said rotating element is spring-loaded by said spring-loading mechanism so as to be urged against said cart, yet said space is traversable by said cart; and (d) at least one actuator, responsive to a first external stimulus, said actuator adapted to enable shifting of said engaging element into said retracted position and responsive to a second external stimulus, said actuator adapted to enable shifting of said engaging element from said retracted position into said extended position following said cart traversing said space

Description

Cart Locking System and Method

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for locking one or more carts, such as a shopping cart, airport cart, or port cart, in a suitable space, so as to prevent damage, vandalizing, abandonment, and/or theft of the cart.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many venues, such as retail stores and airports, provide carts as a courtesy for the patrons' convenience. However, the carts often end up being a financial burden on the venues, due to damage and/or vandalizing of carts by users, as well as due to abandonment and/or theft of carts making the carts unavailable to additional users, the need to employ people to guard the carts and/or collect the carts that have been scattered by patrons in the parking lot and the surrounding areas, and loss of other sales due to lack of carts for the patrons, who may choose to do their shopping where carts are readily available.

Various solutions have been proposed to prevent cart theft and/or abandonment, all of which suffer from drawbacks. One solution requires the patron to deposit a coin in order to release a cart, where the coin is returned when the cart is returned. However, patrons often use objects sized like the required coin, which can release the cart without significant financial loss to the patron.

In another solution, the patron receives the cart in return for depositing an ID with store staff. However, in some jurisdictions it is illegal to require a user to deposit their ID as collateral for a loan of the cart.

Other solutions include a wheel locking system that locks the cart wheels when the cart leaves the vicinity of the store, such as the parking lot of the store, and a horn mounted on the cart, which makes a loud sound when the cart leaves the vicinity of the store, alerting the staff to the attempt to remove the cart. However, patrons may break the wheel locking mechanism or the horn to overcome the restrictions caused by these elements of the cart.

As such, there is a need for a cart locking method and system that prevent damage, vandalizing, abandonment, and/or theft of carts while allowing the patrons to freely use the carts when in the venue or a parking lot associated therewith. In particular, the inventor has identified a need for a cart locking method and system that prevent patrons, once authorized to remove a cart, from removing two or more carts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some teachings of the present invention there is provided a cart locking system including a cart locking arrangement including:

(a) a first housing having a first surface;

(b) a second housing having a second surface;

wherein, in assembled configuration, the first and second surfaces are set apart from, and facing, one another, to form a space therebetween;

(c) at least one engaging element, including a rotating element rotatable around an axis thereof and spring-loaded by a spring-loading mechanism, and disposed on the first housing, the engaging element having:

(i) an extended position, in which a perimeter of the rotating element rigidly and non-retractably juts into the space between the surfaces to engage a cart in the space to inhibit traversal of the cart through the space; and

(ii) a retracted position, in which a perimeter of the rotating element is retracted relative to the extended position, and in which retracted position, the rotating element is spring-loaded by the spring-loading mechanism so as to be urged against the cart, yet the space is traversable by the cart;

(d) at least one actuator, responsive to a first external stimulus, the actuator adapted to enable shifting of the engaging element into the retracted position and responsive to a second external stimulus, the actuator adapted to enable shifting of the engaging element from the retracted position into the extended position following the cart traversing the space. In some embodiments, the cart locking system of claim further includes at least one cart. In some embodiments, the cart is a shopping cart. In some embodiments, the cart is a luggage cart.

In some embodiments, each cart is shaped and adapted so as to enable a first cart to at least partially fit inside a second cart, along a longitudinal axis of the carts. In some embodiments, the second cart is dimensioned identically to the first cart. In some embodiments, each cart has a generally frusto-conical body.

In some embodiments, the housings attached to or defining a structure enclosing a succession of carts partially disposed on inside of another. In some embodiments, the succession of carts partially disposed one inside of another is situated between the housings, the cart includes a first cart being part of the succession, and when the first cart longitudinally traverses the engaging element, the engaging element is further extended by the spring-loading mechanism and urged against a side of an immediately succeeding cart of the succession of carts, the cart locking system being adapted such that the perimeter of the engaging element rigidly and non-retractably engages the side.

In some embodiments, in response to the second external stimulus, the second actuator shifts the engaging element from the retracted position into the extended position in which the engaging element inhibits traversal of the succeeding cart.

In some embodiments, the at least one engaging element, when disposed in the extended position, exerts a pressure on the cart so as to lock the cart in place. In some embodiments, the at least one engaging element, when disposed in the extended position, exerts a pressure on the cart so as to inhibit removal of the cart from the space.

In some embodiments, the cart locking system further includes at least one sensor adapted and disposed to provide positional information pertaining to a position of the cart located in, or moving in, the space.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is disposed on at least one of the first and second housings. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces.

In some embodiments, the positional information indicates the proximity of a cart to the engaging element, the positional information being provided to the at least one actuator as the first external stimulus, to activate the at least one actuator. In some embodiments, the positional information indicates the absence of a cart proximate to the engaging element, the positional information being provided to the at least one actuator at the second external stimulus, to activate the at least one actuator. In some embodiments, the positional information indicates the absence of a cart proximate to the engaging element following a previous indication by the sensor of a cart present proximate the engaging element, thereby to indicate that the cart has traversed the engaging element.

In some embodiments, the cart locking system further includes a central processing unit (CPU), the CPU designed and configured to receive the positional information, and to activate the at least one actuator based on the positional information.

In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is selected from the group of sensors consisting of a metal sensor, a magnetic sensor, a microswitch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a beam sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a camera, an image sensor, an infrared image sensor, a color sensor, a laser scanner, a Kinect sensor, a weight sensor, and an RFID reader.

In some embodiments, the at least one engaging element including at least a first engaging element and a second engaging element. In some embodiments, the first engaging element is disposed on the first housing, and the second engaging element is disposed on the second housing.

In some embodiments, the first and second surfaces are set apart from one another, at a distance, the distance equivalent to a width of the cart.

In some embodiments, the cart locking system further includes at least one position sensor adapted and disposed to sense at least one of the extended position and the retracted position of the engaging element. In some such embodiments, the at least one position sensor disposed to sense at least one of the extended position and the retracted position is selected from the group of sensors consisting of: a metal sensor, a magnetic sensor, a microswitch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, and a photoelectric sensor.

In some embodiments, at least the first housing has at least one recessed portion recessed with respect to the first surface, away from the second surface. In some embodiments, the first surface terminates at a first height from the bottom of the first housing, the at least one recessed portion includes a vertical surface, generally parallel to the first surface and extending from the bottom of the first housing to the first height, and connected to the first surface by a first horizontal flange surface disposed perpendicular to the first surface and the vertical surface at the first height.

In some embodiments, the second housing also has at least one recessed portion recessed with respect to the second surface, away from the first surface. In some embodiments, the second surface terminates at the first height from the bottom of the second housing, the at least one recessed portion includes a vertical surface, generally parallel to the second surface and extending from the bottom of the second housing to the first height, and connected to the second surface by a second horizontal flange surface disposed perpendicular to the second surface and the vertical surface at the first height.

In some embodiments, the at least one recessed portion is sized and adapted to prevent lifting of the cart within the space. In some embodiments, the at least one recessed portion is sized and adapted to prevent passing of wheels of the cart above the flange surface.

In some embodiments, the rotating element includes a circular rotating element. In some embodiments, the rotating element includes a triangular rotating element. In some embodiments, the rotating element includes a quadrilateral rotating element.

In some embodiments, the at least one engaging element includes a longitudinally extending, spring loaded, rod, and a bore formed in a laterally displaceable blocking element functionally associated with the at least one actuator, wherein, in the extended position, the rod is not aligned with the bore and is not disposed therein, upon receipt of the first external stimulus the actuator causes lateral displacement of the blocking element to align the bore with the rod, and in the retracted position the rod is disposed within the bore.

In some embodiments, the at least one actuator including at least one driving element, the at least one driving element driving lateral displacement of the blocking element. In some embodiments, the at least one driving element including at least one of a solenoid, a hydraulic driving element, a gas driving element, and a pressure piston.

In some embodiments, the cart locking system further includes at least one sensor, functionally associated with the blocking element, adapted and disposed to sense whether the bore is aligned with the rod.

In some embodiments, the rod is functionally associated with the rotating element, the rotating element being disposed at an end of the engaging element and being longitudinally displaceable between a first position corresponding to the extended position of the engaging element and a second position corresponding to the retracted position of the engaging element.

In some embodiments, in transition between the extended position and the retracted position of the engaging element, the rod is pushed into the bore due to pressure applied to the rotating element from within the space.

In some embodiments, the cart locking system further includes a cart driving mechanism, configured to automatically move the cart through the space. In some embodiments, the cart driving mechanism including at least one motor and at least one moving strap functionally associated with the motor and engaging the cart, such that activation of the motor causes movement of the at least one moving strap, thereby resulting in movement of the cart.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cart management arrangement for managing distribution of shopping carts, the arrangement including:

a) a cart locking arrangement as described hereinabove;

b) a display;

c) a data entry device; and

d) a central Processing Unit (CPU), the CPU designed and configured:

to detect a positive identification handshake, via the data entry device, with a potential user, and to obtain identification data of the user; and

to send a retraction stimulus to the at least one actuator as the first external stimulus, responsive to the positive identification handshake.

In some embodiments, the cart management arrangement further includes an image capturing device functionally associated with the CPU, and configured to capture an image of a user extracting a cart from the cart locking arrangement.

In some embodiments, the data entry device includes an authorization button, configured and adapted to be pressed by a user in order to authorize or validate data entered via the data entry device.

In some embodiments, the CPU is designed and configured to receive positional information from at least one sensor, and to send an extension stimulus to the at least one actuator as the second external stimulus after withdrawal or return of the cart. In some embodiments, the display including a static display providing instructions to a user. In some embodiments, the display including an electronic display, functionally associated with the CPU and configured to change content on the display in response to input from the CPU.

In some embodiments, the data entry device designed and configured to accept the user identification data by keypad entry. In some embodiments, the data entry device designed and configured to accept a swiping of a card having a magnetic strip. In some embodiments, the data entry device designed and configured to read at least one of a barcode or a quick response (QR) code and to thereby accept the user identification data. In some embodiments, the data entry device designed and configured to interface with Bluetooth devices. In some embodiments, the data entry device designed and configured to interface with telephone devices.

In some embodiments, the CPU is designed and configured to interpret the user identification data as entered by keypad entry, by the card having the magnetic strip, by barcode, by QR code, by telephone devices, or by a Bluetooth interface of the Bluetooth devices.

In some embodiments, the cart management arrangement further includes a storage element functionally associated with the CPU, the storage element designed and configured to store the identification data of the user. In some embodiments, the CPU is designed and configured to transmit the user identification data to a computer network.

In some embodiments the identification data includes two different types of identification data, and wherein the CPU is configured to associate the two different types of identification data in the storage element. In some embodiments, following storage and association of the two different types of identification data, one of the two types of identification data is sufficient for identifying a user.

In some embodiments, the storage element forms part of the computer network, and the CPU is configured to transmit the user identification data to the computer network for storage on the storage element.

In some embodiments, the CPU is designed and configured to receive a second positive handshake relative to the user identification data from the computer network. In some embodiments, the cart management arrangement further includes a database including listings of users with whom the positive identification handshake was detected by the CPU. In some embodiments, the CPU is designed and configured, following receipt of the second handshake, to indicate in the database that the user has returned a cart borrowed thereby.

In some embodiments, the CPU is designed and configured to monitor entries in the database and to identify at least one user for whom the database does not include an indication that the cart borrowed by the user had been returned within a predetermined time duration.

In some embodiments, the CPU is designed and configured to directly bill or to trigger billing of the at least one user for the cart.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for monitoring obtaining and returning a shopping cart by a user, the method including:

receiving user identification data from a user;

detecting a positive handshake of the user identification data with a database;

responsive to the positive handshake, providing a retraction stimulus to at least one actuator of a cart locking arrangement, so as to move an engaging element of the cart locking arrangement from an extended position to a retracted position allowing the user to extract a cart from or return a cart to the cart locking arrangement;

sensing that the cart was extracted from or returned to the cart locking element; and responsive to the sensing, providing an extension stimulus to the at least one actuator so as to allow the engaging element to move from the retracted position to a locked extended position thereby to prevent extraction of one or more carts from the cart locking arrangement.

In some embodiments, receiving user identification data includes receiving two different types of user identification data, the method further including storing the two different types of user identification data in a storage element, associated with one another.

In some embodiments, receiving user identification data includes receiving only one of the two different types of user identification data, the method further including using the one of the two different types of user identification data, extracting from the storage element a second of the two different types of user identification data, and the detecting a positive handshake includes detecting the positive handshake based on the two different types of user identification data.

In some embodiments, the method further includes storing the user identification data in a database following the user retracting the cart from the cart locking arrangement. In some embodiments, the storing further includes storing a timestamp indicating a time at which the user retracted the cart.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: following the detecting a positive handshake, finding the user identification data in the database, identifying the cart being returned by the user to the cart locking arrangement, and indicating in the stored user identification data in the database that the user returned the cart.

In some embodiments, the method further includes monitoring the database for at least one user entry not including an indication that a corresponding cart has been returned, if a duration since a timestamp included in the user entry exceeds a predetermined time threshold for returning carts, billing the user or triggering billing of the user for the cart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Throughout the drawings, like -referenced characters are used to designate like functionalities, but not necessarily identical elements.

In the drawings:

Figures 1A, IB, and 1C are top plan views of a cart locking system constructed and operative according to an embodiments of the teachings herein, with a cart disposed in first, second, and third positions within the system; Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are side plan view of the cart locking system according to the teachings herein in the operative arrangement of Figures 1A, IB, and 1C, respectively;

Figure 3 is a front plan view of the cart locking system according to the teachings herein;

Figure 4 is a front plan view of a locking gate forming part of a cart locking system according to the teachings herein;

Figures 5 A, 5B, and 5C, are, respectively, a perspective view, a top plan view, and a partially transparent view of an embodiment of an engaging element according to the teachings herein, the engaging element forming part of the cart locking system of Figure 4 and being in an extended position;

Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, are, respectively, a perspective view, a top plan view, and a partially transparent view of an embodiment of the engaging element of Figures 5A to 5C in a retracted position;

Figures 7A and 7B are flow charts of two different embodiments of a method of user identification for retrieval of a cart and/or for return thereof according to two aspects of the teachings herein;

Figure 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of opening a cart locking system, for example using the system of Figures 1A to 6C, and specifically for opening an engaging element, for example the engaging element of Figures 5A to 6C, according to an aspect of the teachings herein;

Figure 9, is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for contacting a user in case a cart is not returned or returned damaged, according to an aspect of the teachings herein;

Figures 10A and 10B are top plan views of a cart locking system constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the teachings herein; and

Figure 11 is a side plan view of the cart locking system according to the teachings herein in the operative arrangement of Figure 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles of the inventive cart locking and management arrangement may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

It is appreciated that though the embodiments herein are described in the context of a grocery store, the same embodiments are equally useful and implementable for carts available in other venues, such as any type of retail store, airports, train stations, and any other venue where carts are provided to visitors and patrons.

Reference is now made to Figure 1A, IB, and 1C, which are top plan views of a cart locking system constructed and operative according to an embodiments of the teachings herein, with a cart disposed in first, second, and third positions within the system, and to Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which are side plan view of the cart locking system according to the teachings herein in the operative arrangement of Figures 1A, IB, and 1C, respectively.

As seen in Figures 1A-1C, a cart locking system 100 according to the teachings herein includes a first housing 102 having a first surface 104, and a second housing 106 having a second surface 108. In some embodiments, each of the first and second housings 102 and 106 may further include a railing 109. The first and second housings define a space, or path 110 therebetween, the path being having a width equivalent to a width of a cart 112, such as a standard shopping cart. Cart locking system 100 further includes at least one engaging element 114 associated with at least one of the first and second housings, and, in the illustrated embodiment, includes two engaging elements 114, one associated with each of first housing 102 and second housing 106. In some embodiments, path 110 is wide enough to allow a user to comfortably walk in the path 110, while restricting passage of carts as described hereinbelow. In cases in which the shopping cart is small and the path cannot be wide enough for passage of a person therethrough, the structure of the cart locking system is slightly different, as explained hereinbelow with reference to Figures 10A to 11.

It is appreciated that in some embodiment, housings 102 and 106 need not necessarily be fully aligned with one another, as shown, for example, in Figure IB.

Turning to Figures 2A -2C, it is seen that in some embodiments, the engaging elements 114 are disposed on the housings 102 and/or 106 at a height corresponding to the lower portion of the "basket" of the cart, and in some embodiments at a height corresponding to the height of the base of the cart 112. In some embodiments, the engaging elements 114 are mounted onto the housings 102 and/or 106, as shown in Figures 1A to 2C. It is appreciated that the placement of the engaging elements 114 at a height corresponding to the lower portion of the "basket" of the cart is important since typically, carts are not very flexible at their base, but may be fairly flexible in other portions of the cart, in part due to the fact that the carts are often formed of a mesh, or grid, not of a solid sheet of metal or plastic. As such, if the engaging elements 114 were to be disposed higher up relative to the base of the cart, the user may be able to slightly bend the cart and get around the engaging elements 114. This problem does not exist when the engaging elements 114 are at the height of the cart base or the lower portion of the cart, as the cart is not flexible at that point.

As will be explained in further detail hereinbelow with reference to Figures 5A to 6C, the engaging elements 114 have an extended position and a retracted position, where the normal state of the engaging elements 114 is the extended, locked, position, and the retracted position, which may be a continuum of positions, is generally temporary, as explained herein. In the extended position, a portion of the engaging element juts into the path 110 to engage a cart 112 in the path 110 and to inhibit the passage of the cart 112 through path 110. In the retracted position, the portion of the engaging element jutting into path 110 is retracted relative to its location in the extended position, such that the portion of the engaging element still engages the cart, but the cart 112 is free to move relative to first housing 102 and second housing 106. Each of engaging elements 114 further includes at least one actuator (described in detail with reference to Figures 5A to 6C) which enables shifting of the engaging element from the extended position to the retracted position in response to a first external stimulus, and which enables shifting of the engaging element from the retracted position to the extended position in response to a second external stimulus.

At least one of the housings 102 and 106 has disposed thereon one or more positional sensors 116, which provide positional information on the cart 112 when it is passing through path 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each of housings 102 and 106 includes two positional sensors 116, disposed on surfaces 104 and 108, respectively, such that each sensor 116 is on a different side of the engaging element 114. Sensors 116 may be any suitable kind of sensor, including metal sensors, magnetic sensors, microswitches, touch sensors, motion sensors, beam sensors and other photoelectric sensors, cameras or image sensors, infrared image sensors, color sensors, laser scanners, Kinect sensors, weight sensors, and RFID readers. As seen in Figures 2A - 2C, in some embodiments, the sensors are disposed at a height corresponding to the height of the base of the cart 112, allowing for use of a wider variety of sensors since the base of the cart is typically formed of metal, while the body of the cart is often formed of plastic, thus allowing for use of metal sensors and/or magnetic sensors as the sensors 116.

Cart locking system 100 further includes a user interface and control panel 118, which typically includes a display 120, a data entry device 122, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 124. It is appreciated that in the context of the teachings herein, the term display relates to any type of display, including a static display, such as a sign printed onto or otherwise attached to the user interface and control panel 118, for example providing instructions for using the system as explained hereinbelow, or an electronic and/or dynamic display such as a computer screen, touch screen, or any other type of electronic display. As will be explained in further detail hereinbelow, in use, a potential interacts with user interface and control panel 118 to identify himself, by providing identifying information enabling the CPU 124 to perform a positive identification handshake. Once the potential user has identified himself and his identity has been positively confirmed, the system 100 allows the user to extract or return a cart, as described herein. In some embodiments, CPU 124 is further associated with a remote database, as explained in further detail hereinbelow.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1A to 2C, it is assumed that the user has been positively identified, and is now pushing a cart through path 110. In some embodiments, when the cart 112 is in a first position within system 100, and specifically just entering the path 110 as shown in Figures 1A and 2A, one of sensors 116 senses the presence of the cart 112 at the beginning of path 110, and may provide corresponding information to a controller controlling engaging elements 114, such as CPU 124 or any other suitable controller, or to an actuator of engaging elements 114. In response to the identification of cart 112 entering path 110, and assuming that the user has been positively identified and may move the cart through the path, the actuators of engaging elements 114, possibly in response to a command from a controller, enables the user to shift the engaging elements 114 from the extended position to the retracted position, such that cart 112 can pass between engaging elements 114, as seen in Figures IB and 2B.

In some embodiments, once the cart 112 has passed engaging elements 114, as seen in Figures 1C and 2C, another sensor 116 senses the presence of the cart 112 at the end of path 110 or past engaging elements 114, or a sensor senses the absence of a cart immediately adjacent engaging elements 114, and provides corresponding information to the controller and/or the actuators of engaging elements 114, triggering the controller and/or the actuators to shift engaging elements 114 back to the extended, or locking, positions or allowing the engaging elements 114 to return to the extended, locking positions.

For example, in some embodiments the position sensor 116 may be a sensor operative at close proximity disposed adjacent engaging elements 114. As such, as the widest portion of a cart passes through engaging element 114, the sensor 116 senses the presence of the cart and maintains the engaging element in the retracted position. However, once the cart has passed the engaging element 114, the sensor does not sense the presence of the cart, whether because there is really no cart present or because the portion of the next cart that is close to the engaging element is narrower and is therefore not in close proximity to the sensor, and the engaging element is returned to its extended, locking, state.

It is appreciated that if the user had not been identified by a positive handshake, engaging elements 114 would not have moved from the extended position to the retracted position, and thus the user would not have been able to push the cart 112 past engaging elements 114.

Reference is now made to Figure 3, which is a front plan view of the cart locking system according to the teachings herein. As seen in Figure 3, surfaces 104 and 108 of housings 102 and 106 have engaging element 114 protruding therefrom and a cart 112 is passing through path 110. As seen, both housings 102 and 106 include, at a lower portion thereof, a vertical portion 130 defining a broader section of path 110, and connecting to surfaces 104 and 108 via a flange 132. As seen, since the width of cart 112 at its wheels 134 is greater than the width of the body of the cart, flange 132 is disposed at a height to lie over the wheels 134, and thus to prevent a user from lifting the cart 112 over engaging elements 114.

In some embodiments, flange 132 is disposed above the height of the wheels 134 of the cart, such that the wheels 134 of the cart can easily move through the broader portion of the path 110. In some embodiments, the flange 132 is disposed at a height which is 5-10 cm greater than the diameter of wheels 134, or if the cart includes wheels in different sizes, at a height 5-10 cm greater than the diameter of the largest wheel of the cart 112. In some embodiments, the width of flange 132 is sufficient to lie above upper wheels 136 disposed above the wheels 134 of the cart and to engage wheels 136 if the cart is lifted, and, in some embodiments are at least greater by 1-5 cm than half the width of the wheel 134, or greater by 1-5 cm than the entire width of the wheel 134.

Reference is now made to Figure 4, which is a front plan view of a locking gate forming part of a cart locking system such as cart locking system 100, wherein engaging elements 114 are mounted on poles 150 forming a gate structure. In some such embodiments, not illustrated, the poles 150 are disposed within housing elements, such that functionally the system behaves like the system shown above with respect to Figures 1A -1C, while it is structurally simpler to put together and more stable. In such embodiments, the engaging elements 114 would communicate with a CPU, sensors, actuators, and/or other system components as described hereinabove - the only difference would be the exact mounting location of the engaging elements.

As seen, the distance between the engaging elements 114 when in the extended position, which is labeled in Figure 4 as Dl, is smaller than the distance between the poles 150, labeled as D2, enabling passage of the base of a cart, which is broader than the body of the cart, beneath the engaging elements 114, while the engaging elements 114 are set apart at a distance substantially equal to or equivalent to the width of a standard cart.

Reference is now made to Figures 5 A, 5B, and 5C, which are, respectively, a perspective view, a top plan view, and a partially transparent view of an embodiment of an engaging element 114 according to the teachings herein, in an extended position, and to Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, which are, respectively, a perspective view, a top plan view, and a partially transparent view of the embodiment of the engaging element 114 of Figures 5A to 5C in a retracted position.

As seen, in this embodiment, each engaging element 114 includes a rotating element 200 configured to rotate in a horizontal plane about its own longitudinal axis. It is appreciated that though in the illustrated embodiment the rotating element is shown as a circular element, any suitably shaped element 200 may be used, such as a triangular rotating element, a square rotating element, or a hexagonal rotating element. That being said, the circular, wheel shaped rotating element 200 is advantageous, as it would not hurt a person walking through the path 110 (Figure 1) if the person bumped into the rotating element. The rotating element 200 is mounted on a bracket 202 via an axle 204, the bracket being connected to a longitudinally extending rod 206 having a compression spring 208 disposed thereabout. An end of spring 208 is connected to a rod-covering element 209 having rod 206 movably extending therethrough. As such, the rotating element 200, the bracket 202, and the rod 206 are together longitudinally displaceable, under compression of spring 208, relative to rod covering element 209, between a first position corresponding to the extended position of the engaging element and a second position corresponding to the retracted position of the engaging element.

A pair of brackets 210a and 210b is mounted on a base 212, the brackets having disposed therebetween a laterally displaceable blocking element 214 having a bore 216 formed therein. The bore 216 is sized to have a diameter substantially corresponding to, and adapted to receive, rod 206, as explained hereinbelow. Blocking element 214 is functionally associated with an actuator 218, the actuator driving lateral displacement of the blocking element 214 between a blocking position, in which bore 216 is not aligned with rod 206, and a receiving position, in which bore 216 is aligned with rod 206 and can receive the rod 206 if the rod is longitudinally displaced into bore 216. The actuator 218 may be any suitable type of actuator suitable for laterally driving blocking element 214, such as a solenoid, a pneumatic driving element, a hydraulic driving element, and a pressure piston. In some cases, actuator 218 cooperates with a spring 220 mounted on a pin 221 and associated with blocking element 214.

Mounted on bracket 210a is a blocking position sensor 222, configured to sense a pin 224 associated with blocking element 214. Sensor 222 may be any suitable type of sensor, such as a metal sensor, a magnetic sensor, a microswitch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, and a photoelectric sensor, provided that it only senses the pin 224 when pin 224 is in close proximity to the sensor 222. When the blocking element 214 is in the blocking position, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, pin 224 is distant from sensor 222, and thus is not sensed by the sensor 222. When blocking element 214 is displaced into the receiving position, as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, pin 224 is moved closer to sensor 222, such that sensor 222 can now sense pin 224. Thus, when sensor 222 senses pin 224, that is indicative of blocking element 214 being in the receiving position, such that rod 206 may be displaced longitudinally into bore 216, thereby moving engaging element 114 from the extended position to the retracted position.

In some embodiments, the displacement of rod 206 is accomplished by the user, or a cart pushed by the user, pushing rotating element 200 longitudinally toward blocking element 214, thereby causing rod 206 to enter bore 216. In some embodiments, sensor 222 provides an indication to a controller of the engaging element and/or to the user, for example via display 120), that the blocking element 214 is in the receiving position and/or that the rotating element 200 may be pushed toward the blocking element 214.

Mounted on bracket 210b is a retracted position sensor 232, configured to sense a marker 234 mounted onto or otherwise associated with bracket 202. Sensor 232 may be any suitable type of sensor, such as a metal sensor, a magnetic sensor, a microswitch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, and a photoelectric sensor, provided that it only senses the marker 234 when marker 234 is in close proximity to the sensor 232. When rotating element 200 and bracket 202 are in the position corresponding to the extended position of the engaging element 114, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, marker 234 is distant from sensor 232, and thus is not sensed by the sensor 232. When rotating element 200 and bracket 202 are longitudinally displaced to a position corresponding to the retracted position of the engaging element 114, as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, marker 234 becomes closer to sensor 232, such that sensor 232 can now sense marker 234. Thus, when sensor 232 senses marker 234, that is indicative of rotating element 200 being in the position corresponding to the retracted position, and engaging element 114 is in the retracted position allowing the user to move a cart relative to the engaging element.

In some embodiments, the displacement of rod 206 is accomplished by the user, or by a cart pushed by the user, pushing rotating element 200 longitudinally toward blocking element 214, thereby causing rod 206 to enter bore 216. In some embodiments, sensor 222 provides an indication to a controller of the engaging element and/or to the user, for example via display 120), that the blocking element 214 is in the receiving position and the rotating element 200 may be pushed longitudinally toward the blocking element.

As such, when the engaging element 114 is in the extended position, as shown in Figures 5 A to 5C, blocking element 214 is in the blocking position in which bore 216 is not aligned with rod 206, sensor 222 does not sense pin 224, rod 206 is not disposed within bore 216 but rather rests upon blocking element 214, and sensor 232 does not sense marker 234. Following displacement of blocking element 214 from the blocking position to the receiving position under a driving force of actuator 218, the engaging element 114 is in the retracted position, as shown in Figures 6A to 6C, the blocking element 214 is in the receiving position in which bore 216 is aligned with rod 206, and thus pin 224 is close enough to be sensed by sensor 222, rod 206 is disposed within bore 216 due to longitudinal displacement of rotating element 200 together with bracket 202, rod 206, and compression of spring 208, and marker 234 is close enough to sensor 232 to be sensed thereby.

In some embodiments, engaging element 114 returns to the extended position once a single cart has passed through path 110. In some embodiments, once position sensors 116 on the housing 102 and/or 106 (shown in Figures 1A to 2C) provide an indication that the cart has moved within path 110, rod 206 is then pushed longitudinally away from blocking element 214 under the force of spring 208.

Once the engaging element has returned to the extended position, and sensor 232 fails to sense marker 234, for example, because a single cart has passed the engaging element and the portion of the next cart adjacent the engaging element is narrower than the end of the removed cart, blocking element 214 may be moved laterally back from the receiving position to the blocking position. In some embodiments, the blocking element 214 may be moved laterally into the blocking position actively, under the driving force of actuator 218. In other embodiments, the blocking element 214 moves back to the blocking position passively, under the force of spring 220.

Reference is now made to Figures 7 A and 7B, which are flow charts of two different embodiments of a method of user identification for retrieval of a cart and/or for return thereof according to two aspects of the teachings herein. It is appreciated that the description herein relates to the cart locking system and to a cart as described hereinabove with respect to Figures 1A to 2C, but the same method may be implemented using other systems and/or objects as well.

Turning to Figure 7A, it is seen that in some cases, for example when the carts are disposed freely in a large enclosure having a cart locking system 100 as described herein at an entrance/exit thereof and/or when the user is returning a cart to a cart storage area, a sensor forming part of the cart locking system, such as a sensor 116, detects the presence of a cart, such as cart 112, in the vicinity of the cart locking system 100, as seen at step 400. In other cases, for example, when the carts are enclosed in a row of carts blocked by a cart locking system 100, this step may be obviated.

Once the cart is sensed in the vicinity of the cart locking system 100, at step 402 the controller of the system, for example CPU 124, triggers the user interface and control panel 118 to provide a user prompt, for example as a visual prompt shown on screen 120 or as an audible prompt, asking the user to provide a user ID. It is appreciated that in cases in which the carts are enclosed in a row of carts as described hereinabove, the prompt may be provided by user interface and control panel 118 at all times that the system 100 is idle.

At step 404, the user provides identifying information specifically identifying the user. The identification may be any suitable identification, and may include an identification number such as a social security number or passport number provided via a keyboard data entry device 122, financial identification such as credit card information provided via a card- swiping mechanism data entry device 122, venue membership identification, such as a frequent flyer identification or a shop member identification, provided via a card swiping mechanism data entry device 122 or via a barcode reader data entry device 122, telephone number, provided via a keypad data entry device 122 or via calling a directory data entry device, an image of an identifying document such as an image of a driver's license captured via a camera data entry device 122, biometric information such as a finger print or iris scan provided via a suitable biometric information reader 122, identifying information provided via Bluetooth® communication device 122, or electronic payment information provided via a networked data entry device 122, such as for example electronic wallet information provided by Internet communication with a Google® database or banking information provided by Internet communication with PayPal. In some embodiments, the provided identification must provide at least one of billing information for the user and a mailing address for the user, such that the user may be billed if the cart is not returned or is returned damaged, as described hereinbelow with reference to Figure 9.

At step 406, the CPU 124 uses the identifying information to perform a positive identification handshake with a suitable database or data resource, such as a user database of the system 100, a credit card company or a governmental database. Once the user has been positively identified, the system 100 is clear for removal of the cart from or for return of the cart into the cart storage area, at step 408.

Turning to Figure 7B, it is appreciated that the method described herein is particularly suitable for establishments and/or venues which have a membership card or membership number, and that do not want their visitors or patrons to feel intimidated or threatened by having to provide billing information to a cart locking system. In the context of the teachings herein, the term "patron identifier" relates to any venue specific identification, such as, for example, a membership card for a retail store or chain of stores, a membership number for a retail store or chain of stores, a frequent flier number, and the like.

As seen in Figure 7B, in some cases, for example when the carts are disposed freely in a large enclosure having a cart locking system 100 as described herein at an entrance/exit thereof and/or when the user is returning a cart to a cart storage area, a sensor forming part of the cart locking system, such as a sensor 116, detects the presence of a cart, such as cart 112, in the vicinity of the cart locking system 100, as seen at step 420. In other cases, for example, when the carts are enclosed in a row of carts blocked by a cart locking system 100, this step may be obviated.

In some embodiments, in which the display 120 of user interface and control panel 118 is a static display, such as a sign, the display 120 provides instructions to the user. Specifically, in some embodiments, the display 120 instructs the user that if it is the user's first visit to the venue, the user should provide the user's patron identifier, at step 422. At step 423, the user provides the requested patron identifier, for example using data entry device 122, such as a cart swiping data entry device or a barcode reader data entry device. It is appreciated that any other identifier may be used instead of a patron identifier, the remainder of the method being substantially unchanged.

At step 424, the display 120 instructs the user to use his or her mobile telephone to call a specific number, and to press an authorization button when a dialing tone is heard. At step 425 the user calls the number specified on display 120, at step 426 the user presses the authorization button as required, and subsequently CPU 124 extracts the telephone number associated with the user at step 427.

In other embodiments, in which the display 120 is a dynamic, electronic, display, upon sensing the presence of a cart in the vicinity of the cart locking system 100, at step 422 the controller of the system, for example CPU 124, triggers the user interface and control panel 118 to provide a user prompt, for example as a visual prompt shown on screen 120 or as an audible prompt, instructing the user to provide the user's patron identifier if it is the user's first visit to the venue, and, as mentioned above, the user provides the requested identifier at step 423. It is appreciated that in cases in which the carts are enclosed in a row of carts as described hereinabove, the prompt may be provided by user interface and control panel 118 at all times that the system 100 is idle.

In the same embodiment, in which display 120 is a dynamic and electronic display, at step 424, regardless of whether or not this is the user's first visit to the venue, the user is prompted, for example by user interface and control panel 118, to use his mobile phone to call a specific number which accesses system 100 or a database associated therewith. At step 425, when the user calls the system 100 display 120 of user interface and control panel 118 prompts the user to confirm that he is the one currently calling the system 100, for example by displaying on display 120 a question requiring user input via user input device 122, such as "Welcome, are you currently calling the cart extraction system? If so, please press 1 on the keypad". At step 426 the user authorizes the call, and at step 427 CPU 124 extracts the telephone number used to call system 100.

At step 428, once the CPU 124 has a telephone number associated with the user, in cases in which it is the user's first visit to the venue, the CPU 124 associates the patron identifier with the extracted telephone number, and stores the information in the database associated therewith. In other embodiments, in which this isn't the user's first visit, at step 429 the CPU 124 accesses the database associated therewith and uses the extracted telephone number to identify the patron identifier associated with the user.

At step 430, the CPU 124 uses the patron identifier and telephone number of the user to perform a positive identification handshake with a database of venue members or patrons. Once the user has been positively identified, the system 100 is clear for removal of the cart from or for return of the cart into the cart storage area, at step 432.

Reference is now made to Figure 8, which is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of opening cart locking system 100 according to an aspect of the teachings herein, for example using the system of Figures 1A to 6C, and specifically using engaging elements 114 as described herein with reference to Figures 5A to 6C. Once the cart locking system is open, a cart may be extracted from the cart locking system or returned thereto, as explained hereinbelow. As such, certain steps of the method relate specifically to extraction of a cart or to return of a cart, as explained below.

Specifically, once the system is clear for opening for release of a cart or return thereof, for example by moving the engaging elements 114 from the extended position to the retracted position, or enabling such moving of the engaging elements, the actuator 218 is activated, as seen at step 500. At step 502, under the driving force of actuator 218, blocking element 214 is moved laterally into its receiving position, such that bore 216 aligns with rod 206. Subsequently, at step 504, blocking position sensor 222 senses the proximity of pin 224, indicative of the fact that bore 216 is aligned with rod 206.

In some embodiments, sensor 222 provides an indication to CPU 124 that the pin 224 is in close proximity, and CPU 124 causes user interface and control panel 118 to provide an indication to the user that the gate may now be opened, for example on display 120, as seen at step 506.

Following alignment of bore 216 with rod 206, the user passes the cart 112 between engaging elements 114 at step 508, thereby applying force to rotating element 200. Due to the force applied to rotating element 200, rod 206 is longitudinally displaced into bore 216 and rotating element 200 moves to its retracted position against the force of spring 208, at step 510. When the rotating element 200 is in the retracted position, sensor 232 senses the proximity of marker 234, and indicates to CPU 124 that the engaging element is in the retracted position, at step 512. Once the cart 112 has passed through engaging elements 114, force is no longer applied to rotating element 200, and at step 516 the rotating element 200 returns to its extended position under the force of spring 208, while extracting rod 206 from bore 216.

At step 526, once the rod 206 is extracted from bore 216, sensor 232 no longer senses marker 234 and provides a corresponding indication to CPU 124, which in turn terminates activation of actuator 218 at step 528. At step 530, blocking element 214 is laterally displaced under the force of spring 220 to the blocking position, such that bore 216 is no longer aligned with rod 206.

In some embodiments, in cases in which the user is extracting, or taking a cart, once the cart 112 is taken and the engaging elements 114 return to the extended position, the user's data is stored in a database associated with the CPU 124, in some embodiments together with a timestamp recording the time at which the cart 112 was taken by the user. In some embodiments, the database may be a remote database, such as a database located on a Cloud network, coordinating between several CPUs 124 of several different systems 100, for example so as to enable a chain of stores to monitor the use of all carts in stores of the chain, and to have a user be responsible for carts taken in stores of the chain, even if the stores are remote from one another. As explained hereinbelow as well as with respect to Figure 9, the user's data is used to identify the user when the user returns the cart, and/or to bill the user for the cart if the cart is not returned or is returned damaged.

In some embodiments, in cases in which the user is already associated, in the database, with an extracted cart which has not been returned, CPU 124 may prohibit extraction of another cart, may provide a reminder for returning the previously extracted cart, or may warn the user that a cart has not been returned and additional steps, such as billing for the missing cart, may be taken against the user.

In some embodiments, the system 100 additionally includes a camera, which captures an image of the user extracting and/or returning the cart, so as to provide a further deterrent for users to avoid vandalizing or abandoning carts, and to enable operators of system 100 to identify users who did not return carts or returned damaged carts.

In some embodiments, a predetermine duration following user extraction of a cart, the user may be contacted by the venue loaning the carts, for example via a text message or via a telephone call, reminding the user to return the cart to system 100 when they leave the premises or no longer need to use the cart. In some embodiments, the venue may contact the user only at the first time the user visits the venue, or may select to contact only users who have a track record of not returning carts promptly or in good condition.

In some embodiments, in cases in which the user is returning the cart, once the cart 112 has been returned into the cart storage area, CPU 124 provides to the user an indication that the cart has been returned, and, in some cases, may provide a receipt to the user indicating that the user returned the cart in good condition and will not be billed for the cart. In the back- end, CPU 124 locates in the database associated therewith the entry indicating that the user had taken a cart, and deletes the timestamp from the database or otherwise indicates within the database that the cart was returned in good condition and that the user is no longer responsible for the cart.

Reference is now made to Figure 9, which is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for contacting a user in case a cart is not returned or returned damaged, according to an aspect of the teachings herein.

As seen in Figure 11, at step 600, CPU 124 checks entries in the database associated therewith to identify users that have taken carts and have not returned them. In some embodiments, step 600 is carried out periodically, such as daily or weekly.

As seen at step 601, For each such identified user, at step 602 CPU 124 determines whether a predetermined duration has passed since the user had taken the cart, typically by checking how much time had passed since the cart was taken by the user, as indicated by the timestamp associated with the user taking the cart. The predetermined duration may be any suitable time, such as a number of hours, a day, or even a week, though in the setting of common grocery stores it is likely that most users will not need more than an hour or two to complete their shopping and return the cart.

If the predetermined duration has not passed, system 100 does nothing, and the user is given more time to return the cart, as seen at step 604. In some such embodiments the system 100 continues to monitor the database for users that have not returned the cart, and may indicate that the specific user should be monitored to make sure he or she returned the cart.

As seen at step 606, if the predetermined duration has passed, CPU 124 may bill the user for the cost of the cart by billing the credit card information associated with the user, or by communicating with an external entity, such as a billing center, to indicate that the user should be billed for the cost of the cart, particularly in embodiments in which the identification data comprises user billing data.

It is appreciated that such billing procedures enable the vendors and venues to get reimbursed for carts that are stolen or vandalized by users, and would prevent users from stealing and/or vandalizing carts due to the fact that the users know that they would be billed for the full cost of the cart.

In other embodiments in which the user does not provide billing information, for example in the embodiment of Figure 7B, if the predetermined duration has passed the CPU 124 may notify the venue of the patron identifier and/or telephone number of the patron who did not return the cart or returned a damaged cart, as seen at step 608. In such embodiments, the venue may then decide how to retrieve compensation for the damaged or lost cart from the user.

Reference is now made to Figures 10A and 10B, which are top plan views of a cart locking system 700 constructed and operative according to another embodiment of the teachings herein, and to Figure 11 which is a side plan view of the cart locking system according to the teachings herein in the operative arrangement of Figure 10A. It is appreciated that some components of the cart locking system 700 are similar to equivalent components of cart locking system 100 described hereinabove, and are labeled with similar reference numerals.

As seen in Figures 10A to 11, a cart locking system 700 according to the teachings herein includes a first housing 702 having a first surface 704, and a second housing 706 having a second surface 708. The first and second housings define a space, or path 710 therebetween, the path being having a width equivalent to a width of an object to pass through the path, and more specifically equivalent to the width of a small cart 712. Typically, path 710 is not wide enough for an adult person to comfortably walk therethrough. Cart locking system 700 further includes at least one engaging element 714 associated with at least one of the first and second housings, and, in the illustrated embodiment, included two engaging element 714, one associated with each of first housing 702 and second housing 706.

Turning specifically to Figure 11, it is seen that in some embodiments, the engaging elements 714 are disposed on the housings 702 and/or 706 at a height corresponding to the height of the base of the cart 712.

As explained hereinabove with reference to engaging elements 114, engaging elements 714 have an extended position and a retracted position, where the normal state of the engaging elements 714 is the extended, locking, position, and the retracted position is generally temporary as explained herein. In the extended position, a portion of the engaging element juts into the path 710 to engage a cart 712 in the path 710 and to inhibit the passage of the cart 712 through path 710. In the retracted position, the portion of the engaging element jutting into path 710 is retracted relative to its location in the extended position, such that the shopping cart 712 is free to move relative to first housing 702 and second housing 706. Each of engaging elements 714 further includes at least one actuator, as described hereinabove with reference to engaging elements 114, which actuator shifts the engaging element from the extended position to the retracted position in response to external stimulus.

At least one of the housings 702 and 706 has disposed thereon one or more positional sensors 716, which provide positional information on the cart 712 when it is passing through path 710. In the illustrated embodiment, each of housings 702 and 706 includes two positional sensors 716, disposed on surfaces 704 and 708, respectively, such that each sensor 716 is on a different side of the engaging element 714. Sensors 716 may be any suitable kind of sensor, including metal sensors, magnetic sensors, microswitches, touch sensors, motion sensors, beam sensors and other photoelectric sensors, cameras or image sensors, infrared image sensors, color sensors, laser scanners, Kinect sensors, weight sensors, and RFID readers.

Cart locking system 700 further includes a user interface and control panel 718, which typically includes a display 720, a data entry device 722, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 724. As will be explained in further detail hereinbelow, in use, a potential interacts with user interface and control panel 718 to identify himself, by providing identifying information enabling the CPU 724 to perform a positive identification handshake. Once the potential user has identified himself and his identity was positively confirmed, the system 700 allows the user to extract or return a cart, as described herein.

It is a particular feature of the embodiment of Figures 10A to 11 that each of housing elements 702 and 706 is further associated with a rotating driving band 730 associated with a servo motor or other suitable type of motor 732. Rotation of driving bands 730, under the force of the motors 732, in a first direction, causes a cart 712 to be extracted from the interior of path 710, past engaging elements 714, and to be provided therefrom to a user waiting near user interface and control panel 718. Similarly, rotation of driving bands 730 under the force of motors 732 in the opposite direction causes a cart, placed by the user at the beginning of path 710 near panel 718, to be moved mechanically past engaging elements 714 and into the interior of path 710. Thus, a user may receive a cart from system 700 and may return a cart thereto even though the path 710 is not large enough for the user to enter.

Specifically, Figure 10A shows carts 712 located within path 710 prior to extraction of one cart from the path, and Figure 10B shows cart 712a which has been extracted from path 710, past engaging elements 714, for example in response to authentication of a user, whereas additional carts 712 remain within path 710. It is appreciated that other than the mechanical automatic extraction of a cart from path 710 and insertion of a cart thereto, all structure and functionality of system 700 is substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 3 to 9.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term "or" is considered as inclusive, and therefore the phrase "A or B" means any of the groups "A", "B", and "A and B".

It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Similarly, the content of a claim depending from one or more particular claims may generally depend from the other, unspecified claims, or be combined with the content thereof, absent any specific, manifest incompatibility therebetween.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cart locking system comprising a cart locking arrangement including:

(a) a first housing having a first surface;

(b) a second housing having a second surface;

wherein, in assembled configuration, said first and second surfaces are set apart from, and facing, one another, to form a space therebetween;

(c) at least one engaging element, comprising a rotating element rotatable around an axis thereof and spring-loaded by a spring-loading mechanism, and disposed on said first housing, said engaging element having:

(i) an extended position, in which a perimeter of said rotating element rigidly and non-retractably juts into said space between said surfaces to engage a cart in said space to inhibit traversal of said cart through said space; and

(ii) a retracted position, in which a perimeter of said rotating element is retracted relative to said extended position, and in which retracted position, said rotating element is spring-loaded by said spring-loading mechanism so as to be urged against said cart, yet said space is traversable by said cart; and

(d) at least one actuator, responsive to a first external stimulus, said actuator adapted to enable shifting of said engaging element into said retracted position and responsive to a second external stimulus, said actuator adapted to enable shifting of said engaging element from said retracted position into said extended position following said cart traversing said space.

2. The cart locking system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of said cart.

3. The cart locking system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said cart is a shopping cart.

4. The cart locking system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said cart is a luggage cart.

5. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each said cart is shaped and adapted so as to enable a first cart of said cart to at least partially fit inside a second cart, along a longitudinal axis of said carts.

6. The cart locking system of claim 5, wherein said second cart is dimensioned identically to said first cart.

7. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each said cart has a generally frusto-conical body.

8. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 7, said housings attached to or defining a structure adapted to enclose a succession of carts partially disposed one inside of another.

9. The cart locking system of claim 8, wherein, when said succession of carts partially disposed one inside of another is situated between said housings, said cart comprises a first cart being part of said succession, and when said first cart longitudinally traverses said engaging element, said engaging element is further extended by said spring-loading mechanism and urged against a side of an immediately succeeding cart of said succession of carts, the cart locking system being adapted such that said perimeter of said engaging element rigidly and non-retractably engages said side.

10. The cart locking system of claim 9, wherein, in response to said second external stimulus, said at least one actuator is adapted to shift said engaging element from said retracted position into said extended position in which said engaging element inhibits traversal of said succeeding cart.

11. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 10, said at least one engaging element adapted, when disposed in said extended position, to exert a pressure on said cart so as to lock said cart in place.

12. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 10, said at least one engaging element adapted, when disposed in said extended position, exerting a pressure on said cart so as to inhibit removal of said cart from said space.

13. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one sensor adapted and disposed to provide positional information pertaining to a position of said cart located in, or moving in, said space.

14. The cart locking system of claim 13, said at least one sensor disposed on at least one of said first and second housings.

15. The cart locking system of claim 13, said at least one sensor disposed on at least one of said first and second surfaces.

16. The cart locking system of any one of claims 13 to 15, said positional information indicating the proximity of a cart to said engaging element, said positional information being provided to said at least one actuator as said first external stimulus, to activate said at least one actuator.

17. The cart locking system of any one of claims 13 to 16, said positional information indicating the absence of a cart proximate to said engaging element, said positional information being provided to said at least one actuator at said second external stimulus, to activate said at least one actuator.

18. The cart locking system of claim 17, wherein said positional information indicates said absence of a cart proximate to said engaging element following a previous indication by said sensor of a cart present proximate said engaging element, thereby indicating that the cart has traversed said engaging element.

19. The cart locking system of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a central processing unit (CPU), said CPU designed and configured to receive said positional information, and to activate said at least one actuator based on said positional information.

20. The cart locking system of any one of claims 13 to 19, said at least one sensor selected from the group of sensors consisting of a metal sensor, a magnetic sensor, a microswitch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a beam sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a camera, an image sensor, an infrared image sensor, a color sensor, a laser scanner, a Kinect sensor, a weight sensor, and an RFID reader.

21. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 20, said at least one engaging element including at least a first engaging element and a second engaging element.

22. The cart locking system of claim 21, said first engaging element being disposed on said first housing, and said second engaging element being disposed on said second housing.

23. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 22, said first and second surfaces being set apart from one another, at a distance, said distance equivalent to a width of said cart.

24. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 23, further including at least one position sensor adapted and disposed to sense at least one of said extended position and said retracted position of said engaging element.

25. The cart locking system of claim 24, wherein said at least one position sensor disposed to sense at least one of said extended position and said retracted position is selected from the group of sensors consisting of: a metal sensor, a magnetic sensor, a microswitch, a touch sensor, a motion sensor, and a photoelectric sensor.

26. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 25, at least said first housing having at least one recessed portion recessed with respect to said first surface, away from said second surface.

27. The cart locking system of claim 26, wherein said first surface terminates at a first height from the bottom of said first housing, said at least one recessed portion comprises a vertical surface, generally parallel to said first surface and extending from said bottom of said first housing to said first height, and connected to the said first surface by a first horizontal flange surface disposed perpendicular to said first surface and said vertical surface at said first height.

28. The cart locking system of any one of claims 26 to 27, said second housing also having at least one recessed portion recessed with respect to said second surface, away from said first surface.

29. The cart locking system of claim 28, wherein said second surface terminates at said first height from the bottom of said second housing, said at least one recessed portion comprises a vertical surface, generally parallel to said second surface and extending from said bottom of said second housing to said first height, and connected to said second surface by a second horizontal flange surface disposed perpendicular to said second surface and said vertical surface at said first height.

30. The cart locking system of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein said at least one recessed portion is sized and adapted to prevent lifting of said cart within said space.

31. The cart locking system of claim 30, wherein said at least one recessed portion is sized and adapted to prevent passing of wheels of said cart above said flange surface.

32. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein said rotating element comprises a circular rotating element.

33. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein said rotating element comprises a triangular rotating element.

34. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein said rotating element comprises a quadrilateral rotating element.

35. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 34, said at least one engaging element comprising:

a longitudinally extending, spring loaded, rod; and

a bore formed in a laterally displaceable blocking element functionally associated with said at least one actuator,

wherein, in said extended position, said rod is not aligned with said bore and is not disposed therein, upon receipt of said first external stimulus said actuator causes lateral displacement of said blocking element to align said bore with said rod, and in said retracted position said rod is disposed within said bore.

36. The cart locking system of claim 35, said at least one actuator comprising at least one driving element, said at least one driving element driving lateral displacement of said blocking element.

37. The cart locking system of claim 36, said at least one driving element comprising at least one of a solenoid, a hydraulic driving element, a gas driving element, and a pressure piston.

38. The cart locking system of claim 35 to 37, further comprising at least one sensor, functionally associated with said blocking element, adapted and disposed to sense whether said bore is aligned with said rod.

39. The cart locking system of any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein said rod is functionally associated with said rotating element, said rotating element being disposed at an end of said engaging element and being longitudinally displaceable between a first position corresponding to said extended position of said engaging element and a second position corresponding to said retracted position of said engaging element.

40. The cart locking system of claim 39, wherein, in transition between said extended position and said retracted position of said engaging element, said rod is pushed into said bore due to pressure applied to said rotating element from within said space.

41. The cart locking system of any one of claims 1 to 40, further comprising a cart driving mechanism, configured to automatically move said cart through said space.

42. The cart locking system of claim 41, said cart driving mechanism comprising at least one motor and at least one moving strap functionally associated with said motor and engaging said cart, such that activation of said motor causes movement of said at least one moving strap, thereby resulting in movement of said cart.

43. A cart management arrangement for managing distribution of shopping carts, the arrangement comprising:

a) a cart locking arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 42;

b) a display;

c) a data entry device; and

d) a central Processing Unit (CPU), said CPU designed and configured:

to detect a positive identification handshake, via said data entry device, with a potential user, and to obtain identification data of said user; and

to send a retraction stimulus to said at least one actuator as said first external stimulus, responsive to said positive identification handshake.

44. The cart management arrangement of claim 43, further comprising an image capturing device functionally associated with said CPU, and configured to capture an image of a user extracting a cart from said cart locking arrangement.

45. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 and 44, wherein said data entry device comprises an authorization button, configured and adapted to be pressed by a user in order to authorize or validate data entered via said data entry device.

46. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 45, said CPU designed and configured to receive positional information from at least one sensor, and to send an extension stimulus to said at least one actuator as said second external stimulus after withdrawal or return of said cart.

47. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 46, said display comprising a static display providing instructions to a user.

48. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 46, said display comprising an electronic display, functionally associated with said CPU and configured to change content on said display in response to input from said CPU.

49. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 48, said data entry device designed and configured to accept said user identification data by keypad entry.

50. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 49, said data entry device designed and configured to accept a swiping of a card having a magnetic strip.

51. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 50, said data entry device designed and configured to read at least one of a barcode or a quick response (QR) code and to thereby accept said user identification data.

52. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 51, said data entry device designed and configured to interface with Bluetooth devices.

53. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 52, said data entry device designed and configured to interface with telephone devices.

54. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 53, said CPU designed and configured to interpret said user identification data as entered by keypad entry, by said card having said magnetic strip, by barcode, by QR code, by telephone devices, or by a Bluetooth interface of said Bluetooth devices.

55. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 54, further comprising a storage element functionally associated with said CPU, said storage element designed and configured to store said identification data of said user.

56. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 55, said CPU designed and configured to transmit said user identification data to a computer network.

57. The cart management arrangement of any one of claims 43 to 56, wherein said identification data comprises two different types of identification data, and wherein said CPU is configured to associate said two different types of identification data in said storage element.

58. The cart arrangement of claim 57, wherein, following storage and association of said two different types of identification data, one of said two types of identification data is sufficient for identifying a user.

59. The cart management arrangement of claims 55 to 58, wherein said storage element forms part of said computer network, and said CPU is configured to transmit said user identification data to said computer network for storage on said storage element.

60. The cart management arrangement of claims 43 to 59, said CPU designed and configured to receive a second positive handshake relative to said user identification data from the computer network.

61. The cart management arrangement of claim 60, further including a database including listings of users with whom said positive identification handshake was detected by said CPU.

62. The cart management arrangement of claim 61, said CPU designed and configured, following receipt of said second handshake, to indicate in said database that said user has returned a cart borrowed thereby.

63. The cart management arrangement of claim 60, said CPU designed and configured to monitor entries in said database and to identify at least one user for whom the database does not include an indication that said cart borrowed by said user had been returned within a predetermined time duration.

64. The cart management arrangement of claim 63, said CPU designed and configured to directly bill or to trigger billing of said at least one user for said cart.

65. A method for monitoring obtaining and returning a shopping cart by a user, the method comprising:

receiving user identification data from a user;

detecting a positive handshake of said user identification data with a database;

responsive to said positive handshake, providing a retraction stimulus to at least one actuator of a cart locking arrangement, so as to move an engaging element of said cart locking arrangement from an extended position to a retracted position, allowing the user to extract a cart from or return a cart to said cart locking arrangement;

identifying that said cart was extracted from or returned to said cart locking element; and

responsive to said identifying, providing an extension stimulus to said at least one actuator so as to allow said engaging element to move from said retracted position to a locked extended position thereby to prevent extraction of one or more carts from said cart locking arrangement.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein said receiving user identification data comprises receiving two different types of user identification data, the method further comprising storing said two different types of user identification data in a storage element, associated with one another.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein said receiving user identification data comprises receiving only one of said two different types of user identification data, the method further comprising using said one of said two different types of user identification data, extracting from said storage element a second of said two different types of user identification data, and said detecting a positive handshake comprises detecting said positive handshake based on said two different types of user identification data.

68. The method of any one of claims 65 to 67, further comprising storing said user identification data in a database following said user retracting said cart from said cart locking arrangement.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said storing further comprises storing a timestamp indicating a time at which said user retracted said cart.

70. The method of any one of claims 68 and 69, further comprising:

following said detecting a positive handshake, finding said user identification data in said database;

identifying said cart being returned by said user to said cart locking arrangement; and indicating in said stored user identification data in said database that said user returned said cart.

71. The method of claim 70, further comprising:

monitoring said database for at least one user entry not including an indication that a corresponding cart has been returned; and

if a duration since a timestamp included in said user entry exceeds a predetermined time threshold for returning carts, billing said user or triggering billing of said user for said cart.