Shopping cart handle in with built-in console for the input and display of consumer product information

Abstract

A console for the input and display of consumer product information such as pricing, etc. The console may be built into the handle of the shopping cart or as a retrofit application on existing handles. The console has a product information input device for numerical values such as product pricing, cost per unit, etc. The apparatus has a calculator and output display for such data. Some space on the console will likely be dedicated to a display panel for advertising. The console may be equipped with a bar code scanner as an alternate means of inputting such consumer data. The console should have an output display, such as a monitor, and/or a readout in order to display the product information such as: cost per unit. A video monitor may be used in connection with the console in order to provide advertising information related to products.

1 . A shopping cart combination for reading bar codes found on consumer products, said combination including: 
 a shopping cart having a wheeled base and a basket portion in connection with said wheeled base and a handle apparatus in connection with said wheeled base,    said shopping cart having a means for reading bar codes,    means for obtaining personal information, and    means for displaying pricing information derived from said bar codes;    wherein said means for obtaining personal information allows a user of the shopping cart to pay for all items purchased at the shopping cart from any location within a store and without interacting with checkout personnel.    
   
   
       2 . A self scanning shopping cart for pricing and check out comprising: 
 a shopping cart apparatus in connection with the shopping cart, said apparatus having a bar code reader for reading bar codes associated with products and a personal information input device for accepting information used to identify the user of the shopping cart,    said shopping cart apparatus having a transceiver for electromagnetic transmissions and for updating pricing information in response to said electromagnetic transmissions,    said cart having a display means for displaying product information, and wherein said personal information input device allows a user of the shopping cart to pay for all items purchased at the shopping cart from any location within a store and without interacting with checkout personnel