US4242668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cart theft prevention system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-04-30
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Granted: 1980-12-30
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Expires: 1999-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A shopping cart theft prevention system which includes signal sending means and a receiver carried by the cart for receiving a cart-immobilizing or cart-mobilizing signal from the transmitter. The cart includes a frame and a sub-frame pivoted to the frame and bearing spaced cart-supporting wheels, the sub-frame being connected to the frame by a latch. The latch is opened whenever a signal is received from the transmitter by a receiver attached to the cart. Alternatively, a signal can be sent to keep the latch closed, and upon removal of the signal, the latch can be opened. The cart may carry a battery operated solenoid triggered by the radio signal. The plunger of the solenoid may comprise or activate a crossbar on the latch. Thus, when the solenoid is operated, the crossbar is moved so that the latch is open or closed, allowing the sub-frame and associated wheels to automatically swing out of operative position when open, thereby immobilizing the cart.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter Herzog
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:58
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62B; B62B5/00; B62B5/04; B62B5/0404; B62B5/0423; B62B3/00; B62B3/14; B62B3/1404
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An improved cart theft prevention system, said system comprising, in combination: a. signal sending means; and b. at least one cart having a signal receiving means secured thereto which is adapted to receive a signal from said sending means while at a distance therefrom, said cart comprising, in combination: i. a frame adapted to support and contain a load, ii. a sub-frame adjacent said frame and bearing spaced cart-supporting wheels, iii. pivot means pivotally securing one end of said sub-frame to said frame, and iiii. latch means spaced from said pivot means, secured to said frame and sub-frame and releasably securing said sub-frame to said frame. c. said signal receiving means on said cart connected to said latch means and responsive to a signal from said signal sending means, said signal controlling movement of said latch means so as to enable movement of the sub-frame and the wheels on said sub-frame into a cart-immobilizing position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An improved cart theft prevention system, said system comprising, in combination: a. signal sending means; and b. at least one cart having a signal receiving means secured thereto which is adapted to receive a signal from said sending means while at a distance therefrom, said cart comprising, in combination: i. a frame adapted to support and contain a load, ii. a sub-frame adjacent said frame and bearing spaced cart-supporting wheels, iii. pivot means pivotally securing one end of said sub-frame to said frame, and iiii. latch means spaced from said pivot means, secured to said frame and sub-frame and releasably securing said sub-frame to said frame. c. said signal receiving means on said cart connected to said latch means and responsive to a signal from said signal sending means, said signal controlling movement of said latch means so as to enable movement of the sub-frame and the wheels on said sub-frame into a cart-immobilizing position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 1 wherein said signal sending means is a radio signal transmitter and wherein said cart is a shopping cart.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 1 wherein said signal sending means is a sound signal emitter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 2 wherein said cart bears a storage battery, wherein said sub-frame is disposed under said frame adjacent one end of said cart and wherein said frame bears other cart-supporting wheels spaced from said sub-frame wheels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 4 wherein said sub-frame is at the front end of said cart and said pivot means is at the rear end of said sub-frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 5 wherein said sub-frame bears a depending bumper which moves with said sub-frame into contact with the ground when said latch means is released, so as to facilitate said cart immobilization.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 6 wherein said sub-frame includes a tongue extending from the front end thereof and releasably held by said latch means wherein said cart includes a solenoid, and wherein said latch means includes a metallic crossbar attractable by said solenoid and releasably securing said tongue to said frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 7 wherein said cart includes a battery connected to said solenoid, wherein said radio receiving means is disposed in a case secure to said frame and includes a radio signal activatable switch connected to said battery, and wherein said tongue is releasably pinned to said case by said crossbar.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 2 wherein said system includes a plurality of said carts and wherein said radio signal sending means is a short range transmitter for use at shopping cart lot exits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 9 wherein said sub-frame wheels are concealed by said frame, wherein said shopping cart is of the push cart type, and wherein said pivoting of said sub-frame upon said latch release tilts said sub-frame wheels to an inoperative position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 10 wherein said system includes key means for resetting said latch release means to a sub-frame-supporting, wheel-operating position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improved cart theft prevention system of claim 11 wherein said cart includes a front bumper depending from said frame and engaging the ground when said cart is immobilized.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improved cart prevention system of claim 1 wherein said signal causes said latch means to open.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improved cart prevention system of claim 1 wherein the presence of said signal maintains said latch in a closed position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-30 | 1984-06-30 | 1984-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-30 | 1988-06-30 | 1988-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-30 | 1992-06-30 | 1992-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |