Abstract:
A shopping cart that generates power, and comprising a shopping cart body; a set of wheels that each rotates about an axle coupled to the shopping cart body; a power generator that generates a source of power from a rotational force of the wheels when a user moves the shopping cart; a voltage regulator that controls the source of power output from the power generator; and an outlet for outputting the controlled power to an electronic device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/287,656, filed Jan. 27, 2016 and entitled “Shopping Cart Power Generation,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present inventive concepts relate generally to shopping carts having power generating capabilities, and more specifically, to systems and methods for using power generation from a shopping cart to provide power to customer devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Retail establishments offer services for shoppers that require use of the shopper&#39;s mobile devices, display devices affixed to the shopping carts, and/or other portable electronic devices. However, such devices require electrical power, and it is often difficult for a shopper to find electrical power outlets for recharging these devices. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one aspect, provided is a shopping cart that generates power, comprising: a shopping cart body; a set of wheels that each rotates about an axle coupled to the shopping cart body; a power generator that generates a source of power from a rotational force of the wheels when a user moves the shopping cart; a voltage regulator that controls the source of power output from the power generator; and an outlet for outputting the controlled power to an electronic device. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, the shopping cart further comprises a storage device that stores the controlled power from the voltage regulator, wherein the electronic device receives the controlled power from the storage device. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the storage device is a battery or capacitor. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the storage device is positioned at a handle of the shopping cart. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the shopping cart further comprises a charging port to which the electronic device is electrically coupled for receiving the controlled source of power via the storage device. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the shopping cart further comprises a switching device that exchanges power between the storage device and one or more power sources. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, when the power source provides external power, then the switch forms a circuit, wherein the storage device receives power, instead of receiving power from the power generator. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the switch forms a circuit when the power generator generates power. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the switching device regulates power levels in shopping carts coupled to the shopping cart in a daisy chain configuration. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the shopping cart further comprises a charging port to which the electronic device is electrically coupled for receiving the controlled power directly from the voltage regulator. In some embodiments, the charging port includes a universal serial bus (USB) port. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the shopping cart further comprises a docking connector that is daisy-chained to one or more docking connectors of neighboring shopping carts for providing the controlled power to storage devices of the neighboring shopping carts using an external power source. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a display screen attached to the shopping cart. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a smartphone that is charged when coupled to a USB port receiving the controlled power. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, provided is a method for generating power using a shopping cart comprises coupling a power generator to a shopping cart body; moving the shopping cart so that a set of wheels rotatably affixed to the shopping cart body rotate; generating a source of power from a rotational force of the wheels when the wheels rotate; controlling the source of power output from the power generator; and providing the controlled power to an electronic device. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, provided is a shopping cart, comprising: a shopping cart body; a set of wheels that each rotates about an axle coupled to the shopping cart body; a power generator that generates a source of power from a rotational force of the wheels when a user moves the shopping cart; and a storage device that stores the generated power from the voltage regulator for use by an electronic device. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the storage device includes a positive connection point and a negative connection point that form an electrical connection with a storage device of another shopping cart coupled to the shopping cart in a daisy-chain configuration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The above and further advantages may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the concepts. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shopping cart configured to include a power source, in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a shopping cart handle, in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a system for providing electricity in a shopping cart, in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a plurality of shopping carts in electrical communication with each other and a motorized cart in a daisy chain configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating elements participating in an exchange of electricity to a plurality of shopping carts, in accordance with some embodiments. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a side view of two shopping carts coupled to each other, in accordance with some embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Provided in some embodiments is a shopping cart or related movable device for transporting items between locations, which includes an electric charge circuit that generates a voltage in response to a rotational movement of the wheels of the shopping cart, and that uses the generated voltage to charge mobile devices, such as a scan-and-go device, smartphone, laptop, display screen, and so on. The shopping cart includes a universal serial bus (USB) port or the like for charging an electrical connection to an electronic device or the like directly from the power generator or from a battery, capacitor, or other charge storage device. In some embodiments, a plurality of shopping carts are connected to each other in a daisy-chain configuration, so that the batteries on the attached carts can be charged by a shopping cart at the end of the chain, which receives power from a source of power, and it in turn powers the other carts in the chain. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the systems and methods may apply to a cart pusher, or a vehicle that pushes a series of carts around a parking lot. An operator, for example, a store associate can use the cart pusher to retrieve the cart and dock it into other carts to push them back together to the store. A powered cart pusher may include a rechargeable battery for moving or otherwise powering the cart pusher, which may have a larger battery, and may charge or recharge a shopping cart having an electric charge circuit in accordance with some embodiments. 
         [0029]    An attachment to a motorized customer cart may provide reserve power for carts having batteries that are dead, but can be restored by a charge provided by the motorized customer cart. In some embodiments, a shopping cart including a USB port or the like allows a customer to power a smartphone or other electronic device without draining the battery on the cart. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shopping cart  10  configured to provide a source of power, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         [0031]    The shopping cart  10  may include well-known components such as a handle  113 , basket  104 , wheels  106 , and base  108 . As is well known, a rotating wheel  106  can provide mechanical energy in the form of rotational energy. Accordingly, a portion of a wheel&#39;s rotational energy into electrical energy that can be used to power other systems, components, and devices on the shopping cart  10 . Other movements may equally apply for generating a voltage or electric charge, such as a sliding lateral movement. The shopping cart  10  includes a power generator  120  that uses at least a portion of the rotational energy of at least one wheel  106  to produce energy, more specifically, a voltage, that can be processed by the power generator  120  to provide direct power to a storage device, such as a battery or capacitor, for example, located at the handle  113  (see  FIG. 2 ). More specifically, the power generator  120  can be a direct current voltage generator, and include other generators, such as charge generators, Van de Graaf generators, or related devices that generate a voltage or electric charge. As used herein, the term “generator” is a broad term, and is used in its ordinary sense, and includes without limitation, unless explicitly stated, an apparatus that converts mechanical energy into electromagnetic energy. A generator includes, but is not limited to, a dynamo or an alternator. A generator may produce a direct current (DC) and/ or an alternating current (AC). Mechanical energy includes, but is not limited to, kinetic energy, and in some embodiments, rotational kinetic energy. In certain preferred embodiments, a generator produces electrical power from a portion of the mechanical energy of one or more rotating wheels. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments, the generator  120  is in electrical communication with an electrical energy storage device  116 , which stores the electrical energy for use when the generator  120  is not producing electricity. The electrical storage device  116  can comprise one or more capacitors, rechargeable batteries, or other suitable devices for storing electrical energy. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a shopping cart handle  113 , in accordance with some embodiments. Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the electrical storage device  116 , a phone connector  110  USB port  112 , a docking interface  114 , and/or a plug  118  may be located at the handle  113  of a shopping cart  10 . In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , one or more of the electrical storage device  116 , phone connector  110 , USB port  112 , a docking interface  114 , and/or plug  118  are positioned in a cart rail  105 , the base  108 , the basket  104 , or other location of the shopping cart  10 . For example, referring again to  FIG. 1 , a docking interface  114  may be at the shopping cart base  114 , and separate from but in electrical communication with the electrical storage device  116 , a phone connector  110 , USB port  112 , and/or plug  118 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the phone connector  110  and USB port  112  are the same. In other embodiments, the phone connector  110  and USB port  112  are different. For example, the phone connector  110  may include a proprietary interface to the connector socket of a mobile electronic device for providing the mobile electronic device with electric power for charging a battery in the mobile electronic device and/or other circuits of the mobile electronic device. Examples may include but not be limited to an Apple™ 30 pin connector, Apple™ lightning connector, mini-USB, micro USB, and the like. 
         [0035]    The docking interface  114  provides an upstream connection and/or downstream “daisy-chain” connection with a similar interface on another shopping cart or neighboring apparatus having an electrical storage device. A conductive cable or the like can be removably coupled or permanently attached to the docking interface so that electricity produced at the electrical storage device  116  and/or AC power received from the connector plug  118  can be output from the docking interface  114  through the conductive cable to a docking interface or other coupling for charging a battery, capacitor, or other storage device on the neighboring apparatus. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the docking interface  114  may be used for powering a plurality of shopping carts  10  electrically connected together, for example, in a daisy-chain configuration. The docking interface  114  may each receive power from an external power source, for example, a wall outlet, and/or receive power from an end cart which via the docking interface  114 . 
         [0037]    For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , two shopping carts  10 _ 1 ,  10 _ 2  (generally,  10 ) can each have a storage device  116 , such as a capacitor located on a bottom rail  144  of the corresponding shopping cart  10 . Each storage device  116  may have a positive connection point  142 A and a negative connection point  142 B. When the two carts  10 _ 1 ,  10 _ 2  are coupled together, for example, in a well-known coupling arrangement at retail stores, the positive and negative connections  142 A,  142 B of the storage device  116  of the first cart  10 _ 1  form an electrical connection with the positive and negative connections  142 A,  142 B of the storage device  116  of the second cart  10 _ 2 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the shopping cart  10  includes two docking interfaces  114 : one for receiving power from another shopping cart upstream from the shopping cart  10  and another for outputting power to another shopping cart downstream from the shopping cart  10 . As described herein, the shopping cart  10  can therefore charge its electrical storage device  116  from either AC power from a power grid or related source, i.e., via a wall jack, or from a cart pusher, which may have a larger battery than the shopping carts. In some embodiments, a smartphone or other electronic device coupled to the phone connector  110  or USB port  112  is charged by the battery or power source  116  of another shopping cart in electrical communication with the shopping cart  10  by the docking interface  114 . For example, the USB port  112  may be configured as a multipurpose adaptor with a USB connector for charging batteries of various portable electric apparatuses, for example, a smartphone, laptop computer, navigation device, and so on. A device coupled to the USB port  112  may draw power from the shopping cart battery and/or an external power source. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, when charging a shopping cart, the connector plug  118  connects to an electrical outlet that supplies AC power, for example, 120 volts. A power cable (not shown) can connect power from the connector  110  to an AC/DC converter (not shown), which converts that AC power to DC for charging the electrical storage device  116 . For example, the connector plug  18  can be inserted into a connector socket of a smartphone to charge the battery therein. Power received via the connector plug  18  can be output via the docking interface  114  to an electrical storage device of one or more other shopping carts electrically coupled to the shopping cart  10 , for example, daisy-chained as described above. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a system  200  for providing electricity in a shopping cart, in accordance with some embodiments. The system  200  can be implemented in a shopping cart, such as the shopping cart  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the system  200  can process electricity generated and/or received from one or two different sources. One source is described above in  FIG. 1 , namely, a power generator  120  that uses at least a portion of the rotational energy of at least one wheel  106  of the shopping cart  10  to produce energy. More specifically, the power generator  120  may be integrated into the wheel  106 , and may produce electricity through relative motion between one or more magnets  170  and one or more coils comprising wire windings or lap winding core  168 , thereby inducing electricity (e.g., voltage and/or AC and/or DC current) when magnets  170  or related field poles rotate with respect to lap winding core  168 , generating a current in lap winding core  168 , which current generates an electric charge or voltage. The motion of one or more magnets  170  disposed on the rotor induces electrical power in the windings  168  disposed on the stator. Also provided is a brush  166 . In other embodiments, the magnets  170  are disposed on a stator, and the coils  168  are disposed on a rotor. The magnets  170  can be permanent magnets and/or electromagnets. Many generator variations are possible, as is well known in the electrical arts. In embodiments adapted for use in wheeled objects, one or more generators are disposed in or on the object and mechanically coupled to one or more wheels  106  so that electrical power is generated when the wheels tum. The power generator  120  may include other elements well-known but not shown such as rectifiers and the like. 
         [0042]    The other source of power may be AC power received via the connector plug  118  that allows the shopping cart  10  to be connected to an alternating current (AC) power supply, for example, a wall socket. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the electrical storage device  116  may be charged by an output of the power generator  120 . Voltage regulators, capacitors, switches, or related elements may be positioned between the power generator  120  and the electrical storage device  116  for regulating or otherwise providing a sufficient electric charge to the electrical storage device  116 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the electrical storage device  116  may be charged by an output of the connector plug  118 . Voltage regulators, rectifiers, converters, capacitors, switches, or related elements may be positioned between the power generator  120  and the electrical storage device  116  for regulating or otherwise providing a sufficient electric charge to the electrical storage device  116 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the phone connector  110 , USB port  112  and/or docking interface  114  can receive power (e.g., voltage, current) from the electrical storage device  116 , the power generator  120 , the AC connector plug  118 , or a combination thereof. A switching device  122  can exchange power between the electrical storage device  116  and one or more power sources  118 ,  120 . If external power is applied, then the switch  116  permits a circuit to be formed, whereby the electrical storage device  116  may receive power, instead of receiving power from a generator  120  receiving power produced by a rotational motion of the shopping cart wheel  106 . The switch  122  may form another circuit when the generator  120  is generating power. In some embodiments, the switching device  122  can be used to level the carts  10  in a daisy chain configuration, described herein. For example, referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , if another cart  10 _ 2  is coupled to a shopping cart  10 _ 1  having the switching device  10 , power can flow via a docking interface  114  to the other cart  10 _ 2 . The switch  122  may determine whether to send the excess energy to a next cart if required. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a plurality of shopping carts  10 _ 1 - 10 _ 4  (generally,  10 ) in electrical communication with each other in a daisy chain configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         [0047]    A distalmost or end cart  10 _ 1  has a plug  132  that can be inserted into an AC power receptacle, and provide power received from the power receptacle to the AC connector plug  118 . The AC connector plug  118  can charge electrical storage devices (not shown) at the end cart  10 _ 1 . In addition, or alternatively, the AC connector plug  118  can provide power received from the AC connector plug  118  and/or electrical storage device (not shown) to a neighboring shopping cart  10 _ 2  via a connector between the docking interface  114  of the end cart  10 _ 1  and the neighboring cart  10 _ 2 . In some embodiments, the neighboring cart  10 _ 2  is an intervening cart positioned between the end cart  10 _ 1  and a neighboring cart  10 _ 3 , and provides power received from the end cart  10 _ 1  to the neighboring cart  10 _ 3 . Cart  10 _ 2  may also provide power from a battery and/or external AC source to the neighboring cart  10 _ 3 . Similarly, cart  10 _ 4  at the end of the daisy chain may receive power from cart  10 _ 3 . Accordingly, carts  10 _ 1  to  10 _ 4  electrically connected to each other via connectors between docking interfaces  114  may each include batteries or the like that can all be charged from the AC connector plug  118  at the end cart  10 _ 1 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the cart pusher  11  may include a battery similar to or the same as those of the shopping carts  10 , or a battery larger than those of the shopping carts  10 . Any of the carts  10 _ 1 - 10 _ 4 ,  11  can receive power from another source as described herein and can therefore charge, i.e., battery  116 , while docked. The cart pusher  11  may include a docking interface  134  similar to or the same as a docking interface  114  of a shopping cart  10 . This attachment  114  may permit reserve power stored a charging device such as a battery or the like (not shown) to be used for charging dead carts  10 , i.e., carts having drained batteries. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating elements participating in an exchange of electricity to a plurality of shopping carts, in accordance with some embodiments. The batteries  116 A- 116 D (generally,  116 ) and docking interfaces  114 A- 114 D (generally,  114 ) illustrated in  FIG. 5  may be part of the shopping carts  10 _ 1  to  10 _ 4  and/or cart  11  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0050]    While concepts have been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.