Abstract: Apparatus for locking shopping carts together in nested series at a cart parking station comprising mechanism adapted to be mounted on the handle of a cart adapted for releasably locking therein a latch bar on a tether which is attached to the next cart in the nested series, and a method of utilization of the apparatus for encouraging cart return by customers of the establishment using carts with the apparatus. A first phase of the invention involves an arrangement of a slide thereof and a slide-biasing spring for size reduction. A second phase involves an arrangement for mounting the mechanism on the handle of a cart with the slide extending either longitudinally or transversely of the handle. A third phase involves an arrangement for utilization of the mechanism either as a check-controlled mechanism or in the stated method.

Abstract: Coin-controlled apparatus for locking shopping carts together in nested series at a cart parking station having coin-controlled mechanism mounted on a cart, e.g. on the handle of the cart, which is adapted for receiving and releasably locking therein a latch bar on a tether which is attached to the next cart in the nested series. Deposit of a coin is required to release the latch bar to free the cart for being wheeled away by the user. The coin is held until the user brings the cart back to a cart parking station, nests it in the end cart at the parking station, and inserts the latch bar which is tethered to the end cart in the mechanism to lock the returned cart to the series and to provide for return of the user's coin. The apparatus has a detent arrangement permitting reduction in its size.

Abstract: A shopping cart security system assists in preventing the theft of a shopping cart from a parking lot of an establishment where the carts are used. The parking lot has at least one entrance and exit driveway. The system includes a magnet mounted on the shopping cart and an actuator buried below the surface of the driveway for generating a signal in response to passage of the cart with the magnet over the driveway. The actuator extends generally transversely with respect to and substantially completely across the driveway. An alarm issues a warning in response to the signal generated by the actuator. Also, a system for monitoring unauthorized entry into a restricted area having a door, a magnet carried by the door and an actuator controlled by the magnet for signalling opening of the door.

Abstract: A covered walkway system for a parking lot of a store such as a supermarket having a covered walkway across the front of the store, covered branch walkways extending out from the cross walkway into the lot, parking spaces marked off at opposite sides of the branch walkways, and covered corrals for shopping carts extending out from the sides of the branch walkways.

Abstract: Coin-controlled apparatus for locking shopping carts together in nested series at a cart parking station having coin-controlled mechanism mounted on a cart, e.g.

Abstract: Tamper proof, coin-controlled apparatus for locking shopping carts together in nested series at a cart parking station having coin-controlled mechanism mounted on a cart, e.g. on the handle of the cart, which is adapted for receiving and releasably locking therein a latch bar on a tether which is attached to the next cart in the nested series, requiring deposit of a coin to release the latch bar to free the cart for being wheeled away by the user, and holding the coin until the user brings the cart back to a cart parking station, nests it in the end cart at the parking station, and inserts the latch bar which is tethered to the end cart in the mechanism to lock the returned cart to the series and to provide for return of the user's coin. The apparatus having a unique, tamper proof feature which prevents the unauthorized taking of the coin.

Abstract: Coin-controlled apparatus for locking shopping carts together in nested series at a cart parking station having coin-controlled mechanism mounted on a cart, e.g. on the handle of the cart, which is adapted for receiving and releasably locking therein a latch bar on a tether which is attached to the next cart in the nested series, requiring deposit of a coin to release the latch bar to free the cart for being wheeled away by the user, and holding the coin until the user brings the cart back to a cart parking station, nests it in the end cart at the parking station, and inserts the latch bar which is tethered to said end cart in the mechanism to lock the returned cart to the series and to provide for return of the user's coin.

Abstract: Coin-controlled apparatus for locking shopping carts together in nested series at a cart parking station having a coin-controlled mechanism mounted on a cart, e.g. on the handle of the cart, which is adapted for receiving and releasably locking therein a latch bar on a tether which is attached to the next cart in the nested series, requiring deposit of a coin to release the latch bar to free the cart for being wheeled away by the user, and holding the coin until the user brings the cart back to a cart parking station, nests it in the end cart at the parking station, and inserts the latch bar which is tethered to said end cart in the mechanism to lock the returned cart to the series and to provide for return of the user's coin.