Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Handle – handle component – or handle adjunct – Having receptacle within
Patent
1997-04-04
1998-11-17
Mah, Chuck
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Handle, handle component, or handle adjunct
Having receptacle within
16110R, 280 33992, A47B 9502
Patent
active
058360514
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a handle unit for a trolley.
2. History of the Prior Art
A conventional trolley such as one used in a supermarket has a plastics coated tubular metal handle which is fastened at each end to a respective side frame of the trolley by means of a resilient plastic fitting. This fitting is designed to receive and retain a tubular handle of a particular radius but can be used to fit handles of different lengths to accommodate trolleys of different widths.
Typically the plastic coating of the handle is marked with the name of the supermarket providing it.
Very recently, trolley handles in supermarkets have been provided with a calculator for the customer to calculate the cost of purchases while using the trolley. A calculator unit was attached to the conventional trolley handle using metal clips.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a handle unit for a trolley comprising an integral panel for providing information to the user.
In this way the trolley handle unit provides the user with utilities and useful information.
The handle unit may be molded from plastics material such as polypropylene which may be colored in accordance with the supermarket's corporate identity.
Desirably, the handle unit has a hand gripping portion to either side of the panel. These hand gripping portions may be specially dimensioned and shaped to give the user a comfortable grip of the trolley handle unit.
The trolley handle unit is preferably adapted for use with conventional trolleys and their fittings. For instance the handle unit may be adapted to fit over the conventional tubular trolley handle or have ends dimensioned to cooperate with conventional fittings for attaching the handle to the trolley frame.
Preferably the panel includes a display area, for displaying information without user input, which should be at least partially protected by a transparent cover.
Preferably the handle unit incorporates a housing to the rear of the panel which may receive a power supply. The panel may then include an electronic display screen which can operate from the power supply.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a trolley incorporating a handle unit comprising an integral panel for providing information to the user. The handle unit may be integral with the trolley.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the handle unit of FIG. 1:
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control unit incorporated within the handle unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the handle unit of FIG. 3:
FIG. 6 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the handle unit of FIG. 6. and
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a trolley handle unit forming a fourth embodiment of the present invention attached to a shopping trolley.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a handle unit 10 particularly designed for use on a shopping trolley (in the USA called a "shopping cart"). The handle unit 10 is molded in one piece from suitable plastics such as polypropylene and includes a specially dimensioned integral central housing 12 with hand gripping portion 28 and 29 to either side. The ends 14 of the handle unit 10 are tubular and are dimensioned to fit snugly over the conventional tubular metal handle which is preferably retained for support. The hand gripping portions 28 and
REFERENCES:
patent: D287370 (1986-12-01), Stoll et al.
patent: D321577 (1991-11-01), Ellis et al.
patent: D351404 (1994-10-01), Hood et al.
patent: 3251543 (1966-05-01), Bush
patent: 3265297 (1966-08-01), Behrens
patent: 3710108 (1973-01-01), Haarhaus et al.
patent: 5176392 (1993-01-01), Graebe, Jr.
patent: 5425546 (1995-06-01), Gerber et al.
LandOfFree
Trolley handle unit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Trolley handle unit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Trolley handle unit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-873534