1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a holding device for supporting a mobile device on a shopping cart.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Mobile devices, including cellular phones, are known and used in many different applications. A shopper can use his/her mobile device, for example, to search for coupons or advertisements at a particular store. Indeed, it is not uncommon for shoppers to push/manipulate a shopping cart while simultaneously holding a mobile device to manually search for coupons or advertisements. This concurrent holding and manipulation of both the shopping cart and the mobile device can cause a number of problems, including dropped/broken mobile devices, inattentive shoppers, or the like. Accordingly, there is a need and it would be beneficial to provide a holding device for attachment to a shopping cart, in which the holding device can support a mobile device.
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a holding device for attachment to a shopping cart. The holding device includes a base portion attached to a cart handle of the shopping cart. The holding device includes a pair of adjustable slides movably attached with respect to the base portion. The adjustable slides define an interior portion configured to receive a mobile device. The holding device includes at least one adjustment device positioned within the base portion and attached to each of the adjustable slides. The at least one adjustment device can bias the adjustable slides towards each other so as to support the mobile device between the adjustable slides.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a holding device for attachment to a shopping cart. The holding device includes a base portion. The holding device includes a pair of adjustable slides movably attached with respect to the base portion. The adjustable slides define an interior portion configured to receive a mobile device. The holding device includes at least one adjustment device attached to each of the adjustable slides and being configured to bias the adjustable slides towards each other. The holding device includes at least one securing device movably attached with respect to the base portion. The at least one securing device receives a cart handle of the shopping cart to attach the base portion to the cart handle.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a shopping cart including a base portion integrally formed with a cart handle of the shopping cart. The shopping cart includes a pair of adjustable slides movably attached with respect to the base portion. The adjustable slides define an interior portion configured to receive a mobile device. The shopping cart includes at least one adjustment device positioned within the base portion and attached to each of the adjustable slides. The at least one adjustment device can bias the adjustable slides towards each other.
The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.
Referring to
The shopping cart 10 is somewhat generically/schematically illustrated as the shopping cart 10 includes any number of sizes, shapes, and constructions. In one example, the shopping cart 10 can include a basket area for receiving the items therein. The shopping cart 10 may also include a cart handle 12. The cart handle 12 in this example is a generally linearly extending structure that a user/shopper can grip to manipulate and/or move the shopping cart 10. Of course, the cart handle 12 is not limited to the illustrated example, and, instead, could include any number of sizes/shapes, such as by having a larger/smaller cross-sectional size, extending along a non-linear axis, or the like.
A holding device 20 can be attached with respect to the shopping cart 10. In the illustrated example, the holding device 20 can be attached to the cart handle 12, such that the holding device 20 is supported by the cart handle 12. The holding device 20 is somewhat generically/schematically depicted, as a number of different constructions, sizes, shapes, etc. are envisioned. In general, the holding device 20 can support a mobile device 22. The mobile device 22 can include, for example, mobile phones, tablet devices, computing devices, or the like. In one example, the holding device 20 can support the mobile device 22 in a portrait orientation (as illustrated) or a landscape orientation. In addition, the holding device 20 can also support an advertisement that can display advertisements, coupons, matrix barcodes (e.g., QR codes, etc.).
Turning now to
The holding device 20 can include a base portion 26. The base portion 26 extends along a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel with respect to the cart handle 12. The base portion 26 is an elongated structure that extends a distance along the cart handle 12. The base portion 26 can include a generally rectangular shape, though other sizes and shapes are envisioned. For example, the base portion 26 can include a square shape, rounded shape, oval shape, rectangular shape with rounded edges, etc.
The base portion 26 can include a supporting portion 30. The supporting portion 30 extends substantially entirely along the length of the base portion 26, such that the supporting portion 30 extends generally parallel with respect to the cart handle 12. The supporting portion 30 defines a generally rectangular shape, though other shapes are envisioned. In one example, the supporting portion 30 defines a recess 34 that can receive/support a placard 36. The placard 36 can include any different types of information, including advertisements, coupons, text-based information, or the like. In other examples, the placard 36 can include barcodes, matrix barcodes, QR codes, or the like. Indeed, the placard 36 is not limited to displaying the aforementioned information, and could likewise display other types of information/graphics as well. The placard 36 can be selectively removed from the recess 34, such as by means of a keying structure, or the like. In other examples, the placard 36 can be slidably inserted or removed from the recess 34.
The base portion 26 can include an extension 38. The extension 38 can protrude outwardly from the recess 34. The extension 38 can define a ledge, wall, protrusion, or the like. In one example, the extension 38 extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a surface of the base portion 26. In other examples, however, the extension 38 is not so limited. The extension 38 in this example extends a shorter distance in length than the base portion 26, but in other examples, could extend a longer or shorter distance than as shown. In one example, the extension 38 can contact/engage the mobile device 22 when the mobile device 22 is supported by the holding device 20. This contact/engagement between the mobile device 22 and the extension 38 can limit the likelihood of the mobile device 22 from inadvertently falling from the holding device 20.
The holding device 20 can include a pair of adjustable slides that are movably attached with respect to the base portion 26. In one example, the adjustable slides include a first adjustable slide 40 and a second adjustable slide 42. The first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42 can, together, define an interior portion 46 into which the mobile device 22 can be inserted and supported. The interior portion 46 is disposed between the first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42. In one example, the adjustable slides (including some, or all, of the holding device 20) can be formed from components including an antimicrobial plastic.
The first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42 can each extend outwardly in a direction away from the base portion 26. In one example, the first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42 can include a ledge, shoulder, or the like positioned at an outermost location from the base portion 26 to assist in supporting/holding the mobile device 22. The first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42 can each include gripping structures 48 positioned on interior surfaces of the adjustable slides that face the interior portion 46. The gripping structures 48 can include rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, or a similar flexible, elastomeric material that allows for the gripping structures 48 to grip/hold opposing edges of the mobile device 22. As such, the mobile device 22 is generally limited from unintended movement, such as in a direction away from the base portion 26, etc.
The first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42 can each be supported within one or more openings within the base portion 26. For example, the first adjustable slide 40 can be positioned at least partially within a first opening 52 while the second adjustable slide 42 can be positioned at least partially within a second opening 54. The first opening 52 and second opening 54 can extend longitudinally at least partially along the length of the base portion 26. In the illustrated example, the first opening 52 extends generally parallel to and colinear with the second opening 54, such that the first opening 52 and second opening 54 are positioned end to end. In other examples, the first opening 52 and second opening 54 can include a single, elongated opening as opposed to the two openings, as illustrated. Likewise, the first opening 52 and second opening 54 could be longer or shorter in length, wider or narrower in width, etc.
Turning now to
The first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42 (obscured from view in
The first holding structure 58 and second holding structure 60 can be attached to the first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42, respectively, in any number of ways. In the illustrated example, the first holding structure 58 and second holding structure 60 are attached to the first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42, respectively, by a first fastener 66 and second fastener 68. The first fastener 66 and second fastener 68 can include any number of structures, including, for example, screws, nuts, bolts, nails, adhesives, mechanical locking features, bonding, or the like. Indeed, the illustrated attachment (e.g., screw) is not intended to be limiting, as any number of fasteners 66, 68 are envisioned. Thus, the first and second adjustable slides 40, 42 have an entrapment or constrained condition relative to the base portion 26.
The first holding structure 58 and second holding structure 60 can be separated from each other by an engagement portion 62. In this example, the engagement portion 62 is positioned between the first holding structure 58 and second holding structure 60 and, likewise, between the first opening 52 and second opening 54. The engagement portion 62 can be attached to the rear side of the base portion 26. In some examples, the engagement portion 62 is separately attached (e.g., with a screw, nut, bolt, adhesive, etc.) to the base portion 26. In other examples, the engagement portion 62 can be formed with/molded to the base portion 26, such that the engagement portion 62 and base portion 26 are one-piece formed. The engagement portion 62 can contact/abut the first holding structure 58 on one side and the second holding structure 60 on an opposing second side so as to limit inward motion of the holding structures.
The first holding structure 58 and second holding structure 60 can include a first attachment portion 70 and a second attachment portion 72, respectively. The first attachment portion 70 and second attachment portion 72 each define an extension, protrusion, outcropping, or the like. For example, the first attachment portion 70 can extend outwardly from the first holding structure 58 while the second attachment portion 72 can extend outwardly from the second holding structure 60. In the illustrated example, the attachment portions 70, 72 each define hook-shaped structures, though the attachment portions 70, 72 are not so limited.
The holding device 20 can include a first base attachment structure 76 and a second base attachment structure 78. The first base attachment structure 76 and second base attachment structure 78 each define an extension, protrusion, outcropping, or the like that extend outwardly from the rear side of the base portion 26. In one example, each of the first base attachment structure 76 and second base attachment structure 78 define hook-shaped structures having openings facing away from the engagement portion 62 (i.e., facing away from a center of the base portion 26.
The holding device 20 can include at least one adjustment device positioned within the base portion 26. In an example, the at least one adjustment device includes a first biasing adjustment device 80 and a second biasing adjustment device 82. The first adjustment device 80 can be attached at one end to the first base attachment structure 76 and at an opposing second end to the first attachment portion 70. The second adjustment device 82 can be attached at one end to the second base attachment structure 78 and at an opposing second end to the second attachment portion 72. The first adjustment device 80 and second adjustment device 82 can be attached to the respective base attachment structures and attachment portions in any number of ways, such as by being received within an interior portion of the base attachment structures and attachment portions, or the like. In this example, the first adjustment device 80 extends from a first end 84 of the base portion 26 towards a center of the base portion 26. The second adjustment device 82 extends from an opposing second end 86 of the base portion 26 towards a center of the base portion 26.
The first adjustment device 80 and second adjustment device 82 can be formed of any number of materials. In one example, the adjustment devices 80, 82 can include a resilient, flexible material, such as an elastomer-like material (e.g., rubber, elastic material, etc.). In general, the adjustment devices 80, 82 can flex and resiliently elongate in length in response to movement of the first holding structure 58 and second holding structure 60. The adjustment devices 80, 82 will normally bias the first holding structure 58 and second holding structure 60 (and, thus, the adjustable slides 40, 42) towards a center of the base portion 26 and into engagement/contact with the engagement portion 62. However, the adjustable slides 40, 42 can be moved apart and separated, with the first adjustment device 80 and second adjustment device 82 each flexing and elongating in length. As such, the adjustment devices 80, 82 will function to bias the adjustable slides (e.g., first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42) towards each other so as to support the mobile device 22 between the adjustable slides. This biasing will center the first adjustable slide 40 and second adjustable slide 42 and, thus, the mobile device 22 supported by the holding device 20.
The holding device 20 can further include one or more securing devices for attaching the holding device 20 to the cart handle 12 of the shopping cart 10. The securing devices can include, for example, a first securing device 90 and a second securing device 92. The first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 can be disposed at opposite ends of the holding device 20 from each other. In other examples, however, the first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 are not limited to this position, and instead could be positioned closer towards the longitudinal center of the holding device 20, or the like.
The first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 are each movably attached with respect to the base portion 26. The first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 each extend between a first end 94 and an opposing second end 96. In this example, the first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 are pivotable with respect to the base portion 26, with the first ends 94 of the first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 being attached to the base portion 26. The first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 each have a generally concave shape such that an inner surface of the securing devices generally matches a shape of the cart handle 12. The base portion 26 likewise has recessed portions 98 that also match the shape of the cart handle 12. As such, the securing devices can be closed onto the cart handle 12, such that the cart handle 12 is received within an interior portion between the first securing device 90 and one of the recessed portions 98 and the second securing device 92 and the other of the recessed portions 98. By receiving the cart handle 12 within the interior portion defined by the first securing device 90 and second securing device 92, the base portion 26 can be attached to the cart handle 12. It is to be appreciated that the securing devices 90, 92 and recessed portions 98 are not limited to the illustrated size/shape. Rather, in other examples, the securing devices 90, 92 and recessed portions 98 could be sized/shaped to match any number of cross-sectional sizes/shapes of the cart handle 12 (e.g., oval shapes, square shapes, rectangular shapes, etc.).
The first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 can be removably attached at their respective second ends 96 to the base portion 26. In one example, the first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 can include an opening 100 disposed at the second end 96. The opening 100 is sized and shaped to receive a corresponding fastening structure 102 supported by the base portion 26. In this example, the second ends 96 of the first securing device 90 and second securing device 92 can be moved into proximity with the base portion 26 such that the fastening structures 102 extend through the openings 100. A second fastening structure (e.g., nut, washer, etc.) can be attached (e.g., threaded onto) the fastening structure 102 so as to limit detachment of the opening 100 from the fastening structure 102. It is to be appreciated, however, that the securing devices 90, 92 are not limited to the aforementioned attachment means to the base portion 26. In other examples, the securing devices 90, 92 could be attached at their second ends 96 to the base portion 26 by means of other types of mechanical fasteners, snap fit means, adhesives, bonding, or the like.
Turning now to
The securing devices 90, 92 can be moved to the closed position. In this closed position, the fastening structures 102 can pass through the openings 100 at the second ends 96 of the securing devices 90, 92. As such, the securing devices 90, 92 are closed onto the base portion 26 to define an interior portion 106 that is sized/shaped to receive the cart handle 12.
Referring still to
Turning now to
The adapter structure 110 is an elongated, substantially linearly extending structure that can be positioned radially between the cart handle 12 at an inner portion and the holding device 20 at an outer portion. In an example, the adapter structure 110 includes an elongated opening 112. The adapter structure 110 can be formed of a material that is flexible, such that the adapter structure 110 can be flexed outwardly to enlarge the elongated opening 112. As such, the adapter structure 110 can be selectively attached and detached from the cart handle 12 by moving the cart handle 12 in/out of the elongated opening 112.
The adapter structure 110 extends between a first end 114 and an opposing second end 116. The adapter structure 110 has a generally cylindrical shape in the illustrated example, though the adapter structure 110 is not so limited. Rather, in other examples, the adapter structure 110 could have other cross-sectional shapes, such as an oval cross-sectional shape, quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.) cross-sectional shape, or the like. The adapter structure 110 is not limited to the illustrated size, and in other examples, could be longer or shorter in length and/or could have a larger or smaller cross-sectional size.
The adapter structure 110 can be received within the interior portion 106 of the holding device 20. To assist in limiting movement (e.g., longitudinal. etc.) of the adapter structure 110 with respect to the holding device 20, the adapter structure 110 can include one or more alignment structures. In an example, the one or more alignment structures include a first alignment structure 120 and a second alignment structure 122. The first alignment structure 120 and second alignment structure 122 each define an outwardly/radially projecting extension that each extend from an outer surface of the adapter structure 110. The first alignment structure 120 and second alignment structure 122 can contact/engage portions of the holding device 20 to limit movement (e.g., longitudinal, etc.) of the adapter structure 110. In one example, the first alignment structure 120 can contact/engage the first securing device 90 while the second alignment structure 122 can contact/engage the second securing device 92. As such, the adapter structure 110 is generally limited from moving with respect to the holding device 20.
Tuning now to
Tuning now to
Turning now to
The second holding device 128 can be fixedly attached to the shopping cart 10 in this example. The second holding device 128 includes, for example, an attachment portion 130. The attachment portion 130 is integrally formed/molded with the base portion 26. As such, the attachment portion 130 is generally one-piece formed with the base portion 26. To assist in attaching the second holding device 128 and the shopping cart 10, the attachment portion 130 can be molded to the cart handle 12. In one example, the attachment portion 130 can initially be in a pliable state, such that the attachment portion 130 can be molded to/formed around the cart handle 12 (or multiple cart handles 12, as illustrated). It is to be appreciated that the attachment portion 130 can be molded to/formed around the cart handle 12 in any number of ways. As such, this molding/forming with of the attachment portion 130 to the cart handle 12 will limit/prevent unintended movement of the second holding device 128 with respect to the shopping cart 10.
The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/649,967, filed on May 22, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61649967 | May 2012 | US |