Self Scan Checkout Module

Abstract

A self scan checkout module as a bagging module ( 12 ) for receiving goods processed via an adjacent billing module ( 11 ), said bagging module comprising a base unit ( 16 ), a first load platform ( 17 ) supported by the base unit to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, a support structure ( 24, 25 ) which extends upwards from the base unit, and a second load platform ( 15 ) supported at least in part by said support structure for receiving goods from the billing module when the adjacent billing module is operated by trained personnel, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position in which it allows substantially unimpeded access to the first load platform and a second, operational position at which it lies superimposed over and spaced above the first load platform ( 17 ) for receiving goods from the billing module.

1 . A bagging module for receiving goods that have been processed via an adjacent billing module, said bagging module comprising a base unit, a first load platform supported by the base unit to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, a support structure which extends upwards from the base unit, and a second load platform supported at least in part by said support structure for receiving goods from the billing module when the adjacent billing module is operated by trained personnel, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position in which it allows substantially unimpeded access to the first load platform and a second, operational position at which it lies superimposed over and spaced above the first load platform for receiving goods from the billing module. 
     
     
         2 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  wherein the second load platform is substantially non-releasably secured relative to the support structure. 
     
     
         3 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  wherein the second load platform is pivotally secured to the support structure. 
     
     
         4 . A bagging module according to  claim 3  wherein the second load platform is pivotally secured for movement about a substantially horizontally extending axis. 
     
     
         5 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  wherein the second load platform is releasably secured relative to said support structure. 
     
     
         6 . A bagging module according to  claim 5  wherein the second load platform may be moved between said second storage position at which it is able to receive and support merchandise and a storage position at which it is stowed with or alongside the bagging module. 
     
     
         7 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  wherein the second load platform comprises two sections which are pivotally secured relative to one another. 
     
     
         8 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  wherein the second load platform comprises two sections arranged such that one section may be folded back to bring the working surface thereof into confrontation with the working surface of the other section when moving from the second, operational position to a storage position. 
     
     
         9 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  wherein the second load platform is supported at least in part by a support structure which extends upwards relative to the base unit of the bagging module. 
     
     
         10 . A bagging module according to  claim 9  wherein the second load platform is supported at least in part by a panel which extends vertically upwards from the base unit and lies in a plane which is substantially parallel with the general direction of movement of merchandise from a billing module to the bagging module. 
     
     
         11 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  and comprising an actuation mechanism to assist movement of a pivotally secured second load platform to the second, operational position. 
     
     
         12 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  and comprising a bag dispenser for a supply of bags for use by customers, said dispenser being dimensioned in relation to the position and dimensions of the second load platform such that the second load platform may be moved pivotally between first and second positions without the need to move the bag dispenser. 
     
     
         13 . A bagging module according to  claim 1  wherein the bagging unit comprises a bag dispenser which is removable for the purpose of permitting movement of the second load platform between first and second positions. 
     
     
         14 . A self-scan checkout system comprising a bagging unit according to  claim 1  in combination with a billing module. 
     
     
         15 . A self-scan checkout system according to  claim 14  wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined wholly by the bagging module. 
     
     
         16 . A self-scan checkout system according to  claim 14  wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined in part by the billing module and in part by the bagging module. 
     
     
         17 . A self-scan checkout system comprising a billing module in combination with a bagging module, said bagging module comprising a base unit which provides support for a first load platform to receive merchandise loaded onto the platform from the billing module, the system comprising a support structure which extends upwards relative to said base unit of the bagging module to provide support for a second load platform for receiving goods from the billing module, said second load platform being moveable relative to the support structure between a first position at which it allows substantially unimpeded access to said first load platform and a second, operational position for receiving merchandise from the billing module. 
     
     
         18 . A self-scan checkout system according to  claim 17  wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined wholly by the bagging module. 
     
     
         19 . A self-scan checkout system according to  claim 17  wherein the support structure for the second, upper load platform is defined in part by the billing module and in part by the bagging module.