Attachments Or Accessories Patents (Class 280/33.992)
  • Patent number: 11884315
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, a mobile apparatus for identifying items. For instance, the mobile apparatus may include a main frame, a chassis attached to the main frame, and a basket that attaches to the chassis in order to prevent the basket from contacting the main frame. One or more sensors, such as weight sensor(s), may be located between the basket and the main frame. The mobile apparatus may further include a shelf that extends substantially horizontally from the main frame, where a gate separates the basket from the shelf. A user may then place first item(s) within a receptacle of the basket and second item(s) within a receptacle of the shelf. The mobile apparatus may further include a handlebar module attached to the main frame, where the handlebar module includes an opening for inserting a removable battery of the mobile apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Burch, Robert David Serra, Matthew Clark Webster, Jacob A. Siegel, David Wai-Man Wong, Jacob Paul Warren, Brendan Kyle McLeod
  • Patent number: 11816717
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a payment information providing system using a wearable device, and more specifically, the payment information providing system includes: a wearable device for recognizing and photographing a product image by sensing a motion of a user and transferring the photographed product image to a product information providing device, and receiving product information transferred from the product information providing device and displaying the product information on a screen; the product information providing device for receiving the product image from the wearable device and providing information on a product related to the product image to the wearable device; and a contents providing server for receiving the product information from the product information providing device and transferring digital contents to the wearable device if a product to be purchased is selected according to the received product information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SK Planet Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sungoh Oh, Kwonho Lee, Sunghyun Yoon
  • Patent number: 11285983
    Abstract: A wagon is disclosed having a basket by which to carry a first article, a basket support rack on which the basket sits, a first carriage connected to the wagon below the basket by which to carry a second article, and a second carriage connected to the wagon behind the basket by which to carry a third article. The first carriage includes a pair of brackets, each of which having first and second C-shaped bracket arms being pivotally connected to and depending downwardly from one side of the basket support rack. The C-shaped bracket arms are arranged in spaced facing alignment to carry the second article therebetween. The second carriage includes a flat platform having a pair of engagement hooks extending therefrom. The engagement hooks of the platform are detachably connected in surrounding engagement with respective platform retainer clips that are connected to the rear of the basket support rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Horowitz
  • Patent number: 10988156
    Abstract: A shopping cart extender removably attaches to a shopping cart in any of a wide range of configurations. The extender comprises a rectangular yoke hingably disposed between two upright mounts. The upright mounts are configured with upper and lower hooks to attach to corresponding horizontal members of a shopping cart. When the rectangular yoke is swung up on its hinge, the extender provides level support for long items on a shopping cart to which the extender is attached. When swung down, the extender permits an attached shopping cart to be nested with other shopping carts. Embodiments of the extender have extensions to restrain long items from lateral slipping on an attached shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald G. Reiersen
  • Patent number: 10933899
    Abstract: A shopping cart basket having a handle region located at the front or the sides of the shopping cart basket is disclosed. The forward handle region may have a plurality of openings along the front, corners, and sides to allow a customer to easily grip the shopping cart basket and guide the shopping cart. The shopping cart basket may be formed from a metallic wire portion and a non-metallic forward handle region, or in some embodiments, the shopping cart basket may be formed from a fully formed from a polymer material. The shopping cart may also include non-metallic corner inserts that form a portion of the side and front walls of the shopping cart as well as a non-metallic bottom insert that forms a portion of the bottom wall of the shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Unarco Industries LLC
    Inventors: William Timothy Harrison, Gregory Eric Dallen, Wesley McMurtrey
  • Patent number: 10601243
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for generating energy with a shopping cart. A shopping cart apparatus comprises: a front wheel, a back wheel, a bottom frame, and a power generator assembly. The power generator assembly comprises: a generator coupled to the back wheel, the generator being configured to convert kinetic energy from a rotation of the back wheel to electrical energy, a capacitor element coupled to the generator and configured to store the electrical energy generated by the generator, the capacitor element comprising a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric material, wherein the first electrode comprises an elongated member of the bottom frame extending from the back wheel toward the front wheel, and a first contact member and a second contact member coupled to the capacitor element and configured to discharge the electrical energy stored in the capacitor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew A. Jones, Nicholaus A. Jones, Robert J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10556609
    Abstract: A shopping cart basket having a handle region located at the front or the sides of the shopping cart basket is disclosed. The forward handle region may have a plurality of openings along the front, corners, and sides to allow a customer to easily grip the shopping cart basket and guide the shopping cart. The shopping cart basket may be formed from a metallic wire portion and a non-metallic forward handle region, or in some embodiments, the shopping cart basket may be formed from a fully formed from a polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Unarco Industries LLC
    Inventors: William Timothy Harrison, Gregory Eric Dallen, Ryan Witchey, Wesley McMurtrey
  • Patent number: 10351153
    Abstract: A supportive cushion and restraint for an infant or young child in a shopping cart seat which includes an upper cushioned body that provides torso and back support by including a rigid plastic sheet insert located posterior and parallel to compressed polyester padding; and is hinged at a horizontal seam to a lower cushioned body (the seat portion), which encloses compressed polyester padding; a wide belt that secures by hook and loop type fasteners and extends from the upper cushioned body, wrapping forward around the torso, securing the child in place and adjusting to most girths; the upper and lower cushioned bodies are enclosed in the same durable fabric as the wide belt; two pairs of heavy duty strap-and-buckle units extend from the upper cushioned body, providing the means to secure the upper cushioned body to the shopping cart seat, and ensuring proper support and comfortable restraint of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Valerie Faith Lopez
  • Patent number: 10326300
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for generating energy with a shopping cart. A shopping cart apparatus comprises: a front wheel, a back wheel, a bottom frame, and a power generator assembly. The power generator assembly comprises: a generator coupled to the back wheel, the generator being configured to convert kinetic energy from a rotation of the back wheel to electrical energy, a capacitor element coupled to the generator and configured to store the electrical energy generated by the generator, the capacitor element comprising a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric material, wherein the first electrode comprises an elongated member of the bottom frame extending from the back wheel toward the front wheel, and a first contact member and a second contact member coupled to the capacitor element and configured to discharge the electrical energy stored in the capacitor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew A. Jones, Nicholaus A. Jones, Robert J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10258705
    Abstract: The sanitizing device for tool and cart handles is designed to rest on a base mount attached to the tool handle. When the user wants to use the sanitizing device they move the device from its rest position, spray sanitizing solution onto the desired surface area of the tool or cart handle, then slide the device along the handle to sanitize and/or disinfect it. The device includes a sponge which aids in the thorough sanitization of the desired surface area. In addition to sanitizing tool or cart handle, the device allows the user to direct the sanitizing spray into their hands to eliminate or minimize the transfer or spread of communicable pathogens. The fluid reservoir may be refillable or, alternatively, the fluid reservoir may be disposable and replaceable when the fluid is depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Patrick Daniel Bord
  • Patent number: 10220867
    Abstract: A cart basket locking assembly for securing valuables in a shopping cart includes a cart, such as for using in a supermarket. A basket is coupled to and is positioned the cart. The basket, which is positioned proximate to a first end of the cart, has a top that is open. A cover is hingedly coupled to the basket. The cover is selectively and lockably couplable to the cart to close the top of the basket. The cover is positioned to selectively couple to the cart to close the top of the basket. The cover also is positioned to be locked to secure at least one article, such as a purse, within the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Elizabeth McGee
  • Patent number: 9855962
    Abstract: A locking floor folding cart has a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a folding frame. The folding frame includes a front frame supported by the pair of front wheels, and a rear frame supported by the pair of rear wheels. A front floor member is hinged to a rear floor member at a middle floor joint. The front floor member is also hinged to the front frame, and the rear floor member is also hinged to the rear frame. A floor crossbar supports the middle floor joint, the front floor member, and the rear floor member. A primary sidewall assembly supports the floor crossbar. The primary sidewall assembly includes a front floor crossbar support and a rear floor crossbar support. The front floor crossbar support is hinged to the rear floor crossbar support at a floor crossbar connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Zhaosheng Chen, Yishun Chen
  • Patent number: 9725105
    Abstract: Shopping container safes and related methods for securing objects are disclosed. According to an aspect, a shopping container includes a load carrier and a safe being attached to the load carrier. The safe may include a door and a lock. The lock may be configured to receive security information from an object. The lock may also determine whether to validate the received security information. Further, the lock may either fasten or unfasten the door of the safe in response to determining to validate the received security information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Shun-Te Yu, Leo Lee, Merrick Wang, Vincent Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9637152
    Abstract: A shopping assembly includes a shopping cart and a support shelf. The shopping cart includes a basket and a handle. The basket includes a rear wall having a top end, and the handle is spaced from the top end of the rear wall defining a space between the handle and the top end of the rear wall. The support shelf includes a cuff and a platform. The cuff is wrapped at least partially around the handle of the shopping cart to couple the support shelf to the shopping cart. The platform is positioned below and extends forwardly relative to the cuff toward the rear wall of the shopping cart. The platform has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and rigidly extends between a front edge and a rear edge thereof. The cuff is positioned on a rear side of the rear edge of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas John Dyer, Stacy Lee Abel
  • Patent number: 9598096
    Abstract: A shopping cart features a frame forming a chassis portion and a handle portion. A number of casters are attached to the chassis portion while a basket attached to the handle portion. A pair of basket supports are positioned on opposite sides of the basket. The pair of basket supports include a pair of base portions connected to the chassis portion, a pair of forward tilting lower portions attached to the base portions, and a pair of rearward tilting upper portions attached to the pair of forward tilting lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Unarco Industries LLC
    Inventors: Woody Smith, Wesley McMurtrey
  • Patent number: 9074984
    Abstract: A system for performing airport security screening of carry-on bags and other separately scanned carry-on items such as electronics. The system includes a number of airport divestment and luggage carts. Each of the carts includes a frame with a lower support for receiving carry-on luggage, and the frame further supports security bins for receiving separately scannable items (such as a computing device). The system includes a 3D scanner scanning items passed through a scanning tunnel. The system also includes a conveyance system engaging the carts and transporting the carts through the scanning tunnel for 3D scanning, with such scanning including the carry-on luggage and the separately scannable items in bins. Typically, the frame of each of the carts is formed of one or more non-metallic materials and is non-collapsible. Further, the carts may be oriented to be upright during transportation through the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: John M. Padgett, Michelle G. Bentubo, Harold J. Kennedy, Seth T. Abbe
  • Patent number: 9010769
    Abstract: A baby stroller that has a frame incorporated on it, which allows the baby stroller to be attached to a shopping cart in a manner that allows both the stroller and cart to be operated simultaneously by a single user. A frame that can be attached to a standard baby stroller, for connecting the stroller to a shopping cart, which allows the baby stroller and shopping cart to be operated simultaneously by a single user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Guillermo Munive
  • Patent number: 9010771
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting carts including a machine body, a steering control arranged on the body, a steering pedestal pivotally arranged with respect to the body, and a selection mechanism adapted to be selectively coupleable between the body and the steering pedestal providing for a caster mode and a steering mode respectively. A method of using a dual mode utility machine including depressing a first lever thereby engaging a pivoting selector into a steering pedestal engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by rotatably manipulating a tiller, and depressing a second lever thereby disengaging the pivoting selector from a steering pedestal engaging position to a body engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by pushing and/or pulling a machine from side to side via a fixed tiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Holtan, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 8998218
    Abstract: The invention includes a pivoting floor member coupled to the bottom shelf of a shopping cart. The floor member is pivotally arranged so that it assumes a first position when nothing is placed upon it and a second position when any object having more than a predetermined weight is placed upon it. The floor member is mechanically coupled to a mechanical indicator which assumes a first indicating position when the floor member is in its first position and a second indicating position when the floor member is in its second position. The indicator may be a rod and sleeve arrangement and the rod may include indicia such as one or more colored stripes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Steven Salvatore Bitondo, Steven Michael Bitondo
  • Patent number: 8991836
    Abstract: A child seat for a shopping cart comprises a gate, a back rest, two arms and a seat. The arms connect to the gate at one end and the back rest at the other. The arms connect to the gate at an angle, which provides resistance so that the back rest does not fall while buckling the child into the seat. The arms terminate in a chamber, which encompasses the back rest and allows the back rest to fold. One end of the seat terminates in a channel, which encompasses the base wire of the back rest, allowing the back rest to rotate. The second end of the seat terminates in a second channel, which encompasses attachment members on the gate, thereby allowing the seat to rotate. The attachment members include wires, which interact with a step in the second channel to lock the seat to the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AMSA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivor Michel Walter, Ning Siu Sin
  • Publication number: 20150069726
    Abstract: A small container partitioned into two sections—one for housing a pair of retractable cords and the other half for housing a packet containing sanitizing material. Each of the sections have empty spaces therein and are conjoined together via click-and-lock hinges. The empty spaces between two sections when conjoined, they together house the protective covering sleeve. In operation, a user engages a cart handle by attaching the device thereto, and can detach the two sections from each other easily. The two sections when separated deploy the protective covering sleeve over the surface of the handle, providing a sanitary surface for the user to grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Shivaji Prasad
  • Patent number: 8973928
    Abstract: A baby carriage includes a frame and an accommodating mechanism. The accommodating mechanism is disposed on the frame and used for accommodating a mobile device. The accommodating mechanism includes a base and a clamping member. The clamping member is movably disposed on the base and used for clamping the mobile device on the base. This invention also discloses an accommodating mechanism having two crossing recesses for accommodating the mobile device in different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Dylan Anthony Mellinger
  • Patent number: 8944441
    Abstract: The steering assembly is applicable to a human-driven vehicle having a chassis (1) mounted on self-orienting wheels (2). The steering assembly comprises a steering unit (50b) with a steering wheel (4) installed on a mobile support and maintained out of contact with the ground by elastic means at an end (1b) of the chassis (1), and a control unit (50a) with a command member (7) in another end of the chassis. The units are connected by transmission devices (19, 20, 21). The command member (7) is manually operable to lower the steering wheel (4) against the force of said elastic means and to make the steering wheel (4) rotate with respect to a substantially vertical shaft when the wheel (5) is in contact with the ground to steer the vehicle. The elastic means automatically lift the steering wheel (4) when the manual operation of the command member (7) ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Inventias Engineering, S.L.
    Inventor: Fernando Esteban Araya Moreno
  • Patent number: 8905411
    Abstract: A reusable shopping bag and cart system for improved checkout and bagging procedures. The reusable shopping bags have elongate carrying handles at the upper end of opposed end wall panels for carrying them in the manner of a conventional “tote” type shopping bag, and include sleeves or loops on opposed side wall panels that allow them to be slipped over and suspended in a full open condition from the arms of conventional “T-shirt bag” holding racks and also over bag support members of specially designed shopping carts. The bags may also have shorter support handles at the upper end of the side wall panels for supporting them on the shopping carts. The bags and carts may be utilized in improved checkout, scanning, and bagging procedures employing filled bags supported on the cart and one empty bag supported on the cart or the arms of the bag holding rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Fred T. Blanton
  • Patent number: 8876126
    Abstract: A shopping cart is provided with controlled frictional release devices incorporating ramps that prevent a nestable shopping cart from becoming overly engaged with a docking cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip L. Woody
  • Patent number: 8870209
    Abstract: A connector for releasably attaching a vehicle such as a shopping cart to a wheelchair includes a pivoting frame that is mounted for use on the cart by a front attachment device and that can be releasably attached to the wheelchair by the chair's occupant. The frame is pivoted to an in-use position and aligned with the wheelchair for attachment. The frame can also be readily released from attachment to the wheelchair by the chair's occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Assembled Products Corporation
    Inventor: Steven S. Conrad
  • Patent number: 8864148
    Abstract: An antimicrobial, molded laminate shopping cart part and method of manufacturing same are provided. The part, such as a small child seat, includes a structural carrier made from a thermoplastic resin and having an outer surface. The part further includes a formed plastic film sheet having upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface is bonded to the outer surface of the carrier. The film sheet includes an outer clear plastic layer including at least one antimicrobial agent disbursed throughout the plastic layer. The antimicrobial agent exhibits controlled migration through the clear plastic to the outer surface of the clear plastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Darius J. Preisler
  • Patent number: 8844948
    Abstract: Described is a shopping cart crutch assembly that is formed to allow a user to attach the shopping cart assembly with a variety of shopping carts. In doing so, a shopping cart handle brace can be positioned over a shopping cart handle. Rising from the shopping cart handle is the extension member which is used to elevate the body support member. A user can then position his/her armpits over the body support member and receive ambulatory support while being able to push and utilize the shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: George Tanner
  • Publication number: 20140265185
    Abstract: A mobile device holder includes a holding portion, a lower shelf fixedly attached to a base of the holding portion and configured to support a mobile device, an upper shelf slidably affixed to the holding portion and slidable along a plane defined by the holding portion toward the lower shelf such that a distance between the upper shelf and lower shelf is adjustable, a pivot assembly connected to the holding portion and configured to pivot about a pivot axis, wherein the lower shelf is attached to the base of the holding portion at a fixed distance from the pivot assembly, and a mount affixed to the pivot assembly, wherein the holding portion, the upper shelf and the lower shelf are pivotable together about the pivot axis relative to the mount between an upright position and a stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Randy MERSKY
  • Patent number: 8807578
    Abstract: A germ barrier for shopping cart including a sheet removably insertable into an extant shopping cart whereby items placed in the shopping cart are prevented from contacting the interior of the shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome Huguley
  • Publication number: 20140225339
    Abstract: A shopping cart cover for providing protection to a user and contents of a shopping cart during inclement weather conditions, such as rain or snow, or providing shade against the sun. The cover includes four legs that can collapse or expand and attach to the cart using one or more fastening members. In addition, the configuration of the roof of the cover allows a plurality of covers to be stacked on top of each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Pena Damian, III
  • Patent number: 8794655
    Abstract: A shopping cart for use with a wheelchair includes two wheeled front legs and a rear leg. The rear leg is not attached to a wheel. The rear leg is adapted to be mounted to a foot rest of the wheelchair. The shopping cart also includes a container device supporting frame. The frame is coupled to and supported by the front legs and the rear leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Terry Gipson
  • Patent number: 8789733
    Abstract: An intelligent terminal equipment supporting device and a supermarket shopping cart provided with the supporting device are disclosed. The intelligent terminal equipment supporting device includes a mounting member, a first supporting member and a second supporting member. A rear end of the first supporting member is fixedly connected with a front side of the mounting member, a rear end of the second supporting member is fixedly connected with the front side of the mounting member, a first supporting joint member is connected between the front end of the first supporting member and the front end of the second supporting member, and the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the first supporting joint member form a frame structure to support the intelligent terminal equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: China Human International Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianqiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8783697
    Abstract: A holder holds bottles in a shopping cart having a wall and a main compartment having a floor. The holder includes a rack which has a plurality of apertures which are shaped and dimensioned to receive the bottles. The rack is rotatably connectable to the wall of the shopping cart so that the rack is disposed in the main compartment of the shopping cart. When connected to the wall of the shopping cart, the rack is selectively rotatable (1) to a not-in-use position substantially parallel to the wall of the shopping cart, and (2) to an in-use position substantially parallel to the floor of the main compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Riley Scott Wilhite
  • Patent number: 8746709
    Abstract: A magnifying glass that is mounted on the shopping cart can be moved from a protected neutral position into the reading position only when no key is in the coin deposit lock, and the key can be inserted into the lock only after the magnifying glass has been placed into the protected neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Franz Wieth, Horst Sonnendorfer
  • Patent number: 8720911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shopping cart having a sliding handle, which has module-like functional elements, wherein the functional elements are substantially accommodated in a recess of the sliding handle and protrude so far out of the sliding handle that good usability of the functional elements is given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Patent number: 8714215
    Abstract: A flexible plastic strip to cover a handle such as, for example, that common to a conventional shopping cart to prevent a shopper's hands from coming into direct contact with the handle. According to a preferred embodiment, a pair of strip holders are detachably connected in surrounding engagement to the handle. The strip holders are spaced from one another and slidable along the handle. Each of the pair of strip holders has a hook projecting therefrom. The ends of the flexible strip are attached to the pair of strip holders at respective ones of the hooks thereof. The flexible strip can be removed from the strip holders and discarded in order to avoid the spread of germs, viruses and other disease-causing micro-organisms which lie on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Morgan Madison, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Badgley, Roger A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8708348
    Abstract: This invention relates to a shopping trolley having castors and a handle, the surface of which consists of plastic. The surface of the handle consists of one or more different materials, at least one of said materials having conductive properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Patent number: 8696400
    Abstract: A shopping cart liner includes a body configured to nest in the child seat portion of a shopping cart. The body may define one or more openings positioned to enable the feet of a child seated in the shopping cart to protrude through the body, and the shopping cart liner includes a track at least partially embedded in a portion of the shopping cart liner. A clip is slidingly engaged with the track, and defines an opening for attaching an item to the shopping cart liner. An item such as a toy, teething ring, pacifier, or other item may be attached. The body may be padded, and, and may include one or more pockets. The shopping cart liner may include a seat belt for securing a child to the shopping cart liner, and may be used in combination with a pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Boppy Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Fair, Kristin A. Tidwell, Catherine P. McNeil, Clarice Bonzer
  • Patent number: 8690166
    Abstract: A cup holder for a shopping cart includes a container ring and a securing mechanism. The container ring is configured to removably hold a beverage container while the securing mechanism is configured for removably securing the container ring relative to a shopping cart. The securing mechanism includes a first portion configured for slidable mounting in a first direction onto a top edge of a wall of a basket of the shopping cart. A second portion of the securing mechanism is configured for slidable insertion, in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, into a hole in the basket of the shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Peota, Scott A. Meyer, Paul A. Yun, Levi Wilson, John W. Watkins, Jerrod D. Mullins
  • Patent number: 8668207
    Abstract: A product promotion storage rack is formed of a base plate having a front surface and a rear surface. The base plate has upper and lower edges. The base plate has parallel left and right edges. A plurality of laterally spaced long fingers extend forwardly from the front surface. Each long finger has a horizontal first short leg and an upwardly extending vertical first long leg. A plurality of laterally spaced inverted short fingers extend rearwardly from the rear surface. Each short finger has a horizontal second short leg and a downwardly extending vertical second long leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Gilliam
  • Patent number: 8650715
    Abstract: A shell for a handle tube of a shopping cart or trolley. The shell has improved properties compared with a conventional, round, simple shell and has zones made of different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Patent number: 8622570
    Abstract: Lighting systems for strollers enable users to integrate straight forward and modular lighting elements with eco-friendly practices to produce helpful and useful products whose functionality dictates safety levels consistent with statutory schemes for other wheeled vehicles, assuring visibility to both pedestrians and other street traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Rachelle Davis Hatfield, Nicole Tena
  • Patent number: 8474832
    Abstract: A mobile device holder includes a lower holding portion having a pair of opposed lower holding portion channels, a shelf at the base of the lower holding portion, an upper holding portion having a pair of opposed upper holding portion channels, the pair of opposed upper holding portion channels diverging in a direction away from the lower holding portion and aligned with the pair of opposed lower holding portion channels, the upper holding portion affixed to the lower holding portion, and a base connected to the shelf of the lower holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Randy Mersky
  • Patent number: 8469373
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing different shopping cart models is provided. The method includes providing multiple sets of base modules, providing at least one set of tubular side uprights, and selecting a base module from each of the different sets thereof. For each selected base module, selecting a pair of tubular side uprights from any one of the at least one set thereof. For each selected base module, aligning the mounting surfaces of the selected pair of tubular side uprights with the respective mounting surfaces of the selected base module, and securing the mounting surfaces together so that the upper portions of the selected tubular side uprights extend upward from the base module in parallel relation to each other. For each selected base module, mounting at least one shopping cart basket to the tubular side uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Produits Cari-All Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Berthiaume, Gilles Simard, Richard Pare, Serge Nadeau
  • Patent number: 8403343
    Abstract: A shopping cart attachment device for securing a shopping cart to a vehicle featuring a clamp base having a generally U-shaped cross section formed from a first panel and a second panel connected together, the base snugly wraps around an end of the shopping cart; an arm pivotally attached to the base via a pivot mechanism, the pivot mechanism allows the arm to pivot side-to-side, the arm has a first end and a second end, the first end is engaged in the pivot mechanism and the second end extends outwardly from the base and pivot mechanism; a pad component disposed on the second end of the arm; and a hook extending upwardly from the pad component and second end of the arm, the hook functions to hook onto a part of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Suzanne M. Seawel
  • Patent number: 8376377
    Abstract: In order to temporarily close off the open end or ends of a supermarket cage to reduce risk of products falling out, a supermarket cage protection device is proposed which comprises a roller (16) mounted between respective brackets (30) which are adapted to be fitted removably to opposing upper regions of opposing side frames (22) of a supermarket cage (20). A sheet of flexible material (12) is mounted upon and extensible from the roller (16) so as to cover, in use, an open end of the supermarket cage. Means for releasably securing the sheet (12) when so extended may comprise a channel element (14) providing a hook to engage a bottom cage element and optionally a grip portion (45) to facilitate its release. In its simplest form such a device is, in effect, a roller blind adapted for fitting to a delivery cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Technological Systems Limited
    Inventor: Walter Stephen Weston
  • Patent number: 8360441
    Abstract: The grocery cart cup holder a front, middle, and rear frame. The front frame has along an outer end a plurality of front clips, which are used to secure the front frame onto the shopping cart seat frame. The middle frame has at least one circular opening, and is hingedly connected to both the front frame and rear frame. The rear frame has at least one back clip that attaches onto the shopping cart seat frame. The grocery cart cup holder can fold flat to enable use of the grocery cart seat, and the cup holder can fold up to provide a cup holder that consists of the circular opening at an elevated position working in tandem with the grocery cart seat to create a cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Danny Caruso, Scott Muir
  • Patent number: 8356824
    Abstract: A stroller illumination system includes a stroller frame and a child receiving member that is mounted on the stroller frame. The stroller frame includes a plurality of legs and a handle grip. Each of the legs has at least one of a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled thereto. A light emitting assembly is mounted on the frame. The light emitting assembly emits light when turned on to increase a visibility of the stroller frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Randal J. Manweiler, Michael T. Coon
  • Patent number: 8353432
    Abstract: An accessory support device for a stroller apparatus comprises a coupling fixture securely mounted on a handle of a stroller and including a plurality of latching openings, a rotary socket pivotally assembled with the coupling fixture and including a detent and a connecting portion, and an accessory support frame detachably fastened with the connecting portion of the rotary socket. The accessory support frame is operable to rotate with the rotary socket relative to the coupling fixture, and the detent is movable to engage with any one of the latching openings for locking the accessory support frame at different angular positions relative to the coupling fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Yongli Liu