CA2132482C - Plastic bag despenser - Google Patents
Plastic bag despenserInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132482C CA2132482C CA 2132482 CA2132482A CA2132482C CA 2132482 C CA2132482 C CA 2132482C CA 2132482 CA2132482 CA 2132482 CA 2132482 A CA2132482 A CA 2132482A CA 2132482 C CA2132482 C CA 2132482C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- roll
- container
- dispenser
- gap
- tongue
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
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
- A47F9/00—Shop, bar, bank or like counters
- A47F9/02—Paying counters
- A47F9/04—Check-out counters, e.g. for self-service stores
- A47F9/042—Shopping bags or carton-dispensing systems therefor
- A47F2009/044—Shopping bags or carton-dispensing systems therefor dispensing from a roll
Landscapes
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A plastic bag dispenser holds a continuous roll of bags, connected by perforated separation lines. The dispenser is provided with a tongue, which the bags are dispensed over, that engages the separation line between the bag at the end of the roll and the next bag. This begins the separation of the separation line, as well as holds the next bag behind the tongue.
A finger is provided on the upstream side of the tongue, with a gap between the finger and tongue. As a bag is separated, a portion of the front edge of the next bag is held in the gap, holding the bag in position for the next user. The roll of bags rests in curved grooves in the dispenser that cause the roll to abut and frictionally engage an interior surface of the dispenser, preventing free-wheeling of the roll. The curvature of the grooves causes the component of force which creates the frictional engagement to increase as the size of the roll decreases.
A finger is provided on the upstream side of the tongue, with a gap between the finger and tongue. As a bag is separated, a portion of the front edge of the next bag is held in the gap, holding the bag in position for the next user. The roll of bags rests in curved grooves in the dispenser that cause the roll to abut and frictionally engage an interior surface of the dispenser, preventing free-wheeling of the roll. The curvature of the grooves causes the component of force which creates the frictional engagement to increase as the size of the roll decreases.
Description
2132~2 _.
PLASTIC BAG DISPENSER
This application is related to my Canadian Application Serial No. 2,060,708 filed February 5, 1992.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices for dispensing a continuous web of articles. Specifically, the invention relates to plastic bag dispensers, such as the type used for self-service produce, grocery, or garbage bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a supermarket or food market, fruits and vegetables are often displayed in bulk, possibly in piles of loose items.
- Consumers must then take a bag from a nearby source and pick and bag their own produce. The most common form of these produce bags are cylindrical rolls of plastic bags, mounted horizontally or vertically on a shaft. The bags have perforated separation lines between them. Separation is accomplished by grabbing the end bag with one hand, anchoring the next bag or the roll with the other hand, and pulling. Unfortunately, this not only separates the bag from the roll, but can deform or even tear the bag. Sometimes, consumers will attempt to simply jerk the bag from the roll, without holding the adjacent bag. This, too, can damage the bag or simply reel out the roll. After any bag separation, the end of the next bag can be difficult to find or grab as it may lie flat on the surface of the roll.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser for a continuous web of articles.
It is a further object of the ivnention to provide a 2132~2 ~_ 60285-984 dispenser with improved means for easily separating articles from a continuous web with one-handed operation and retaining the next article in an easily accessible position.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved means for preventing freewheeling of the continuous web during dispensing.
It is a further object of the invention that the dispenser be economical and simple to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plastic bag dispenser holds a continuous roll of bags, connected by perforated separation lines. The dispenser is provided with a tongue, which the bags are dispensed over, that engages the separation line between the bag at the end of the roll and the next bag. This begins the separation of the separation line, as well as holds the next bag behind the tongue.
A finger is provided on the upstream side of the tongue, with a gap between the finger and tongue. As a bag is separated, a portion of the front edge of the next bag is held in the gap, holding the bag in position for the next user. The roll of bags is mounted on the dispenser so that the roll frictionally engages an interior surface of the dispenser.
As individual bags are dispensed, the roll of bags decreases in weight. This can cause a significant difference in the frictional force between the roll and the interior surface of the dispenser which is needed to prevent freewheeling of the roll as the bags are being dispensed. A large difference is undesirable because it can mean either that there is too much friction when the roll is full or too little friction when the roll is depleted. The frictional force is a component of force due to the weight of the roll. In accordance with this invention, the roll of bags is mounted in such a way that the frictional ~component of force is increased, as a percentage of the total force, as the weight of the roll decreases. Hence, in this way the maximum and minimum frictional forces which retard freewheeling are maintained within acceptable limits for the entire roll, i.e., when the roll is full and when it is depleted.
According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is - provided a dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of articles having perforations between said articles, comprising: a container for holding said continuous roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said roll; a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation; a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap; and means for mounting said cylindrical roll connected to said container, said means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases.
~ ~ 3~48~
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the lnventlon, there ls provided a dlspenser for dlspenslng and separatlng an artlcle from a cyllndrlcal roll of artlcles, comprlslng: a contalner for holdlng sald contlnuous roll of artlcles;
separating means attached to sald contalner for separating an article from said roll as the roll ls unwound; two curved grooves ln said contalner for supportlng an axle on whlch sald articles are rolled, the posltlon of sald grooves belng such that the roll ls caused to engage a surface of the contalner to create a frlctlonal force due to a component of force caused by the welght of the roll, the curvature of the grooves being such that said component of force increases as the slze of the roll decreases.
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the inventlon, there ls provlded for use wlth a dlspenser whlch dlspenses and separates a plastlc bag from a roll of plastic bags, sald dlspenser havlng opposing grooves in whlch a roll of plastic bags can be supported, a surface which ls engageable by the roll when lt ls supported in sald grooves, and separatlng means for enabllng lndividual bags to be separated from the roll, the lmprovement comprislng a roll of plastlc bags wound on a core, the roll belng rotatable wlth the core, the core belng wlder than the roll wlth the ends of the core pro~ectlng beyond the ends of the roll so that the core can be supported ln sald grooves ln such a way that the roll frlctlonally engages sald dlspenser surface, said roll further lncludlng separation lines between ad~acent bags, at least a portlon of ~' _ ~ 7 3~ ~ 8 ~
4a said separatlon llne belng engageable by the separatlng means wlthln sald dispenser so that lndlvldual bags can be dlspensed one at a tlme.
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the lnventlon there ls provlded a dlspenser for dlspenslng and separatlng an article from a roll of artlcles havlng perforatlons between sald artlcles, comprlslng: a contalner for holdlng said roll, sald contalner lncludlng a surface whlch frictlonally engages sald roll; a tongue attached to said contalner for engaging said perforatlons between sald artlcles durlng dlspenslng and separatlon; a flnger attached to sald container and posltloned ad~acent said tongue, such that a gap ls formed between sald tongue and sald flnger, sald gap positloned to recelve a portion of a second article ad~acent said artlcle to be separated and retaln sald portlon, sald gap preventlng sald portion from departlng from sald gap in the same dlrectlon it entered said gap; means for mounting sald roll connected to sald contalner, sald means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against sald surface due to the welght of the roll lncreases as the slze of the roll decreases, and means for applying an addltlonal frlctlonal force to the roll when lts dlameter has decreased to a predetermlned size.
According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispenser for dlspensing and separatlng an article from a cylindrical roll of articles having perforatlons between said artlcles, comprlslng: a container r ~
8 ~
._ .
4b for holding said roll, said container lncludlng a surface which frictionally engages said roll; a tongue attached to said container for engaging sald perforatlons between sald artlcles durlng dlspenslng and separation; a flnger attached to sald contalner and posltloned ad~acent sald tongue, such that a gap ls formed between sald tongue and sald flnger, sald gap posltioned to receive a portion of a second article ad~acent sald article to be separated and retain said portlon, said gap preventlng said portion from departlng from said gap ln the same dlrectlon it entered sald gap; and means for mounting a cylindrical roll in said container constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against sald surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases and comprislng a pair of curved grooves in said container each havlng a top end and a bottom; and, a roller suspended between sald grooves by plns attached to sald contalner, said roll when relatlvely small frictlonally engaging sald roller and said roller frictlonally engaging sald container.
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the invention, there ls provided a dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of connected articles havlng perforations between said articles; a container for holdlng a sald roll of artlcles lncludlng a palr of opposlng slde walls each having a curved groove wlth a top end and a bottom end, an axle having ends in said groove on whlch said roll rotates, the outer surface of the roll frlctionally engaging a surface ~,~
~ ~ 3 ~
', ~
4c of the contalner, the axle moving downwardly in the opposlng curved grooves as the outer diameter of the roll decreases; a roller between the opposing slde walls ad~acent the bottom ends of said grooves, said roller being mounted to be moved to frictionally engage a wall of the groove and provide frictional force the outer surface of the roll when the roll has dropped to a position relative to the curved grooves to contact said roller at a position such that the roll outer surface no longer engage said container surface, and means for separating the articles from the roll and initiatlng separation at said perforations.
.~.
213~82 w~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION-OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the.detailed description of a preferred embodiment in - conjunction with a review of the appended drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a detail of the separation line between two adjacent bags on the continuous roll;
Figure 2 illustrates the preferred configuration of plastic bags in accordance with the invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a front view of the dispenser of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a side partial cross-section view of the dispenser of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a cross-section taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a cross-section taken along the line 7-7 of Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a side partial cross-section view of the dispenser of Figure 3; and Figure 9, on the first sheet of drawings, is a perspective view of a dispenser as disclosed in my aforementioned Canadian Application No. 2,060,708, after a bag has been separated and removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 9, a dispenser according to my earlier application includes a generally rectangular box 10 for housing a continuous roll of articles 12. Individual - 21324~2 _ 60285-984 articles 14 may be sheets of plastic, preferably prefabricated into sealed bag-like containers disposed in a unitary end-to-end relationship. The top of the box 10 is open for quick replace-ment of the roll 12, which rotates on an axle 16. The two ends ~ of the axle 16 rest in two grooves 18 cut into the interior faces of the side walls of the box 10. The grooves 18 extend to the top of the side walls, where the axle 16 is inserted. One end of the axle 16 preferably has notches and the corresponding groove 18 is narrowed to prevent rotation of the axle 16 during rotation of the roll 12. One end wall 20 has a lower top surface than the other three walls. The bags 14 are dispensed over the - top surface of the end wall 20.
Referring to Figure 1, each bag 14 is sealed at one end and connected to adjacent bags by a perforated separation line 22. At the center of the separation line 22 is a slot 24, although the slot 24 can be placed at other positions on the separation line 22. Integrally molded with the end wall 20 and extending upward beyond the wall 20 is a tongue 26. The tongue 26 is positioned at the center of the top surface of the wall 20 to receive the slot 24. The tongue 26 preferably has a half-oval shape with its top surface angled upward, the higher side being toward the inside of the box 10.
Either integrally molded with or preferably attached to the interior surface of the end wall 20, adjacent the tongue 26, is a finger (not shown) that extends inwardly from the wall 20.
The upper limit of the finger is below the top of the tongue 26, but above the upper surface of the end wall 20. The top of the 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ ~ 60285-984 finger is preferably rounded convexly in the direction of travel of bags 14 to facilitate the movement of bags over the finger.
Between the upper portions of the tongue 26 and the finger is a V-shaped gap, perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bags 14, which receives the leading edge of an upstream bag after a slot 24 between two bags 14 has been engaged by the tongue 26.
Within the gap are means to impede but not prohibit the upward movement of a portion of a bag 14 out of the gap, while not impeding downward movement into the gap. This means is preferably a set of downwardly-angled horizontal teeth on the surface of the finger within the gap.
In practice, a consumer would find the dispenser in a condition as in Figure 9, with a portion of a leading edge of an end bag 34 within the gap and the two leading corners of the end bag 34 extending forward past the end wall 20. The consumer grabs the portion of the end bag 34 extending forward of the end wall and pulls it upward and forward, away from the roll 12, extricating the bag 34 from the gap. The teeth are designed so that only minimum force is required to extricate the bag 34 from the gap, avoiding damage to the bag. While pulling the end bag 34 away from the roll 12, the consumer pulls the bag 34 over the tongue 26 and then at an angle below horizontal, preferably to below the level of the bottom of the gap between the tongue and finger so that the tongue will contact the underside of the bag 34 as the bag travels. Eventually, the tongue 26 will engage the slot 24 at the trailing end of the end bag 34, splitting the slot 24 over the tongue 26. The center of the leading edge of the ~ i 8 ~ 4 ~ ~ 60285-984 next bag will then travel down into the gap and remain there.
Further forward motion of the end bag 34, in response to force by the consumer, will result in the ends of the separation line 22 bending forward around the tongue 26. The separation line 22 will then separate starting at the slot 24 and progressing outward toward both ends of the line 22. After complete separation and removal of the end bag 34, the dispenser will again be as in Figure 9, with a new end bag ready for the next consumer. Because of the downward-facing teeth in the gap, the bag 34 will tend to remain in the gap until such time as a consumer pulls upward on the leading edge. The dispenser will thus constantly be in a ready state, until the roll of bags 12 is depleted.
Many different types of plastic bag configurations are commonly used and the principles of the invention do not require a specific configuration; however, in the preferred embodiments, a so-called "star seal" configuration as shown in Figure 2 is employed because it is somewhat easier to open and provides a strong seal at the bottom. Whatever the configuration, the width of the roll relative to the width of the tongue 26 should be such that when a bag is severed from the roll, the edges of the next contiguous bag are pulled forwardly of the tongue a sufficient distance so that they can be grasped readily by the user.
When a consumer pulls on the end bag 34, a significant amount of rotational momentum is gained by the roll 12. In this embodiment, the bags are wrapped around a cylindrical core 15 .~
_ 60285-984 which is mounted on the axle 16 with sufficient clearance that the core 15 and roll 12 can rotate relative to the axle 16. To prevent the roll 12 and core 15 from freewheeling and reeling out several bags as the end bag 34 is dispensed, the axle 16 with notches at one end is preferably provided with a rubber O-ring that frictionally engages the core 15 of the roll 12.
Other materials besides rubber will work similarly. In known devices, an O-ring is slipped onto the axle, and over time, tends to slip off one of the ends. To prevent axial movement of the O-ring on the axle 16, the axle 16 is provided with a circum-ferential groove, in which the O-ring rests. The groove is dimensioned so that a portion of the O-ring will extend beyond the outer surface of the axle 16.
The construction of the dispenser allows for simple mounting to any surface, be it horizontal, vertical or otherwise, by conventionalmeans, such as with screws or glue. It also can be free standing, with one hand holding the box 10, if necessary, while the other pulls the end bag 34. The dispenser may also be formed of a light-transmissive material to give the owner of the dispenser ample warning that a roll 12 is nearly depleted.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 3-8. Extending from the bottom wall 120 (since the dispenser is preferably mounted vertically in this embodiment), a tongue 126 and finger 128 are mounted on and perpendicular to the top surface of the wall 120, facing upward and inward. The tongue and finger 128 act in essentially the same manner as discussed above, except that downward-facing teeth in the gap lo ~1324~
-have been replaced with ridges 132 along the length of the finger 128. These ridges 132 serve the same purpose as the teeth, which is to help prevent the leading edge of the bag 114 to be dispensed from inadvertently leaving the gap 130. An end - bag 134 in the process of being dispensed is shown in Figure 4.
This embodiment has curved grooves 118 and the addition of a friction roller 150. The purposes for these two features are related, as is further discussed below.
If the grooves are straight over their functioning lengths, the angle between the grooves and the bottom surface remains essentially constant. Therefore, the component of the - weight of the roll pressing against the bottom surface to create a frictional force remains a constant fraction. It is well known that the weight of the roll of bags is not related to the radius of the roll in a linear relationship, but rather in a squared relationship. Thus, when the roll is new and large, the frictional force will be much greater than the frictional force when the roll is nearly empty. The force may be too great for the convenience of consumers using the dispenser.
To compensate for the squared relationship between the radius and weight of the roll, the grooves 118 in the embodiment of Figures 3-8 curve downwardly from the upper front portion of the container to the lower rear portion of the container, the front portion of the container being that portion of the container from which the bags are dispensed. Grooves 118 are defined by curved flanges 142. The roll of bags 112 is wound on a hollow core 116 which differs from conventional cores on which plastic 21~24,~2 _ 60285-984 bags are typically wound in that it is slightly longer than the bags are wide so that the ends of the core which project beyond the roll can be received within the grooves 118. The grooves are open at their upper extremities so that a roll of plastic ~ bags can be positioned within the container by simply placing the projecting ends of core 116 into the axles 118 from above.
The curve of each groove is such that at its upper portion the groove extends at close to 90~ to the back wall 144, which is the surface which frictionally engages the roll at point B. In this position, the component of force exerted by the roll in the horizontal direction against the back wall 144 is relatively low. As the plastic bags are removed from the roll and the roll diminishes in size, the core 116 drops to the position shown in Figure 8. As the roll drops, the horizontal component of force exerted by the roll relative to the total force is increased so that despite the loss of weight the horizontal component of force is not excessively diminished and, indeed, may actually remain substantially constant.
In Figure 8, the roll 112 is nearly depleted and is positioned near the bottom of the grooves 118 where the angle is steep. Because the angle of the grooves 118 is so steep in this area, it is desirable to prevent the now small roll 112 from becoming wedged into the bottom of the grooves 118 and thus difficult to rotate. Therefore, the friction roller 150, a preferably hollow tube, is mounted near the bottom of the grooves 118. The roller 150 is held within the dispenser 110 by pins or rivets 152 that extend inward from the side walls 121. The ; 12 2132~82 ~_ 60285-984 roller is free to move and rotate, supported on the pins 152, the side walls 121, and the guides 142. Pins 153 prevent the roller 150 from falling out of the container if it is upended for any reason.
- As can be seen in Figure 8, when the roll 112 is small, it will contact the roller 150 (at area C) without contacting the back wall 144 of the dispenser. The placement of the roller 150 and the pins 152 will cause the roller 150 to frictionally contact the guide flange 142 nearest the back wall 144. Thus, the weight of the roll 112 will be transferred through the roller 150 to cause friction between the roller 150 and the guide flange 142. This friction, taking into account the low weight of the roll 112 and the steep angle of the grooves 118, will be sufficient to prevent free spinning of the roll 112 with easy dispensing of bags 114 by the consumer.
While the embodiment of the invention shown and described is fully capable of achieving the results desired, it is to be understood that this embodiment has been shown and described for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation.
The embodiment shown at Figures 3-8 is the currently preferred embodiment of the invention. In addition to the benefits provided by the curved grooves as explained above, this embodiment is advantageous insofar as cost of manufacture is concerned and provides a container which provides substantial protection for the bags themselves as compared to standard prior art arrangements in which the roll of plastic bags is mounted on an axle (either horizontally or vertically) and exposed on all ' 13 ~132482 sides. Although the preferred means for separating the individual bags from the roll is the combination of the tongue and finger as described herein, the concept of the container having curved grooves for supporting a rolls of bags as described would have ~ utility with other types of separating devices.
PLASTIC BAG DISPENSER
This application is related to my Canadian Application Serial No. 2,060,708 filed February 5, 1992.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices for dispensing a continuous web of articles. Specifically, the invention relates to plastic bag dispensers, such as the type used for self-service produce, grocery, or garbage bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a supermarket or food market, fruits and vegetables are often displayed in bulk, possibly in piles of loose items.
- Consumers must then take a bag from a nearby source and pick and bag their own produce. The most common form of these produce bags are cylindrical rolls of plastic bags, mounted horizontally or vertically on a shaft. The bags have perforated separation lines between them. Separation is accomplished by grabbing the end bag with one hand, anchoring the next bag or the roll with the other hand, and pulling. Unfortunately, this not only separates the bag from the roll, but can deform or even tear the bag. Sometimes, consumers will attempt to simply jerk the bag from the roll, without holding the adjacent bag. This, too, can damage the bag or simply reel out the roll. After any bag separation, the end of the next bag can be difficult to find or grab as it may lie flat on the surface of the roll.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser for a continuous web of articles.
It is a further object of the ivnention to provide a 2132~2 ~_ 60285-984 dispenser with improved means for easily separating articles from a continuous web with one-handed operation and retaining the next article in an easily accessible position.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved means for preventing freewheeling of the continuous web during dispensing.
It is a further object of the invention that the dispenser be economical and simple to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plastic bag dispenser holds a continuous roll of bags, connected by perforated separation lines. The dispenser is provided with a tongue, which the bags are dispensed over, that engages the separation line between the bag at the end of the roll and the next bag. This begins the separation of the separation line, as well as holds the next bag behind the tongue.
A finger is provided on the upstream side of the tongue, with a gap between the finger and tongue. As a bag is separated, a portion of the front edge of the next bag is held in the gap, holding the bag in position for the next user. The roll of bags is mounted on the dispenser so that the roll frictionally engages an interior surface of the dispenser.
As individual bags are dispensed, the roll of bags decreases in weight. This can cause a significant difference in the frictional force between the roll and the interior surface of the dispenser which is needed to prevent freewheeling of the roll as the bags are being dispensed. A large difference is undesirable because it can mean either that there is too much friction when the roll is full or too little friction when the roll is depleted. The frictional force is a component of force due to the weight of the roll. In accordance with this invention, the roll of bags is mounted in such a way that the frictional ~component of force is increased, as a percentage of the total force, as the weight of the roll decreases. Hence, in this way the maximum and minimum frictional forces which retard freewheeling are maintained within acceptable limits for the entire roll, i.e., when the roll is full and when it is depleted.
According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is - provided a dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of articles having perforations between said articles, comprising: a container for holding said continuous roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said roll; a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation; a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap; and means for mounting said cylindrical roll connected to said container, said means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases.
~ ~ 3~48~
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the lnventlon, there ls provided a dlspenser for dlspenslng and separatlng an artlcle from a cyllndrlcal roll of artlcles, comprlslng: a contalner for holdlng sald contlnuous roll of artlcles;
separating means attached to sald contalner for separating an article from said roll as the roll ls unwound; two curved grooves ln said contalner for supportlng an axle on whlch sald articles are rolled, the posltlon of sald grooves belng such that the roll ls caused to engage a surface of the contalner to create a frlctlonal force due to a component of force caused by the welght of the roll, the curvature of the grooves being such that said component of force increases as the slze of the roll decreases.
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the inventlon, there ls provlded for use wlth a dlspenser whlch dlspenses and separates a plastlc bag from a roll of plastic bags, sald dlspenser havlng opposing grooves in whlch a roll of plastic bags can be supported, a surface which ls engageable by the roll when lt ls supported in sald grooves, and separatlng means for enabllng lndividual bags to be separated from the roll, the lmprovement comprislng a roll of plastlc bags wound on a core, the roll belng rotatable wlth the core, the core belng wlder than the roll wlth the ends of the core pro~ectlng beyond the ends of the roll so that the core can be supported ln sald grooves ln such a way that the roll frlctlonally engages sald dlspenser surface, said roll further lncludlng separation lines between ad~acent bags, at least a portlon of ~' _ ~ 7 3~ ~ 8 ~
4a said separatlon llne belng engageable by the separatlng means wlthln sald dispenser so that lndlvldual bags can be dlspensed one at a tlme.
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the lnventlon there ls provlded a dlspenser for dlspenslng and separatlng an article from a roll of artlcles havlng perforatlons between sald artlcles, comprlslng: a contalner for holdlng said roll, sald contalner lncludlng a surface whlch frictlonally engages sald roll; a tongue attached to said contalner for engaging said perforatlons between sald artlcles durlng dlspenslng and separatlon; a flnger attached to sald container and posltloned ad~acent said tongue, such that a gap ls formed between sald tongue and sald flnger, sald gap positloned to recelve a portion of a second article ad~acent said artlcle to be separated and retaln sald portlon, sald gap preventlng sald portion from departlng from sald gap in the same dlrectlon it entered said gap; means for mounting sald roll connected to sald contalner, sald means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against sald surface due to the welght of the roll lncreases as the slze of the roll decreases, and means for applying an addltlonal frlctlonal force to the roll when lts dlameter has decreased to a predetermlned size.
According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispenser for dlspensing and separatlng an article from a cylindrical roll of articles having perforatlons between said artlcles, comprlslng: a container r ~
8 ~
._ .
4b for holding said roll, said container lncludlng a surface which frictionally engages said roll; a tongue attached to said container for engaging sald perforatlons between sald artlcles durlng dlspenslng and separation; a flnger attached to sald contalner and posltloned ad~acent sald tongue, such that a gap ls formed between sald tongue and sald flnger, sald gap posltioned to receive a portion of a second article ad~acent sald article to be separated and retain said portlon, said gap preventlng said portion from departlng from said gap ln the same dlrectlon it entered sald gap; and means for mounting a cylindrical roll in said container constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against sald surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases and comprislng a pair of curved grooves in said container each havlng a top end and a bottom; and, a roller suspended between sald grooves by plns attached to sald contalner, said roll when relatlvely small frictlonally engaging sald roller and said roller frictlonally engaging sald container.
Accordlng to another broad aspect of the invention, there ls provided a dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of connected articles havlng perforations between said articles; a container for holdlng a sald roll of artlcles lncludlng a palr of opposlng slde walls each having a curved groove wlth a top end and a bottom end, an axle having ends in said groove on whlch said roll rotates, the outer surface of the roll frlctionally engaging a surface ~,~
~ ~ 3 ~
', ~
4c of the contalner, the axle moving downwardly in the opposlng curved grooves as the outer diameter of the roll decreases; a roller between the opposing slde walls ad~acent the bottom ends of said grooves, said roller being mounted to be moved to frictionally engage a wall of the groove and provide frictional force the outer surface of the roll when the roll has dropped to a position relative to the curved grooves to contact said roller at a position such that the roll outer surface no longer engage said container surface, and means for separating the articles from the roll and initiatlng separation at said perforations.
.~.
213~82 w~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION-OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the.detailed description of a preferred embodiment in - conjunction with a review of the appended drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a detail of the separation line between two adjacent bags on the continuous roll;
Figure 2 illustrates the preferred configuration of plastic bags in accordance with the invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a front view of the dispenser of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a side partial cross-section view of the dispenser of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a cross-section taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a cross-section taken along the line 7-7 of Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a side partial cross-section view of the dispenser of Figure 3; and Figure 9, on the first sheet of drawings, is a perspective view of a dispenser as disclosed in my aforementioned Canadian Application No. 2,060,708, after a bag has been separated and removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 9, a dispenser according to my earlier application includes a generally rectangular box 10 for housing a continuous roll of articles 12. Individual - 21324~2 _ 60285-984 articles 14 may be sheets of plastic, preferably prefabricated into sealed bag-like containers disposed in a unitary end-to-end relationship. The top of the box 10 is open for quick replace-ment of the roll 12, which rotates on an axle 16. The two ends ~ of the axle 16 rest in two grooves 18 cut into the interior faces of the side walls of the box 10. The grooves 18 extend to the top of the side walls, where the axle 16 is inserted. One end of the axle 16 preferably has notches and the corresponding groove 18 is narrowed to prevent rotation of the axle 16 during rotation of the roll 12. One end wall 20 has a lower top surface than the other three walls. The bags 14 are dispensed over the - top surface of the end wall 20.
Referring to Figure 1, each bag 14 is sealed at one end and connected to adjacent bags by a perforated separation line 22. At the center of the separation line 22 is a slot 24, although the slot 24 can be placed at other positions on the separation line 22. Integrally molded with the end wall 20 and extending upward beyond the wall 20 is a tongue 26. The tongue 26 is positioned at the center of the top surface of the wall 20 to receive the slot 24. The tongue 26 preferably has a half-oval shape with its top surface angled upward, the higher side being toward the inside of the box 10.
Either integrally molded with or preferably attached to the interior surface of the end wall 20, adjacent the tongue 26, is a finger (not shown) that extends inwardly from the wall 20.
The upper limit of the finger is below the top of the tongue 26, but above the upper surface of the end wall 20. The top of the 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ ~ 60285-984 finger is preferably rounded convexly in the direction of travel of bags 14 to facilitate the movement of bags over the finger.
Between the upper portions of the tongue 26 and the finger is a V-shaped gap, perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bags 14, which receives the leading edge of an upstream bag after a slot 24 between two bags 14 has been engaged by the tongue 26.
Within the gap are means to impede but not prohibit the upward movement of a portion of a bag 14 out of the gap, while not impeding downward movement into the gap. This means is preferably a set of downwardly-angled horizontal teeth on the surface of the finger within the gap.
In practice, a consumer would find the dispenser in a condition as in Figure 9, with a portion of a leading edge of an end bag 34 within the gap and the two leading corners of the end bag 34 extending forward past the end wall 20. The consumer grabs the portion of the end bag 34 extending forward of the end wall and pulls it upward and forward, away from the roll 12, extricating the bag 34 from the gap. The teeth are designed so that only minimum force is required to extricate the bag 34 from the gap, avoiding damage to the bag. While pulling the end bag 34 away from the roll 12, the consumer pulls the bag 34 over the tongue 26 and then at an angle below horizontal, preferably to below the level of the bottom of the gap between the tongue and finger so that the tongue will contact the underside of the bag 34 as the bag travels. Eventually, the tongue 26 will engage the slot 24 at the trailing end of the end bag 34, splitting the slot 24 over the tongue 26. The center of the leading edge of the ~ i 8 ~ 4 ~ ~ 60285-984 next bag will then travel down into the gap and remain there.
Further forward motion of the end bag 34, in response to force by the consumer, will result in the ends of the separation line 22 bending forward around the tongue 26. The separation line 22 will then separate starting at the slot 24 and progressing outward toward both ends of the line 22. After complete separation and removal of the end bag 34, the dispenser will again be as in Figure 9, with a new end bag ready for the next consumer. Because of the downward-facing teeth in the gap, the bag 34 will tend to remain in the gap until such time as a consumer pulls upward on the leading edge. The dispenser will thus constantly be in a ready state, until the roll of bags 12 is depleted.
Many different types of plastic bag configurations are commonly used and the principles of the invention do not require a specific configuration; however, in the preferred embodiments, a so-called "star seal" configuration as shown in Figure 2 is employed because it is somewhat easier to open and provides a strong seal at the bottom. Whatever the configuration, the width of the roll relative to the width of the tongue 26 should be such that when a bag is severed from the roll, the edges of the next contiguous bag are pulled forwardly of the tongue a sufficient distance so that they can be grasped readily by the user.
When a consumer pulls on the end bag 34, a significant amount of rotational momentum is gained by the roll 12. In this embodiment, the bags are wrapped around a cylindrical core 15 .~
_ 60285-984 which is mounted on the axle 16 with sufficient clearance that the core 15 and roll 12 can rotate relative to the axle 16. To prevent the roll 12 and core 15 from freewheeling and reeling out several bags as the end bag 34 is dispensed, the axle 16 with notches at one end is preferably provided with a rubber O-ring that frictionally engages the core 15 of the roll 12.
Other materials besides rubber will work similarly. In known devices, an O-ring is slipped onto the axle, and over time, tends to slip off one of the ends. To prevent axial movement of the O-ring on the axle 16, the axle 16 is provided with a circum-ferential groove, in which the O-ring rests. The groove is dimensioned so that a portion of the O-ring will extend beyond the outer surface of the axle 16.
The construction of the dispenser allows for simple mounting to any surface, be it horizontal, vertical or otherwise, by conventionalmeans, such as with screws or glue. It also can be free standing, with one hand holding the box 10, if necessary, while the other pulls the end bag 34. The dispenser may also be formed of a light-transmissive material to give the owner of the dispenser ample warning that a roll 12 is nearly depleted.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 3-8. Extending from the bottom wall 120 (since the dispenser is preferably mounted vertically in this embodiment), a tongue 126 and finger 128 are mounted on and perpendicular to the top surface of the wall 120, facing upward and inward. The tongue and finger 128 act in essentially the same manner as discussed above, except that downward-facing teeth in the gap lo ~1324~
-have been replaced with ridges 132 along the length of the finger 128. These ridges 132 serve the same purpose as the teeth, which is to help prevent the leading edge of the bag 114 to be dispensed from inadvertently leaving the gap 130. An end - bag 134 in the process of being dispensed is shown in Figure 4.
This embodiment has curved grooves 118 and the addition of a friction roller 150. The purposes for these two features are related, as is further discussed below.
If the grooves are straight over their functioning lengths, the angle between the grooves and the bottom surface remains essentially constant. Therefore, the component of the - weight of the roll pressing against the bottom surface to create a frictional force remains a constant fraction. It is well known that the weight of the roll of bags is not related to the radius of the roll in a linear relationship, but rather in a squared relationship. Thus, when the roll is new and large, the frictional force will be much greater than the frictional force when the roll is nearly empty. The force may be too great for the convenience of consumers using the dispenser.
To compensate for the squared relationship between the radius and weight of the roll, the grooves 118 in the embodiment of Figures 3-8 curve downwardly from the upper front portion of the container to the lower rear portion of the container, the front portion of the container being that portion of the container from which the bags are dispensed. Grooves 118 are defined by curved flanges 142. The roll of bags 112 is wound on a hollow core 116 which differs from conventional cores on which plastic 21~24,~2 _ 60285-984 bags are typically wound in that it is slightly longer than the bags are wide so that the ends of the core which project beyond the roll can be received within the grooves 118. The grooves are open at their upper extremities so that a roll of plastic ~ bags can be positioned within the container by simply placing the projecting ends of core 116 into the axles 118 from above.
The curve of each groove is such that at its upper portion the groove extends at close to 90~ to the back wall 144, which is the surface which frictionally engages the roll at point B. In this position, the component of force exerted by the roll in the horizontal direction against the back wall 144 is relatively low. As the plastic bags are removed from the roll and the roll diminishes in size, the core 116 drops to the position shown in Figure 8. As the roll drops, the horizontal component of force exerted by the roll relative to the total force is increased so that despite the loss of weight the horizontal component of force is not excessively diminished and, indeed, may actually remain substantially constant.
In Figure 8, the roll 112 is nearly depleted and is positioned near the bottom of the grooves 118 where the angle is steep. Because the angle of the grooves 118 is so steep in this area, it is desirable to prevent the now small roll 112 from becoming wedged into the bottom of the grooves 118 and thus difficult to rotate. Therefore, the friction roller 150, a preferably hollow tube, is mounted near the bottom of the grooves 118. The roller 150 is held within the dispenser 110 by pins or rivets 152 that extend inward from the side walls 121. The ; 12 2132~82 ~_ 60285-984 roller is free to move and rotate, supported on the pins 152, the side walls 121, and the guides 142. Pins 153 prevent the roller 150 from falling out of the container if it is upended for any reason.
- As can be seen in Figure 8, when the roll 112 is small, it will contact the roller 150 (at area C) without contacting the back wall 144 of the dispenser. The placement of the roller 150 and the pins 152 will cause the roller 150 to frictionally contact the guide flange 142 nearest the back wall 144. Thus, the weight of the roll 112 will be transferred through the roller 150 to cause friction between the roller 150 and the guide flange 142. This friction, taking into account the low weight of the roll 112 and the steep angle of the grooves 118, will be sufficient to prevent free spinning of the roll 112 with easy dispensing of bags 114 by the consumer.
While the embodiment of the invention shown and described is fully capable of achieving the results desired, it is to be understood that this embodiment has been shown and described for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation.
The embodiment shown at Figures 3-8 is the currently preferred embodiment of the invention. In addition to the benefits provided by the curved grooves as explained above, this embodiment is advantageous insofar as cost of manufacture is concerned and provides a container which provides substantial protection for the bags themselves as compared to standard prior art arrangements in which the roll of plastic bags is mounted on an axle (either horizontally or vertically) and exposed on all ' 13 ~132482 sides. Although the preferred means for separating the individual bags from the roll is the combination of the tongue and finger as described herein, the concept of the container having curved grooves for supporting a rolls of bags as described would have ~ utility with other types of separating devices.
Claims (21)
1. A dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of articles having perforations between said articles, comprising:
a container for holding said continuous roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said roll;
a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap; and means for mounting said cylindrical roll connected to said container, said means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases.
a container for holding said continuous roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said roll;
a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap; and means for mounting said cylindrical roll connected to said container, said means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases.
2. A dispenser as in claim 1, wherein said means for mounting comprises two curved grooves in said container.
3. A dispenser as in claim 2, wherein said curved grooves each have a top end and a bottom end, said dispenser further comprising a roller suspended between said grooves adjacent said bottom ends.
4. A dispenser as in claim 3, further comprising pins attached to said container for suspending said roller such that when said roll is relatively small, said roll will frictionally engage said roller and said roller will frictionally engage said container.
4 ~ ~
4 ~ ~
5. A dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of articles, comprising:
a container for holding said continuous roll of articles;
separating means attached to said container for separating an article from said roll as the roll is unwound;
two curved grooves in said container for supporting an axle on which said articles are rolled, the position of said grooves being such that the roll is caused to engage a surface of the container to create a frictional force due to a component of force caused by the weight of the roll, the curvature of the grooves being such that said component of force increases as the size of the roll decreases.
a container for holding said continuous roll of articles;
separating means attached to said container for separating an article from said roll as the roll is unwound;
two curved grooves in said container for supporting an axle on which said articles are rolled, the position of said grooves being such that the roll is caused to engage a surface of the container to create a frictional force due to a component of force caused by the weight of the roll, the curvature of the grooves being such that said component of force increases as the size of the roll decreases.
6. A dispenser according to claim 5, wherein said separating means is positioned in a forward portion of the container near its bottom and wherein said grooves curve downwardly from the upper forward portion of the container to the bottom rear portion thereof.
7. In combination, a dispenser according to claim 5 and a cylindrical roll of articles, said cylindrical roll of articles comprising plastic bags wound on a core, the length of said core being greater than the width of said plastic bags, with the ends of the core which project beyond the ends of the roll being mounted in said grooves.
8. For use with a dispenser which dispenses and separates a plastic bag from a roll of plastic bags, said dispenser having opposing grooves in which a roll of plastic bags can be supported, a surface which is engageable by the roll when it is supported in said grooves, and separating means for enabling individual bags to be separated from the roll, the improvement comprising a roll of plastic bags wound on a core, the roll being rotatable with the core, the core being wider than the roll with the ends of the core projecting beyond the ends of the roll so that the core can be supported in said grooves in such a way that the roll frictionally engages said dispenser surface, said roll further including separation lines between adjacent bags, at least a portion of said separation line being engageable by the separating means within said dispenser so that individual bags can be dispensed one at a time.
9. A roll of plastic bags according to claim 8, wherein each of said separation lines includes an elongated slot adapted to be engaged by said separating means such that when a first bag has been separated from the roll, the next successive bag has respective portions which extend forwardly of the tongue in a position to be grasped by a user.
10. A roll of plastic bags according to claim 9, wherein said bags are in a star sealed configuration.
11. A dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a roll of articles having perforations between said articles, comprising:
a container for holding said roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said roll;
a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap;
means for mounting said roll connected to said container, said means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases, and means for applying an additional frictional force to the roll when its diameter has decreased to a predetermined size.
a container for holding said roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said roll;
a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap;
means for mounting said roll connected to said container, said means constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases, and means for applying an additional frictional force to the roll when its diameter has decreased to a predetermined size.
12. A dispenser as in claim 11, wherein said means for mounting comprises two curved grooves in said container.
13. A dispenser as in claim 12, wherein said curved grooves each have a top end and a bottom end, and said means for applying comprises a roller suspended between said grooves adjacent said groove bottom ends to engage said roll when there is no longer the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface.
14. A dispenser as in claim 13, further comprising pins attached to said container for suspending said roller such that when said roll is of relatively small diameter it frictionally engages said roller and said roller frictionally engages said container.
15. A dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of articles having perforations between said articles, comprising:
a container for holding said roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said rolls a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap; and means for mounting a cylindrical roll in said container constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases and comprising a pair of curved grooves in said container each having a top end and a bottom; and, a roller suspended between said grooves by pins attached to said container, said roll when relatively small frictionally engaging said roller and said roller frictionally engaging said container.
a container for holding said roll, said container including a surface which frictionally engages said rolls a tongue attached to said container for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said container and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap; and means for mounting a cylindrical roll in said container constructed such that the component of force exerted by said roll against said surface due to the weight of the roll increases as the size of the roll decreases and comprising a pair of curved grooves in said container each having a top end and a bottom; and, a roller suspended between said grooves by pins attached to said container, said roll when relatively small frictionally engaging said roller and said roller frictionally engaging said container.
16. A dispenser for dispensing and separating an article from a cylindrical roll of connected articles having perforations between said articles;
a container for holding a said roll of articles including a pair of opposing side walls each having a curved groove with a top end and a bottom end, an axle having ends in said groove on which said roll rotates, the outer surface of the roll frictionally engaging a surface of the container, the axle moving downwardly in the opposing curved grooves as the outer diameter of the roll decreases;
a roller between the opposing side walls adjacent the bottom ends of said grooves, said roller being mounted to be moved to frictionally engage a wall of the groove and provide frictional force to the outer surface of the roll when the roll has dropped to a position relative to the curved grooves to contact said roller at a position such that the roll outer surface no longer engages said container surface, and means for separating the articles from the roll and ~ ~ 32482 initiating separation at said perforations.
a container for holding a said roll of articles including a pair of opposing side walls each having a curved groove with a top end and a bottom end, an axle having ends in said groove on which said roll rotates, the outer surface of the roll frictionally engaging a surface of the container, the axle moving downwardly in the opposing curved grooves as the outer diameter of the roll decreases;
a roller between the opposing side walls adjacent the bottom ends of said grooves, said roller being mounted to be moved to frictionally engage a wall of the groove and provide frictional force to the outer surface of the roll when the roll has dropped to a position relative to the curved grooves to contact said roller at a position such that the roll outer surface no longer engages said container surface, and means for separating the articles from the roll and ~ ~ 32482 initiating separation at said perforations.
17. A dispenser as in claim 16, wherein said means for separating comprises:
a tongue attached to said counter for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said counter and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap.
a tongue attached to said counter for engaging said perforations between said articles during dispensing and separation;
a finger attached to said counter and positioned adjacent said tongue, such that a gap is formed between said tongue and said finger, said gap positioned to receive a portion of a second article adjacent said article to be separated and retain said portion, said gap preventing said portion from departing from said gap in the same direction it entered said gap.
18. A dispenser for dispensing and separating a plastic bag from a roll of plastic bags which includes separation lines between adjacent bags and an elongated slot in the separation line, the bags being wound on an axle which extends a predetermined distance beyond the lateral edges of the roll, comprising a pair of spaced apart, shaped tracks for receiving the opposite ends of said axle, the axle being rotatable within said tracks as the plastic bags are dispensed, the tracks being positioned so that the axle can fall within the tracks under the influence of gravity, a back wall having a surface which contacts the outer surface of the roll preventing the roll from falling within the tracks and applying a braking force to the roll when the bags are to be separated, and a tongue for engaging said slots to enable the bags to be separated, wherein said tracks are shaped so that the frictional component of force exerted by said roll against said back wall surface due to the weight of the roll relative to the component of force transverse to said frictional component is greater when the roll is at least partially depleted and the roll is supported in the lower portion of the tracks than when the roll is supported in the upper portion of the tracks.
19. A dispenser according to claim 18, wherein the upper portions of both tracks include openings so that the roll and axle can be inserted into the tracks as a single unit.
20. A dispenser according to claim 19, wherein said surface is slanted with respect to vertical when the dispenser is in use to increase said frictional component of force.
21. A dispenser according to claim 18, wherein said tracks are curved.
PATENT AGENTS
, -
PATENT AGENTS
, -
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/124,952 US5433363A (en) | 1991-02-07 | 1993-09-21 | Plastic bag dispenser |
| US08/124,952 | 1993-09-21 | ||
| US08/215,197 US5558262A (en) | 1991-02-07 | 1994-03-21 | Plastic bag dispenser |
| US08/215,197 | 1994-03-21 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132482A1 CA2132482A1 (en) | 1995-03-22 |
| CA2132482C true CA2132482C (en) | 1998-11-24 |
Family
ID=26823129
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2132482 Expired - Lifetime CA2132482C (en) | 1993-09-21 | 1994-09-20 | Plastic bag despenser |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2132482C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IL272787A (en) * | 2020-02-20 | 2021-08-31 | Tam Doron | A dispenser for a roll of plastic t-shirt bags |
| CN114986573A (en) * | 2022-05-25 | 2022-09-02 | 宜昌南瑞永光电气设备有限公司 | Heat shrink tube shearing device for power supply system busbar processing and using method thereof |
-
1994
- 1994-09-20 CA CA 2132482 patent/CA2132482C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2132482A1 (en) | 1995-03-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20140922 |