Cart Locks and Dispensing Devices

Abstract

An apparatus for distributing and locking carts arranged in a stack, the apparatus comprising: a dual lever mechanism including a locking lever that prevents movement of a first cart of a plurality of carts arranged in the stack when in an open position; a base adjacent to the locking lever, the base being movable forward and backward relative to the stack; a dispensing lever attached to the base, the dispensing lever preventing movement of a second cart of the plurality of carts when in the open position; and a drive belt that moves forward and backward in coordination with the base to drive the plurality of carts parallel to the movement of the base. [Selected figure] Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention, in some of its embodiments, relates to a Cart Locking and Dispensing Device, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device that accepts or releases one cart while locking another cart by coordinated movement of a cart blocking lever and drive belt.

[0002] <Related Applications> This application claims priority to Israel Patent Application No. 260455 (filed July 8, 2018), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Shopping carts may be stored stacked inside one another in designated areas when not in use. When a cart is needed, for example by a customer, it is pulled from the stack. In some cases, coins and / or other means must be used to unlock the cart from the stack (e.g., to release a chain locking the cart to the next cart in the stack). In other cases, a payment must be made to release the cart. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for dispensing and locking carts arranged in a stack, the apparatus comprising: a dual lever mechanism including a locking lever that prevents movement of a first cart of a plurality of carts arranged in a stack when in an open position, a base adjacent the locking lever, the base being movable forwards and backwards relative to the stack, a dispensing lever attached to the base, the dispensing lever preventing movement of a second cart of the plurality of carts when in the open position, and a drive belt that moves forwards and backwards in coordination with the base to drive the plurality of carts parallel to the movement of the base.

[0005] Optionally, the open position is a raised position and the closed position is a lowered position.

[0006] Optionally, at least one of the distribution lever and the blocking lever has a curved shape.

[0007] Optionally, at least one of the dispensing lever and the blocking lever change position from an open position to a closed position to allow movement of the cart.

[0008] As a further option, the change in attitude is effected by an engine.

[0009] As a further option, the change in posture is controlled by an electronic device.

[0010] As a further option, the distributor lever is coupled to the engine by a series of shafts which effect changes in position of the distributor lever according to operation of the engine.

[0011] As a further option, the blocking lever is coupled to the engine by a series of shafts which effect changes in position of the blocking lever according to the operation of the engine.

[0012] Optionally, the base is moveable by the engine via a linear actuator.

[0013] Optionally, the base is movable on rails.

[0014] Optionally, movement of the base is detected by at least one sensor.

[0015] Optionally, the drive belt is driven by a belt wheel operated by a belt engine.

[0016] Optionally, the belt engine is a step motor.

[0017] Optionally, the device further comprises a housing having slits for the distribution lever and the blocking lever.

[0018] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of accepting a cart into a cart stack, the method including the steps of: holding a first cart of a plurality of carts arranged in the stack with a lock lever, the lock lever being in an open position so that the lock lever prevents the first cart from moving out of the stack; changing a position of a distribution lever from a closed position to an open position to prevent a second cart from moving out of the stack, the second cart being newly placed at an end of the stack; changing a position of the lock lever from an open position to a closed position; moving the distribution lever forward to push the second cart into the stack; driving the multiple carts simultaneously with a drive belt, so that the second cart can be positioned behind the lock lever; and changing a position of a block lever from a closed position to an open position so that the block lever prevents the second cart from moving out of the stack.

[0019] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing carts from a cart stack, the method comprising the steps of: holding a first cart of a plurality of carts arranged in the stack with a lock lever, the lock lever being in an open position and thus preventing the first cart from moving out of the stack; changing a position of the dispense lever from a closed position to an open position; changing a position of the lock lever from an open position to a closed position; driving the plurality of carts with a drive belt, such that a next cart of the plurality of carts is located behind the lock lever and the first cart is blocked behind the dispense lever; changing a position of the blocking lever from a closed position to an open position, such that the blocking lever prevents the next cart from moving out of the stack; and changing a position of the dispense lever from an open position to a closed position so that the first cart can be removed from the stack.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test embodiments of this invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below.In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, shall prevail.In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are merely illustrative and are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0021] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which it is emphasized that the details shown hereinafter, with particular reference to the drawings, are for the purposes of illustration and for the purpose of detailed description of embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, from viewing the description together with the drawings, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the present invention may be practiced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for dispensing carts, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal workings of the device of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flow chart that generally illustrates a method for accepting a cart into a stack, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of a distribution lever and a blocking lever in various positions according to the method of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of a distribution lever and a blocking lever in various positions according to the method of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of a distribution lever and a blocking lever in various positions according to the method of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4D]4A-4C are schematic diagrams of a distribution lever and a blocking lever in various positions according to the method of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4E] 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of a distribution lever and a blocking lever in various positions according to the method of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4F] 4A-4C are schematic diagrams of a distribution lever and a blocking lever in various positions according to the method of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of the device of FIG. 1 in various states, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of the device of FIG. 1 in various states, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5C] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of the device of FIG. 1 in various states, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5D] 2A-2C are schematic diagrams of the device of FIG. 1 in various states, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow chart that generally illustrates a method for dispensing carts from a stack, according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention, in some of its embodiments, relates to a cart locking and dispensing device, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a device for accepting or releasing one cart while locking another cart, by coordinated movement of a cart blocking lever and a drive belt.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for locking a stack of carts (such as shopping carts), accepting a cart into the stack, and dispensing a cart from the stack. The accepting and dispensing of a cart is based on a dual lever mechanism that releases or accepts a cart while locking the next cart. A drive belt moves the stack of carts backwards following the operation of the dual lever mechanism that locks the cart, and moves a cart forwards into the stack. The dual lever mechanism operates by coordinated movement of two levers: a lock lever and a dispensing lever attached to a base that is movable forwards and backwards relative to the stack of carts. Each lever has an open and closed position (e.g., a raised position that blocks the cart, and a lowered position that allows the cart to move over the lever). In an initial state, the lock lever is in an open position, locking the first cart in the stack, while the dispensing lever is in a closed position, on the base in a rearward position.

[0025] When a cart is accepted into the stack (e.g., when a customer puts the cart back after shopping), the dispense lever is raised to an open position to block the new cart. The lock lever is lowered to a closed position to allow the new cart to be moved into the stack. The base is then moved forward by an engine, e.g., via a ball screw linear actuator, so that the dispense lever pushes the new cart into the stack. The drive belt moves, e.g., by an engine, following the base, so that the stack of carts can move forward and space is made for the new cart. The lock lever is then raised to an open position to block the new cart, and the base and dispense lever move to their respective initial positions.

[0026] When a cart is dispensed from the stack, the reverse process takes place: the dispense lever is raised to the open position to block the first cart in the stack. The lock lever is lowered to the closed position to allow the first cart to move and the dispense lever can block the first cart in return. The drive belt then moves the stack of carts backwards and thus the first cart is blocked by the dispense lever. To prevent the next cart in the stack from also being pulled out of the stack, the lock lever is then raised to the open position to block the next cart. The dispense lever is lowered to the closed position to allow the first cart to be removed.

[0027] The movement of the drive belt and base can be driven by one or more engines. The lever can be driven by an engine, for example, which can be coupled to the lever by a shaft. The engine can be controlled by an electronic device programmed to command the execution of coordinated movements. The movement of the distribution lever can be detected by a sensor (mechanical and / or magnetic).

[0028] The presented device is suitable for almost any type and / or size of cart available in a supermarket, therefore the device can be used with existing carts and cart lines without the need to acquire new or specific carts. Installation of the device does not require any structural or mechanical changes to the carts and / or to the ground / floor (cart line) on which the carts are stored, and does not require any extra space than before installation, therefore it is much cheaper and easier to deploy / install than other cart systems.

[0029] The device uniquely detects each cart, so when a customer returns a cart, the system requires no interaction from the customer to know that their cart has been returned. Additionally, the device physically and actively delivers carts to customers and also accepts carts into the stack by pulling, so customers do not have to enter the cart line to pull or push carts.

[0030] Before describing at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of elements and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0031]

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for dispensing carts, according to some embodiments of the present invention, and also to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the internal workings of the apparatus of Figure 1, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] The device 100 includes a dispense lever 101 and a blocking lever 102. Each of the levers 101 and 102 has an open position and a closed position (e.g., a raised position and a lowered position). When in the closed position, as shown for the dispense lever 101 in FIG. 2, the cart can be moved over the lever and the cart can be pulled out of the stack and removed. When in the open position, as shown for the blocking lever 102 in FIG. 2, the cart is blocked by the lever and cannot be moved over the lever. Optionally, the dispense lever 101 and / or the blocking lever 102 are shaped to further hold the bar of the cart and prevent it from being pulled upwards (e.g., a curved shape, a hook shape, and / or any other shape that can hold a portion of the bar of the cart). The carts can be of any type and / or size (e.g., a shopping cart, a shopping trolley, and / or any other stackable vehicle).

[0033] Optionally, the position of the distribution lever 101 and / or the position of the block lever 102 are changed from a closed position to an open position and / or from an open position to a closed position by the engine 103 and the engine 104. The engine 103 and the engine 104 can be, for example, a stepper motor. Optionally, the distribution lever 101 and / or the block lever 102 are coupled to the engine 103 and the engine 104 by a series of shafts, which convert the rotational movement of the engines into the movement of the levers between the positions. For example, the distribution lever 101 is coupled to the engine 103 by the shafts 105 and 106. When the engine 103 rotates and the distribution lever 101 is in a closed position, the shafts 105 and 106 push the lower end of the distribution lever 101 forward, while the shaft 107 pushes the middle part of the distribution lever 101 upward, thus moving the distribution lever 101 to the open position. When the engine 103 rotates in the opposite direction and the distribution lever 101 is in the open position, the shafts 105 and 106 pull the lower end of the distribution lever 101 backwards, while the shaft 107 pulls the central part of the distribution lever 101 downwards, thus moving the distribution lever 101 to the closed position. Optionally or alternatively, the position of the distribution lever 101 and / or the position of the blocking lever 102 are changed by an actuator.

[0034] The distribution lever 101, and optionally also the engine 103, sit on a base 109 which moves forwards and backwards on a track 108. The base 109 is moved forwards and / or backwards by an engine 110 (such as a stepper motor), for example via a linear actuator 111 (such as a ball screw linear actuator), via a piston, and / or via any other device that generates linear motion.

[0035] The stack of carts moves forward and backward by a drive belt 112 (such as a Kevlar belt) that is driven by belt wheels 113. Alternatively, another mechanical element (such as a chain) may be used to move the stack of carts. The belt wheels 113 may be operated by a belt engine 114 (such as a stepper motor). The stack of carts may be coupled to the drive belt 112 by, for example, a clasp 115 that holds the last cart in the stack (this is a dummy cart used as the lock cart 203). Alternatively, a pin is coupled to the drive belt 112 that pushes the stack of carts.

[0036] Optionally, control of engine 103, engine 104, engine 110, and / or belt engine 114 is performed by an electronic device connected to apparatus 100 or contained within apparatus 100 (e.g., inside a head unit (not shown)). The electronic device can be any type of electronic, digital, or computing device, such as one or more printed circuits, a computer, and / or any other electronic controller. The electronic device can be programmed to operate the engines according to a cart dispensing sequence or a cart receiving sequence.

[0037] Optionally, the movement of the base 109 and / or drive belt 112 is detected by (one or more) sensors 116 (e.g., mechanical, magnetic, optical, and / or any other sensor). The sensors 116 can be connected to an electronic device and used as a backup to verify the movement of the base 109. The backup is necessary because the stepper motor can be unintentionally reset, for example, due to an overload.

[0038] Optionally, the change in position of the distribution lever 101 and / or the change in position of the block lever 102 is detected by (one or more) sensors 120 (e.g. snap action switches and / or any mechanical, magnetic, optical and / or other sensors). The sensors 120 can be connected to an electronic device and can be used as a backup as described above for the sensor 116.

[0039] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which is a flow diagram that is a schematic representation of a method for accepting a cart into a stack, according to some embodiments of the present invention, and also to Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F, which are schematic illustrations of a dispensing lever 101 and a blocking lever 102 in various positions according to the method of Figure 3, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Initially, as shown at 301 and in Figure 4A, a first cart 201 (only the bar of the cart is shown) of a number of carts arranged in a stack is held by the blocking lever 102. In this initial state, the dispensing lever 101 is in a closed position and in a rearward position with the base 109, as also shown in Figure 2.

[0041] Reference is now made to Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, which are schematic illustrations of the device of Figure 1 in various states, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Optionally, the internal mechanisms of the device 100 are enclosed by a housing 117. Optionally, the housing 117 includes a slit 118 that allows the distribution lever 101 to protrude from the housing, and a slit 119 that allows the blocking lever 102 to protrude from the housing. The slit 118 is longer to allow the distribution lever 101 to move forwards and backwards.

[0043] Next, a new cart 202 is placed at the end of the stack as shown at 302, Figures 4B and 5A. To prevent the new cart 202 from moving out of the stack, the position of the dispensing lever 101 changes from the closed position to the open position.

[0044] Next, as shown at 303, in Figures 4C and 5B, the position of the blocking lever 102 changes from the open position to the closed position so that a new cart 202 can be inserted into the stack.

[0045] Next, as shown at 304, in FIGS. 4D and 5C, the dispensing lever 101 moves forward by the base 109, pushing the new cart 202 into the stack. At the same time, the drive belt 112 moves forward together with the locking cart 203, so that the new cart 202 together with the stack can be pushed inwards by the lever 101 to position behind the blocking lever 102.

[0046] Next, as shown at 305, FIGS. 4E and 5D, the position of the blocking lever 102 changes from a closed position to an open position, so that the blocking lever 102 prevents the new cart 202 and other carts in the stack from moving.

[0047] Finally, as shown at 306, FIG. 4F, and in FIG. 1, the position of the dispense lever 101 changes from the open position to the closed position, and the dispense lever 101 moves rearward by the base 109. The resulting state resembles the initial state shown at 301 and in FIG. 4A, and thus another new cart can be added to the stack, or a cart can be dispensed from the stack.

[0048] Reference is now made to Figure 6, which is a flow chart that generally illustrates a method for dispensing a cart from a stack, according to some embodiments of the present invention, which is the reverse process of accepting a cart into a stack.

[0049] Initially, as shown at 601, a first cart 201 of a plurality of carts arranged in a stack is held by the blocking lever 102. In this initial state, the dispensing lever 101 is in a closed position and in a rearward position with the base 109, as also shown in FIG.

[0050] Next, the dispense lever 101 changes position from a closed position to an open position to prevent the first cart 201 from moving out of the stack, as shown at 602. Optionally, the dispense lever 101 is moved forward by the base 109, as shown in FIG. 5D.

[0051] Next, as shown at 603 and in FIG. 5C, the position of the block lever 102 changes from the open position to the closed position so that the first cart 201 can be moved backward.

[0052] Next, as shown at 604 and in FIG. 5B, the drive belt 112 drives the stack of carts backwards via the locking cart 203 so that the next cart 204 is behind the blocking lever 102 and the first cart 201 is behind the dispensing lever 101. At the same time, the dispensing lever 101 is moved backwards by the base 109.

[0053] Next, as shown in 605 and FIG. 5A, the position of the block lever 102 is closed From posture Open 2. The blocking lever 102 then changes to its position, thus preventing the next cart 204 and any other carts in the stack from moving, so that they cannot be pulled out of the stack along with the first cart 201.

[0054] Next, as shown in 606, the position of the distribution lever 101 is Open From posture closed 6A, so that the first cart 201 can be removed from the stack (e.g., by a customer pulling the cart out of the stack). This resulting state resembles 601, FIG. 4A, and the initial state shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] Optionally, the base 109 and the drive belt 112 can be powered by an engine. For example, a worm screw gear can be coupled to the drive belt 112 and can be powered by a worm wheel gear that is coupled to the engine 110. Optionally, a coupling mechanism can be used to couple and decouple the drive belt 112 to and from the engine 110.

[0056] Optionally, the apparatus 100 and / or electronic device are connected to an interface that allows the customer to unlock the cart, for example, by payment. The interface may include, for example, a screen, an input module, a payment method, an identification method, and / or any other functionality.

[0057] The description of various embodiments of the present invention is presented for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used in this specification is selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, and technical improvements to the technology found in the market, or to allow those having ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0058] It is anticipated that many related carts and / or trolleys will be developed during the life of any patent rights arising from this application, and the scope of the terms "cart" and "trolley" is intended to include any such novel technology.

[0059] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "having" and conjugations thereof mean "including but not limited to." This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of."

[0060] The phrase "consisting essentially of" means that a composition or method may include additional ingredients and / or steps, provided that the additional ingredients and / or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

[0061] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "a compound" or "at least one compound" includes a plurality of compounds, and may also include mixtures thereof.

[0062] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." An embodiment described as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features of other embodiments.

[0063] The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "present in some embodiments and not present in other embodiments." Any particular embodiment of the present invention may include multiple "optional" features, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0064] It will be understood that certain features of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in a single embodiment in any combination of those features. Conversely, several features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or with respect to other described embodiments as appropriate. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be construed as essential to that embodiment, unless the particular embodiment is inoperable without that element.

[0065] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0066] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, and patent application was specifically and individually incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. Nor should it be necessarily construed as limiting, to the extent that section headings are used.

[0067] Additionally, the priority document(s) of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Claims

1. 1. A cart dispensing and locking device comprising: a drive (112, 113) connected to a connection element adapted to be mechanically connected to at least one cart of a plurality of carts (201, 203, 204) arranged in a locked stack; a dual lever mechanism (100) adapted to lock the plurality of carts (201, 203, 204); having The dual lever mechanism (100) comprises: A block lever (102) and a distribution lever (101), a base (109) adapted to move said dispensing lever (101) linearly back and forth relative to said stack; having the dual lever mechanism (100) controls one or more engines (103, 104, 110, 114) to change each of the blocking lever (102) and the distribution lever (101) from an open position that blocks movement of at least one of the plurality of carts (201, 203, 204) to a closed position that does not block movement of the plurality of carts; the dual lever mechanism (100) is adapted to lock the stack when the blocking lever (102) is in the open position; The dual lever mechanism (100) comprises: configured to, when a new cart (202) is at the end of the locked stack, by controlling the one or more engines (103, 104, 110, 114), move the distribution levers and the blocking levers (101, 102) from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position, add the new cart (202) to the end of the locked stack, block the movement of the new cart (202) from the stack by at least one of the distribution levers and the blocking levers (101, 102) when changed to the open position, and allow the new cart (202) to be further inserted into the locked stack by at least one of the distribution levers and the blocking levers (101, 102) when changed to the closed position, The dual lever mechanism (100) is configured to linearly move the base (109) parallel to the stack. A device for dispensing and locking carts.

2. The dual lever mechanism (100) when the new cart (202) is at the end of the locked stack: changing the dispensing lever (101) from the closed position to the open position to block movement of the new cart (202) from the stack, and then changing the blocking lever (102) from the open position to the closed position to further insert the new cart (202) into the stack; When the dispensing lever (101) is in the open position and the blocking lever (102) is in the closed position, the dispensing lever (101) is moved by a base (109) to further insert the new cart (202) into the stack; The blocking lever (102) is then changed from the closed position to the open position, blocking the movement of the new cart (202) along with the other carts (201, 203, 204) in the stack; At least one of the distribution lever (101) and the blocking lever (102) has a curved shape.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, adapted to add the new cart (202) to the end of the locked stack by:

3. At least one of the distribution lever (101) and the blocking lever (102) has a curved shape.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. The dual lever mechanism (100) controls the one or more engines (103, 104, 110, 114) to: changing the distribution lever (101) from the closed position to the open position to block movement of the carts (201, 203, 204) of the stack, and changing the blocking lever (102) from the open position to the closed position to allow the blocking lever (102) to unblock rearward movement of a first cart (201) at the end of the stack; while said first cart (201) is located between said dispense lever (101) and said stack, driving said stack of carts backwards using said drive (112, 113) and simultaneously linearly moving said dispense lever (101) backwards by said base (109); changing the blocking lever (102) from the closed position to the open position, such that the blocking lever (102) blocks the movement of a cart (204) following the first cart (201) and prevents one or more other carts (203, 204) in the stack from being pulled out of the stack together with the first cart (201); changing the dispensing lever (101) from the open position to the closed position so that the first cart (201) can be removed from the stack by pulling it; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, adapted to dispense a cart from the locked stack by:

5. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the distribution lever (101) and the blocking lever (102) enables movement of at least one of the plurality of carts (201, 203, 204) by changing position from the open position to the closed position.

6. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting element comprises a catch (115) that holds a lock cart (203) in front of the locked stack.

7. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the distributor lever (101) and the blocking lever (102) is coupled to the one or more engines (103, 104, 110, 114) by a series of shafts.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the open position is a raised position and the closed position is a lowered position.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base (109) is linearly movable by a linear actuator (111).

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base (109) is movable on a rail (108).

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the movement of the base (109) is detected by at least one sensor (116).

12. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the drive devices (112, 113) are driven by step motors.

13. 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (117) having slits (118, 119) for the distributor lever (101) and the blocking lever (102).

14. 1. A method for accepting a cart into a cart stack, comprising: holding a first cart (201) of a plurality of carts (201, 203, 204) arranged in a stack by a blocking lever (102); Since the blocking lever (102) is in an open position, the blocking lever (102) blocks the first cart (201) from being pulled backwards to be removed from the stack; changing the position of a dispense lever (101) from a closed position, in which a new cart (202) can be added to the stack, to an open position, in which the dispense lever (101) blocks the pulling of the new cart (202) from the stack; changing the position of the block lever (102) from the open position to the closed position; moving the distribution lever (101) forward to push the new cart (202) into the stack and simultaneously driving the carts (201, 203, 204) forward by a drive device (112, 113) mechanically connected to at least one of the carts (201, 203, 204) and moving the distribution lever (101) linearly with the base (109) until the blocking lever (102) allows the new cart (202) to be blocked from moving out of the stack; changing the position of the blocking lever (102) from the closed position to the open position, such that the blocking lever blocks the new cart (202) from being pulled back and removed from the stack; How to accept a cart into the cart stack.

15. 1. A method of dispensing carts from a cart stack, comprising: a blocking lever (102) holds a first cart (201) of a plurality of carts (201, 203, 204) arranged in a stack, said blocking lever (102) being in an open position so that said blocking lever (102) blocks said first cart (201) from being pulled backwards to be removed from said stack; Changing the position of the distribution lever (101) from a closed position to an open position; changing the position of the block lever (102) from the open position to a closed position; driving the plurality of carts (201, 203, 204) backwards by a drive device (112, 113) mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of carts (201, 203, 204); a second cart (204) blocks the first cart from being pulled backwards and removed from the stack by the dispensing lever (101) until a position where the blocking lever (102) can block the second cart (204) from being pulled backwards and removed from the stack; changing the position of the blocking lever (102) from the closed position to the open position, such that the blocking lever (102) blocks the second cart (204) from being pulled backwards and removed from the stack; changing the position of the dispensing lever (101) from the open position to the closed position to allow the first cart (201) to be pulled back and removed from the stack; How to dispense carts from a cart stack.

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