CART PULLING SYSTEM

Abstract: A cart pulling system for pulling a line of carts including a motorized cart puller (11) and retaining cord (94). The motorized cart puller includes a battery portion (14) pivotally connected to a motor portion (12) with a control handle (30). The retaining cord is attached to the motorized cart puller so that the retaining cord extends around and engages the line of carts. The retaining cord is preferably slidable with respect to the carts to prevent the line of carts from binding when they turn.

Description: CART PULLING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a shopping cart pulling system for moving a line of nested shopping carts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shopping cart pulling system that includes an articulated shopping cart puller. When shopping in many types of stores, it is frequently necessary for the store to provide a shopping cart for a customer to place items that are to be purchased while the customer is selecting additional items. One type of store in which carts are typically used is super markets. After purchasing the items, the customer typically uses the shopping cart to transport the purchased items to the customer's automobile. Once the purchased items are transferred from the shopping cart to the customer's automobile, the shopping carts are typically left in the parking lot or returned to a cart corral. Employees of the store collect shopping carts on a regular basis and then return the shopping carts to the store for subsequent customers to use. To assist in returning the shopping carts to the store, the shopping carts are typically designed to partially nest inside of each other so that a line of nested shopping carts may be simultaneously returned to the store. A drawback of simultaneously returning a line of nested shopping carts to the store is that a substantial amount of force must be exerted to move the line of nested shopping carts. The force needed to move the line of nested shopping carts becomes even greater when the parking lot is not level or when the parking lot is covered with snow and ice. In many instances, employees become injured when moving the line of nested shopping carts. Typical injuries range from strained muscles to broken limbs. These types of injuries frequently lead to lost work time for the employees and higher workers' compensation insurance premiums for the store. To alleviate injuries to their employees, some stores use motorized shopping cart moving devices to move the line of nested shopping carts back to the store. The prior art motorized shopping cart moving devices are connected to a back end of the line of nested shopping carts. The motorized cart moving device then pushes the line of nested shopping carts back to the store. These motorized shopping cart moving devices are frequently powered by batteries and, as such, must be periodically connected to a battery charger to recharge the batteries. While the batteries are being recharged, it is not possible to use the motorized shopping cart moving device without disconnecting and removing the battery and installing a charged battery. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a pulling system for pulling a line of carts. The cart pulling system includes a motorized cart puller and a retaining cord. The retaining cord is attached to the motorized cart puller so that the retaining cord extends around the line of carts. The retaining cord is preferably slidable with respect to the line of carts so that the line of carts does not bind when pulled into a turn with the motorized shopping cart puller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cart pulling system of the present invention used for pulling a line of nested shopping carts. Figure 2 is a side view of an articulated shopping cart puller of the cart pulling system. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an interior of the battery portion of the articulated cart puller. Figure 4 is a side view of a motor portion of the articulated cart puller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A cart pulling system according to the present invention is illustrated at 10 in Figures 1 and 2. The cart pulling system 10 is suitable for pulling a line of nested shopping carts 18. The shopping cart pulling system 10 includes an articulated shopping cart puller 11 that contains a motor portion 12 and a battery portion 14 pivotally attached to each other. The motor portion 12 is also disengageable from the battery portion 14. One particular type of shopping cart 18a that the shopping cart pulling system 10 of the present invention is particularly suited for use with has a frame 150 with a lower cross member 152 and an upper cross member 154. as most clearly illustrated in Figure 1. The lower cross member 152 extends across a front edge of the shopping cart 18a. The upper cross member 154 extends across a back edge of the shopping cart 18a and is typically used for pushing the shopping cart 18a. The frame 150 also includes a plurality of wheels 156 rotatably mounted thereto. The shopping cart 18a also includes a base 160. a pair of side walls 162. and a front wall 164. The pair of side walls 162 and the front wall 164 are each attached to the base 160 so as to form a "U " '-shaped enclosure. The shopping cart 18a also preferably includes a back wall (not shown), which is pivotally mounted between the side walls 162 proximate to the upper cross member 154. The shape of the "U"-shaped enclosure permits the shopping carts 18a to nest partially inside of each other and thereby form the line of nest shopping carts 18. as most clearly illustrated in Figure 1. The shopping cart pulling system 10 further includes a retaining cord 94 that is capable of extending around the line of nested shopping carts 18. The retaining cord 94 preferably slidably engages the line of carts by slidably engaging the shopping cart 18a that is furthest from the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1. Sliding of the retaining cord 94 with respect to the shopping cart 18a enables the line of carts to adjust in an arcuate configuration when the line of carts needs to be turned such that the line of carts goes through the turn without the line of carts or individual carts binding. Although the present invention is discussed specifically with a line of shopping or grocery carts, it is to be understood, that the present invention may be used to pull or direct other types of carts whether nested or not. Because the retaining cord 94 does not bind the line of carts the shopping cart pulling system 10 is easier to use than the prior art shopping cart pushers. Smaller and tighter turns can be make using the present invention. Another advantage of the shopping cart pulling system 10 of the present invention is that disengaging the motor portion 12 from the battery portion 14 enables a battery in the battery portion 14 to be recharged while the motor portion 12 is used with another battery portion 14 that has a charged battery. As noted above, prior art shopping cart pushers where the battery and motor were each in a single unit are unusable when the batteries are being recharged. To overcome this drawback, the store would need to disconnect the depleted battery and connect a charged battery. Alternatively, the store would be forced to purchase additional shopping cart pushers. The shopping cart pulling system 10 of the present invention thereby reduces the owning and operating costs when compared to the prior art shopping cart pushers. The motor portion 12 includes at least one drive wheel 20 and a motor 22 for providing power to the drive wheel 20, as most clearly illustrated in Figure 2. The motor portion 12 preferably includes a pair of drive wheels 20 that are mounted substantially adjacent to each other. Whether the motor portion 12 includes a single drive wheel or a pair of drive wheels, the drive wheels 20 are selected with a sufficiently wide tread 24 so that the drive wheels 20 do not slip when pulling a line of nested shopping carts 18. The drive wheels 20 are also selected with a sufficiently wide width that prevents that motor portion 12 from falling laterally when the motor portion 12 is separated from the battery portion 14. The motor 22 is preferably operable by battery power and the motor 22 is operably connected to the drive wheels 20 with an endless belt 24. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the concepts of the present invention may be adapted to other types of motors. For example, the motor 22 may be powered by a hydrocarbon fuel. The motor portion 12 also preferably includes a control handle 30 for controlling both the direction in which the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1 moves as well as the speed at which the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1 moves. The control handle 30 is preferably attached to motor portion 12 so the control handle 30 is vertically pivotable with respect to motor portion 12. Vertical pivoting of the control handle 30 with respect to the motor portion 12 enables a height of an end 32 of the control handle 30 opposite the motor portion 12 to be adjusted so that the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1 may be more easily operated by persons of varied heights. Proximate to the end 32, the control handle 30 preferably includes a pair of hand grips 34 for controlling the speed at which the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1 moves. The hand grips 34 are preferably substantially cylindrical and covered by an expanded foam material. Rotation of the hand grips 34 towards the motor portion 12 causes the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1 to move in a first direction. Rotation of the hand grips 34 away from the motor portion 12 causes the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1 to move in a second direction, which is substantially opposite the first direction. The motor portion 12 further includes a receiving region 40 where the motor portion 12 pivotally engages the battery portion 14, as most clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Proximate to the receiving region 40, the battery portion 14 includes an aperture 42 that is adapted to receive a pivot pin 44 for retaining the motor portion 12 in an assembled relation with respect to the battery portion 14. Proximate to the receiving region 40, the motor portion 12 preferably includes a power cord 45 extending therefrom. The power cord 45 enables the batteries to be operably connected to the motor 22. To maintain the motor portion 12 in a substantially upright position when the motor portion 12 is separated from the battery portion 14. the motor portion 12 preferably includes a support leg 46, which is pivotally attached to the control handle 30. When the support leg 46 is pivoted to an extended position, which is identified as 46a, the support leg 46 engages a ground surface 48 and thereby prevents the motor portion 12 from falling over. The battery portion 14 has a frame 50 with an upwardly facing opening 52. as most clearly illustrated in Figure 4. The frame 50 is adapted to receive at least one battery 54. The battery portion 14 also preferably includes a cover 56. which is pivotally attached to the frame 50. When the cover 56 is in a closed position, the cover 56 substantially covers the upwardly facing opening 52. When the cover 56 is in an open position, the cover 56 provides substantially unobstructed access to the battery 54. The battery portion 14 also includes a pair of wheels 60, which are rotatably mounted to the frame 50. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size of the wheel 60 and the number of wheels 60 needed to support the battery portion 14 will depend on the size and number of batteries 54 contained in the battery portion 14 as well as the intended load of the line of nested shopping carts that is to be moved by the articulated shopping cart puller 1 1. The battery portion 14 has a leg 62 extending therefrom, as most clearly illustrated in Figure 2. The leg 62 is adapted to engage the motor portion 12 in the receiving region 40. The battery portion 14 is pivotally attached to the motor portion 12 by placing the leg 62 into engagement with the receiving region 40 and then placing the pivot pin 44 so that the pivot pin 44 extends through an aperture 64 in the leg 62 and through the aperture 42. To maintain the battery portion 14 in a substantially upright position when the batten' portion 14 is disengaged from the motor portion 12. the battery portion 14 preferably has a support wheel 70, which is attached to the battery portion 14 with a jack 72. The jack 72 controls vertical movement of the support wheel 70 with respect to the battery portion 14. The support wheel 70 not only supports the battery portion 14 when the battery portion 14 is separated from the motor portion 12 but also enables the battery portion 14 to be rolled along the ground surface 48. The battery portion 14 further includes a receptacle 76 that is operably connected to the batteries 54. The receptacle 76 is adapted to receive a plug on the power cord 45 for transmitting the power from the batteries 54 to the motor 22. Opposite the leg 62, the battery portion 14 includes a cart attachment adapter 80. which is pivotally mounted with respect to the battery portion 14. The cart attachment adapter 80 includes a receiving region 82 that is adapted to receive the lower cross member 152 on the shopping cart 18. The receiving region 82 is preferably formed by bending two retaining legs 86 into a 'T'-shaped configuration. Although a specific cart attachment adaption is described, person skilled in the art will understand that other configurations maybe used depending on the construction of the cart which are still within the scope of the present invention. The receiving region 82 also preferably includes an upwardly directed leg 88. The upwardly directed leg 88 prevents momentum of the cart 18 from causing the shopping cart 18 to contact the battery portion 14 and thereby damage the battery portion 14. The battery portion 14 further includes a retaining cord take-up mechanism 90, which is preferably located proximate to the batteries 54. The retaining cord take-up mechanism 90 includes a spool 92 with the retaining cord 94 wτapped there around. The spool 92 is preferably spring loaded so as to maintain tension on the retaining cord 94. The retaining cord take-up mechanism 90 also includes at least one pulley 96, which the retaining cord 94 passes around. Once the retaining cord 94 is pulled from the spool 92 to a desired length, a stop mechanism 100 is tightened onto the retaining cord 94 to prevent additional retaining cord 94 from being dispensed from the spool 92. The retaining cord take-up mechanism 90 further preferably includes a reinforcing plate 102 located proximate to where the retaining cord 94 extends through the battery portion 14. The reinforcing plate 102 thereby prevents the battery portion 14 from being damaged by the retaining cord 94. An end of the retaining cord 94 opposite the retaining cord take- up mechanism 90 is releasably attached to the battery portion 14 after the retaining cord 94 is placed to extend around the line of nested shopping carts 18. The retaining cord 94 preferably includes a retaining clip 104 and the retaining clip 104 releasably engages an eyelet 106 mounted to the battery portion 14. To further ensure that the retaining cord 94 slides around the line of carts, the line of nested shopping carts 18 is turned, the present invention further includes a retaining plate 110, as most clearly illustrated in Figure 1. The retaining plate 1 10 removably engages the upper cross member 154 on the shopping cart 18a. The retaining plate 1 10 is preferably substantially rectangular and has two legs 1 14 extending from opposite corners along a first edge 120. The legs 114 are preferably bent into the shape of the letter "J" to engage the upper cross member 154. The mounting plate 110 further includes two pulleys 122 that are rotatably mounted in opposite corners along a second edge 124. The retaining cord 94 is positioned to pass through each of the pulleys 122 when the retaining cord 94 passes around the line of nested shopping carts 18. The mounting plate 110 thereby permits the retaining cord 94 to slide with respect to the line of nested shopping carts 18 to accommodate for turns. For example, when the line of carts is directed into a turn, the mounting plate 1 10 permits the retaining cord 94 to shift so that a first leg 130 of the retaining cord 94 decreases in length and a second leg 132 of the retaining cord 94 increases in length. This enables the line of carts to turn without binding and permits smaller and tighter turns. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A cart pulling system for pulling a line of carts that includes a front cart and a back cart, the shopping cart pulling system comprising: a motorized cart puller that is capable of engaging the line of carts; and a retaining cord attached to the motorized cart puller so that the retaining cord extends around the line of carts. 2. The cart pulling system of claim 1, wherein the retaining cord is slidable around the line of carts to enable the carts to be pulled through a turn. 3. The cart pulling system of claim 1, and further comprising a retaining plate containing at least one pulley rotatably mounted thereto, wherein the retaining plate engages the back cart, and wherein the retaining cord passes through the pulley so that the retaining cord is slidable with respect to the retaining plate. 4. The cart pulling system of claim 1, wherein the motorized cart puller comprises: a motor portion that includes a motor; and a batten' portion pivotally attached to the motor portion, wherein the battery portion comprises: a battery operably connected to the motor; and a cart attachment adapter that is capable of operably engaging the line of carts. 5. The shopping cart pulling system of claim 4, wherein the battery portion further comprises a jack and a ground-engageable support wheel. 6. The cart pulling system of claim 4, and further comprising a retaining cord take-up mechanism attached to the battery portion. 7. The shopping cart pulling system of claim 6, wherein the retaining cord take-up mechanism comprises: a spring-loaded spool around which the retaining cord is wound; a stop mechanism that engages the retaining cord and prevents retaining cord from being dispensed from the spool; and a reinforcing plate mounted to the battery portion proximate to where the retaining cord passes through the battery portion. 8. A cart pulling system for pulling a line of carts that includes a front cart and a back cart, the cart pulling system comprising: a battery portion that includes a battery; a motor portion pivotally attached to the battery portion, wherein the battery portion comprises: a battery operably connected to the motor; a cart attachment adapter that is capable of operably engaging the front cart; and a retaining plate that is capable of engaging the rear cart, wherein the retaining plate includes at least one pulley attached thereto; and a retaining cord attached to the battery portion and extending around the line of carts, the retaining cord engaging the pulley such that the retaining cord is slidable with respect to the pulley. 9. The cart pulling system of claim 8, wherein the motor portion further comprises: a drive wheel operably connected to the motor; and a control handle pivotally attached thereto for controlling the speed and direction in which the shopping cart puller moves. 10. The shopping cart pulling system of claim 8, wherein the battery portion further comprises: a frame having an upwardly directed opening, wherein the frame is adapted to receive the battery; a cover pivotally attached to the frame so that the cover substantially covers the upwardly directed opening when the cover is in a closed position; and a pair of wheels rotatably attached to the frame. 11. The cart pulling system of claim 8, wherein the battery portion further comprises a jack with a ground-engageable support wheel. 12. The cart pulling system of claim 8, and further comprising a retaining cord take-up mechanism attached to the battery portion and engaging the retaining cord. 13. The cart pulling system of claim 12, wherein the retaining cord take-up mechanism comprises: a spring-loaded spool around which the retaining cord is wound; a stop mechanism that engages the retaining cord and prevents retaining cord from being dispensed from the spool: and a reinforcing plate mounted to the battery portion proximate to where the retaining cord passes through the battery portion. 14. An articulated shopping cart puller for pulling a line of nested shopping carts that includes a front shopping cart and a back shopping cart, the articulated shopping cart puller comprising: a motor portion that includes a motor; and a batten portion pivotally attached to the motor portion, wherein the battery portion comprises a battery operably connected to the motor and wherein the articulated shopping cart puller engages the line of nested shopping carts for pulling the line of nested shopping carts. 15. The shopping cart puller of claim 14. wherein the motor portion further comprises: a drive wheel operably connected to the motor; and a control handle pivotally attached thereto for controlling the speed and direction in which the shopping cart puller moves. 16. The shopping cart puller of claim 14, wherein the battery portion further comprises: a frame having an upwardly directed opening, wherein the frame is adapted to receive the battery; a cart attachment adapter attached to the frame, wherein the cart attachment adapter is capable of operably engaging the line of nested shopping carts; and a pair of wheels rotatably attached to the frame. 17. The shopping cart puller of claim 14, wherein the battery portion further comprises a jack with a ground-engageable support wheel. 18. The shopping cart puller of claim 14, and further comprising a retaining cord take-up mechanism attached to the battery portion. 19. The shopping cart puller of claim 18, wherein the retaining cord take-up mechanism comprises: a spring-loaded spool around which the retaining cord is wound; a stop mechanism that engages the retaining cord and prevents retaining cord from being dispensed from the spool; and a reinforcing plate mounted to the battery portion proximate to where the retaining cord passes through the battery portion. 20. The cart pulling system of claim 4 wherein the motor portion and the battery portion are detachably attached.

Inventors: EBBENGA MARK A, EBBENGA, MARK, A.
Applicants: EBBENGA MARK A, RHINO CRAFT INC, EBBENGA, MARK, A., RHINO CRAFT, INC.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: B62D51
IPC codes: A47F10, B62B3, B62D51