WO2014124481A1

WO2014124481A1 - Secure compartment for a trolley

Info

Publication number: WO2014124481A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary Terence Richards
Original assignee: Gary Terence Richards
Priority date: 2013-02-12
Filing date: 2014-01-21
Publication date: 2014-08-21
Also published as: AU2014100045A4

Abstract

The invention provides a device suitable secure storage of items in a shopping trolley, the device including: a main panel adapted for connection to a shopping trolley, a support panel attached to the main panel by push rods, a lower panel having a first sub-panel attached to the main panel, and a second sub-panel attached to the support panel and the first sub-panel, a seat panel having a first edge attached to the main panel, wherein all the attachments are pivotal and the device can be changed between a first, substantially flat configuration, and a second configuration defining a compartment. A banner arrangement may be attached to the trolley handle to display operating and safety instructions as well as any promotional material.

Description

SECURE COMPARTMENT FOR A TROLLEY FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of trolleys, particularly the type of trolleys used by customers in supermarkets and other retail stores.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to a method and device for improving security of customer belongings while they use the trolley.

[0003] In another form the invention relates to a device and method providing a secure storage compartment associated with a shopping trolley.

[0004] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to securing of customer handbags, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only and can be used for securing a wide range of customer possessions. Furthermore while it is convenient to describe the invention with reference to supermarket trolleys it will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to a wide range of trolleys employed in locations other than supermarkets.

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BACKGROUND ART

[0005] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or

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knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the cpmmon general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. [0006] Self-service retail outlets selling groceries and other consumer items typically provide customers with a trolley to collect items and transport them to the cashier. One of the most popular types of shopping trolleys includes a large, basket mounted on a chassis having four castor wheels that allow the trolley to be moved in any direction. These trolleys are typically manufactured of panels comprising chromium plated metal rods welded to perpendicular cross-bars. This robust construction is necessary for them to withstand the rough handling and potentially heavy loads they may need to carry during 4 to 8 years of service.

[0007] These trolleys are very large and to reduce the area required for their storage they can be horizontally stacked when not in use. Specifically, the rear panel of a first trolley can be rotated upwards when contacted by the front panel of a second trolley. Thus the basket of the second trolley is fitted into the basket of the first trolley.

[0008] Supermarkets and other retailers typically do not include any provision for secure storage of customer valuables while they are shopping. While it may be possible for supermarkets to provide lockers for storage of wallets, handbags and the, in practice lockers would be expensive to provide and maintain and would occupy valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for displaying products.

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[0009] Furthermore customers typically desire visits to the supermarket to be as quick as possible and are unlikely to want to spend time at a locker. Typically, customers carrying a hand bag, or coat will place them in the trolley they wheel around the supermarket. It is readily apparent to thieves that customers are necessarily carrying cash or, credit cards to pay for their purchases, often in a purse or wallet in the hand bag or coat.

[0010] Although a customer may attempt to continually keep an eye on their valuables in the trolley, this is very difficult and thieves are quick to grab the valuables if the customer is distracted or simply turns away from the trolley to view and access goods on display.

[0011] In the past, attempts have been made to improve the customer's ability to maintain awareness of their valuables. Some trolleys have included simple hooks on the on which a hand bag can be slung but the bag is still extremely vulnerable to theft in this location and the hook is best used for shopping bags only. Other trolleys have included holding bags made of material attached to the interior of the basket, but they are not as robust as the heavy metal mesh used to construct the trolley panels so they are readily damaged and they are difficult to clean. In particular, they hinder stacking of trolleys.

[0012) In the past some retailers have provided small holding boxes that clip on to shopping trolleys. However the boxes are only suitable for holding smaller items or small handbags. In addition, they must be removed in order to stack the trolleys, which is extremely time consuming for example in large supermarkets that may have several hundred trolleys.

[0013] Many customers take their own actions, such as using a hand bag with a shoulder strap, or a back pack, which are in continuous contact with their body and cannot be left unattended in a trolley or randomly grabbed by an opportunistic thief. It is also quite common for a thief to separate a handbag from its owner by cutting the shoulder strap(s) or just dragging the handbag off the customer's shoulder, potentially causing injury.

[0014] There are other devices for keeping valuables, particularly handbags secure while a customer is using a shopping trolley but all have drawbacks and so are not typically in use today. WO 2011041852 discloses one such device for creating a secure compartment in a shopping trolley which works on the basis of a slider system which creates snagging points and does not collapse to a substantially flat configuration when not in use. Furthermore it does not extend across the entire width of the trolley, leaving gaps at the sides for objects to fall out of the secure compartment, and it cannot be fitted to a trolley having a twin seat assembly.

[0015] There is therefore a need to be able to keep valuables secure while shopping, in particular, while using a shopping trolley. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide security for a shopping trolley user.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a better and more convenient configuration of shopping trolley that permits a user to secure their valuables.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.

[0019] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0020] In first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a device for secure storage of items in a shopping trolley, the device including: a main panel adapted for connection to a shopping trolley, a support panel attached to the main panel by bracing elements, a lower panel having a first sub-panel attached to the main panel, and a second sub-panel attached to the support panel and the first sub-panel, a seat panel having a first edge attached to the main panel, wherein the device can be moved between a first, substantially retracted configuration, and a second expanded configuration defining a compartment.

[0021] In a second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a device for secure storage of items in a shopping trolley, the device including: a main panel adapted for connection to a shopping trolley, a support panel integrally attached to the main panel by bracing elements, a lower panel having a first sub-panel in hinged attachment to the main panel, and a second sub-panel in hinged attachment to the support panel and the first sub-panel, a seat panel having a first edge in hinged attachment to the main panel, wherein all the attachments are pivotal and the device can be moved between a first, substantially flat configuration, and a second expanded configuration defining a compartment.

[0022] The main panel is typically a rear panel or a front panel of a trolley. In a preferred embodiment the main panel is a rear panel. In another preferred embodiment the main panel is a front panel of the trolley.

[0023] The panels of the present invention are preferably formed of metal rods, typically chromium plated and configured as a heavy, open planar mesh of rods welded to perpendicular cross bars. However, it will be readily appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the panels may be constructed from a wide range of materials and in a wide range of configurations. In particular, robust polymers may be suitable materials of construction for configurations as diverse as coarse or fine mesh or planar panels.

[0024] _. The attachment between adjacent panels (that is, between the main panel and lower panel, between the two lower sub-panels, and between the lower panel and the support panel) is typically pivotal, in the form of a hinge. The hinged attachment between such panels is typically provided by curling the ends of the rods of a first panel to hook around a cross bar of a second panel. However it will be readily apparent to the skilled person that other types of hinge configurations would be suitable. This type of pivotal attachment is preferred to the sliding attachments used in trolleys of the prior art which are prone to frictional wear and create potential jamming points.

[0025] Typically the main panel is adapted for connection to a shopping trolley. The connection may be integral, such as when the main panel is welded to the shopping trolley. Alternately the connection may be non-integral, such when the main panel is a rear panel adapted to be removably hooked onto part of the chassis or frame of a shopping trolley.

[0026] The panels of the device can be collapsed and expanded by rotation about the pivotal attachments to move between the first, substantially flat configuration and the second configuration defining a compartment. In the second configuration, the compartment is sufficiently large to receive an item such as a handbag or coat.

[0027] The support panel is typically integrally attached to the main panel by bracing elements, such as push rods. In a preferred embodiment at least two push rods, or more preferably four push rods are attached at either end to the main panel and support panel. When the support panel is generally rectangular in shape, preferably the four push rods are attached adjacent or in the vicinity of each of the four corners of the support panel. Typically each of the four push rods is in a parallel orientation relative to the other push rods.

[0028] In a particularly preferred configuration, in the open position the push rod and lower panels have a generally triangular configuration and maintain the position of the support panel.

[0029] In the first configuration, when it is collapsed the device is space efficient, allowing virtually the entire space within the basket to be used and does not hinder the normal stacking of trolleys. In particular, the compartment of the device will collapse from the second position to the first position when a second trolley is stacked inside a first trolley that includes the device of the present invention. Furthermore, trolleys including the device of the present invention can be stacked with each other, or trolleys of the prior art that do not include the invention.

[0030] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a shopping trolley having a basket supported on a mobile chassis and including the device of the present invention. [0031] The basket typically includes a base panel, a first side panel, a second side panel and a front panel. Thus, the compartment is six sided, defined by the two side panels of the shopping trolley basket and the main panel, the support panel, the lower panel and the seat panel of the device of the present invention.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the seat panel has a second edge that rests on the support panel or the bracing elements when the device is in the second position. The interior of the compartment can only be accessed by rotating the seat panel about its first edge that is in hinged attachment to the rear panel.

[0033] Preferably a securing means, such as a simple latch, lock, zip-tie can be used to keep the seat panel in position. Alternatively or in addition, a child or purchased items can be placed on the seat panel to make the secure compartment less accessible. The securing means should be sufficient to hinder or discourage access by an opportunistic thief, yet be sufficiently uncomplicated for customers to use.

[0034] The device of the present invention or a trolley to which it is attached may also include a banner of any convenient size or shape. The banner may display, for example, useful advertising or other information such as instructions for correct usage and return of the trolley in pictorial or text format. Typically the banner is manufactured of a flexible material that is readily attached and detached from the trolley.

[0035] The banner may include a permanent or semi-permanent securing means such as Velcro™ strips, eyelets, push studs, ties or rivets. In a preferred embodiment the banner is attached to the trolley handle.

[0036] In yet a further aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of retrofitting the device of the present invention to a trolley, the method including the step of:

(i) removing the rear panel, and

(ii) installing the device of the present invention by attaching the main panel of the device to a frame of the trolley. [0037] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0038] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that the panels, particularly the rear panels and seat panel(s) of a shopping trolley could be configured to provide for better utilisation of the space within a trolley. In particular, the space could be better used to provide a secure area for valuables.

[0039] Advantages provided by the device of the present invention comprise the following;

• the device of the present invention can be incorporated into the manufacture of new trolleys or readily retro-fitted to existing trolleys without radically modifying or alter the design or performance;

• , keeps valuables separate from the customer's immediate purchases;

• will delay any attempt by a thief to access the valuables and cause noise, to draw attention,

• no reduction in volume of the storage area currently available in the basket of shopping trolleys,

• can be folded substantially flat so that it does not interfere with trolley stacking;

• can be applied to trolleys having a single seat or double seat assembly,

• is configured with pivot points, thus minimising snagging, frictional wear and pinching; and

• has straight, even lines when open or closed. [0040] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stackable trolley of a type typically used in supermarkets including a device of the present invention;

Figure 2 depicts a side view one embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3 and depict a device according to the present invention in the first, fully open position (Fig.3) and a partially closed position (Fig.4);

Figures 5 and 6 depict front and side views of the present invention having a hinged single seat panel;

Figures 7 and 8 depict a front (Fig.7) and a side (Fig.8) view of a support panel of the present invention;

Figures 9 and 10 depict a top view (Fig.9) and side view (Fig.10) of plastic single seat;

Figure 1 depicts the relationship between a rear panel and handle when trolleys are stacked; Figures 12, 13 and 14 depict bottom push-up rods as used in one embodiment of the device of the present invention;

Figures 15, 16 and 17 depict a seat panel in front view (Fig.15), end view (Fig.16) and side view (Fig.17); ^'

Figure 18 depicts a side view of a top push-up rod;

Figures 19, 20, 21 , 22 and 23 depict the parts of a lower panels;

Figures 24 and 25 depict a front (Fig.24) and a side view (Fig.25) of a rear panel of a twin trolley;

Figures 26, 27 and 28 depict front (Fig, 26), end (Fig.27) and side (Fig.28) views of a seat panel;

Figures 29, 30 and 31 depict a front (Fig.29), side (Fig.30) and end (Vig.31) view of the two individual seat panels;

Figures 32 and 33 depict plan views (Fig.32) and a side view (Fig.33) of plastic twin seats;

Figures 34 and 35 depict an unattached banner (Fig.34) and an attached banner (Fig.35) displaying instructions for use and/or promotional material;

Figure 36 depicts a perspective view of a banner in situ in combination with the device of the present invention; and

Figure 37 depicts a side view of an enlarged drawing of total seat assembly; LIST OF PARTS

[0042] The following is a list of parts and their reference numbers as shown in the drawings: Trolley basket Rear panel (single seat trolley) Support panel

Handle

Bag hook

Seating arrangement

Lower panels

Hinging hook

Seat (typically plastic)

Seat support

Seat and seat panel pivot point Seat panel

Upper push rods (13a, 13b) Lower pivot point for top push rod Pivot point for lower mesh Pivot point for lower push rod Bottom push-up rod First lower sub-panel

Hinge point for lower panel

Second lower sub-panel

Pivot point for bottom mesh

Upper pivot point for upper push rod Support bar for rear panel

Seat

Pivot point on seat

Connecting bar for lower push rods

Lower panel connecting rod

Rear panel (for a twin seat assembly) Main seat panel (for twin seat assembly) Seat panels 10a, 10b for twin seat assembly Plastic seats for twin trolley

Banner

Fixing holes

Spaces for hand grips 35 Fold line

36 Fixing device

37 Pivot point for seat panel DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention relates principally to a device for providing a secure area associated with a shopping trolley. In particular, the present invention has application to shopping trolleys of the type comprising a basket or storage area constructed of panels of metal mesh, mounted on a movable frame supported by 4 caster wheels. Shopping trolleys of the prior art have a basket that typically includes a horizontal base panel, two vertical side panels, a front panel and a rear panel that may be fixed, or moveable about a top hinge. The basket defines the area in which goods, such as groceries are placed when the trolley is in use.

[0044] These trolleys are very large and to reduce the area required for their storage they can be horizontally stacked when not in use. Specifically, the rear panel of a first trolley can be rotated upwards when contacted by the front panel of a second trolley. Thus the basket of the second trolley \s fitted into the basket of the first trolley.

[0045] The shopping trolleys of the prior art also frequently include a bottom hinged support panel attached to the rear panel by a metal mesh or plastic seat panel. The seat panel is often fitted with a plastic seat to permit a child to sit facing rearward with their legs located in two leg holes provided in the rear panel. When not in use the support panel and seating panel can be collapsed and folded flat against the rear panel. In use the support panel can be swung about its hinge, opening up until the seat panel is horizontal. There is a small compartment-like space under the seating panel however it is too small and cannot be accessed when a child occupies the seat panel. In the open position, when there is no child in the seat panel, it can be flipped up to form a compartment and to prevent items falling out leg holes. [0046] Trolleys having a child seat and compartment of this type are well known and described, such as for example, European patent 0 774 397 (Clares Merchandise Handling Equipment Ltd). EP 0774 397 relates to a shopping trolley having a stowable child seat provided in the trolley basket, including a pivoted seat panel which can rest on an support panel which is angled relative to the rear panel. The seat panel can be rotated from the horizontal seating position and to opens up to a storage compartment beneath the seat, however this compartment is very small and unsuitable for storage of items such as handbags of coats. The seat panel and support panel can be folded down completely flat so as to not take up any space when the trolley is being stacked or the child seat is not being used.

[0047] The present invention can be manufactured as a self contained unit and retrofitted to this style of trolley by removing the rear swinging mesh panel, interior panel and seat panel. These panels are readily removable and the device of the present invention can be installed in its stead. It has substantially similar configuration and operates in a similar manner, but hinges open more widely and thus a wider seat panel which can be locked in position to restrict access to the wedge shaped compartment beneath the seat panel.

[0048] Alternatively, new trolleys can be manufactured to include the device of the present invention.

[0049] The device includes a collapsing bottom mesh panel connected to both the main hinge panel and the divider panel. Interconnecting push rods guide the movement of the panels during the opening and closing of the compartment. They cause the secure cage area to maintain a trapezoidal-like lateral movement during operation. This compartment which is fully collapsible will be enclosed and inaccessible on 5 sides by trolley mesh and has the seat support mesh and optionally a plastic baby seat enclosing the 6th side or top, thus providing a lockable access point for the secure compartment below.

[0050] It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the device of the present invention could be configured to fit any size trolley, with or without a child seat, possibly using a slightly different collapsing mechanism but still falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment such a device would still require push-up rods and the like to create the secure compartment according to the present invention.

[0051] In one embodiment, the device of the present invention would include a compartment having a depth matching that of the basket of the shopping trolley. Preferably this configuration would only be used for smaller trolleys. It would not be optimal for large trolleys because the full length divider panel of the handbag safe would be quite heavy and could form a pinching point at the bottom of the trolley. This would be particularly hazardous if a child were to be standing in the trolley because the heavy divider mesh panel could come down suddenly onto the toes of the child and cause serious injury.

[0052] It will also be readily apparent that the device of the present invention does not necessarily include a child seat or other provisions for seating a child. Omission of this feature would have the advantage of reducing production costs and purchase price.

[0053] The present invention will be further described with reference to the embodiment depicted in the drawings. This embodiment will be described principally with reference to a single seat shopping trolley but the person skilled in the art will appreciated that the description is similarly applicable to a twin seater.

[0054] When the device of the present invention is retro-fitted to an existing trolley, it will be necessary to undertake the step of removing the rear panel, support panel and child seat panel that were fitted during manufacture - and replace them with the device of the present invention.

[0055] As depicted at least in Fig.1 and Fig.2, the device of the present invention includes a main panel 2, which in the embodiment shown is a rear panel. The rear panel is depicted in detail in Figs 5 and 6. The rear panel 2 includes two hinging hooks 8 that are used to hang the panel 2 on a cross bar at the rear of the trolley basket 1 , parallel to the handle 4. The rear panel 2 has pivot points at 11 (seat panel 12), 14 (upper push rod 13), 15 (lower panel 18, 20) and 16 (lower push rod 17) where these panels and push rods are in hinged attachment to the rear panel 2. [0056] The pivot point for the seat panel may be essentially unchanged from the original rear panel/seat panel combination of the prior art shopping trolley. Pivot point 1 1 importantly is the reference point for all measurements to all the pivot points added on to the rear panel 2. Thus, the device may be changed between he open position shown in Fig. 3 and the closed or collapsed position shown in Fig. 4.

[0057] The lower sub-panel 20 is attached to the lower edge of the support panel 3 by bending the ends of rods forming the mesh to form hooks 38 that can be hooked over a cross bar of the mesh forming the support panel 3. One end of the lower push rod 17 is also formed into a hook or ring that can be hooked over the same cross bar. Thus, a hinge is created at pivot point 21 to allow hinging movement of the support panel 3, the lower sub-panel 20 and one end of the lower push rod 17. The lower panel is comprised of two sub-panels 18, 20 that are pivotally articulated about point 19. The bottom mesh panels 18, 20, rear panel 2, support panel 3 and seat panel 12 define a secure compartment of volume sufficient to hold most handbags and space for extra shopping items if required.

[0058] The lower sub-panels 18, 20 hinge about point 19 and fold together during trolley stacking. Typically the ends of the mesh rods of each sub-panel are formed into hooks and hooked around the adjacent cross bar of the other sub-panel to form the hinge that rotates at point 19.

[0059] This folding action is preferred because it reduces the likelihood of the user's fingers and hands being jammed between the top of the support panel 3 and the handle 4 of the trolley when the trolley is being stacked. This can be illustrated, for example, with reference to Fig 11 which is a side view of the device that illustrates how without a two lower sub-panels, the top of the divider panel 3 would reach the handle 4.

[0060] The second lower sub-panel 18 is attached to the main mesh panel 2 at pivot point 15. Typically the ends of the mesh rods of the sub-panel 18 are formed into hooks that are hooked around an adjacent cross bar on the rear panel 2 to form a hinge. Alternatively they could be connected using a straight rod pivot point 27 (Fig.23). These three panels 3,18,20 form the collapsible mesh sides of the secure area and are kept in their correct working positions as they are changed from the first open position to the second, closed position by two upper push rods 13a, 13b and two lower push rods 14a, 14b.

[0061] The support panel 3 is depicted in detail in Figs 7 to 10. The support panel 3 preferably extends high enough to form a back rest for a child occupying the seat 9, and may be slightly higher than the sides of the trolley basket 1 to facilitate stacking by engaging the handle of any trolley stacked adjacent.

[0062] The top push rods 13a, 13b as shown in Fig.18 are hinged at the upper end 22 to the support panel 3, and hinged at the lower end 14 to the rear panel 2.

[0063] The lower push rods 17a, 17b depicted in Figs. 12 to 14 are connected at one end to a rod 26 on the rear panel 2 and pivots at point 16. The other end is attached to the support panel 3 and hinge about pivot point 21. The push up rods 13,17 along with the lower panel 18,20 aid in preventing over-rotation of the support panel 3 and allow it to open to an exact position.

[0064] The volume and shape of the secure compartment can be varied by changing the lengths of the lower panel 18 and distances between the pivot points, provided that the relationship between the distances are such that they still permit the device to be collapse fully until it is substantially planar.

[0065] Seating assemblies are depicted in Figures 15 to 17 and 26 to 33. With respect to the seating assembly, shopping trolleys typically either have a single child seating assembly or a twin child seat assembly. A single seating arrangement typically has only two main parts, namely a plastic seat 9 and a seat panel 12. Twin seating assemblies also include a plastic seat 9 and a seat panel 12 in addition to a seat support 0 in the form of an open metal mesh attached to the main seat support panel 29 at a pivot point 37.

[0066] The plastic seat 9 and the seat panel 12 attach to the rear panel 2 and both rotate around pivot point 1 1. The plastic seat 9 and seat panel 12 can be rotated to a horizontal position to seal off the secure compartment, and a child (or shopping) can be placed on the seat 9, thus hindering access to the secure compartment while the trolley is in use. As depicted in Figure 37, for twin seat trolleys, two second seat mesh panels 10 are required and rotate about pivot point 37 to allow access to the compartment below.

[0067] In addition, the device of the present invention may be used for convenient placement of operational instructions, advertising or other information such as information identifying the trolley owner which the public may need to know. In a particularly preferred embodiment the device of the present invention includes a banner 32 that can be attached to the handle 4 as shown in Fig.36. The banner 32 could be used purely for advertising material on trolleys with or without the present invention as a means of deriving advertising income for the trolley owners.

[0068] Typically the banner 32 will be the same width as the trolley handle 4, with one edge and encircling the handle 4. Any convenient permanent or semi-permanent securing means may be used to keep the banner 32 in position on the handle. Preferably part of the banner 32 is free to swing back and forth unencumbered. Methods of securing 36 the banner 32 could include, but are not limited to, Velcro™ strips, eyelets, push studs, ties or rivets.

[0069] In one embodiment, the banner 32 includes two holes 34 to allow the user's hands to directly access part of the trolley handle 4 to push the trolley around.

[0070] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0071] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless oiherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of r

19 the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0072] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0073] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

1. A device for secure storage of items in a shopping trolley, the device including: a main panel adapted for connection to a shopping trolley, a support panel attached to the main panel by bracing elements, a lower panel having a first sub-panel attached to the main panel, and a second sub-panel attached to the support panel and the first sub-panel, a seat panel having a first edge attached to the main panel, wherein the device can be moved between a first, substantially retracted configuration, and a second expanded configuration defining a compartment.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the bracing elements are push-rods and the attachments are all pivotal.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment between the main panel and lower panel is a hinge.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment between the first-sub panel and the second-sub panel is a hinge.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment between the lower panel and the support panel is a hinge.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein the main panel is a rear panel of the trolley and the device is substantially flat when in the retracted configuration.

7. A trolley having a basket supported on a mobile chassis and comprising a device according to claim 1.

8. A trolley according to claim 7 having a base panel, a first side panel, a second side panel and a front panel, and wherein when the device is in the second, expanded position, the compartment is defined by the two side panels of the basket and the main panel, the support panel, the lower panel and the seat panel of the device.

9. A trolley according to claim 7 and further including a banner displaying information.

10. A trolley according to claim 7 and further including a banner displaying information attached to a handle of the trolley.

1 1. A method of retrofitting a device according to claim 1 to a trolley, the method including the step of:

(i) removing the rear panel, and

(ii) installing the device of the present invention by attaching the main panel of the device to a frame of the trolley.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein step (ii) comprises hooking the main panel of the device to the frame of the trolley.

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