Caster-lock with dual receivers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A locking system for disabling a vehicle to prevent its removal from a defined area which comprises:
- a braking mechanism mounted on the vehicle to prevent movement of the vehicle when the braking mechanism is activated;
a first receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving a first signal;
a second receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving a second signal; and
a controller respectively connected to the first receiver, to the second receiver and to the braking mechanism for receiving the first and second signals and selectively activating the locking mechanism in response thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A locking system for stopping a shopping cart includes a caster that can be selectively disabled when the cart encounters an electronic barrier. The caster includes a brake that is mounted on the frame of the caster. Also mounted on the frame are two receivers for separately receiving different signals from an electronic barrier. Respective decoders on the frame decipher lock commands in the signals, and a controller selectively activates the brake to prevent further movement of the cart in response to the lock commands. The electronic barrier can include an underground loop antenna and an above-ground RF beacon.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A locking system for disabling a vehicle to prevent its removal from a defined area which comprises:
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a braking mechanism mounted on the vehicle to prevent movement of the vehicle when the braking mechanism is activated; a first receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving a first signal; a second receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving a second signal; and a controller respectively connected to the first receiver, to the second receiver and to the braking mechanism for receiving the first and second signals and selectively activating the locking mechanism in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A caster for use on a shopping cart which comprises:
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a swivel frame attached to the cart for rotation thereof about a first axis; a wheel for moving the cart, wherein the wheel is mounted on the frame for rotation about a second axis, and wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis; a brake means mounted on the frame for stopping a rotation of the wheel to disable the cart and prevent further movement thereof; a first receiver mounted on the frame for receiving a first signal; a second receiver mounted on the frame for receiving a second signal; and a controller respectively connected to the first receiver, to the second receiver and to the brake means for receiving the first and second signals and selectively activating the brake means in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for manufacturing a caster for use on a shopping cart which comprises the steps of:
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attaching a swivel frame to the cart for rotation of the frame about a first axis; mounting a wheel on the frame for moving the cart, the wheel being mounted for rotation about a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis; locating brake means on the frame to stop a rotation of the wheel and disable the cart to prevent further movement of the cart; affixing a first receiver to the frame for receiving a first signal and a second receiver to the frame for receiving a second signal; positioning a controller on the frame; and connecting the controller to the first receiver, to the second receiver and to the brake means for receiving the first and second signals and selectively activating the brake means in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification