Nesting Vehicles Patents (Class 280/33.991)
  • Patent number: 8313113
    Abstract: A hand truck, according to various embodiments comprises: (1) a frame, (2) a nose plate that is attached adjacent a lower end of the frame; and (3) at least one wheel that is adapted to facilitate the rolling movement of the dolly relative to a support surface. In particular embodiments, the hand truck comprises: (1) a first axle support adjacent a first lateral side of the frame; and (2) a second axle support adjacent a second lateral side of the frame. The first and second axle supports are adapted to cooperate with the first and second axle supports of a like hand truck body to facilitate the positioning of the hand truck body into a nested relationship with the like hand truck body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: DG Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Ryan, Robert A. Wood
  • Patent number: 8303240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes, as well as brake and turn lights. Tie down straps are used for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate. This allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to “fine tune” the load. The tongue weight can be adjusted to comply with the RV hitch's requirements. Using the loading ramps supplied with the invention, the automobile and the golf cart can be ready for transport quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Stidd
  • Patent number: 8292327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the optional guiding of at least one self-steering wheel of a trolley. According to the invention, the wheel is of the type that is mounted on a support that pivots around a vertical axis. The device comprises: a push bar which forms a dual-articulated steering member that can be accessed by the user; means for rotating a first clutch part about the vertical axis in response to steering member movements; and means which can be used at will to couple and uncouple the first clutch part in relation to a second clutch part which is solidly connected to the aforementioned support of the wheel, in response to other steering member movements. In addition, a coin-operated locking device for preventing the movement of the trolley is built into a casing which houses a transmission element of the guiding device and which is fixed to the push bar of the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Fernando Esteban Araya Moreno, Carles Riba Romeva
  • Patent number: 8282742
    Abstract: An industrial vacuum system which is contained in a portable container having a bottom and an open end and includes an extension unit having a first end operatively connected to the portable container and a second end that is selectively extendable away from the container, a collection unit rotatively coupled to first ends of the extension unit, a transportation unit coupling the extension unit to the container, the transportation unit having one end rotatively coupled to the end of the extension unit the transportation unit including a plurality of wheel units, and a trolley guidance unit having a rail attached to the bottom of the container and engaging the wheels of the wheel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Vector Technologies
    Inventors: Stephen B Schoenberger, Robert M Reavis
  • Publication number: 20120223501
    Abstract: A self-tracking cart is provided and includes a body defining an enclosure into and from which a secondary cart is receivable and removable, selectively rotatable first and second hitch assemblies, first and second motive elements, first and second steering assemblies to turn the first and second motive elements in opposite directions responsive to rotations of the first and second hitch assemblies and a linkage, which is coupled to the first and second hitch assemblies to cause the first and second hitch assemblies to rotate jointly in opposing directions, the linkage being disposed for non-interference with the secondary cart during reception and removal thereof into and from the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Serge Benoit
  • Publication number: 20120153584
    Abstract: A hand truck, according to various embodiments comprises: (1) a frame, (2) a nose plate that is attached adjacent a lower end of the frame; and (3) at least one wheel that is adapted to facilitate the rolling movement of the dolly relative to a support surface. In particular embodiments, the hand truck comprises: (1) a first axle support adjacent a first lateral side of the frame; and (2) a second axle support adjacent a second lateral side of the frame. The first and second axle supports are adapted to cooperate with the first and second axle supports of a like hand truck body to facilitate the positioning of the hand truck body into a nested relationship with the like hand truck body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Ryan, Robert A. Wood
  • Patent number: 8196874
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a base member for a portable intravenous stand. The base member includes a plurality of segments configured to facilitate the close nesting or alignment of multiple portable intravenous stands; and thus reducing the amount of space required for storing the portable intravenous stands when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Maxtec, LLC
    Inventors: Darryl Zitting, Jeffrey Valjean Anderson, Carl Ross Wecker
  • Patent number: 8162331
    Abstract: A utility cart assembly comprises a shopping cart, a storage unit, and at least one coupling strap. The shopping cart includes a basket and wheels positioned below the basket. The storage unit is coupled to and extends substantially entirely outside the basket. The storage unit defines a first panel positioned adjacent the basket, a second panel opposite the first panel, and a compartment defined between the first panel and the second panel. The second panel defines an opening and the compartment is accessible through the opening. The at least one coupling strap facilitates coupling of the storage unit to the basket. The storage unit is configured to customize the shopping cart for non-consumer use within a retail store. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan Simonson, Kevin Gagnelius, Beverly Becklund, James M. Graven, Troy A. Emter, Terence E. Gobel
  • Patent number: 8123236
    Abstract: A universal transport device that comprises two wheels and interconnected straps for securing and mobilizing a standard, non-wheeled cooler. The two wheels are connected via a stabilizing bar, and are secured under a cooler using a series of connecting straps. The stabilizing bar provides separation of the wheels and support for the cooler load during transport. The straps are adjustable connections around the exterior of the cooler, and comprise a main strap and two or more additional adjoining straps which work to encompass the exterior of the cooler and keep it firmly in place on the stabilizing bar. A handle is secured to the straps to allow a user to tilt and pull the cooler without bending over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: James Helenihi
  • Patent number: 8075017
    Abstract: A trolley including a frame and a supporting part connected to the frame, one side of which forms part of an infant seat or a baby seat. Another side of the supporting part disposed opposite the one side forms part of the baby seat. The supporting part is detachably or pivotally connected to the frame. No complex operations are required on the part of the parents or attendants for adapting the trolley to requirements of either a baby or a child. One side of the supporting part forms part of the infant seat, while the opposite side of the supporting part forms—possibly the entire—baby seat after simply being turned. This enhances ease of conversion and makes the trolley more universal, safer and more suitable for use by the average user at seaports or airports, in stations or in shopping centers or supermarkets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Saleh Quintino Ignacio
  • Patent number: 8066291
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a shopping cart that could have: (i) a slidably movable lower container; (ii) a telescoping container; (iii) dual handles; (iv) a stand having a number of holders and a writing surface formed therein; (v) a wheel having a brake coupled thereto; (vi) a generally A-shaped frame; and/or (vii) a retractable child seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Phoenix Intangibles Holding Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Cagan, Andrew Concilio, Leah Hoxie, Francois Humbert, Eric Kemner, Nayoung Kim, Megan Langdon, Koo Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 8056909
    Abstract: A shopping cart includes a frame, a number of front wheel assemblies and a number of rear wheel assemblies that are coupled to and support the frame, and a main container coupled to the frame. The main container includes a base, a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels each having a tope edge. The front panel and the pair of opposing side panels are coupled together and extend upward from the base. The rear panel is pivotally coupled to the frame. A portion of the main container is structured to engage each of the corresponding top edges of the opposing side panels of another similarly constructed cart as the other cart is nested into the shopping cart. The engagement causes the number of rear wheel assemblies of the shopping cart to be moved from a first position to a second position generally above the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Phoenix Intangibles Holding Company
    Inventors: William Richard Burdwood, George McConnell Davison, III, Peter Arthur Meier, Jason Reed Rogge, Colin Derek Curry, Jonathon Bruce Lanham
  • Patent number: 8052158
    Abstract: An article carrying apparatus in the form of a support that is used with a shopping cart to provide a horizontal support for safely carrying loads that are longer than the length of the cart. The support may be used with any conventional shopping cart having nestable or non-nestable baskets. The support is hingedly attached to a lower structural member of the cart basket. The support is movable between a first position in which it lays flat against the bottom wall of the cart basket, allowing the basket to be nested into an adjacent cart, and a second position in which it is substantially resting against the front wall of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce M. Tyrrell
  • Patent number: 7959166
    Abstract: A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7953606
    Abstract: A checkout apparatus is arranged in a shopping cart. The checkout apparatus includes an ID information inputting section to input customer ID information, an article identification information reading section that reads article identification information, an article information acquiring section which acquires article information of the article, and a checkout process section which performs a checkout process of the cost of the article on the basis of the acquired article information by using the input customer ID information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Japan Research Institute, Limited
    Inventor: Ryuichi Shirasaki
  • Patent number: 7887067
    Abstract: A safety device in connection with a child seat in a shopping cart. The safety device prevents a child, placed on the seat from being able to pull its legs out of the openings formed through the end wall of the shopping cart. The child seat is pivotally suspended from the end wall, which can preferably be swung inwards/upwards in the shopping cart about a horizontal axis, when shopping carts are being stack horizontally. The child seat is placed adjacent to the through opening for the child's legs. Adjacent the openings for the child's legs through the end wall there is arranged an adjustable safety element that can restrict the openings when activated, after the child's legs have been put through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fall Stop Holding AS
    Inventors: Dag Harald Sandvik, Arve Cruickshank
  • Patent number: 7874773
    Abstract: A semi-trailer chassis packing system capable of packing four stacked semi-trailer chassis in a secure bundle having dimensions of a standard forty foot intermodal shipping container. The chassis packing system includes a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly, and one or more spacers. The first frame assembly includes a pair of elongate first bolster receiving members, a first primary connecting member, and a first secondary connecting member. First bolster receiving members are joined by first detachable pivoting joints to opposite ends of the first primary connecting member. First bolster receiving members pivot to perpendicular orientation with respect to the first primary connecting member, receiving rear bolsters of two stacked trailers into cavities provided in the first bolster receiving members. Second bolster receiving members are joined by second detachable pivoting joints to opposite ends of the second primary connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Ayman H Awad
  • Publication number: 20100327545
    Abstract: A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: William D. SPLAIN, Robert D. PEOTA, Alexandre HENNEN, Allan CAMERON, Mark T. RYAN, David L. PRUITT, JR.
  • Patent number: 7857108
    Abstract: A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Smarte Carte, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Louis Amdahl, Dan L. Otterson
  • Publication number: 20100276899
    Abstract: A shopping cart includes a frame, a number of front wheel assemblies and a number of rear wheel assemblies that are coupled to and support the frame, and a main container coupled to the frame. The main container includes a base, a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels each having a tope edge. The front panel and the pair of opposing side panels are coupled together and extend upward from the base. The rear panel is pivotally coupled to the frame. A portion of the main container is structured to engage each of the corresponding top edges of the opposing side panels of another similarly constructed cart as the other cart is nested into the shopping cart. The engagement causes the number of rear wheel assemblies of the shopping cart to be moved from a first position to a second position generally above the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: PHOENIX INTANGIBLES HOLDING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Richard Burdwood, George McConnell Davison, III, Peter Arthur Meier, Jason Reed Rogge, Colin Derek Curry, Jonathon Bruce Lanham
  • Patent number: 7798502
    Abstract: A lug cart and support table assembly is disclosed comprising a support table having an upper support surface for supporting a breading machine. A lug tub-shaped lug located in the lug cart and a latching system affixed to the lug cart to removably attach the lug cart to a selected one of a front side and a rear side of the table assembly. The latching system includes a first latch assembly and a second latch assembly affixed to an end of the cart in spaced apart relation, each of the first and second latch assemblies includes a support body, a pivoting arm coupled to the support body and pivoting in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis between a locking position and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Bettcher Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Alexander Sukey, John H. D. LaMarche, II, Scott M. Muniga
  • Patent number: 7793948
    Abstract: A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100140887
    Abstract: A vehicle loadable cart for loading into a trunk of a vehicle, having a floor and a rear wall which is higher than the floor, is disclosed. The cart includes a chassis, a retractable main wheel assembly for supporting the chassis when transported over a ground surface, and at least one auxiliary wheel assembly with a deployment mechanism that is adapted to shift the auxiliary wheel assembly between a retracted state, in which the auxiliary wheel assembly is raised so as to allow the chassis to pass in a substantially horizontal position over the rear wall of the trunk, and a deployed state, in which said at least one auxiliary wheel assembly extends downward so as to support the chassis above the trunk floor at an elevation equal to or higher than the rear wall of the trunk, allowing wheeling the cart further into the trunk. When the cart is inside the trunk said at least one auxiliary wheel assembly may be retracted to lower the chassis onto the floor of the trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Natan Yehiav, Bosmat Libovsky
  • Patent number: 7722058
    Abstract: A child support carrier for detachable connection to a shopping cart, the child support carrier comprising a body having a space thereon for supporting a child; a plurality of wheels on the body for stably supporting the body for rolling movement on the ground; the body having an attachment mechanism for detachably coupling to a frame of a shopping cart to allow movement of the child support carrier and shopping cart as a unit, the child support carrier being capable of use independently of the shopping cart when not attached to the shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Giampavolo
  • Publication number: 20100109268
    Abstract: A system for engagement and disengagement of carts to form a train of multiple carts. Each cart has a spring-loaded hitch that is held in a storage position when the carts are disengaged. A lever coupled to the hitch is operated to position the hitch for insertion into a receiver pocket of the next cart. A leading edge of the hitch deflects a spring-loaded lockpin. An angled guide member positions the hitch vertically within the pocket so that the lockpin comes into alignment with an aperture in the hitch. When aligned, the lockpin snaps into place and engages the aperture to lock the carts together. The close tolerance of the hitch within the pocket prevents transverse articulation of adjacent carts. Structures within the hitch and the pocket allow slight rotation in a longitudinal articulation axis about the lockpin and torsional articulation of the hitch within the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Pedigo Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal W. Koehler, Matthew John Carney
  • Patent number: 7690879
    Abstract: The invention is a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes as well as brake and turn lights. The invention can use tie down straps for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate which allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to fine tune the load by moving the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Stidd
  • Publication number: 20100078901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stackable shopping cart (1) having a chassis (2), a basket (9) and a pushing device (11), wherein two basket-carrying elements (13) are provided on the chassis (2), the basket (9) being attachable to the elements as part of an installation process by means of the two side walls (10). It is proposed that each basket-carrying element (13) is equipped with an upper support section (14) and a lower support section (15), which is disposed with lateral offset to the upper support section (14), wherein each upper support section (14) is intended for attaching a side wall (10). It is furthermore proposed that at least two connecting point pairs (17) are provided on the chassis (2), and that each basket-carrying element (13) can be locked to one of the at least two connecting point pairs (17) by means of the lower support section (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert Eberlein
  • Patent number: 7681891
    Abstract: There is provided a shopping cart adapted to receive elongated items. The shopping cart includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. A plurality of wheels are connected to the lower portion of the frame. The shopping cart includes an upper basket attached to the upper portion of the frame and a lower basket attached to the lower portion of the frame. The upper basket and lower basket are each open at the top and each is formed from a plurality of vertical and horizontal wire segments which form a plurality of windows. The upper basket has a front wall with a slot therein. The slot has a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion being open so as to receive and retain an elongated item. The bottom portion of the slot extends down at least a portion of the front wall. The lower basket has a back wall with at least one major open for receiving an elongated item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Technibilt, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan Deal, Thomas Collins, Joe Whisnant
  • Patent number: 7673886
    Abstract: A shopping cart has a wheeled base, a rear frame projecting upwardly from the rear end of the base with a handle at its upper end, a basket having a rear end secured to the frame and projecting forwardly from the frame at spacing above the base, and a fixed child seat secured to the rear frame. The basket is closed by a pivoted rear gate at its rear end. Two or more carts can be nested together by pushing the front wall of the basket of a first cart through the rear frame beneath the fixed child seat of a second cart, simultaneously pivoting the rear gate upwardly to allow the basket of the first cart to enter the basket of the second cart. The side walls are inclined upwardly from the child seat to the front end of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: V. John Ondrasik
  • Patent number: 7644937
    Abstract: A child carrier attachable to a shopping cart having a basket mounted to a frame supported by a plurality of caster wheels for contacting a ground surface. The child carrier comprises a support member having at least one stabilizing wheel connected thereto for contacting the ground surface. The support member has a bottom member, with a seat disposed on the support member; and an attachment fixture is connected to the support member for connecting the support member to the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Giampavolo, Robert Shelton
  • Patent number: 7600763
    Abstract: A shopping cart includes a base, a pair of masts, and a basket. The base extends generally horizontally between a front portion and a rear portion of the cart and including a plurality of wheels. The pair of masts extends generally vertically upward from the base in a generally singular plane extending laterally across the rear portion of the cart. Each mast includes a rear portion facing the rear portion of the cart and defining a generally straight surface, and a front portion facing in a direction generally opposite the rear portion of the respective mast and defining a generally concave curved portion. The basket includes a front portion and a rear portion with the rear portion of the basket connected to the base via the pair of masts to support the front portion of the basket in a vertically spaced relationship over the base adjacent the front portion of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7597332
    Abstract: A first and second stroller portions are described to form a modular stroller. The first and second stroller portions may be reversibly coupled together in a tandem relationship with a coupling device to operate in a double stroller configuration. Alternatively, the first and second stroller portions may be uncoupled from one another and used in an independent mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Hatch Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Julie Tabor Thompson
  • Patent number: 7571914
    Abstract: The present invention is a shopping cart collection device adapted to engage to first and second shopping carts and capable of pulling a first train of shopping carts extending from the first shopping cart and pushing a second train of shopping carts extending from the second shopping cart. The device comprises a motorized unit comprising a drive wheel, a first hitch and a second hitch. The first hitch is proximate a first side of the motorized unit and is adapted to engage the first shopping cart. The second hitch is proximate a second side of the motorized unit opposite the first side and is adapted to engage the second shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Dane Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Holtan, Daniel T. Johnson, James W. Wiff
  • Patent number: 7562882
    Abstract: Provided is a nestable (stackable) shopping cart including a pushing device, an undercarriage having casters and carrying a basket having longitudinal and transverse bars, wherein the rear side of the basket provides an opening closeable by a flap pivotable upwards about a horizontal axis into the basket interior. The flap bears against and rests on stop parts when it closes the opening, each stop part arranged on a lower rear transverse bar defining a lower edge of the opening of the basket. Each stop part preferably is a single part having bottom and top portions separated from each other by a connecting piece. Each stop provides a stop and locking region for the flap, the stop and locking region arranged on the right or left side of the top portion, depending on the arrangement of the stop part on the lower rear transverse bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Ayhan Acikgoez
  • Patent number: 7549651
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved cart coupler assembly for use on a shopping cart retriever vehicle. The cart coupler assembly provides a means for connecting shopping carts to the cart retriever vehicle. The cart coupler assembly may employ an actuator to move yokes into position to enable the yokes to engage shopping cart members. The cart coupler assembly may employ the upwardly facing concave surfaces of U-shaped yokes to engage the rear wheels of a shopping cart. In the place of yokes, the cart coupler assembly may utilize a shopping cart emulator that emulates one or more portions or features of a shopping cart in order to facilitate the engagement of the coupler assembly to a shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Dane Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Holtan, Daniel T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7530579
    Abstract: A handtruck includes a tower having upper and lower ends and a handle adjacent the tower upper end. A support plate is generally adjacent the tower lower end and extends outwardly, the support plate configured to support a load. At least one wheel is operatively coupled to the tower or support plate. The handtruck includes an ejection member for moving the load from the support plate. The ejection member includes an elongate lever having upper and lower ends and being pivotally coupled to the tower. The ejection member includes a pushplate pivotally coupled to the lever and is movable between a rest configuration when the elongate lever upper end is relatively adjacent the tower and an offload configuration when the elongate lever upper end is relatively distant to the tower. A distal end of the pushplate is in slidable contact with the pushplate when moving between rest and offload configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Steven J. Butler
  • Patent number: 7527274
    Abstract: A cart is described and claimed. The cart is used for moving an delivering large planar objects to an object receiving table having a substantially flat, horizontal surface. The cart has a base and a rack removably mounted atop the base. The base includes a pivot structure for pivotally fixing the base at a predetermined location, and at least one (preferably three) wheeld base mechanisms arranged to permit the base structure to pivot about that pivot structure into and out of a delivery position in which the rack bottom is located substantially coplanar with and adjacent to the top of the object receiving table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Midway Industries
    Inventors: Art Strauss, Wayne Oksanen
  • Publication number: 20090085315
    Abstract: A dolly according includes a deck and a plurality of casters extending downward below the deck. A connector is pivotably connected to the deck and is selectively pivotable between a retracted position and a connecting position. The deck also includes a receiver for receiving the connector of a similar dolly adjacent thereto to connect the dolly to the similar dolly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Kyle L. Baltz
  • Publication number: 20090058024
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a shopping cart that could have: (i) a slidably movable lower container; (ii) a telescoping container; (iii) dual handles; (iv) a stand having a number of holders and a writing surface formed therein; (v) a wheel having a brake coupled thereto; (vi) a generally A-shaped frame; and/or (vii) a retractable child seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan Cagan, Andrew Concilio, Leah Hoxie, Francois Humbert, Eric Kemner, Nayoung Kim, Megan Langdon, Koo Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 7494135
    Abstract: A shopping vehicle includes a wheeled chassis supporting a main cart and a utility portion. The main cart includes a front portion and a rear portion with the utility portion extending rearward from the rear portion of the main cart. The utility portion includes a generally horizontal platform and a generally vertical support structure. The support structure extends generally upward and generally perpendicular relative to the generally horizontal platform. The platform and the support structure of the utility portion, in combination with the rear portion of the main cart define a first cargo zone behind the main cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Ash, Mitchell W. Knoll, William D. Splain, Larry S. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7494136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a basket, in particular, intended for storing and transporting goods in shops and other selling premises. The basket is formed of a body, including a bottom wall and four lateral walls, castors, and a grasping mechanism. The casters enable the basket to move by rolling over the ground. According to the invention, the grasping mechanism is a telescopic arm deploying from one of the walls of the body of the basket, the one wall being called the proximal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Joalpe Industria de Expositores, S.A.
    Inventors: Manuel Alves, Pedro Dinis
  • Patent number: 7481439
    Abstract: A first and second stroller portions are described to form a modular stroller. The first and second stroller portions may be reversibly coupled together in a tandem relationship with a means for coupling to operate in a double stroller configuration. Alternatively, the first and second stroller portions may be uncoupled from one another and used in an independent mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hatch Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Julie Tabor Thompson
  • Patent number: 7475885
    Abstract: A device for mounting on a shopping cart that holds small items being purchased which otherwise could fall through openings in the shopping cart while shopping. The device includes a basket member made from a predetermined material and having a predetermined configuration. There is at least one aperture formed through a wall of the basket member. There is also a mechanism connectable through the at least one aperture and an opening between bars of a sidewall of the shopping cart for mounting the basket member one of inside and outside such shopping cart on one of the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Jeanne Kovath
  • Patent number: 7464945
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in the storage and transportation of recyclable waste comprises a housing (10) having a bottom (16) for standing on the ground, a rear wall (20), a pair of opposed side walls (22), a handle (26) adjacent the top and rear of the housing, and a pair of wheels (28) adjacent the bottom and rear of the housing and arranged such that the housing can be tipped rearwardly using the handle so that the wheels engage the ground, so that the bottom of the housing no longer engages the ground and so that the apparatus can be moved on the wheels using the handle to move it. The housing provides at least one space (48) accessible from the front of the housing, the or each space being arranged to receive at least one recycling box (12) having a base (30), four side walls (32) and an open top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Glynn Humphries, Christopher John Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080302585
    Abstract: A transport system comprises a first cart comprising a first plurality of wheels and a first docking system. A second cart comprises a second plurality of wheels and a second docking system for releasably connecting to the first docking system such that at least one of the first plurality of wheels is axially aligned with at least one of the second plurality of wheels. The carts may comprise a two shelf cart, a platform truck, an accessory module or other type of cart. A method of using the transport system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Perelli, Grant M. Mason
  • Patent number: 7448476
    Abstract: A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Carte, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan L. Otterson
  • Publication number: 20080265534
    Abstract: A shopping cart has a wheeled base, a rear frame projecting upwardly from the rear end of the base with a handle at its upper end, a basket having a rear end secured to the frame and projecting forwardly from the frame at spacing above the base, and a fixed child seat secured to the rear frame. The basket is closed by a pivoted rear gate at its rear end. Two or more carts can be nested together by pushing the front wall of the basket of a first cart through the rear frame beneath the fixed child seat of a second cart, simultaneously pivoting the rear gate upwardly to allow the basket of the first cart to enter the basket of the second cart. The side walls are inclined upwardly from the child seat to the front end of the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: V. John Ondrasik
  • Publication number: 20080217876
    Abstract: A display system and computer-readable medium are disclosed. The display system includes a base, a screen movably coupled to the base, and a control unit coupled to the screen. The control unit adjusts the screen to a position based on at least one condition. The at least one condition can be an attribute such as a height or an eye position. According to the system disclosed herein, the display system increases the convenience of a user by automatically adjusting the screen to an optimal position for the user. As a result, improved readability of the screen is achieved while simplifying the use of the display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hye S. Chi, Robert A. Myers, Robert D. Parsons, Jeff D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080211200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a group of shopping trolleys formed by at least two different shopping trolleys, respectively comprising an undercarriage and a basket carried by the undercarriage. The same shopping trolleys can be parked in rows, in such a way that the baskets and the undercarriages are partially inserted into each other. At least one connecting means is provided beneath the bottom of the basket and outside the lateral walls of the basket, said connecting means comprising connecting points that enable a basket to be fixed to an undercarriage during the course of the assembly process. The different trolleys are differentiated by at least the different width of the baskets or alternatively by the different width of the undercarriages. The arrangement of at least the connecting points corresponding to the basket, or alternatively at least the connecting points corresponding to the undercarriage is the same for all of the shopping trolleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Herbert Eberlein
  • Patent number: 7416194
    Abstract: A shopping cart includes a base, a pair of masts, and a basket. The base extends generally horizontally between a front portion and a rear portion of the cart and including a plurality of wheels. The pair of masts extends generally vertically upward from the base in a generally singular plane extending laterally across the rear portion of the cart. Each mast includes a rear portion facing the rear portion of the cart and defining a generally straight surface, and a front portion facing in a direction generally opposite the rear portion of the respective mast and defining a generally concave curved portion. The basket includes a front portion and a rear portion with the rear portion of the basket connected to the base via the pair of masts to support the front portion of the basket in a vertically spaced relationship over the base adjacent the front portion of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Splain, Robert D. Peota, Alexandre Hennen, Allan Cameron, Mark T. Ryan, David L. Pruitt, Jr.