DISTRIBUTOR FOR PLASTIC BAGS
Reciprocal Reference to Related Request This is a partial continuation request of the jointly pending and common property US patent application No. 08 / 175,292, filed on December 29, 1993. The description of the US Patent Application. US, No. 08 / 175,292 is incorporated herein by reference, x'o Field of the invention The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus, adapted to serially distribute plastic bags from rolls, which are joined along lines separation perforations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Supermarkets or food markets currently sell fruits and vegetables in bulk, to enable customers to inspect the quality of fruits and vegetables and individually select the desired products. Fruits and vegetables are displayed in their original transport containers, arranged loosely in display boxes or, when appropriate, formed into piles. Plastic bags are usually provided to retain the selected fruits and vegetables. Normally, plastic bags are found in cylindrical rolls, which are placed in the distributors for use by customers. The bags in the rolls are separated by perforated lines of separation, which allow them to be distributed in series from the roll. However, due to the nature of the stalls used for fruits and vegetables and the nature of the existing bag distributors, it is difficult to join the plastic bag dealers in a convenient location. The roll of plastic bags is often placed merely on a fixed shaft, which has one end mounted on a stand attached to a solid surface and placed horizontally or vertically on a solid surface. To take a bag from the roll of the dispenser, customers are required to hold the end of the bag with one hand, while holding the next bag and / or the roll with the other, and then pulling with enough force to separate. The end bag from the roll along the line separates. In doing so, the customer often only separates the end bag from the roll, but also deforms or tears this end bag, depending on the amount of force used. The customer occasionally has a busy hand holding the selected fruits or vegetables and some other product, which prevents using both hands to separate the end bag from the roll. When this happens, the customer usually tries to roughly pull the bag from the roll without holding the adjacent bag and / or the roll. This usually results in damage to the end pocket and / or causes the roll to turn too much on the fixed axis. This free rotation around the fixed axis causes a number of bags to be unrolled from the roll. These bags must then either re-roll over the roll or separate from it, resulting in possible damage and / or waste. Also, after the bag of ends has been removed from the roll, it can be difficult to find the next bag, because it will probably be placed flush against the roll. The purpose of supplying bags of products adjacent to fruits and vegetables in the product department, is to help customers with the packaging of selected items. To properly assist customers, it is useful to provide a plastic bag distributor which is both conveniently positioned and appropriately oriented to allow only one bag to be delivered at a time. An approach to the serial distribution of plastic bags can be seen in U.S. Patent No. 5,219,424 and related U.S. Patent No. 5,135,146 to Simhaee, which discloses a dispenser having a tab that joins the line of separation between the bag and the end of the roll and the next bag. A finger is provided on the upstream side of the tongue, with a gap being formed between the finger and the tongue, so that the bag is separated, a portion of the front edge of the next bag is retained in the pocket, thus retaining the bag in position for the next user. However, in this configuration, there is no provision for the rapid self-displacement of a roll and to ensure that the plastic bag is placed, from the roll, on the separation tab, thus ensuring contact of the separation line with the tab for the separation of the bag from the roll, along this line of separation. A further limitation of existing bag distributors is their lack of ability to be mounted to a solid surface adjacent to the dispenser, while maintaining the desired orientation of the dispenser for easy removal of the bags. The ability to assemble a distributor of plastic bags in a large number of different positions, conveniently placed adjacent to fruits and vegetables, while maintaining the desired orientation, is very convenient. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of this background, therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing apparatus for serially distributing plastic bags, which is capable of being mounted to a solid surface in a plurality of positions , while maintaining a desired orientation. This and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention is obtained by the provision of a dispensing apparatus for the serial distribution of flexible plastic bags from a roll of continuous bags, joined along perforated separation lines. A container is supplied to receive the roll of plastic bags. This container preferably includes a bottom and a pair of opposite sides, which extend upwards thereof. A separating element is preferably placed on the container, to join the dividing line of the plastic bags and to separate the plastic bag from the end from the following bag on the roll, to provide the serial distribution of the plastic bags . A self-displacement element is preferably located in or attached to the container, to place the plastic bags from the roll, received in the container, on the separation element. This self-displacing element provides the easy placement of a new or replacement roller on the separation element. Preferably, the self-displacing element comprises a pair of flanges, facing inwardly, which extend generally transversely to the pair of sides and are laterally spaced to define an opening through which the bags are directed. moving plastic, to allow easy distribution. In the preferred embodiment, the separating element comprises a separation tab, which extends outwardly from the bottom and is configured to thereby join the dividing line placed between the plastic bags. This separating tab of the spacer element is preferably located slightly above a horizontal axial alignment with the bottom, to ensure that the separation tab easily contacts the dividing line of the plastic bags at the desired location. The container, in its preferred embodiment, includes a mounting element that allows this container to be mounted in a wide variety of positions on a wide variety of solid surfaces, while maintaining the container in its desired orientation. This ability of the mounting element to be mounted on any number of solid surfaces allows the device to be attached to stations, calculators, refrigeration units, etc., throughout a warehouse or other establishment. It is convenient that the container be formed in a unitary construction to simplify the production and improve the resistance thereof. It is also beneficial to have portions of the bottom and sides trimmed to provide easy access to the roll for replacement purposes, reduce the overall weight of the device and limit the accumulation of any waste inside the container. In the case, unlikely, that the end of the roll is not retained by the separating element, the cuts allow the roll to be easily repositioned. The configuration and location of the cutouts, in cooperation with the container, provides clear visual access to approximately eighty percent of the roll. Therefore, the location of the roll end for repositioning is greatly simplified. The preferred orientation of the container is such that the roll is oriented against the bottom and the pair of flanges, to improve the self-braking of the roll and to limit its sobrotating, since the plastic bags are separated in series from the roll. To assist in the orientation of the roll against the bottom and the pair of flanges, it is preferable to have the separation element angled downward, away from the bottom. This becomes more important, since the roll becomes smaller in diameter as the bags are removed from it. Continuously orienting the roll against the flanges and the bottom creates a tightening effect, which prevents the roll from being overdrawn as the bags advance towards the separation element. In addition, it also helps to retain the roll inside the container. This self-braking arrangement of the container minimizes the inconvenience and waste associated with excess bags caused by over-rotation of the roll. To help in this function, it is possible to cover the bottom and a portion of the bottom of the sides and the flanges, with a high friction material, such as rubber, to create this friction and improve the braking of the roll, as it becomes smaller. It is also possible to coat the upper portion of the sides and the flanges with smooth materials, such as the Telfon®, to prevent the increased friction created by a new roll, which is both relatively large and heavy. In the preferred embodiment, the support has a first end, a second end and a central portion extending between them. It is beneficial to have the first end bent at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the central portion, while having the second end bent at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the central portion. It is also beneficial to have the first end bent and the second end projecting away from the central portion on the opposite sides of its longitudinal axis. Such a configuration of the holder makes it possible for the container to be mounted in a plurality of positions, while maintaining the desired orientation of the container. It is convenient to supply the first end of the support with a first opening, the second end with a second opening and the central portion with a third support opening. One of these first, second and third support apertures will preferably cooperate with a bottom aperture, defined on the bottom, and a conventional fastener, so as to attach the holder to the container. The other end of the support is mounted by means of a conventional fastener to the desired solid surface. The central portion ideally has the third support opening positioned adjacent the first end, to increase the number of positions in which the container can be mounted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some of the objects and advantages of the present invention have been pointed out, others will be apparent as the description proceeds, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus distributor for bags, according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, showing the roll with only a few remaining balls on it; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an end view showing a plastic bag fed through a slider, according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket, in accordance with the present invention; and Figures 6 to 11 are a series of cross-sectional views, showing the cooperation between the mounting bracket and the container, to mount this container to a solid surface, in a plurality of positions. DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED MODE The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention, however, can be incorporated in many different forms and should not be interpreted as limited by the modalities indicated herein. Rather, the illustrated embodiment is provided so that this description is complete and fully discloses the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the description. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus of the present invention is generally illustrated at 10. This apparatus 10 includes a container, generally indicated at 12, and a mounting bracket, generally indicated at 22. The container 12 has a construction unitary, formed of a pair of opposite sides 14, a pair of flanges 16, which extend generally transverse to the sides, a bottom 18, placed under the sides, providing its support, and a separating element or tab 20, which is extends to the exterior from the bottom 18. The container 12 is adapted to receive a roll of AA plastic bags, which is formed from a continuous roll of flexible AA bags, such as plastic, joined along perforated partition lines 24 AA plastic bags are tried as product bags in supermarkets or food markets, to carry fruits and / or vegetables. However, it will be understood that the apparatus 10 can be used to distribute any number of different types of AA bags, which can be used for any particular use, as long as they are within the spirit of the invention. It is important that the bags that are selected are to be used in accordance with this invention, are flexible enough to be packed in a roll. The container 12 of this embodiment has a very open configuration, relying on cooperation between the bottom 18, the sides 14, the flanges 16 and the orientation of the container (see Figures 6 to 11), as determined by the support 22 for mounting the roll inside the container. The size of the container 12 corresponds to the roll of plastic bags AA to be received. The container 12, shown in Figures 1-11, has a solid construction, in the extension that the sides 14, the flanges 16 and the bottom 18 are formed of solid panels. However, it will be understood that the container 12 may also have a very open construction and remain within the spirit of the invention. Almost any material can be used for the container 12, as long as this container 12 is capable of retaining a roll AA and cooperates with the mounting bracket 22. For example, instead of the solid construction shown, the container 12 can be constructed of wire or mesh. As can be seen from Figures 1, 2 and 6-11, the mounting bracket 22 mounts the container 12 to a surface XX, preferably solid, in any of a plurality of different positions. The mounting bracket 22 has a first end 26, a second end 28 and a central portion 30. The first end 26 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the support 22. The second end 28 is bent into a An angle of approximately 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the support 22. The first end 26 and the second end 28 of the support 22 are bent in opposite directions from the longitudinal axis of the support. This opposite relationship of the first end 26 and the second end 28, relative to the central portion 30 of the support 22, allows the container 12 to be mounted in a wide variety of positions, while maintaining the desired orientation. This desired orientation of the container 22 will be described in detail below. The support 22 defines a first opening 32, located at the first end 26, a second opening 34, located at the second end 28 and a third opening 36, located adjacent the first end. The bottom 18 of the container 12 has a bottom opening 38, which cooperates selectively with one of the first, second or third support openings (32, 3 and 36, respectively, by means of a conventional fastener, such as one or more nuts and bolts, 40, shown in Figures 1-3 and 6-11 A second set of nuts and bolts 42 is used to mount the support to the solid surface XX It will be understood that other types of fasteners can be used to mount or secure the support 22 to the solid surface XX and / or the container 12 and to be within the spirit of this invention As best shown in Figures 6-11, the desired orientation of the container 12 is such that the roll, regardless of its size (see AA * • 'in Figure 2 for a small roll, caused because it has only a few remaining pockets) it is oriented against the flanges 16 and the bottom 18. Preferably, the container 12 is oriented by approximately 45 degrees from the horizontal. In this orientation, the bottom seal 18 and the opposite sides 14, which are joined at an angle approaching 90 degrees, form the bottom end point of the container 12. It is the combination of this orientation of the container 12 and the connection of the bottom 18 and sides 14, which stimulate the self-braking of the roll and prevent or limit the roll being over-rotated or moving away from the flanges 16 and the bottom 18, as the roll unwinds due to the advance of the rolls. AA plastic bags outside the container 12. Bottom 18 tilts when the container is in the desired orientation. In practice, the orientation of the container 12 and the configuration of the flanges 16 and the downward orientation of the separation element 20 creates a tightening effect on the roll AA and prevents over-rotation, regardless of the size of the roll. To assist in braking or preventing over-rotation and retention of the roll, it is possible to treat the bottom 18 and / or the sides of the sides 14 and / or the flanges 16, adjacent the bottom, with a high friction coating, such like the rubber. To decrease the initial friction, when a new roll is placed inside the container 12, it is possible to coat the portions of the sides 14 and / or the flanges 16, distal to the bottom 18 with a smooth, low friction material, such as Teflon®, to increase the ease of distribution of the first few bags from the roll. The weight of the AA roll itself also helps, at least initially, with the prevention of over-rotation. As the roll size decreases, the weight of the roll becomes less than one factor to prevent over-rotation. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 6-11, each of the pair of opposite sides 14 has a generally square configuration, which cooperates with the bottom 18, to retain the roll. A corner of the square configuration of each side 14, remote from the flanges 16, has been cut at an angle of 45 degrees, to reduce the height of the container 12. Furthermore, the first cut-outs 44 are defined on each of the sides 14 to also reduce the weight of recirculator 12 and provide easy access to the roll. These cut-outs 44 aid in facilitating the replacement of the rolls, which will be received inside the container 12. The sides 14 are also provided to limit the lateral movement of the roll, as it is unwound. The sides extend a sufficient distance upwards from the bottom 18, to contain the roll. Background 18 has corresponding second cuts 46, which are contiguous with the first cut-outs 44, to also reduce the overall weight of the container 12 and prevent any foreign object from being collected inside the container. The first cut-outs 44, the second cut-outs 46, the opening between the flanges 16 and the open top of the container 12 provide easy visual access to approximately 80% of the roll. The visual access allows an individual to quickly place the end bag AA1, if not retained on the separation element 20, in order to properly replace the end bag. In the present embodiment, the cutouts 15 are generally rectangular. However, it will be understood that the cutouts 15 can take any desired configuration, as long as the above objectives are met. The separation element 20, illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 6-11, initially extends downwardly from the bottom 18, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The purpose of this downward configuration (best seen in Figures 2 and 3) is to continuously or tighten the roll against the flanges 16 and the bottom 18, especially when this roll is small. The reduced weight of the smaller roll, otherwise it could over-rotate and / or travel up the inclined bottom 18, as the end bag AA1 is removed from the roll. The separating element 20 then tilts slightly and forms at its free end a hook 48, for coupling to the dividing line 24, between the end bag AA1 and the following bag AA2, to allow the end bag to be separated from the bag. roll. The hook 48 is placed slightly above the horizontal plane of the bottom 18, to ensure easy coupling with the dividing line 24, between the AA plastic bags. It will be understood that the separation elements 20 and their associated hook 48 can take other configurations and related orientations, as long as the separation element is easily coupled to the dividing line between the plastic bags AA. As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the flanges 16 combine to form a generally rectangular configuration. The adjacent surface of each flange 16 is cut at an angle to form a slide 50 self-sliding therebetween. The two flanges 16 are spaced a sufficient distance so as to form an opening 52 therebetween, which is contiguous with the separation elements 20. Instead of having the opening 52 sharp edges, they are rounded, to allow the advance of the AA plastic bags to easily pass through the opening, without damaging or obstructing the travel of these bags. During the operation, the roll is inserted so that the plastic AA bags are unwound from the bottom of the roll. The roll of this mode does not need to be mounted on an axis. Instead, the roll is simply placed inside the container and allowed to rotate freely. If desired, an axle may be provided within the container 12, to rotatably support this roll. It is also possible to place the roll inside the container, so that the plastic bags AA unwind from the top of the roll. As shown in the preferred embodiment in Figure 4, the end bag AA1 is pulled up from the bottom of the roll towards the flanges 16 along the pink slider 50. As the end bag AA1 is pulled, generally in horizontally along the self-sliding slide 50, this end bag slides down the self-sliding slide, all the while starting to fold over itself, so that it has a generally U-shaped configuration, as to be seen in Figure 4. Conforming the end bag AA1 continues to be pulled horizontally, this bag will slide around the rounded edges of the self-sliding slider 50, which passes through the opening 52 and over the separation element 20 , as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. As the end bag AA1 advances on its predetermined path towards the hook 48, the bag will unfold along the separation element 20. To remove the end bag AA1 from the container 12, an individual or customer grasps the end bag with one hand and pulls this bag in a generally horizontal manner, away from the container 12. As shown in Figure 3, the bag The end piece continues to be pulled along its predetermined travel direction, so that the perforated dividing line 24, between the end bag AA1 and the next bag AA2, is aligned and coupled to the hook 48. This will ensure that the end bag is easily separated from the roll, while advancing the next bag AA2 by a sufficient distance beyond the container 12, to allow its ease of removal. In this embodiment, AA plastic bags can be removed from container 12 and separated from the roll, with the use of only one hand, while ensuring that the next AA2 bag is easily grasped for removal. In an alternative embodiment, rather than treating the container, as described previously, with a rubber material, the bottom 18 and / or the sides 14 and / or the flanges 16, can be treated with other materials or provided with a textured surface to achieve the desired friction force. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and associated drawings. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described and that attempts are made to include modifications and modalities that fall within the scope of the appended claims.