AU2007100121B4 - Coin operated shopping trolley - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT INNOVATIVE COIN OPERATED SHOPPING TROLLEY LOCK The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: INNOVATIVE COIN OPERATED SHOPPING TROLLEY LOCK For many years, shopping centres have had to contend with shopping trolleys going astray or creating hazards in car parks. This invention has been specifically designed in order to address this problem and to provide a simple, practical and effective solution.

Shoppers will be encouraged to use a $2 coin to release a trolley from a locked zone (fig. 1 (10) in order to do their shopping. Upon completion of their shopping, customers will be reimbursed the $2 automatically via the lock mechanism, by returning the trolley to a designated and convenient return zone in the car park.

The trolley lock in accordance with this invention comprises a stainless steel, compact unit which sits atop the steering bar of a shopping trolley (fig.2(22) as a permanent fixture. It is made up of eight individual metal layered plates locked together, and bares a coin hole (fig.3(9) in which customers deliver a $2 coin by which to release the trolley for use. The internal mechanism is comprised of several moving parts, including two springs, which allow for storage and security of the $2 coin whilst trolley is in use, and which spring release the $2 coin for customer retrieval upon return of trolley to designated return zone (fig.l The coin hole opening is secure in the sense that once the $2 coin is dropped into it, the coin is non-retrievable until the trolley is returned to the designated return zone in the car park.

The shopping trolley lock is preferably made from stainless steel.

2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows the designated trolley zone in carpark.

Figure 2 shows the shopping trolley with trolley lock mounted on steering bar ready for shopping use.

Figure 3 shows the deposit trolley lock which operates with a $2 coin slot.

Figure 4 shows the deposit trolley lock which operates with a key.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows the designated trolley zone in carpark where trolleys are situated when not in use. Fig.1 Shoppers can access a trolley by selecting a trolley at the trolley zone and depositing a $2 coin into a trolley lock and releasing a trolley for shopping use. Fig.1 Figure 2 shows the trolley lock ready to use with deposit lock situated on top of the shopping trolley steering bar as illustrated. Fig.2 (22).

Figure 3 shows the coin operated trolley lock. The base plate Fig.3 is fastened to the Shopping trolley steering bar with a saddle Fig.3 Six sandwich plates Fig.3 are individually configured as part of the internal body of the lock. They are layered on top of each other and make up the internal working mechanism of the lock structure. The top plate Fg.3J is secured with four stainless steel bolts to the body of the lock. The deposit lever Fig.3 is a flat lever which comprises a coin slot which slides into the body of the lock. Fig.3 (10) is a stainless steel operating lever which is attached to a chain on another trolley which is used to lock trolley into designated parking zone and to return coin deposit. Fig. 3 (12) is a stainless steel lever attached to a chain which is in unlock position whilst trolley is in use.

Figure 4 shows the same configuration as Figure 3, although it provides the alternative key operated lock, Fig.4 instead of coin operated lock.

In order to operate the lock, the customer goes to the designated trolley storage zone within close proximity to the shopping area. All trolleys are secured by the lock and chain link. In order to release a trolley from a chain, the customer inserts a $2 coin. The lock is released to allow the trolley to become mobile. The customer undertakes their shopping needs. Once customer has unloaded shopping to car, customer returns trolley to a designated trolley return zone in car park. $2 coin is automatically released for customer's collection when trolley is locked into place with other trolleys.

Application Coin Operated Shopping Trolley Lock 1. Lock is comprised of 8 flat stainless steel plates with individual configuration.

2. It is a two spring lock mechanism.

3. Three moving parts operate the lock mechanism.

4. By changing the position of the individual plates, four independent lock combinations can be created by the manufacturer.

Saddle (clamp) is fastened to shopping trolley steering bar.

Benefit of the shopping lock is clear. As we all know, shopping trolleys are often a nuisance, being left on the side of the road, in parks, laneways, in areas where they can cause damage to cars or where they are a hazard. They are also an ugly sight when they litter areas which are not designated for their storage.

The shopping trolley lock is coin operated. The coin can be automatically retrieved when the trolley is returned to the designated shopping trolley zone.

This device is user friendly for the customer, and is a great advantage to the retail industry as it ensures a tidy environment by encouraging shoppers to return trolleys to designated trolley zone for coin retrieval.

This lock has been Invented by Mate Cikoja and is manufactured in Australia.

Coin Operated Shopping Trolley Lock Invented and manufactured in Western Australia.

Locking Device is manufactured from stainless steel. It is reliable, durable and hassle-free.

Benefits: The coin operated shopping trolley lock is beneficial for retailers and shoppers.

Trolleys are chained together with individual locks and stored In a designated trolley zone which is easily accessed by shoppers. Shoppers insert $2 coin into slot on troUesteering bar. This releases trolley from chain, ready for use whilst sho ing. Locking system encourages shoppers to return trolleys to designated trdlley zone at end of shopping, in order to be reimbursed their $2 coin. Once the trolley is returned to the designated trolley zone, shopper places leaver (linked to trolley chain) into lock, to release the $2 coin.

The locking system deters shoppers from leaving trolleys around car parks in places where they are a hazard or a nuisance.

The locking system also serves to save the retailer money, as trolley collectors are notrequired.

Locks are available with different combinations to ensure that trolleys belonging to a particular retailer are not mixed up with trolleys belonging to another retailer.

OPTIONS:

Option 1: Trolley locks may be leased under a 24 month rental contract.

(Conditions apply) Option 2: Outright purchase of trolley locks (Conditions apply) A representative is available to demonstrate and discuss the product with you and to negotiate a package, including a price structure, that best meets the needs of your company.

Claims (4)

1. A coin operated shopping trolley lock comprising 8 individual stainless steel layered plates secured together by heavy duty bolts. Coin slot on top.

2. A coin operated shopping trolley lock as claimed in claim is secured to the trolley steering bar by way of heavy duty bolts.

3. A coin operated shopping trolley lock as claimed in claims I and 2, wherein the internal mechanism allows for secure storage of $2 coin during operation, and spring release upon return to designated return zone.

4. A coin operated shopping trolley lock according to any claims 1-3 wherein the parts are made of stainless steel. A coin operated shopping trolley lock according to claims 1 4 whereby the lock can be configured in such a way to allow for a "personalized" lock "combination" to suit the needs of the retailer (ie To allow all trolleys belonging to one retailer to have the same lock combination to ensure they are delivered to the correct trolley return zone, and to ensure they do not end up in another retailer's return zone.) COIN OPERATED SHOPPING TROLLEY LOCK CONSTRUCTION 10 February 2007 Name of applicant: Matt Cikoja