Rolling Extension Bag Tray With Under-Counter Inventory Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag dispensing systems for retail environments are inefficient in terms of counter space usage, lack easy loading mechanisms, and do not provide a clear visual inventory of remaining bags, and are not adaptable to handle different bag types like T-shirt and header bags.
Innovation Solution
A rolling extension tray bag dispenser rack with a support tray that includes rolling extenders, guide rollers, mounting spikes, spring-loaded check balls, magnetic latches, and various fastening devices, allowing for compact mounting under counters, easy loading, and accommodating different bag configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional self-opening bag dispensing systems are used, then bags can be dispensed automatically, but they require a square foot of counter space or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the bag dispensing system from a horizontal counter-top configuration to a vertical under-counter configuration. The rack is mounted beneath the counter with bags hanging vertically, utilizing the unused vertical space under the counter rather than consuming horizontal counter space. This dimensional transition resolves the contradiction by providing automatic dispensing functionality while minimizing counter space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified version of the traditional dispensing system that replicates the essential self-opening bag dispensing function without the complex horizontal arm mechanisms. By using a vertical rack with bags hanging from hooks and a simple tray that tilts forward, it copies the core functionality while dramatically reducing the space required.
2Ease of operation
If traditional bag dispensing racks are used, then bags can be dispensed, but loading new bags is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is pre-configured with a tilting mechanism and positioning features that prepare it for easy bag pack insertion. The tray can be tilted forward to an open position before loading, allowing the bag pack to be simply placed onto the tray without complex manipulation. This preliminary preparation of the loading position significantly reduces loading time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed to be movable and tiltable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a loading position (tilted forward) and a dispensing position (horizontal). This dynamic capability enables easy access for loading new bag packs while maintaining the proper dispensing configuration during operation.
3Loss of information
If traditional dispensing racks are used, then bags can be dispensed, but visual inventory management is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall of the tray is designed to be transparent or translucent, allowing visual inspection of the bag pack inventory through the wall. This transparency enables checkout personnel to monitor the remaining bag count without opening the tray or disrupting the dispensing operation, making inventory visibility as clear as the color or transparency of the front wall material.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dispensing systems are used, then they can handle standard bags, but they are not adaptable to different bag types like T-shirt and header bags
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with universal hooks and an adjustable tray configuration that can accommodate multiple bag types including T-shirt bags, header bags, and standard bags. The hooks can be positioned at different heights and the tray can be adjusted to accommodate various bag pack sizes and orientations, making the system versatile without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling extension tray bag dispenser rack includes a bag pack support tray that has a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall and is sized and shaped to hold a merchandise bag pack. The front wall has an opening sized and shaped to permit extraction of bags from the pack. Rolling extenders are provided that have fixed portions and moving portions. The moving portions are attached to outer surfaces of the first and second side walls or the underside of the support tray and are slidably mounted to the fixed portions. The fixed portions have mounting features for attaching to an underside or back wall of a counter. A spring-loaded check ball or other latching mechanism is mounted to the support tray. A detent panel or other mating latching mechanism is mounted to the underside or back wall of the counter.