shopping cart

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 6, 7) for connecting a curved wire (10) to a rod (5) on a shopping cart, whereby a folding device, in particular a basket folding plate or a child seat, arranged on the curved wire (10) is foldably arranged on the shopping cart, the device comprising a loop (1, 12) for receiving the curved wire (10) and a slot (3) for receiving the rod (5), whereby the folding device is configured to be pivotable about the rod (5).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge damper for a basket folding board or a child seat of a shopping cart A method for mounting a basket folding board or a child seat on a shopping cart, a system for connecting a bent wire with a rod of a shopping cart and a shopping cart. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known from the prior art, for example from EP 0842838 A1, that the end of a wire is bent such that it can be wrapped around a rod of a shopping cart. Thereby, a movable part can be arranged on the shopping cart. Typically, a hinge, preferably made of plastic, is mounted between the bent wire and the rod.

[0003] CN 201427598 Y describes a rotating sleeve for a shopping cart, around which a wire is bent in order to be able to arrange a pivotable device on the shopping trolley.

[0004] Different foldable devices can be provided on a shopping cart. In particular, a basket folding board or a child seat folding board can be arranged on the shopping cart, which can be folded when not in use. Thereby, a storage space for goods to be purchased can be provided.

[0005] For example, two wires can be bent around one rod of a shopping cart such that the wires wrap around the rod. A basket folding board or a child seat can be arranged on the wires. Thereby, the basket folding board or the child seat can be pivoted. The wires are bent by means of a bending device, wherein a hinge damper consisting of plastic is arranged between the rod and the wire before the bending process.

[0006] The rotating sleeve of CN 2014 27598 Y does not describe a loop around the bent wire. Rather, the wire is bent around the rotating sleeve, which can only be carried out directly on the shopping cart.

[0007] Herein, it is disadvantageous that the finished wire can be scratched by the bending process. Furthermore, the bending process is a laborious and difficult work step, since the corresponding device to be pivoted has to be mounted directly on the shopping cart. SUMMARY

[0008] It is therefore the task of the present invention to provide a method, a device, a system and a shopping cart, with which a device to be pivoted can be arranged on a shopping cart quickly and cost-effectively, wherein damage to the wire to be bent is excluded.

[0009] As a first aspect of the application, a device for connecting a curved wire with a rod of a shopping cart is provided, whereby a folding device, in particular a basket folding board or a child seat, arranged on the curved wire can be foldably arranged on the shopping cart, the device comprising a loop for receiving the curved wire and a slot for receiving the rod, whereby the folding device can be pivotably configured around the rod.

[0010] By means of the device according to the application, the basket folding board or the child seat can be clamped on the shopping cart. It is thus no longer necessary to bend the wire in order to arrange the foldable unit on the shopping cart. Thus, additionally, the risk of damaging the relevant wire when bending is eliminated.

[0011] As a second aspect of the application, a method for fixing a folding device, in particular a basket folding board or a child seat, on a shopping cart is provided, comprising a curved wire, on which the folding device is arranged, a rod of the shopping cart, around which the folding device can be pivoted, and the device described above, the method comprising the steps of loosely hanging the curved wire onto the rod, clamping in the device and moving the device along the rod until the device is arranged between the curved wire and the rod.

[0012] As a third aspect of the application, a system for connecting a curved wire with a rod of a shopping cart is provided, whereby a folding device, in particular a basket folding board or a child seat, can be foldably arranged on the shopping cart, the system comprising a curved wire, on which the folding device is arranged, and a rod, around which the folding device can be pivotably configured, wherein the device described above is arranged between the curved wire and the rod.

[0013] As a fourth aspect of the application, a shopping cart for use in a shop or supermarket is provided, comprising the device described above or the system described above.

[0014] In the following, exemplary embodiments are described.

[0015] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the application, a device is provided, wherein the device is composed of plastic, in particular polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA) or polyethylene (PE). The device can in particular be manufactured in an injection molding method.

[0016] In a further embodiment according to the application, a device is provided, wherein the loop has a gap, or wherein the loop is configured closed along its radial circumference.

[0017] If the ring is not split but is constructed closed along its radial circumference, the risk of injury by a gap, into which a child could insert his finger, for example, can be excluded. If the ring has a gap, so that the ring is interrupted along its radial circumference, a mechanically more stable material can be used, since this material does not have to be compressed when the gap is expanded for receiving the rod into the slot. Advantageously, in this case a durable material can be used, which is well suited to withstand the effects of the weather.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a device is provided, wherein the device has a latching projection for blocking the received curved wire. By means of the latching projection a better retention of the received curved wire in the device can be achieved.

[0019] In another embodiment according to the present application, a device is proposed, wherein the device has a gap to the slot. The gap can be expanded and thus opens a passage for the rod in order to enter into the slot

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present application, a device is provided, wherein a ring at least partially surrounds the curved wire. By surrounding a mechanically stable retention of the curved wire in the device can be achieved.

[0021] It can be considered an idea of the present application to provide a hinge damper, which can establish a connection between a curved wire and a rod of a shopping cart, so that the wire can be pivoted around the rod. The installation can be carried out by threading a pre-bent wire into the rod, clamping the hinge damper onto the rod and arranging it between the curved wire and the rod by moving, i.e. moving along the axis of the rod towards the curved wire, so that the hinge damper can exert its function as a hinge between the curved wire and the rod.

[0022] Of course, individual features can also be combined with one another, whereby a beneficial effect can be partially produced which exceeds the sum of the individual effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Further details and advantages of the present application are explained with regard to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings show:

[0024] Figure 1 a first device 1 according to the present application with a slot 3 for receiving a rod,

[0025] Figure 2 the same device 1 according to the present application with a ring 2 for surrounding a curved wire,

[0026] Figure 3 a side view of the same device 1 according to the present application with a ring 2,

[0027] Figure 4 : Same device 1 according to the invention with interrupted ring 2, viewed from above,

[0028] Figure 5 : Same device 1 according to the invention with recess 8 into which the curved wire can be introduced and with latching projection 9 which prevents the curved wire from falling out of the recess 8, longitudinal section,

[0029] Figure 6 : Same device 1 according to the invention, perspective view,

[0030] Figure 7 : Same device 1 according to the invention in installed state, wherein the hinge damper 1 receives the curved wire 10 and the rod 5,

[0031] Figure 8 : Second embodiment of the hinge damper 6 with ring 2 divided into two parts,

[0032] Figure 9 : Same second embodiment of the hinge damper 6, side view,

[0033] Figure 10 : Same second embodiment of the hinge damper 6, top view,

[0034] Figure 11 : Same second embodiment of the hinge damper 6, perspective view,

[0035] Figure 12 : Third embodiment of the hinge damper 7 with closed ring 12,

[0036] Figure 13 : Side view of the hinge damper 7,

[0037] Figure 14 : Top view of the hinge damper 7,

[0038] Figure 15 : Perspective view of the hinge damper 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 A front view of the hinge damper 1 is shown, which can be expanded along the slit 4 so that the hinge damper 1 can be clipped onto the rod of a shopping cart, wherein the rod can be received by the receiving portion 3.

[0040] Figure 2A rear view of the same hinge damper 1 is shown, which has a ring 2, which encloses the curved wire, whereby a better centering of the hinge damper 1 can be achieved. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent children from putting their fingers between the rod and the curved wire by the ring 2, since a cover is ensured by the ring 2.

[0041] Figure 3 A side view of the same hinge damper 1 with the ring 2 is shown.

[0042] Figure 4 The same hinge damper 1 is shown in a view from above.

[0043] Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of the same hinge damper 1 with a recess 8 is shown, which is provided for receiving the curved wire. In the installed state, the ring 2 encloses the curved wire. Furthermore, the hinge damper 1 can additionally have a latching projection 9, which can prevent the received wire from falling out.

[0044] Figure 6 A perspective view of the hinge damper 1 with the slot 3 for receiving the rod of the shopping cart and the ring 2 for enclosing the curved wire is shown.

[0045] Figure 7 A hinge damper 1 in the installed state is shown, wherein the hinge damper 1 receives the curved wire 10 and the rod 5, so that a unit fixed on the curved wire can be pivoted about the axis of the rod 5 of the shopping cart. The respective unit can be a basket folding plate or a child seat folding plate, wherein the basket folding plate or the child seat folding plate can be configured to be unfolded or folded by the hinge damper.

[0046] Figure 8 A second embodiment of the hinge damper 6 according to the invention is shown, which is characterized by a ring 2, which is divided into two parts, wherein the ring 2 does not cover half the circumference, as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 , but a smaller circumference. Furthermore, the hinge damper 6 has a slit 4, whereby the hinge damper 6 can be expanded, so that the rod of the shopping cart can be guided into the slot 3.

[0047] Figure 9 A side view of the hinge damper 6 is shown.

[0048] Figure 10 A top view of the same hinge damper 6 is shown.

[0049] Figure 11A perspective view of the same hinge damper 6 with a slot 3 for receiving a shopping cart lever is shown. The hinge damper 6 is flexible, allowing the gap 4 to expand to such an extent that the lever can be guided into the slot 3. Furthermore, the hinge damper 6 has a ring 2 divided into two parts, i.e., the ring 2 has a notch 11. This notch 11 facilitates the expansion of the gap 4 when the lever is guided into the slot 3. The notch 11 enables the two parts of the ring 2 to move towards each other without resistance as the gap 4 expands.

[0050] Advantageously, in the first and second embodiments of hinge dampers 1 and 6, the material of hinge dampers 1 and 6 does not need to be particularly soft or elastic, because the material of ring 2 does not need to be compressed when the gap 4 is expanded to guide the rod into the slot 3.

[0051] Figure 12 A third embodiment of the hinge damper 7 according to the invention is shown, wherein the ring 12 does not have a notch 11. Therefore, when the gap 4 expands, the ring 12 opposite to the gap 4 is compressed to open a sufficient opening for the rod to pass through to the slot 3. Thus, the third embodiment of the hinge damper 7 is a hinge damper 7 having a ring 2 made of a soft or elastic material.

[0052] Figure 13 The same hinge damper 7 with ring 12 is shown, wherein ring 12 does not have as in Figures 1 to 11 The notch 11 is as in the first or second embodiments 1 and 6. The ring 12 is used to partially enclose the curved wire, thereby allowing the device arranged on the curved wire to be releasably connected to the shopping cart, since the cart's pole can be received into the slot 3. This is achieved by a hinge damper 7, allowing the device to pivot relative to the shopping cart. The device can be a basket folding panel or a child seat.

[0053] Figure 14 The same hinge damper 7 with radially continuous ring 12 is shown.

[0054] Figure 15 A perspective view of a hinge damper 7 with a continuous ring 12 is shown, which means that the ring 12 does not have a notch 11.

[0055] In the third embodiment of the hinge damper 7, it is advantageous to avoid creating gaps or openings through the notch 11 of the ring 7, thereby eliminating the risk of injury, especially for children who may insert their fingers into the gaps.

[0056] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or method steps, just as the expressions "an" and "a" do not exclude multiple elements and steps.

[0057] List of reference signs

[0058] 1 First embodiment of a hinge damper

[0059] 2 Loop for a curved wire 10, wherein the loop has at least one gap 113 for receiving a slot

[0060] 4 Gap for expanding the hinge damper

[0061] 5 Rod 3 received in the slot

[0062] 6 Second embodiment of a hinge damper

[0063] 7 Third embodiment of a hinge damper

[0064] 8 Groove for receiving a curved wire

[0065] 9 Catching projection for holding a curved wire in the groove 8 and for pre-alignment

[0066] 10 Curved wire

[0067] 11 Gap 12 for facilitating the introduction of a rod into the slot 3 Loop for a curved wire 10, wherein the loop has no gap 11 and is therefore constructed continuously along its circumference.

Claims

1. A device (1, 6, 7) for connecting a curved wire (10) to a pole (5) on a shopping cart, thereby allowing a folding device arranged on the curved wire (10) to be foldably arranged on the shopping cart, the device comprising: A loop for receiving the bent wire (10), and The slot (3) for receiving the rod (5) is such that the folding device is configured to pivot about the rod (5), wherein the device (1, 6, 7) is adapted to be clamped onto the rod (5), and wherein the device (1, 6, 7) is arranged between the curved wire (10) and the rod (5) by moving along the axis of the rod (5) toward the curved wire (10), thereby applying a function as a hinge between the curved wire (10) and the rod (5).

2. The apparatus (1, 6, 7) according to claim 1, wherein, The devices (1, 6, 7) are made of plastic.

3. The apparatus (1, 6, 7) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ring (1) has a notch (11), or the ring (12) is constructed to be closed along its radial periphery.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims (1, 6, 7), characterized in that, The device has a locking protrusion (9) for blocking the received bent wire (10).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims (1, 6, 7), characterized in that, The device (1, 6, 7) has a slit (14) leading to the slot (3).

6. The apparatus (1, 6, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The loop at least partially encloses the curved wire (10).

7. The apparatus (1, 6, 7) according to claim 1, wherein, The folding device is a basket folding board or a child seat.

8. The apparatus (1, 6, 7) according to claim 2, wherein, The plastic is polypropylene, polyamide, or polyethylene.

9. A method for securing a folding device to a shopping cart, comprising: A bent wire (10), wherein the folding device is arranged on the bent wire. The shopping cart's handle (5), the folding device being pivotable about the handle (5), and The apparatus (1, 6, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims, The method includes the following steps: The bent wire (10) is loosely suspended on the rod (5). Clamping the devices (1, 6, 7), and Move the device (1, 6, 7) along the rod (5) until the device (1, 6, 7) is positioned between the curved wire (10) and the rod (5).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The folding device is a basket folding board or a child seat.

11. A system for connecting a curved wire (10) to a pole (5) on a shopping cart, thereby enabling a folding device to be foldably arranged on the shopping cart, the system comprising: The bent wire (10) has the folding device arranged on it, and The rod (5), the folding device is configured to pivot about the rod. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is arranged between the curved wire (10) and the rod (5).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the folding device is a basket folding panel or a child seat.

13. A shopping cart for use in a store or supermarket, comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the system according to claim 11 or 12.

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