You can freely build on How Sylvan Goldman Invented the Modern Grocery Shopping Cart

What this patent covers

The invention describes a wheeled carriage with a collapsible frame designed to hold two standard wire shopping baskets. It uses a hinged metal structure that allows the basket supports to fold flat when not in use, saving floor space in stores. The design includes a handle for pushing and a set of wheels to distribute the weight of heavy groceries, effectively moving the burden from the shopper's arms to the floor.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 2196914 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover the single-basket nested design found in modern grocery stores.

• Does not cover plastic shopping carts or carts with integrated child seats.

• Does not cover motorized or automated shopping cart systems.

Who is building on this today

Companies like Unarco and various global retail equipment manufacturers evolved this initial folding concept into the modern nested, high-capacity steel carts used by retailers like Kroger and Walmart today.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Individual. US Patent 2196914. Folding basket carriage for self-service stores. Granted 1940, expired 1958. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.