Shopping cart collection, storage, and retrieval system

• US 7,101,113 B2
• Filed: 04/27/2005
• Issued: 09/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Metra Hughes
• Original Assignee: Metra Hughes
• Inventors: Hughes, Metra
• Primary Examiner(s): HARTMANN, GARY S
• Application Number:
  US11/117,108
• Publication Number:
  US 20050214073A1
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 404/1, 404/6, 404/9, 404/71, 404/72, 404/73, 256/1
• US Class Current: 404/73
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 10/04 for storing or handling self-service hand-carts or baskets
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 3/1404 Means for facilitating stowing or transporting of the trolleys; Antitheft arrangements B62B5/0423 takes precedence

Abstract

A self-guiding shopping cart collection, storage, and retrieval system is provided which is integrated into the parking lot construction. A collection channel is adjacent and parallel to a row of parking spaces which is formed as an inset trough configured to allow rolling translation of a shopping cart to a collection end. The collection channel has a generally planar floor and at least one inclined side bank with the floor being downwardly linearly inclined toward the collection end. Lateral feed channels intersect with the collection channel which are configured to allow rolling translation of a shopping cart from the parking lot into the collection channel. Thus, shopping carts from the parking lot are introduced into the lateral feed channels at the parking lot level and guided therethrough into the collection channel.

Claims

1. A method for providing a self-guiding shopping cart collection, storage, and retrieval system in a parking lot, comprising:

providing at least one array of a plurality of demarcated parking spaces arranged as a row having a length, wherein each of the parking spaces has demarcation lines on either side defining a plurality of aisle ways between the plurality of parking spaces;

providing a collection channel adjacent to and parallel to the row formed as an inset trough of a rigid material set into a substrate;

the collection channel being configured to allow rolling translation of a shopping cart along the length of the row to a collection end, wherein the collection channel has a generally planar floor and at least one linearly inclined side bank having a lower edge contiguous to the floor of the collection channel and an upper edge contiguous to the parking lot wherein the floor is downwardly linearly inclined toward the collection end;

attaching a plurality of barrier units having a quadrilateral configuration to at least one of the opposing side banks wherein the barrier units are aligned with each of the plurality of parking spaces, each of the barrier units including a front curb portion adjacent to the floor of the collection channel and opposing side curb portions aligned with the demarcation lines; and

providing an oppositely sloping ramp whereby shopping carts in the collection channel can be pushed up the ramp to the parking lot, whereby the barrier units define a plurality of lateral feed channels intersecting with the collection channel and aligned with the aisle ways whereby shopping carts from the parking lot are introduced into the lateral feed channels and guided therethrough by the opposing side banks into the collection channel.

2. A method of claim 1, wherein said barriers are formed from concrete.

3. A method of claim 1, wherein said barriers are formed from molded rubber.

4. A method of claim 1, wherein said barriers are formed from molded plastic.

5. A method of claim 1, wherein said barriers are formed from molded recycled materials.

6. A method of claim 1, wherein said barriers are formed from wood.

7. A method of claim 1, wherein said barriers are formed from metal.

8. A method for collecting, storing, and retrieving shopping carts in a parking lot, comprising:

providing at least one shopping cart having a set of wheels for rolling translation;

providing at least one array of a plurality of demarcated auto parking spaces arranged as a row having a length, wherein each of the parking spaces has demarcation lines on either side defining a plurality of aisle ways between the plurality of parking spaces;

providing a plurality of barrier units having a quadrilateral configuration aligned with each of the plurality of parking spaces, whereby the barrier units define a plurality of lateral feed channels intersecting with a collection channel;

translating said at least one shopping cart adjacent to one of said plurality of barrier units;

providing said collection channel adjacent to and parallel to said row formed as an inset trough of a rigid material set into a substrate;

said collection channel being configured to allow rolling translation of a shopping cart along the length of the row to a collection end, wherein the collection channel has a generally planar floor and at least one linearly inclined side bank having a lower edge contiguous to the floor of the collection channel and an upper edge contiguous to the parking lot wherein the floor is downwardly linearly inclined toward the collection end;

introducing said at least one shopping cart into said collection channel and releasing said shopping cart for rolling translation toward said collection end of said collection channel;

providing an oppositely sloping retrieval ramp connected to said collection channel;

storing said at least one shopping cart between said collection channel and said retrieval ramp; and

retrieving said at least one shopping cart in the collection channel by pushing said at least one shopping cart up said retrieval ramp to the parking lot.