Abstract: A sterilization cabinet, comprising a top panel, at least two side panels, and a floor panel forming a part of a chamber of the sterilization cabinet; at least one door connected to at least one of the at least two side panels of the sterilization cabinet; a vent formed in at least one of the two side panels; at least one first filter covering the vent and a filter cover configured to hold the first filter against the vent; a drain positioned in the floor panel, wherein the floor panel has a slope configured to cause condensate within the chamber to flow into the drain and wherein the drain is the only outlet for the condensate along the floor panel; and a second filter covering the drain such that condensate flowing into the drain passes through the second filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trolley comprising an element for holding and releasing a token, said element comprising a sensor that detects whether the trolley comprising the element for holding and releasing the token is pushed inside another trolley. If this is the case, the element for holding and releasing the token activates the immobilizer and releases the token. In order to use the trolley, a token must be inserted into the element for holding and releasing the token, thus deactivating the immobilizer.

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.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving a shopping cart between a first location and a second location. The conveyor including a movable conveyor that is adapted to engage and move the shopping cart along a path, and a gate assembly including a door that is movable between an open position allowing passage of the shopping cart along the path, and a closed position inhibiting passage of the shopping art along the path. The door is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position as the shopping cart approaches, and is adapted to move back to the closed position before the shopping cart has passed the door.

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.

Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor that inhibits the loading of a non-compliant shopping cart onto the conveyor. In one aspect, the invention provides a conveyor comprising a track operable to guide the shopping cart between a first location and a second location, a gate assembly including a door movable between a closed position inhibiting entry to the track and an open position allowing entry to the track, a lock for securing the door in the closed position, and a sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a radar sensor, an infrared sensor, an RFID reader, a magnetic sensor, and a mechanical sensor) positioned to detect the presence of a shopping cart. In another aspect, the conveyor is configured to move the gate from the closed position to the open position when the sensor detects the presence of a shopping cart. Preferably this is done using a drive mechanism coupled to the gate.

Abstract: A security system for protecting articles (8), the system comprising at least one Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) loop (1) , one Emitting Unit (7) and one Detecting Unit (9) attached to each article (8) to be protected, the Detecting Unit (9) having a detector to detect electromagnetic fields emitted by the EAS loop (4) and the Emitting Unit (7) and to distinguish between them, and an alarm generator for generating an alarm if a predetermined sequence of fields is detected. The system combines existing EAS loops (4) normally present in a retail store with Emitting Units (7) and Detecting Units (9) so as to monitor movement of articles (8), especially supermarket trolleys, around the retail store.

Abstract: A deposit lock (1) for a trolley (15), includes a fixing member (4) for fixing to a supporting part (16) on the trolley (15) and including an intermediate member (6) connected to the fixing member (4) and intended to be fixed or supported on the handlebar (18) of the trolley (15), wherein the deposit lock (1) includes a coupling device (2) and a coupling member (3) provided for coupling to the deposit lock (1) of a further, like trolley (15) and wherein the fixing member (4) is extended in the direction of the handlebar (18) by a portion (5), and the intermediate member (6) is extended in the direction of the supporting part (16) by a portion (7). The portions (5, 7) are arranged so as to overlap one another and the coupling device (2) is arranged in at least one of the portions (5, 7).

Abstract: A system and method for providing an incentive to a cutomer of a store to return a shopping cart to a cart return location. The cart return location, such as a cart corral, has a plurality of detection loops at an entrance to the corral. The system detects a change in inductance of the loops when a cart is returned to the cart corral and generates a cart return signal, which is indicative of a returned cart, in response to the change of inductance. The system determines wheather a cart is being removed from or returned to the cart corral by use of the multiple detection loops. Visual and/or audible feedback indicative of an action may be provided to the customer.

Abstract: A shopping cart detection apparatus and reward dispensing mechanism for inclusion therewith for providing a patron reward in the form of a ticket, coupon, or the like, to a patron for their returning a shopping cart to a cart collection area. The shopping cart detection apparatus includes a control interface connected electrically to at least one sensor that senses proper cart passage through the apparatus into a cart collection area. With that passage to generate a radio frequency interrogation of a chip maintained in a card that is attached to the cart, and with that cart data transmitted to a control interface that directs dispensing of a ticket as a patron reward for their cart return. Additionally, the control interface also passes cart data as it receives to a communications interface that, in turn, passes that information to a computer, micro processor, or the like, for tabulating and maintaining information concerning cart usage.

Abstract: A shopping cart rental system for renting shopping carts and encouraging returning of shopping carts to designated areas. The shopping cart rental system includes a plurality of rental assemblies. Each of the rental assemblies comprises a housing. The housing comprises an upper portion. A lower portion is couplable to the upper portion. A plurality of coin slots are located on a front face of the upper portion. A key slot is formed through a rear face of said upper portion. A key is for inserting into the key slot. The key is coupled to the upper portion of the housing. A key retaining assembly is for retaining the key in the key slot. A coin operated assembly for actuating the key retaining assembly. The coin operated assembly is operationally coupled between the coin slot and the key slot.

Abstract: In a returning system for service carts (24), said system comprising electronic monitoring of the movement of the carts (24) through an activity area, the main novel features are a) that the returning system is an electronic system operable in a deposit-free manner, the elements of said system being mutually related in a compulsorily activating manner from a collection station, at which the carts stand in readiness to be collected, and via an activity area again back to a readiness collection station, b) that the system comprises an electronic signal director (20) that is both controllable and/or controlling and comprises fixed and variable functions, c) that the system further comprises, c1) mobile electronic communication devices (28) intended and constructed for placement on the system's service carts (24) so as to accompany the latter, each of said communication devices (28) being adapted for electronic identification of the particular service cart on which it is placed, and c2) stationary electronic

Abstract: A cart management apparatus for retaining and vending carts such as luggage carts, shopping carts, and strollers, includes a retaining rail for receiving cart keys disposed on the carts, a rotatable paddlewheel including a plurality of paddles, at least one of which projects into the retaining rail to provide an obstruction therein, an electromagnetic brake coupled to the paddlewheel to selectively inhibit rotation of the paddlewheel and restrict removal of cart keys from the rail, and a one-way clutch, also coupled to the paddlewheel to allow free rotation of the paddlewheel in a return direction to allow cart keys to be inserted into the retaining rail when carts are returned to the apparatus. The preferred apparatus may be used with existing carts which are retrofit with cart keys that are suitable for being retained within the rail.

Abstract: A cart management apparatus for retaining and vending carts such as luggage carts, shopping carts, and strollers, includes a retaining rail for receiving cart keys disposed on the carts, a rotatable paddlewheel including a plurality of paddles, at least one of which projects into the retaining rail to provide an obstruction therein, an electromagnetic brake coupled to the paddlewheel to selectively inhibit rotation of the paddlewheel and restrict removal of cart keys from the rail, and a one-way clutch, also coupled to the paddlewheel to allow free rotation of the paddlewheel in a return direction to allow cart keys to be inserted into the retaining rail when carts are returned to the apparatus. The preferred apparatus may be used with existing carts which are retrofit with cart keys that are suitable for being retained within the rail.

Abstract: A deposit lock for interconnection of shopping or luggage trolleys or the like, having a housing attachable to the shopping trolley and having on one side an opening for inserting a coupling member and on the other side a opening for inserting a coin and/or a card. An inside of said housing has a holding device for fixing the coupling member in position and a receiving device for secure enclosure of the inserted coin or card, and a release mechanism which releases the coupling member when the coin or card is inserted, and releases the coin or card when the coupling member is inserted.

Abstract: A cart management apparatus and method for retaining and vending carts such as luggage carts, shopping carts, and strollers, includes a retaining device for selective retaining at least one of the carts; a cart identification sensor for uniquely identifying carts retained by the retaining device; a control device for controlling the vending and returning of carts, wherein the control device maintains a queue of carts identified by a cart identification sensor and retained by the retaining device; a reward device for dispensing a reward when a cart is returned to the retaining device; and a counter for counting a number of times that an identification of the cart is missed from the queue of carts so as to prevent the reward device from dispensing a reward when the number of times exceeds a predetermined value of the counter.

Abstract: A transport cart which can be stacked in a column with other carts is equipped with a deposit lock for uncoupling it in return for a deposit token and for coupling it up again in exchange for returning the deposit token. For moving the cart, it is provided at its rear end with a handle bar extending transversely between lateral supporting arms with handle caps standing at either end. The token device housing is formed in one piece laterally directly on one side of one of the handle caps and is provided on its opposite side with a receptacle for the correspondingly shortened handle bar.

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: A cart management apparatus for retaining and vending carts such as luggage carts, shopping carts, and strollers, includes a retaining rail for receiving cart keys disposed on the carts, a rotatable paddlewheel including a plurality of paddles, at least one of which projects into the retaining rail to provide an obstruction therein, an electromagnetic brake coupled to the paddlewheel to selectively inhibit rotation of the paddlewheel and restrict removal of cart keys from the rail, and a one-way clutch, also coupled to the paddlewheel to allow free rotation of the paddlewheel in a return direction to allow cart keys to be inserted into the retaining rail when carts are returned to the apparatus. The preferred apparatus may be used with existing carts which are retrofit with cart keys that are suitable for being retained within the rail.

Abstract: A pledge-lock cooperates with a pledge card having a deformable portion and a rigid portion such that the deformable portion deforms upon insertion to serve as a check on the card. When a proper card is inserted it actuates the pledge lock to release the cart and retain the card.

Abstract: A lock used in combination with a shopping- or luggage cart and a stationary anchor element has a housing fixed on the cart, a retaining member movable on the housing between a locked position engaging around the anchor element and securing the cart thereto and an unlocked position disengaged from the anchor element, a first actuating mechanism in the housing connected to the retaining member for displacing it between its positions on actuation of the first mechanism by a card, coin, or token, a key, and a second actuating mechanism in the housing connected to the retaining member for displacing it between its positions on actuation of the first mechanism by the key.

Abstract: A receiving member for a pledge lock of a shopping or luggage trolley, wherein the receiving member is attached to the trolley handle and contains the pledge lock in its cavity, while projecting from each side of the receiving member is a pin whose cross-sectional shape and diameter correspond to the cross-sectional shape and diameter of the cavity of the handle section of the cart.

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 collection, storage and dispensing system (10 or 30) for shopping carts (E) including an elongated tubular conduit sized to allow a shopping cart (E) to rollably pass therethrough. The conduit includes a novel upright or a sloped first end section (38 or 14) defining an entrance opening (16 or 36) through which shopping carts (E) enter the system (10 or 30), a generally horizontal mid section (12, 32 or 52), and a sloping or an upright second end section (18 or 38) which defines an exit opening (20 or 40) through which shopping carts (E) exit the system (10 or 30). The mid section (12 or 32) is preferably buried below grade, but may also be elevated above a parking lot surface of a store for vehicles to drive beneath. A floor (62) is provided within the conduit (52) atop which shopping carts (E) roll.

Abstract: A cart management apparatus for retaining and vending carts such as luggage carts, shopping carts, and strollers, includes a retaining rail for receiving cart keys disposed on the carts, a rotatable paddlewheel including a plurality of paddles, at least one of which projects into the retaining rail to provide an obstruction therein, an electromagnetic brake coupled to the paddlewheel to selectively inhibit rotation of the paddlewheel and restrict removal of cart keys from the rail, and a one-way clutch, also coupled to the paddlewheel to allow free rotation of the paddlewheel in a return direction to allow cart keys to be inserted into the retaining rail when carts are returned to the apparatus. The preferred apparatus may be used with existing carts which are retrofit with cart keys that are suitable for being retained within the rail.

Abstract: A coin-deposit lock to be placed on a trolley being part of a row of mutually connected e.g. shopping trolleys or baggage trolleys comprises a main slide being longitudinally slidable against the force from a spring and a measuring slide likewise longitudinally slidable against the force from a second spring. Each of the slides has a transverse central aperture, and when a coin of a certain value (diameter) has been inserted between the slides, the apertures are mutually aligned. Upon insertion of a key belonging to the lock in a first key opening in the lock, the slides can be moved to a position in which a latching finger on a pivotable release member engages in the mutually aligned apertures and retains the slides and the coin between them in a withdrawn position. At the same time, the release member pivots to a position, in which a second latching finger on it frees a second key associated with a previous trolley in the row thus freeing the trolley from the row.

Abstract: Deposit locks for transport carts are in use in which the coupling member of one cart is lockable in the deposit lock of the next cart, and the deposit lock has a locking mechanism which upon insertion of a deposit token into the locking mechanism locks the token while releasing the cart and releases the token upon recoupling of the cart. To prevent misuse of these deposit locks, the deposit token is provided with an additional positioning member which forms an operative connection between the deposit token and the locking mechanism necessary for the functioning of the lock.

Abstract: A coin lock for carts in which the body of the lock is provided with two levers which turn upon introduction of a coin and displace lock plates which release a closure locking plate by which the lock is held to an adjacent element. The levers are held in a closure locking plate release position by means of bars which swing in a vertical plane around individual pins and then engage and hold the levers apart and hold the levers and the lock plates in their releasing positions. Upon its introduction the closure locking plate acts against the elastic action of individual springs and presses against and turns the bars downward. This releases the levers and turns them, under the elastic action of individual springs, into the releasing position. This in turn frees the coin for removal.

Abstract: The consignment device comprises a box (1) with two slots (2, 3) capable of receiving corresponding keys. The box is shaped to receive a key fitted with a receiver for a consignment coin so that the insertion of a second key unlocks a first coin-bearing key locked into a first slot, leaving the second key locked into position in a second slot. This device comprises at least one key catch (14, 15) translatable substantially perpendicular to direction of insertion of the key (27a, 27b), and at least one elements (5, 11) for locking the catch (14, 15) translatable substantially parallel to the direction of insertion of the key (27a, 27b).

Abstract: A lock system has a housing formed with an outwardly open latch port and an actuating port, a latch member adapted to be inserted into the latch port, an actuator--normally either a card, token, or coin--adapted to be inserted into the actuating port, and a latch element movable between a holding position retaining the latch member against removal from the latch port and a freeing position permitting such removal. A control element is movable on insertion of the actuator into the actuating port from a locked to an unlocked position, and interengageable formations on the elements displace the latch element into the freeing position on displacement of the control element by the actuator into the unlocked position.

Abstract: A collection, storage and dispensing system for shopping carts including an elongated tubular conduit sized to allow a shopping cart to rollably pass therethrough. The conduit includes a sloped first end section defining an entrance opening through which shopping carts enter the system, a generally horizontal mid section, and a sloping second end section which defines an exit opening through which shopping carts exit the system. The mid section is preferably buried below grade, but may also be elevated above a parking lot surface of a store for vehicles to drive beneath, A floor is provided within the conduit atop which shopping carts roll. An elongated slender guide engaging probe is connected to each shopping cart which both laterally guides the carts by slidably engagement into a guide channel longitudinally in the floor and is pullably engaged onto a chain-type conveyor in one end section which is upwardly sloped.

Abstract: In a device for confining shopping carts, which is in the form of an accessory unit with control and locking devices (30, 40, 50) for known coin deposit systems (20) for one, an external permanent magnet as a control element (30) is disposed at the end of a shopping cart row which, when passing through the magnetic field (M), interacts with the locking elements (40, 50) of the coin deposit system (20) in such a way that it becomes possible to set up the operational states "Release" (ready to operate) or "Lock" (not ready to operate) exclusively. Therefore, with the appropriate disposition and size of these components there is operational readiness exclusively in the area of the shopping cart row. This contact-free interaction is easy to realize structurally and can be securely protected from third party intervention (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A shopping cart receiver alarm system includes an RF transmitter for transmitting an RF signal having at least a minimum signal strength within a boundary that is generally defined by the outermost contours of a store parking lot. A receiver assembly responsive to the RF signal is housed within the handle of a shopping cart. The receiver assembly includes a self-contained power supply, an RF receiver for receiving the RF signal and for providing an output signal indicating a loss of RF signal strength. The receiver assembly further includes a timing circuit and an audible alarm responsive to an alarm signal generated by the timing circuit. The alarm signal controls the audible alarm according to a selectable alarm timing sequence that is initiated by the output signal of the RF receiver.

Abstract: A transport cart with a coin-operated lock. A connection between the coin-operated lock and an associated carrier arm permits an automatic coin mechanism to be pivoted relative to the plane of insertion of a key about an axis of rotation parallel to the handle of the transport cart and is secured at various angles of inclination relative to the handle.

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: A lock operated by the introduction of a coin into a chamber in the lock. A scanning member scans the size of the introduced coin. The scanning member includes at least one recess for receipt of a releasing member adapted to move into said recess to cause release of a locking member to permit removal thereof from the lock.

Abstract: A securing device (1) for carts having a chain (82) with a first end secured to a screw (7) mounted on a cart, a first key secured to a second end of the chain (82), a coin receptor for releasing and retaining an introduced coin (50, 51), and additional apparatus for coupling and uncoupling the cart to and from another parked cart. When a second key (8') secured to the other parked cart is introduced into the securing device (1) to couple and securely hold the cart to the other parked cart, a coin (50, 51) from the coin receptor of the cart is released and the cart can be uncoupled from the other parked cart by introducing a next coin (50, 51) into the coin receptor thereby releasing the second key (8') while the next coin (50, 51) is retained in the coin receptor.

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: A coin slide (11) bearing a coin is movable into a casing (2) of a coin lock (1) to release a locking member (14) and allow full insertion of the coin slide (11). In this position a space (recess 20) in the coin slide (11) is aligned with a space (aperture 21) in a coupling member (8) and with a space (aperture (19) in a casing position separating the coin slide (11) and the coupling member (8). A locking member (e.g. ball 18) in the apertures (19 and 21) may now be moved upwardly, on pulling of the coupling member (8), to occupy the recess (20) and the aperture (19) so as to allow complete withdrawal of the coupling member (8), e.g. to free a shopping trolley. The coin is released by reversing the procedure on re-insertion of the coupling member (8).

Abstract: A system for retrieving shopping carts at a store having a plurality of shopping carts is disclosed. The system includes a counter which can be preset to a first determined count. A target is mounted to each shopping cart while a sensor detects the return of each shopping cart to a designated area. As each shopping cart is returned to the designated area, the sensor generates an output pulse which changes the count in the counter. Whenever the count in the counter achieves a second predetermined count, an alarm is activated indicative that a prize is awarded to the person returning the shopping cart to the designated area.

Abstract: A shopping cart rental system containing one or more stations (49) per shopping center, several locking mechanisms (43) per station, and one shopping cart per locking mechanism. A bail (23) permanently fastened to a shopping cart locks into the locking mechanism. Three quarters inserted into the three coin slots (28) and simultaneously depressed by the flap (34) mechanically unlock the bail, releasing the cart. When the cart is returned and the bail is reinserted into the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism once again secures the bail in place and at the same time returns, by mechanical actuation only, one of the three quarters that was initially used to release the cart.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing attachable to the handle bar of a nestable cart, such as a shopping cart. The housing has a front and a back key slot, each for receiving a key. Key locking members are mounted in the housing, each associated with a key slot. These locking members are interconnected by a position-inverting mechanism, so that when one locking member is in a key-locking and retaining position, the other locking member is in a key-releasing position, and vice versa. A key is attached to each housing by means of a flexible link, such as a chain, long enough to be inserted into the back key slot of the housing of the next nested cart. However the flexible link can be longer than this requirement. The keys are retained in their back key slots and thus the carts are interlocked in a nested position. The key of the frontmost cart is used to unlock the latter.

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.

Abstract: A security device (10) to releasably secure articles in a queue, row or stack has a body (11, 12) to be clamped on one of the articles by a loop section (14) and lugs (17). A key (26) attached by a chain or cable to a second device (10) is received in a slot (30, 31) in the body and is releasably engaged by a peg (39) on a pivotally mounted operating arm (34), in a cavity (29) of the body entering a slot (27) in the key (26). The key (26) can only be released when a coin or token is received in a coin holder (47) in a pusher unit (48) which advances a tongue (40), the nose (41) of which engages a cam face (42) on the operating arm (34) to move the latter to release the key (26). The pusher unit (48) can only be moved to recover the coin or token from the coin holder (47) when the key (26) has been reinserted in the body and engaged by the operating arm (34).

Abstract: A locking device for a shopping trolley which includes a pair of locking levers which normally secure one end of a key which is chained to an adjacent trolley but which are operable to release the key upon insertion of a deposit coin and which levers retain the coin until the key is reinserted within the lock.

Abstract: The shopping cart retrieval system has been designed to allow search teams to detect and recover stolen or misplaced shopping carts. It consists of two distinct units of electronic equipment integrated together to form a retrieval system. The heart of the system is a VHF "beacon " radio transmitter implanted in the handle of the shopping cart which is continuously emitting a signal when it leaves the store. A search team, assigned the task of locating and recovering shopping carts, is equipped with a VHF radio receiver with both omni-directional antenna for detection of a shoping cart at maximum range, and a directional antenna used for the close-in location process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deposit system installation for transport trolleys. This deposit system comprises a locking line constituted by a substantially horizontal bar and deposit system apparatuses which are connected to the trolleys, whereby there is cooperation of longitudinal sliding within the line. Each deposit system apparatus comprises a coin system arranged to permit the separation of the apparatus from the locking line by the introduction of a deposition such as a coin into the apparatus. This deposit may then be liberated by the passage of the apparatus over a decoding station which is part of the locking line.

Abstract: A device for removably attaching carts or the like such as used in supermarkets is comprised of a casing fixed to the handle of a cart. The casing is equipped with a plunger wherein a coin may be inserted into a coin housing in the plunger to release a locking key. The locking key can be affixed by means of a chain to either the casing of a preceding cart or to any other suitable support. Insertion of the locking key into the casing will release the plunger to allow the user to again gain access to the previously inserted coin.

Abstract: A locking device for interlocking at least two nested shopping carts. The device comprises a housing which is attachable at a predetermined location on a shopping cart, usually but not exclusively, the handlebar thereof. A coin-activated unlocking actuator is movably mounted in the housing for limited inward displacement thereof on a working axis. A locking mechanism is also displaceably mounted inside the housing and has a locking pin and lock pin displacing member. A key element is received in a key slot provided in the housing and is immovably engaged by the lock pin. An actuator retention member engages the actuator and is comprised of one or more retention elements, one of which has a pin ejector associated therewith. The key element has in its free end at least two lock activating contact points lying in different planes for disengaging the actuator retention member to thereby release the actuator and cause the locking mechanism to engage the key element in the housing.