Versatile Carrying and Dispensing Case for Reusable Bags

The present invention relates to a versatile bag carrying and dispensing case for reusable bags, designed to enhance convenience during shopping trips. The case features a rigid structure with a hinged connection, forming a hollow interior. Unique features include rack attachment openings and foldable bag holding bars, as well as clips for attaching the case to shopping carts. The holding bars, mounted to the inner side of the case, hold bags open for easy loading and can be folded inward when not in use. The arrangement enables shoppers to transport, dispense, and load reusable bags effectively. The invention is particularly suitable for “t-shirt style” bags, easily accommodating their structure for efficient storage and dispensation.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to reusable bag storage and dispensing devices, and more particularly, to a bag carrying and dispensing case that offers users convenience and flexibility during shopping excursions.

BACKGROUND

The ever-increasing awareness of environmental conservation has led to a significant growth in the use of reusable bags over single-use plastic or paper bags. These reusable bags are especially common for grocery shopping, where consumers are encouraged to bring their own bags to help reduce waste. Despite the well-established benefits, there are several challenges that have limited the overall convenience and adoption of reusable bags.

One such challenge is the transportation and organization of reusable bags. Many individuals find it cumbersome to carry multiple reusable bags into the store. Additionally, these bags can become untidy and disorderly when stuffed into a vehicle or personal bag, leading to inconvenience at checkout counters and potentially prolonging the bagging process.

The process of bagging groceries in a reusable bag can also pose certain challenges. Traditional grocery bag racks often do not adequately support reusable bags in an open position for easy loading, especially when the bag is not full. This problem is even more pronounced when the bag is relatively large, has flexible sidewalls, or lacks sufficient structure to remain open on its own, as is often the case with reusable “t-shirt style” bags.

Further, conventional bagging areas at check-out points are not always equipped to accommodate personal reusable bags. This lack of adaptability can complicate the bagging process and frustrate shoppers, potentially deterring them from utilizing reusable bags. Moreover, the process can be inconvenient for both customers and store employees as it can lead to slower check-out times, resulting in longer lines and decreased efficiency.

Yet another challenge arises from the inconsistency in shopping environments. Not all shopping venues have the same type of shopping cart or bagging setup. Some may have small bagging areas, while others may lack a bagging rack altogether. In these situations, it can be inconvenient for shoppers to secure their reusable bags in a manner that allows easy access and efficient bagging of their purchases.

To address these challenges, there are some products on the market that aim to make the use of reusable bags more convenient, such as various types of bag holders and organizers. However, these solutions often fall short of providing a comprehensive solution that is adaptable to various shopping environments and that simultaneously facilitates easy transportation, bag storage, bag dispensing, and loading.

In light of these and other issues, there is a need for an improved system that can conveniently store and dispense reusable bags while also facilitating the easy loading of purchases. The system should be versatile to adapt to different shopping environments and should provide an efficient method for transporting reusable bags to and from shopping locations.

It is within this context that the present invention is provided.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a Bag Carrying and Dispensing Case, a system designed to enhance the convenience and efficiency of using reusable bags during shopping. The dispensing case aims to provide a seamless way of storing, transporting, and dispensing reusable bags while enabling easy loading of items during checkout.

Constructed primarily of rigid materials like hard plastic, the dispensing case has a hard-case form, comprising a front and back half, both connected by a hinge at the bottom. This design creates a hollow interior for bag storage and includes a handle at the top for easy transportation. A locking mechanism, such as a pair of clickable tabs, secures the case when closed.

The dispensing case incorporates a unique set of structural features. A pair of rack attachment openings are formed on the case body, allowing the case to connect to standard bag racks, either when open or closed.

Further, a pair of foldable bag holding bars mounted on the inner side of the case provides support for keeping the bags open when loading items. The bars fold neatly into the case when not in use, thereby saving space and maintaining the compact form of the case.

Additionally, the dispensing case features a pair of clips on the outer side of the back half. These clips provide a simple yet effective way of attaching the case to shopping carts, adding another level of versatility to the system.

The optional foldable backstand unit can also be included to support the bag dispensing function in situations where there's no bagging rack or where the shopping cart is incompatible.

These multiple setup options cater to a variety of shopper situations, making the bag carrying and dispensing case versatile and user-friendly. It offers a convenient system for transporting and setting up personal reusable bags, particularly t-shirt style bags, during shopping trips.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG.1illustrates a rear perspective view of the dispensing case10according to the present invention. The case10is shown in an open position, with the foldable bag holding bars30extended in an unfolded position. The case10comprises a front half11and a back half12that are hingedly coupled together at the bottom, creating a hollow interior space for bag storage.

The pair of foldable bag holding bars30, mounted on the inner side of the back half12, are designed to hold bags open when loading items into them. The holding bars30are pivotally mounted on blocks31attached to the case's inner wall, enabling them to swing outwardly for use and to fold neatly into the case when not in use.

Visible on the exterior of the back half12are a pair of clips40. These clips40provide a means for shoppers to attach the case10to the handle or sides of a shopping cart for easy access during shopping.

Also visible on the back half12are a pair of rack attachment openings20. These tubular openings20are designed to accommodate the arms of a standard bag rack, thus enabling the case10to be securely hung on such a rack.

FIG.2presents a front perspective view of the bag carrying and dispensing case10in the open position, but with the holding bars30folded inwards. The holding bars30are pivotally mounted on blocks31that are fixed to the inner wall of the back half12of the case10.

Each block31includes two grooves: a first “open” groove32and a second “closed” groove33. The open groove32is oriented directly outward, orthogonal to the plane of the case back wall, guiding and holding the holding bar in an extended position when the case is open, as depicted inFIG.1.

The closed groove33is oriented perpendicularly to the open groove32and lies parallel to the plane of the case back wall, pointing towards the center of the back wall from the block. InFIG.2, the holding bars30have been rotated into these closed grooves33, positioning the bars in a folded state within the case when it is not in use.

This dual-groove design on the blocks31facilitates the switching between the folded and unfolded positions of the holding bars30, contributing to the versatile nature of the bag carrying and dispensing case10.

FIG.3shows a side perspective view of the bag carrying and dispensing case10in an open position, with the foldable bag holding bars30extended in an unfolded position.

The foldable bag holding bars30are shown in the extended or unfolded position. The holding bars30can swing outward for use and fold neatly into the case10when not in use.

Visible inFIG.3are the interlocking tabs50of the locking mechanism located on the top of both the front half11and the back half12of the case10. These tabs50are designed to secure the two halves together when the case10is in the closed position.

FIG.4provides a front perspective view of the bag carrying and dispensing case10in a closed position. The front half11and back half12of the case10are securely held together by the interlocked tabs50, keeping the case10in the closed position and ensuring the stored bags are safely contained within.

FIG.5illustrates a front perspective view of the bag carrying and dispensing case10in an open position, with the foldable bag holding bars30extended in an unfolded position, a reusable T-shirt bag60is shown hanging on the holding bars30by each handle.

In the figure, a reusable T-shirt bag60is shown hanging on the holding bars30. Each handle of the bag60is looped over a respective holding bar30, enabling the bag60to be held in an open position, ready for loading. The positioning of the bag60, suspended from the holding bars30, facilitates easy access for placing items inside, thus enhancing the shopping experience by simplifying the bagging process. The design of the case10allows for the efficient use and management of reusable bags during shopping trips, contributing to its versatility and user-friendly nature.

FIGS.6A to6Cpresent profile views of the block mechanism31for mounting the foldable bag holding bars30(which are not shown in these figures).

FIG.6Ais a front profile view, displaying the block mechanism31that is fixed to the interior wall of the back half12of the case10. Visible in this view are the two grooves: the “open” groove32and the “closed” groove33. The point of intersection of these two grooves is where a pivot joint34is situated, to which a holding bar30(not shown) would be pivotally mounted.

FIG.6Bis a top profile view, further showing the orthogonal relationship between the open groove32and the closed groove33. The pivot joint34is also visible, located at the intersection of these two grooves.

FIG.6Cis a side profile view, providing additional clarity on the depth and positioning of the open and closed grooves32,33, and the pivot joint34on the block31.

FIGS.6D,6E, and6Fshow profile views of the block mechanism31with the holding bar30attached.

FIG.6Dprovides a top profile view of the block31with the holding bar30situated in the “open” groove32. This configuration positions the holding bar30such that it is extended outwardly, suitable for holding a bag in an open position for loading.

FIG.6Eis a top profile view with the holding bar30situated in the “closed” groove33. In this configuration, the holding bar30is oriented towards the centre of the back half12of the case10, storing the holding bar30in a folded position when the case10is not in use.

Finally,FIG.6Fis a front profile view, showing the holding bar30in the closed position as it is located within the “closed” groove33. This illustrates how the holding bar30is neatly stored when the case10is closed, highlighting the compact design and ease of storage facilitated by the block mechanism31.

The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the dispensing case have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.