Compact Pushcart Vending System

Abstract

A pushcart vending system that includes a plurality of pushcarts, a vending unit, a track and a gate assembly attached to the track and coupled to the vending unit. Each pushcart includes a lightweight body attached to rigid frame mounted on wheels. The body is configured to pivot vertically over the frame assembly thereby enabling rigid frames on adjacent pushcarts to be stacked. Attached to each frame assembly is a catch bar assembly that includes a wear plate that extends into an offset, longitudinally aligned slot formed on the track. Attached to the wear plate is an upper roller and a lower roller that travel over the outside surface and the inside surface, respectively, on the track. A gate assembly is dual directional to allow pushcarts to be individually dispensed and returned from the same end of the track thereby enabling the system to be setup in small staging areas.

Claims

1. A compact pushcart vending system, comprising: a. a plurality of pushcarts, each pushcart includes a lower frame assembly with a rear section and a front section, at least one front wheel attached to said front section, and a pair of rear wheels attached to said rear section, a body disposed over said frame assembly and pivotally attached to the rear section of the frame enabling the body to rotate between a longitudinal position over said frame assembly and a perpendicular aligned position over said rear section of said frame assembly; b. a catch bar assembly attached to said lower frame assembly on each said pushcart, said catch bar assembly includes an vertical wear plate and at least one lower roller and an upper roller, said upper and lower rollers being perpendicularly aligned to said wear plate; c. a plurality of track sections connected in an end-to-end manner to form a hollow, continuous track structure, each said track section is square or rectangular in cross section and with a continuous, longitudinally aligned offset slot formed on the top surface of the track, said track sections connected together so the open end on the end of said track section forms an opening end on said track; d. a dual directional gate assembly mounted inside said track, said gate assembly includes an outer enclosure with a blocking arm extending laterally from said outer enclosure and inside said center void, said blocking arm fixed to a first drive shaft with a fixed cam, and a fixed follower arm mounted thereon and inside said outer enclosure, said gate assembly also includes a solenoid coupled to a latch, said latch configured to automatically block the rotation of said cam that allows the blocking arm to rotate and allow the catch bar assembly to slide over said slot towards said open end, said blocking arm configured to freely rotate in the opposite direction to allow pushcart to be returned; e. a vending unit configured to receive money, tokens credit/debit transaction cards and transmit a release signal to said solenoid; and, f. whereby when said release signal is sent from said vending unit to said solenoid, said solenoid is activated that moves said latch and disengages said cam thereby allowing said blocking arm to rotate to an unblocking position so that a catch bar assembly may travel over the blocking arm and towards the open end of said track, when said catch bar assembly moves away from the blocking arm, said blocking arm automatically resets into a blocking position so that only one pushcart may be removed at a time.

2. The compact pushcart vending system as recited in claim 1, wherein said slot and said wear plate are offset.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pushcart vending system disclosed configured with two parallel tracks.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the pushcart vending system shown in FIG. 1

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the pushcart vending system shown in FIG. 1

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pushcart vending system disclosed herein configured into two L-shaped tracks.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the pushcart vending system shown in FIG. 4

[0023] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the pushcart vending system shown in FIG. 4

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pushcart vending system disclosed herein configured with two in line tracks.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the pushcart vending system shown in FIG. 7

[0026] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the pushcart vending system shown in FIG. 7.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the single track pushcart vending system.

[0028] FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the single track pushcart vending system showing three pushcarts being folded into a compact configuration and returned to the track.

[0029] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a pushcart found in the prior art showing the body aligned in a vertical orientation and showing the catch bar assembly used in the invention disclosed herein being attached to the front section of the rigid frame.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective, exploded view of the catch bar assembly.

[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the catch bar assembly.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective, exploded view of three track sections being longitudinally aligned.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the three track sections connected together to elongate the track enabling it to accommodate more pushcarts.

[0034] FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views of a track showing the gate assembly inserted into one end.

[0035] FIG. 21 is perspective view of two parallel tracks showing two catch bar assemblies with their upper and lower rollers being repositioned enabling the catch bar assemblies to slide into the track's open ends.

[0036] FIG. 22 is an end elevational view of the track and catch bar assembly with the lower roller aligned to the right.

[0037] FIG. 23 is an end elevational view of the track and catch bar assembly with the lower roller aligned to the left.

[0038] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the gate box.

[0039] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the vending unit with the front door closed.

[0040] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the vending unit with the front door open.

[0041] FIG. 27 is a perspective exploded view of the side safety rail guard.

[0042] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the assembled side safety rail guard.

[0043] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the gate box with the solenoid deactivated and the blocking arm in a blocking position.

[0044] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the gate box with the solenoid activated that causes the latch to pivot (counterclockwise) allowing the blocking arm to rotate, (counterclockwise).

[0045] FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the gate box with the solenoid deactivated causing the latch to return to its original position and block movement of the blocking arm.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0046] Referring to the Figs. there is disclosed is a compact, space saving pushcart dispensing and return system 10 that includes a plurality of foldable pushcarts 200, a track 20 vending unit 40, a track and a gate assembly 60 attached to the track 20 that enables individual pushcarts 200 to be dispensed (see FIG. 11) or returned (see FIG. 12) to the same end of the track 20 reducing the staging area for the vending system 10.

[0047] The system 10 is used with pushcart 200 as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,786 entitled Stackable Pushcart 200 issued on Mar. 25, 2003, and now incorporated here. The stackable pushcart 200 shown in FIGS. 13, 14 include a vehicle-shaped body 202 designed for transporting small children and cargo. The body 202 of each pushcart 200 extends horizontally over a lower rigid frame assembly 204 and rotated around its rear end to a vertical position that enables the rigid frames 204 to mesh together so a plurality of pushcarts 200 may be stacked in a small confined space. The vehicle-shaped body 202 is disposed horizontally over the frame assembly 204 and pivots upward on its rear section around a support member 208. The frame assembly 204 is designed to be horizontally stacked with longitudinally aligned adjacent pushcart 200 when the body 202 is disposed vertically. The frame assembly 204 includes two front caster wheels 210 and two rear large diameter wheels 212. The body 202 includes a fully extending floor and has a unique outer shape enabling the body 202 to be vertically aligned so that adjacent pushcarts 200 can slide together and be horizontally stacked as shown in FIGS. 1-3. It should be understood that the body 202 can be any configuration (e.g. wagon, animal, airplane, train, etc.) so long as it pivots at one end on the frame assembly 204.

[0048] The track 20 is made of a plurality of straight track sections 22A, 22B, connected in an end to end manner to form a continuous structure. End track section 22A includes as diagonal entry opening 23. Each track section 22A, 22B is made of metal and is square or rectangular in cross section as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. A center space 21 is formed inside the track 20. A continuous, longitudinally aligned slot 28 is formed on the top flange of each track 22, 22. The track 20 after assembly includes an entry track section 22A with an open end 23 and on or more middle tract sections 22B. The open end 23 of the entry track section 22A is near a vending unit 40 that is coupled to a dual directional gate assembly 299 mounted inside the track 20. When the desired money, tokens, or credit/debit transaction cards are deposited into the vending unit 40, a release signal is sent to a solenoid 386 inside the gate assembly 299 that unlocks a blocking arm 314 inside the center space 21 thereby allowing one pushcart 200 to be moved longitudinally over the track 20 and removed. In one embodiment, the blocking arm 314 can rotate freely in the opposite directions allowing customers to easily return pushcarts 200 to the track 20.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 13-14 mounted on the front section of the frame assembly 204 is a catch bar assembly 220. As shown in FIGS. 15-16, the catch bar assembly 220 includes a flat plate 222 with two laterally extending guide wings 224, a front section 226, and a rear section 228. Formed in the wings 224 are holes that receive the bolts attached to the front caster wheels 210 on the push cart 200. Extending downward from the flat plate 222 adjacent to each wing 224 is a tab 230. The tabs 230 are sufficiently spaced apart to receive the upper roller 256. Holes are formed on the tabs 230 that receive the upper axle 258 used with the upper roller 256. Formed on the opposite sides of the rear section are two sets of three holes 232. Extended into one set of three holes 232 are three threaded connectors 234.

[0050] Disposed below the flat plate 222 is an L-shaped roller plate 236 that attaches via bolts to one of the two sets of holes 232 on the rear section 228. The roller plate 236 includes an upper flange 238 and a perpendicularly aligned wear flange 240. The wear flange 240 includes two longitudinally aligned ears 241 that extend forward and rearward. The roller plate 236 may be selectively attached to one of the two sets of holes 232 so that the wear flange 240 is aligned outward. Formed on each ear 241 is a hole 242. Located adjacent to the inside surface of the wear flange 240 is an elongated roller bar 244. Formed on each end of the roller bar 244 is a threaded hole 245 that is aligned and registered with the holes 242, 245 formed on the two ears 241. During assembly, short rollers 246 are aligned and registered with the holes 242 and placed between the inside surface of the wear flange 240 and the roller bar 244. Bolts 248 are then inserted into the holes 242, 245 to hold the rollers 246 in place on the wear flange 240.

[0051] Attached to the outside surface of the wear flange 240 is an optional conductive metal plate 253 that acts as part of a sensor assembly to detect movement of the wear flange 240 inside the track 20. The metal plate 253 is held in place by an outer plate 250 attached via bolts 254 and nuts 249.

[0052] During assembly, the roller plate 236 must be oriented on the catch bar plate 222 in a position for use with track 20 having an offset slot 28. The catch bar plate 222 is connected to the frame assembly 204 so the roller plate 236 is located behind the caster wheels. FIGS. 21, 22, and 22 show how attaching the roller plate 236 in different positions is necessary to engage the offset slot 28 formed on the track 20.

[0053] During use, the catch bar assembly 220 is inserted into the entry open end 23 of the end track section 22 as shown in FIG. 20. The wear plate 240 on the roller plate 236, 240 fits into a slot 28 and the upper roller 256 rolls over the outside surface of the top flange 238 of the track section 22 and the lower roller 246 rolls against the inside surface of top flange 238. When the pushcart 200 is returned to the track 20, the catch bar assembly 220 slides inside the slot 28 and the lower roller 246 presses against the blocking arm 314 located inside the track 20. In the embodiment described herein, the blocking aim 314 may rotate freely in the inward direction allowing the pushcart 200 to slide over the blocking aim 314. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the blocking arm 314 extends laterally from the side of the gate box 306 located inside the track 20. The blocking arm 314 is in alignment with the lower roller 246.

[0054] The blocking arm 314 is part of the dual directional gate assembly 299 mounted inside the track 20. As shown in FIG. 24, the dual directional gate assembly 299 includes the following parts: [0055] 306 gate box [0056] 307 cover [0057] 310 flange sleeve bearing [0058] 314 blocker arm [0059] 318 cam element [0060] 322 push rod [0061] 324 latch [0062] 328 follower rod [0063] 332 driver shaft [0064] 336 driven shaft [0065] 340 solenoid release arm sub assembly [0066] 344 enclosure seal plate [0067] 348 pivoting shaft [0068] 352 thrust spacer [0069] 356 thrust spacer [0070] 360 plate gasket [0071] 364 cover gasket [0072] 368 torsion spring [0073] 372 torsion spring [0074] 376 extension spring [0075] 382 lock washers [0076] 384 spacer [0077] 386 solenoid [0078] 388 sensors [0079] 390 u-shaped connectors [0080] 391 bolt [0081] 392 electrical adapter [0082] 393 washer [0083] 394 nuts [0084] 395 screen [0085] 396 bolts

[0086] The dual directional gate assembly 299 is shown in FIG. 24 and in FIGS. 29-31 is mounted inside the track section 20. The gate assembly 299 includes an elongated gate box 306. Extending from one side of the gate box 306 is a driver shaft 332. The blocker arm 314 is mounted on the exposed end of a first driver shaft 332 and inside the space between the inside surface of the track section 22 and the gate box 306 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 24 mounted on the portion of the first driver shaft 332 located inside the gate box 306 is a cam element 318 and a push rod 322. Extending transversely inside the gate box 306 and parallel with the driver shaft 332 is a driven shaft 336. Mounted on the driven shaft 336 is a latch 324 and a follower rod 328.

[0088] The blocker arm 314 is fixed on the exposed end of the driver shaft 332 with the protruding element 315 pointed upward. The cam element 318 and push rod 322 are also fixed to the first driver shaft 332 and located inside the gate box 306 and aligned on the driver shaft 332 with their protruding elements 319, 323, respectively pointed diagonally rearward and upward approximately 30 degrees. The torsion springs 368 causes the first drive shaft 310 to automatically rotate so the blocker arm's protruding element 315 is biased upward and the protruding elements 315, 323, on the cam element 318 and push arm 322, respectively, are aligned rearward and extend upward.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 29-31, located inside the elongated gate box 306 and rearward from the driver shaft 332 is a transversely aligned driven shaft 336. The driver shaft 332 and driven shaft 336 are parallel. Mounted on the driven shaft 336 is an oval shaped latch 324 that prevents the driver shaft 332 and the blocker arm 314 from rotating to an unblocking position to allow a pushcart 200 from sliding over the track 20. Mounted on the driven shaft 336 is a second coil spring 378, a spacer 352, and a follower body 328. The latch 324 is fixed in the driven shaft 336 and includes a forward arm automatically presses against the protruding element 315 on the cam element 318. The latch 324 prevents rotation of the cam element 318 towards the second driven shaft 336. The follower rod 328 includes a lateral strut 329 connect to a spring 368 that attaches to an upper rod 450 that extends transversely over the gate box 306 and above the driven shaft 336. The spring 368 biases the lateral strut upward. The second torsion spring 372 biases the driven shaft 336 so the front arm 432 on the latch 410 rotates towards the cam element 318. When the cam element 318 returns to its resting position, the front arm 432 on the latch 324 may rotate and press against the cam element 318 preventing rotation of the blocker arm 314 towards the solenoid 386.

[0090] The solenoid 386 includes a plunger rod that connects to a coupler 390. The coupler 390 is attached to a pin that extends through a slot formed on the solenoid release arm sub-assembly 340. The solenoid release arm sub-assembly 340 is pivotally mounted at its upper end to a pivot shaft 348. When the solenoid 386 is activated, the sub-assembly 340 is rotated in a clockwise direction. When at rest, the end of the follower rod 328 rests against a flange surface formed on the sub-assembly 340. When the sub-assembly 340 is rotated, the end of the follower rod 328 rotates in counterclockwise direction caused by the biasing forces on the torsion spring 372. Because the latch 324 is affixed to the driven shaft 336, the latch 324 rotates in a counterclockwise direction allowing the cam element 318 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The user can then slide the pushcart 200 against the blocker arm 314 causing the blocker arm 314 to sufficient rotate so the roller plate slides over the blocker arm 314.

[0091] The dual direction gate assembly 299 is designed to automatically lock after one push cart 200 travels over the blocker arm 314. As the pushcart 200 travels over the blocker arm 314, the cam element 318 is rotated against the follower rod 328. When the solenoid 386 is activated, the end of the follower rod 328 rests against a flange surface formed on the solenoid release arm sub assembly 340. As the push rod 322 is forced downward against the follower rod 328, the opposite end of the follower rod 328 is elevated and rises above the flange surface of the solenoid release arm sub assembly 340. The solenoid release arm sub assembly 340 rotates to its original resting position with the flange surface positioned under the end of the follower rod 328. A coil spring 376 biases the follower rod 328 upward thereby holding the opposite end of the follower rod 328 against the flange surface. Because the follower rod 328 is coupled to the driven shaft 336, the latch 324 rotates in a clockwise direction and presses against the cam element 318 to reset the blocker arm 314 in a locked position.

[0092] When returning a pushcart 200, the pushcart 200 is positioned over the track 20 so the upper rollers 246 roll over the top flange of the track 20, the vertical wear plate 240 fits into the slot 28 and the lower rollers 246 rolls over the inside surface of the top flange. When the pushcart 200 is forced into the track 20, the lower rollers 246 presses against the blocker arm 314 causing it to rotate in the direction opposite the direction it rotated when releasing the pushcart 200. The latch 324 prevents the cam element 318 from rotating in the opposite direction, a user can not remove the pushcart 200 from the track 20 once the catch bar assembly 220 has passed over the biased blocker arm 314. As the catch bar assembly 220 moves over the blocker arm 314, the block arm 314 is further rotated which causes the latch 324 inside the gate box 306 to reset.

[0093] FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective views of the vending unit 40. The vending unit 40 includes an enclosure box 42, a door 44 with a lock 46, a transaction card processing unit 48 with a cash insert slot 50, a transaction card reader 52, a display unit 54, a reward vault 56 and dispensing tray 58. The vending unit 40 also includes at least one printed circuit board 60, a central processor 62, and a software program 64 loaded into the working memory of the central processor 62. The software program 64 processes payments, issues receipts, controls the movement of the solenoid, receives signals from the switches located in the gate box, controls the presentation of messages on the display and the dispensing of rewards or tokens. The printed circuit board 60 is connected to the processing unit 48, the transaction card reader 52, the display unit 54, and to an external power cord 66. The cable 308 from the gate box connects to the printed circuit board 48 to transmit signals to and from the gate box 306.

[0094] In one embodiment, the vending system 40 may include a token/reward system 400 that gives tokens or partial payments to customers who return the pushcart 200 to the track 20. The token/reward system 400 at least two sensors 388 located on the sides of the gate box 306 on opposite sides of the blocking arm 314. When a pushcart 200 is returned, the catch bar assembly 220 is aligned over the track's entry open end of the track 20 and the wear plate 222 is aligned with the slot 28. An identification code may be associated with each wear plate 222 enabling the vending unit 40 to identify the pushcart 200 as being returned.

[0095] As the pushcart 200 is moved along the track 20, the catch bar assembly 220 slides along the slot 28 the wear plate 222 passes over a first sensor 388 mounted on the inside surface of the elongated box. A signal is sent to the vending machine 40 informing the vending machine 40 a pushcart 200 is being returned and the wear plate 222 passes over a second sensor 388. A second return signal is then sent to the vending unit 40. The vending unit 40 then releases a token or partial refund of the rental fee.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the vending system 10 can be configured in different track arraignments. For example, FIGS. 1-3 show the pushcart vending system 10 configured with one vending unit located between two parallel tracks 20. FIGS. 4-6 show the pushcart vending system 10 configured with one vending unit 40 between two perpendicularly aligned tracks 20. FIGS. 7-10 show the pushcart vending system 10 configured with one vending unit 40 located between to longitudinally aligned tracks 20.

[0097] In each embodiment, an optional rail guard system 700 with a plurality of horizontal side rails 702, posts 704, horizontal end rails 706, end connectors 708, couplers 710, and feet 712 is setup around the track 20 (see FIGS. 27 and 28). FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the single track pushcart vending system 10 in which the vending unit 40 is located adjacent to the end opening and rotated 90 degrees.

[0098] In compliance with the statute, the invention described has been described in language more or less specific on structural features. It should be understood however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown, comprises the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.