Abstract:
An apparatus and method for restraining a cart is disclosed. Two fasteners and an extender can be configured to prevent a shopping cart from rolling while the cart is being unloaded, for example. Various options for fastening the cart to a vehicle or other immobile object are disclosed.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/662,753, filed Mar. 17, 2005, the entirety which is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made part of this specification. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Inventions  
         [0003]     The disclosed inventions relate generally to a system and apparatus for restraining a cart from unwanted motion.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Rolling carts commonly roll away from the user in an inconvenient and undesirable way. For example, if the surface of a parking lot is uneven or sloped, it can be difficult to find a way to stabilize a shopping cart when the shopper is attempting to unlock the car door or unload the groceries. Frequently, both hands are needed to unload heavy items from a shopping cart and place them into a shopper&#39;s vehicle. At the same time, however, at least one hand is needed to retain the shopping cart from rolling away and causing damage to other vehicles or to the contents of the cart.  
         [0006]     If a child is riding in a shopping cart, the situation can be further complicated because it often takes both hands for an adult to lift the child from the cart. Alternatively, if an adult&#39;s attention is momentarily diverted to unlocking or loading a vehicle, the cart may roll away with the child, endangering the child.  
         [0007]     Thus, there is a need for a device or system for preventing carts from inconveniently rolling away. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The inventions will be better understood from the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and from the appended drawings, which are meant to illustrate and not to limit the inventions, and wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a system for retaining a cart from unwanted motion;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view of a cart restraining system;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a schematic depiction of how the cart restraining system of  FIG. 1  can be used to keep a shopping cart from rolling away while groceries are unloaded;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a photograph of one embodiment of a cart restraining system attached to a shopping cart;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a photograph of a fastener that connects an embodiment of a cart restraining system to a shopping cart;  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a photograph of a portion of a cart restraining system that is not attached to a cart; and  
         [0015]      FIG. 7  is a photograph of a hook that can be used as a temporary fastener for a cart restraining system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0016]     A device or system for preventing carts from rolling away would be useful for shoppers individually, as well as for retail establishments. For example, a system can be designed for use by an individual shopper who carries the device in the shopper&#39;s vehicle. Alternatively, a system can be designed for use by a retail establishment that adds a device to each shopping cart, for example. Such an addition may give a retail establishment a competitive edge in providing convenience for customers. The device may also allow a retail establishment with a particularly steep parking arrangement to effectively level the playing field.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows how a system can be configured to retain a cart from unwanted motion. At one end of the system  10  is a fastener  20  that connects the system  10  to the cart (not shown). At the other end of the system  10  is another fastener  40  that connects the system to another object, such as a stationary object (not shown). In between the two fasteners is an extender  30  that maintains a distance between the other object and the cart when the cart is being restrained. The system  10  is preferably designed to be easily installed, weather-resistant, and mechanically durable.  
         [0018]     The fastener  20  can create a temporary or a permanent connection to the cart. In some embodiments, the fastener can insure that the system cannot be easily removed from the cart. This can be accomplished by mechanically coupling the fastener  20  to the cart with metal rivets or welding, for example. In some embodiments, the connection can be made using a locking zip tie. Preferably, the locking zip tie can be employed in conjunction with a sheath (not shown) that limits how tight the zip tie can be sinched down, thus allowing the zip tie to form a ring-like shape. The sheath can also add rigidity and strength to the connection. A locking zip tie can be installed quickly and easily, but can also be difficult to remove, once the zip tie is locked. In some embodiments, the connection can be accomplished using a D-shaped or C-shaped metal ring. In other embodiments, the connection can be accomplished using a flexible cord that has its two ends fastened together (using a locking zip tie, for example) after being threaded through a portion of the cart. Other materials can also be used as the fastener  20 . A chain, cable, cord, or strap can also be used, as well as other similar materials. Indeed, any material may be used that provides enough strength to prevent the connection from breaking under the load it is designed to bear. In a preferred embodiment, a rope or a bungee cord is used to connect the device  10  to a cart. The more permanent approach can be useful if the system  10  is provided by the owner of the cart and is intended to remain with the cart permanently as a convenience for all who use the cart.  
         [0019]     Other embodiments of a fastener  20  can provide a more temporary connection to the cart, using mechanical or magnetic coupling, for example. In some embodiments, such a temporary connection can be made using velcro, a magnet, a removable hook or hooks, a cord, a snap, a button, a clasp, or other securement means, etc. In some embodiments, the fastener  20  can be a carabiner of the type commonly employed by rock climbers. The less permanent approach can be useful if the cart does not have its own restraint system and the user of the cart wishes to fasten a system  10  to the cart for temporary use.  
         [0020]     The fastener  40  at the other end of the system  10  connects the system  10  to a stationary object. The fastener  40  can create a temporary or a permanent connection to the stationary object, but in a preferred embodiment the fastener  40  creates a temporary connection. Various fasteners can be used to create this connection, including those discussed above in relation to the fastener  20 . If one of the fasteners  20  or  40  is permanently attached to the cart or a stationary object, preferably the other fastener is not also permanently attached, so that the cart can be mobile when desired by the user. If the system  10  is permanently fastened to a stationary object, the system can be used to keep a group of carts from rolling away from a cart collection area, for example. In some embodiments, the fastener  40  is temporary so it can be connected to a shopper&#39;s vehicle, for example. In another embodiment, either of the fasteners  20  or  40  can connect to another cart, thereby coupling two or more carts together.  
         [0021]     The two fasteners  20  and  40  can each comprise a plurality of fasteners. For example, the fastener  140  ( FIG. 2 ) can include hooks of various sizes and a magnet. This configuration can allow the user to choose which fastener is most appropriate for attaching to a given object.  
         [0022]     In between the fastener  20  and the fastener  40  is an extender  30  that provides a length between the stationary object and the cart. While various lengths are contemplated, the length of the extender  30  can be selected to provide maximum convenience for the intended use of the system  10 . For example, if the system is designed for permanent connection to a shopping cart, the extender  30  can be designed to hang down from the handle of the cart without dragging on the ground. In some embodiments, the extender is prevented from swinging by an additional clip or other connector (not shown) on the cart. Such a clip can be designed to allow the device to be easily and repeatedly detached for use, and secured again when the device is not in use. In some embodiments, the length is determined by the arm length of an average user. In some embodiments, the length is determined by how much storage room is available in or along a portion of a cart or a vehicle. The extender  30  can be a telescoping or collapsible rod with an adjustable length. The extender  30  can also be nonrigid, and can comprise a bungee cord or a retractable length of cord wrapped around a spring-biased spindle. In some embodiments, the extender can be a chain, wire, cable, cord, rope, strap, bar, or other similar material. In some embodiments, the extender can be contained within a vehicle and retract into a housing therein, or snap into a groove therein. In some embodiments, the extender is partially rigid and partially nonrigid. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the extender is between approximately 18 inches and approximately 24 inches, but the length can be greater or smaller than this in some advantageous embodiments.  
         [0023]     The device  10  can provide safety to all as well as convenience to the user. For example, a retail establishment can improve safety in the parking lot by preventing shopping carts from rolling unchecked. Not only will the device reduce the likelihood of runaway carts inflicting damage on parked vehicles and store patrons, but vehicles will also be less likely to collide with carts. Moreover, the disclosed inventions can prevent a shopping cart from damaging the user&#39;s own car. Furthermore, people will be less likely to chase rolling carts into the path of oncoming traffic, and children seated in carts will be less likely to crash if the disclosed inventions are employed to prevent carts from rolling unrestrained.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates one example of a cart restraining device  110  that can be used to prevent a cart from rolling away. The device  110  has a D-shaped fastener  120  on one end, a hook  140  on the other end, and an extender rod  130  that connects the two.  
         [0025]     The illustrated D-shaped fastener  120  can be formed from metal or another sturdy material such as plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener  120  is a rod that has been bent into a D-shape, with the two ends of the rod almost touching at a gap  122 . The gap  122  can allow the fastener  120  to surround or fasten to various objects. For example, in some embodiments, the D-shaped fastener  120  can be temporarily bent to fit around a handle or other portion of a shopping cart. Then, the D shape can be restored, making it difficult to remove the fastener  120  from its position encircling the handle without bending the fastener  120  out of shape again. As noted above, in some embodiments, the fastener  120  can be replaced with a carabiner of the type commonly employed by rock climbers. The carabiner has the advantage of a spring-hinged side that can provide for a fast and secure connection. Furthermore, as noted above, the fastener  120  can be replaced with a variety of other fasteners as described above.  
         [0026]     The illustrated extender rod  130  can be formed from metal or another sturdy material such as plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod  130  has two integral rings,  132  and  134 , formed at each end of the rod  130 . The rings  132  and  134  are convenient structures to which the fasteners  120  and  140  can be mechanically coupled. In a preferred embodiment, the rod  130  is approximately  19  inches long, but not longer than approximately 24 inches.  
         [0027]     The illustrated hook fastener  140  can be formed from metal or another sturdy material such as plastic. Advantageously, the rod is configured not to scratch or otherwise deface the surface to which it attaches. In a preferred embodiment, the hook  140  is metal, but is coated with a plastic or rubber coating to prevent scratches. Preferably, the hook is approximately 3 inches long. In a preferred embodiment the hook  140  also has a swivel  144  that allows the hook  140  to achieve various orientations with respect to the object to which the hook  140  attaches. The swivel  144  allows the hook to rotate about an axis, allowing it at least one degree of freedom.  
         [0028]     In the illustrated embodiment, the hook  140  has a ring  142  that provides a mechanical connection to the ring  134  of the rod  130 . The connection between the ring  134  and the ring  142  provides another degree of freedom, allowing the angle between the hook  140  and the rod  130  to change as the ring  142  slides around the ring  134 . This connection allows the hook  140  to achieve various orientations with respect to the object to which the hook  140  attaches.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  schematically illustrates an example of how the cart restraining device  110  can be used to prevent a cart  160  from rolling away. A user  150  has used the device  110  to anchor a shopping cart  160  to a stationary vehicle  170  while the user  150  unloads groceries  162  from the shopping cart  160 . The device  110  is anchored securely in place so the shopping cart  160  cannot roll away, even if it is located on a steep incline. At one end of the device  110 , the D-shaped fastener  120  is attached to a handle  164  on the shopping cart  160 . At the other end of the device  110 , the hook  140  is removably attached to a convenient portion of the vehicle  170 .  
         [0030]     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the D-shaped fastener  120  is attached to the cart so that when the device  110  is not in use, the device  110  can hang down at one end of the handle  164 . Then, when the device  110  is needed, the user  150  can lift the rod  130  and hook  140  away from the cart  160  and slide the fastener  120  into a convenient position. The rod  130  is conveniently long enough for the user  150  to stand in between the shopping cart  160  and the vehicle, but not so long as to put the shopping cart  160  beyond the reach of the user  150 . The hook is shown fastened to a corner of the open trunk of the vehicle, but other portions of the vehicle may also be conveniently used. For example, the hook  140  could be fastened to a door handle a door frame of an open door, an antenna, a bumper, a spoiler, a louver, a hitch, etc. Alternatively, the hook  140  can be fastened to an adjacent vehicle, or to the belt loop or pocket of the user, if convenient. Although  FIG. 3  depicts the device  110  attached to the handle of a shopping cart  160 , in some embodiments the device  110  is attached to the other end of the shopping cart  160 . This can provide the advantage of safety by keeping a child—who may be seated next to the handle  164  of the shopping cart—away from the device.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a photograph of one embodiment of a cart restraining system attached to a shopping cart  412 . In this embodiment, two devices  410  are attached to the shopping cart at the end opposite the handle of the cart. The two devices  410  are not hooked to a stationary object but are hanging down at the side of the cart  412 , ready to be deployed.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a photograph of a connector  520  that connects an embodiment of a cart restraining system to a shopping cart. This close-up view shows how the connector  520  can be threaded through a portion of the shopping cart  512 . This figure also illustrates how a locking zip tie inside a plastic sheath can provide a ring-like connection to the shopping cart  512 . The plastic sheath can protect the locking zip tie and reinforce the connection. The plastic sheath can also improve the mobility of the connection by allowing the ring-like connection to slide smoothly along or across any physical objects that may be encountered.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a photograph of a portion of a cart restraining system  610  that is not attached to a cart. The system  610  employs a hook  640  at one end that is attached to a metal extender rod  630  with a strong nylon cord  650 . The nylon cord  650  forms a loop that is threaded through the metal ring at the end of the extender rod  630 . The nylon cord  650  is fastened to the hook using a plastic locking zip tie  660  (also see  FIG. 7 ). The nylon cord  650  connection provides flexibility to the hook  640 , which is free to attach to a portion of a vehicle at a convenient angle. Furthermore, the nylon cord  650  is unlikely to scratch or deface the paint of a vehicle.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a close-up photograph of a hook  740  that can be used as a temporary fastener for a cart restraining system. This view shows how a plastic locking zip tie  760  helps secure the hook to a nylon cord  750  that has been threaded through a portion of the hook  740 .  
         [0035]     The foregoing description sets forth various preferred embodiments and other exemplary but non-limiting embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. The description gives some details regarding combinations and modes of the disclosed inventions. Other variations, combinations, modifications, modes, and/or applications of the disclosed features and aspects of the embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure, including those that become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this specification. Thus, the scope of the inventions claimed herein should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.