Seat assembly for a shopping trolley

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat assembly for a shopping trolley, comprising: a seat-surface structure for providing a structural portion that functions as a seat surface; a seatback structure for providing a structural portion that functions as a backrest; and a restraint structure for providing a restraint structure portion which, in the use configuration, projects out vertically upwards beyond the seat surface on a transverse side of the seat surface structure opposite the backrest. The seatback structure, the seat surface structure, and the restraint structure are arranged so as to be movable with respect to one another so that the seat assembly can be brought into the use configuration and into a non-use configuration. According to the invention, an engagement device is provided which is designed such that, as part of bringing the seat assembly into the use configuration, the engagement device reaches an engaged state in which the seat surface structure is coupled to the seatback structure and / or the restraint device by structures coming into engagement with one another.

Description

[0001] Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA WO 02-02-24 28.06.2024 Seat arrangement for a shopping cart Description The invention relates to a seat arrangement, in particular for a shopping cart, which has a chassis and a basket device, wherein the basket device is designed such that geometrically compatible trolleys, in particular substantially identical trolleys, can be inserted longitudinally into one another. In a narrower context, the invention relates to a seat arrangement for a transport or shopping cart for providing a seating area for a child, wherein the seat arrangement can be brought from a non-use configuration into a use configuration by displacing movably coupled components thereof. EP 3371031 B1 discloses a transport cart with a seat arrangement. This transport cart comprises a chassis with rollers and bars. A basket formed by a wire or plastic structure is arranged on the bars.Furthermore, the chassis is equipped with a push handle, to which a coin-operated lock can be attached. Such transport carts can have a loading platform on which, for example, beverage crates can be placed. The seating arrangement includes a restraint structure that provides support to a child sitting on the seating arrangement. The restraint structure is implemented in conjunction with a basket wall, which can be pivoted upwards from a substantially vertical use position to a substantially horizontal non-use position when another cart is inserted. Other transport carts are known, for example, from DE 102014101504 A1, US 2010 / 0327545 A1, CN 202669890 U, and ES 1114605. EP 0760295 B1, US 7,350,269 B2 and US 2014 / 0137368 A1, to name just a few examples, deal with the connection of the rollers to the chassis in such transport trolleys.EP 1 451 053 B1 discloses a child seat for a shopping cart. The child seat is made of plastic and consists of a seat and two components that are connected to one another in a fixed manner and form a backrest. EP 0895921 A1 relates to a stackable shopping cart with a chassis having two upwardly directed supports. The supports are intended to carry a basket equipped with a pivoting rear wall. The basket rests on the supports with laterally arranged support pads, engages with its rear edge behind two fixedly arranged hook-shaped sections, and is locked to the supports by means of securing means. A support device connecting the supports is provided, on which the basket is additionally supported. DE 2727310 A1 discloses a shopping cart with a plastic basket.DE 196 26 995 A1 relates to a chassis for a manually movable transport trolley, in particular for a shopping cart, having a trapezoidal base frame, viewed from above, carrying at least three castors, the longer parallel side of which is missing and from whose rear region and on the two long sides certain supports for attaching a basket or container extend upwards, and the base frame is essentially formed by at least two wires arranged one above the other. US 3,147,021 relates to a stackable shopping cart with a base frame and arms projecting therefrom for attaching a basket. EP 0 672 568 A1 relates to a shopping cart with a plastic basket and a support structure molded thereto, to which the wheels are mounted. US 2007 / 0063464 A1 also concerns a plastic basket for a shopping cart, whereby the plastic basket is attached to a plastic chassis.WO 2003 / 047940 A1 relates to a child seat for a plastic shopping cart. The invention is based on the object of demonstrating solutions that make it possible to create a trolley of the above-mentioned type with a seating arrangement that can be manufactured advantageously from a manufacturing and assembly point of view and that is characterized by high robustness.

[0002] Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA WO 02-02-24 28.06.2024 This object is achieved according to the invention by a seat arrangement for a shopping cart comprising: - a seat surface structure for providing a structural section functioning as a seat surface - a backrest structure for providing a structural section functioning as a backrest and - a retaining structure for providing a retaining structure section projecting vertically upwards above the seat surface on a transverse side of the seat surface structure facing away from the backrest in the use configuration, - wherein the backrest structure, the seat surface structure and the retaining structure are arranged displaceably relative to one another so that the seat arrangement can be brought into said use configuration and into a non-use configuration, and - an intervention device is provided, which is designed in such a way that, when the seat arrangement is brought into the use configura^on, it comes into an intervention state in whichin which the seat surface structure is coupled to the backrest structure and / or the restraint device by geometries that only engage with each other in or near the end position corresponding to the usage configuration. This advantageously makes it possible to create a seat arrangement in which the coupling mechanisms provided for the movable coupling and general guidance of its components are considerably relieved in the usage configuration. The coupling of the components of the seat arrangement is preferably carried out using a guide device for the guided coupling of the seat surface structure to the backrest structure and / or the restraint structure in a translationally and / or pivotally displaceable manner. For this purpose, a rail geometry can be formed in particular in the backrest structure, in which a pin provided by the seat surface structure is guided displaceably and pivotably. This guide device canThe design corresponds to the design of the guide device according to EP 3371031 B1. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement device can be designed such that it comprises claws and complementary structures that match these claws. The engagement device can comprise left-sided, right-sided, and / or center claws. When using left-sided and right-sided claws, these are preferably arranged laterally outside the guide device. Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA WO 02-02-24 28.06.2024 According to a particular aspect of the invention, the engagement device can be designed such that it functions as a stop, by which the end position of the seat surface structure relative to the backrest structure or the retaining structure is determined. This makes it possible to relieve the coupling mechanism provided for the otherwise movable coupling of the seat surface structure with the backrest structure or the restraint structure and, if necessary, also to use slightly extended tracksto allow, so that in the end position corresponding to the usage configuration, the engagement device carries the vertical load and not the guide device. The engagement device is preferably designed such that it couples positively. The engagement device effects a coupling of the backrest structure with the seat surface structure that projects beyond the coupling structures. The engagement device is designed such that it at least largely relieves the load on the guide device upon reaching the engagement state. Preferably, the claws are provided by the seat surface structure and the complementary elements are provided by the backrest structure. Alternatively, or in combination with this measure, it is possible for the claws to be provided by the backrest structure and the complementary elements by the seat surface structure. The claws are preferably designed such that, upon reaching theThe engagement device can advantageously be designed such that, upon reaching the engagement state, the claws, in interaction with the complementary elements, are coupled to the complementary elements both normally and transversely to the joining direction. The seat arrangement can also provide contact geometries extending beyond the engagement device and the guide device for the engagement of the seat structure with the backrest structure. In particular, the vertical support of the seat structure on the backrest structure can be achieved byThe support surfaces provided by the backrest structure are used, whereas in the side area of ​​the seat structure, the elements provided there by the intervention device bear vertical pressure and also tension in the plane of the seat structure. The guide device can be relieved of its contribution to the vertical support of the seat structure. Overall, the inventive integration of the intervention device into the seat arrangement can achieve a strength gain by coupling the seat structure and the backrest structure parallel to the guide device as soon as the seat arrangement reaches its usage configuration. The backrest structure, the seat structure, and / or the restraint device are preferably made of a plastic material. It is possible to design the intervention device in such a way that a required load-bearing capacity of the connection between the seat structure andThe backrest structure can be achieved using medium-strength plastics, particularly PE, HDPE materials, and / or nylon materials. The use of recycled materials is also conceivable. The backrest structure, the seat surface structure, and / or the restraint device can, in particular, have a core structure made of plastics with only moderate mechanical strength, particularly recycled materials. These core structures can, in particular, be manufactured from materials with limited flowability through a pressing process. These core structures are preferably overmolded in a mold. This allows the proportion of high-quality materials to be reduced. These core structures can also be made from other materials, particularly fiber materials. The claws form downwardly open grooves or recesses. Hooks, preferably designed in the form of upwardly projecting noses, engage from below into these grooves or recesses.The basic mechanism of the seat arrangement according to the invention preferably corresponds to the basic mechanism of the seat arrangement according to EP 3371031 B1 and is expanded by engagement geometries that only become load-bearing when the use configuration is adopted. In particular, the component of the seat arrangement that also functions as a pivoting basket wall and, with its upper section, forms the retaining structure, can also be manufactured as a metal component, in particular a wire mesh component. The seat surface structure and preferably also the backrest structure are preferably plastic parts manufactured by means of plastic injection molding. Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA WO 02-02-24 28.06.2024 Further details and features of the invention can be found in the following description in conjunction with the drawing. It shows: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat arrangement according to the invention in a folded-out state corresponding to the usage configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of theSeat arrangement according to the invention in accordance with Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a detailed illustration to illustrate the design and function of the intervention device integrated into the seat arrangement according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a group of sketches to illustrate the design of the guide device; Figure 5 shows a group of sketches to illustrate the design of the intervention device; Figure 6 shows a group of sketches to further illustrate the design of the guide device and the adjacent intervention device. The illustration according to Figure 1 shows a seat arrangement according to the invention for a shopping cart with a seat structure 1, for providing a structural section functioning as a seat, a backrest structure 2, for providing a structural section functioning as a backrest and a retaining structure 3, for providing a support structure which, in the use configuration, extends vertically upwards over the transverse side of the seat structure 1 facing away from the backrest.The seat surface is formed by a restraint structure section projecting beyond the seat surface. The backrest structure 2, the seat surface structure 1, and the restraint structure 3 are arranged so as to be displaceable relative to one another, so that the seat arrangement can be brought into the use configuration shown here and into a non-use configuration characterized by folding the backrest structure 2 against the restraint structure. The seat arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that an engagement device 4 is provided, which is designed such that, when the seat arrangement is brought into the use configuration shown here, it enters an engagement state in which the seat surface structure 1 is coupled to the backrest structure 2 and / or the restraint device 3. Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA WO 02-02-24 28.06.2024 In the seat arrangement shown, a guide device 5 is provided for the guided coupling of the seat surface structure 1 with the backrest structure 2 in a translationally and pivotably movable manner.displaceable manner. This guide device 5 comprises a guide rail 5a formed in the backrest structure 2 and a pin 5b formed integrally with the seat surface structure 1 (see Fig. 4), which is guided in the guide rail so as to be translationally slidable and at the same time pivotable. In the example shown here, the three main components of the seat arrangement are made of a plastic material. The retaining structure 3 forms a basket wall which can be pivoted vertically about an axis X1. The retaining structure 3 consists of an upper section 3a which rises vertically above the seat surface 1a of the seat surface structure 1 and a section 3b located below it. Openings 3c, 3d are provided in the upper section 3a through which a child sitting there can pass his or her legs when using the seat arrangement. In the lower area of ​​the restraint structure, a support wall is formed. The seat surface structure 1 can be pivoted to theThe restraint structure 3 is connected in such a way that it can be pivoted about the axis X2. The backrest structure 2 is pivotally connected to the restraint structure 3 in the lower area 3b of the restraint structure. The corresponding pivot axis is marked in this illustration as axis X3. The backrest structure 2 comprises a backrest 2a that projects vertically beyond the seat surface 1a of the seat surface structure 1. The backrest 2a comprises a central, slightly concavely curved backrest section and two lateral edge area sections 2b, 2c. The guide rail 5a, in which the respective pin 5b is guided, runs in each of these edge area sections 2b, 2c. The engagement device 4 according to the invention, which as such in this embodiment comprises claws and complementary structures, is realized in the immediate vicinity of the outer edges of the backrest structure 2 and thus between the respective guide rail 5a and the lateral outer edge of the backrest structure 2. This engagement device 4 carries invertically downwards under pressure, as well as horizontally in the plane of the seat surface structure 1 under tension in the direction of the retaining structure 3. The load-bearing capacity of the engagement device 4 relieves the load on the guide device 4 and also functions as a stop. The engagement path over which the Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA WO 02-02-24 28.06.2024 engagement device 4 reaches the engaged state corresponds approximately to the vertical thickness of the seat surface structure. The illustration in Figure 2 further illustrates the structural design of the seat arrangement. In this illustration, the seat surface structure 1, the backrest structure 2, and the retaining structure 3 are shown as individual parts. In this illustration, the complementary sections 4b, designed as vertically projecting noses, can be seen, into which the downwardly open claws 4a of the seat structure 1 can engage. These complementary sections 4b bear the load in a vertical direction when the seat structure 1 is loaded by a child sitting on it.The engagement device is held in the engaged position by the forces acting on the seat surface structure 1 when it is loaded. The backrest structure 2 can be pivoted onto the retaining structure 3 about the pivot axis X3 running in its lower area. For this purpose, the seat surface structure 1 is folded upwards about the axis X2. The engagement device 4 then assumes a lifted position, and the pins 5b of the guide device 5 can slide upwards in the rails 5a. The illustration in Figure 3 shows, in the form of a detailed representation, the engagement device 4 in the engaged position, bearing vertical pressure and horizontal tension. Visible here are the claws 4a, which, as such, engage with the complementary sections 4b, designed here as vertically upwardly projecting lugs. In this engagement state, the guide device 5 is relieved in the vertical direction. It is also possible to apply a furtherTo realize a strength contribution for the connection of the backrest structure 2 with the seat surface structure 1 or to use the guide device 5 as an auxiliary structure that additionally comes into play in the event of mechanical overload of the engagement device 4. The illustrations according to Figure 4 show the pin 5b of the guide device 5 running in the backrest structure 2. The pin 5b is formed integrally with the seat surface structure 1. The claws 4a are also formed integrally with the seat surface structure 1 here. The respective pin 5b runs in the guide rail 5a of the guide device 5 provided by the backrest structure 2. The illustration according to Figure 5 shows the complementary structures 4b of the engagement device which, as already mentioned, are designed here as lugs which are gripped from above by claws Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA WO 02-02-24 28.06.2024 and thereby form a vertically compressive and horizontally tensile positively supporting connection of theSeat surface structure 1 with the backrest structure 2. These complementary structures 4b are located near the side region of the backrest structure 2. The illustration according to Figure 6 illustrates the preferred structure of the seat surface structure 1 in the exemplary embodiment described here as a whole. The pins 5b of the guide device 5 are located in close proximity to the claws 4a or downwardly open grooves or recesses of the engagement device 4. The guide device 5 comprises two pins 5b and two claws 4a. Pins 5b and claws 4a are formed in the two corner regions of the seat surface structure, which delimit the transverse edge via which the seat surface structure 1 is adjacent to the backrest structure 2 (cf. Figure 1).

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 25 November 2024 1. Seat arrangement for a shopping trolley comprising: a seat structure (1) for providing a seat (1a) Structural section of a backrest structure (2), for providing a backrest acting as a structural section and a retaining structure or device (3) for providing a Usage configuration on a transverse side of the backrest facing away from the Seat structure (1) projecting vertically upwards above the seat Restraint structure section, wherein the backrest structure (2), the seat surface structure (1) and the restraint structure or device (3) are arranged to be displaceable relative to one another, so that the seat arrangement can be Use configuration and into a non-use configuration, and an engagement device (4) is provided which is designed such that, when the seat arrangement is brought into the use configuration, it comes into an engagement state in which the seat surface structure (1) with the backrest structure (2) and / or the Retaining structure or device (3) is coupled, characterized in that the engagement device (4) is structurally designed in such a way that it at least largely relieves the guide device (5) when the engagement state is reached.

2. Seat arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a guide device is provided for the guided coupling of the seat surface structure (1) to the backrest structure (2) and / or the retaining structure or device (3) in a translationally and / or pivotally displaceable manner.

3. Seat arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the engagement device (4) comprises claws (4a) and complementary structures or sections or organs (4b).

4. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the engagement device (4) comprises left-side, right-side and / or central claws (4a).

5. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the engagement device (4) functions as a stop. 12 AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 6. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the The engagement device (4) provides a load-bearing coupling of the backrest structure (2) to the seat structure (1).

7. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the Claws (4a) are provided by the seat structure (1) and the Complementary structures or sections or organs (4b) on the part of the backrest structure (2).

8. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the Claws (4a) are provided by the leg structure (2) and the complementary structures or sections or organs (4b) are provided by the seat structure (1).

9. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the Claws (4a) engage with the complementary structures or sections or members (4b) of the backrest structure (2) when the final position of the seat structure (1) relative to the backrest structure (2) corresponding to the usage configuration is reached.

10. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that when the engagement state is reached, the claws (4a) in interaction with the Complementary structures or sections or organs (4b) both normal and transverse to the Joining direction are coupled with the complementary structures or sections or organs (4b).

11. Seat arrangement according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the backrest structure (2), the seat surface structure (1) and / or the retaining structure or device (3) are made of a plastic material. 13 AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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