Patent Application
20200307842
A plastic bag dispenser is disclosed that helps retain the bags so that no more bags are dispensed than are pulled out.
The figures depict various embodiments of the described methods and system and are for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the methods and systems illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the methods and systems described herein.
The purpose of the plastic bag dispenser 1 is to allow for the retention and dispersal of plastic bags 80, designed to be particularly useful when dog walking. The ease of dispersal of a limited number of bags at one time allows for the easy removal of animal waste, without the worry of stuffing plastic bags 80 in a pocket where they can easily fall out.
The plastic bag dispenser 1 has an elastic band or cord 2. The elastic cord 2 has a first end 3 and a second end 4. The plastic bag dispenser 1 also has two spindles 5 and 6. The first spindle 5 has a base 7, and a pole 8 . The pole 8 intersects with the base 7. In one embodiment, the pole 8 is integral with the base 7 and in another embodiment, the pole positioned to the central part of the base. In one embodiment, spindle 6 identical to spindle 5, having both a base 9 and a pole 10. In one embodiment, both spindles 5, 6, are the identical length and neither are more than one half the length of the plastic bag 80 into which the spindles 5,6, fit. More specifically, the poles 8, 10 fit within the side openings 11, 12 of the roll of plastic bags 80.
Each of the spindles 5,6, has a hole 13, 14 drilled from the outside 15, 16 of the base 7, 9 to the inside of the base 17,18. In one embodiment, holes 13, 14 is angularly drilled into the center of the outside 15, 16 of the base 7,9 to the inside 17,18 of the base 7,9. The first end 3 of the elastic cord 2 is fitted through the first hole 13 in the first base 7 and, after it exits the first hole 13, the first end 3 of the elastic cord 2 is knotted so it does not slide back out. The second end 4 of the elastic cord 2 is similarly fitted through the second hole 14 positioned through the second base 9 and subsequently knotted. When the spindles are positioned in the side openings 11, 12 at either end of the roll of plastic bags 80, the elastic cord 2, holds the plastic bags 80 in place on the roll, placing pressure on the roll, while allowing the user to pull out and tear it off a perforated bag. That way, bags do not go flying all over the place when just one bag is needed, particularly when picking up dog waste. The elastic cord 2 can be a woven elastic cord, cloth covered cord or any other form of cord.
In another embodiment, grooves 21, 22 bisect the outside of the bases 7,9. This allows the elastic cord 2 to fit within the grooves 21, 22, and avoid rubbing against the edges 23, 24 of the bases 7,9. In yet another embodiment, one side 25,26 of the groove is deeper than the other side 27, 28.
In another embodiment, there is a tab 29 attached to one of the bases 7,9 with a hole 30 in the middle of the tab 29 so that a chain or a string could attach the plastic bag dispenser to a purse or pants loop.
In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, there is a first spindle 31 just like spindles 5, 6 above; however, a second pole 41 of the second spindle 40 extends along the length (or height) of the roll of plastic bags 80. In one embodiment, the second pole 41 extends beyond the length (or height) of the roll of plastic bags 80. In another embodiment, the second pole is slightly shorter than the length (or height) of the roll of plastic bags 80 The second pole 41 is hollow 45 with a wide enough diameter for the first pole 7 to slide into second second pole 41. The first pole 7 fits partially or in its entirety into second pole 41. Quantitatively, the second pole 41, should cover at least about 50% of the first pole 7, or in another embodiment at least about 75% of the first pole 7 and in another embodiment at least 90% of the first pole 7 is enclosed by the second pole 41. In another embodiment, the second pole 41 extends up to 125% of the length of the opening in the roll of plastic bags 80. In another embodiment, the second pole 41 extends up to about 100% of the length of the opening in the roll of plastic bags, and in another embodiment, the second pole 41 extends up to about 75% of the length of the opening in the roll of plastic bags.
In one embodiment of the second spindle 40 the hole 42 that bisects the base 43 is centered and goes into the hollow spindle, to where it can be knotted.
In another embodiment, a metal or plastic enclosure 50 fits around the roll of plastic bags on the spindles. A hinged door 51 opens and allows the plastic bag dispenser to be inserted or a new roll of bags added into the main body 52. The edge 53 of the door has a cutting ridge 54, against which the plastic bag can be pulled when in it is time to separate one bag from another. The door is closed and held in place by indent snaps 55, 56 in the side of the body of the enclosure, which align with the indents 57, 58 on two downwardly projecting sides 59, 60 of the hinged door 50. In one embodiment, there is a loop 61, with a hole 62 for attachment to a string or clip.
The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
