Patent ID: 7101113
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: A47F,B62B

Abstract:
1. A method for providing a self-guiding shopping cart collection, storage, and retrieval system in a parking lot, comprising: providing at least one array of a plurality of demarcated parking spaces arranged as a row having a length, wherein each of the parking spaces has demarcation lines on either side defining a plurality of aisle ways between the plurality of parking spaces; providing a collection channel adjacent to and parallel to the row formed as an inset trough of a rigid material set into a substrate; the collection channel being configured to allow rolling translation of a shopping cart along the length of the row to a collection end, wherein the collection channel has a generally planar floor and at least one linearly inclined side bank having a lower edge contiguous to the floor of the collection channel and an upper edge contiguous to the parking lot wherein the floor is downwardly linearly inclined toward the collection end; attaching a plurality of barrier units having a quadrilateral configuration to at least one of the opposing side banks wherein the barrier units are aligned with each of the plurality of parking spaces, each of the barrier units including a front curb portion adjacent to the floor of the collection channel and opposing side curb portions aligned with the demarcation lines; and providing an oppositely sloping ramp whereby shopping carts in the collection channel can be pushed up the ramp to the parking lot, whereby the barrier units define a plurality of lateral feed channels intersecting with the collection channel and aligned with the aisle ways whereby shopping carts from the parking lot are introduced into the lateral feed channels and guided therethrough by the opposing side banks into the collection channel.