Method for issuing and returning a loaned item

An issuing and return system for a transport trolley, the system comprising:

• a blockade element attached to, or integrated in, the transport trolley, said blockade element being configured to;
• selectively release the transport trolley for taking and using the in an unlocked arrangement of the transport trolley;
• and
• selectively prevent taking and using the transport trolley in a locked arrangement once the transport trolley has been returned;
• said blockade element including a communications module for wireless communication with a mobile communication device of a customer;
• said mobile communication device of the customer having an identification feature configured to:
• establish an assignment of said mobile communication device to the transport trolley, wherein the mobile communication device identifies itself to the blockade element by transmitting said identification feature via wireless communication and the blockade element stores the transmitted identification feature in a memory of the blockade element,
• establish an association of said mobile communication device with the transport trolley upon the release of the transport trolley;
• and
• disband the established association of said mobile communication device with the transport trolley upon a return of the transport trolley by deleting or marking the stored identification feature.

A method for issuing and returning a transport trolley, the method comprising:

• providing the transport trolley with a blockade element, the blockade element being configured to:
• wirelessly communicate with a mobile communication device;
• selectively prevent the taking of the transport trolley in a locked arrangement;
• and
• selectively release the transport trolley for use in an unlocked arrangement;
• transmitting an identification feature of a mobile communications device to identify the mobile communication device with the blockade element via wireless communication without a communication to a central server;
• storing the transmitted identification feature in a memory of the blockade element;
• selectively releasing the transport trolley into the unlocked arrangement and associating the mobile communication device with the transport trolley;
• and
• selectively preventing the taking of the transport trolley in the locked arrangement and disbanding the association upon a return of the transport trolley by deleting or marking the stored identification feature.