U.S. patent application number 10/965281 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for cart coupler assembly for cart collection machines.
Invention is credited to Holtan, Paul D., Johnson, Daniel T..
Application Number | 20050116431 10/965281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34465277 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050116431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holtan, Paul D. ; et
al. |
June 2, 2005 |
Cart coupler assembly for cart collection machines
Abstract
The present invention is an improved cart coupler assembly for
use on a shopping cart retriever vehicle. The cart coupler assembly
provides a means for connecting shopping carts to the cart
retriever vehicle. The cart coupler assembly may employ an actuator
to move yokes into position to enable the yokes to engage shopping
cart members. The cart coupler assembly may employ the upwardly
facing concave surfaces of U-shaped yokes to engage the rear wheels
of a shopping cart. In the place of yokes, the cart coupler
assembly may utilize a shopping cart emulator that emulates one or
more portions or features of a shopping cart in order to facilitate
the engagement of the coupler assembly to a shopping cart.
Inventors: |
Holtan, Paul D.; (Savage,
MN) ; Johnson, Daniel T.; (Wayzata, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Family ID: |
34465277 |
Appl. No.: |
10/965281 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60511786 |
Oct 15, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/33.992 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 3/1404 20130101;
B62B 5/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/033.992 |
International
Class: |
B62D 039/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cart coupler assembly for a shopping cart retriever vehicle
comprising: an actuator; and at least one yoke connected with said
actuator, and wherein said actuator engages said at least one yoke
with a shopping cart.
2. The cart coupler assembly of claim 1, wherein said actuator
further comprises: a driver device; and at least one extension
member connected with said driver device.
3. The cart coupler assembly of claim 2, wherein said driver device
comprises an electric motor.
4. The cart coupler assembly of claim 2, wherein said at least one
yoke is connected with said at least one extension member.
5. The cart coupler assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one
yoke is defined by a mounting portion connected with a jaw
portion.
6. The cart coupler assembly of claim 5, wherein said mounting
portion includes a plurality of mounting holes for connecting said
at least one yoke to said actuator.
7. The cart coupler assembly of claim 5, wherein said jaw portion
includes a slot.
8. The cart coupler assembly of claim 7, wherein said slot is
configured to engage a shopping cart.
9. The cart coupler assembly of claim 8, further comprising at
least one locking pin releasably connected with said jaw portion
across said slot.
10. The cart coupler assembly of claim 7, wherein said slot is
configured to engage a vertical rear member of a shopping cart.
11. The cart coupler assembly of claim 7, wherein said slot is
configured to engage a horizontal rear member of a shopping
cart.
12. The cart coupler assembly of claim 7, wherein said slot is
configured to engage a rear wheel fork member of a shopping
cart.
13. The cart coupler assembly of claim 5, wherein said jaw portion
is configured to support a rear wheel of a shopping cart.
14. The cart coupler assembly of claim 13, wherein said jaw portion
is defined by an upwardly facing concave surface.
15. The cart coupler assembly of claim 13, further comprising a
locking pin connected across said jaw portion.
16. The cart coupler assembly of claim 13, wherein said jaw portion
includes at least one flange positioned against a side of the rear
wheel of the shopping cart.
17. A cart coupler assembly for a shopping cart retriever vehicle
comprising: an actuator having a first extension arm and a second
extension arm; a first yoke defined by a first mounting portion and
a first jaw portion; a second yoke defined by a second mounting
portion and a second jaw portion; and wherein said first mounting
portion is connected with said first extension arm and said second
mounting portion is connected with said second extension arm, and
wherein said actuator engages said first jaw portion and said
second jaw portion with a shopping cart.
18. The cart coupler assembly of claim 17, wherein said actuator
further comprises a driver device to move said first extension arm
and said second extension arm.
19. The cart coupler assembly of claim 18, wherein said driver
device comprises an electric motor.
20. The cart coupler assembly of claim 17, wherein said first
mounting portion and said second mounting portion each include a
plurality of mounting holes.
21. The cart coupler assembly of claim 17, wherein said first jaw
portion includes a first slot and said second jaw portion includes
a second slot.
22. The cart coupler assembly of claim 21, wherein said first slot
and said second slot are configured to engage a shopping cart.
23. The cart coupler assembly of claim 22, further comprising at
least one locking pin releasably connected with said first jaw
portion across said first slot.
24. The cart coupler assembly of claim 22, wherein said first slot
and said second slot are configured to engage a horizontal rear
member of a shopping cart.
25. The cart coupler assembly of claim 22, wherein said first slot
and said second slot are configured to engage rear wheel fork
members of a shopping cart.
26. The cart coupler assembly of claim 22, wherein said first jaw
portion and said second jaw portion are configured to support rear
wheels of a shopping cart.
27. The cart coupler assembly of claim 26, wherein said first jaw
portion and said second jaw portion are defined by upwardly facing
concave surfaces.
28. The cart coupler assembly of claim 27, further comprising at
least one locking pin releasably connected across said first jaw
portion.
29. A cart coupler assembly for a cart retriever vehicle
comprising: at least one mounting bracket; and a cart emulator
connected to said at least one mounting bracket, and wherein said
cart emulator is adapted engage a shopping cart by emulating at
least a portion of a shopping cart.
30. The cart coupler assembly of claim 29, wherein said cart
emulator comprises: at least a portion of a shopping cart including
a rear frame member; and wherein said rear frame member is
connected with said at least one mounting bracket.
31. The cart coupler assembly of claim 30, further comprising an
actuator, wherein said at least one mounting bracket is connected
with said actuator.
32. The cart coupler assembly of claim 30, wherein said rear frame
member is welded to said at least one mounting bracket.
33. The cart coupler assembly of claim 29, wherein said cart
emulator comprises: a left rear member; a right rear member; a left
member; a right member; a forward left member; a forward right
member; and a cross member, and wherein said left member is
connected with said left rear member and said left forward member,
said right member is connected with said right rear member and said
right forward member, and said cross member is movably connected
with said left forward member and said right forward member.
34. The cart retriever vehicle of claim 33, wherein said cross
member has an inner perimeter large enough to fit around said outer
perimeters of the right forward member and said left forward member
so that said right forward member and said left forward member can
slide in and out of said cross member.
35. The cart retriever vehicle of claim 34, further comprising an
actuator connected with said left rear member and said right rear
member.
36. The cart retriever vehicle of claim 35, wherein said actuator
adjusts a distance between said right member and said left
member.
37. The cart retriever vehicle of claim 29, wherein said emulator
comprises first and second longitudinal members extending forwardly
away from the vehicle, wherein said members are generally parallel
to each other and at least one of said members is adapted to
displace laterally relative to the other member.
38. A cart retriever vehicle comprising: a means for engaging a
first shopping cart; and a means for adjusting a size of said means
for engaging said first shopping cart.
39. The cart retriever vehicle of claim 38, wherein said means for
engaging said shopping cart comprises a cart emulator connected
with at least one mounting plate.
40. A cart coupler assembly for coupling a shopping cart to a
shopping cart retriever vehicle, wherein the shopping cart includes
first and second vertical frame members, the coupler assembly
comprising: a first yoke adapted to engage the first vertical frame
member; and a second yoke adapted to engage the second vertical
frame member, wherein the first yoke displaces laterally relative
to the shopping cart retriever vehicle when the yokes engage or
disengage the vertical frame members.
41. The cart coupler assembly of claim 40, wherein a distance
between the first and second yokes increases as the yokes engage
the vertical frame members.
42. The cart coupler assembly of claim 40, wherein a distance
between the first and second yokes decreases as the yokes engage
the vertical frame members.
43. The cart coupler of claim 40, wherein the second yoke also
displaces laterally relative to the shopping cart retriever vehicle
when the yokes engage or disengage the vertical frame members.
44. The cart coupler of claim 43, wherein the yokes displace
laterally in the same direction when engaging or disengaging the
vertical frame members.
45. The cart coupler assembly of claim 40, wherein each yoke
includes a jaw portion defining a slot with an open end for
receiving a vertical frame member.
46. The cart coupler assembly of claim 45, wherein the open end of
each slot of each yoke faces in the same direction.
47. The cart coupler assembly of claim 45, wherein the open end of
the slot of the first yoke faces away from the open end of the slot
of the second yoke.
48. The cart coupler assembly of claim 45, wherein the open end of
the slot of the first yoke faces towards the open end of the slot
of the second yoke.
49. The cart coupler assembly of claim 45, wherein each yoke
further includes a pin portion that is extendable across the slot
of the respective yoke.
50. The cart coupler assembly of claim 40, wherein each vertical
frame member is at least a portion of a wheel fork.
51. The cart coupler assembly of claim 40, further comprising an
actuator operably coupled to the first yoke and adapted to cause
the first yoke to displace.
52. A cart coupler assembly for coupling a shopping cart to a
shopping cart retriever vehicle, wherein the shopping cart includes
a horizontal frame member, the coupler assembly comprising a yoke
adapted to engage the horizontal frame member, wherein the yoke is
displaceable vertically to engage or disengage the horizontal frame
member.
53. The cart coupler assembly of claim 52, wherein the yoke
includes a jaw portion defining a slot with an open end for
receiving the horizontal frame member.
54. The cart coupler assembly of claim 53, wherein the yoke further
includes a pin portion that is extendable across the slot.
55. The cart coupler assembly of claim 53, wherein the open end of
the slot faces generally upwards.
56. The cart coupler assembly of claim 52, further comprising an
actuator operably coupled to the yoke and adapted to cause the yoke
to displace.
57. The cart coupler assembly of claim 52, wherein the cart coupler
assembly is adapted to raise a rearmost wheel of the shopping cart
above a vehicle travel surface.
58. The cart coupler assembly of claim 52, wherein the yoke is also
displaceable laterally relative to the shopping cart retriever
vehicle.
59. A cart coupler assembly for coupling a shopping cart to a
shopping cart retriever vehicle, wherein the shopping cart includes
a wheel having an outer circumferential surface, the coupler
assembly comprising a yoke adapted to engage the wheel.
60. The cart coupler assembly of claim 59, wherein the yoke is
adapted to engage the outer circumferential surface of the
wheel.
61. The cart coupler assembly of claim 60, wherein the yoke
comprises a concave surface.
62. The cart coupler assembly of claim 61, wherein the concave
surface engages the outer circumferential surface of the wheel by
displacing axially towards the wheel.
63. The cart coupler assembly of claim 61, wherein the concave
surface engages the outer circumferential surface of the wheel by
tipping forward to scoop the wheel into the concave surface.
64. The cart coupler assembly of claim 61, wherein the concave
surface engages the outer circumferential surface of the wheel by
the wheel being elevated and placed into the concave surface.
65. The cart coupler of claim 59, wherein the yoke comprises a
locking pin adapted to maintain the wheel within the yoke.
66. The cart coupler of claim 65, wherein the locking pin passes
over an upper portion of the wheel.
67. The cart coupler of claim 66, wherein the locking pin passes
through a rear wheel fork member coupling the wheel to the shopping
cart.
68. The cart coupler of claim 66, wherein the yoke further
comprises a concave surface for engaging the outer circumferential
surface of the wheel and wherein the locking pin decreases an
effective diameter of the concave surface.
69. The cart coupler of claim 59, further comprising an actuator
adapted to bring about the engagement of the yoke with the
wheel.
70. The cart coupler of claim 59, wherein the cart coupler is
adapted to elevate the wheel above a vehicle travel surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
application No. 60/511,786, filed on Oct. 15, 2003, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices and methods for
assisting in the retrieval of wheeled shopping carts in parking
lots. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices
and methods for coupling shopping cart retrieval vehicles to
shopping carts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Retrieving shopping carts in large parking lots is primarily
a manual task. Workers push or pull a column of stacked wheeled
shopping carts from various collection areas located throughout the
parking lots. The longer the column of carts being pushed or
pulled, the more difficult it becomes to control. Even with more
than one worker, the collecting and guiding of long columns of
carts is difficult and time consuming. Furthermore, in large
parking lots, workers must push or pull the column of carts great
distances. The retrieval task can be physically exhausting and may
result in injury to the workers. Carts also can be damaged as the
workers struggle to push or pull long columns to the store
door.
[0004] The difficulties associated with manual retrieval of
shopping carts led to the development of motorized cart retriever
vehicles for pulling or pushing columns of shopping carts through
parking lots in a train-like fashion. Examples of such motorized
shopping cart retrievers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,694
to Schugt et al., which issued Aug. 10, 1999, and U.S. Pat. No.
6,220,379 to Schugt et al., which issued Apr. 24, 2001. Both of
these patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties into the present application.
[0005] As shown in prior art FIG. 1, which a perspective view of a
prior art motorized shopping cart retriever 2, the retriever 2 is
provided with a shopping cart coupler assembly 4 mounted on an end
of the retriever 2 (e.g., the front end 6 of the retriever 2). As
indicated in prior art FIG. 2, which is an enlarged view of the
cart coupler assembly 4 depicted in FIG. 1, the cart coupler
assembly 4 includes a jaw bar 8 having two arcuate jaws 10 located
on opposite ends of the jaw bar 8. The jaws 10 are oriented such
that their openings face the same direction.
[0006] As can be understood from prior art FIG. 2, to engage the
prior art cart coupler assembly 4 with a first shopping cart 12,
the rear of the first shopping cart 12 is positioned so that the
vertical rear frame members 14 are resting against the coupler
assembly 4. The first shopping cart 12 is then manually slid
sideways to cause the vertical rear frame members 14 to engage both
jaws 10. A locking pin 16 is pushed across the open portion of a
jaw 10 to secure the first shopping cart 12 to the cart coupler
assembly 4. As additional carts are collected, they are stacked
into the first shopping cart 12 that is secured to the cart coupler
assembly 4. Stray carts are added to the front of the line as the
collecting work proceeds.
[0007] While the prior art coupler assembly 4 is useful and
functional, it is not compatible with all shopping cart
configurations. Also, the prior art coupler assembly 4 requires an
operator to manually move the shopping cart 12 into engagement with
the coupler assembly 4.
[0008] There is a need in the art for a cart coupler assembly that
is more readily attachable to a greater number of shopping cart
configurations and requires less manual effort by an operator to
couple to a shopping cart. There is also a need in the art for a
method of attaching a cart coupler assembly to a shopping cart that
is less manually intensive for an operator.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a cart coupler assembly for
use on shopping cart retriever vehicles. Cart retriever vehicles
are known in the art and the cart coupler assemblies according to
the present invention provide user-friendly ways to connect
shopping cart to shopping cart retriever vehicles. One embodiment
of the present invention utilizes an actuator to move various
embodiments of yokes into various positions to engage a plurality
of shopping cart members. In another embodiment, shopping carts are
connected with the cart coupler assembly by placing the rear wheels
of the shopping cart on upwardly facing concave surfaces of
U-shaped yokes. In yet another embodiment, the cart coupler
assembly emulates a shopping cart by having a modified shopping
cart connected with the cart retriever vehicle. Another embodiment
of the present invention emulates a shopping cart by having various
members extending from the cart retriever vehicle to engage other
shopping carts.
[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a cart coupler
assembly for a shopping cart retriever vehicle includes an actuator
and at least one yoke connected with the actuator. The actuator can
also include a driver device and at least one extension member
connected with the driver device. The at least one yoke can be
defined by a mounting portion connected with a jaw portion. In one
embodiment, the jaw portion includes a slot. The jaw portion can
also be defined by an upwardly facing concave surface.
[0011] In another form, the present invention provides a cart
coupler assembly for a shopping cart retriever vehicle including an
actuator, a first yoke and a second yoke. The actuator has a first
extension arm and a second extension arm. The first yoke is defined
by a first mounting portion and a first jaw portion. The second
yoke is defined by a second mounting portion and a second jaw
portion. The first yoke is connected with the first extension arm
and the second yoke is connected with the second extension arm.
[0012] In yet another form, the cart coupler assembly for a cart
retriever vehicle includes at least one mounting bracket and a cart
emulator connected with the at least one mounting bracket. In one
embodiment, the cart emulator is at least a portion of a shopping
cart. In another embodiment, the emulator emulates at least a
portion or a feature of a shopping cart. In either case, the
emulator facilitates the engagement of the shopping cart to the
cart retriever.
[0013] The features, utilities, and advantages of various
embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following
more particular description of embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art motorized
shopping cart retriever that has a shopping cart coupler assembly
mounted on its front end.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the cart coupler assembly
depicted in FIG. 1 and engaged with a first shopping cart.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via an outward capture
configuration of the improved cart coupler assembly.
[0017] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 3A.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via an inward capture
configuration of the improved cart coupler assembly.
[0019] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 4A.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via an outward capture
configuration of the improved cart coupler assembly that further
employs a U-pin at each jaw portion.
[0021] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 5A.
[0022] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the yoke assemblies used in
the outward capture embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0023] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the yoke assemblies used in
an inward capture embodiment of the cart coupler assembly depicted
in FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0024] FIG. 5E is a front elevation of a yoke assembly with the jaw
portion located at the bottom edge of the mounting portion.
[0025] FIG. 5F is a front elevation of a yoke assembly of FIG. 5E
inverted with the jaw bottom located at the uppermost part of the
mounting portion.
[0026] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via a side engagement
configuration of the improved cart coupler assembly that, in one
embodiment, further employs a U-pin at each jaw portion.
[0027] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 6A.
[0028] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the yoke assemblies used in
the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A-6B.
[0029] FIG. 6D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
yoke assemblies depicted in FIGS. 6A-6B.
[0030] FIG. 6E is a front elevation of a yoke assembly illustrating
that the jaw portion may be located at the bottom edge of the
mounting portion.
[0031] FIG. 6F is a front elevation of a yoke assembly illustrating
that the yoke assembly may be inverted such that the jaw portion is
located at the top of the mounting portion.
[0032] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart at the rear wheel fork
members via an outward capture configuration of the improved cart
coupler assembly.
[0033] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 7A.
[0034] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the yoke assemblies used in
the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7A-7B.
[0035] FIG. 7D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
yoke assemblies depicted in FIGS. 7A-7B.
[0036] FIG. 7E is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
yoke assemblies depicted in FIGS. 7A-7B.
[0037] FIG. 7F is a side elevation of the yokes of FIGS. 7C-7D as
viewed from the second and left edges of the left yoke.
[0038] FIG. 7G is a side elevation of the yokes of FIG. 7E as
viewed from the second and left edges of the left yoke.
[0039] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via a drop-in configuration
of the improved cart coupler assembly.
[0040] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 8A.
[0041] FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the yoke assemblies used in
the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A-8B.
[0042] FIG. 8D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
yoke assemblies depicted in FIGS. 8A-8B.
[0043] FIG. 8E is a side elevation view of the yoke assemblies
depicted in FIGS. 8C-8D.
[0044] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the rear end of the
retriever wherein the retriever is attached to a shopping cart via
a U-shaped jaw configuration of the improved cart coupler
assembly.
[0045] FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 9A.
[0046] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the front end 6 of the
retriever attached to the shopping cart via a variation of the
U-shaped jaw configuration depicted in FIGS. 9A-9B.
[0047] FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 9C.
[0048] FIG. 9E is a side elevation of a concaved-shaped (i.e.,
U-shaped) yoke as depicted in FIGS. 9A-9B.
[0049] FIG. 9F is a front elevation of the yoke depicted in FIG.
9E.
[0050] FIG. 9G is an enlarged side elevation of a flange forming
part of the yoke depicted in FIG. 9E.
[0051] FIG. 9H is a front elevation of another version of the yoke
depicted in FIG. 9E.
[0052] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via a configuration of the
improved cart coupler assembly that employs a modified shopping
cart attached to the assembly.
[0053] FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 10A.
[0054] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via a configuration of the
improved cart coupler assembly that employs a cart emulator
attached to the assembly.
[0055] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 11A.
[0056] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via a configuration of the
improved cart coupler assembly that employs a cart emulator
provided with a tooth member.
[0057] FIG. 11D is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 11C.
[0058] FIG. 11E is another enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 11C.
[0059] FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the front end of the
retriever attached to a shopping cart via a configuration of the
improved cart coupler assembly that employs a cart emulator
provided with cushions.
[0060] FIG. 11G is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
connecting to the shopping cart as depicted in FIG. 11F.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] The present invention, in one embodiment, is an improved
cart coupler assembly 4 for use on a motorized shopping cart
retriever 2. The cart coupler assembly 4 of the present invention
provides for improved connection between a shopping cart 12 and a
retriever 2. More specifically, the cart coupler 4 of the present
invention is compatible with a greater number of shopping cart
configurations and is less manually intensive to utilize as
compared to the prior art cart couplers.
[0062] Several embodiments of the improved cart coupler assembly 4
of the present invention are discussed with reference to the
following figures, FIGS. 3A-11G. When referring to these figures,
directional references (e.g., right and left) are made with respect
to a reference point defined when facing the front end 6 of the
retriever 2. With respect to drawings that do not depict the
retriever 2, directional references (e.g., right and left) are made
with respect to the drawing sheet.
[0063] For a discussion of one embodiment of the improved cart
coupler assembly 4, reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3B. FIG. 3A
is a perspective view of the front end 6 of the retriever 2
attached to a shopping cart 12 via an outward capture configuration
of the improved cart coupler assembly 4. FIG. 3B is an enlarged
view of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping cart 12
as depicted in FIG. 3A.
[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the outward capture
configuration of the cart coupler assembly 4 includes an actuator
20, a right yoke 22, and a left yoke 22. The actuator 20 includes a
first extension member 24 and a second extension member 26
connected with a driver device 28. The driver device 28 is used to
extend and retract the first extension member 24 and the second
extension member 26 relative to each other in opposite horizontal
directions parallel to a travel surface upon which the retriever 2
and the first shopping cart 12 roll. Various configurations of the
driver device 28 can be utilized to achieve desired extension and
retraction motions of the first extension member 24 and the second
extension member 26. For example, the driver device 28 can include
an electric motor coupled with gears to actuate the extension
members 24, 26. In another example, the driver device 28 utilizes
an electric motor coupled with a hydraulic pump and piston
arrangement to extend and retract the extension members 24, 26. In
another example, the driver 28 utilizes an electric motor coupled
with sheaves to actuate the extension members 24, 26 via cables
and/or belts. Other driver devices 28 can be used that do not
require electric motors, such as configurations that utilize
solenoids, magnets, compressed air, or other gases. The use of the
actuator 20, or similar device, provides an operator friendly
method of attaching and removing the first shopping cart 12 to the
retriever 2. In addition, some actuator embodiments maintain a
restraining force on the yokes 22 to minimize the likelihood that
the first shopping cart 12 will become disengaged from the cart
coupler 4 assembly during use.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the right yoke 22 and the left yoke
22 each include a mounting portion 30 connected with a jaw portion
10. A slot 32 defining an open angle is located in the jaw portion
10. The open angle shape of the slot 10 allows different sizes of
vertical rear frame members 14 or other components of the first
shopping cart 12 to be secured to the cart coupler assembly 4. The
mounting portion 30 of the right yoke 22 is connected with the
first extension member 24, and the mounting portion 30 of the left
yoke 22 is connected with the second extension member 26. A
plurality of mounting holes 34 is also located in the mounting
portion 30 for bolting the yokes 22 to the extension members 24,
26. The locations of the plurality of mounting holes 34 allow the
yokes 22 to be connected with the actuator 20 to accommodate
varying side-to-side spacing and mounting heights of different
shopping carts 12. The yokes 22 may also be inverted for additional
positions to adapt to various shapes of different shopping carts
12. Other embodiments of the present invention utilize yokes 22
that are permanently connected with the actuator 20. As discussed
in more detail below, various yoke configurations can be utilized
so that the jaw portions 10 can attach to other components of the
first shopping cart 12 in addition to the vertical rear frame
members 14.
[0066] To connect the first shopping cart 12 with the retriever 2
indicated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the operator uses the actuator 20 to
retract the right yoke 22 and the left yoke 22 inward toward each
other until the slots 32 on the right yoke 22 and the left yoke 22
can fit between the vertical rear frame members 14 of the first
shopping cart 12. The first shopping cart 12 is then placed into
position relative to the retriever 2 so that the vertical rear
frame members 14 are located outside of each slot 32. The operator
then uses the actuator 20 to move the right yoke 22 and the left
yoke 22 in opposite directions relative to each other outwardly
until the slots 32 located in the jaw portions 10 engage the
vertical rear frame members 14 of the first shopping cart 12. Once
the first shopping cart 12 is connected with the retriever 2,
additional carts can be stacked to the first shopping cart 12.
[0067] For a discussion of another embodiment of the improved cart
coupler assembly 4, reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4B. FIG. 4A
is a perspective view of the front end 6 of the retriever 2
attached to a shopping cart 12 via an inward capture configuration
of the improved cart coupler assembly 4. FIG. 4B is an enlarged
view of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping cart 12
as depicted in FIG. 4A.
[0068] As indicated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the right yoke 22 and the left
yoke 22 are configured such that the slots 32 located on the jaw
portions face inwardly toward each other. In this configuration,
the first shopping cart 12 is connected to the retriever 2 by the
operator first using the actuator 20 to move the right yoke 22 and
the left yoke 22 in opposite directions outwardly to positions
until the vertical rear frame members 14 of the first shopping cart
12 can fit between the slots 32. The first shopping cart 12 is then
placed into position relative to the retriever 2 with the vertical
rear frame members 14 of the first shopping cart 12 located inside
of each slot 32. The operator then uses the actuator 20 to move the
right yoke 22 and the left yoke 22 inwardly until the slots 32
engage the vertical rear frame members 14 of the first shopping
cart 12.
[0069] For a discussion of two more embodiment of the improved cart
coupler assembly 4, reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5D. FIG. 5A
is a perspective view of the front end 6 of the retriever 2
attached to a shopping cart 12 via an outward capture configuration
of the improved cart coupler assembly 4 that further employs a
U-pin 40 at each jaw portion. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the
coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping cart 12 as depicted
in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the yoke assemblies 22
used in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5A-5B. FIG. 5D is a
perspective view of the yoke assemblies 22 used in an inward
capture version of the cart coupler assembly 4 depicted in FIGS.
5A-5B.
[0070] As can be understood from FIGS. 5A-5D, the yoke embodiments
22 depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D are similar to the yokes 22 previously
discussed with reference to FIGS. 3A-4B, except that the yokes 22
shown in FIGS. 5A-5D include a U-pin 40 that helps secure the
vertical rear frame members 14 of the first shopping cart 12 inside
the slot 32 of the jaw portion 10. The U-pin 40, which is most
clearly depicted in FIG. 5C, has a generally circular cross section
and is defined by a first region 42, a second region 44, and a
third region 46. Clip holes 48 are located in the first region 42
and in the third region 46. The first region 42 is connected with
the second region 44 forming generally a right angle between the
two regions 42, 44. The second region 44 is connected with the
third region 46 forming generally a right angle between the two
regions 44, 46. A support platform 50 defining an upper surface and
a lower surface is connected with the third region 46.
[0071] For each of the yoke embodiments 22 depicted in FIGS. 5C-5D,
the mounting portion 30 is generally rectangular in shape and is
defined by a top edge 52, a bottom edge 54, a right edge 56, and a
left edge 58. Each jaw portion 10 is also generally rectangular in
shape and is defined by a first edge 60, a second edge 62, a third
edge 64, and a fourth edge 66 connected generally at right
angles.
[0072] As depicted in FIG. 5C, each of the two yokes 22 is
constructed such that the slot 32 located in the jaw portion 10
extends inwardly from the first edge 60 of the jaw portion 10. The
second edge 62 of the jaw portion 10 is connected with the bottom
edge 54 of the mounting portion 30 beginning at a point where the
bottom edge 54 intersects with the right edge 56. Each yoke 22 is a
mirror image of the other yoke 22.
[0073] As depicted in FIG. 5D, each of the two yokes 22 is
constructed such that the slot 32 located in the jaw portion 10
extends outwardly from the first edge 60 of the jaw portion 10. The
second edge 62 of the jaw portion 10 is connected with the bottom
edge 54 of the mounting portion 30 beginning at a point where the
bottom edge 54 intersects with the right edge 56. Again, each yoke
22 is a mirror image of the other yoke 22.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 5C-5D, the bottom edge 54 of the mounting
portion 30 is longer than the second edge 62 of the jaw portion 10.
As can be understood from FIG. 5C, when connected with the cart
coupler assembly 4 and arranged in the outward capture
configuration, the slots 32 of the yokes 22 face away from each
other. Similarly, as can be understood from FIG. 5D, when connected
with the cart coupler assembly 4 and arranged in the inward capture
configuration, the slots 32 of the yokes 22 face towards each
other.
[0075] The point of connection between the mounting portion 30 and
the jaw portion 10 may vary depending on the embodiment. For
example, as depicted in FIG. 5E, which is a front elevation of a
yoke assembly 22, the jaw portion 10 may be located at the bottom
edge 54 of the mounting portion 30. In another example, as depicted
in FIG. 5F, which is a front elevation of a yoke assembly 22, the
yoke 22 may be simply inverted such that the bottom edge 54 becomes
the top edge and the jaw portion 10 is located at the uppermost
part of the mounting portion 30. This adds flexibility to the
coupler assembly 4 that allows the jaws 10 to attach to various
shapes of different shopping carts 12. In one embodiment, the jaw
portion 10 may be connected to the top edge 52 of the mounting
portion 30. For each of FIGS. 5C-5F, preferred dimensions are
provided in the figure that correspond to the particular yoke
embodiment 22 depicted therein.
[0076] Although other configurations can be utilized, in one
embodiment, the plurality of mounting holes 34 in the mounting
portions 30 shown in FIGS. 5C-5F are arranged in three vertical
rows of three holes nearly spanning the length of the right and
left edges 56, 58 of the mounting portions 30. As illustrated in
FIGS. 5C-5D, in one embodiment, four pinholes 70 are also located
on the outside of the angled slot 32 in the jaw portions 10. Other
embodiments utilize alternative mounting hole 34 and pin hole 70
arrangements. As previously stated, the locations of the plurality
of mounting holes 34 allow the yokes 22 to be connected with the
cart coupler assembly 4 to accommodate varying side to side spacing
and mounting heights for different shopping carts 12.
[0077] As indicated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the U-pin 40 is connected with
the yoke 22 by inserting the first region 42 and third region 46
into corresponding pin holes 70 until the lower surface of the
support platform 50 rests against a top surface 72 of the jaw
portion 10. Once connected with the yoke 22, the clip holes 48 are
positioned below a bottom surface of the jaw portion 10. Clips 74
can then be inserted into the clip holes 48 located in the first
region 42 and the third region 46 to prevent the U-pin 40 from
coming loose when using the retriever 2 to collect carts 12.
[0078] For a discussion of another embodiment of the improved cart
coupler assembly 4, reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6D. FIG. 6A
is a perspective view of the front end 6 of the retriever 2
attached to a shopping cart 12 via an side engagement configuration
of the improved cart coupler assembly 4 that, in one embodiment,
further employs a U-pin 40 at each jaw portion 10. FIG. 6B is an
enlarged view of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping
cart 12 as depicted in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is a perspective view of
the yoke assemblies 22 used in the embodiment depicted in FIGS.
6A-6B. FIG. 6D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
yoke assemblies 22 depicted in FIGS. 6A-6B.
[0079] As can be understood from FIGS. 6A-6D, the cart coupler
assembly 4 can be configured in a side engagement configuration
where the slots 32 on the right yoke 22 and the left yoke 22 are
open in the rightward direction. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the first
shopping cart 12 is connected with the retriever 2 by placing the
first shopping cart 12 into position relative to the retriever 2
with the vertical rear frame members 14 of the first shopping cart
12 located to the right of each slot 32. The operator then uses the
actuator 20 to move the right yoke 22 and the left yoke 22 to the
right toward the vertical rear frame members 14 of the first
shopping cart 12 until the slots 32 engage the vertical rear frame
members 14 of the first shopping cart 12. The operator then
installs the U-pins 40 in each jaw portion 10 to hold the vertical
rear frame members 14 in position while using the retriever 2. In
an alternative configuration, the cart coupler assembly 4 shown in
FIGS. 6A-6B is configured to operate with both slots 32 opening
toward the left.
[0080] The U-pin 40 shown in FIG. 6C is the same as the U-pin 40
previously described with reference to FIG. 5C. A comparison of the
yokes 22 in FIGS. 5C-5D and 6C-6D reveals that the left yoke 22 in
FIG. 6C and the right yoke 22 of FIG. 6D are the same as the right
yoke 22 depicted in FIG. 5C. Also, while the right yoke 22 of FIG.
6C and the left yoke 22 of FIG. 6D have the same mounting portion
30 and jaw portion 10 as the right yoke 22 of FIG. 5C, the right
yoke 22 of FIG. 6C and the left yoke 22 of FIG. 6D are constructed
such that their jaw portions 10 are shifted to left such that their
third edges 64 are flush with the left edges 58 of the mounting
portions 30.
[0081] Depending upon the sizing requirements for a particular
retriever 2 and shopping cart 12, the right yoke of FIG. 6C could
be replaced with a yoke 22 that is identical to the left yoke 22 of
FIG. 6C. Similarly, the right yoke 22 of FIG. 6D could be replaced
with a yoke 22 that is identical to the left yoke 22 of FIG.
6D.
[0082] The point of connection between the mounting portion 30 and
the jaw portion 10 may vary depending on the embodiment. For
example, as depicted in FIG. 6E, which is a front elevation of a
yoke assembly 22, the jaw portion 10 may be located at the bottom
edge 54 of the mounting portion 30. In another example, as depicted
in FIG. 6F, which is a front elevation of a yoke assembly 22, the
yoke 22 may be simply inverted such that the bottom edge 54 becomes
the top edge and the jaw portion 10 is located at the uppermost
part of the mounting portion 30. This adds flexibility to the
coupler assembly 4 that allows the jaws 10 to attach to various
shapes of different shopping carts 12. In one embodiment, the jaw
portion 10 may be connected to the top edge 52 of the mounting
portion 30. For each of FIGS. 6C-6F, preferred dimensions are
provided in the figure that correspond to the particular yoke 22
embodiment depicted therein.
[0083] The plurality of mounting holes 34 and pin holes 70 shown in
FIGS. 6C-6F are arranged in the same manner as the mounting holes
34 shown in FIGS. 6C-6F. However, other mounting hole 34 and
pinhole 70 arrangements can be utilized on the yokes 22 depicted in
FIGS. 6C-6F.
[0084] The cart coupler assembly 4 can be configured to utilize
alternative yoke embodiments 22 with larger or smaller slots 32
having different shapes than previously discussed. An alternatively
shaped slot 32 can allow the operator to connect the cart coupler
assembly 4 to the first shopping cart 12 in locations other than
the vertical rear support members 14. Such an alternative slot 32
is depicted in FIGS. 7A-7G. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the
front end 6 of the retriever 2 attached to a shopping cart 12 at
the fork member 80 of the rear wheel 82 via an outward capture
configuration of the improved cart coupler assembly 4. FIG. 7B is
an enlarged view of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the
shopping cart 12 as depicted in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a perspective
view of the yoke assemblies 22 used in the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 7A-7B. FIGS. 7D-7E are perspective views of other embodiments
of the yoke assemblies 22 depicted in FIGS. 7A-7B.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the cart coupler assembly 4 is
configured with yokes 22 that allow the operator to use the
actuator 20 to connect the cart coupler assembly 4 with rear wheel
fork members 80 of the first shopping cart 12. Although the cart
coupler assembly 4 is configured in the outward capture
configuration, the right yoke 22 and left yoke 22 positions can be
swapped to configure the cart coupler assembly 4 in the inward
capture configuration. When the yokes 22 are configured in the
inward capture or outward capture configuration, U-pins 40 are not
required. Alternative yoke embodiments 22 also allow the cart
coupler assembly 4 to be configured to connect with the rear wheel
fork members 80 in the side engagement configuration.
[0086] As depicted in FIGS. 7C-7E, various alternative slot designs
can be utilized to allow cart coupler assembly connection with the
rear wheel fork members 80 of the first shopping cart 12. For
example, the slots 32 on the yokes 22 shown in FIGS. 7C-7E are
defined by rectangular cut-outs as opposed to the open angle shape
previously discussed in reference to the embodiments depicted in
FIGS. 5C-5D and 6C-6D.
[0087] As can be understood from FIGS. 7C-7E, the yokes 22 depicted
in FIGS. 7C-7E have the same mounting portions as described with
respect to FIGS. 5C-5D and 6C-6D, but have different jaw portions
10. Referring now to the right yoke 22 of FIG. 7C and the left yoke
22 of FIG. 7D, the first edge 60, the second edge 62, the third
edge 64, and the fourth edge 66 of the jaw portion 10 define a
quadrilateral. The first edge 60 is connected with the second edge
62 and the fourth edge 66 generally at right angles. The fourth
edge 66 is shorter than and parallel to the second edge 62. The
third edge 64 is connected with the second edge 62 and the fourth
edge 66. The slot 32 is rectangular in shape with the shorter edges
of the rectangular shape extending into the jaw portion 10 from the
first edge 60. The second edge 62 of the jaw portion 10 is
connected with the bottom edge 54 of the mounting portion 30. As
shown in FIG. 7C, the left yoke 22 of FIG. 7C is a mirror image of
the right yoke 22. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7D, the right yoke
22 of FIG. 7D is a mirror image of the left yoke 22.
[0088] The plurality of mounting holes 34 on the yokes 22 shown in
FIGS. 7C-7E are arranged in the same manner as the mounting holes
34 shown in FIGS. 5C-5D and 6C-6D, but other mounting hole
arrangements can be utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 7E, the yokes
22 may also be inverted for additional positions to adapt to
various shapes of different shopping carts 12. In alternative
designs, the jaw portion 10 is connected with top edge 52 of the
mounting portion 30. Preferred dimensions are indicated in FIGS.
7F-7G, which are, respectively, a side elevation of the yokes 22 of
FIGS. 7C-7D as viewed from the third and left edges 64, 58 of the
left yoke 22, and a side elevation of the yokes 22 of FIG. 7E as
viewed from the third and left edges 64, 58 of the left yoke
22.
[0089] For a discussion of another embodiment of the improved cart
coupler assembly 4, reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8E. FIG. 8A
is a perspective view of the front end 6 of the retriever 2
attached to a shopping cart 12 via a drop-in configuration of the
improved cart coupler assembly 4. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of
the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping cart 12 as
depicted in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the yoke
assemblies 22 used in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A-8B. FIG.
8D is a perspective view of another embodiment of the yoke
assemblies 22 depicted in FIGS. 8A-8B. FIG. 8E is a side elevation
view of the yoke assemblies 22 depicted in FIGS. 8C-8D.
[0090] As can be understood from FIGS. 8A-8B, the right yoke 22 and
the left yoke 22 are connected with cart coupler assembly 4 such
that the jaw portions 10 are generally perpendicular to the
retriever travel surface (e.g., the parking lot surface) with the
slots 32 opening upward when engaged with the first shopping cart
12. The jaw portions 10 partly surround a horizontal rear frame
member 83 of the first shopping cart 12. The yokes 22 can also be
fixedly connected with the retriever 2. Alternatively, the yokes 22
can be connected with actuators 20 having extension members 24, 26
that allow the operator to easily adjust the yoke heights. Other
actuators 20 allow the operator to adjust the yoke height as well
as the horizontal positions.
[0091] To connect the first shopping cart 12 to the retriever 2 via
the cart coupler assembly 4 arranged in the drop-in configuration,
the operator lifts the rear of the first shopping cart 12 and
places the horizontal rear frame member 83 into the vertically
oriented slots 32 on the right yoke 12 and the left yoke 12. If the
cart coupler assembly 4 is equipped with the actuator 20, the
operator uses the actuator 20 to lower the right yoke 22 and the
left yoke 22 to positions such that the slots 32 are lower relative
to the retriever travel surface than the horizontal rear frame
member 83 of the first shopping cart 12. The first shopping cart 12
is then placed into position relative to the retriever 2 so that
the horizontal rear frame member 83 is located just above of each
slot 32. The operator then uses the actuator 20 to move the right
yoke 22 and the left yoke 22 upward until the slots 32 located in
the jaw portions 10 engage the horizontal rear frame member 83 of
the first shopping cart 12. In other embodiments, the operator can
move the yokes 22 to the right and left along the horizontal rear
frame member 83 in order to balance the first shopping cart 12
appropriately. With other yoke embodiments 12, the operator can
install U-pins 40 in the jaw portions 10 across the slots 32 to
secure the horizontal rear frame member 83 to the yokes 22.
[0092] Various yoke embodiments 22 can be utilized to configure the
cart coupler assembly 4 in the drop-in configuration to connect
with the horizontal rear support member 83 of the first shopping
cart 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8C-8E, the right edge 56,
the top edge 52, the left edge 58, and the bottom edge 54 are
connected at generally right angles to define a generally square
shaped mounting portion 30. The first edge 60 of the jaw portion 10
is connected with the second edge 62 and the fourth edge 66
generally at right angles. The third edge 64 is connected with the
second edge 62 generally at a right angle, and a fifth edge 68 is
connected with the third edge 64 and the fourth edge 66. The slot
32 is U-shaped and extends into the middle of the jaw portion 10
from the first edge 60. For the left yoke 22 in FIG. 8D and the
right yoke 22 in FIG. 8C, the second edge 62 of the jaw portion 10
is connected with the right edge 56 of the mounting portion 30. The
right yoke 22 in FIG. 8D is a mirror image of the left yoke 22 in
FIG. 8D, and the left yoke 22 of FIG. 8C is a mirror image of the
right yoke 22 of FIG. 8C.
[0093] Although other configurations can be utilized, the plurality
of mounting holes 34 in the mounting portions 30 shown in FIGS.
8C-8D are arranged in two vertical rows of six holes 34 nearly
spanning the length of the right and left edges of the mounting
portions 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 8C-8E, pinholes 70 are also
located on each edge of the U-shaped slot 32 in the jaw portions
10. Other embodiments utilize alternative mounting hole 34 and pin
hole 70 arrangements. The locations of the plurality of mounting
holes 34 allow the yokes 22 to be connected with the cart coupler
assembly 4 to accommodate varying side to side spacing and mounting
heights for different shopping carts 12.
[0094] Depending upon the sizing requirements for a particular
retriever 2 and shopping cart 12, the left yoke 22 of FIG. 8D can
be used in combination with the right yoke 22 of FIG. 8C, or the
right yoke 22 of FIG. 8D can be used with the left yoke 22 of FIG.
8C. Preferred dimensions are shown in FIGS. 8C-8E that correspond
to the particular yoke embodiments 22 depicted therein.
[0095] For a discussion of other embodiments of the improved cart
coupler assembly 4, reference is now made to FIGS. 9A-9E. FIG. 9A
is a perspective view of the rear end of the retriever 2 wherein
the retriever 2 is attached to a shopping cart 12 via a U-shaped
jaw configuration of the improved cart coupler assembly 4. FIG. 9B
is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the
shopping cart 12 as depicted in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a perspective
view of the front end 6 of the retriever 2 attached to the shopping
cart 12 via a variation of the U-shaped jaw configuration depicted
in FIGS. 9A-9B. FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of the coupler assembly
4 connecting to the shopping cart 12 as depicted in FIG. 9C.
[0096] As depicted in FIGS. 9A-9D, the jaw portion 10 of the right
yoke 22 does not utilized slots 32 to connect with the first
shopping cart 12. Instead, the jaw portion 10 itself is U-shaped.
When connected to the cart coupler assembly 4, the mounting portion
30 extends downward until connecting with the jaw portion 10, which
extends forward from the mounting portion 30 and has a concave
surface 84 facing upward. A right pin tab 86 and a left pin tab 86
extend rearward from an end region of the jaw portion 10 toward the
mounting portion 30. Pinholes 70 are located in the right pin tab
86 and the left pin tab 86. The right yoke 12 is bolted to the cart
coupler assembly 4 through at least one of the plurality of
mounting holes 34 located in the mounting portion 30. The left yoke
22 (not shown) is a mirror image of the right yoke 22.
[0097] As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the first shopping cart 12 is
connected with the cart coupler assembly 4 by first resting the
rear wheels 82 of the first shopping cart 12 on the concave surface
84 of the jaw portion 10 of the right yoke 22 and the left yoke 22.
A locking pin 88 is then inserted through the pinholes 70 in the
pin tabs 86. As shown in FIG. 9B, the locking pin 88 is generally
cylindrical in shape and has clip holes located at both end
regions. Once the locking pin 88 is installed in the pinholes 70,
the clip holes are located just inside of each pin tab 86.
Alternatively, the clip holes can be located just outside of each
pin tab 86. Clips 74 are then inserted into each clip hole to hold
the locking pin 88 in position. As shown in FIG. 9B, the distance
between the locking pin 88 and the mounting portion 30 of the yoke
22 is less than the outer diameter of the rear wheel 82 of the
shopping cart 12, which prevents the rear wheel 82 from lifting out
of the jaw portion 10 when the retriever 2 is in use.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 9C-9D, in one embodiment, the
concaved-shaped yokes 22 are also provided with a vertical pin tab
90 that extends upward off of the front upper edge 92 of the
concaved-shaped yokes 22. The pinhole 70 located in the vertical
pin tab 90 is located directly in front of a corresponding pinhole
70 located in the mounting portion 30. In this embodiment, the
first shopping cart 12 is connected with the cart coupler assembly
4 by first resting the rear wheels 82 of the first shopping cart 12
on the concave 84 surface of the jaw portion 10 of the right yoke
22 and the left yoke 22. The locking pin 88 is then inserted
through the pinhole 70 in the vertical pin tab 90, through space
between the top of the rear wheel 82 and the rear wheel fork member
80, and through the pinhole 70 in the mounting portion 30.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 9D, the locking pin 88 is generally
cylindrical in shape and has clip holes located at both end
regions. Once the locking pin 88 is installed in the pinholes 70,
the clip holes are located to the rear of the mounting portion 30
and to the front of the vertical pin tab 90. Alternatively, the
clip holes can be located just inside of the mounting portion 30
and the vertical pin tab 90. Clips 74 are inserted into each clip
hole to hold the locking pin 88 in position. As can be understood
from FIGS. 9C-9D, because the locking pin 88 is inserted between
the rear wheel 82 and the rear wheel fork member 80 of the first
shopping cart 12, the rear wheel 82 is prevented from lifting out
of the jaw portion 10 or moving from side to side when the
retriever 2 is in use. Additional pinholes 70 are located in the
end region of the jaw portion 10 along with corresponding pinholes
70 in the mounting portion 30 to accommodate various rear wheel
sizes and configurations. While FIGS. 9C-9D depict a yoke 22
equipped with both types of pin tabs 86, 90 to provide flexibility
in possible attachment configurations, other embodiments will be
equipped with one type of pin tab 90 or the other type of pin tab
86.
[0100] Various yoke embodiments 22 can be utilized to configure the
cart coupler assembly 4 to connect with the rear wheels 82 of the
first shopping cart 12 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D. For a discussion of
these various embodiments, reference is now made to FIGS. 9E-9J.
FIG. 9E is a side elevation of a concaved-shaped (i.e., U-shaped)
yoke 22 as depicted in FIGS. 9A-9B. FIG. 9F is a front elevation of
the yoke 22 depicted in FIG. 9E. FIG. 9G is an enlarged side
elevation of a flange 100 forming part of the yoke 22 depicted in
FIG. 9E. FIG. 9H is a front elevation of another version of the
yoke 22 depicted in FIG. 9E.
[0101] As illustrated in FIGS. 9E-9F, on the mounting portion 30 of
the yoke 22, the top edge 52 is connected with the right edge 56
and the left edge 58 generally at right angles, the bottom edge 54
is connected with the left edge 58 generally at right angles, and
the bottom edge 54 is connected with the right edge 56 via an
angled edge 102. Two mounting holes 34 are also located in the
mounting portion 30. A right flange 100 and a left flange 100 are
also connected with the concave surface 84 of the jaw portion 10.
The right and left flanges 100 conform to the curvature of the jaw
portion 10 such that each flange 100 is constantly normal to the
upper surface of the jaw portion 10. When in use, the rear wheels
82 of the first shopping cart 12 rest on the concave surface 84 of
the jaw portion 10 between the right flange 100 and the left flange
100. The yoke 22 depicted in FIG. 9H is a mirror image of the yoke
22 depicted in FIG. 9F. Preferred dimensions are also shown in
FIGS. 9E-9H that correspond to the particular yoke embodiments 22
depicted therein.
[0102] In one embodiment, the cart coupler assembly 4 may employ
both of the yokes 22 depicted in FIGS. 9F and 9H. In another
embodiment, the cart coupler 4 may employ two yokes 22 as depicted
in FIG. 9F. In another embodiment, the cart coupler 4 may employ
two yokes 22 as depicted in FIG. 9H. Preferred dimensions are shown
in FIGS. 9E-9H that correspond to the particular yoke embodiments
22 depicted therein.
[0103] In one embodiment, the concave surfaces 84 of the yokes 22
are brought into engagement with the outer circumferential surfaces
of the wheels 82 by lifting the shopping cart upwards to clear the
yokes 22 and then lowering the wheels 82 into the yokes 22. In
another embodiment, the concave surfaces 84 of the yokes 22 are
brought into engagement with the outer circumferential surfaces of
the wheels 82 by tipping the yokes forward so as to scoop the
wheels 82 into the concave surfaces 84. In another embodiment, the
concave surfaces 84 of the yokes 22 are brought into engagement
with the outer circumferential surfaces of the wheels 82 by placing
the yokes 22 adjacent the wheels 82 and then displacing the yokes
22 axially towards the wheels 22 such that the wheels 22 slide over
the exterior edges of the yokes 22 and onto the concave surfaces
84. This can be done by placing the yokes 22 between the rearward
wheels 82 and diverging the yokes 22 outwardly toward the wheels 82
and away from each other. Alternatively, the yokes 22 can be placed
adjacent the outside sides of the wheels 82 and then converged
towards the each other and the wheels 82.
[0104] As those skilled in the art will realize, all of the yoke
embodiments 22 previously described can be arranged on the cart
coupler assembly 4 in any number of configurations, and are not
limited what is depicted herein. For example, the yoke embodiments
22 previously described with reference to FIGS. 3A-7G can be
connected with the cart coupler assembly 4 such that slots 32 are
vertically oriented, facing either up or down, to engage a
horizontal frame member 83 of the first shopping cart 12. In
addition, the yoke embodiments 22 described with reference to FIGS.
8A-8E can be connected with the cart coupler assembly 4 so that the
vertically oriented slots 32 are facing down to engage a horizontal
frame member 83 of the first shopping cart 12. Alternatively, the
yoke embodiments 22 shown in FIGS. 8A-8E can also be connected with
the cart coupler assembly 4 in either the inward capture
configuration or the outward capture configuration to engage a
vertical frame member 14 of the first shopping cart 12. The yoke
embodiments 22 described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9H can also be
arranged such that the concave jaw surfaces 84 face downward to
engage the top portions of the shopping cart wheels 82 when the
rear wheel fork 80 comprises a single plate (as opposed to two
plates) running between the axle of the wheel 82 and the frame of
the shopping cart 12.
[0105] As those skilled in the art will realize, each of the
previously described embodiments of the coupler assembly can be
configured to raise the attached shopping cart 12 such that its
rearmost wheels 82 are elevated above the vehicle travel
surface.
[0106] Other embodiments of the present invention use actuators 20
in various configurations with the yokes 22 described in FIGS.
5A-9H. For example, in one embodiment, the right yoke 22 is fixedly
connected with the retriever 2 and the left yoke 22 is connected
with the actuator 20. In this configuration, the operator uses the
actuator 20 to move the left yoke 22 horizontally to engage and
disengage the first shopping cart 12. Alternatively, the left yoke
22 is fixedly connected with the retriever 2 and the right yoke 22
is connected with the actuator 20. In another embodiment, both
yokes 22 are connected to the actuator(s) 20. In another
embodiment, the actuator 20 has the ability to lift and/or support
both rear wheels 82 of the first shopping cart 12 above the
retriever travel surface. When the rear wheels 82 of the first
shopping cart 12 are suspended above the retriever travel surface,
the rear wheels 82 of the first shopping cart do not do not wear
and a portion of the weight of the first shopping cart 12 is
transferred to drive wheels 91 of the retriever 2. The weight
transfer also provides additional steering capability and
additional traction to the drive wheels 91 of the retriever 2.
[0107] Other cart coupler assemblies 4 conforming to the present
invention do not use yokes 22 to connect the first shopping cart 12
with the retriever 2. For a detailed discussion of such a coupler
assembly 4, reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-10B. FIG. 10A is a
perspective view of the front end 6 of the retriever 2 attached to
a shopping cart 12 via a configuration of the improved cart coupler
assembly 4 that employs a modified shopping cart 110 attached to
the assembly 4. FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the coupler
assembly 4 connecting to the shopping cart 12 as depicted in FIG.
10A.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, the cart coupler assembly 4
includes a modified shopping cart 110 that is fixedly attached to
the front end 6 of the retriever 2. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, the
rear wheels 82 have been removed from a normally configured
shopping cart, and lower regions 111 of the vertical rear frame
members 14 are connected to the front 6 of the retriever 2 via
brackets 112 located on the retriever 2. The vertical rear frame
members 14 can be secured to the brackets 112 by any suitable
means, such as welding or bolting. This configuration of the cart
coupler assembly 4 provides the ability to lift and support the
rear of the modified shopping cart above the ground, which
eliminates the need for more than two wheels on the modified
shopping cart 110.
[0109] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention,
the cart coupler assembly 4 is configured to emulate the first
shopping cart 12 without the need to attach the full modified
shopping cart 12 as depicted in FIGS. 10A-10B. Various versions of
such an alternative embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 11A-11G.
[0110] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the front end 6 of the
retriever 2 attached to a shopping cart 12 via a configuration of
the improved cart coupler assembly 4 that employs a cart emulator
200 attached to the assembly 4. FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the
coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping cart 12 as depicted
in FIG. 11A.
[0111] As shown in 11A-11B, the cart coupler assembly 4 includes a
cart emulator 200 connected with right and left mounting plates 30
secured to the retriever 2. The cart coupler assembly 4 via the
emulator 200 emulates a portion of the shape of a shopping cart 12
to allow nesting of the first shopping cart 12 to the front end 6
of the retriever 2. The cart emulator 200 is defined by a left rear
member 202, a right rear member 204, a left member 206, a right
member 208, a forward left member 210, a forward right member 212,
and a cross member 214. In the cart emulator 200 shown in FIGS.
11A-11B, the left member 206 is connected with the left rear member
202 and the left forward member 210, and the right member 208 is
connected with the right rear member 204 and the right forward
member 212. The left member 206 and the right member 208 angle
toward each other and slope toward the retriever travel surface as
they extend forward from the mounting plates 30. The cross member
214 is movably connected with the left forward member 210 and the
right forward member 212. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B, the
cross member 214 is shaped as a hollow cylindrical tube with an
inner diameter large enough to fit around the outer diameters of
the right forward member 212 and the left forward member 210 so
that the right forward member 212 and the left forward member 210
can slide in and out of the cross member 214.
[0112] Generally speaking, the cart emulator 200 can be constructed
in various ways to allow its width to be adjusted to accommodate
shopping carts 12 of different sizes and shapes. In one embodiment,
the width of the emulator 200 is adjusted manually via bolts
attaching the forward members 210, 212 to the cross member 214 and
bolts attaching the rear members 202, 204 to the mounting plates
30. In another embodiment, the width of the emulator 200 is
adjusted automatically via an actuator that causes the mounting
plates to displace towards or away from each other laterally
relative to the retriever 2. This causes the left and right members
206, 208 to displace towards or away from each other and the front
most portions of the forward members 210, 212 to telescope into or
out of the cross member 214.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, a plurality of holes is located
in the right mounting plate 30, the left mounting plate 30, the
right rear member 204, the left rear member 202, the right forward
member 212, the left forward member 210 and the cross member 214.
The cart emulator 200 is connected with the retriever 2 by bolting
or screwing the left rear member 202 to the left mounting plate 30,
and the right rear member 204 to the right mounting plate 30
utilizing the corresponding plurality of holes. The cross member
214 is also bolted or screwed to the right forward member 212 and
left forward member 210 utilizing the corresponding plurality of
holes. The various locations of the plurality of holes in the cart
emulator 200 allow a user to adjust the width of the cart emulator
200 by changing the bolt or screw locations. The adjustability of
the cart emulator 200 eliminates the problems associated with
manufacturing a series of different permanent couplers 4 to fit the
multitude of widths and heights of shopping carts 12 used in the
marketplace.
[0114] In other embodiments, the cart coupler assembly 4 also
includes one of the actuator embodiments 20 that utilizes the first
and second extension members 24, 26 previously discussed to assist
the operator in adjusting the width of the cart emulator 200. In
this configuration, the right rear member 204 is connected with the
right mounting plate 30, which is connected with the first
extension member 24. Similarly, the left rear member 202 is
connected with the left mounting plate 30, which is connected with
the second extension member 26. Instead of being bolted to the
right forward member 212 and the left forward member 210, the cross
member 214 is telescopically connected with the right and left
forward members 210, 212 to allow the right and left forward
members 210, 212 to freely move in and out of the cross member 214.
To adjust the width of the cart emulator 200, the operator need
only operate the actuator 20 to move the extension members 24, 26
in or out. Other actuators 20 allow the operator to adjust the
height of the cart emulator 200 as well.
[0115] In another embodiment, the cart coupler assembly 4 has the
ability to lift and/or support both rear wheels 82 of the first
shopping cart 12 above the retriever travel surface. As previously
mentioned, when the rear wheels 82 of the first shopping cart 12
are suspended above the retriever travel surface, the rear wheels
82 of the first shopping cart 12 do not do not wear and a portion
of the weight of the first shopping cart 12 is transferred to drive
wheels 91 of the retriever 2. The weight transfer also provides
additional steering capability and additional traction to the drive
wheels 91 of the retriever 2.
[0116] As indicated in FIGS. 11A-11B, the first shopping cart is
connected with the retriever 2 by inserting the cart emulator 200
between the vertical rear frame members 14 of the first shopping
cart 12. The cart coupler assembly members 200 can also be inserted
between other components of the first shopping cart 12. The cart
emulator 200 extends far enough into the first shopping cart 12 to
engage additional structure of the first shopping cart 12. This
additional engagement allows the operator to steer the retriever 2
by using the contact of the cart coupler assembly 4 with the first
shopping cart 12 so that when the first shopping cart 12 is turned
or directed, the retriever 2 will follow. The right and left
mounting plates 30 are the contact points where the cart coupler
assembly 4 contacts the first shopping cart 12 and thereby
transmits pushing forces from the retriever 2 to the first shopping
cart 12. The first shopping cart 12 is releasable at any time by
pulling the first shopping cart 12 away from the retriever 2.
[0117] For a discussion of a variation of the cart emulator
embodiment 200 depicted in FIGS. 11A-11B, reference is now made to
FIGS. 11C-11E. FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the front end 6 of
the retriever 2 attached to a shopping cart 12 via a configuration
of the improved cart coupler assembly 4 that employs a cart
emulator 200 provided with a tooth member 220. FIG. 11D is an
enlarged view of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping
cart 12 as depicted in FIG. 11C. FIG. 11E is another enlarged view
of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping cart 12 as
depicted in FIG. 11C.
[0118] FIGS. 11C-11E depict the same cart emulator 200 described
above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B, except the cart emulator 200
includes a locking device to secure the first shopping cart 12 to
the cart coupler assembly 4. Various types of locking devices can
be used with the cart emulator 200. For example, as shown in FIGS.
11C-11D, the locking device is defined by a first member 222
extending forward from each mounting plate 30 connected with an
upward extending tooth member 220 that can engage various
components of the first shopping cart 12 to hold it securely to the
retriever 2. The locking device depicted in FIG. 15E is defined by
a forward extending tooth member 220 connected with the right
mounting plate 30 and engaging the vertical rear member 14 of the
first shopping cart 12. The tooth members 220 depicted in FIGS.
11C-11E are used to lock the first shopping cart 12 to the cart
emulator 200, so the first shopping cart 12 does not easily
disengage from the retriever 2. In other embodiments, the locking
device is spring loaded with a plurality of teeth that engage
various components of the first shopping cart 12. The first
shopping cart 12 is releasable at any time by disengaging the
locking devices and pulling the first shopping cart away from the
retriever 2.
[0119] To minimize damage, such as crushing, scratching, denting,
or rubbing components of either the retriever 2 or the first
shopping cart 12, the cart coupler assemblies 4 previously
described with reference to FIGS. 11A-11E can be equipped with
cushions 230. For a discussion of such an embodiment, reference is
now made to FIGS. 11F-11G. FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the
front end 6 of the retriever 2 attached to a shopping cart 12 via a
configuration of the improved cart coupler assembly 4 that employs
a cart emulator 200 provided with cushions 230. FIG. 11G is an
enlarged view of the coupler assembly 4 connecting to the shopping
cart 12 as depicted in FIG. 11F.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 11F-11G, a right cushion 230 is connected
with the right mounting plate 30 and a left cushion 230 is
connected with the left mounting plate 30. When the first shopping
cart is engaged with retriever 2, the cushions 230 act as the
contact point where the cart coupler assembly 4 contacts the first
shopping cart 12 and thereby transmits pushing forces from the
retriever 2 to the first shopping cart 12. The cushions 230 can be
constructed of any material intended to protect the components of
the retriever 2 and shopping cart 12 from damage, such a rubber or
plastic. The cushions 230 can also help distribute the contact
forces over a larger area.
[0121] Although various embodiments of this invention have been
described above with a certain degree of particularity or with
reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in
the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed
embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this
invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments, and not
limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without
departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in
the following claims.
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