Abstract: Disclosed herein are mobile battery powered kiosks generally shaped as a standing workstation having an interactive touch screen at a comfortable viewing height and a wheeled base portion for convenient rolling transportation. These mobile kiosks may have collapsible handles and may be nested together for more compact storage and more efficient battery charging, such as by daisy chaining These mobile kiosks may have removable or swappable rechargeable batteries, or may be recharged simply by plugging into a wall outlet. The mobile kiosks have an interactive touch screen, which may itself be a computer, or may be operably coupled to a computer, such as via Wi-Fi. These mobile kiosks may be used at a point-of sale and are wheeled and lightweight to be easily maneuvered and quickly deployed when needed, such as at crowded venues, or on a temporary as-needed basis, and can then be put away, when no longer needed.

Abstract: A child stroller apparatus includes a rear and a front leg frame respectively having a first and a second side segment, a handle frame having a grip portion and a third side segment respectively connected fixedly with a first and a second joining part that are pivotally connected with each other, a latching mechanism for locking the rear and front leg frames and the handle frame in an unfolded state, and a latch carried with the third side segment. The latch can engage and disengage the first joining part to lock and unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment. Moreover, a linking part couples the latch to the rear leg frame or the front leg frame so that a folding rotation of the handle frame relative to the rear leg frame causes the latch to disengage from the first joining part.

Abstract: An off-road walker is a support apparatus to assist or support an infant or toddler child to be mobile. The off-road walker includes a toy tray, a walker frame, an adjustable support, a plurality of casters, a plurality of frame guards, and a seat assembly. The toy tray supports objects for the child to interact with. The walker frame and the plurality of casters support the weight of the child and the toy tray through the adjustable support. The adjustable support allows the parent to set the distance the toy tray is displaced from the walker frame. The plurality of frame guards protects the walker frame from uneven terrain and can be positioned to assist the parent in maneuvering the off-road walker across the uneven terrain. The seat assembly supports the child and suspends the child from the toy tray and allows the child to rotate within the off-road walker.

Abstract: A system for monitoring shopping carts or other human-propelled carts includes wireless access points that communicate on a wireless network with wheel assemblies of the carts. The system is capable of monitoring a path followed by a cart in a store or building, and using the path (optionally together with other criteria) to determine whether to authorize the cart to exit. For example, if a shopping cart fails to pass through a checkout lane of a store, the system may perform an action that blocks or inhibits the shipping cart from exiting the store. The wheel assemblies may include LEDs or other visual indicators that alert store personnel when a wheel assembly is in a particular state.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for locating movable objects such as carts (e.g., shopping carts) are disclosed. Such systems and methods can use dead reckoning techniques to estimate the current position of the movable object. Various techniques for improving accuracy of position estimates are disclosed, including compensation for various error sources involving the use of magnetometer and accelerometer, and using vibration analysis to derive wheel rotation rates. Also disclosed are various techniques to utilize characteristics of the operating environment in conjunction with or in lieu of dead reckoning techniques, including characteristic of environment such as ground texture, availability of signals from radio frequency (RF) transmitters including precision fix sources. Such systems and methods can be applied in both indoor and outdoor settings and in retail or warehouse settings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic luggage locking device and airline baggage handling method mainly characterized by ease-of-use, enhanced security and efficiency by utilizing proximity access-gaining and authentication technologies, a plurality of sensors, embedded electronic storage and retrieval of luggage information. The luggage locking device is incorporated with an electronic communication system enables interactions with other sensor modules within the luggage, external smart devices and airline transport systems to form an unitary baggage handling system. The baggage handling system contents a method using application software and capable of indicating and communicating the said luggage information and locational identification within an airline transport systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic luggage locking device and airline baggage handling method mainly characterized by ease-of-use, enhanced security and efficiency by utilizing proximity access-gaining and authentication technologies, a plurality of sensors, embedded electronic storage and retrieval of luggage information. The luggage locking device is incorporated with an electronic communication system enables interactions with other sensor modules within the luggage, external smart devices and airline transport systems to form an unitary baggage handling system. The baggage handling system contents a method using application software and capable of indicating and communicating the said luggage information and locational identification within an airline transport systems.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.

Abstract: A wheel braking apparatus includes components that inhibit the rotation of a wheel when a ball bearing is placed in a braking position between a bearing wall of a non-rotating component and a bearing barrier of a hub interface component that is at least resistively connected to a hub of the wheel. In response to a wireless signal, the ball bearing is moved from a non-braking position and allowed to travel to a braking position between a bearing barrier of one side of a bearing groove and the bearing wall of the non-rotating component.

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 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.

Abstract: A device (1) for generating tensile force and/or pressing force to thereby actuate at least one brake means (19) so as to brake or lock at least two caster wheels (11) of a mobile appliance includes at least one lever (5, 7) prepared for rotation thereof about a fulcrum (15); and at least one transmission means (9) disposed at the lever (5, 7) for transmitting the tensile force and/or pressing force generated during a rotation of the lever (5, 7) to the brake means (19). In addition, a mobile rack and device thereby equipped are specified.

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.

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 system is disclosed for tracking and controlling shopping carts and other types of human propelled vehicles. The system includes a wheel assembly that attaches to a cart. The wheel assembly includes a brake unit for inhibiting cart motion, and includes wireless communication circuitry. The wheel assembly is capable of activating the brake unit in response to one or more conditions, such as the receipt of an RF signal or command. In some embodiments, the system also includes a display unit that displays information to a user of the cart, including information regarding the cart's proximity to a lock zone in which the brake unit will become activated.

Abstract: A security lid that converts the upper shopping cart storage area into an enclosed secure storage area for valuables. The lid can be rigid, and sized to fit one or more shopping cart types, and alternatively, it can be fabricated from foldable or flexible materials that allow it to be carried in the handbag of a customer. It has a variety of optional attachment devices that secure it to a conventional shopping cart.

Abstract: A transport car with rollers, all of which are steerable, for which an activatable anti-theft protection is provided. With the anti-theft protection, two or more of the rollers may be fixed in a predetermined steering position whereby the angle which the rollers are fixed at relative to a longitudinal axis of the transport cart is different between the two or more rollers.

Abstract: To generally prevent people from being able to take out and move shopping carts from shopping cart parking areas at times when the store is not open, the blocking devices on the shopping carts are activated when the shopping carts are parked in shopping cart parking areas when the store is not open.

Abstract: A brake for a wheeled cart of the type having a container supported on at least a pair of rear wheels carried on a cart frame, that includes a brake manipulator pivotally mounted on the cart frame in, and including a handle portion and a cam portion. An elongate brake member is pivotally attached to the manipulator and extends into a position proximate the at least one. A braking element is positioned on a lower end of the brake member for being selectively moved into and out of frictional braking engagement with a tread surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for tracking and controlling shopping carts and other types of human propelled vehicles. The system includes a wheel assembly that attaches to a cart. The wheel assembly includes a brake unit for inhibiting cart motion, and includes wireless communication circuitry. The wheel assembly is capable of activating the brake unit in response to one or more conditions, such as the receipt of an RF signal or command. In some embodiments, the system also includes a display unit that displays information to a user of the cart, including information regarding the cart's proximity to a lock zone in which the brake unit will become activated.

Abstract: A buggy includes a frame, at least one wheel coupled to the frame and formed with a recess, and a braking mechanism provided to the wheel and including a braking rod that has a first end. The braking mechanism is movable between a free position, where the first end of the braking rod is free from the wheel and the wheel is rotatable, and a braking position, where the first end of the braking rod is received in the recess in the wheel such that the rotation of the wheel is limited.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel assembly containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. In some embodiments, the wheel assemblies detect that they have entered into particular zones by measuring received signal strengths of received command transmissions, and by comparing these measurements to thresholds that are used to define zone boundaries.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, and stopping brake activation events from occurring during mechanized cart retrieval.

Abstract: To generally prevent people from being able to take out and move shopping carts from shopping cart parking areas at times when the store is not open, the blocking devices on the shopping carts are activated when the shopping carts are parked in shopping cart parking areas when the store is not open.

Abstract: To generally prevent people from being able to take out and move shopping carts from shopping cart parking areas at times when the store is not open, the blocking devices on the shopping carts are activated when the shopping carts are parked in shopping cart parking areas when the store is not open.

Abstract: A transport cart for attaching to a patient care apparatus having a locking system that converts the forward caster of the transport cart from an omni-directional pivotable caster to a fixed directional device by restraining its pivoting about a vertical axis. The forward caster is located at about the center of the footprint of the combined transport cart/patient care apparatus and the fixed directional movement of the forward caster provides stability in moving the combined apparatus. The locking mechanism may be internal to the caster or may have a pair of pivotable lock arms that contact the patient care apparatus as the two are brought together and the pivotable lock arms pivot to a locked position where they sandwich the caster therebetween to restrain its ability to pivot. The locking mechanism automatically or manually releases the forward caster to again freely pivot when the transport cart/patient care apparatus are separated.

Abstract: A principle for alternately activating and deactivating a blocking device by means of a magnetic field. A further developed embodiment of the invention is provided in that the deactivating magnetic field can be smaller than the activating magnetic field.

Abstract: A transport cart for attaching to a patient care apparatus having a locking system that converts the forward caster of the transport cart from an omni-directional pivotable caster to a fixed directional device by restraining its pivoting about a vertical axis. The forward caster is located at about the center of the footprint of the combined transport cart/patient care apparatus and the fixed directional movement of the forward caster provides stability in moving the combined apparatus. The locking mechanism may be internal to the caster or may have a pair of pivotable lock arms that contact the patient care apparatus as the two are brought together and the pivotable lock arms pivot to a locked position where they sandwich the caster therebetween to restrain its ability to pivot. The locking mechanism automatically or manually releases the forward caster to again freely pivot when the transport cart/patient care apparatus are separated.

Abstract: In a navigation apparatus in a vehicle, a user designates a validating route, which is stored in a memory device. A control unit invalidates a predetermined function of the navigation apparatus at a start-up, which is for the first time after an in-vehicle battery is connected or which results from turning on of a power source. Use of the navigation apparatus by the user is thereby disturbed. When the control unit determines that a route, which the vehicle has traveled through, is included in the previously designated validating route stored in the memory device, the control unit re-validates the invalidated predetermined function.

Abstract: A security device for attachment to a shopping cart includes a generally hollow cage member manufactured from a predetermined material and having a predetermined size and a predetermined shape for enclosing at least one predetermined item therein. A first access mechanism is engaged with such cage member for enabling a user to selectively access an interior portion of such cage member. A securing mechanism is disposed on such cage member and engage able with such shopping cart for releasably attaching such cage member to such shopping cart at a predetermined location at least one of on such shopping cart, within such shopping cart, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for temporarily maintaining and securing valuables in a shopping cart is disclosed. The device is manufactured to fit in the upper basket area of standard shopping carts. The device can be modified to fit in alternative shopping cart designs and sizes. The device is generally manufactured from a flat panel which forms a lid enclosure over the small basket of a shopping cart. The device is secured to the back side of a shopping cart basket and can flip up so that valuables may be stored inside the small basket. The device is then flipped down and is secured in the front of the small basket of the cart nearest to the shopper.

Abstract: A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested.

Abstract: Disclosed is a principle for alternately activating and deactivating a blocking device by means of a magnetic field. A further developed embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the deactivating magnetic field can be smaller than the activating magnetic field.

Abstract: A device for mounting on a shopping cart that holds small items being purchased which otherwise could fall through openings in the shopping cart while shopping. The device includes a basket member made from a predetermined material and having a predetermined configuration. There is at least one aperture formed through a wall of the basket member. There is also a mechanism connectable through the at least one aperture and an opening between bars of a sidewall of the shopping cart for mounting the basket member one of inside and outside such shopping cart on one of the bars.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible transportation device comprising a receptacle with a vertically movable bottom wall. The receptacle expands and collapses vertically to facilitate in loading and unloading different amounts of items in the cart, and in storing the cart when not in use. The vertical movement of the bottom wall may be controlled by a biasing assembly including multiple pairs of springs.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a shopping cart includes a mounting structure for supporting anti-theft apparatus on the cart, the mounting structure being secured to the base frame of the cart. The anti-theft apparatus is removably carried by the mounting structure, with the anti-theft apparatus including a collapsible front suspension assembly having a housing; a first set of casters mounted to the housing, retractable pin elements carried by the housing and engagable with the mounting structure for maintaining the front suspension assembly in operative mode in which the first set of casters engage a supporting surface, a sensor assembly for detecting an activation signal and actuating the retractable pin elements to cause retraction of the pin elements and render the front suspension assembly inoperative, and a second set of casters fixed to the shopping cart base frame for preventing the cart from moving in a linear direction when the front suspension assembly is rendered inoperative.

Abstract: A wheel chock assembly is provided having a base member extending axially from a top end to a bottom end, first and second support members whose upper ends are pivotally and slidably engaged with respect to the base member, first and second wheel chocks mounted with respect to the lower ends of the support members, and an adjustment mechanism mounted to the base member. The adjustment mechanism is operatively engaged to the support members to achieve axial movement of their upper ends with respect to the base member to extend and retract them within a range that permits the assembly to grip the wheel of a cart between the wheel chocks. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is a cord secured to the main member of the base member such that pulling the cord upward draws the main member into the handle of the base member, extending the support members outward, while releasing the cord withdraws the main member from the handle, retracting the support members inward.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a shopping cart includes an elongated shaft and a pair of pivots for pivotally attaching the elongated shaft to each rear leg of the shopping cart. A pair of L-shaped members is secured to the elongated shaft and movable for frictionally engaging a respective rear wheel of the shopping cart. An actuating lever is attached to one end of the elongated shaft and is manually operable for moving the L-shaped members. A detent and guide member is secured to the shopping cart in proximity to its rearwardly disposed handle bar for guiding movement of the actuating lever. A ring couples the actuating lever to the detent and guide member.

Abstract: A cable operated shopping cart brake apparatus for fitting to an existing shopping cart or other like wheeled vehicle to provide selectively impeded movement. The cable assembly connects a master brake assembly to a slave brake assembly. The cable attachment on the master assembly is reversible, whereby in one mode the resting position of the actuator engages the cart brake, thereby impeding cart movement. The reversed mode provides disengagement of the brake in the rest position of the actuator. The actuator position is lockable so that the above 2 modes are possible. A button of the lock provides disengagement.

Abstract: A push cart includes a device, which is supplied with energy, and which includes a coupling device that is supplied with a mounting; a sliding part is retractably insertable into the mounting; a slide valve inside the coupling device is movable back and forth from a first to a second position, whereby when the slide valve is in the first position, the sliding part can be removed and when the slide valve is in the second position, the sliding part is locked in the coupling device. The coupling device further includes a magnet, wherein the magnet can move the slide valve between the first and the second position by changing the polarity of the magnet.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a shopping cart includes an elongated shaft and a pair of pivots for pivotally attaching the elongated shaft to each rear leg of the shopping cart. A pair of L-shaped members is secured to the elongated shaft and movable for frictionally engaging a respective rear wheel of the shopping cart. An actuating lever is attached to one end of the elongated shaft and is manually operable for moving the L-shaped members. A detent and guide member is secured to the shopping cart in proximity to its rearwardly disposed handle bar for guiding movement of the actuating lever. A ring couples the actuating lever to the detent and guide member.

Abstract: Shopping cart brakes slow or render a shopping cart immobile. A brake lever has one end pivotably connected to a clamp that is attached to one end of a vertical member of a shopping cart adjacent to its handle. Two brake cables are enclosed by brake cable housings and have one end connected to the brake lever. A plurality of brake cable supports secures the brake cable housings to the vertical member. Alternatively, the brake cables and brake cable housings can be enclosed by vertical members and a horizontal member. The opposing end of the brake cables is attached to calipers. The calipers have brake pads removably connected to them. A brake lever housing is also connected to the clamp. The brake lever housing is attached to an adjuster barrel and houses a brake lever locking mechanism comprising a locking tab, locking button, slot, and locking button hole.

Abstract: The utility cart has a first pair of corner posts, a second pair of corners posts, a shelf, a front support bar, a pair of parallel side support bars, and a back support bar, which is particularly suited for supporting a drawstring garment bag for receiving garments being dispatched from a conveyor dryer. For added support and rigidity, the utility cart is also provided with a pair of parallel side support bars, each side support bar extending from a first corner post to a second corner post. For added ease of movement, the utility cart can also be provided with swivel-wheel caster assemblies on each of the four posts. The utility cart and drawstring garment bag can be provided as a kit along with a wedge member and a set of size separators.

Abstract: A brake system operable to inhibit movement of a non-powered transportable cart. The cart has a platform with opposite front and rear ends, at least one pivotal caster wheel adjacent and supporting one of the front or rear ends, and a pair of fixed wheels. The brake system has a brake arm with a brake bar extending laterally therefrom. The brake arm is pivotal between a disengaged position and an engaged position. When in the disengaged position, a gap is defined between the brake bar and the fixed wheels to allow the fixed wheels to rotate freely. When in the engaged position, the brake bar engages the fixed wheels to prevent them from rotating. A brake latch is carried by the platform and has a catch sized to receive the brake arm to releasably maintain the brake arm in its engaged position.

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 transport car with rollers, all of which are steerable, for which an activatable anti-theft protection is provided. With the anti-theft protection, two or more of the rollers may be fixed in a predetermined steering position whereby the angle which the rollers are fixed at relative to a longitudinal axis of the transport cart is different between the two or more rollers.

Abstract: The various aspects of the present invention are directed to moving carts and moving cart assemblies. One embodiment comprises a moving cart assembly with a plurality of interlocking, vertically stackable, storage modules. The modules of this embodiment comprise a frame, preferably having at least four sides, e.g., a top, a back, a right side and a left side. Each module also comprises something to enclose the interior space, such as a pair of doors or a drawer which is selectively slidable into the frame. The needs of a particular office can be readily accommodated by using greater or fewer numbers of drawer modules and/or cabinet-type modules.