Smarte Carte, Inc.

Other

Just Two Bikes, Inc.

James M Muellner

Eugene R Pastien

Keith L Amdahl

A dual recumbent vehicle is provided which includes a pair of recumbent bicycles interconnected in a side-by-side relationship. Each bicycle has an operator controlled steering assembly, an operator controlled drive assembly, and a recumbent seat operatively connected to a frame structure. Each of these bicycles is further connected by cross-braces for operatively connecting the bicycles in a side-by-side relationship, and a steering coupler for coupling the steering assemblies of each of the bicycles so that they operate in unison. A preferred dual recumbent vehicle can be steered by any rider on the vehicle, and varying proportions of power may be provided by different riders. Further, a preferred dual recumbent vehicle is easy to assemble and disassemble into independently operatable bicycles, and is capable of being stored in an upright position in order to decrease the space required for such storage.

Dual recumbent vehicle

Shopping cart

A cart conveyor and dispensing device (10) is a preferred embodiment of the invention and is described herein. The conveyor (10) includes means for propelling a cart (26) through the conveyor (10). The propelling means includes a continuous member that carries a member for releasably engaging the rotating portion of a cart wheel. In a preferred embodiment, a chain assembly (29) carries crosspieces (46) that engage the center wheel (52) of the cart (26). If the cart is precluded from progressing through the conveyor (10), the chain assembly (29) continues to move with the crosspieces (46) rolling past the center wheel (52) without damaging the cart (26). A plurality of conveyor sections can be interconnected to create, for example, a three-conveyor system (91) that may accommodate more carts (26) and presents a return end (12) at a locus more conducive to return of carts (26) for the appropriate rewards.

Cart conveyor and dispenser apparatus

An anti-reversing tab (54) attached to a nestable cart (14) is the subject of this application. The tab (54) extends from the cart (14) proximate a second wheel (42) thereof to engage an entry end of a channel (24) which normally captures the first wheel (40) of the cart (14).

Nestable cart anti-reversing apparatus

An improved versatile cart (20) structure is the subject of this invention. The cart (20) has a lower frame structure (20) for supporting bulky objects, a pair of spaced upright supports (30) extending from the lower frame (22) and an upper frame structure (30.1a) extending rearwardly from the upright support (30) and over the lower frame (22) in spaced relationship, for carrying objects and also forming a guide handle (32) for the cart (20). In preferred form, the cart (20) is configured for nesting engagement with similarly styled carts and for use for automatic cart vending systems. A unique wheel structure supports the cart (20) in a manner that enables stable positioning of the cart (20) on escalators. In one configuration, the cart (20) forms a luggage carrier having a child seat convertible to an adult seat for use as a temporary wheelchair.

Versatile cart apparatus

Shopping cart with child seat

Luggage cart with adult seat

An improved, simply operable, self-servicing vending system for wheeled vehicles, particularly of the hand-operated cart-type. A vending island is designed to guide and retainably hold a plurality of wheeled carts in consecutive alignment. The vending island includes a platform for holding the carts having vehicle handling receiving and dispensing terminals. Carts are irremovably accepted to the platform at the receiving terminal by a receiver apparatus that is positioned to engage and controllably guide in the receiving direction a support wheel of the cart being received. The receiver apparatus enables a coin refund unit to eject therefrom a predetermined monetary amount upon complete acceptance of the cart by the receiver apparatus to the platform. Carts are dispensed from the platform at the dispensing terminal by a dispenser apparatus. The dispenser apparatus operatively engages a support wheel of the foremost retained cart on the platform and enables the support wheels thereof to be released from retainment by the platform upon receipt of an activation signal by a monetary actuated control unit. The control unit provides the activation signal upon its receipt in escrow of a predetermined monetary amount. Built-in theft protection prevents multiple dispensing and multiple coin refunds on any single dispensing and receiving cycles respectively.

Growing community of inventors

White Bear Lake, MN, United States of America

James M Muellner