Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a folding storage assembly includes a first panel is pivotally connected to a second panel. In addition, a third panel is pivotally connected to the first panel. Folding side panels are attached to the pivoting panels. The folding storage assembly is movable between an in-use position and a stowed position. Therefore, the invention provides a folding storage assembly that can easily be fastened to a cart and can be secured in an open or stowed position to accommodate the needs of a shopper and will not allow small articles to fall out of the assembly.

Abstract: A shopping cart chassis is provided with at least one tubular frame member. At least a first part of the length of the frame member has a wall with a hollow cylindrical configuration defining an annular transverse cross-section. At least a second part of the length of frame member has a wall with a hollow configuration defining an elongate transverse cross-section having a longer dimension and a shorter dimension. A second part of the frame member is oriented so that the longer dimension of the elongate transverse cross-section is generally parallel to the direction of the force of gravity when the shopping cart is in its normal use orientation.

Abstract: A retractable cover apparatus and method to protect items in a shopping cart from inclement weather includes a cover material that is configured to cover a predetermined surface area of the shopping cart. The cover material is extendable from a housing module, which is configured to couple to a portion of the shopping cart, such as one end. The housing module has one or more coupling members that are configured to secure the housing module to the shopping cart. The housing module includes a tensioning device that may retract the cover material when a fastener coupled to the cover material is not coupled to the shopping cart.

Abstract: A shopping cart carrier attachment for carrying at least one child, the child carrier having a main body with an entrance and a support platform or seat to support the child, the main body being removably attachable to the basket of the cart and to the lower frame of the cart such that the main body extends forward from and is suspended from the front of the cart. Most preferably, the child carrier is configured as a real world object, such as a vehicle.

Abstract: A foldable, portable step stool constructed of at least one flat planar surface, or platform that can be combined with a vehicle used to transport a load. The flat planar surfaces are connected by foldable joints and folded against each other for storage in the space between the storage area and the wheel base of the vehicle. The flat planar surfaces are unfolded to create one unified surface, the platform of the step stool. The platform is supported by legs connected to the underside of one or more of the flat planar surfaces. The legs are situated to be out of the way when the step stool is folded. Within each leg is a spring mounted wheel caster mechanism that retracts into the leg when weight is applied to the stool in its deployed position. Non-slip pads also prevent the legs from moving in the deployed position.

Abstract: A child seat assembly for use in a shopping cart and secured to the hinged rear gate of the shopping cart that is configured for lifting to expose a rear opening for nesting like carts. The child seat is secured in a lower portion of the shopping cart basket by hinged connections such that the seat assembly is moveable between a use and a non-use configuration, and the hinged connection of the seat back is within a sliding track arrangement with the support strut such that the hinged connection of the seat bottom and seat back travels in an upward arcuate path as the seat assembly is moved from a use position to a non-use position. The rear gate having at least one lower leg opening and an upper void region between the basket top and the seat bottom. The seat bottom at least partially covering the leg opening and the seat back covering the upper void region when the seat is in the non-use configuration.

Abstract: An operator can be connected to a moveable vehicle used to support a person or object, via a control device including a belt and pair of control poles. The control poles each can be telescopic, or adjustable in length, and can include resilient portions allowing for flexing and shock absorption. Anchors can be attached by hand to a handle bar or other support member(s) of the vehicle. The control poles then can be attached by hand to anchors on the belt and the anchors on the handlebar. The control bars can include rotatable portions such that the device can attach to any appropriate support member. The vehicle anchors can include an adjustable member, such as a strap, that allows the anchors to fit most vehicles. The adjustability and shock absorption of the attachment device provide a level of control and comfort for the operator.

Abstract: A shopping cart that supports shopping bag dispenser(s) to enable shoppers to package goods as they shop. Shopping bag dispensers may be connected to fixtures that support goods to enable shoppers to obtain shopping bags while shopping.

Abstract: A shopping cart has a wire basket, which comprises generally horizontal and generally vertical wires defining two side walls, defining a front wall, and defining multiple apertures in each of the side and front walls, and in which the front wall meets each of the side walls along a generally vertical front corner. A bumper, which is installed on the wire basket, along the front corner, has an elongate body, which wraps around the front corner and which has two lateral edges. Along a lower portion of each lateral edge, the bumper has a wing projecting into at least one of the apertures of the side and front walls. The wing has a recess, which accommodates a given one of the horizontal wires of the wire basket, and portions of the wing project into apertures above and below the given one of the horizontal wires.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary sheath for a shopping cart handle featuring a sheet wrappable about said handle, said sheet having a length and width so as to cover at least the portion of said handle coming into contact with a user's hands, an adhesive strip positioned about one side of a surface of said sheet for securing said sheet about said handle, a perforated pull-away strip disposed along the length of said sheet, and a pull tab accommodated on said pull-away strip. Other embodiments include disposable sanitary sheaths for shopping cart handles with a sheet wrappable about said handle wherein said sheet is made of one of the following materials: paper, polyethylene, rubber, polypropylene, vinyl, mylar, Teflon, polycarbonate, Kynar, Uvex, butyrate, F.E.P. (tetraflourethyleneperflourpropylene,) and polyester. The sheath may also be made up of two or more sheaths that are used in conjunction to cover one or more portions of a handle.

Abstract: A shopping cart handle and sanitizing apparatus and method includes a housing with a sanitizing fluid reservoir mounted to slidably encircle the cart handle and dispense the fluid onto the handle from applicators in the housing that contract the handle as the housing is moved to and fro. A pump mechanism transfers fluid from the reservoir to the applicators.

Abstract: A shopping trolley (10) has a basket (11), handle (12) and front and rear wheels (13, 14). The basket (11), tapered in plan view, has side walls (15, 16) interconnected by a front wall (17). The rear wall (19) is hingedly connected to the side walls (15, 16) and engages the rearward end of the floor (22), which is hingedly connected to the side walls (15, 16) or front wall (17). The floor (22) is downwardly inclined from the rearward end to the forward end. When the trolley (10) is nested with a similar trolley, the rear wall (19) is swung inwardly and upwardly, causing the floor (22) to be swung upwardly to be behind the front wall (17). Alternative the floor (22) may be folded e.g. in a concertina-like fashion, to be behind the front wall (17).

Abstract: A guide wheel assembly adapted to retrofit a shopping cart having a guide wheel capable of only rotating in the intended direction of travel of the shopping cart and a flexible one piece mechanism possessing strong material memory such that constant contact between the guide wheel and a traveling surface is maintained. The guide wheel assembly is configured to allow the nesting of multiple carts.

Abstract: A shopping cart basket provides a small, plastic tray or box that clips or hangs on the interior of a shopping cart. The box has approximate dimensions of 6? wide by 12? long and 4? deep. An integral clip allows it to be supported from the sides or front of the shopping cart or the handle section as well. The box has tapered, rounded sides, allowing it to be easily cleaned as well as stackable to save on storage space. It is envisioned that shoppers would take the invention and clip it to the cart when beginning shopping.

Abstract: A metal wire rod shopping cart wherein a reinforced display frame is integrated in a wall of at least one of a front wall, opposed side walls or the backrest wall of a baby seat compartment. A metal panel sheet is secured substantially centrally in a U-shaped metal channel to divide the channel into opposed slots whereby to receive a promotional sheet having display material thereon. The reinforced display frame is welded to metal wire rods in the wall and lies in the plane of the wall to provide for non-obstruction when nesting said shopping cart with other like shopping carts and to reinforce the wall.

Abstract: A supermarket trolley comprising a base with wheels and a basket both made of a moulded plastic material. The basket is connected posteriorly to a pair of uprights of the base by means of respective substantially comb like formations mutually complementary and meshing with each other, whereto are associated mutually engaged tongue and groove elements.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a barrier between contents transported in a shopping cart and potential pathogens and contaminates on the shopping cart upper surface. The invention is a cart liner which is placed between the contents and the shopping cart upper surface to prevent the contents from contacting the surface. The shopping cart liner may be converted to a baglike structure for transporting the contents following transport.

Abstract: An adjustable portable protective cover for covering a shopping cart handle includes three elongated resilient tubular member telescoped together. The members include stops for retaining the members together in the fully extended position. The inner and outer members have a radially outwardly protuberance at a free end thereof. The members can be collapsed to a minimum length for storage and carrying. The members are formed of an easily cleaned material so that the cover can be reused.

Abstract: A molded plastic basket associated with a wheeled shopping cart, which plastic basket has a generally U-shaped support rod engaged within an elongate channel extending along upper edges of the side and front walls of the basket. The support rod has constructional features to provide for desirable supportive engagement and reinforcement of the upper edge of the basket while at the same time permitting coupling of the support rod and basket to the rear frame uprights to facilitate assembly while providing desirable load transmission from the basket to the upright frame elements.

Abstract: The invention recites a child carrier comprising a seat portion including a seat, a backrest, and a floor. The child carrier further includes a substantially rigid body, at least partially surrounding and supporting the seat portion. The rigid body also includes substantially solid side surfaces and at least partially defines a panel. In addition, the child carrier provides a plurality of wheels supporting the body, and an electronic device supported by the body.

Abstract: A load leveler is disclosed that is used with a nesting type cart having a basket with a tapered front to provide a level surface for safely carrying loads that are longer than the length of the cart basket and must sit on top of the cart basket in order to be transported. The load leveler comprises spaced vertical pieces on top of the larger rear of the tapered basket to restrain a long load from sliding to the side and off the cart basket, and also comprises a pivoting member that is attached to the top of the front of the tapered basket. The pivoting member provides a raised surface for supporting a long load in a horizontal orientation with the top rear of the basket, and also has vertical members for helping restraining a long load from sliding to the side and off the cart. The pivoting member is lowered and rests against the inside of the front wall of the basket to permit nesting of the carts in a known manner.

Abstract: In a shopping cart comprising a wheeled chassis, a handle structure mounted to the wheeled chassis, a basket supported by the wheeled chassis and mounted to the handle structure, and panels coactive with the handle structure and with one another and manipulatable so as to define a child seat, a flexible bag is mounted to the panels so as to be opened when the panels are manipulated to define the child seat and so as to be closed otherwise. The basket has multiple apertures, through which small items can drop. One of the panels has multiple apertures, through which small items can drop into the flexible bag when the flexible bag is opened. The flexible bag is made from a mesh, through which contents of the flexible bag are visible.

Abstract: A manually movable trolley (1) which is nestable with like trolleys, including a frame (3), a loading platform (7) and two upwardly extending uprights (13) located at the rear (4) of the wheel frame (3) and carrying a pushing arrangement (14), wherein a brake device (16) is provided which is controllable by the pushing arrangement (14) and effective when the trolley (1) is not in use. A brake release device (20) is provided underneath the frame (3) close to each rear wheel (9), guided in a wheel housing (10), and release parts (25) each provided with an active surface (26) are arranged on the frame (3) and are adapted to deflect the two brake release devices (20) of the preceding trolley (1?) by means of their active surface (26) when two trolleys are nested.

Abstract: A handle shield (22, 50) is provided for placement about the handle (20) of a conventional shopping cart. The handle shield is formed of sheet material that forms a sleeve (26) that surrounds the handle to shield the hands of the user of the cart from contacting the handle, and a hang tag (28, 54) is suspended from the handle that bears advertisements, coupons, and/or bar codes for displaying to the shopper the different goods available in the store and for redeeming at the checkout counter of the store.

Abstract: Embodiments of a shopping cart extender are disclosed. The shopping cart extender may be affixed to the top front of a conventional shopping cart such that it may be engaged in a vertical position such that the top of the shopping cart extender is level with the top of the handle of the shopping cart. When the extender is in an upright position, it forms a securing surface which is level with the rear of the cart and has side holders such that materials may be securely carried on the top of the cart and not slide off. The shopping cart extender is rotatable such that it rotates back into the shopping cart and does not interfere when the shopping cart is nested with another shopping cart.

Abstract: A shopping cart assembly includes a shopping cart having opposing cart sidewalls, a cart bottom, and a cart rear wall. A main basket is defined by the cart sidewalls and the cart bottom. A second basket is defined by the cart sidewalls and the cart rear wall. The second basket has a seat portion and a front wall, which is pivotally attached to the rear cart wall. The seat portion is pivotally coupled to each of the rear cart wall and the front wall. The second basket is collapsible. A holder is disposed within the second basket and is attached to one of the cart sidewalls. The holder is shaped to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the second basket. The holder has first and second pockets, and is constructed of a mesh or transparent material.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a wheeled device such as a shopping cart to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hook end and a ring end. The hook end is inserted into the wire mesh of the shopping cart. The hook end also has a terminal hook that prevents accidental release of the shopping cart. The ring end has a shape allowing it to either be looped over a towing ball attached to the vehicle, or inserted into the door lock mechanism of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cart grip sanitary cover is provided having multiple layers each with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The bottom face of each layer has adhesive formed thereon for adhering to a top face of an adjacent layer therebeneath. The layers are stacked with a bottommost layer being attachable to a grip of a cart. In use, a topmost layer of the sanitary cover is removable for exposing another layer therebeneath for providing a sanitary surface to be gripped by a user.

Abstract: A mobile dispensing display, method for conversion of shopping cart into dispensing display and a method of advertising and dispensing products involves the use of a conventional shopping cart. The shopping cart is provided from a store where the promotional activity is to be conducted and converted into a mobile dispensing display by mounting an advertising display onto the basket and mounting a product sample support panel on the shopping cart over the child seat. The mobile display may be moved intermittently to advantageous locations throughout the store where shoppers congregate. Product to be sold and/or sampled, as well as coupons or other promotional materials may be placed in the cart, whereby the cart becomes a mobile promotional and sales display as the user functions as a shoppers assistant providing information, samples or coupons. The user is not restricted to a single location, and may maintain personal and promotional items under direct supervision.

Abstract: A cup holder mountable on a shopping cart comprises a cup-holding member and a clamp member. The clamp member comprises at least one clamp having upper and lower arms being adapted to fit over and embrace both the cart handle and a bar defining the edge of the cart basket that is parallel to the handle. The upper arm is connected to the cup-holding member, which extends horizontally from the cart handle and includes an aperture for receiving a beverage container.

Abstract: A shopping cart carrier attachment for carrying at least one child, the child carrier having a main body with an entrance and a support platform or seat to support the child, the main body being removably attachable to the basket of the cart and to the lower frame of the cart such that the main body extends forward from and is suspended from the front of the cart. Most preferably, the child carrier is configured as a real world object, such as a vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus that assist a shopper during his visit to a merchant store. In one embodiment in the form of a shopping cart, the invention enables a shopper to check himself out of the merchant store. The shopping cart includes a bar-code scanner. The shopping cart rejects non-scanned goods and accepts or rejects scanned goods as directed by the shopper. In another embodiment, the shopping cart includes a web-enabled computer with display. The computer displays product-specific information. The shopping cart computer may detach from the cart—with or without its accessories. The shopper can use the same computer at home to browse the web, to prepare for the shopping trip, to do other transactions. The shopper puts goods in a input bin of the shopping cart. One or more scanners attached to the input bin scan the product for identity. The computer retrieves product-specific information and displays this information on its display.

Abstract: A mobile display station comprising a box having a top, a front, and two sides, which is adapted to fit over a standard market shopping cart. Preferably there is a door cut into and a tray attached to the top. If desired means can be provided for attaching the box to the cart. Preferably, there is a pole, inserted through a hole in the top, with a sign board attached to its upper end. The lower end of the pole rests on the bottom of the cart and is attached to the cart. Preferably the front and sides of the box and both sides of the sign board carry advertising.

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.

Abstract: This invention involves a restraining device for preventing undesired motion of a shopping cart. The invention comprises: (a) a bracket for fixed attachment to the shopping-cart frame; (b) an elongate arm; (c) a non-slippery engagement surface; and (d) a pivot located between the bracket and the elongate arm. The elongate arm has a first end and a second end, and is attached with respect to the bracket. The engagement surface is attached with respect to the first end. The engagement surface is configured and arranged for engagement with the horizontal surface. It is another aspect of the invention to provide a method for selectively prohibiting the movement of a shopping cart.

Abstract: A cart grip sanitary cover is provided having multiple layers each with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The bottom face of each layer has adhesive formed thereon for adhering to a top face of an adjacent layer therebeneath. The layers are stacked with a bottommost layer being attachable to a grip of a cart. In use, a topmost layer of the sanitary cover is removable for exposing another layer therebeneath for providing a sanitary surface to be gripped by a user.

Abstract: A shopping trolley (1) with a basket (2) includes a small-item tray (13) fixed to the inside (4) of its end wall (3). The end wall (3) of the shopping trolley, starting from its upper edge (7), has an indentation (11) on which the small-item tray (13) is supported, and in that a clamping strip (20) is provided for closing the indentation (11) and for additionally securing the small-item tray (13).

Abstract: The present invention is a shopping cart child seat protection, organizer and play system allowing for the attachment of toys, bottles, and miscellaneous play things via lanyards and pockets while providing a protective cover over the upper frame rail of the fold out child seat found standard in most shopping carts. This alleviates danger and disruption in shopping with a small child who is likely to chew on the upper frame rail of the fold out child seat. The system is easily attached, and removably engagable via hook and loop connectors, being washable and reusable.

Abstract: An improvement in the form of an attachment to a conventional shopping cart comprises a portable step, which is temporarily affixed to the cart in a position to be connected to the front or back of the shopping cart. The portable stair is secured to the top frame in the form of metal hooks. The attachment when fixed is off the ground allowing complete mobility of the cart. The stair becomes engaged when the weight of the user compresses the springs by stepping on the stair, thus securing the stair to the floor. When one stands upon the step, it allows one to reach articles on higher shelves. When compressed against the floor surface, it provides a stable step for the user. The rubber feet also provide a brake that will prevent movement of the cart while on is using the step attachment.

Abstract: In a shopping cart comprising a rear gate, which has two leg openings, and a child seat, which comprises a seat base, a seat back, and a seat panel, the seat base includes a cupholder, which is covered when the seat panel is pivoted to a position wherein the seat panel covers the seat base but not when the seat panel is pivoted to a position wherein the seat panel rests against the rear gate and covers the leg openings.

Abstract: A protective covering for a handle is disclosed comprising a front portion, comprised of a soft material and a rear portion, comprised of a water resistant material, attached to the front portion. The protective covering may be attached in a manner so that the rear portion comes in contact with the handle and thus provides a protective barrier against moisture and germs. The protective covering may be removably attached to the handle. The protective covering may be comprised of an attachment portion, into which a bottle or non-spill child's cup can be inserted. At least one object, such as an ornamental object or child play object, can be attached to the front portion.

Abstract: A sanitary grip apparatus for preventing direct contact with unsanitary shopping cart handles that may be installed without touching the shopping cart handle directly. To attain this, a section of foam tubing having a longitudinal slit there through is provided, where a pair of pull-tabs is arranged on either side of the slit such that the tubing can be pulled open and installed onto the shopping cart handle. In an embodiment, the grip may include clip, pocket, pouch, attachment region, toys, mirror, book, key ring, or calculator. Also, a method for using a shopping cart without touching it directly.

Abstract: A shopping cart in which the carriage is made principally of rectangular U-shaped channels and the basket is made of resin which on its sides are reinforced by U-shaped channel members each extending angularly up from the carriage into merged relation in a matching groove provided in the interior surface of each side of the basket. Front wheels of the carriage are swivelably mounted on a vertical shaft having a resilient securing assembly to minimize tendencies toward wobble of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheeled cart has a generally flat base platform with a plurality of wheels supporting the platform above the ground. A handle frame extends upwardly from the rear end of the cart. The platform has a plurality of spaced, upwardly facing supports for releasably mounting accessories on the platform to extend upwardly from the platform. Accessories are provided for conversion of the cart between stocking and other purposes, including at least one horizontal support panel for supporting items at a location spaced above the platform and at least one vertical support frame for holding items at predetermined locations on the platform.

Abstract: A grocery-store shopping cart having a main container and an insulated inner container detachably secured within the main container and positioned substantially entirely below the plane of the main-container top edge and adjacent to one endwall thereof to leave substantial storage volume in the main container but outside the inner container, to facilitate diverse-condition grocery cartage. Preferred features include: the inner container being flush with or recessed below the plane to avoid interference during nesting; a hinged cover; and equal acute angles between (1) a main-container endwall and the plane and (2) an inner-container wall and the inner-container top.

Abstract: A metal wire rod shopping cart wherein a reinforced display frame is integrated in a wall of at least one of a front wall, opposed side walls or the backrest wall of a baby seat compartment. The reinforced display frame is a U-shaped metal channel defined by opposed parallel side channel members and an integral transverse end channel member disposed in a common plane. The channel members have longitudinal slots having a slot opening facing inwardly to one another. A metal panel sheet is secured substantially centrally in said slots of at least said opposed parallel side channel members to divide the slots to form an outer and inner slot adjacent an outer and inner side wall of the metal panel sheet whereby to receive a promotional sheet having display material thereon in sliding fit over the outer and inner side walls between opposed parallel ones of the outer and inner slots.

Abstract: A protective covering for a handle is disclosed comprising a front portion, comprised of a soft material and a rear portion, comprised of a water resistant material, attached to the front portion. The protective covering may be attached in a manner so that the rear portion comes in contact with the handle and thus provides a protective barrier against moisture and germs. The protective covering may be removably attached to the handle. The protective covering may be comprised of an attachment portion, into which a bottle or non-spill child's cup can be inserted. At least one object, such as an ornamental object or child play object, can be attached to the front portion.

Abstract: A plastic shopping cart is disclosed. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, all of the components of a shopping cart are formed from a moldable material such as, for example, a thermoplastic resin by means of an injection molding process or the like. The shopping cart is configured so that any metallic parts that are used to connect the various plastic components together are shielded from the ambient environment. This virtually eliminates any rusting and corrosion of any metallic parts that are used to connect the various components of the shopping cart together.

Abstract: A shopping basket for self service store shopping comprises two main parts, a fixed rear part and a movable front part which automatically adjust for length and width when nesting with another shopping basket. Use of tubular elements cooperating along transverse axes allows translational adjustment of the lower and side walls of the basket along a longitudinal axis of the cart and axis transverse thereto.

Abstract: A cup holder attached to or incorporated into a portion of an open top basket of a standard wire mesh shopping cart. The cup holder used for holding different types and sizes of beverage cups. The cup holder, in one embodiment, including a circular cup ring. The cup ring used for receiving a portion of a beverage cup therethrough. The cup ring attached to a swivel mounted on a top portion of a round vertical telescoping cup ring support. A lower portion of the cup ring support attached to a first side of the open top basket mounted on a cart frame of the shopping cart. Also, one or more cup rings may be incorporated into a bottom portion of a foldable rack attached to a rear of the open top basket. A portion of the various cup holders can include used for advertising.