US20090289019A1 - Assembly for dispensing plastic bags - Google Patents
Assembly for dispensing plastic bags Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090289019A1 US20090289019A1 US12/472,349 US47234909A US2009289019A1 US 20090289019 A1 US20090289019 A1 US 20090289019A1 US 47234909 A US47234909 A US 47234909A US 2009289019 A1 US2009289019 A1 US 2009289019A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- back support
- rack
- bag
- bags
- wire
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F13/00—Shop or like accessories
- A47F13/08—Hand implements, e.g. grocers' scoops, ladles, paper-bag holders
- A47F13/085—Shopping-bag holders
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a dispensing assembly for dispensing plastic bags and, more particularly, to a dispensing assembly having a rack, side protectors and a front shield to direct the user to the economic removal of one bag at a time. Still more particularly, the present invention discloses a shield which is pivotally attached to a rack that dispenses plastic bags to facilitate the removal of one bag at a time by directing the user to the appropriate grabbing section of the bag, such as a tag.
- Roll mounted produce bags are commonly found in modem grocery stores and supermarkets. These bags are designed for customers to use when purchasing fresh produce.
- the bags currently available are difficult for customers to use for several reasons.
- some roll bags are “tri-folded” and require two hands to unfold and open fully.
- plastic bag dispenser packs of produce bags or the like wherein the bag packs are hung on, for example, plastic tab members.
- the pack of plastic bags includes a disposable upper portion connected to the lower plastic bag. A perforation is made between the upper portion and the lower plastic bag. The upper portion is attached to the plastic tab member.
- a customer wants to use a plastic bag he pulls on the lower plastic bag and tears it away from the upper portion at the perforation.
- These plastic bags suffer from many of the same shortcomings as plastic bags on rolls. Additionally, with these bag dispensing systems it frequently requires two hands to pull the bag down and open it. Further, often more than one bag is removed, resulting in wasted bags.
- the packs of plastic bags include a disposable upper portion connected to the lower bag portion.
- a perforation is made between the disposable upper portion and the lower bag portion.
- a customer wants to use a plastic bag he pulls on the lower bag portion and tears it away from the disposable upper portion at the perforation.
- these plastic bags are suitable and cost-effective for a number of situations, in other situations these plastic bags suffer from some shortcomings. For example, with these bag dispensing systems it frequently requires two hands to pull the bag down and open it. Also, often more than one bag is removed, resulting in wasted bags.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,059 commonly owned by applicant discloses a “bag shield” for facilitating the removal of only one bag at a time from the stack and for maintaining a “billboard effect” of the bags in the stack
- This product has not been commercially successful for two reasons: (1) The bag shield must be removed to add additional packs of plastic bags to the rack and then the bag shield must be placed back on the rack over the additional packs of plastic bags.
- the present invention avoids the shortcomings.
- the billboard effect of the '059 Patent requires a larger “footprint” (i.e., it is less desirable than the product(s) of the present invention because it takes up more space).
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/003 1069 discloses a pack of plastic bags having a pouch.
- the present invention discloses an assembly for dispensing plastic bags wherein the bags are removable one at a time with ease thereby eliminating waste. Further, the supply of bags is easily replenished.
- a bag dispensing assembly has a rack with side protectors, a pack of plastic bags suspended from the rack and a shield assembly pivotally connected to the rack.
- the shield includes an elongate plate, a flat sheet suspended from the plate and elongate arms for pivotally connecting the plate to the rack.
- the bags have grab tabs and are covered partially by a sleeve.
- a tongue extends through an opening of the pack of plastic bags to push the grab tabs outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- the shield is placed in front of the suspended packs of bags to direct the attention of the user to the tabs and to shield portions of the bags from the user.
- the shield can be pivotally moved to allow access to the interior of the rack to facilitate the quick replacement or replenishment of the packs of bags.
- a flexible vertical flap is connected to the upper portion of each of the side protectors of the rack and extends downwardly and beyond the bottom section of each of the side protector.
- Each of the vertical flops covers the openings in the respective side protector it is connected to and the open area below such side protector to prevent the consumer from accessing a bag through an opening in the side protector or through the area immediately below the side protector.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 without the pack of bags;
- FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side top perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2A without the sheet portion of the shield;
- FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7 without the pack of bags.
- FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there is shown a bag dispensing assembly 10 utilizing the present invention having a rack 14 supported by a floor stand 16 , a pack of plastic bags 18 being suspended from rack 14 and having grab tabs 19 , a sleeve 22 covering at least a portion of both the front and the back end of pack 18 , and a shield assembly 30 pivotally connected to an elongate pivot 70 of rack 14 , in accordance with the present invention.
- a tongue 34 extending through an opening 17 of pack of plastic bags 18 to push grab tabs 19 outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- Rack 14 is generally similar to the rack described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0144989 with some modifications and improvements to effect the pivotal mounting of shield assembly 30 on rack 14 , to add tongue 34 and to improve the structural integrity of rack 14 and its ability to remain unaffected by any increased weight or pressure applied thereon.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0144989 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- FIG. 2 there is shown the bag dispensing assembly of FIG. 1 without pack of plastic bags 18 and sleeve 22 .
- Rack 14 has a lower back support 41 , an upper back support 43 and side protectors 45 A and 45 B which are symmetrical with respect to each other.
- Lower back support consists of four horizontal wires 41 A, 41 B, 41 C and 41 D which are held in place by a back support wire 49 .
- One end is of back support wire 49 is affixed by welding or similar means to wire 41 A near side protector 45 A.
- Back support wire 49 extends upwards to form back support wire portion 49 A, then is bend horizontally to form a top back rail 53 , then downwards to form a back support wire portion 49 B which is symmetrical to back support wire portion 49 A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 41 A near side protector 45 B.
- Back support wire portions 49 A and 49 B are also affixed by welding or similar means to wires 41 B, 41 C and 41 D to keep them in place and to form a sturdy back support.
- the upper sections of back support wire portions 49 A and 49 B extending above the point of connection with wire 41 D and leading to top back rail 53 are bend backwards to form an angle with the plane of lower back support 41 .
- Horizontal rails 57 and 59 which are below top rail 53 extend from back support wire portion 49 A to back support wire portion 49 B to strengthen upper back support 43 .
- a back support rail 65 extends upwards from wire 41 D to form a back support rail portion 65 A, then is bend horizontally to form pivot 70 , then downwards to form a back support rail portion 65 B which is symmetrical to back support rail portion 65 A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 41 D.
- Back support rail 65 is at an angle with the plane of lower back support 41 .
- Pivot 70 is supported by upper sections of back support wire portions 49 A and 49 B which are securely affixed to pivot 70 by welding or similar means.
- Side protectors 45 A and 45 B are formed by bending, at right angles, wires 41 A, 41 B, 41 C and 41 D on both ends thereof.
- a front rail 61 A is affixed to one end of wire 41 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 41 B, 41 C and 41 D and to continue upwards where, at a certain elevation, it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion that ends close to top back rail 53 where it is securely connected by welding or similar means to back support rail 65 .
- a front rail 61 B which is symmetrical to front rail 61 A is affixed to the second end of wire 41 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 41 B, 41 C and 41 D and to continue upwards where it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion that ends close to top back rail 53 where it is securely connected to back support rail 65 .
- Side protectors 45 A and 44 B further include side rails 63 A and 63 B which are symmetrical with respect to each other and which extend vertically from wire 41 A to the horizontal upper section of front rails 61 A and 61 B. Side rails 63 A and 63 B are welded to wires 41 B, 41 C and 41 D to strengthen side protectors 45 A and 45 B and to deter a user from attempting to grasp a bag from either side.
- hooks 72 A and 72 B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 70 and upper sections of back support wire portions 49 A and 49 B and are further supported by elongate support elements 74 A and 74 B.
- Hooks 72 A and 72 B are constructed from a wire bend to form a loop as shown in FIG. 2 .
- Hooks 72 A and 72 B can also be constructed in any other manner described in applicant's other related patents and patent applications which are incorporated herein.
- the hooks may have a spherical head.
- Tongue 34 is connected to upper back support 43 and extends inwardly at a sufficient length to penetrate opening 17 (not shown) of pack of plastic bags 18 (not shown) to push grab tabs 19 (not shown) outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- shield assembly 30 includes arms 80 A and 80 B, a flat rectangular elongate plate 82 , preferably metallic, and a flat sheet 84 .
- One end of each of arms 80 A and 80 B has an opening suitable for intimately receiving pivot 70 through the opening for enabling arms 80 A and 80 B to connect with pivot 70 so that they can rotate around pivot 70 .
- the ends of arms 80 A and 80 B that are not connected to pivot 70 are securely attached to the interior face of plate 82 so that plate 82 can pivot around pivot 70 .
- Plate 82 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance between side protectors 45 A and 45 B.
- Plate 82 has fasteners (not shown in FIG. 2 ) for attaching the upper end of flat sheet 84 to plate 82 and for suspending it therefrom.
- Flat sheet 84 is slightly tapered with the upper end being slightly wider than the bottom end. Its upper end is sufficiently wide to extend over substantially the entire length of plate 82 .
- Flat sheet 84 has a funnel shape opening 86 that extends from an open bottom end 88 to the upper portion of flat sheet 84 .
- the upper end of opening 86 is defined by a middle, low depth contoured surface 90 which is followed on each side by deeper contoured surfaces 92 A and 92 B, respectively.
- Contoured surface 90 is suitable for receiving tongue 34 therethrough while shielding the area above tongue 34 and interiorly of sheet 84 .
- Sheet 84 is preferably constructed of clear vinyl material having a thickness of about 1 ⁇ 8 of an inch.
- Arms 80 A and 80 B, plate 82 and sheet 84 are appropriately sized and shaped so that sheet 84 can shield those areas of the suspended bags that should not be touched or disturbed by the user and expose those area where the user should be directed to economically remove one bag at a time.
- the size of sheet 84 may vary depending on the size and shape of the bag packs being disposed.
- the pivoting arrangement of shield assembly 30 allows for the quick replacement or replenishment of packs of plastic bags.
- FIG. 2A there is shown a front view of bag dispensing assembly of FIG. 2 having rack 14 with lower back support 41 , upper back support 43 and side protectors 45 A and 45 B.
- Back support wire 49 extends upwards to form back support wire portion 49 A, top back rail 53 and then, downwards, to form back support wire portion 49 B.
- the upper sections of back support wire portions 49 A and 49 B are bend backwards to form an angle with the plane of lower back support 41 .
- Back support rail 65 extends upwards from wire 41 D to form a back support rail portion 65 A, then is bend horizontally to form pivot 70 , then downwards to form a back support rail portion 65 B which is symmetrical to back support rail portion 65 A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 41 D.
- Back support rail 65 is at an angle with the plane of lower back support 41 .
- Pivot 70 is supported by back support wire 49 which is securely affixed to pivot 70 by welding or similar means.
- Front rail 61 A and 61 B extend upwards and are securely connected by welding or similar means to back support rail 65 .
- Hooks 72 A and 72 B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 70 and back support wire 49 and are further supported by elongate support elements 74 A and 74 B.
- shield assembly 30 includes arms 80 A and 80 B, flat rectangular elongate plate 82 , and flat sheet 84 .
- Arms 80 A and 80 B have openings for intimately receiving pivot 70 therethrough for enabling arms 80 A and 80 B to connect with pivot 70 so that they can rotate around pivot 70 .
- the other ends of arms 80 A and 80 B are securely attached to the interior face of plate 82 so that plate 82 can pivot around pivot 70 .
- Plate 82 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance between side protectors 45 A and 45 B.
- Upper end of flat sheet 84 is attached to plate 82 and is suspended therefrom.
- FIG. 3 there is shown the bag dispensing assembly of FIGS. 2 and 2A without flat sheet 84 showing plate 82 attached to arms 80 A and 80 B which, in turn are attached to pivot 70 .
- Plate 82 is shown in a different position than the one shown in FIGS. 1-2A to demonstrate the rotational movement thereof about pivot 70 .
- FIG. 5 there is shown a detailed view of fasteners 93 and 94 for connecting plate 82 to flat sheet 84 .
- arm 80 B welded to plate 82 .
- FIG. 6 there is shown another bag dispensing assembly utilizing the previously described shield. More particularly there is shown a rack 114 with a lower back support 141 , an upper back support 143 and side protectors 145 A and 145 B which are symmetrical with respect to each other.
- Lower back support 141 consists of four horizontal wires 141 A, 141 B, 141 C and 141 D which are held in place by back support wires 149 A and 149 B which are affixed by welding or similar means to wire 141 A.
- Back support wires 149 A and 149 B extend upwards and are affixed by welding or similar means to wires 141 B, 141 C and 141 D to keep them in place and to form a sturdy back support.
- Back support wires 149 A and 149 B have further extension to form rack holders 137 A and 137 B.
- the size (length and thickness) and the shape of rack holders may vary depending on the application and the place of usage.
- Side protectors 145 A and 145 B are formed by bending, at right angles, wires 141 A, 1141 B, 141 C and 141 D on both ends thereof.
- a front rail 161 A is affixed to one end of wire 141 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 141 B, 141 C and 141 D and to continue upwards where, at a certain elevation, it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion whose end is connected by welding or similar means to back support rail 165 .
- a front rail 161 B which is symmetrical to front rail 161 A is affixed to the second end of wire 141 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 141 B, 141 C and 141 D and to continue upwards where it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion whose end is securely connected to back support rail 65 .
- Side protectors 145 A and 145 B further include side rails 163 A and 163 B which are symmetrical to each other and which extend vertically from wire 141 A to the horizontal upper section of front rails 161 A and 161 B. Side rails 163 A and 163 B are welded to wires 141 B, 141 C and 141 D to strengthen side protectors 145 A and 145 B and to deter a user from attempting to grasp a bag from either side.
- hooks 172 A and 172 B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 170 and back support wires 149 A and 149 B.
- Hooks 172 A and 172 B are constructed from a wire bend to form a loop as shown in FIG. 6 .
- Hooks 172 A and 172 B can also be constructed in any other manner described in applicant's other related patents and patent applications which are incorporated herein.
- the hooks may have a spherical head.
- Tongue 134 is connected to back support wires 149 A and 149 B and extends inwardly at a sufficient length to penetrate openings of a pack of plastic bags (not shown) to push grab tabs outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- a shield assembly 130 includes arms 180 A and 180 B, a flat rectangular elongate plate 182 , preferably metallic, and a flat sheet (not shown).
- One end of each of arms 180 A and 180 B has an opening suitable for intimately receiving pivot 170 through the opening for enabling arms 180 A and 180 B to connect with pivot 170 so that they can rotate around pivot 170 .
- the ends of arms 180 A and 180 B that are not connected to pivot 170 are securely attached to the interior face of plate 182 so that plate 182 can pivot around pivot 170 .
- Plate 182 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance between side protectors 145 A and 145 B.
- Plate 182 has fasteners 192 , 193 and 194 for attaching the upper end of the flat sheet (not shown) to plate 182 and for suspending it therefrom.
- the flat sheet is similar to flat sheet 84 previously described.
- lower back support 141 and upper back support 143 are substantial on the same vertical plane.
- Rack 114 may be modified to ro make upper back support 143 lean backwards to be at an angle with lower back support 141 .
- FIG. 7 there is shown a bag dispensing assembly 210 utilizing the present invention having a rack 214 supported by a floor stand 216 , a pack of plastic bags 218 being suspended from rack 214 and having grab tabs 219 , a shield assembly 230 pivotally connected to an elongate pivot 270 of rack 214 , and flexible, downwardly extending, side flaps 250 A and 250 B attached to side protectors 245 A and 245 B, respectively, in accordance with the present invention.
- Side flaps 250 A and 250 B are flat elongated flexible sheets of plastic material.
- Side flap 250 A is connected in its upper end by fasteners to wire 241 D of side protector 245 A and is suspended vertically therefrom.
- Side flap 250 A runs downwards along side protector 245 A and extends beyond the lower end of side protector 245 A. Side flap 250 A covers the openings in and the open area below side protector 245 A to prevent a consumer from accessing a bag through such opening in and open area below side protector 245 A.
- the top portion of side flap 250 B is connected by fasteners to wire 241 D of side protector 245 B and side flap 250 B runs downwards along side protector 245 B and extends beyond the lower end of side protector 250 B.
- Side flap 250 B covers the openings in and the open area below side protector 245 B to prevent a consumer from accessing a bag through such opening in and open area below side protector 245 B.
- a crossbar 351 is connected to the lower end of side flap 250 A, on one end, and to the lower end of side flap 250 B, on the other end, to maintain them in a relative parallel position with respect to each other.
- Side flaps 250 A and 250 B prevent the consumer from grabbing bags 218 from the side of the rack thereby reducing he chance of removing more than one bag from assembly 210 and causing waste and sloppy appearance in the surrounding area of the store.
- FIG. 7 there is shown a tongue 234 extending through an opening of pack of plastic bags 218 to push grab tabs 219 outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- Rack 214 is similar to rack 14 previously described except for the minor changes to accommodate the attachment of side flaps 250 A and 250 B.
- Rack 214 has a lower back support 241 , an upper back support 243 and side protectors 245 A and 245 B which are symmetrical with respect to each other.
- Lower back support consists of four horizontal wires 241 A, 241 B, 241 C and 241 D which are held in place by a back support wire 249 .
- One end is of back support wire 249 is affixed by welding or similar means to wire 241 A near side protector 245 A.
- Back support wire 249 extends upwards to form back support wire portion 249 A, then is bend horizontally to form a top back rail 253 , then downwards to form a back support wire portion 249 B which is symmetrical to back support wire portion 249 A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 241 A near side protector 245 B.
- Back support wire portions 249 A and 249 B are also affixed by welding or similar means to wires 241 B, 241 C and 241 D to keep them in place and to form a sturdy back support.
- the upper sections of back support wire portions 249 A and 249 B extending above the point of connection with wire 241 D and leading to top back rail 253 are bend backwards to form an angle with the plane of lower back support 241 .
- Horizontal rails 257 and 259 which are below top rail 253 extend from back support wire portion 249 A to back support wire portion 249 B to strengthen upper back support 243 .
- a back support rail 265 extends upwards from wire 241 D to form a back support rail portion 265 A, then is bend horizontally to form pivot 270 , then downwards to form a back support rail portion 265 B which is symmetrical to back support rail portion 265 A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 241 D.
- Back support rail 265 is at an angle with the plane of lower back support 241 .
- Pivot 270 is supported by upper sections of back support wire portions 249 A and 249 B which are securely affixed to pivot 270 by welding or similar means.
- Side protectors 245 A and 245 B are formed by bending, at right angles, wires 241 A, 241 B, 241 C and 241 D on both ends thereof.
- a front rail 261 A is affixed to one end of wire 241 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 241 B, 241 C and 241 D and to continue upwards where, at a certain elevation, it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion that ends close to top back rail 253 where it is securely connected by welding or similar means to back support rail 265 .
- a front rail 261 B which is symmetrical to front rail 261 A is affixed to the second end of wire 241 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 241 B, 241 C and 241 D and to continue upwards where it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion that ends close to top back rail 253 where it is securely connected to back support rail 265 .
- Side protectors 245 A and 244 B further include side rails 263 A and 263 B which are symmetrical with respect to each other and which extend vertically from wire 24 A to the horizontal upper section of front rails 261 A and 261 B. Side rails 263 A and 263 B are welded to wires 241 B, 241 C and 241 D to strengthen side protectors 245 A and 245 B and to deter a user from attempting to grasp a bag from either side.
- hooks 272 A and 272 B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 270 and upper sections of back support wire portions 249 A and 249 B and are further supported by elongate support elements 274 A and 274 B.
- Hooks 272 A and 272 B are constructed from a wire bend to form a loop as shown in FIG. 8 .
- Hooks 272 A and 272 B can also be constructed in any other manner described in applicant's other related patents and patent applications which are incorporated herein.
- the hooks may have a spherical head.
- Tongue 234 is connected to upper back support 243 and extends inwardly at a sufficient length to penetrate opening 217 (not shown) of pack of plastic bags 218 (not shown) to push grab tabs 219 (not shown) outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- shield assembly 230 includes arms 280 A and 280 B, a flat rectangular elongate plate 282 , preferably metallic, and a flat sheet 284 .
- One end of each of arms 280 A and 280 B has an opening suitable for intimately receiving pivot 270 through the opening for enabling arms 280 A and 280 B to connect with pivot 270 so that they can rotate around pivot 270 .
- the ends of arms 280 A and 280 B that are not connected to pivot 270 are securely attached to the interior face of plate 282 so that plate 282 can pivot around pivot 270 .
- Plate 282 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance between side protectors 245 A and 245 B.
- Plate 282 has fasteners 292 , 293 and 294 for attaching the upper end of flat sheet 284 to plate 282 and for suspending it therefrom. In FIG. 8 , plate 282 is pivoted in a position where it does not shield rack 214 to facilitate the replacement or replenishment of bags.
- Flat sheet 284 is slightly tapered with the upper end being slightly wider than the bottom end. Its upper end is sufficiently wide to extend over substantially the entire length of plate 282 .
- Flat sheet 230 has a funnel shape opening that extends from an open bottom end to the upper portion of flat sheet 230 .
- the upper end of the funnel shape opening is defined by a middle, low depth contoured surface which is followed on each side by deeper contoured surfaces.
- the middle contoured surface is suitable for receiving tongue 234 therethrough while shielding the area above tongue 234 and interiorly of sheet 284 .
- Sheet 284 is preferably constructed of clear vinyl material having a thickness of about 1 ⁇ 8 of an inch.
- Arms 280 A and 280 B, plate 282 and sheet 284 are appropriately sized and shaped so that sheet 284 can shield those areas of the suspended bags that should not be touched or disturbed by the user and expose those area where the user should be directed to economically remove one bag at a time.
- the size of sheet 284 may vary depending on the size and shape of the bag packs being disposed.
- the pivoting arrangement of shield assembly 230 allows for the quick replacement or replenishment of packs of plastic bags.
- Side flaps 250 A and 250 B are attached to side protectors 245 A and 245 B, respectively, in accordance with the present invention.
- the top portion of side flap 250 A is connected by fasteners 355 A and 357 A to wire 241 D of side protector 245 A.
- Side slap 250 A runs downwards along side protector 245 A and extends beyond the lower end of side protector 245 A.
- the top portion of side flap 250 B is connected by fasteners 355 B and 357 B to wire 241 D of side protector 245 B.
- Side flap 250 B runs downwards along side protector 245 B and extends beyond the lower end of side protector 245 B.
- Crossbar 351 is connected to the lower end of side flap 250 A by fastener 353 A, on one end, and to the lower end of side flap 250 B by fastener 353 B, on the other end, to maintain them in a relative parallel position with respect to each other.
- FIG. 9 there is shown another bag dispensing assembly having a rack 414 utilizing the previously described shield and side flaps.
- Rack 414 is similar to rack 114 described in FIG. 6 except for modifications to provide for the attachment of the side flaps. More particularly there is shown a rack 414 with a lower back support 441 , an upper back support 443 and side protectors 445 A and 445 B which are symmetrical with respect to each other.
- Lower back support 441 consists of four horizontal wires 441 A, 441 B, 441 C and 441 D which are held in place by back support wires 449 A and 449 B which are affixed by welding or similar means to wire 441 A.
- Back support wires 449 A and 449 B extend upwards and are affixed by welding or similar means to wires 441 B, 441 C and 441 D to keep them in place and to form a sturdy back support.
- Back support wires 449 A and 449 B have further extensions to form rack holders (not shown) to attach rack 441 to a wall 500 .
- the size (length and thickness) and the shape of rack holders may vary depending on the application and the place of usage. The rack holders are better shown in FIG. 6 .
- a back support rail 465 extends upwards from wire 441 D to form a back support rail portion 465 A, then is bend horizontally to form pivot 470 , then downwards to form a back support rail portion 465 B which is symmetrical to back support rail portion 465 A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 441 D.
- Pivot 470 is supported by back support wires 449 A and 449 B which are securely affixed to pivot 470 by welding or similar means.
- Side protectors 445 A and 445 B are formed by bending, at right angles, wires 441 A, 441 B, 441 C and 441 D on both ends thereof.
- a front rail 461 A is affixed to one end of wire 441 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 441 B, 441 C and 441 D and to continue upwards where, at a certain elevation, it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion whose end is connected by welding or similar means to back support rail 465 .
- a front rail 461 B which is symmetrical to front rail 461 A is affixed to the second end of wire 141 A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends of wires 441 B, 441 C and 441 D and to continue upwards where it is bend backwards to form a horizontal portion whose end is securely connected to back support rail 465 .
- Side protectors 445 A and 445 B further include side rails 463 A and 463 B which are symmetrical to each other and which extend vertically from wire 441 A to the horizontal upper section of front rails 461 A and 461 B. Side rails 463 A and 463 B are welded to wires 441 B, 441 C and 441 D to strengthen side protectors 445 A and 445 B and to deter a user from attempting to grasp a bag from either side.
- hooks 472 A and 472 B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 470 and back support wires 449 A and 449 B.
- Hooks 472 A and 472 B are constructed from a wire bend to form a loop as shown in FIG. 9 .
- Hooks 472 A and 472 B can also be constructed in any other manner described in applicant's other related patents and patent applications which are incorporated herein.
- the hooks may have a spherical head.
- Tongue 434 is connected to back support wires 449 A and 449 B and extends inwardly at a sufficient length to penetrate openings of a pack of plastic bags (not shown) to push grab tabs outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- a shield assembly 430 includes arms like arms 180 A and 180 B that are shown in FIG. 6 , a flat rectangular elongate plate 482 , preferably metallic, and a flat sheet (not shown).
- One end of each of the arms has an opening suitable for intimately receiving pivot 470 through the opening for enabling the arms to connect with pivot 470 so that they can rotate around pivot 470 .
- the ends of the arms that are not connected to pivot 470 are securely attached to the interior face of plate 482 so that plate 482 can pivot around pivot 470 .
- Plate 482 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance between side protectors 445 A and 445 B.
- Plate 482 has fasteners (not shown) for attaching the upper end of the flat sheet (not shown) to plate 482 and for suspending it therefrom.
- the flat sheet is similar to flat sheet 84 previously described.
- Side flaps 550 A and 550 B are attached to side protectors 445 A and 445 B, respectively, in accordance with the present invention.
- the top portion of side flap 550 A is connected by fasteners 555 A and 557 A to wire 441 D of side protector 445 A.
- Side slap 550 A runs downwards along side protector 445 A and extends beyond the lower end of side protector 445 A.
- the top portion of side flap 550 B is connected by fasteners 555 B and 557 B to wire 441 D of side protector 445 B.
- Side flap 550 B runs downwards along side protector 445 B and extends beyond the lower end of side protector 445 B.
- Crossbar 551 is connected to the lower end of side flap 550 A by fastener 553 A, on one end, and to the lower end of side flap 550 B by fastener 453 B, on the other end, to maintain them in a relative parallel position with respect to each other.
- lower back support 441 and upper back support 443 are substantial on the same vertical plane.
- Rack 414 maybe modified to make upper back support 443 lean backwards to be at an angle with lower back support 441 .
- the present invention is used to dispense plastic bags suspended therein in packs.
- a pack of bags is formed by joining a number of individual bag units.
- the individual bag units have a disposable upper portion and a lower bag portion with a serration between the disposable upper portion and the lower bag portion.
- the individual bag units are stacked on top of each other, and a header is placed about the disposable upper portion.
- the header and the disposable upper portions are joined together in any suitable way; preferably, the header is joined to the disposable upper portions by inserting heated blunt rods through the header and the disposable upper portions to melt the header and the disposable upper portions together about the points of insertion.
- the insertion of the heated blunt rods serve to melt the plastic immediately adjacent to the header and the disposable upper portions at the points of insertion to join together the header and the disposable upper portions of the individual bag units.
- the header is formed by cutting a flat, generally rectangular plastic piece and folding the rectangular plastic piece longitudinally in half to substantially cover the disposable upper portions.
- a header tabs are cut from the header (prior to folding the header in hail) and side holes and a center whole are placed in the tabs.
- a header has two side holes and a center hole.
- the holes may be cut out of the header and the disposable upper portions or the holes may be formed with the use of heated to blunt rods as discussed above and as is known in the art.
- the holes are used to insert support hooks therethrough. The side holes are utilized when two support hooks are used and the center holes are utilized when one support hook is used.
- a pack of plastic bags may be formed without a header.
- the individual bag units are stacked on top of each other and the disposable upper portions are joined together such as by inserting heated blunt rods through the disposable upper portions to melt the disposable upper portions together about the points of insertion.
- the holes for hanging on a rack may be cut out of the disposable upper portions or formed with the use of heated blunt rods.
- the individual bag units generally include a back sheet and a front sheet which are sealed around the sides and bottom to form the lower bag portions.
- the back sheet includes serration and the disposable upper portions, while the front sheet terminates just below the serration to form a bag opening.
- the individual bag units formed with the opening allows a product to be placed in a bag while the bag remains attached to the pack of plastic bags such that the user may then use two hands to remove the bag from the pack of plastic bags and seal the bag.
- the back sheet of the bag is attached to the upper disposable section with the serrated line while the front sheet of the bag is not attached to the upper disposable section and remains open, although, in use, it is not readily visibly apparent that the front of the bag is open.
- T-shirt plastic bags have handles extending upwards.
- the handles are fused together (e.g. with hot pins, “pressure bullets,” etc.) to hold the bags together in a pack
- the present invention(s) can be used to dispense packs of plastic bags with disposable upper portions and to packs of plastic bags without disposable upper portions.
- bag dispensing assembly 10 dispenses bags from pack of plastic bags 18 having grab tabs 19 , sleeve 22 covering at least a portion of both the front and the back end of pack 18 .
- Tongue 34 extends through opening 17 of pack of plastic bags 18 to push grab tabs 19 outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.
- Grab tabs 19 are formed by cutting each front sheet and back sheet.
- Tongue 34 is provided and designed to push substantially all of the grab tabs in the packs of plastic bags supported on a rack forward, generally extending the grab tab forward of each bag, which is designed such that a user can easily grab the grab tab, pull, and one bag (and only one bag) is removed from the pack of plastic bags.
- a tongue such as tongue 34 may be located or affixed in a number of places, e.g., it may be attached to the rack, in contact with the rack, or in proximity to the rackAlso, each pack of plastic bags may have its own tongue attached to its header (not shown). Further, each pack of plastic bags may have a back sheet (not a bag), and the tongue may be attached to the back sheet (not shown).
- the embodiments shown have the affixed tongues permanently attached to the racks by welding or similar means. It should be understood, however, that, the tongues may be removably connected to the racks or other elements in proximity by clamps or similar means so that the tongue can be removed in some applications and used in other applications with the particular rack, at the user's discretion.
- Grab tabs 19 are located near the top of each plastic bag, generally extending forward of each bag, which is designed such that a user can easily grab the grab tab, pull, and one bag (and only one bag) is removed from the pack of plastic bags.
- the grab tab serves two purposes: (1) to reduce waste by the removal of just one bag; and (2) to make it easier for a user to remove a plastic bag from the pack of plastic bags.
- Grab tabs can be used without corresponding tongues. In that case, they may be an additional piece of plastic attached to the front sheet of each plastic bag or may be a configuration of the front sheet designed as a grab tab.
- the present invention is described herein with embodiments that have bags with grab tabs, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to bags having grab tags but it includes bags that do not have grab tags or and bags that do not have openings therethrough for receiving a tongue. Further, the invention is not limited to racks having tongues but it includes racks without tongues.
- Plastic sleeve 22 covers at least a portion of the two sides of the pack of plastic bags.
- the center portion of both the front and the back of the pack of plastic bags is open.
- the plastic sleeve prevents persons from grabbing several bags from the side of the pack of plastic bags when only one bag is needed without the plastic sleeve, several plastic bags could have been torn from the pack of plastic bags, resulting in the waste of several bags. In most cases, several packs of plastic bags are stacked together on a rack. As noted, the center portion of both the front and the back of the pack of plastic bags is open.
- the plastic sleeve both reduces waste and reduces the store manpower required to reload the rack to provide plastic bags to customers.
- the racks, tongues and shield assemblies referred to herein may be constructed of any suitable material including heavy gauge wire, plastic, plastic covered wire, stainless steel, acrylic, wood, etc. Additionally, different parts of the racks may be constructed of different materials.
- the material used to create the plastic bags and/or sleeves may be any suitable plastic resin, including low density polyethylene; linear low density polyethylene; high density polyethylene; high molecular weight, high density polyethylene; and polypropylene. Also, the material used to create the bags and/or sleeves may be a single extruded layer or a plastic film comprising multiple, co extruded layers.
Abstract
A bag dispensing assembly according to the present invention has a rack with side protectors, a pack of plastic bags suspended from the rack and a shield assembly pivotally connected to the rack.
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the U.S. provisional application No. 61/128,735 filed on May 23, 2008.
- The present invention relates to a dispensing assembly for dispensing plastic bags and, more particularly, to a dispensing assembly having a rack, side protectors and a front shield to direct the user to the economic removal of one bag at a time. Still more particularly, the present invention discloses a shield which is pivotally attached to a rack that dispenses plastic bags to facilitate the removal of one bag at a time by directing the user to the appropriate grabbing section of the bag, such as a tag.
- In supermarkets, department stores, fast food restaurants, and other retail outlets, there is frequently the need for consumers or store employees to place items in bags to facilitate handling and purchase. For example, produce bags are dispensed directly to customers to allow the customer to bag the produce as it is chosen for purchase. Also, in deli or meat departments, store employees place the selected meats or other deli products in bags (or other packaging) for the consumer. At fast food restaurants, especially when an order is made “to go,” the employee places the food in a plastic bag to facilitate handling and prevent spilling or leaking. In the prior art, there are a number of designs for dispensing bags for these purposes.
- Roll mounted produce bags are commonly found in modem grocery stores and supermarkets. These bags are designed for customers to use when purchasing fresh produce. The bags currently available are difficult for customers to use for several reasons. First, the bags tend to cling together due to excessive static and are difficult to separate from the roll. Second, it is difficult to tell the open end of the bag from the closed end of the bag. Third, the individual bags are difficult to open, as the sides tend to cling together. Fourth, some roll bags are “tri-folded” and require two hands to unfold and open fully.
- Also, the prior art teaches plastic bag dispenser packs of produce bags or the like, wherein the bag packs are hung on, for example, plastic tab members. The pack of plastic bags includes a disposable upper portion connected to the lower plastic bag. A perforation is made between the upper portion and the lower plastic bag. The upper portion is attached to the plastic tab member. When a customer wants to use a plastic bag, he pulls on the lower plastic bag and tears it away from the upper portion at the perforation. These plastic bags suffer from many of the same shortcomings as plastic bags on rolls. Additionally, with these bag dispensing systems it frequently requires two hands to pull the bag down and open it. Further, often more than one bag is removed, resulting in wasted bags.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,833, herein incorporated by reference, commonly owned by applicant, discloses a dispensing assembly for supporting packs of plastic bags. The packs of plastic bags include a disposable upper portion connected to the lower bag portion. A perforation is made between the disposable upper portion and the lower bag portion. When a customer wants to use a plastic bag, he pulls on the lower bag portion and tears it away from the disposable upper portion at the perforation. While these plastic bags are suitable and cost-effective for a number of situations, in other situations these plastic bags suffer from some shortcomings. For example, with these bag dispensing systems it frequently requires two hands to pull the bag down and open it. Also, often more than one bag is removed, resulting in wasted bags.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,059 commonly owned by applicant, discloses a “bag shield” for facilitating the removal of only one bag at a time from the stack and for maintaining a “billboard effect” of the bags in the stack This product has not been commercially successful for two reasons: (1) The bag shield must be removed to add additional packs of plastic bags to the rack and then the bag shield must be placed back on the rack over the additional packs of plastic bags. The present invention avoids the shortcomings. (2) In a grocery store or other retail store, the space a product occupies is an important consideration. The billboard effect of the '059 Patent requires a larger “footprint” (i.e., it is less desirable than the product(s) of the present invention because it takes up more space).
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0102573, herein 15 incorporated by reference, commonly owned by applicant, discloses a four sided rack for holding four different sizes of packs of plastic bags.
- U.S. Patent Applications Publication Nos. 2007/0 144988 and 2007/0144989 both herein incorporated by reference, both commonly owned by applicant, disclose wire racks with wire side protectors for holding packs of plastic bags. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/003 1069 discloses a pack of plastic bags having a pouch.
- Thus, there are a number of shortcomings with the known rolls of plastic bags and other bag dispensing systems. A common problem with dispensing produce bags is providing one bag to the consumer in a convenient, simple, and reliable fashion. Further considerations relate to ease of replenishing the supply, uniformity of dispensing, ease of opening, and ease of filling.
- According to the present invention discloses an assembly for dispensing plastic bags wherein the bags are removable one at a time with ease thereby eliminating waste. Further, the supply of bags is easily replenished.
- These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.
- A bag dispensing assembly according to the present invention has a rack with side protectors, a pack of plastic bags suspended from the rack and a shield assembly pivotally connected to the rack. The shield includes an elongate plate, a flat sheet suspended from the plate and elongate arms for pivotally connecting the plate to the rack. The bags have grab tabs and are covered partially by a sleeve. A tongue extends through an opening of the pack of plastic bags to push the grab tabs outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user. The shield is placed in front of the suspended packs of bags to direct the attention of the user to the tabs and to shield portions of the bags from the user. The shield can be pivotally moved to allow access to the interior of the rack to facilitate the quick replacement or replenishment of the packs of bags.
- In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a flexible vertical flap is connected to the upper portion of each of the side protectors of the rack and extends downwardly and beyond the bottom section of each of the side protector. Each of the vertical flops covers the openings in the respective side protector it is connected to and the open area below such side protector to prevent the consumer from accessing a bag through an opening in the side protector or through the area immediately below the side protector.
- For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1 without the pack of bags; -
FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side top perspective view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 2A without the sheet portion of the shield; -
FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a section of the apparatus shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 7 without the pack of bags; and -
FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown abag dispensing assembly 10 utilizing the present invention having arack 14 supported by afloor stand 16, a pack ofplastic bags 18 being suspended fromrack 14 and havinggrab tabs 19, asleeve 22 covering at least a portion of both the front and the back end ofpack 18, and ashield assembly 30 pivotally connected to anelongate pivot 70 ofrack 14, in accordance with the present invention. Further, there is a shown atongue 34 extending through anopening 17 of pack ofplastic bags 18 to pushgrab tabs 19 outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user. -
Rack 14 is generally similar to the rack described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0144989 with some modifications and improvements to effect the pivotal mounting ofshield assembly 30 onrack 14, to addtongue 34 and to improve the structural integrity ofrack 14 and its ability to remain unaffected by any increased weight or pressure applied thereon. U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0144989 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , there is shown the bag dispensing assembly ofFIG. 1 without pack ofplastic bags 18 andsleeve 22.Rack 14 has alower back support 41, anupper back support 43 andside protectors horizontal wires back support wire 49. One end is ofback support wire 49 is affixed by welding or similar means to wire 41A nearside protector 45A.Back support wire 49 extends upwards to form backsupport wire portion 49A, then is bend horizontally to form atop back rail 53, then downwards to form a backsupport wire portion 49B which is symmetrical to backsupport wire portion 49A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 41A nearside protector 45B. Backsupport wire portions wires support wire portions wire 41D and leading totop back rail 53 are bend backwards to form an angle with the plane oflower back support 41.Horizontal rails top rail 53 extend from backsupport wire portion 49A to backsupport wire portion 49B to strengthenupper back support 43. - A
back support rail 65 extends upwards fromwire 41D to form a backsupport rail portion 65A, then is bend horizontally to formpivot 70, then downwards to form a backsupport rail portion 65B which is symmetrical to backsupport rail portion 65A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 41D.Back support rail 65 is at an angle with the plane oflower back support 41.Pivot 70 is supported by upper sections of backsupport wire portions -
Side protectors wires front rail 61A is affixed to one end ofwire 41A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires top back rail 53 where it is securely connected by welding or similar means to backsupport rail 65. Afront rail 61B which is symmetrical tofront rail 61A is affixed to the second end ofwire 41A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires top back rail 53 where it is securely connected to backsupport rail 65. -
Side protectors 45A and 44B further includeside rails wire 41A to the horizontal upper section offront rails wires side protectors - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , hooks 72A and 72B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 70 and upper sections of backsupport wire portions elongate support elements Hooks FIG. 2 .Hooks -
Tongue 34 is connected toupper back support 43 and extends inwardly at a sufficient length to penetrate opening 17 (not shown) of pack of plastic bags 18 (not shown) to push grab tabs 19 (not shown) outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user. - Still referring to
FIG. 2 ,shield assembly 30 includesarms elongate plate 82, preferably metallic, and aflat sheet 84. One end of each ofarms pivot 70 through the opening for enablingarms pivot 70 so that they can rotate aroundpivot 70. The ends ofarms plate 82 so thatplate 82 can pivot aroundpivot 70.Plate 82 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance betweenside protectors Plate 82 has fasteners (not shown inFIG. 2 ) for attaching the upper end offlat sheet 84 to plate 82 and for suspending it therefrom. -
Flat sheet 84 is slightly tapered with the upper end being slightly wider than the bottom end. Its upper end is sufficiently wide to extend over substantially the entire length ofplate 82.Flat sheet 84 has a funnel shape opening 86 that extends from an openbottom end 88 to the upper portion offlat sheet 84. The upper end of opening 86 is defined by a middle, low depth contouredsurface 90 which is followed on each side by deepercontoured surfaces surface 90 is suitable for receivingtongue 34 therethrough while shielding the area abovetongue 34 and interiorly ofsheet 84.Sheet 84 is preferably constructed of clear vinyl material having a thickness of about ⅛ of an inch. -
Arms plate 82 andsheet 84 are appropriately sized and shaped so thatsheet 84 can shield those areas of the suspended bags that should not be touched or disturbed by the user and expose those area where the user should be directed to economically remove one bag at a time. The size ofsheet 84 may vary depending on the size and shape of the bag packs being disposed. The pivoting arrangement ofshield assembly 30 allows for the quick replacement or replenishment of packs of plastic bags. - Referring now to
FIG. 2A , there is shown a front view of bag dispensing assembly ofFIG. 2 havingrack 14 withlower back support 41,upper back support 43 andside protectors Back support wire 49 extends upwards to form backsupport wire portion 49A,top back rail 53 and then, downwards, to form backsupport wire portion 49B. The upper sections of backsupport wire portions lower back support 41. -
Back support rail 65 extends upwards fromwire 41D to form a backsupport rail portion 65A, then is bend horizontally to formpivot 70, then downwards to form a backsupport rail portion 65B which is symmetrical to backsupport rail portion 65A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 41D.Back support rail 65 is at an angle with the plane oflower back support 41.Pivot 70 is supported byback support wire 49 which is securely affixed to pivot 70 by welding or similar means.Front rail support rail 65.Hooks support wire 49 and are further supported byelongate support elements - Still referring to
FIG. 2A ,shield assembly 30 includesarms elongate plate 82, andflat sheet 84.Arms pivot 70 therethrough for enablingarms pivot 70 so that they can rotate aroundpivot 70. The other ends ofarms plate 82 so thatplate 82 can pivot aroundpivot 70.Plate 82 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance betweenside protectors flat sheet 84 is attached to plate 82 and is suspended therefrom. -
Flat sheet 84 has funnel shape opening 86 that extends from openbottom end 88 to its upper end which is defined by contouredsurfaces surface 90 is suitable for receivingtongue 34 therethrough. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , there is shown the bag dispensing assembly ofFIGS. 2 and 2A withoutflat sheet 84 showingplate 82 attached toarms Plate 82 is shown in a different position than the one shown inFIGS. 1-2A to demonstrate the rotational movement thereof aboutpivot 70. -
Rack 14 is attached to floor stand 16 and supported thereon by intimately receiving several portions ofrack 14 the tubular section of floor stand 16.Tongue 34 is attached toupper back support 43.Hooks support wire 49 and are further supported byelongate support elements - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , there is shown a bag dispensing assembly similar to the one previously described inFIG. 3 except that it includesflat sheet 84. There is shownflat sheet 84 attached to plate 82 byfasteners Plate 82 is shown in a different position than the one shown inFIGS. 1-2A to demonstrate the rotational movement thereof aboutpivot 70 to put the shield in a position where it does not shieldrack 14 to facilitate the replacement or replenishment of the bags. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , there is shown a detailed view offasteners plate 82 toflat sheet 84. There is also shownarm 80B welded to plate 82. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , there is shown another bag dispensing assembly utilizing the previously described shield. More particularly there is shown arack 114 with alower back support 141, anupper back support 143 andside protectors support 141 consists of fourhorizontal wires back support wires Back support wires wires Back support wires rack holders - A
back support rail 165 extends upwards fromwire 141D to form a backsupport rail portion 165A, then is bend horizontally to formpivot 170, then downwards to form a backsupport rail portion 165B which is symmetrical to backsupport rail portion 165A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 141D.Pivot 170 is supported byback support wires -
Side protectors wires front rail 161A is affixed to one end ofwire 141A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires support rail 165. Afront rail 161B which is symmetrical tofront rail 161A is affixed to the second end ofwire 141A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires support rail 65. -
Side protectors side rails wire 141A to the horizontal upper section offront rails wires side protectors - Still referring to
FIG. 6 , hooks 172A and 172B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 170 andback support wires Hooks FIG. 6 .Hooks -
Tongue 134 is connected to backsupport wires - Still referring to
FIG. 6 , ashield assembly 130 includesarms elongate plate 182, preferably metallic, and a flat sheet (not shown). One end of each ofarms pivot 170 through the opening for enablingarms pivot 170 so that they can rotate aroundpivot 170. The ends ofarms plate 182 so thatplate 182 can pivot aroundpivot 170.Plate 182 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance betweenside protectors Plate 182 hasfasteners plate 182 and for suspending it therefrom. The flat sheet is similar toflat sheet 84 previously described. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6 ,lower back support 141 andupper back support 143 are substantial on the same vertical plane.Rack 114, however, may be modified to ro makeupper back support 143 lean backwards to be at an angle withlower back support 141. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 there is shown abag dispensing assembly 210 utilizing the present invention having arack 214 supported by afloor stand 216, a pack ofplastic bags 218 being suspended fromrack 214 and havinggrab tabs 219, ashield assembly 230 pivotally connected to anelongate pivot 270 ofrack 214, and flexible, downwardly extending, side flaps 250A and 250B attached toside protectors Side flap 250A is connected in its upper end by fasteners towire 241D ofside protector 245A and is suspended vertically therefrom.Side flap 250A runs downwards alongside protector 245A and extends beyond the lower end ofside protector 245A.Side flap 250A covers the openings in and the open area belowside protector 245A to prevent a consumer from accessing a bag through such opening in and open area belowside protector 245A. Similarly, the top portion ofside flap 250B is connected by fasteners towire 241D ofside protector 245B andside flap 250B runs downwards alongside protector 245B and extends beyond the lower end ofside protector 250B.Side flap 250B covers the openings in and the open area belowside protector 245B to prevent a consumer from accessing a bag through such opening in and open area belowside protector 245B. Acrossbar 351 is connected to the lower end ofside flap 250A, on one end, and to the lower end ofside flap 250B, on the other end, to maintain them in a relative parallel position with respect to each other. - Side flaps 250A and 250B prevent the consumer from grabbing
bags 218 from the side of the rack thereby reducing he chance of removing more than one bag fromassembly 210 and causing waste and sloppy appearance in the surrounding area of the store. - Still referring to
FIG. 7 , there is shown atongue 234 extending through an opening of pack ofplastic bags 218 to pushgrab tabs 219 outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user.Rack 214 is similar to rack 14 previously described except for the minor changes to accommodate the attachment ofside flaps - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , there is shownbag dispensing assembly 210 ofFIG. 7 without pack ofplastic bags 218.Rack 214 has alower back support 241, anupper back support 243 andside protectors horizontal wires back support wire 249. One end is ofback support wire 249 is affixed by welding or similar means to wire 241A nearside protector 245A.Back support wire 249 extends upwards to form backsupport wire portion 249A, then is bend horizontally to form atop back rail 253, then downwards to form a backsupport wire portion 249B which is symmetrical to backsupport wire portion 249A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 241A nearside protector 245B. Backsupport wire portions wires support wire portions wire 241D and leading totop back rail 253 are bend backwards to form an angle with the plane oflower back support 241.Horizontal rails top rail 253 extend from backsupport wire portion 249 A to backsupport wire portion 249B to strengthenupper back support 243. - A
back support rail 265 extends upwards fromwire 241D to form a backsupport rail portion 265A, then is bend horizontally to formpivot 270, then downwards to form a backsupport rail portion 265B which is symmetrical to backsupport rail portion 265A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 241D.Back support rail 265 is at an angle with the plane oflower back support 241.Pivot 270 is supported by upper sections of backsupport wire portions -
Side protectors wires front rail 261A is affixed to one end ofwire 241A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires top back rail 253 where it is securely connected by welding or similar means to backsupport rail 265. Afront rail 261B which is symmetrical tofront rail 261A is affixed to the second end ofwire 241A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires top back rail 253 where it is securely connected to backsupport rail 265. -
Side protectors 245A and 244B further includeside rails front rails wires side protectors - Still referring to
FIG. 8 , hooks 272A and 272B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 270 and upper sections of backsupport wire portions elongate support elements Hooks FIG. 8 .Hooks -
Tongue 234 is connected toupper back support 243 and extends inwardly at a sufficient length to penetrate opening 217 (not shown) of pack of plastic bags 218 (not shown) to push grab tabs 219 (not shown) outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user. - Still referring to
FIG. 8 ,shield assembly 230 includesarms elongate plate 282, preferably metallic, and aflat sheet 284. One end of each ofarms pivot 270 through the opening for enablingarms pivot 270 so that they can rotate aroundpivot 270. The ends ofarms plate 282 so thatplate 282 can pivot aroundpivot 270.Plate 282 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance betweenside protectors Plate 282 hasfasteners flat sheet 284 toplate 282 and for suspending it therefrom. InFIG. 8 ,plate 282 is pivoted in a position where it does not shieldrack 214 to facilitate the replacement or replenishment of bags. -
Flat sheet 284 is slightly tapered with the upper end being slightly wider than the bottom end. Its upper end is sufficiently wide to extend over substantially the entire length ofplate 282.Flat sheet 230 has a funnel shape opening that extends from an open bottom end to the upper portion offlat sheet 230. The upper end of the funnel shape opening is defined by a middle, low depth contoured surface which is followed on each side by deeper contoured surfaces. The middle contoured surface is suitable for receivingtongue 234 therethrough while shielding the area abovetongue 234 and interiorly ofsheet 284.Sheet 284 is preferably constructed of clear vinyl material having a thickness of about ⅛ of an inch. -
Arms plate 282 andsheet 284 are appropriately sized and shaped so thatsheet 284 can shield those areas of the suspended bags that should not be touched or disturbed by the user and expose those area where the user should be directed to economically remove one bag at a time. The size ofsheet 284 may vary depending on the size and shape of the bag packs being disposed. The pivoting arrangement ofshield assembly 230 allows for the quick replacement or replenishment of packs of plastic bags. - Side flaps 250A and 250B are attached to
side protectors side flap 250A is connected byfasteners side protector 245A.Side slap 250A runs downwards alongside protector 245A and extends beyond the lower end ofside protector 245A. Similarly, the top portion ofside flap 250B is connected byfasteners side protector 245B.Side flap 250B runs downwards alongside protector 245B and extends beyond the lower end ofside protector 245B.Crossbar 351 is connected to the lower end ofside flap 250A byfastener 353A, on one end, and to the lower end ofside flap 250B byfastener 353B, on the other end, to maintain them in a relative parallel position with respect to each other. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , there is shown another bag dispensing assembly having arack 414 utilizing the previously described shield and side flaps.Rack 414 is similar to rack 114 described inFIG. 6 except for modifications to provide for the attachment of the side flaps. More particularly there is shown arack 414 with a lower back support 441, anupper back support 443 andside protectors horizontal wires back support wires Back support wires wires Back support wires wall 500. The size (length and thickness) and the shape of rack holders may vary depending on the application and the place of usage. The rack holders are better shown inFIG. 6 . - A
back support rail 465 extends upwards fromwire 441D to form a backsupport rail portion 465A, then is bend horizontally to formpivot 470, then downwards to form a backsupport rail portion 465B which is symmetrical to backsupport rail portion 465A and ends at a point where it is affixed to wire 441D.Pivot 470 is supported byback support wires -
Side protectors wires front rail 461A is affixed to one end ofwire 441A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires support rail 465. Afront rail 461B which is symmetrical tofront rail 461A is affixed to the second end ofwire 141A and extends upwards to be affixed to the ends ofwires support rail 465. -
Side protectors side rails wire 441A to the horizontal upper section offront rails wires side protectors - Still referring to
FIG. 9 , hooks 472A and 472B are connected by welding or similar means to pivot 470 andback support wires Hooks FIG. 9 .Hooks -
Tongue 434 is connected to backsupport wires - Still referring to
FIG. 9 , ashield assembly 430 includes arms likearms FIG. 6 , a flat rectangularelongate plate 482, preferably metallic, and a flat sheet (not shown). One end of each of the arms has an opening suitable for intimately receivingpivot 470 through the opening for enabling the arms to connect withpivot 470 so that they can rotate aroundpivot 470. The ends of the arms that are not connected to pivot 470 are securely attached to the interior face ofplate 482 so thatplate 482 can pivot aroundpivot 470.Plate 482 is sufficiently long to cover substantially the entire distance betweenside protectors Plate 482 has fasteners (not shown) for attaching the upper end of the flat sheet (not shown) toplate 482 and for suspending it therefrom. The flat sheet is similar toflat sheet 84 previously described. - Side flaps 550A and 550B are attached to
side protectors side flap 550A is connected byfasteners side protector 445A.Side slap 550A runs downwards alongside protector 445A and extends beyond the lower end ofside protector 445A. Similarly, the top portion ofside flap 550B is connected byfasteners side protector 445B.Side flap 550B runs downwards alongside protector 445B and extends beyond the lower end ofside protector 445B.Crossbar 551 is connected to the lower end ofside flap 550A byfastener 553A, on one end, and to the lower end ofside flap 550B by fastener 453B, on the other end, to maintain them in a relative parallel position with respect to each other. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 9 , lower back support 441 andupper back support 443 are substantial on the same vertical plane.Rack 414, however, maybe modified to makeupper back support 443 lean backwards to be at an angle with lower back support 441. - The present invention is used to dispense plastic bags suspended therein in packs. A pack of bags is formed by joining a number of individual bag units. The individual bag units have a disposable upper portion and a lower bag portion with a serration between the disposable upper portion and the lower bag portion. In forming the pack, the individual bag units are stacked on top of each other, and a header is placed about the disposable upper portion. The header and the disposable upper portions are joined together in any suitable way; preferably, the header is joined to the disposable upper portions by inserting heated blunt rods through the header and the disposable upper portions to melt the header and the disposable upper portions together about the points of insertion. The insertion of the heated blunt rods serve to melt the plastic immediately adjacent to the header and the disposable upper portions at the points of insertion to join together the header and the disposable upper portions of the individual bag units. The header is formed by cutting a flat, generally rectangular plastic piece and folding the rectangular plastic piece longitudinally in half to substantially cover the disposable upper portions. In one example of a header tabs are cut from the header (prior to folding the header in hail) and side holes and a center whole are placed in the tabs. In another example a header has two side holes and a center hole. The holes may be cut out of the header and the disposable upper portions or the holes may be formed with the use of heated to blunt rods as discussed above and as is known in the art. The holes are used to insert support hooks therethrough. The side holes are utilized when two support hooks are used and the center holes are utilized when one support hook is used.
- Alternatively, a pack of plastic bags may be formed without a header. In this embodiment, the individual bag units are stacked on top of each other and the disposable upper portions are joined together such as by inserting heated blunt rods through the disposable upper portions to melt the disposable upper portions together about the points of insertion. The holes for hanging on a rack may be cut out of the disposable upper portions or formed with the use of heated blunt rods.
- The individual bag units generally include a back sheet and a front sheet which are sealed around the sides and bottom to form the lower bag portions. The back sheet includes serration and the disposable upper portions, while the front sheet terminates just below the serration to form a bag opening. The individual bag units formed with the opening allows a product to be placed in a bag while the bag remains attached to the pack of plastic bags such that the user may then use two hands to remove the bag from the pack of plastic bags and seal the bag. (The back sheet of the bag is attached to the upper disposable section with the serrated line while the front sheet of the bag is not attached to the upper disposable section and remains open, although, in use, it is not readily visibly apparent that the front of the bag is open.)
- There are several types of packs of plastic bags which do not have the disposable upper portion. For example, “T-shirt” plastic bags have handles extending upwards. The handles are fused together (e.g. with hot pins, “pressure bullets,” etc.) to hold the bags together in a pack When a T-shirt plastic bag is removed from its pack, there is no disposable upper portion. The present invention(s) can be used to dispense packs of plastic bags with disposable upper portions and to packs of plastic bags without disposable upper portions.
- Referring now back to
FIG. 1 ,bag dispensing assembly 10 dispenses bags from pack ofplastic bags 18 havinggrab tabs 19,sleeve 22 covering at least a portion of both the front and the back end ofpack 18.Tongue 34 extends through opening 17 of pack ofplastic bags 18 to pushgrab tabs 19 outwards to facilitate the grabbing thereof by the user. - Grab
tabs 19 are formed by cutting each front sheet and back sheet.Tongue 34 is provided and designed to push substantially all of the grab tabs in the packs of plastic bags supported on a rack forward, generally extending the grab tab forward of each bag, which is designed such that a user can easily grab the grab tab, pull, and one bag (and only one bag) is removed from the pack of plastic bags. A tongue such astongue 34 may be located or affixed in a number of places, e.g., it may be attached to the rack, in contact with the rack, or in proximity to the rackAlso, each pack of plastic bags may have its own tongue attached to its header (not shown). Further, each pack of plastic bags may have a back sheet (not a bag), and the tongue may be attached to the back sheet (not shown). - The embodiments shown have the affixed tongues permanently attached to the racks by welding or similar means. It should be understood, however, that, the tongues may be removably connected to the racks or other elements in proximity by clamps or similar means so that the tongue can be removed in some applications and used in other applications with the particular rack, at the user's discretion.
- Grab
tabs 19 are located near the top of each plastic bag, generally extending forward of each bag, which is designed such that a user can easily grab the grab tab, pull, and one bag (and only one bag) is removed from the pack of plastic bags. The grab tab serves two purposes: (1) to reduce waste by the removal of just one bag; and (2) to make it easier for a user to remove a plastic bag from the pack of plastic bags. - Grab tabs can be used without corresponding tongues. In that case, they may be an additional piece of plastic attached to the front sheet of each plastic bag or may be a configuration of the front sheet designed as a grab tab.
- Even though the present invention is described herein with embodiments that have bags with grab tabs, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to bags having grab tags but it includes bags that do not have grab tags or and bags that do not have openings therethrough for receiving a tongue. Further, the invention is not limited to racks having tongues but it includes racks without tongues.
-
Plastic sleeve 22 covers at least a portion of the two sides of the pack of plastic bags. The center portion of both the front and the back of the pack of plastic bags is open. The plastic sleeve prevents persons from grabbing several bags from the side of the pack of plastic bags when only one bag is needed without the plastic sleeve, several plastic bags could have been torn from the pack of plastic bags, resulting in the waste of several bags. In most cases, several packs of plastic bags are stacked together on a rack. As noted, the center portion of both the front and the back of the pack of plastic bags is open. This provides that once all the plastic bags have been removed from the front pack of plastic bags, the person can reach through and remove plastic bags from the second pack of plastic bags and so forth, without any need for removing the empty packs of plastic bags. The plastic sleeve both reduces waste and reduces the store manpower required to reload the rack to provide plastic bags to customers. - The racks, tongues and shield assemblies referred to herein may be constructed of any suitable material including heavy gauge wire, plastic, plastic covered wire, stainless steel, acrylic, wood, etc. Additionally, different parts of the racks may be constructed of different materials.
- The material used to create the plastic bags and/or sleeves may be any suitable plastic resin, including low density polyethylene; linear low density polyethylene; high density polyethylene; high molecular weight, high density polyethylene; and polypropylene. Also, the material used to create the bags and/or sleeves may be a single extruded layer or a plastic film comprising multiple, co extruded layers.
- All patents and publications referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The drawings are not drawn to scale.
- While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (14)
1. An assembly for dispersing plastic bags, comprising:
a rack having an open end; and
a pivotally mounted shield for shielding the open end of the rack.
2. An assembly according to claim 1 further including a first side protector.
3. An assembly according to claim 2 further including a second side protector.
4. An assembly according to claim 2 wherein the first side protector includes a first flap.
5. An assembly according to claim 2 wherein the first side protector includes a side formed by interconnected wires.
6. An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the first side protector includes a first metal side formed by interconnected wires and a first flap covering a portion of the metal side.
7. An assembly according to claim 6 further including a first side protector having a second metal side formed by interconnected wires and a second flap covering a portion of the second metal side.
8. An assembly according to claim 7 further including a pack of bags suspended from the rack.
9. An assembly according to claim 1 further including a pack of bags suspended from the rack.
10. An assembly according to claim 9 further including a sleeve enveloping the pack of bags.
11. An assembly for dispersing plastic bags, comprising:
a rack having an open end;
a first side protector;
a second side protector;
a first side flap covering the first side protector; and
a second side flap covering the second side protector.
12. An assembly for dispersing plastic bags, comprising:
a rack having a back, a first side protector, a second side protector and an open side; and
a shield pivotally mounted to the rack for shielding the open side of the rack in one position.
13. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the shield includes:
an arm pivotally connected to the back of the rack;
a plate connected to the arm; and
a sheet connected to the plate.
14. An assembly according to claim 12 further including:
a first side flap covering the first side protector; and
a second side flap covering the second side protector.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/472,349 US20090289019A1 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2009-05-26 | Assembly for dispensing plastic bags |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12873508P | 2008-05-23 | 2008-05-23 | |
US12/472,349 US20090289019A1 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2009-05-26 | Assembly for dispensing plastic bags |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090289019A1 true US20090289019A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
Family
ID=41341310
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/472,349 Abandoned US20090289019A1 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2009-05-26 | Assembly for dispensing plastic bags |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090289019A1 (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110048859A1 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-03-03 | Ellis Kevin J | Apparatus, method and system for opening a paper bag |
CN102805539A (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2012-12-05 | 淮南联合大学 | Plastic bag storage device |
US20140263121A1 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-18 | Blue Shoe Innovations, Llc | Dispensing and handling rack system for flexible food and beverage holder |
US20170055727A1 (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2017-03-02 | Stephanie Tan | Hanging Bag Dispenser |
US9622598B1 (en) * | 2015-07-23 | 2017-04-18 | Ronald A. Davis, Jr. | Bag holder apparatus and method |
US9622599B2 (en) * | 2015-07-23 | 2017-04-18 | Ronald A. Davis, Jr. | Bag holder apparatus and method |
US9676542B1 (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2017-06-13 | Jessica Tan | Bag container dispenser and dispenser rack |
US10029815B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2018-07-24 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging station for filling paper-type bags |
US10028598B2 (en) | 2016-09-08 | 2018-07-24 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bag retaining fixture |
US10308387B2 (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2019-06-04 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging clip tool for a bagging station |
US10610032B2 (en) | 2018-05-25 | 2020-04-07 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging station and shopping bag holder |
US10617236B2 (en) | 2018-05-25 | 2020-04-14 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging station with shopping bag holder |
US10625895B2 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2020-04-21 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bag retaining fixture |
US10787187B1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2020-09-29 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Self-bagging carts |
US20220063871A1 (en) * | 2020-09-02 | 2022-03-03 | Stephanie Tan | Hanging bag dispenser |
Citations (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1293277A (en) * | 1917-10-31 | 1919-02-04 | J Wesley White | Portable bag-holder. |
US3295471A (en) * | 1965-06-14 | 1967-01-03 | Robert W Cook | Folding-shelf |
US4487318A (en) * | 1981-12-07 | 1984-12-11 | T. C. Manufacturing Co. | Bag dispensing package |
US4537330A (en) * | 1983-04-01 | 1985-08-27 | Wilverly Mansions I.B.V. | Bag dispensing system |
US4819899A (en) * | 1988-03-14 | 1989-04-11 | Sonoco Products Company | Merchandising rack |
US5190253A (en) * | 1992-01-29 | 1993-03-02 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Collapsible holder for thermoplastic bags |
US5588543A (en) * | 1994-04-25 | 1996-12-31 | Artcraft Wire Works, Inc. | Adjustable shelving system |
US5695065A (en) * | 1995-03-21 | 1997-12-09 | David Kennedy (Engineers) Holdings Limited | Bag dispensers and method of dispensing bags therefrom |
US5924573A (en) * | 1997-01-20 | 1999-07-20 | Orange Plastics, Inc. | Easy dispense plastic bag dispensing system |
US6012594A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 2000-01-11 | Heinz; Ted | Free-standing poster portfolio |
US6086023A (en) * | 1998-01-22 | 2000-07-11 | Handle Helper L.P. | Plastic bag rack |
US6264035B1 (en) * | 1997-01-20 | 2001-07-24 | Orange Plastics, Inc. | Dispenser for merchandise bags |
US6382573B1 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-05-07 | David G. Cepeda | Portable trash bag support device |
US6726156B1 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-04-27 | Vito A. Scola | Holder for a bag |
US6729483B1 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2004-05-04 | Hank D. Nguyen | Thermoplastic bag dispensing system |
US20040188369A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-09-30 | Hsien-Ruey Yu | Folding collapsible combination rack |
US7175139B2 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2007-02-13 | Cpi Plastics Group Ltd. | Bag holder for holding a bag in an upright and open position |
US20070186515A1 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-16 | Ruetten Roger M | System for monitoring flexible container usage |
US7287654B2 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2007-10-30 | Advance Polybag, Inc | Bag dispensing system |
US20080067138A1 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-20 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Storage Article Organizer |
-
2009
- 2009-05-26 US US12/472,349 patent/US20090289019A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1293277A (en) * | 1917-10-31 | 1919-02-04 | J Wesley White | Portable bag-holder. |
US3295471A (en) * | 1965-06-14 | 1967-01-03 | Robert W Cook | Folding-shelf |
US4487318A (en) * | 1981-12-07 | 1984-12-11 | T. C. Manufacturing Co. | Bag dispensing package |
US4537330A (en) * | 1983-04-01 | 1985-08-27 | Wilverly Mansions I.B.V. | Bag dispensing system |
US4819899A (en) * | 1988-03-14 | 1989-04-11 | Sonoco Products Company | Merchandising rack |
US5190253A (en) * | 1992-01-29 | 1993-03-02 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Collapsible holder for thermoplastic bags |
US5588543A (en) * | 1994-04-25 | 1996-12-31 | Artcraft Wire Works, Inc. | Adjustable shelving system |
US5695065A (en) * | 1995-03-21 | 1997-12-09 | David Kennedy (Engineers) Holdings Limited | Bag dispensers and method of dispensing bags therefrom |
US6012594A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 2000-01-11 | Heinz; Ted | Free-standing poster portfolio |
US6264035B1 (en) * | 1997-01-20 | 2001-07-24 | Orange Plastics, Inc. | Dispenser for merchandise bags |
US5924573A (en) * | 1997-01-20 | 1999-07-20 | Orange Plastics, Inc. | Easy dispense plastic bag dispensing system |
US6086023A (en) * | 1998-01-22 | 2000-07-11 | Handle Helper L.P. | Plastic bag rack |
US6729483B1 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2004-05-04 | Hank D. Nguyen | Thermoplastic bag dispensing system |
US7287654B2 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2007-10-30 | Advance Polybag, Inc | Bag dispensing system |
US6382573B1 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-05-07 | David G. Cepeda | Portable trash bag support device |
US6726156B1 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-04-27 | Vito A. Scola | Holder for a bag |
US20040188369A1 (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-09-30 | Hsien-Ruey Yu | Folding collapsible combination rack |
US7175139B2 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2007-02-13 | Cpi Plastics Group Ltd. | Bag holder for holding a bag in an upright and open position |
US20070186515A1 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-16 | Ruetten Roger M | System for monitoring flexible container usage |
US20080067138A1 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-20 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Storage Article Organizer |
US7784625B2 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2010-08-31 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Storage article organizer |
Cited By (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9113726B2 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2015-08-25 | Ncr Corporation | Apparatus, method and system for opening a paper bag |
US20110048859A1 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2011-03-03 | Ellis Kevin J | Apparatus, method and system for opening a paper bag |
CN102805539A (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2012-12-05 | 淮南联合大学 | Plastic bag storage device |
US20140263121A1 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-18 | Blue Shoe Innovations, Llc | Dispensing and handling rack system for flexible food and beverage holder |
US10787187B1 (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2020-09-29 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Self-bagging carts |
US9622599B2 (en) * | 2015-07-23 | 2017-04-18 | Ronald A. Davis, Jr. | Bag holder apparatus and method |
US9622598B1 (en) * | 2015-07-23 | 2017-04-18 | Ronald A. Davis, Jr. | Bag holder apparatus and method |
US9770123B2 (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2017-09-26 | Stephanie Tan | Hanging bag dispenser |
US20170055727A1 (en) * | 2015-08-25 | 2017-03-02 | Stephanie Tan | Hanging Bag Dispenser |
US9676542B1 (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2017-06-13 | Jessica Tan | Bag container dispenser and dispenser rack |
US11241107B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2022-02-08 | Jessica Tan | Dispenser bag container and dispenser rack |
US10246245B2 (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2019-04-02 | Jessica Tan | Dispenser bag container and dispenser rack |
US11155380B2 (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2021-10-26 | Jessica Tan | Dispenser bag container and dispenser rack |
US10358279B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2019-07-23 | Jessica Tan | Bag container dispenser and dispenser rack |
US10029815B2 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2018-07-24 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging station for filling paper-type bags |
US10028598B2 (en) | 2016-09-08 | 2018-07-24 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bag retaining fixture |
US10106284B2 (en) | 2016-09-08 | 2018-10-23 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bag retaining fixture |
US10308387B2 (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2019-06-04 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging clip tool for a bagging station |
US10625895B2 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2020-04-21 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bag retaining fixture |
US10617236B2 (en) | 2018-05-25 | 2020-04-14 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging station with shopping bag holder |
US10610032B2 (en) | 2018-05-25 | 2020-04-07 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Bagging station and shopping bag holder |
US20220063871A1 (en) * | 2020-09-02 | 2022-03-03 | Stephanie Tan | Hanging bag dispenser |
US11511913B2 (en) * | 2020-09-02 | 2022-11-29 | Stephanie Tan | Hanging bag dispenser |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20090289019A1 (en) | Assembly for dispensing plastic bags | |
US8590706B2 (en) | Packs of plastic bags and racks for supporting packs of plastic bags | |
US7926669B2 (en) | Rack for holding packs of plastic bags | |
US9096408B2 (en) | Clam shell bag dispenser | |
US9750356B2 (en) | Single drawer dispenser rack | |
US10246245B2 (en) | Dispenser bag container and dispenser rack | |
US4458466A (en) | Block of identical combined bag and wrapping sheet units | |
US7611019B2 (en) | Rack with side protectors for holding packs of plastic bags | |
MX2013014049A (en) | Core pin bag dispenser. | |
US10479541B2 (en) | Bag dispensers, method of use, and manufacturing process | |
US20080128465A1 (en) | Recessed dispenser for plastic bags | |
US7314137B2 (en) | Bag dispenser with pouch | |
US20070144988A1 (en) | Mounted rack with side protectors for holding packs of plastic bags | |
US20050218093A1 (en) | Rack for holding packs of plastic bags | |
US20170305606A1 (en) | Packs of Plastic Bags and Racks for Suspending The Packs of Plastic Bags | |
US20040026439A1 (en) | Dispenser and pre-formed bags therefor | |
US20050211723A1 (en) | Pack of plastic bags having side openings | |
US10384863B2 (en) | Apparatus for bag storage and transportation | |
JP4565051B1 (en) | Retail bag |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |