Patent Publication Number: US-2019168793-A1

Title: Shopping Cart Bag Hook and Methods of Use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation In Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application. This application No. 15953719 entitled Multiple Bag hanging Cart filed on Apr. 16, 2018 and having a common inventor herewith. U.S. application Ser. No. 15/953,719 in turn claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/487,337, filed Apr. 19, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/558,635, filed Sep. 14, 2017. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently available shopping carts, most notably those found in grocery stores and like, typically require a user to put items in the basket as they shop and then have those items bagged as they check out and pay for said items. Since most stores having checkout lines still require the items to be mostly removed from the cart, having items bagged before checking out does not provide any benefit to the shopper or the store. However, with the advent of RFID check-out systems, users may soon be able to bag their items while shopping and not be required to remove said items when checking out. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a shopping cart that can provide a means for hanging multiple bags in an open configuration in a shopping cart to allow a user to easily insert items into the bags as they shop. Due to the high costs of introducing a completely new shopping cart, a kit configured to retrofit currently available shopping carts that provides a means for easily hanging multiple bags is also needed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multiple bag hanging cart according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a multiple bag hanging cart kit according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of a retractor mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a close-up view of an attachment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a close-up view of another attachment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a multiple bag hanging cart according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a multiple bag hanging cart according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a close-up view of a side wall of a shopping cart illustrating an embodiment of downwardly extending hooks that are in plane with the side wall according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective front view of a retrofit planar bag hook for the wall of a shopping cart according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the retrofit planar bag hook according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up view of the side wall of a shopping cart with the retrofit planar bag hook attached thereto in a downwardly pointing prong configuration with a handle of a shopping bag received around the hook according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a close-up view of the side wall of a shopping cart with the retrofit planar bag hook attached thereto in an upwardly pointing prong configuration with a handle of a shopping bag received around the hook according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention include a shopping cart configured to secure two or more shopping bags in an open configuration to an interior of a basket of the shopping cart. One embodiment of the shopping cart can include, but is not limited to, a common shopping cart, a longitudinally extending divider, a plurality of dual prong hooks coupled to the longitudinally extending divider, and a plurality of single prong hooks located on each side of the shopping cart. As can be appreciated, the single prong hooks located on the sides of the shopping cart can be aligned to coincide with the dual prong hooks located on the longitudinally extending divider. In operation, a shopping bag can be attached to a hook on the longitudinally extending divider and a corresponding hook located on a side of the cart. Typically, 1-6 bags can be held by the shopping cart to allow for easy placement of items into the shopping bags while shopping. 
     The longitudinally extending divider, when integrated into a shopping cart, can extend down a center of the cart and can include a plurality of hooks disposed thereon. Typically, the hooks can be equidistantly spaced along a length of the longitudinally extending divider. In some embodiments, the hooks can be intermittently spaced. Typically, left and right sides of the cart can be configured with hooks spaced equidistantly (or intermittently) along respective lengths of the sides depending on a configuration of the hooks on the divider. 
     Operationally, standard plastic grocery bags and/or reusable shopping bags can be suspended from at least two hooks placing the bag in an open configuration and permitting easy access thereto. For instance, handles of the plastic bag can interface with a hook from a side of the cart and a hook on the divider. Of note, the longitudinal divider and the associated hooks positioned along the length of the side of the cart can be configured to not interfere with, or prevent, the nesting of the shopping cart with another shopping cart. The various embodiments described herein do not typically interfere with the regular operation and use of a child seat integrated into a typical shopping cart. 
     In another embodiment, the divider can be detachably coupled to the shopping cart such that the divider can be removed and stored when nesting with another shopping cart. In such an embodiment, the dual prong hooks can be coupled to the divider so that they do not move. 
     Various different means are contemplated to couple the plurality of single prong hooks to the sides of the cart. In one example, each of the single prong hooks can include an attachment mechanism for coupling the single prong hook to the side of the cart. In another example, the plurality of single prong hooks can be rotatably coupled to the side of the cart such that when not in use, the hooks can be rotated to be in-line with the side of the cart. 
     The divider can typically attach to, or proximate, a top perimeter of an associated cart usually, but not necessarily, in front of a child seat support. The divider can comprise a rigid rod or a flexible cable made of a suitable material, such as steel. Variations comprised of reinforced or unreinforced plastic are also contemplated. The positioning of the divider can permit the cart to be nested wherein the back side of the cart is pivoted upwardly when receiving another cart therein from behind. 
     In one embodiment, the divider can be a substantially “T” shaped center divider that can connect to the cart at three locations. A lateral top member of the “T” can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid rod that may be clamped, welded, hooked or otherwise secured to the cart just forward of the child seat support when the child seat support is extended. Proximate the center of the top member, a longitudinal member of the “T” can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid rod that extends forwardly bisecting a top of the cart longitudinally. The longitudinal member can be secured to the proximate middle of a front side of the cart by way of a clamp, welding, a hook, or any suitable means. As can be appreciated, the longitudinal member and lateral member of the divider can be comprised of cables, which may be held sufficiently taut by the connections to the side of the cart. 
     A plurality of hooks can be spaced along the sides of the cart and along the longitudinal member from which grocery bags can be suspended. The number of hooks, a specific configuration of the hooks, and a means of attachment of the hooks to the sides of the cart and the longitudinal member can vary but are configured as to not interfere with the nesting operation of the cart. 
     In one embodiment, hooks located on sides of the cart can be attached to the side of the chart proximate a top edge of the side of the cart by way of a hinged coupling. The hinged coupling can be biased in a deployed position, but also can be configured to swing (or rotate) forwardly when another cart is nested into the cart to which the hinged coupling is attached. This style of hook can be attached to the cart by any suitable means including, but not limited to, clamping and welding. 
     In some variations, the hooks can be in plane (or planar) with an associated side wall of the cart. As such, the hooks do not interfere with the normal nesting of the carts. In some versions, the hooks include downwardly extending prongs instead of upwardly extending prongs. The planar hooks can be integrally welded to the cart side walls or added as a retrofit. 
     In other variations, the hooks can be integrally formed into the side of the cart. U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,068, which is herein incorporated by reference, teaches a shopping cart having integrally formed hooks disposed and spaced along the left and right sides of the cart. 
     In yet other variations, the side hooks can be configured to slide longitudinally along the top side of the respective left and right sides so that the hooks can, as necessary, be aligned with hooks located on the longitudinal divider. 
     In one embodiment, a hook to be implemented with the longitudinal divider can comprise a split hook with one hook extending outwardly from the left side of the longitudinal divider and another hook extending outwardly from the right side of the longitudinal divider. The hook can be pivotally attached to the longitudinal member. In variations, low profile single or split hooks can be used that are immovably attached to the cable or rod and do not require pivoting to permit the nesting of another cart. Hooks that slide along the divider (and the sides of the cart as well) are also contemplated. 
     In another embodiment, the divider can comprise an at least partially flexible cable extending longitudinally from the child seat support to the front end of the cart. At either end, the cable can be attached to the cart by any suitable means, such as clamping or attachment to brackets clamped, welded, or otherwise attached to the cart. A plurality of hooks, typically split hooks, can be spaced along the divider cable. The cable can be somewhat lax when the child seat is extended. When the child seat is retracted, the cable can be taut. A flexibility of the cable can permit the cart to be nested with other carts without undue interference from the divider. As with previously described embodiments, suitable hooks can be provided along the left and right side of the cart. 
     In one embodiment, the divider can comprise a cable. In this embodiment, the cable can be attached to front and pivoting rear sides of the cart by any suitable means. As can be appreciated, the cable can hang lower than in the previously described embodiments as the cable can be routed underneath the child seat as to not interfere with the use of the child seat. As with the other embodiments, suitable hooks can be provided along the divider cable as well as along the left and right sides of the cart. 
     In one embodiment, a divider can include both a longitudinal cable and a transversely (or laterally) extending cable or bar. Ends of the laterally extending cable or bar can be attached to the child seat support at left and right edges thereof. A length of the lateral cable can be greater than the distance between attached ends and therefore the cable has a substantially “U” or “V” shape. The longitudinal cable, which can include hooks spaced thereon, can be secured to a center of the lateral cable and to a center of the front side of the cart. When the child seat is deployed, the cable hangs a bit lower than when the child seat is retracted but remains functional in both configurations. In one variation, a “U” shaped bar can be implemented for the lateral member. The bar can be pivotally attached at ends of the bar to the child seat support permitting the bar to rotate depending on whether the child seat is deployed or retracted. 
     In one embodiment, a plurality of bars or cables extending laterally across a shopping cart from a left side to a right side can be implemented. Each bar or cable can be secured to the top edges of the sides in any reasonable manner. In one variation, for instance, the bars simply hook over the top edges of the sides. The bars include hooks spaced thereon. 
     In one embodiment, the divider can be a cable (or line) that can be retractable. The cable can be retracted to a housing including a retractor mechanism. The cable can comprise any suitable material including, but not limited, a synthetic polymer line, braided or wound wire, and/or a braided or wound textile filament. Hooks can be slidably attached to the cable. When the cable is retracted, the hooks can gather at an end of a housing of the retractor mechanism. 
     The retractor mechanism can typically be mounted on a backside of a child seat. In some embodiments, the retractor mechanism can be mounted in other locations, such as the end of the cart in an opposite configuration with the mechanism be located in the front of the cart. The mechanism can typically comprise a spool in operative communication with a spring that automatically retracts the cable when the spring is released. The spring and spool can be contained in a housing and the housing can be mounted to the cart by any suitable means. In some variations, a lock feature can be provided to secure the cable in the retracted position or, perhaps more importantly, the deployed position until released. 
     At the end of the cart, a means to fix the cable in the deployed position can be provided. In one embodiment, a keyhole slot can be provided in which the appropriately configured end of the cable can be received. In other variations, the end of the cable may simply comprise a hook that can be received over the edge of an end of the cart. When the cable is deployed, the various hooks for receiving the grocery bags can be slid along the cable and distributed there along. In one embodiment, the cable can be configured with notches, indentations, or other means to denote where the hooks should be approximately placed. For instance, the cable could include colored markers to indicate where the hooks should be placed. Hooks can also be provided along the left and right edges of the cart. These hooks can be of any suitable configuration including those described previously. 
     In one embodiment, the retractable cable can include a slotted tab at a front end of the cable adapted to slip into a slotted holder attached to the front of the cart. In another embodiment, the retractable cable can include a hook at an end of the cable to allow the cable to be easily coupled and uncoupled to the front of the cart. Of note, the hook would be compatible with both wire carts and plastic carts. Further, a user would be able to move the line vertically (up and down) on the front of the cart. 
     Operationally, a user can pull a nested grocery cart from another cart to free the desired cart. Next, assuming the cable is retracted, the user can pull the cable from the retractor mechanism and secure the end of the cable at the opposite end of the cart. The hooks can then be distributed along the cable so that they generally align with the hooks on the sides of the cart. In one instance, the user can use the markers on the cable to determine where to place the hooks. Bag can be hung from the hooks and groceries can be placed in the open bags as the user shops. After checking out, the user can remove the bags. Optionally, after the bags are removed from the cart, the end of the cable can be released and permitted to retract back into the retractor mechanism. The hooks will typically slide along the cable as the cable is retracted and gather at the housing. Of important note, carts including variations of the retractable cable can typically be nested without the removal of the cable from the deployed position. Retraction of the cable may only be necessary when a user desires to use the cart to carry larger items where the cable would interfere. 
     Embodiments can further include a kit configured to modify (or retrofit) an existing shopping cart with components similar to the previously described shopping cart. Typically, the kit can include, but is not limited to, a longitudinally extending divider, a plurality of dual prong hooks, and a plurality of single prong hooks. In some embodiments, the divider can be retractable such that the divider can be effectively removed when nesting with another cart. For instance, the divider can include a retractable cable with the dual prong hooks moveably coupled to the cable. As can be appreciated, as the cable is retracted, the dual prong hooks can slide along the cable and bunch up near where the cable retracts to. 
     In one embodiment, the kit can include a longitudinal divider and associated structure for mounting the divider to an existing nesting cart. The kit can further include hook assemblies for attachment to the left and right sides of the cart. In one instance, the divider can comprise a cable with hooks spaced there along. In another instance, the divider can comprise a bar with hooks spaced there along. The kit can further include a structure to facilitate welding the components to the existing cart. In another instance, the kit can include a structure to facilitate mechanically fastening the components to the existing cart. In yet another instance, the kit can include a structure to facilitate adhesively bonding the components to the existing cart. The side hooks can include hinges to permit the hooks to retract to sit substantially flush against the sides of the cart when the cart is nested with other carts. 
     In a typical implementation, grocery bags can be suspended by their handles between a divider hook and a hook along the left or right side of the cart. As suspended, the bags can be open permitting a shopper to easily deposit goods they intend to purchase in the bags. For added support, the bottoms of the bags typically rest on a bottom or a floor of the basket of the cart. 
     In stores utilizing RFID technology, the contents of the bags can be sensed and determined when RFID tags on each product are sensed and their electronically stored content is read by a RFID tag-reader. The electronic reader can be located in each cart and configured to read the tags of items placed in the cart (or bags resident in the cart). Alternatively, the cart can be rolled into a check out area wherein a reader scans the tags of products resident in the cart. In either case, check out can be completed without removing the products being purchased from the cart or the bags. When shopping is complete the user need only remove the bags from the hooks and the cart to take their purchases. 
     In one embodiment, one or more reusable bags having built in hooks on straps of the bags can be implemented. In such an embodiment, one of the handles having a hook can attach to the side of the cart and the other handle and hook can be coupled to the hooks of the longitudinal divider. 
     The foregoing embodiments and variations are for illustrative purposes only and additional variations and embodiments as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure are contemplated. For instance, cables and rods as appropriate can be substituted for one another. Other structures, such as beams made of plastic can be substituted for the cable and rod structures as appropriate. Various means of coupling and attaching the various components together and to the cart are contemplated. Embodiments that retract or fold against the bottom of a cart to permit nesting are contemplated. Other embodiments that fold flat or collapse against the front side of the cart and can be pulled rearward and secured in place for use are also contemplated. 
     Terminology 
     The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase&#39;s case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase. 
     The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation. 
     The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. 
     The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled. 
     The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given. 
     The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given. 
     The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part. 
     Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, up, down, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting unless clearly intended as such in context. 
     The phrases “wire frame shopping cart” or “wire frame cart” refer to shopping carts wherein the cart&#39;s basket is partially, substantially or partially constructed from a lattice of steel rod. 
     A First Embodiment of a Multiple Bag Hanging Cart 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a detailed diagram of an embodiment 100 of a multiple bag hanging cart is illustrated. The multiple bag hanging cart  100  can be implemented to hang a plurality of bags in an open position inside a basket of the cart  100 . 
     The cart  100  can typically include, but is not limited to, a basket  102 , a longitudinal divider  104 , a first plurality of hooks  106 , and a second plurality of hooks  108 . The cart  100  may further include a lower frame  110  having a plurality of casters (or wheels)  112 , a child seat  114 , and a handle  116 . 
     The basket  102  can be defined by a bottom  120 , a right sidewall  122 , a left sidewall  124 , a front wall  126 , and a back wall  128 . Depending on an implementation, the basket  102  can be made from metal or rigid plastic. Similar to currently available carts, the back wall  128  can have a hinged connection such that the back wall  128  can rotate upwards towards an interior of the basket  102  to allow another cart to nest with cart  100 . For instance, the basket  102  can receive another basket inside the basket  102  via the back wall  128 . The child seat  114  can typically be integrated into the back wall  128 . 
     The longitudinal divider  104  can extend from proximate the child seat  114  to proximate the front wall  126  effectively dividing the basket  102  in-half along a longitudinal line of the basket  102 . As shown, the longitudinal divider  104  can be substantially “T” shaped and can connect to the cart at three locations. The longitudinal divider  104  can be defined by a lateral top member and a longitudinal member. The lateral top member of the “T” can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid rod that may be clamped, welded, hooked or otherwise secured to the cart just forward of the child seat support when the child seat support is extended. Proximate the center of the top member, the longitudinal member of the “T” can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid rod that extends forwardly bisecting a top of the cart longitudinally. The longitudinal member can be secured to the proximate middle of a front side of the cart by way of a clamp, welding, a hook, or any suitable means. As can be appreciated, the longitudinal member and lateral member of the divider  104  can be comprised of cables, which may be held sufficiently taut by the connections to the side of the cart  100 . 
     The first plurality of hooks  106  can be dispersed along a length of the divider  104 . Typically, the hooks  106  can be evenly spaced along a length of the divider  104 . In one embodiment, the hooks  106  can each be dual prong hooks with the prongs of the hooks facing either side of the basket  102 . Of note, different shaped dual prong hooks are contemplated. In some embodiments, a pair of single prong hooks can be used in conjunction to one another to face the sides of the basket  102 . 
     The second plurality of hooks  108  can be dispersed along an upper edge of the right sidewall  122  and the left sidewall  124 . As shown, the hooks  108  can be integrated into the sidewalls  122 ,  124  and sit flush within the side walls to allow another cart to be nested within the basket  102 . 
     In a typical implementation, one or more grocery bags can be hung between the longitudinal divider  104  and either of the sidewalls  122 ,  124  of the basket  102 . Items can then be placed in each of the bags as a user shops. 
     Of note, other configurations of the longitudinal divider  104  are contemplated as described previously. 
     An Embodiment of a Multiple Bag Hanging Cart Kit 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a detailed diagram of an embodiment 200 of a multiple bag hanging cart kit is illustrated. Typically, the kit  200  can be implemented to modify (or retrofit) an existing shopping cart to be able to store one or more shopping bags in an open configuration inside a basket of the shopping cart. 
     As shown, the kit  200  can typically include, but is not limited to, a longitudinal divider  204 , a first plurality of hooks  206 , a second plurality of hooks  208 , a retractor mechanism  230 , and an attachment mechanism  232 . 
     Typically, the previously mentioned components can be coupled to an existing shopping cart  201 . The existing cart  201  can include a basket  202 , a lower frame  210  having a plurality of casters  212 , a child seat  214 , a handle  216 . The basket  202  can be defined by a bottom  220 , a right sidewall  222 , a left sidewall  224 , a front wall  226 , and a back wall  228 . Of note, the child seat  214  can be integrated with the back wall  228 . 
     In one embodiment, the longitudinal divider  204  can be a cable (or line) that can be configured to be retractable. The cable  204  can be retracted via the retractor mechanism  230 . The cable  204  can comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, a synthetic polymer line, braided or wound wire, and/or a braided or wound textile filament. The first plurality of hooks  206  can be slidably coupled to the cable  204 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , when the cable  204  is retracted, the hooks  206  can gather at an end of the retractor mechanism  230 . In such a configuration, the child seat  214  and the back wall  228  can be rotated upwards to receive a cart therein to nest. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the longitudinal divider  204  can be effectively coupled to the front wall  226  and proximate the back wall  228  (e.g., via the child seat  214 ). As shown, the retractor mechanism  230  can be coupled to the child seat  214  and the attachment mechanism  232  can be coupled to the front wall  226  of the basket  202 . Although shown with the retractor mechanism  230  and the attachment mechanism  232  coupled to the child seat  214  and the front wall  226  respectively, the components can be switched with the retractor mechanism  230  coupled to the front wall  226  and the attachment mechanism  232  coupled to the child seat  214  (or back wall  228 ). 
     The retractor mechanism  230  can typically comprise a spool in operative communication with a spring that automatically retracts the longitudinal divider  204  when the spring is released. The spring and spool can be contained in a housing and the housing can be mounted to the cart  201  by any suitable means. In some variations, a lock feature can be provided to secure the longitudinal divider  204  in the retracted position or, perhaps more importantly, in the deployed position until released. 
     At the end of the cart  201 , the attachment mechanism  232  can couple the longitudinal divider  204  in the deployed position. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the attachment mechanism  232  can include a keyhole slot  234  in which the appropriately configured end  235  of the longitudinal divider  204  can be received. In other variations, as shown in  FIG. 4B , an end  237  of the longitudinal divider  204  may simply comprise a hook that can be received over the frame of the front wall  226  of the basket  202 . When the longitudinal divider  204  is deployed, the first plurality of hooks  206  for receiving the grocery bags can be slid along the longitudinal divider  204  and distributed there along. 
     In one embodiment, the longitudinal divider  204  can be configured with notches, indentations, or other means to denote where each of the first plurality of hooks  206  should be approximately placed. For instance, the longitudinal divider  204  could include colored markers to indicate where the hooks should be placed. The second plurality of hooks  208  can be provided along the left and right edges of the basket  202 . The second plurality of hooks  208  can be of any suitable configuration including those described previously. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A , one example embodiment of the attachment mechanism  232  is illustrated. As previously mentioned, the attachment mechanism  232  may include the keyhole slot  234  and the end  235  of the longitudinal cable  204  can be adapted to insert into and be coupled to the keyhole slot  234 . As shown, the end  235  of the cable  204  can insert into a top of the keyhole slot  234  and slide down the slot  234  to be locked in place. 
     Of note, other configurations of the attachment mechanism  232  are contemplated. For example, the attachment mechanism  232  may comprise the hook  237  configured to couple to the frame of the front wall  226  and be easily moved up and down the front wall  226  to a height a user chooses. In another example, the attachment mechanism  232  may be a clasp configured to couple to the front wall  226  of the basket  202 . 
     A Second Embodiment of a Multiple Bag Hanging Cart 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a detailed diagram of a second embodiment 300 of a multiple bag hanging cart is illustrated. As shown, the second embodiment shopping cart  300  can include components substantially similar to the first embodiment shopping cart  100  and can be implemented in a similar manner. 
     The second embodiment shopping cart  300  can include, but is not limited to, a basket  302 , a longitudinal divider  304 , a first plurality of hooks  306 , and a second plurality of hooks  308 . The cart  300  may further include a lower frame  310  having a plurality of casters  312 , a child seat  314 , and a handle  316 . 
     The basket  302  can be defined by a bottom  320 , a right sidewall  322 , a left sidewall  324 , a front wall  326 , and a back wall  328 . Depending on an implementation, the basket  302  can be made from metal or rigid plastic. Similar to currently available carts, the back wall  328  can have a hinged connection such that the back wall  328  can rotate upwards towards an interior of the basket  302  to nest with another cart. For instance, the basket  302  can receive another basket inside the basket  302  via the back wall  328 . The child seat  314  can typically be integrated into the back wall  328 . 
     The longitudinal divider  304  can be coupled between the child seat  314  and the front wall  326  of the basket  302 . As shown, the longitudinal divider  304  can effectively divide the basket  302  in-half along a longitudinal line of the basket  302 . Of note, the longitudinal divider  304  can couple to the child seat  314  and the front wall  326  via one or more known means. In one example, the longitudinal divider  304  may implement hooks. In another example, the longitudinal divider may implement clasps at either end of the divider  304  to removably couple to the basket  302 . 
     Similar to the first embodiment cart  100 , the first plurality of hooks  306  can be dispersed along a length of the divider  304 . Typically, the hooks  306  can be evenly spaced along a length of the divider  304 . In one embodiment, the hooks  306  can each be dual prong hooks with the prongs of the hooks facing either side of the basket  302 . Of note, different shaped dual prong hooks are contemplated. In some embodiments, a pair of single prong hooks can be used in conjunction to one another to face the sides of the basket  302 . 
     Although not shown, in one example embodiment, the longitudinal divider  304  may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be located along a front portion of the basket and can include the first plurality of hooks  306 . The second portion of the longitudinal divider may be elastic and can be implemented to allow the child seat  314  to open and close while the first portion remains in place. As can be appreciated, the first plurality of hooks  306  can remain in place while the second portion of the longitudinal divider  304  can effectively move back and forth with the child seat  314 . Of significant note, in such an embodiment, the longitudinal divider  304  may continuously be coupled between the child seat  314  and the front wall  326  even when the cart  300  is nested by or with another cart. 
     In yet another example embodiment, the longitudinal divider  304  can be comprised of an elastic material and a sheathing (or covering) that remains in place while the elastic material moves back and forth based on a location of the child seat  314 . Typically, the first plurality of hooks  306  can be coupled to the sheathing such that as the elastic longitudinal divider  304  stretches, the first plurality of hooks  306  can remain in place. 
     The second plurality of hooks  308  can be dispersed along an upper portion of the right sidewall  322  and the left sidewall  324 . As shown, the hooks  308  can be integrated into the sidewalls  322 ,  324  and sit flush within the side walls to allow another cart to be nested within the basket  302 . 
     In a typical implementation, one or more grocery bags can be hung between the longitudinal divider  304  and either of the sidewalls  322 ,  324  of the basket  302 . Items can then be placed in each of the bags as a user shops. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an example embodiment of a plurality of hooks  309  located proximate an upper edge of the sidewalls  322 ,  324  is illustrated. As show, the hooks  309  can have a hinged connection (or coupling) to an insert piece allowing the hooks  309  to rotate to a deployed position for receiving a handle of a bag and a stored position where the hooks  309  rotate into the insert out of the way of another cart nesting with the cart  300 . As can be appreciated, when a user is ready to hang bags in the cart  300 , the hooks  309  can be rotated out to the deployed position to receive a handle of bag. When the user is done, the hooks  309  may be biased to rotate back to the stored position, effectively removing the hooks  309  to allow another cart to nest with the cart  300 . As previously mentioned, the hooks  309  may be biased to rotate in either direction depending on an implementation. Of significant note, hooks similar to those shown in  FIG. 6  can be implemented in each embodiment of the present invention. For instance, the kit  200  may include a plurality of inserts having hinged hooks for placement in the sidewalls of a cart. Further, other configurations and coupling means are contemplated for incorporating hinged hooks and/or biased hooks into sidewalls of the previously described carts. 
     Embodiments of Planar Shopping Cart Hooks and Carts Including the Planar Hooks 
       FIG. 7  shows a close-up of the side wall of a typical wire frame cart  300  with the addition of downwardly extending wire hooks  350  that are fixedly secured, such as by welding, to the sidewall. The hooks as illustrated typically comprise steel rod similar to the rod used to construct the carts that has been formed into a V-shape and welded to the side wall. The hooks and associated prongs are substantially planar and are typically installed in the plane of the cart&#39;s side wall. Hooks with upwardly extending prongs are also contemplated. Further, the shapes of the fixedly attached hooks can vary and can be fashioned from steel plate instead of steel rod as well. Furthermore, downwardly-extending substantially planar hooks are also contemplated for shopping carts having plastic baskets 
       FIG. 8-9  are illustrations of a retrofit hook assembly  400  that can be attached to and removed from wire frame carts and other types of shopping carts with relative ease. The retrofit hook assembly typically comprises front and back plates  402  &amp;  404  that are secured together with a plurality of fasteners  406 . When installed on a cart, the plates sandwich two adjacent substantially vertically—extending rods of an associated sidewall of the shopping cart within slots  408  &amp;  410  formed by the joined plates to firmly secure it in place. 
     The specific shape and configuration of the plates  402  &amp;  404  and the resulting assembly can vary but as illustrated the assembly is generally that of a rectangular frame with elongated left and right sides and somewhat shorter top and bottom sides defining an opening. Each plate includes a protrusion comprising one half a prong that extends inwardly into the opening from one of the top and bottom sides. The elongated left and right sides permit the assembly to more securely grip the vertically-extending rods of the cart and minimize upwardly or downwardly movement of the assembly when in use on a cart. It is further appreciated that the frame construction lends rigidity and strength to the prong distributing the loading thereon over a greater area. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first rod-receiving slot  408  is substantially cylindrical in configuration to nearly completely wrap around a vertically-extending rod of the cart to inhibit not only up and down movement of the hook assembly but also side to side movement. The second slot  410  in contrast is open along the edge permitting the assembly to be attached to a pair of adjacent sidewall rods even if the pair of adjacent rods vary in spacing relative to one and other accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances in the fabrication of a shopping cart. 
     The plates  402  &amp;  404  can be fabricated from any suitable material using any suitable process but at least one embodiment comprises an injection-molded glass fiber and/or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Fastener holes are typically formed on both plates to facilitate attachment. Additionally, longitudinally-extending channels are formed on each plate&#39;s backside proximate the plate&#39;s left and right longitudinal edges that when mated with a corresponding channel on the other plate form the aforementioned rod holding slots  408  &amp;  410 . 
     As shown, five threaded fasteners  406  are used to secure the front and back plates together although in other variations other types of fasteners and different numbers of fasteners can be utilized. In one variation snap together bosses and corresponding receiving bores that are molded into the respective front and back plates can be used to secure the plates to each other. In other variations, pop in expanding fasteners can be used in place of threaded fasteners. In yet other variations, the plates can be adhesively secured to one another. 
       FIGS. 10 &amp; 11  illustrate the retrofit hook assembly in use holding the handle of a shopping bag. Of note, the hook assembly  400 , as well as the integral planar hooks  300  of  FIG. 7 , can be used with a hook on the center divider as described herein, by themselves, or with another similar hook located on an opposite sidewall of the cart. The hook can be used with any shopping bags that have handles including disposable plastic bags and reusable bags. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a handle of a bag  500  is looped over a downwardly extending prong of a hook assembly  400  from an outside surface of the cart side wall and flipped over a top edge of the sidewall so that the bag hangs in the cart  300 . The other handle of the bag can be attached, if desired, to a hook provided along a center divider or a corresponding hook on the opposing sidewall of the cart. In this configuration, some of the weight of the contents of the bag are carried by the sidewall of the cart through its top edge reducing the amount of stress on the hook&#39;s prong itself. As can be appreciated both bag handles can also be fixed to a single prong and hung either along the interior of the cart or along the outside thereof depending on which side the handles are initially hooked. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , a handle of a bag  500  is looped over an upwardly extending prong of a hook assembly  400  from an inside surface of the cart side wall and with the bag hanging in the cart  300 . The other handle of the bag can also be attached, if desired, to a hook provided along a center divider or a corresponding hook on the opposing sidewall of the cart. As with the downwardly extending prong both bag handles can also be fixed to a single upwardly-extending prong and hung either along the interior of the cart or along the outside thereof depending on which side the handles are initially hooked. 
     One method, but not the only method, of using the retrofit hook assembly of  FIGS. 8&amp;9  in the downwardly extending configuration of  FIG. 10 , and the cart with downwardly extending prongs of  FIG. 7  comprises placing at least one handle of an associated shopping bag over the prong from the outside of the cart sidewall. Next, the bag is looped over the top edge of the sidewall and the other handle of the shopping bag is attached to another hook, either in the center divider described above or on the opposing sidewall. Once bag is attached in this manner, it is suspended in an open configuration in which the shopper places items for purchase. In some variations RFID tags are scanned when an item is placed in the bag within the cart, so that the items do not need to be removed during checkout. In another variation, the shopper scans the bar code on the item before placing the items in the bags to facilitate a quick check out without requiring item removal. Other means of recognizing items as or after they are placed in the bag can be utilized as well. After the shopping is complete, the bag can be unhooked from the prongs and carried away. 
     Alternative Embodiments and Variations 
     The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.