Patent ID: 7218225
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. System for detecting and rewarding the return of a shopping cart or luggage cart taken from a cart stand, with a number of shopping carts ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ), the system comprising each of the carts being provided with a non-contact, individual marking ( 32 , 32 a ) that can be identified, at least one cart stand ( 10 ) for the shopping carts, and detection means ( 62 , 64 ) arranged in the region of the cart stand for the markings of the shopping carts, the detection means being equipped so that the detection means generate a signal for issuing a bonus when a returned shopping cart is identified, wherein the markings ( 32 , 32 a ) of the shopping carts ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ) are changeable from an active state, in which the marking can be identified by the detection means ( 62 , 64 ), to a passive state, in which the marking cannot be identified by the detection means, or vice-versa.