Abstract:
A combined shopping cart stroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilities is provided. The shopping cart stroller comprises a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement, a seat mounted to the frame and being shiftable between an unfolded position in which the seat is positioned to support the passenger and a folded position in which the folded seat defines a portion of a forward cargo area, a rearward cargo area defined by a rearward portion of the frame, and a lower cargo area defined by a lower portion of the frame.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/636,181, filed Aug. 10, 2000. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a shopping cart that can also function as a stroller, child seat carrier, or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates generally to a combined shopping cart stroller. The combined shopping cart stroller can have a number of cargo carrying and passenger carrying configurations.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Shopping carts and strollers both enjoy widespread use in retail environments and elsewhere. On a typical shopping cart, a cargo carrying area is defined by a rigid frame in the forward portion of the cart. A usually collapsible rearwardly facing child seat is commonly provided in a rear portion of the frame. On existing shopping carts, the child seat is often sized to accommodate only small children within a certain very limited size range, and thus such existing shopping carts may not be well suited to carry larger children and/or infants. Moreover, existing shopping carts are not well suited for carrying certain types of cargo, such as, by way of example, large packages and products or clothing on hangers. Further, existing shopping carts tend to carry all of the cargo in a single area, with no means for separately transporting dissimilar goods or goods of different size and shape. On the other hand, existing child carriers, strollers, or infant seats are designed specifically for carrying children and usually have no capacity for safely receiving and transporting cargo.  
           [0004]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a device that safely and effectively combines one or more of the functions of a shopping cart with one or more of the functions of a child carrier, stroller, or infant seat.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a combined shopping cart stroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilities includes a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement. The frame includes an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. A seat is mounted to the frame and includes a generally upright seat back and a seat bottom. The combined shopping cart stroller also includes a plurality of cargo areas. A first cargo area is behind the seat back and is defined in the space generally bounded by the lower frame portion and a rearward portion of the upper frame portion. A second cargo area is below the seat bottom. A third cargo area is defined in the space generally bounded by the seat bottom and at least a forward portion of the upper frame portion.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment, the upper frame portion extends from a point at or near a forward end of the lower frame portion. In another embodiment, the seat bottom is shiftable between an unfolded position in which the seat bottom is positioned in a generally horizontal orientation to support a passenger and a folded position in which the seat bottom is positioned in a generally upright position, the third cargo area being expandable when the seat bottom is in the folded position. In another embodiment, the first cargo area includes a flexible cargo bag. In yet another embodiment, a rearward portion of the upper frame portion includes a handle. In yet another embodiment, the frame is adapted to support an infant seat within the frame-mounted seat.  
           [0007]    Another aspect of the invention is directed to a combined shopping cart stroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilities including a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement, the frame including an at least primarily horizontal lower frame portion having a forward end and a rearward end and a curved upper frame portion extending from a point at or near the forward end of the lower frame portion to a point spaced above the rearward end of the lower frame portion. The combined shopping cart stroller also includes a seat back fixed to the frame and a seat bottom movable relative to the seat back between an unfolded position in which the seat back and seat bottom are positioned to support a passenger and a folded position. The frame also defines a plurality of cargo areas.  
           [0008]    In one embodiment, the plurality of cargo areas includes a cargo area behind the seat back and defined in the space generally bounded by the lower frame portion and a rearward portion of the upper frame portion. In another embodiment, the rearward portion of the upper frame portion includes a handle, the handle defining a cargo area. In yet another embodiment, the frame includes a floor defining at least a portion of a cargo area. In another embodiment, the frame includes a cargo area defined in the space generally bounded by the seat bottom and a forward portion of the upper frame portion, the cargo area being expandable when the seat bottom is in the folded position.  
           [0009]    Another aspect of the invention is directed to a shopping cart including a lower frame portion supported on wheels for rolling movement and an upper frame portion supported by the lower frame portion, the upper frame portion including a handle. A seat back is mounted on the upper frame portion and spaced from the handle. A seat bottom is mounted on the seat back and located at least in part between the seat back and the upper frame portion. The shopping cart further includes a first cargo area in the space at least partially defined by the handle, the seat back, and the lower frame portion, a second cargo area in the space below the seat bottom and bounded by the lower frame portion, and a third cargo area in the space at least partially defined by the seat bottom and the upper frame portion.  
           [0010]    Other objects, features and advantages are inherent in the apparatus claimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combined shopping cart stroller assembled in accordance with the teachings of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention and which is adapted to receive a flexible net cargo bag illustrated in FIG. 4;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated in FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible cargo bag adapted for attachment to the shopping cart illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of the shopping cart of FIGS.  1 - 3  which illustrates the construction of the frame in greater detail;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the upper portion of the frame in greater detail;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 7A through 7D are enlarged views of connector plates for use at the interface between the upper portion of the frame and the lower portion of the frame;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the lower portion of the frame;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of FIG. 8;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the handle unit;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the handle unit illustrated in FIG. 10;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is a front side elevational view thereof;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  of FIG. 11;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of a portion of the seat unit and illustrating the seat back;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the portion of the seating unit illustrated in FIG. 14;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 16 is a front side elevational view of the seat back illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the seat back illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 16;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 18 is an enlarged view in perspective of a seat bottom;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the seat bottom illustrated in FIG. 18;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 20 is a side elevational view taken along line  20 - 20  of FIG. 19;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a deck platform for attachment to the frame;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 22 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 23 is an enlarged and partially exploded view in perspective of a Z-shaped bracket for use in attaching the restraint bar to the frame;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the restraint bar;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of an informational placard for use with the seat back of the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of an informational placard for use with the handle;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a shopping cart assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating the seat in an unfolded and passenger carrying position;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 28 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 27 but illustrating the seat in a folded position;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the shopping cart illustrated in FIGS. 27 through 29;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated in FIGS. 27 through 30;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 32 is a rear elevational view thereof;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 33 is a fragmentary view in perspective illustrating the handle, the storage bin and segregated pockets in the rearward portion of the net cargo bag;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 34 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 27 but showing an infant seat supported by the shopping cart;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated in FIG. 34;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 36 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 29 showing the seat positioned to receive a child and cargo stored in various locations;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 37 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 36 but showing the seat in a folded position with additional cargo carried by the shopping cart;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of two shopping carts assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present invention which are illustrated in a nested arrangement;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a shopping cart assembled in accordance with the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated in FIG. 39. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0051]    The following description of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form or forms disclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of the principles of the invention so that others skilled in the art may follow its teachings.  
         [0052]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 8  of the drawings, a combined shopping cart stroller assembled in accordance with the teachings of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  10 . The shopping cart  10  includes a frame  12  supported on a pair of rear wheels  14  and a pair of front wheels  16 , with each of the front wheels  16  being mounted on a caster  16   a.  In accordance with the embodiment shown, the configuration is a four-wheeled configuration.  
         [0053]    Alternatively, the shopping cart  10  may have a three-wheeled configuration. The frame may be constructed of tubular aluminum or steel, or any other suitable material such as plastic as long as strength and durability considerations are satisfied. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, one or more wheel guards  17  may be provided generally adjacent the rear wheels  16  as shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 ,  5  and  8 . Preferably, the wheel guards  17  may be formed from a bent tube or a bent rod, which may be welded to the frame or inserted in corresponding apertures (not shown) in the frame or partially welded and partially inserted into the frame  12 .  
         [0054]    As shown in FIG. 1, a seat, generally indicated at  18 , is mounted to the frame  12  and includes a seat bottom  20  and a generally upright seat back  22 . The seat bottom  20  is mounted to a seat rod or a pivot rod  24  (visible in FIG. 1) such that the seat bottom  20  can pivot or otherwise shift through a full range of motion between two distinct positions. In particular, the seat bottom  20  may be positioned in a generally horizontal, unfolded position, in which the seat bottom  20  is positioned to support a passenger (such as in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 27 and described below with respect to a second preferred embodiment), and a generally upright, folded position as shown in FIG. 1. When in the unfolded position, the seat bottom  20  may be supported on a pair of tabs  21 . Additionally, the seat bottom  20  may support a package or other item when the seat  18  is not occupied.  
         [0055]    The shopping cart  10  includes a front end  26 , a rear end  28 , and a lower area  30 . A first cargo area  32  is defined generally adjacent the rear end  28  of the shopping cart  10  (viewing FIG. 1, the first cargo area  32  may be created by securing a flexible net cargo bag  64 , illustrated in FIG. 4, to the frame  12  in a manner to be discussed in greater detail below). A second cargo area  34  is defined generally adjacent the lower area  30 . A third cargo area  36  is defined generally in the area normally occupied by the seat bottom  20 . The third cargo area  36  can be enlarged upon folding the seat bottom  20  to the folded position as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0056]    As shown in FIGS,  1 - 3  and  5 - 9 , the frame  12  includes a generally U-shaped lower section  37  having a pair of lower rails  38 ,  40  which are connected by a front cross bar  42 . One or more intermediate cross bars  44  may be provided. A front caster support  46  extends between the lower rails  38 ,  40  in a position to support the casters  16   a  for the front wheels  16  in a known manner. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the caster support  46  includes a generally U-shaped portion  47  and a pair of flanges  49 ,  51 . The caster support  46  may be formed from a flat pattern plate. Other suitable structures for the caster support  46  may be substituted. Further, the casters  16   a  may be connected directly to a portion of the lower section  37  of the frame  12 . It will be appreciated that the cross bar  42  may also act as a footrest  48 .  
         [0057]    As shown in FIGS. 1,3 and  21 - 22 , a bolt-in deck unit  53  may be provided. The deck unit  53  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, and includes four sides  53   a  through  53   d.  Preferably, the sides  53   a  through  53   c  will be curved or otherwise shaped to correspond to the shape of the underlying portions of the lower section  37  of the frame  12 , namely, the lower rails  38 ,  40  and the cross bar  42 . The deck unit  53  will preferably include a series of indentations  53   f . Alternatively, the deck unit  53  may be a solid or perforated platform or a wire grate, although it may be formed of webbing or a plurality of flexible straps or any other suitable construction.  
         [0058]    Referring again to FIGS.  1 - 3  and  5 - 6 , the frame  12  also includes an upper frame  13  which includes pair of sloping rails  50 ,  52 , each of which may be constructed as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2,  5  and  6 , the sloping rails  50 ,  52  extend generally rearwardly and upwardly to a handle  54  (FIGS. 1 and 2). The handle  54  may include a pair of apertures  54   e  and  54   f  (FIGS. 10 and 12), which are sized to receive ends  50   a,    50   b,  of the sloping rails  50 ,  52 . Alternatively, the ends  50   a,    50   b  of the sloping rails  50 ,  52  may be attached to handle  54  using any suitable fasteners. In yet another manner, a portion of the handle  54  may be integrally formed with the sloping rails  50 ,  52  of the frame  12 . One or more generally vertical uprights or intermediate supports  56  may be provided between the sloping rails  50 ,  52  and the lower rails  38 ,  40  of the lower section  37 . The uprights  56  include upper ends  56   a  and lower ends  56   b.    
         [0059]    As shown in FIG. 6, the sloping rails  50 ,  52  include lower ends  50   c,    50   d,  and, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and  5 - 7 , the lower ends  50   c,    50   d  each may have attached thereto a connector plate  57 , which connector plate  57  is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A through 7D. A connector plate may also be provided at the lower ends  56   b  of the uprights  56 . The connector plate  57  may be welded to the respective lower ends  50   c,    50   d  of the sloping rails  50 ,  52  and the lower ends  56   b  of the uprights  56 , and may further be shaped to correspond to the curvature of the underlying edge  53   a - 53   c  of the deck  53  at the point of connection. Similarly, additional connector plates  57  may be provided beneath the lower frame rails  38 ,  40  at the point of connection. The deck unit  53  is thus clamped in place between the connector plates  57  and the underlying lower frame rails  38 ,  40 . The forward edge  53   b  of the deck  53  may also be secured, such as by self-tapping screws or other suitable fasteners (not shown) to the front rail  42  of the lower frame  37 . As such, the upper frame  13  of FIG. 6 may be bolted or otherwise secured to the lower frame  37  of FIG. 8 in order to form the frame  12 .  
         [0060]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle  54  includes a pair of cross bars  54   a  and  54   b,  with the cross bar  54   b  being shaped for grasping by a user (not shown). A plurality of snaps  55  are provided on the cross bar  54   a,  thus providing for the attachment of the cargo bag  64  (shown in FIG. 4 and discussed in greater detail below). As shown in FIGS.  10 - 13 , the handle  54  includes a pair of legs  54   c  and  54   d,  which interconnect the cross bars  54   a  and  54   b.  The legs  54   c  and  54   d  may be provided with one or more indentations or notches  63  which are sized to receive therein a hanger such as a garment hanger (not shown) of the type commonly encountered in a retail establishment. Additionally, a rearwardly facing hook  69  may be provided on the cross bar  54   b.  Finally, the cross bar  54   a  may be provided with a flat area  54   g  which is sized to receive an informational placard  54   h  (illustrated in FIG. 26).  
         [0061]    In further accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be noted that the seat  18  may be a separate unit which is bolted, riveted, or otherwise suitably secured to the sloping rails  50 ,  52  of the frame  12 , such as by a plurality of fasteners  58 . Preferably, the components of the seat  18  (i.e., the seat bottom  20  and the seat back  22 ) each may be formed as a molded unit, such as from ABS plastic, polypropylene, or any other suitable material. The seat  18  is preferably provided with a seatbelt (not shown, but which may be a seatbelt similar to the seatbelt  160  illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 30 with respect to the second embodiment). The seatbelt is preferably of the “T” strap design known in the art. One or more apertures and/or handles  60   a  may be provided in the seat platform  20  as required. Further, a restraint bar  62  may be provided which extends across the front of the seat generally between the sloping rails  50 ,  52  as shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 . All or a portion of the restraint bar  62  may be covered or otherwise encapsulated in a resilient padding material (FIGS. 23 and 24), such as foam padding or other materials that would be known to those of skill in the art, and the restraint bar  62  may perform an additional function as will be explained in greater detail below.  
         [0062]    As shown in FIGS. 1, 3,  14  and  16 , the seat back  22  may be provided with an indentation  23   a  surrounded by a ridge  23   b.  The indentation is sized to receive therein an informational placard  23   c  illustrated in FIG. 25. Also, the seat back  22  may be provided with a pair of side panels  23   d.    
         [0063]    Referring now to FIG. 23, the restraint bar  62  may be constructed from a pair of Z-shaped brackets  61 , each of which includes a base leg  61   a  for attachment to and adjacent one of the sloping rails  50 ,  52 , an intermediate leg  61   b,  and a horizontally extending leg  61   c.  The restraint bar  62  may further include a cross bar  63 , which may be constructed as shown in FIG. 24. As shown therein, the cross bar  63  may include a relatively rigid inner section  63   a  surrounded by a relatively soft outer section  63   b.  The outer section  63   b  may be provided with a number of circumferentially spaced longitudinal ribs  63   c.    
         [0064]    In the preferred embodiment, and referring now to FIG. 4, the first cargo area  32  (visible in FIGS. 1 and 2) is provided with the cargo bag  64 , which may be constructed of nylon mesh or other suitable flexible materials. Such nylon mesh or other suitable materials are readily available and may be easily sized to meet dimensional requirements. The cargo bag  64  includes a front wall  66 , a back wall  68 , interconnecting sidewalls  70 ,  72 , and a floor  74 . Preferably, one or more horizontally disposed stiffeners  75  are provided. In the embodiment shown, two such stiffeners  75  are used on the bottom wall  74 , while another stiffener  75  is used along a top edge  66   a  of the front wall. Yet another stiffener  75  may be provided along the back wall  68  if desired. The back wall  68  includes an upper edge  68   a  that is provided with a plurality of grommets  68   b.  The number of grommets  68   b  will preferably correspond to the number of snaps  55  on the cross bar  54   b  of the handle  54 . As shown in FIGS.  10 - 13 , the snaps  55  may include a pair of posts  55   a,    55   b,  each of which is deflectable in response to placement of one of the grommets  68   b  thereon. Each of the posts  55   a,    55   b  further includes a retaining ledge  55   c  (best visible in FIGS. 11 and 13). The grommets  68   b  are sized for placement on the snaps  55  and will be retained by the ledges  55   c  in order to provide a secure connection. Other forms of attachment may also be contemplated. The cargo bag may also include a pair of opposing flaps  77 , each of which includes a grommet  77   a,  in order to engage corresponding snaps on the legs of the handle  54  (not shown) to provide additional securement of the cargo bag  64 . At least one of the front wall  66 , the back wall  68 , or the side walls  70 ,  72  may be provided with one or more pockets  76  which, in the embodiment shown, are disposed on the back wall  68 .  
         [0065]    The cargo bag  64  may include a pair of longitudinal loops  78 ,  80  which permit securement to the sloping rails  50 ,  52  of the frame  12 . Additionally, the cargo bag  64  may include a cross panel  82  that may be secured to the handle  54  by a plurality of suitable fasteners. The upper portions  70   a,    72   a  of the sidewalls  70 ,  72  may comprise side panels instead of the cross panel  82  and the loops  78 ,  80 . Additionally, the cargo bag  64  may include a pair of hooks  64   a,    64   b  at the lower corners of the front wall  66  to provide additional securement to the frame  12 .  
         [0066]    In operation, the shopping cart  10  may be configured with the seat bottom  20  in the unfolded and generally horizontal position (in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 27), such that a child may sit on the seat bottom  20 . When so configured, one or more items (such as items similar to item  190  shown below in FIGS. 36 and 37 with respect to the second embodiment) may be stored in the cargo area  32  supported by the cargo bag  64 . Further, one or more items  192  may be stored in the lower cargo area  34  supported by the floor  46 . Additional items such as purses, shopping bags, or other items (not shown) may be supported on the hook  69  defined in the handle  54  (FIGS. 10 and 11).  
         [0067]    Many times a child is not being transported in the shopping cart  10  and it may be desirable to carry additional cargo in the space otherwise occupied by the child. The seat bottom  20  of the seat  18  can be left down in the unfolded position in which packages and the like can be placed directly in the seat  18  in the cargo area  36 , or the seat bottom  20  can be folded to the position of FIG. 1 such that it is disposed generally adjacent to the seat back  22  to create an expanded cargo area which can then receive an additional larger item therein (such as the item  194  shown in FIG. 37). When the seat bottom  20  of the seat  18  is folded, it will be noted that the creation of an expanded cargo area results from the continuity between the area defining the cargo area  36  and the cargo area  34  allowing useful cargo area to extend farther forward as well.  
         [0068]    It will also be noted that the shopping cart  10  may serve the additional function of accommodating an infant seat. This additional function is explained in greater detail below with respect to the second embodiment. It will be understood, however, that the above-described first embodiment may perform this added function in a similar manner.  
         [0069]    Referring now to FIGS.  27 - 37  of the drawings, a shopping cart assembled in accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  110 . The shopping cart  110  includes a frame  112  supported on a pair of rear wheels  114  and a pair of front wheels  116 , with each of the front wheels  116  being mounted on a caster  116   a.  The configuration shown is a four-wheeled configuration. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, wheel guards  117  may be provided generally adjacent the rear wheels  116 .  
         [0070]    A seat  118  is mounted to the frame  112 . The seat  118  includes a seat bottom  120  and a generally upright seat back  122 . The seat bottom  120  is mounted to a pivot  124  (visible in FIG. 28) such that the seat bottom  120  can pivot or otherwise shift between two distinct positions. In particular, the seat bottom  120  can pivot or shift between the unfolded position of FIGS. 27, 30 and  31 , and the folded position of FIG. 28.  
         [0071]    The shopping cart  110  includes a front end  126 , a rear end  128 , and a lower area  130 . A first cargo area  132  is defined generally adjacent the rear end  128  of the shopping cart  110 . A second cargo area  134  is defined generally adjacent the lower area  130 . A third cargo area  136  is defined generally in the area normally occupied by the seat  118 . The third cargo area  136  can be enlarged by folding the seat bottom  120  to the folded position as shown in FIG. 37.  
         [0072]    The frame  112  includes a pair of lower rails  138 ,  140  which are connected by a front cross bar  142  and one or more intermediate cross bars  144 . A floor  146  extends between the lower rails  138 ,  140  that slope upwardly toward the front end  126  of the shopping cart  110 . In this manner, the cross bar  142  is slightly raised to form a portion of a footrest  148 . Alternatively, the lower rails  138 ,  140  may extend straight out or straight up. As shown, the floor  146  is a grate. Alternatively, the floor  146  may be a solid or perforated platform, or formed of webbing or a plurality of flexible straps.  
         [0073]    The frame  112  also includes a pair of sloping rails  150 ,  152  which extend generally rearwardly and upwardly to a handle  154 . The handle  154  may be attached to the sloping rails  150 ,  152  by any suitable fasteners. Alternatively, the handle  154  may be integrally formed with the sloping rails  150 ,  152  of the frame  112 . One or more uprights or intermediate supports  156  may be provided between the sloping rails  150 ,  152  and the lower rails  138 ,  140 .  
         [0074]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the handle  154  may include a storage bin  155  and/or a cupholder  157 , thus providing additional cargo space. As shown in FIG. 33, the handle  154  includes a cross member  159  and three legs  161   a,    161   b,  and  161   c.  One or more of the legs  161   a,    161   b,  and  161   c,  and/or the cross member  159  may be provided with one or more indentations or notches  163  which are sized to receive therein a hanger such as a garment hanger (not shown) of the type commonly encountered in a retail establishment.  
         [0075]    The storage bin  155  and the cupholder  157  may be formed from a single unit  165 , such as a molded plastic unit. The unit  165  includes a pair of walls  167  that may additionally function as cross members. Additionally one or more rearwardly facing hooks  169  may be provided (FIGS. 30 and 33) on the rearmost wall  167 .  
         [0076]    In further accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, it will be noted that the seat  118  may be a separate unit which is bolted, riveted, or otherwise suitably secured to the frame  112  such as by a plurality of fasteners  158  secured to the sloping rails  150 ,  152 . Preferably, the seat is molded or otherwise formed of polypropylene or ABS plastic or any other suitable material. The seat  118  is preferably provided with a seatbelt  160  that is preferably of the “T” strap design known in the art. Further, a restraint bar  162  may be provided which extends across the front of the seat generally between the sloping rails  150 ,  152 . All or a portion of the restraint bar  162  may be covered or otherwise encapsulated in a resilient padding material, such as foam padding or other materials that would be known to those of skill in the art. It will be noted that the restraint bar  162  may perform at least one additional function, i.e., helping to support an infant seat, as will be explained in greater detail below.  
         [0077]    In the preferred embodiment, the cargo area  132  is provided with a net cargo bag  164 , which is preferably a flexible net cargo bag constructed of, by way of example and not limitation, a nylon mesh material, which is readily available and which may be easily sized to meet dimensional requirements. The cargo bag  164  includes a front wall  166  (obscured by the seat back  122  in FIG. 1), a back wall  68 , interconnecting sidewalls  170 ,  172 , and a floor  174 . At least one of the front wall  66 , the back wall  168 , or the side walls  170 ,  172  may be provided with one or more pockets  176 . In the embodiment shown, the pockets  176  are disposed on the back wall  168 .  
         [0078]    The cargo bag  164  may include a pair of longitudinal loops  178 ,  180  which permit securement to the sloping rails  150 ,  152  of the frame. Additionally, the cargo bag  164  may include a cross panel  182  that may be secured to the wall  167  of the storage unit  165  by a plurality of suitable fasteners  184 .  
         [0079]    In operation, the shopping cart  110  may be configured as shown in FIG. 27 such that a child may sit on the seat bottom  120 . When so configured, one or more items (such as the items similar to the items  190  shown below in FIGS. 36 and 37 with respect to the second embodiment) may be stored in the cargo area  132  supported by the cargo bag  164 . Further, one or more items  192  may be stored in the lower cargo area  134  supported by the floor  146 . Additional items (not shown) may be stored in the storage unit  165 , such as in the bin  155  or in the cupholder  157 . Still further, one or more hanger supported items, purses, shopping bags, or other items (not shown) may be supported on the notches  163  defined in the handle  154  or on the hooks  169  (FIG. 33).  
         [0080]    Many times a child is not being transported in the shopping cart  110  and it may be desirable to carry additional cargo in the space otherwise occupied by the child. The seat bottom  120  of the seat  118  can be left down in the unfolded position in which packages and the like can be placed directly in the seat  118  in the cargo area  136 , or the seat bottom  120  can be folded to the position of FIGS. 28 and 37 such that it is disposed generally adjacent to the seat back  122  to create an expanded cargo area which can then receive an additional larger item  194  therein. When the seat bottom  120  of the seat  118  is folded, it will be noted that the creation of the expanded cargo area results from the continuity between the area defining the cargo area  136  and the cargo area  134  allowing useful cargo area to extend farther forward as well.  
         [0081]    Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, it will be noted that the shopping cart  110  may function to receive a commercially available infant seat  186 . In the embodiment shown, the shopping cart  110  is arranged so that the infant seat  186  is supported generally within the seat  118  and the restraint bar  162  is sized and positioned to engage a slot  188  which is normally provided in commercially available infant seats. As will also be appreciated, the seat belt  160  for the seat  118  serves to further secure the infant seat  186  in place generally within the seat  118  in the shopping cart  110 .  
         [0082]    Referring now to FIG. 38, it will be noted that because of space considerations it is often desirable to store unused shopping carts in a nested arrangement. The front end of one cart generally nests within a space defined in the rear end of another similar shopping cart. Accordingly, the rear wheels  116  and the lower rails  138 ,  140  on the shopping cart  110 A shown to the left of FIG. 38 are sized and spaced to receive the front end of a similar shopping cart (here designated as shopping cart  110 B). Thus the shopping carts  110 A and  110 B may be stored in the desired nested arrangement. As will be noted, the cargo bag  164  on the shopping cart  110 A does not interfere with this nested arrangement, as the cargo bag  164  simply folds out of the way.  
         [0083]    Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 40, a shopping cart assembled in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  210 . It will be understood that each of the elements of the shopping cart  210  that are the same or similar to the shopping cart  10  discussed above will retain the same reference numerals, albeit increased by  200 . The shopping cart  210  includes a frame  212  supported on a pair of rear wheels  214  which may be provided with wheel guards and a pair of front wheels  216 , with each of the front wheels being supported on casters  216   a.  A pair of seats  218  and  218   a  are mounted to the frame  212 , wherein the seat  218  includes a seat bottom  220  and a generally upright seat back  222 , while the seat  218   a  includes a seat bottom  220   a  and a seat back  222   a.  It will be seen that the seat bottoms  220  and  220   a  are mounted to suitable pivots such that the seat bottoms  220  and  220   a  each can pivot or otherwise shift between unfolded and folded positions. In this connection, the manner of pivoting or shifting the seat bottoms  220  and  220   a  is similar to that described above with respect to the first and second preferred embodiments and, as before, a restraint bar  262  can be provided in front of the seat  218 .  
         [0084]    The shopping cart  210  includes a front end  226 , a rear end  228 , and a lower area  230 . A first cargo area  232  is defined generally adjacent the rear end  228  of the shopping cart  210 , and a second cargo area  234  is defined generally adjacent the lower area  230 . The shopping cart  210  may also include a first additional cargo area  236  formed in the area normally occupied by the seat  218 . The first additional cargo area  236  is formed by folding the seat bottom  220  to the folded position as described above. Similarly, a second additional cargo area  236   a  may be formed in the area normally occupied by the seat  218   a  by folding the seat bottom  220   a  to the folded position as described above. The shopping cart  210  will preferably include a flexible net cargo bag  264  in the cargo area  232 .  
         [0085]    The frame  212  includes a pair of lower rails  238 ,  240  which are connected by a front cross bar  242  and one or more intermediate cross bars  244 . A floor  246  extends between the lower rails  238 ,  240 . The lower rails  238 ,  240  slope upwardly toward the front end  226  of the shopping cart  210  such that such that the cross bar  242  is slightly raised to form a portion of a footrest  248 .  
         [0086]    The frame  212  also includes a pair of sloping rails  250 ,  252  which extend generally rearwardly and upwardly to a handle  254 . The handle  254  may be attached to the sloping rails  250 ,  252  by any suitable fasteners. Alternatively, the handle  254  may be integrally formed with the sloping rails  250 ,  252  of the frame  212 . One or more uprights or intermediate supports  256  may be provided between the sloping rails  250 ,  252  and the lower rails  238 ,  240 .  
         [0087]    Equipped with two seats  218  and  218 a, the shopping cart  210  may carry two children (not shown) and at least one of the children may be secured to the shopping cart  210  in an infant seat in the manner described above with respect to the second preferred embodiment (as shown in FIG. 34).  
         [0088]    Although certain exemplary embodiments constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the invention fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.