Grocery bag loading rack and method of using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficient packing and filling of various types of grocery bags, such as plastic gusseted t-shirt bags, paper bags, and reusable cloth bags, is hindered by their inability to hold open during the loading process, making it difficult for grocery store baggers and customers to rapidly fill them.
Innovation Solution
A cuboid-shaped grocery bag loading rack with open top and front sides, featuring hooks and prongs to securely hold the bags open, allowing for two-handed loading and accommodating different bag types, including reusable bags with looped handles and disposable plastic bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grocery bags are used without support structure, then the bags can be easily carried and stored, but they cannot hold open during filling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rack structure as an intermediary device between the bag and the user. The rack includes a base, vertical posts, and horizontal bars that work together to hold the bag open during filling. This mediator structure enables two-handed filling operation without requiring the user to manually hold the bag open, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through modular components.
2Productivity
If a simple bag structure is used, then the bag is easy to manufacture and store, but it lacks the ability to maintain open position during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is divided into segmented components: a base for stability, vertical posts for height, and horizontal bars for support. These segmented parts can be independently manufactured and assembled, making the structure easier to produce while providing the necessary complexity to maintain bags in an open position during loading, thereby improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reusable bags with looped handles are used, then environmental waste is reduced, but the bags require specific structural support to hold open
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate multiple bag types including reusable bags with looped handles, disposable plastic bags, and paper bags. The horizontal bars and vertical posts can adjust to different bag configurations, providing the necessary support for various handle types without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each bag variety.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a grocery bag loading rack and method of using same. Embodiments of the invention are useful for supporting most any type of grocery bag in the open position so that a user can fill the grocery bag, two-handed. Embodiments of the grocery bag loading rack may be used to load plastic gusseted t-shirt, paper, or reusable cloth or fabric grocery bags.