Modular shopping cart

Abstract

To provide a shopping cart allowing consumers to easily organize purchased items within the shopping cart.SOLUTION: The shopping cart comprises a frame including a backrest extending in a vertical direction and a base extending laterally with respect to the backrest, the backrest and the base together defining a storage compartment. The shopping cart further comprises a plurality of containers insertable in succession along a main direction substantially parallel to the backrest within the compartment. The backrest extends between a first end connected to the base and a second end that is movable toward and away from the first end, thereby allowing adaptation to the overall dimension of the containers measured along the main direction. The shopping cart further comprise connection means configured to reversibly connect the containers to the frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shopping cart for rearranging and transporting goods. In other words, the present invention relates to the field of short-distance goods transportation performed by manual pushing means.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a shopping cart for transporting goods from the store where the goods are purchased to home.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a shopping cart for transporting food from a truck to a consumer's home for online shopping delivery.

[0004] In other words, the present invention relates to a shopping cart.

Background Art

[0005] There is prior art that presents an embodiment of a shopping cart for transporting purchased goods from a store to home, which includes a single flexible container in the form of a bag made of, for example, canvas fabric or a similar material, the container being fixed to a support frame, and the support frame having two or more wheels for transporting goods.

[0006] Alternatively, the container may be made of a rigid and non-transparent plastic (e.g., opaque or colored) or a similar material (a conventional basket provided in the store), or the container may consist of a mesh having metal links (a conventional shopping cart provided in the store).

[0007] This type of shopping cart is used to enable the use of a support during the transportation of goods, and reduces the fatigue of the consumer while transporting goods along the route between the store and home.

[0008] Unfortunately, the prior art of currently commercially available models consists of shopping carts with limited capacity, which require the use of bags or containers to neatly store (and retrieve) products and merchandise when putting them into the shopping cart, or require the use of insulated bags and ice to store fresh or frozen products.

[0009] Currently, the use of shopping carts is not preferred in large commercial areas in the vicinity. This is because the use of automobiles for transporting purchased items and the limited capacity of prior art shopping carts make the shopping cart inappropriate in troublesome situations where commercial facilities are far from home and the volume of purchased items is particularly large.

[0010] In other words, unfortunately, prior art shopping carts are difficult to carry by automobiles such as passenger cars or SUVs due to their overall dimensions, and at the same time, they provide only limited capacity for accommodating goods and products.

[0011] In fact, most supermarkets and hypermarkets directly address the needs of consumers to store and move the goods they plan to purchase in the store by providing shopping carts owned by the supermarkets and hypermarkets themselves.

[0012] Furthermore, since it is necessary to prevent or at least reduce the presence of sealed containers and bags that are prone to theft or similar drawbacks, consumers are continuously prohibited from accessing the sales floor with their own shopping carts.

[0013] For example, a consumer who stores the goods they plan to purchase in a personal shopping cart may not notice that one or more products are covered by personal belongings or other bags stored in the shopping cart and may not detect the presence of the one or more products at the time of payment, which may cause non-payment of some goods. This can lead to misunderstandings and potential delays in the lines at the checkout counters and the overall commercial activities of the store.

[0014] Therefore, consumers are unfortunately forced to use the shopping carts owned by the supermarket, but there is a drawback in that the storage location is not necessarily close to the place where the car is parked, and they have to deposit the relevant money each time, pick up the shopping cart, and then return it. Or, consumers have to manually carry their purchases from the exit of the supermarket to the relevant car themselves.

[0015] Considering major shopping centers with various stores and commercial enterprises, shopping carts are rarely provided for moving between different enterprises or between different floors of the shopping center.

[0016] That is, unfortunately, it is the responsibility of each commercial activity to prepare the relevant shopping cart or basket in the relevant sales area, and thus it has an adverse impact on purchasers who have to handle even a large number of bags after leaving the store.

[0017] Considering the center of a small town, personal shopping carts are more widely used along spaces that consumers can directly access on foot from their homes (such as flea markets, outdoor markets, street stalls, etc.). Unfortunately, personal shopping carts are not continuously used, especially in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and stores. This is because there is a possibility that consumers can intentionally or unconsciously hide goods in the shopping cart and thus not pay for them, and therefore the management is negative about allowing the use of potential hiding means.

[0018] Furthermore, unfortunately, the bags provided by the supermarket for putting paid purchases (for carrying them home) have a limited capacity, and consumers without a private car are forced to go out several times a day.

[0019] Furthermore, the bags provided by supermarkets are often made of plastic materials and do not contribute to sustainability and the reduction of plastic use.

[0020] For this reason, conventional shopping carts have the limitation of a limited predetermined capacity, and also, due to the restricted access to stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, general-purpose use is not possible.

Summary of the Invention

[0021] In this regard, an object of the present invention is to provide a shopping cart that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0022] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a highly versatile shopping cart.

[0023] An object of the present invention is to provide a shopping cart with a large capacity that enables consumers to easily organize the purchased goods inside the shopping cart.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shopping cart that enables consumers to intervene in the shopping cart in order to change the space volume suitable for accommodating goods and products and / or the type of container to be transported.

[0025] A further object of the present invention is to provide a shopping cart that can guarantee the improvement of the storage stability of the goods stored inside it.

[0026] Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a shopping cart that can guarantee an easy and interruption-free usability in all purchase steps and in any situation.

[0027] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a sustainable shopping cart.

[0028] The technical and specified objectives shown are substantially achieved by a shopping cart having the technical features described in one or more of the claims of the appended claims.

[0029] The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] In particular, the present invention relates to a shopping cart comprising a frame, wheels for moving the frame, and a plurality of containers.

[0031] A stack of containers, consisting of a variable number of containers that the user can arbitrarily select, with drawers that can be pulled out, is reversibly fixed to the frame by connecting means such as magnets, for example.

[0032] The containers are reversibly attachable to and removable from the frame, each having a grip. Advantageously, the containers can be carried individually and more easily, and it is possible to use the containers instead of conventional plastic bags.

[0033] The containers are made of recycled plastic, advantageously sustainable and transparent, and advantageously prevent being used to hide goods to avoid paying for them. In other words, the containers allow visual inspection of their interior and prevent the shopping cart from being removed from the commercial establishment.

[0034] The frame is foldable, whereby, advantageously, the frame can be easily carried in a motor vehicle in minimal dimensions.

[0035] The frame also has a reclining backrest, and advantageously, its dimensions can be adjusted as a function of the number of containers to be transported (and their respective dimensions).

[0036] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the following non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment of a shopping cart illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] The following description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only without limiting the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] In this specification, reference numeral 1 is used to denote a shopping cart according to the present invention as a whole. The shopping cart 1 is schematically shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and is suitable for the rearrangement and transportation of goods and products, for example, goods scheduled for purchase or already purchased, personal items, clothing, etc.

[0039] The shopping cart 1 includes a frame 3, which is preferably made of a metal material.

[0040] Frame 3 particularly comprises a backrest 3a extending in the vertical direction (i.e., along the direction in which gravity acts), and a lateral base 3b, the lateral base 3b being preferably perpendicular to the backrest 3a.

[0041] Frame 3 has a height measured along the vertical direction (i.e., the direction of gravity action) between 100 cm and 130 cm, preferably between 110 cm and 120 cm, more preferably equal to 118 cm, and a width (measured laterally with respect to the vertical direction) between 50 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 45 cm and 35 cm, more preferably equal to 40 cm.

[0042] These dimensions advantageously enable the shopping cart 1 to be carried even by an apartment elevator or a shopping center escalator.

[0043] Preferably, frame 3 comprises a plurality of contour parts 7, 7a, 7b, 7c interconnected so as to define the backrest 3a and the base 3b.

[0044] Preferably, the contour parts 7a, 7b, 7c have a square cross-section of 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm and are capable of carrying a load of up to 60 kg.

[0045] Frame 3, and in particular the backrest 3a and the base 3b, define an accommodation compartment 'V' (illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0046] The shopping cart 1 also comprises a plurality of containers 2, 2a, 2b, each defining a respective accommodation space "C" configured to accommodate goods and products. In particular, the accommodation compartment "V" is configured to receive a selectable number of containers 2, 2a, 2b arranged continuously along a main direction "X" substantially parallel to the backrest 3a during use.

[0047] In other words, it is possible to insert a plurality of containers 2, 2a, 2b, the number of which can be arbitrarily selected by the user of the shopping cart 1, inside the storage compartment "V".

[0048] In order to enable stacking of the containers 2, 2a, 2b, the lower edges of the upper containers 2, 2a, 2b are intended to be inserted into recesses formed in the upper edges of the lower containers 2, 2a, 2b.

[0049] In order to securely connect the containers 2, 2a, 2b to the frame 3 while at the same time enabling easy removal of the containers 2, 2a, 2b from the frame 3, the shopping cart 1 is provided with connecting means 23, 27 configured to reversibly connect the containers 2, 2a, 2b to the frame 3.

[0050] Advantageously, the shopping cart 1 is modular. This is because the user can select the space designed for storing goods and products (by selecting the number of containers 2, 2a, 2b to be fixed to the frame 3).

[0051] Specifically, the connecting means 23, 27 comprise at least one first magnet 23 applied to the corresponding containers 2, 2a, 2b (schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9), and at least one second magnet 27 applied to the backrest 3a and configured to be coupled so as to reversibly connect the containers 2, 2a, 2b to the backrest 3a (schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0052] For this reason, the containers 2, 2a, 2b can be individually removed from the frame 3 and, advantageously, they can be used instead of conventional shopping bags.

[0053] In order to adapt the shopping cart 1 to containers 2, 2a, 2b of various shapes and dimensions, the backrest 3a is provided with a plurality of receiving sheets 14 for the magnets 27, and the magnets 27 can be preferably inserted into and removed from the receiving sheets 14 schematically illustrated in FIG. 6, for example by screw connection.

[0054] In particular, the shopping cart 1 is suitable for containers 2, 2a, 2b with a capacity of 40 L and a maximum load of 8 kg, and containers 2, 2a, 2b with a capacity less than 40 L. These containers have different deployments along the main direction "X", and thus, thanks to the receiving sheet 14, it is possible to arrange the magnet 27 as a function of its deployment along its main direction "X".

[0055] To securely fix the containers 2, 2a, 2b to the frame 3, the base 3b is provided with a snap-on sheet (not shown in the attached drawings) and it is possible to snap at least a part of the containers 2, 2a, 2b placed on the base 3b. For example, at least one of the containers 2, 2a, 2b is provided with a projection that is reversibly fixed inside the snap-on sheet of the base 3b.

[0056] The shopping cart 1 also comprises at least one pair, preferably two pairs, of swivel wheels 4 designed to be connected to the base 3b and to allow the movement of the frame 3 (and thus the containers arranged inside the accommodation compartment "V" defined thereby). Preferably, the shopping cart 1 comprises a pair of rear swivel wheels 4 arranged proximal to the backrest 3a and a pair of front swivel wheels 4 arranged distally with respect to the backrest 3a.

[0057] In other words, the swivel wheels 4 are interposed between the base 3b and the support surface of the shopping cart and allow it to move easily.

[0058] Preferably, the pair of rear swivel wheels 4 has a height greater than the height of the front swivel wheels 4.

[0059] The term "swivel wheel" means a wheel that can rotate both around a horizontal axis and around a vertical axis (transverse to the horizontal axis, preferably perpendicular to the horizontal axis).

[0060] Advantageously, the swivel wheels 4 enable the shopping cart 1 to be maneuvered in narrow spaces and facilitate carrying the tilted shopping cart 1 with a pair of rear swivel wheels 4 proximal to the backrest 3a.

[0061] Furthermore, by placing the frame 3 on a pair of front and rear swivel wheels 4, the shopping cart 1 can be moved more safely and in a vertical alignment (perpendicular to the support surface of the shopping cart 1), thereby advantageously providing balance to the shopping cart 1 even while it is moving in a fully loaded state (where all containers 2, 2a, 2b are storing goods and products). In particular, the total weight of the shopping cart is distributed over the entire support surface defined by the pair of front swivel wheels 4 and the pair of rear swivel wheels 4, advantageously enabling comfortable transportation for the user without relying on force.

[0062] To ease the user during transportation, the shopping cart 1 includes a first handle 5 disposed at a first distance from the base 3b to the backrest 3a and a second handle 6 disposed at a second distance from the base 3b to the backrest 3a, where the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

[0063] Advantageously, this enables users of various heights to carry the shopping cart 1.

[0064] To facilitate the user's gripping of the first handle 5 and the second handle 6, they have a circular or at least curved cross-section in the portion intended for the user to grip, so that the user does not need to come into contact with sharp edges.

[0065] Preferably, the first handle 5 is disposed at a distance exceeding 100 cm from the support surface of the swivel wheels 4, more preferably, the first handle 5 is disposed at a distance between 100 cm and 110 cm from the support surface of the swivel wheels 4, and even more preferably, the first handle 5 is disposed at a distance equal to 105 cm from the support surface of the swivel wheels 4.

[0066] Preferably, the second handle 6 is disposed at a distance exceeding 70 cm from the support surface of the swivel wheel 4, more preferably, the second handle 6 is disposed at a distance between 80 cm and 90 cm from the support surface of the swivel wheel 4, and even more preferably, the second handle 6 is disposed at a distance equal to 85 cm from the support surface of the swivel wheel 4.

[0067] The first handle 5 and the second handle 6 not only enable the user to grip the shopping cart 1 at various heights, but also enable the shopping cart 1 to be tilted even when the shopping cart 1 is fully loaded (i.e., when the containers 2, 2a, 2b are all filled with goods and products), and enable the shopping cart 1 to be gripped with both hands in order to easily guide the shopping cart 1 when going up a step or passing a small obstacle.

[0068] The backrest 3a extends between a first end 30 constrained to the base 3b and a second end 31 movable toward and away from the first end 30, and the deployment of the backrest 3a measured along the main direction "X" can be changed as a function of the size of the containers 2, 2a, 2b measured along the main direction "X" (the size can vary as a function of the size of each container 2, 2a, 2b and as a function of the number of containers 2, 2a, 2b inserted into the storage compartment "V").

[0069] According to one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the backrest 3a includes a first element 300 connected to the base 3b and a second element 301 hinged to the first element 300, the second element 301 enabling rotation of the second element 301 about an upper folding axis "R1".

[0070] In other words, the first element 300 defines the first end 30, while the second element 301 defines the second end 31, and the second end 31 can be rotated about the upper folding axis "R1" so as to move the second end 31 towards / away from the first end 30.

[0071] Thus, the backrest 3a can be moved between the upright position schematically illustrated in FIG. 6, where the second element 301 is located above the first element 300 and the second end is spaced away from the first end 30, and the reclining position schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, where the second element 301 is folded onto the first element 300 and the second end 31 is moved towards the first end 30. In other words, in the upright position, the second element 301 is rotated by substantially 180° relative to the reclining position.

[0072] Advantageously, it is possible to adapt the backrest 3a, and thus to position the backrest 3a in the reclining position or the upright position, as a function of the size of the containers 2, 2a, 2b along the main axis "X". That is, when the container has a size along the main axis "X" that is equal to or similar to the size of the first element 300 along the main axis "X", it is possible to position the backrest 3a in the reclining position so as to ensure that the shopping cart 1 can be carried more easily.

[0073] The first element 300 preferably comprises a first contour 7a, and the second element 301 preferably comprises a second contour 7b connected to the first contour 7a by a hinge, defining the upright position and the reclining position of the backrest 3a.

[0074] Specifically, when the backrest 3a is in the reclining position, the hinge keeps the second contour 7b at a distance of 1.5 cm from the first contour 7a.

[0075] The first handle 5 is arranged on the second element 301, and the second handle 6 is arranged on the first element 300. Therefore, the first element 300 is provided with an opening "A" suitable for receiving the first handle 5 when the backrest 3a is in the reclining position.

[0076] Advantageously, in this way, it is possible to reduce the overall size of the first handle 5 when the backrest 3a is in the reclining position.

[0077] To securely fix the backrest 3a in the reclining position, the first handle 5 is configured to be coupled with the magnet 27.

[0078] Preferably, the lateral portion of the first handle 5 intended to interact with the magnet 27 has a square cross-section so as to facilitate the fixation between the first handle 5 and the magnet 27.

[0079] To block the backrest 3a in the upright position and reliably avoid accidents, the shopping cart 1 is provided with an upper locking element 9a that acts on the first element 300 and the second element 301 and is movable so as to allow and / or prevent the movement of the second element 301 relative to the first element 300.

[0080] More specifically, the upper locking element 9a includes an upper pin 90. The first element 300 and the second element 301 each include a respective upper insertion hole 91 for the upper pin 90. The upper pin 90 is inserted into the upper insertion hole 91 of the second element 301 and - can be inserted into the upper insertion hole 91 of the first element 300 to lock the backrest 3a in the upright position, - and can be removed from the upper insertion hole 91 of the first element 300 to enable the movement of the backrest 3a between the upright position and the reclining position.

[0081] Preferably, the upper pin 90 is connected to the knob 90', and rotation of the knob enables insertion and removal of the upper pin 90 into and from the hole for inserting the first element 300.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the backrest 3a and the base 3b are hinged to each other so as to enable rotation about the respective lower folding axis "R2" of the backrest 3a and / or the base 3b. For this reason, the frame 3 (when the containers 2, 2a, 2b are not arranged inside the accommodation section 'V') is schematically shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in which the backrest 3a is arranged laterally (preferably vertically) with respect to the base 3b. It can be moved between an open position and a closed position schematically shown in FIG. 8 in which the backrest 3a is folded onto the base 3b.

[0083] Advantageously, in the closed position, the overall size of the frame 3 is small and it can be brought into the interior of a passenger car.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, when the containers 2, 2a, 2b are not arranged in the accommodation section "V", the frame 3 can be simultaneously arranged in the closed position and the backrest 3a can be arranged in the reclining position so as to enable "folding" and easy transportation of the frame 3.

[0085] The base 3b preferably comprises a contour 7c connected by a hinge to the second contour 7b of the backrest 3a so as to define the open and closed positions of the frame 3.

[0086] In other words, the contour 7c in the open position is rotated by 90° with respect to the base 3b and with respect to the closed position.

[0087] To fix the frame 3 in the open position, the shopping cart 1 comprises a lower locking element 9b acting on the backrest 3a and the base 3b, and the lower locking element 9b is movable so as to allow and / or prevent movement of the frame 3 between the open and closed positions.

[0088] More specifically, the lower locking element 9b includes a lower pin 92, and the backrest 3a and the base 3b each include a respective lower insertion hole 93 for the lower pin 92. The lower pin 92 is inserted into the lower insertion hole 93 of the backrest 3a and - can be inserted into the lower insertion hole 93 of the base 3b to lock the frame 3 in the open position, - can be removed from the lower insertion hole 93 of the base 3b to enable movement of the frame 3 between the open position and the closed position.

[0089] Preferably, the lower pin 90 is connected to a knob 90', and rotation of the knob enables insertion and removal of the upper pin 90 into and from a hole for inserting the first element 300.

[0090] To fix the frame 3 in the closed position, referring to FIG. 6, the shopping cart 1 includes a fastening element 12 connected to one of the backrest 3a and the base 3b, and an engaging element 12' connected to the other of the backrest 3a and the base 3b. The fastening element 12 is configured to engage with the engaging element 12' so as to connect the backrest 3a to the base 3b when the frame 3 is in the closed position.

[0091] Preferably, the fastening element 12 is formed in the shape of a hook, and the engaging element 12' is formed in the shape of a pin.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present invention, the shopping cart 1 includes an upper band 13 made of a rubber-like material and connected to the first element 300 and the second element 301 of the backrest 3a by an upper folding axis "R1", and / or a lower band 13' made of a rubber-like material and connected to the backrest 3a and the base 3b by a lower folding axis "R2".

[0093] Advantageously, the upper band 13 enhances the adhesion between the contact surfaces between the contour portions 7a and 7b when the backrest 3a is in the reclining position, and enhances the stability of the backrest 3a. Further, the upper band 13 improves the compression action of the locking element 9a.

[0094] Similarly, the lower band 13' enhances the adhesion between the contact surfaces between the contour portions 7b and 7c when the frame 3 is in the closed position, and enhances the stability of the backrest 3a. Further, the upper band 13 improves the compression action of the locking element 9b.

[0095] Regarding the containers 2, 2a, 2b, the shopping cart 1 includes at least one container 2a defined by a box-shaped body that defines an accommodation space "C" and a handle 20a, and a door 21a that is openable and closable so as to define the opening and closing of the accommodation space "C". That is, the container 2a has the shape of a carrying case.

[0096] More specifically, the container 2a includes a top plate 15 fixed to the main body 16 by pins, and the door 21a is connected to the top plate 15 by a spring hinge for automatically returning when closed. The handle 20a is connected to the plate 15, and the plate 15 is also provided with a pair of side wings (not shown in the accompanying drawings) for facilitating the gripping of the container 2a by the user.

[0097] Inside the main body 16, a seat is provided for arranging a pair of magnets 23 for coupling to the backrest 3a.

[0098] Advantageously, when the container 2a is located at the top of the stack of the containers 2, 2a, 2b on the shopping cart 1, the handle 20a provides an additional gripping point independent of the first handle 5 and the second handle 6 of the frame 3, and guarantees the possibility of a third gripping point for pulling the shopping cart 1 in the same way as a luggage cart.

[0099] The container 2a preferably has a capacity of 15L and is suitable for transporting small items such as plates.

[0100] According to one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 3, the shopping cart 1 includes at least one container 2b having a casing 20b removably connected to the base 3b and / or the backrest 3a, and the casing 20b has a side opening "AL".

[0101] Specifically, the casing 20b is partitioned by an upper panel "p1", a lower panel "p2", a side panel "p3" and a rear panel "p4" which are arranged to connect between the upper panel "p1" and the lower panel "p2" and define the side opening "AL".

[0102] Preferably, the upper panel "p1", the lower panel "p2", the side panel "p3" and the rear panel "p4" are connected to each other by snap fits, and more preferably, the snap fits are reversible.

[0103] To enable the panels "p1", "p2", "p3", "p4" to be securely connected to the frame 3, the lower panel "p2" has a pin for connecting to the frame 3 on one side, while at least one of the side panels "p3" has a magnet 23 for coupling to a magnet 27 on the backrest 3a of the frame 3.

[0104] Furthermore, the upper panel "p1" has a handle "MP" for manually carrying the container 2b so that the container 2b is carried instead of a conventional shopping bag.

[0105] The container 2b also includes a drawer 24 that is inserted inside the casing (20b) and is slidable through the side opening "AL" towards and away from the rear panel "p4".

[0106] Preferably, the container 2b can be removed from the frame 3 and carried instead of a conventional shopping bag. Carrying is performed by removing the container 2b from the frame 3 using the handle "MP" instead of a shopping bag, which makes it possible to facilitate the manual carrying of the container 2b.

[0107] To guide the sliding of the drawer 24 within the casing 20b, the lower panel "p2" comprises at least one lower guide "g2" facing the drawer 24, while the drawer 24 comprises a base strip 24a facing the lower guide "g2", which is configured to be inserted into and slide within the lower guide g2.

[0108] To define the end stops of the drawer 24, the upper panel "p1" may comprise at least one upper guide (not shown in the attached drawings) facing the drawer 24, and the drawer 24 comprises a slide tab (not shown in the attached drawings) facing the upper guide, which is configured to be inserted into and slide within the upper guide, and the upper guide defines the end stops of the slide of the slide tab.

[0109] Thus, thanks to the lower guide 'g2' and the upper guide, the base strip 24a and the slide tab, the drawer 24 can slide in an easy and guided manner, without the risk of jamming or accidental dropping of the drawer 24, especially thanks to the end stops defined by the upper guide 'g2'.

[0110] To enable the user to easily grasp the drawer 24, the drawer is provided with a handle "M". Advantageously, when the drawer 24 is fully inserted inside the casing 20b, it is possible to isolate the accommodation space "C" of the drawer 24 by means of the handle "M", and it is possible to store food inside.

[0111] Furthermore, when the drawer 24 is fully open, a slight inclination of the drawer 24 that causes the slide tab to come out of the upper guide enables the drawer 24 to be removed from the casing 20b for regular maintenance and cleaning operations.

[0112] The upper panel "p1", the lower panel "p2", the side panel "p3" and the rear panel "p4" wrap around the drawer 24 and have sufficient clearance from the upper and lower guides "g2" to overcome the base strip 24a and the slide tabs described above respectively, or to guide the movement of the drawer 24 inside the casing 20b. There is no sufficient space between the drawer 24 and the upper panel "p1", the lower panel "p2", the side panel "p3" and the rear panel "p4". According to one aspect of the present invention, the side walls of the drawer 24 are slightly inclined and converge towards the bottom wall of the drawer 24. As a result, when the drawer 24 is inserted into the casing 20b, the side walls of the drawer 24 gradually deviate from the side panel "p3" and the rear panel "p4", thus defining a space between the drawer 24 and the panels "p3" and "p4".

[0113] To fill the space, referring to FIG. 9, the container 2b includes a pair of auxiliary side panels "PL" shaped to be inserted into the space and close the opening "AP" and adhere to both the side panel "p3" and the corresponding wall of the drawer 24, and a rear auxiliary panel "PL1" shaped to be inserted into the space and close the opening "AP" and adhere to both the rear panel "p4" and the corresponding wall of the drawer 24.

[0114] In other words, the auxiliary side panel "PL" has a triangular cross-section or an L-shaped cross-section, and the rear auxiliary panel "PL1" has a triangular cross-section or a U-shaped cross-section. Therefore, the auxiliary side panel "PL" and the auxiliary rear panel "PL1" can close the space defined between the drawer 24 and the casing 20b.

[0115] Advantageously, when the auxiliary side panel "PL" has an L-shaped cross-section and / or the rear auxiliary panel "PL1" has a U-shaped cross-section, they can enclose the air layer between the side panel "p3" and the rear panel "p4" separated from the external environment and the drawer 24, and isolate the accommodation space "C" of the drawer 24. Advantageously, even without using ice, it facilitates the storage of the food stored therein.

[0116] According to one aspect of the present invention, the base 3b of the frame 3 includes a sheet 30b configured to receive the base container 2' during use. More specifically, the base container 2' can be inserted into or removed from the sheet 30b.

[0117] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sheet 30b is disposed in the forward position with respect to the accommodation section "V" defined by the backrest 3a and the base 3b.

[0118] The base container 2' is suitable for rearranging, for example, personal items, beverages, water bottles, folding umbrellas, cartons, etc. The base container 2' is preferably made of transparent colored plastic, and its interior can be visually inspected.

[0119] Preferably, the base container 2' is provided with, for example, a rectangular opening in the relevant bottom wall to enable drainage of liquid and rainwater.

[0120] The base container 2' preferably has a box-shaped body 2'' that is open at the top and a lid 2''' that can be used with the box-shaped body 2'' to close the opening at its top.

[0121] Preferably, a hemispherical rubber layer is inserted into the sheet 30b arranged to contact the lid 2''' when the lid 2''' is arranged to close the box-shaped body 2''.

[0122] In particular, the layer made of hemispherical rubber deforms under the pressure during the insertion of the lid 2''', stops the lid 2''' by pressing the lid 2''' against the box-shaped body 2'', and advantageously prevents involuntary movement.

[0123] According to one aspect of the invention, the shopping cart 1, i.e., the containers 2, 2a, 2b and the base container 2', has a maximum overall capacity between 160 L and 120 L, preferably between 150 L and 110 L, more preferably equal to 140a, and is advantageously larger than the capacity of the prior art shopping carts.

[0124] The containers 2, 2a, 2b and the base container 2' are made of a transparent material, and advantageously, their storage space "C" can be inspected at any time, ensuring the possibility of their use in any commercial enterprise.

[0125] Preferably, the drawers 24 of the containers 2, 2b are made of a transparent and achromatic plastic, similar to the auxiliary side panel "PL" and the auxiliary rear panel "P1".

[0126] Preferably, the upper panels "p1", side panels "p3", and rear panels "p4" of the containers 2a, base container 2', containers 2, 2b are made of a transparent and colored plastic, and the lower panels "p2" of the containers 2, 2b may be made of a non-transparent and colored plastic.

[0127] Advantageously, the transparent material allows the interior of the containers 2, 2a, 2b and the base container 2' to be viewed from any direction, always revealing the contents, thus solving the main cause for the exclusion of shopping carts from supermarkets and shopping centers.

[0128] Even more advantageously, the side panel "p3" and the rear panel "p4" each have an opening "AP", allowing easy inspection of the interior of the drawer 24.

[0129] Preferably, all the containers 2, 2a, 2b and the base container 2' are made of a recyclable plastic material that does not contain bisphenol A.

[0130] According to one aspect of the invention, the shopping cart 1, unlike the disposable bags available in supermarkets, comprises a reusable mesh bag. The reusable mesh bag may be carried in any one of the containers 2, 2a, 2b and advantageously constitutes an ecological alternative to the consumption of the plastic bags currently supplied by commercial establishments. In fact, assuming an average consumption of 3-4 large bags and 5-6 bags for fruits and vegetables per week per household, it is reasonable to assume a saving of about 8-10 bags or 20 bags per week per household, and a reduction in the required amount of about 500-1000 bags per year. In a community of 10,000 people, consisting of about 3,500 households, this means a saving of about 3,500×1,000 bags, corresponding to a saving of 1,750,000-3,500,000 bags per year.

[0131] According to one aspect of the invention, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the shopping cart 1 comprises orientation means 40 for the swivel wheels 4 configured to reversibly connect the orientation of the swivel wheels 4.

[0132] In other words, thanks to the orientation means 40, it is possible to constrain the swivel wheels 4 to rotate along a given direction.

[0133] Preferably, the orientation means 40 is connected to a pair of rear swivel wheels 4.

[0134] More specifically, the orientation means 40 comprises a pair of orientation sheets 40a each connected to a respective swivel wheel 4, and an orientation plate 40b connected to the frame 3 and having a pair of protrusions 41b each intended to be inserted into the corresponding orientation sheet 40a.

[0135] The orientation plate 40b is movable between an operative position in which the projection 41b is inserted into the orientation seat 40a so as to constrain a predetermined orientation of the swivel wheel 4, and a non-operative position in which the projection 41b is removed from the orientation seat 40a.

[0136] For this reason, the user can selectively prevent the swivel of the swivel wheel 4 about the relevant vertical axis by slightly pressing the orientation plate 40b with the foot. By being set up with the swivel wheel 4 locked, advantageously, greater stability is imparted to the shopping cart 1 while the shopping cart 1 is being carried along a straight line or over a step.

[0137] To release the swivel wheel 4, the user needs to lift the orientation plate 40b with the foot.

[0138] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0139] More specifically, thanks to a system of containers 2, 2a, 2b that can be stacked on top of each other and a drawer 24 that can be arranged and removed on a frame 3 equipped with swivel wheels 4, the shopping cart 1 can carry a variable number of containers 2 on the shopping cart 1 and can individually carry a single container 2, 2a, 2b, enabling unloading them individually without using bags or the like.

[0140] A plurality of compartments defined by the containers 2, 2a, 2b and the base container 2' are available, and since it is possible to carry a selectable number of containers 2, 2a, 2b, it is possible to neatly arrange the goods inside the containers 2, 2a, 2b and carry them without using bags or the like.

[0141] Furthermore, the shopping cart 1 is practical. This is because it is possible to selectively arrange the purchased goods inside the respective different containers 2, 2a, 2b according to various categories. For example, it is possible to separate fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, delicate products such as seedlings, cakes, tarts, etc., or to separate hot foods from frozen or cold foods.

[0142] In that sense, the presence of the container 2b with the auxiliary side panel "PL" and the auxiliary rear panel "PL1" that enable the insulation of the drawer 4 makes it possible to transport food without interrupting the cold chain. The user can, if necessary, with the help of ice or a pair of synthetic ice cubes taken from their freezer, actually configure the refrigerated container 2b, thus avoiding the use of an insulated bag.

[0143] Since the backrest 3a is movable between an upright position and a reclining position, it is possible to adapt the dimensions of the backrest 3a to the dimensions of the stack of containers 2, 2a, 2b stacked along the main direction "X" along the main direction "X", and the shopping cart 1 is also very versatile.

[0144] Furthermore, since the backrest 3a and the base 3b are movable between an open position that enables the transportation of the containers 2, 2a, 2b and a closed position that enables the easy transportation of the shopping cart 1 inside an automobile by reducing the dimensions, the shopping cart 1 is also versatile.

[0145] Unlike the materials of currently commercially available shopping carts, since the materials used are transparent, it is impossible to hide the goods inside the containers 2, 2a, 2b and the base container 2', and it is possible to avoid being prohibited from using the shopping cart 1 instead of the provided shopping cart in commercial facilities.

[0146] Furthermore, the total capacity of the shopping cart 1 has increased.

[0147] The orientation means 40 ensures, in particular, enhanced stability and thus easier use of the shopping cart 1 when transporting the shopping cart 1 outside commercial establishments, or on irregular or uneven road surfaces, or over large obstacles.

[0148] For this reason, in the shopping cart 1, there is a possibility that the capacity is increased and variable, the storability of the goods being transported is improved, the access to commercial establishments is improved, and the use of additional containers such as shopping bags can be significantly reduced.

Claims

1. A shopping cart (1) for rearranging and transporting goods and products, comprising: a frame (3) with a vertically extending backrest (3a) and a base (3b) transverse to said backrest (3a), said backrest (3a) and said base (3b) defining a storage compartment (V); - at least one pair of swivel wheels (4) connected to said base (3b) and suitable for enabling the movement of said frame (3); a plurality of containers (2, 2a, 2b), each defining a respective containment space (C) adapted to contain goods and products, said compartment (V) being configured, in use, to receive a selectable number of containers (2, 2a, 2b) from said plurality of containers (2, 2a, 2b) arranged successively along a main direction (X) substantially parallel to said backrest (3a); The backrest (3a) extends between a first end (30) connected to the base (3b) and a second end (31) movable towards and away from the first end (30), the deployment of the backrest (3a), measured along the main direction (X), being variable as a function of the size, measured along the main direction (X), of the containers (2, 2a, 2b), the shopping cart (1) comprising connecting means (27) configured for reversibly connecting the containers (2, 2a, 2b) to the frame (3).

2. 2. The shopping cart (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means (23, 27) comprise at least one first magnet (23) applied to a corresponding container (2, 2a, 2b) and at least one second magnet (27) applied to the backrest (3a) of the frame (3), the first magnet (23) and the second magnet (27) being configured to couple together to reversibly connect the container (2, 2a, 2b) to the backrest (3a).

3. 3. A shopping cart (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the backrest (3a) of the frame (3) comprises a plurality of receiving seats (14) for the connection means (27), the connection means (27) being insertable into and removable from the receiving seats (14), preferably by means of a screw connection.

4. The backrest (3a) of the frame (3) comprises a first element (300) connected to the base (3b) and a second element (301) hinged to the first element (300) and allowing the rotation of the second element (301) around an upper folding axis (R1), the backrest (3a) comprising: an upright position, in which said second element (301) is placed above said first element (300); A shopping cart (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is movable between a reclining position, in which the second element (301) is folded onto the first element (300), and a reclining position, in which the second element (301) is folded onto the first element (300).

5. 5. The shopping cart (1) according to claim 4, comprising an upper locking element (9a) movable acting on the first element (300) and the second element (301) and allowing and / or preventing movement of the second element (301) relative to the first element (300), in particular the upper locking element (9a) being configured to lock the backrest (3a) in the upright position.

6. 6. A shopping cart (1) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a first handle (5) arranged on the first element (300) and a second handle (6) arranged on the second element (301), the first element (300) comprising an opening (A) suitable for inserting the first handle (5) when the backrest (3a) is in the reclining position, the first handle (5) preferably being configured to couple with at least one connection means (23, 27) when the backrest (3a) is in the reclining position.

7. The backrest (3a) and the base (3b) are hinged to each other to allow rotation of the backrest (3a) and / or the base (3b) about a respective lower folding axis (R2), and the frame (3) comprises: an open position, in which the backrest (3a) is arranged laterally relative to the base (3b); A shopping cart (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is movable between a closed position, in which the backrest (3a) is folded onto the base (3b), and a folded position, in which the backrest (3a) is folded onto the base (3b).

8. 8. The shopping cart (1) according to claim 7, comprising a lower locking element (9b) acting on the backrest (3a) and the base (3b), the lower locking element (9b) being movable to allow and / or prevent movement of the frame (3) between the open position and the closed position, in particular the lower locking element (9b) being configured to lock the frame (3) in the open position.

9. The plurality of containers (2, 2a, 2b) includes at least one container (2b), the container (2b) comprising: - a casing (20b) removably connected to said base (3b) and / or to said backrest (3a), said casing (20b) comprising a side opening (AL) and bounded by an upper panel (p1), a lower panel (p2), a side panel (p3) arranged for connecting between said upper panel (p1) and said lower panel (p2) and defining said side opening (AL) and a rear panel (p4); A shopping cart (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a drawer (24) inserted inside the casing (20b) and slidable through the side opening (AL) towards and away from the rear panel (p4) and also extractable from the casing (20b).

10. 10. A shopping cart (1) according to claim 9, wherein the lower panel (p2) comprises at least one lower guide (g2) facing the drawer (24), the drawer (24) comprising a base strip (24a) facing the lower guide (g2) configured to be inserted and slid into the lower guide (g2), and / or the upper panel (p1) comprises at least one upper guide facing the drawer (24), the drawer (24) comprising a sliding tab facing the upper guide configured to be inserted and slid into the upper guide, the upper guide preferably defining an end stop for sliding of the sliding tab.

11. The shopping cart (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the containers (2, 2a, 2b) are made of a transparent material.

12. 12. A shopping cart (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising means (40) for orienting the swiveling wheels (4), the means (40) being configured to reversibly constrain the orientation of the swiveling wheels (4).

13. The means for directing (40) comprises: a pair of orientation seats (40a), each connected to a swivel wheel (4); an orientation plate (40b) connected to said frame (3a) and equipped with a pair of projections (41b) designed to be inserted into corresponding orientation seats (40a); The shopping cart (1) of claim 12, wherein the orientation plate (40b) is movable between an operative position in which the protrusion (41b) is inserted into the orientation seat (40a) to restrain the swivel wheel (4) in a predetermined orientation, and a non-operative position in which the protrusion (41b) is removed from the orientation seat (40a).

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