Under-Counter Tilting Bag Tray for Compact Self-Opening Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag dispensing systems for retail establishments require significant counter space and do not efficiently manage self-opening bags, failing to provide a compact, easy-to-load, and visually inventorying solution that can handle various bag types.
Innovation Solution
A tilting tray bag dispenser rack with a hingedly attached support tray, side linkages, and a position retention device that allows for compact mounting under the counter, easy loading, and visual inventory, capable of handling t-shirt and header bags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional self-opening bag dispensing system is used, then bags can be dispensed automatically, but significant counter space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the bag dispensing system from a horizontal counter-top configuration to a vertical under-counter configuration. The tray is positioned vertically beneath the counter surface, utilizing the unused vertical space below the counter instead of occupying horizontal counter space. This dimensional change allows automatic bag dispensing functionality while minimizing the footprint on the counter surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag tray is nested within the under-counter space, fitting into the vertical volume beneath the counter. The tray structure is designed to be compact and fit within the confined under-counter environment, effectively nesting the dispensing mechanism within the existing counter structure rather than adding external horizontal space requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact under-counter mounting is used, then counter space is minimized, but the mechanism for tray movement and bag dispensing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical components (linkage arms, pivot points, retention devices) are extracted and concealed within the under-counter space, separating them from the visible counter area. The mechanical complexity is hidden beneath the counter while maintaining a simple clean appearance above, effectively taking out the complexity from the user-visible portion of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray incorporates self-retaining features where the tray automatically engages and disengages from the linkage mechanism through its own weight and geometric design. The retention devices use the tray's movement itself to trigger engagement and disengagement, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a hinged tray with linkage mechanism is used, then easy loading and visual inventory are achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tray uses a dynamic hinged linkage mechanism that allows the tray to pivot between a loading position (where bags can be easily placed) and a dispensing position (where bags are automatically presented). The linkage arms and pivot points create a mechanical system that transforms the static tray into a dynamically adjustable component, enabling easy loading while maintaining structural efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution minimizes counter space usage, allows for efficient bag dispensing, and provides a durable, inexpensive, and user-friendly system for handling different types of merchandise bags, enhancing operational efficiency at check-out counters.
Implementation Method 1
The support tray is hingedly attached adjacent an upper edge of the back wall to an underside of a counter
Implementation Method 2
A first side support linkage is provided. The first side linkage has a first upper arm and a first lower arm. The first upper arm is pivotally attached to a first side bracket. The first lower arm is pivotally attached to the first upper arm and pivotally attached to an outer surface of the first side wall
Implementation Method 3
At least one position retention device is provided. The position retention device has a moving portion and a stationary portion. The stationary portion is attached to one of the underside of the counter and the bag pack support tray. The moving portion is attached to the other of the underside of the counter and the bag pack support tray. The moving portion removably engages the stationary portion and retains the bag pack support tray in an upper, bag delivery position when engaged
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting tray bag dispenser rack includes a support tray that has a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall and a front wall that holds a merchandise bag pack and has an opening for extraction of bags. The tray is hingedly attached adjacent an upper edge of the back wall to an underside of a counter. First and second side support linkage has a first and second upper and lower arms The upper arms are pivotally attached to first and second side brackets attached to the underside of the counter. The lower arms are pivotally attached to the upper arms and pivotally attached to outer surfaces of the first and second side walls. A position retention device retains the tray in an upper, bag delivery position when engaged and permits the bag pack support tray to move to a lower, loading position when disengaged.