Checkout counter with pivoted cash register

Claim 2

In a checkstand system for self-service stores which have shopping carts supported on wheels for use by patrons in accumulating merchandise from different parts of the store and for transportation of the selected merchandise to the checkstand system for checking by a cashier, the combination comprising: first counter means for receiving the selected merchandise from said shopping carts; second counter means spaced from said first counter means a distance equal to at least the width of one of said shopping carts, the space between said counters defining a shopping cart unloading zone whereby said patron may push one of said shopping carts into said zone for purposes of having the selected merchandise therein removed from said one shopping cart, checked by said cashier and placed on said first counter means; a cash register supporting means mounted on said seconD counter means and arranged for pivotal movement toward said zone to position said cash register closely adjacent said shopping cart to permit said cashier to remove the selected merchandise from the shopping cart, register the cost thereof on said cash register and place same on said first counter means, said supporting means being then pivotal away from said shopping cart unloading zone for removing said cash register from said position closely adjacent said shopping cart to permit said shopping cart to move through said spacing between said first counter means and said second counter means for removal thereof from said unloading zone.

Claim 3

The checkstand system defined in claim 1, wherein said shopping cart unloading zone comprises a recess in said first counter means open on at least two sides, one of said open sides defining an entrance for said shopping carts into said unloading zone and the other of said open sides defining an exit from said unloading zone.

Claim 4

The checkstand system defined in claim 1, wherein said second counter means comprises a stationary base spaced from said first counter means said distance equal to at least the width of said one shopping cart and said supporting means includes a platform pivotably secured to said stationary base, said platform having said cash register mountable thereon and pivotable therewith.

Claim 5

The checkstand system defined in claim 3, including at least one stop for limiting the pivotal movement of said platform.

Claim 6

The checkstand system defined in claim 4, including bearings mounted on said base for supporting said platform for pivotal movement.

Claim 7

The checkstand system defined in claim 4, including magnetic coupling means mounted on said base and said platform for coupling said platform to said base when said platform is positioned closely adjacent said shopping cart.

Claim 8

In a checkstand system for self-service stores which have shopping carts supported on wheels for use by patrons in accumulating merchandise from different parts of the store and for transportation of the selected merchandise to the checkstand system for checking by a cashier, the combination comprising: first counter means for receiving the selected merchandise from said shopping carts, said first counter means including means defining part of a boundary for a shopping cart unloading zone; second counter means adjacent the shopping cart unloading zone and spaced from said first counter means a distance equal to at least the width of one of said shopping carts, said second counter means including means movable between first and second positions to alternatively define the remaining boundary for said shopping cart unloading zone and an exit passageway between said first counter means and second counter means; and whereby when a shopping cart is moved into said shopping cart unloading zone, said movable means on said second counter means may be moved to said first position to close the passageway between said first counter means and said second counter means and to define the remaining boundary for said shopping cart unloading zone to permit the selected merchandise in said shopping cart to be removed from said shopping cart and placed onto the first counter means, said movable means on said second counter means being further movable to said second position at the completion of the checking of the selected merchandise to open said passageway between said first counter means and said second counter means for purposes of permitting a removal of said shopping cart from said shopping cart unloading zone.

Claim 9

In a checkstand system for self-service stores which have shopping carts supported on wheels for use by patrons in accumulating merchandise from different parts of the store and for transportation of the selected merchandise to the checkstand system for checking by a cashier, the combination comprising: first counter means for receiving the selected merchandise from said shopping carts, said first counter means including means defining part of a boundary for a shopping cart unloading zone; second counter means adjacent the shopping cart unloading zone and spaced from said first counter means a distance equal to at least the width of one of said shopping carts, said second counter means including means movable between first and second positions to alternatively define the remaining boundary for said shopping cart unloading zone and an exit passageway between said first counter means and second counter means; and whereby when a shopping cart is moved into said shopping cart unloading zone, said movable means on said second counter means may be moved to said first position to close the passageway between said first counter means and said second counter means and to define the remaining boundary for said shopping cart unloading zone to permit the selected merchandise in said shopping cart to be removed from said shopping cart and placed onto the first counter means, said movable means on said second counter means being further movable to said second position at the completion of the checking of the selected merchandise to open said passageway between said first counter means and said second counter means for purposes of permitting a removal of said shopping cart from said shopping cart unloading zone.

Claim 10

The device defined in claim 1, including also a trough arranged along the side of the first counter facing the second counter for reception of an upwardly opening bag whereby the cashier can from a single location remove merchandise from the shopping cart, check same by use of the cash register and place same in such bag.

Claim 11

The device defined in claim 1, including an upwardly opening, elongated trough arranged along the sIde of said first counter facing said second counter for the reception therein of an upwardly opening bag together with a compartment and dispensing means within said first counter adjacent said trough whereby a cashier may from a single station unload merchandise from a cart positioned within said unloading zone, check same by use of a cash register positioned on said supporting means, transfer a bag from said storage compartment into said trough and place such merchandise in said bag.