Patent Description:
As many countries are restricting the use of single-use plastic bags in supermarkets, consumers are often required to take their own bags when going shopping. While shopping, it is usual though to use a shopping trolley provided by the supermarket and then transfer purchased items from the shopping trolley to the bags at the checkout.

The present invention relates to a shopping trolley which may be owned by the consumer and taken to and from the supermarket so that purchased items may be placed directly in the shopping trolley in the supermarket and remain in the shopping trolley to be transported to the consumer's home. The shopping trolley includes features aimed at making the trolley easy to use, and easy to move in and out of a vehicle.

There is provided a shopping trolley comprising:.

Preferably the first and second front legs are rotatably connected to outer surfaces of the side walls of the basket and the first and second rear legs are rotatably connected to the basket within recessed portions of the first and second side walls.

Preferably the first and second rear legs are receivable inside the first and second front legs as the front legs move from the extended to the collapsed position.

Preferably a front cross member extends between the first and second front legs such that the front cross member engages the first and second rear legs as the front legs move to the collapsed position.

Preferably the first and second front legs and the first and second rear legs each include a first end portion adjacent the first end thereof and a second end portion extending from the first end portion to the second end wherein the second portion is at an angle to the first end portion.

Preferably when the front and rear legs are in the extended positions, the first end portions of the first and second front legs are oriented to extend from adjacent the first end wall in a direction downwardly and rearwardly relative to the basket, the second end portions of the first and second front legs extend from the first end portions in a direction downwardly and forwardly relative to the basket, the first end portions of the first and second rear legs are oriented to extend from adjacent the second end wall in a direction downwardly and forwardly relative to the basket and the second end portions of the first and second rear legs extend from the first end portions in a direction downwardly and rearwardly relative to the basket.

Preferably the first end portions of the first and second front legs are rotatably connected to the basket on outer surfaces of the first and second side walls respectively adjacent the first end wall and the first end portions of the rear legs are rotatably connected to the basket within the recessed portions located adjacent the second end wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second side walls of the basket are each provided with an outwardly extending wall portion extending from a location above the junction between the base wall and the first end wall to a location located rearwardly of the junction between the base wall and the first end wall such that the first end portions of the first and second front legs rest on upper surfaces of the wall portions in the extended position.

Preferably the recessed portions in the first and second side walls each define a first shoulder portion extending from a location above the junction between the base wall and the second end wall to a location forwardly of the junction between the base wall and the second end wall such that the first end portions of the first and second rear legs rest under the first shoulder portions in the extended position.

Preferably, in the collapsed position, the first end portions of the first and second rear legs are located adjacent rear edges of the first and second side walls and the second end portions of the first and second rear legs are located adjacent and above upper edges of the first and second side walls.

Preferably the upper edges of the first and second side walls each include a recessed end portion adjacent the first end wall such that the recessed end portions receive the wheels of the first and second rear legs in the collapsed position.

In a preferred embodiment, outer surfaces of the first and second side walls of the basket include second shoulder portions defining downwardly facing surfaces extending along the first and second side walls from adjacent the first end wall to adjacent the second end wall, the downwardly facing surfaces of the second shoulder portions corresponding to the shape of the first and second front legs such that the first and second front legs engage against the downwardly facing surfaces of the second shoulder portions in the collapsed position.

Preferably the front and rear legs are maintained in the extended positions by locking members.

Preferably the locking members extend outwardly from the first and second side walls to engage with each of the front and rear legs to restrict rotation of the front and rear wheel support frames away from the extended position.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking members each comprises a pin mounted with a housing provided on a lower surface of the base wall such that each of the pins is extendible outwardly from the base wall to engage into a hole in one of the front or rear legs.

Preferably the pins are spring biased relative to the respective housings such that a distal end of each of the pins is moved outwardly by the spring bias to engage into the hole.

Preferably an actuator is connected to each of the pins such that operation of the actuator retracts the pins away from the legs to release the front and rear wheel support frames to rotate towards the collapsed position.

Preferably the actuator comprises a handle mounted adjacent a rear edge of the base wall of the basket connected via cables to the housings such that operation of the handle causes retraction of the pins.

Preferably secondary wheels are provided on which the shopping trolley may be moved when the front and rear support frames are in the collapsed position.

In a preferred embodiment, a first pair of secondary wheels is provided on a lower surface of the base wall of the basket adjacent the first end wall and a second pair of secondary wheels is provided on a front cross member extending between the first and second front legs.

Preferably one or more straps is provided extending from a front end of the basket to the front wheel support frame such that the straps engage with a rear of a vehicle before the front wheel support frame.

Preferably the straps have first ends connected to a first end wall of the basket and second ends connected to a first cross member extending between the first and second front legs.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:.

Referring to the Figures, there is shown a shopping trolley <NUM> comprising generally a basket <NUM>, first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> and first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM>. The basket <NUM> comprises an open topped receptacle and is formed from a base wall <NUM>, first and second end walls <NUM> and <NUM> and first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM>. The first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second end walls <NUM> and <NUM> extend upwardly from around the periphery of the base wall <NUM> to define the open topped receptacle. In the embodiment shown, each of the base wall <NUM>, the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second end walls <NUM> and <NUM> are generally rectangular in shape.

Each of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> is connected to the basket <NUM> at a first end thereof and includes a wheel <NUM> at a second end thereof. The first ends of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are rotatably connected to the basket <NUM> such that the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are each rotatable between an extended position (as shown in <FIG>) and a collapsed position (as shown in <FIG>). In the extended positions, the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend downwardly from adjacent the front and rear of the basket <NUM> respectively such that the shopping trolley <NUM> rests on the wheels <NUM> and may be manoeuvred around in a known manner.

The front legs <NUM> and <NUM> are connected in the embodiment shown by a front cross member <NUM> such that front legs <NUM> and <NUM> form a front wheel support frame <NUM>. The front cross member <NUM> extends between the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> adjacent the second ends thereof.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are not connected to each other such that they may rotate separately relative to the basket <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment however (not shown), the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected with a rear cross member to form a rear wheel support frame.

The first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> each include a first end portion <NUM> adjacent the first end thereof and a second end portion <NUM> extending from the first end portion <NUM> to the second end. The first end portions <NUM> of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> are rotatably connected to the basket <NUM> such that the first end portions <NUM> are located adjacent outer surfaces of the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> respectively adjacent the first end wall <NUM>.

The first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> also each include a first end portion <NUM> adjacent the first end thereof and a second end portion <NUM> extending from the first end portion <NUM> to the second end. The first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> of the basket <NUM> each include a recessed portion <NUM> adjacent the junction between the base wall <NUM> and the second end wall <NUM>. The first end portions <NUM> of the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are rotatably connected to the basket <NUM> within the recessed portions <NUM> such that the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> do not protrude laterally outwardly beyond the extents of the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, as the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> rotate from the extended position to the collapsed position, the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are received between the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first end portions <NUM> of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> are oriented to extend from adjacent the first end wall <NUM> in a direction downwardly and rearwardly relative to the basket <NUM> when the front wheel support frame <NUM> is in the extended position. The second end portions <NUM> of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> extend from the first end portions <NUM> in a direction downwardly and forwardly relative to the basket <NUM>. The first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> of the basket <NUM> are each provided with a wall portion <NUM> which extends outwardly from the outer surfaces thereof adjacent the junction between the base wall <NUM> and the first end wall <NUM>. The wall portions <NUM> extend from a location above the junction between the base wall <NUM> and the first end wall <NUM> to a location located rearwardly of the junction between the base wall <NUM> and the first end wall <NUM> such that the first end portions <NUM> of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> rest on upper surfaces of the wall portions <NUM> in the extended position. The wall portions <NUM> thereby prevent rotation of the front wheel support frame <NUM> beyond the extended position.

The first end portions <NUM> of the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are oriented to extend from adjacent the second end wall <NUM> in a direction downwardly and forwardly relative to the basket <NUM> when the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are in the extended position. The second end portions <NUM> of the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> extend from the first end portions <NUM> in a direction downwardly and rearwardly relative to the basket <NUM>. The recessed portions <NUM> in the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> of the basket <NUM> each define a first shoulder portion <NUM>. The first shoulder portion <NUM> extends from a location located above the junction between the base wall <NUM> and the second end wall <NUM> to a location located forwardly of the junction between the base wall <NUM> and the second end wall <NUM> such that the first end portions <NUM> of the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> rest under the first shoulder portion <NUM> in the extended position. The first shoulder portions <NUM> thereby prevent rotation of the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> beyond the extended position.

The angle of the second portions <NUM> of the front legs <NUM> and <NUM> and the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> is such that the weight of the basket <NUM> in use will tend to push the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> away from each other. However, further rotation of the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is prevented by engagement with the wall portion <NUM> and the first shoulder portion <NUM>.

Outer surfaces of the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> of the basket <NUM> include second shoulder portions <NUM>. The second shoulder portions <NUM> define a downwardly facing surfaces extending along the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> from adjacent the first end wall <NUM> to adjacent the second end wall <NUM>. The downwardly facing surfaces of the second shoulder portions <NUM> correspond to the shape of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> such that the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> engage against the downwardly facing surface of the second shoulder portion <NUM> in the collapsed position. In the collapsed position, the wheels <NUM> of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> are located adjacent the second end wall <NUM> of the basket <NUM>.

The legs <NUM> and <NUM> rotate such that, in the collapsed position, the first end portions <NUM> of the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are located adjacent rear edges of the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM>. The second end portions <NUM> of the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> in the collapsed position are located adjacent and above upper edges of the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. The upper edges of the first and second side walls <NUM> and <NUM> each include a recessed end portions <NUM> adjacent the first end wall <NUM> such that the recessed end portions <NUM> receive the wheels <NUM> of the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> in the collapsed position.

The front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are maintained in the extended positions by locking members <NUM>. The locking members <NUM> engage with each of the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> to restrict rotation away from the extended positions. The locking members <NUM> may be disengaged to allow rotation of the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from the extended positions towards the collapsed positions thereof. When rotating toward the collapsed positions, the front and rear wheel legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> all rotate rearwardly relative to the basket <NUM>.

Each of the locking members <NUM> comprises a pin <NUM> mounted with a housing <NUM> provided on a lower surface of the base wall <NUM> (as best seen in <FIG>). Each of the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is provided with a corresponding housing <NUM> having a pin <NUM> mounted on the base wall <NUM> adjacent the leg <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when the leg <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is in the extended position.

The pins <NUM> are spring biased relative to the respective housings <NUM> such that a distal end of each of the pins <NUM> is moved outwardly by the spring bias to engage into a hole provided on the adjacent leg <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> move to the extended positions, the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> engage with ends of the adjacent pins <NUM> and push the pins <NUM> inwardly into the housings <NUM>. When the ends of the pins <NUM> align with the holes on the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the pins <NUM> move into the holes to lock the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the extended positions.

The shopping trolley <NUM> includes an actuator connected to each of the pins <NUM> such that operation of the actuator retracts the pins <NUM> away from the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The actuator includes a handle <NUM> mounted adjacent a rear edge of the base wall <NUM> of the basket <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is connected to cables <NUM> extending along the lower surface of the basket <NUM> to the housings <NUM>. The cables <NUM> are connected to the pins <NUM> such that operation of the handle <NUM> causes retraction of the pins <NUM> inwardly away from the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may thereby be released for movement to the collapsed positions by pulling the handle <NUM>, thereby allowing the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate rearwardly (as shown in <FIG>). The first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> pass either side of the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> thereby applying a force to the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> to rotate the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> towards the collapsed position. The first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> are engaged by the front cross member <NUM> as the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM> pass outside the first and second rear legs <NUM> and <NUM>. The front cross member <NUM> in the embodiment shown comprises a U-shaped member extending forwardly of the first and second front legs <NUM> and <NUM>.

The shopping trolley <NUM> is also provided with secondary wheels <NUM> to allow the shopping trolley <NUM> to be moved around while the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in the collapsed position. A first pair of secondary wheels <NUM> is provided on a lower surface of the base wall <NUM> of the basket <NUM> adjacent the first end wall <NUM>. A second pair of secondary wheels <NUM> is provided on the front cross member <NUM>. The second pair of secondary wheels <NUM> are provided such that the first and second pairs of secondary wheels <NUM> engage with the ground when the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in the collapsed position. The shopping trolley <NUM> may therefore be rolled on the secondary wheels <NUM> when the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are collapsed.

The shopping trolley <NUM> includes one or more straps <NUM> extending between the basket <NUM> and the front wheel support frame <NUM>. The straps <NUM> extend between a front end of the basket <NUM> such that the straps extend downwardly from the basket <NUM> to connect to the front wheel support frame <NUM> at a location below the basket <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, there are provided two such straps <NUM> which have first ends connected to the first end wall <NUM> of the basket <NUM> and second ends connected to the front cross member <NUM>. The first end of the straps <NUM> are connected centrally on the first end wall <NUM> of the basket <NUM> and the second ends are separated and secured at locations on the front cross member <NUM>.

The straps <NUM> are elasticised and provided to engage with a rear end of a vehicle <NUM> (as can be seen in <FIG>) when the forward end of the shopping trolley <NUM> is moved towards the vehicle <NUM>. The position of the straps <NUM> causes the straps <NUM> to engage with the rear end of the vehicle <NUM> before the front wheel support frame <NUM> as can be seen. Engagement between the straps <NUM> and the vehicle <NUM> aids in moving the front wheel support frame <NUM> to the collapsed position. When the front wheel support frame <NUM> is in the collapsed position, the straps <NUM> extend across the base wall <NUM> of the basket <NUM>. The elastic nature of the straps <NUM> also acts to pull the front wheel support frame <NUM> back to the extended position when unfolding the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The basket <NUM> also includes a handlebar <NUM>. The handlebar <NUM> extends upwardly from the upper edge of the second end wall <NUM> and may be used to move the shopping trolley <NUM> on either the wheels <NUM> or the secondary wheels <NUM>.

An upper surface of the base wall <NUM> is provided with a cover member <NUM> (as can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>). The cover member <NUM> is provided to be secured above a portion of the base wall <NUM>. The cover member <NUM> may be secured in a first position (as shown in the Figures) in which the planar cover member <NUM> is adjacent and parallel to the base wall <NUM> to define a cavity between the cover <NUM> and the base wall <NUM> which may be used to hold personal items. The cover member <NUM> may also be removed and attached to the basket <NUM> in a second position (not shown), in which the planar cover member <NUM> is oriented perpendicular to the base wall <NUM>. In the second position, the cover member <NUM> thereby defines a divider within the basket <NUM> to divide the interior of the basket <NUM> into multiple compartments.

The front and rear wheel legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may further be provided with one or more connecting members. The connecting members are provided to connect the front legs <NUM>, <NUM> with the respective rear legs <NUM>, <NUM> when the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in the extended positions. The connecting members may comprise flexible cords releasably connectable between the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when in the extended positions. The connecting members may also comprise rigid members rather than flexible cords. The connecting members may be provided to further secure the front legs <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the rear legs <NUM>, <NUM> in the extended positions.

In use, the shopping trolley <NUM> may be used in a supermarket in a known manner to collect items with the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the extended positions. The front and rear wheel legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the shopping trolley <NUM> may be rotated to the collapsed positions in order to place the shopping trolley <NUM> into the rear of a vehicle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is operated and the front wheel support frame <NUM> will rotate backwardly towards the collapsed position as the basket <NUM> is moved into the rear of the vehicle. The rear legs <NUM>, <NUM> may then be rotated to the collapsed position above the upper edge of the basket <NUM>. When the front and rear legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in the collapsed positions, the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> do not extend significantly beyond the extents of the basket <NUM>. The shopping trolley <NUM> therefore provides a relatively compact form which may be easily stored in the rear of a vehicle.

As the rear legs <NUM> and <NUM> of the rear wheel support frame <NUM> are located above upper edges of the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, the open upper side of the basket <NUM> is therefore still easily accessible while the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are in the collapsed position. It is therefore still relatively easy for items to be taken out of or inserted into the basket <NUM>. When the shopping trolley <NUM> is to be removed from the car, the legs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated back to the extended positions as the basket <NUM> is pulled from the vehicle. The shopping trolley <NUM> may therefore be removed from the car <NUM> and wheeled into the home of the consumer for unpacking the purchased items.

Front sides of the front legs <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided with protective strips <NUM> along portions of the length. The protective strips are provided to protect the rear of the vehicle <NUM> should the front legs <NUM> and <NUM> engage against the rear of the vehicle <NUM>.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the present invention as defined in the claims.

Prior art document D1 <CIT> discloses an improved collapsible utility cart for use with automobile trunks. As such, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a new and improved collapsible utility cart for use-with automobile trunks and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Prior art document D2 <CIT> discloses a basket trolley for shopping in a supermarket, which has four legs that are rotatably fixed at front and back side of basket.

Prior art document D3 <CIT> discloses a basket with a lift mechanism that raises the unit to the cargo floor height of the vehicle, and also used to lower the basket to a comfortable working height for the user while shopping. The basket dimensions take into account the space limitations inside the vehicle's cargo area while providing the optimum basket capacity. A slide mechanism includes a frame member, a set of guide rails, a plurality of wheels and rollers to guide the basket and frame assemblies into and out of the vehicle. A plurality of legs and base frame members connected by a plurality of cross members and hinges that are foldable to a compact arrangement and fits in place alongside the basket inside the vehicle. The length of the legs when unfolded should conform to the cargo load height of the vehicle. The legs can be made adjustable in length to compensate for varying cargo load heights of various vehicle makes and models.

Prior art document D4 <CIT> discloses vehicle loadable cart for loading into a trunk of a vehicle having a floor and a rear wall which is higher than the floor, the cart comprising: a chassis; a retractable main wheel assembly for supporting the chassis when transported over a ground surface; at least one auxiliary wheel assembly with a deployment mechanism that is adapted to shift the auxiliary wheel assembly between a retracted state in which the auxiliary wheel assembly is raised so as to allow the chassis to pass in a substantially horizontal position over the rear wall of the trunk, and a deployed state in which said at least one auxiliary wheel assembly extends downward so as to support the chassis above the trunk floor at an elevation equal to or higher than the rear wall of the trunk, allowing wheeling the cart further into the trunk, whereby when the cart is inside the trunk said at least one auxiliary wheel assembly may be retracted to lower the chassis onto the floor of the trunk.

Prior art document D5 <CIT> discloses a shopping cart that allows goods to be quickly reloaded into a vehicle trunk. The invention relates to a trolley with a container supported by a frame, the base of which is provided with wheels. The frame is designed such that the edge of the cart, referred to as the support edge, can be pushed over the floor of a vehicle trunk. The trunk floor thus acts to support the cart and as the frame to is folded and allows the cart to be pushed all the way into the trunk.

Claim 1:
A shopping trolley (<NUM>) comprising:
a basket (<NUM>) having first and second side walls (<NUM> and <NUM>), first and second end walls (<NUM> and <NUM>) and a base wall (<NUM>);
first and second front legs (<NUM> and <NUM>), each having a wheel (<NUM>) on a lower end thereof; and
first and second rear legs (<NUM> and <NUM>), each having a wheel (<NUM>) on a lower end thereof;
wherein the first and second front legs (<NUM> and <NUM>) are rotatable from an extended position, in which the first and second front legs (<NUM> and <NUM>) extend downwardly from adjacent a front of the basket (<NUM>), to a collapsed position, in which the first and second front legs (<NUM> and <NUM>) are located adjacent outer sides of the first and second side walls (<NUM> and <NUM>) of the basket (<NUM>) respectively, and the rear legs (<NUM> and <NUM>) are rotatable from an extended position, in which the first and second rear legs (<NUM> and <NUM>) extend downwardly from adjacent a rear of the basket (<NUM>), to a collapsed position, in which portions of the first and second rear legs (<NUM> and <NUM>) are located adjacent and above upper edges of the first and second side walls (<NUM> and <NUM>) of the basket (<NUM>) respectively.