Cart containment system with integrated cart display unit
US8700230B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system is disclosed for tracking and controlling shopping carts and other types of human propelled vehicles. The system includes a wheel assembly that attaches to a cart. The wheel assembly includes a brake unit for inhibiting cart motion, and includes wireless communication circuitry. The wheel assembly is capable of activating the brake unit in response to one or more conditions, such as the receipt of an RF signal or command. In some embodiments, the system also includes a display unit that displays information to a user of the cart, including information regarding the cart's proximity to a lock zone in which the brake unit will become activated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.