throbber
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`US005752666A
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`5,752,666
`May 19, 1998.
`
`[11]
`
`[45]
`
`4,765,555
`8/1988 Gambino.
`4,793,539 1211988 Haenni et al
`5,118.022
`6/1992 Farahnik.
`811992 Dancy.
`5,135,134
`5,135,146
`811992 Simhaee.
`5,219,424
`6/1993 Simhaee.
`5,261,585 1111993 Simhaee.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`511984 European Pat Off ..
`108990
`505700 10/1992 European Pat Off ..
`413664
`811910 France.
`2169650
`9/1973 France.
`211977 France.
`2317210
`3129889
`211983 Germany.
`42-5193
`Japan .
`3/1967
`61-14974
`5/1986
`Japan
`63-49335
`4/1988
`Japan .
`63-82740
`5/1988
`Japan .
`392805 10/1965 Switzerland .
`2025366
`7/1979 United Kingdom .
`2088330
`6/1982 United Kingdom .
`
`Primary Examiner-John Q. Nguyen
`Attorney~ Agent, or Firm-Darby & Darby
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A roll of plastic bags for use with a dispenser having
`opposing tracks in which the roll is supported. and a
`separating tongue for enabling individual bags to be sepa(cid:173)
`rated from the roll. The roll of plastic bags is wound on an
`axle. the plastic bags being in a star sealed configuration.
`The ends of the axle project beyond the ends of the roll a
`distance sufficient to enable the axle to be supported for
`rotational and translational movement in the tracks in such
`a way that the roll frictionally engages a dispenser surface.
`Separation lines are provided between adjacent bags. a slot
`in each separation line being engageable by the tongue
`within the dispenser so that individual bags can be dispensed
`from the roll one at a time.
`
`3 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`United States Patent [19]
`Simhaee
`
`[54] PLASTIC BAG ROLL
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Ebrahim Simhaee. 112 N. Maple Dr ..
`Beverly Hills. Calif. 90210
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 879,;;67
`Jun. 20, 1997
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`[60] Continuation of Ser. No. 579,574, Dec. 27, 1995, aban(cid:173)
`doned, which is a division of Ser. No. 215,197, Mar. 21,
`1994, Pat. No. 5,558,262, which is a continuation-in-part of
`Ser. No. 124,952, Sep. 21, 1993, Pat. No. 5,433,363, which
`is a continuation ofSer. No. 821,192, Jan. 21, 1992, Pat. No.
`5,261,585, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 764,
`137, Sep. 20, 1991, Pat No. 5,219.424, which is a continu(cid:173)
`ation-in-part of Ser. No. 652,031, Feb. 7, 1991, Pat. No.
`5,135,146.
`Int. Cl.6
`............................ 865H 18/28; B65D 30/00
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl. ......................... 242/160.4; 383/37; 3&3/906;
`206/390
`[58] Field of Search .............................. 242/160.1. 160.4;
`42&/906. 35.7; 206/554. 390; 383/37. 906
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`751,920
`943,279
`1,704,044
`1,912,363
`1,973,354
`2,304,312
`2,349,635
`3,086,648
`3,098,594
`3,154,232
`3.229,876
`3,281,089
`4,179,055
`4,566,785
`4,714,191
`
`2/1904 Jones .
`12/1909 Smith .
`3/1929 Ingram .
`6/1933 De Waide .
`9/1934 Nedberg .
`12/1942 Meglitz .
`5/1944 Pusheck .
`4/1963 Corbett ................................. 2421160.1
`7/1963 Williamson .
`I 0/1964 Gage .
`111966 Osborn, Jr ..
`I 0/1966 Krueger et at. .
`12/1979 Milner .
`111986 Takenouchi .
`12/1987 Richardson .
`
`_,--10
`
`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`
`Page 001
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 1 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`FIG. 1
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`-
`- __.s-
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`10
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`FlG. 2
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`FlG. 3
`
`)
`
`14
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 002
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May 19, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
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`5,752,666
`
`FIG. 5
`
`FIG. 6
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`FIG. 7
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 003
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 3 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`....,.....-10'
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`21 1
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`FIG. 8
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`20'
`
`FIG. 12
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 004
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`U.S. Patent
`FIG. 9
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`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 4 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`6'
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`FIG. 10
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`34'
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 005
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`0
`\
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`•
`(.!)
`LL
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 006
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 6 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`C\1 \
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`'I
`
`0
`N
`
`N
`
`.
`(.!) -lJ_
`
`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 007
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 7 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`121
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`152
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`Fl G. 13
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`120
`
`FIG. 14
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 008
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 8 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`I
`I
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`FIG. 15
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`/
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`126
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`144
`
`FIG. 16
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`121
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 009
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 9 of 9
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`5,752,666
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`FIG. 17
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`FIG. 18
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`144
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`/
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`126
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`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
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`Page 010
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`5.752.666
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`1
`PLASTIC BAG ROLL
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/579.574.
`filed Dec. 27. 1995. abandoned. which is a division of
`application Ser. No. 08/215.197. filed Mar. 21. 1994. U.S.
`Pat. No. 5.558.262. which in turn is a continuation-in-part of
`application Ser. No. 08/124.952 filed Sep. 21. 1993. now
`U.S. Pat. No. 5.433363. which is a continuation of appli(cid:173)
`cation Ser. No. 07/821.585. filed Jan. 21. 1992. now U.S.
`Pat. No. 5.261.585. which is a continuation-in-part of appli(cid:173)
`cation Ser. No. 07/764.137 filed Sep. 20. 1991. now U.S.
`Pat. No. 5.219.424. which is a continuation-in-part of appli(cid:173)
`cation Ser. No. 07/652.031 filed Feb. 7. 1991. now U.S. Pat.
`No. 5.135.146.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to devices for dispensing a con(cid:173)
`tinuous web of articles. Specifically. the invention relates to
`plastic bag dispensers. such as the type used for self-service
`produce. grocery. or garbage bags.
`
`5
`
`2
`in the frictional force between the roll and the interior
`surface of the dispenser which is needed to prevent free(cid:173)
`wheeling of the roll as the bags are being dispensed. A large
`difference is undesirable because it can mean either that
`there is too much friction when the roll is full or too little
`friction when the roll is depleted. The frictional force is a
`component of force due to the weight of the roll. In
`accordance with thls invention. the roll of bags is mounted
`in such a way that the frictional component of force is
`10 increased. as a percentage of the total force. as the weight of
`the roll decreases. Hence. in this way the maximum and
`minimum frictional forces which retard freewheeling are
`maintained within acceptable limits for the entire roll. i.e ..
`when the roll is full and when it is depleted.
`
`15
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this
`invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art
`upon reading the detailed description of a preferred embodi-
`20 ment in conjunction with a review of the appended drawings
`in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser. after a bag has
`been separated and removed;
`FIG. 2 is a side cross-section of the tongue/finger assem(cid:173)
`bly shown in FIG. 1. showing the next bag partially inserted
`in the gap;
`FIG. 3 is a top view of the tongue/finger assembly of FIG.
`
`2;
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`In a supennarket or food market. fruits and vegetables are
`often displayed in bulk. possibly in piles of loose items.
`Consumers must then take a bag from a nearby source and 25
`pick and bag their own produce. The most common form of
`these produce bags are cylindrical rolls of plastic bags.
`mounted horizontally or vertically on a shaft. The bags have
`perforated separation lines between them. Separation is
`accomplished by grabbing the end bag with one hand. 30
`anchoring the next bag or the roll with the other hand. and
`pulling. Unfortunately. this not only separates the bag from
`the roll. but can deform or even tear the bag. Sometimes.
`consumers will attempt to simply jerk the bag from the roll.
`without holding the adjacent bag. This. too. can damage the 35
`bag or simply reel out the roll. After any bag separation. the
`end of the next bag can be difficult to find or grab as it may
`lie flat on the surface of the roll.
`It is thus an object of the invention to provide an improved
`dispenser for a continuous web of articles.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a dispenser
`with improved means for easily separating articles from a
`continuous web with one-handed operation and retaining the
`next article in an easily accessible position.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide an
`improved means for preventing free-wheeling of the con(cid:173)
`tinuous web during dispensing.
`It is a further object of the invention that the dispenser be
`economical and simple to manufacture.
`
`FIG. 4 is a detail of the separation line between two
`adjacent bags on the continuous roll;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the axle:
`FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section of the embodiment of FIG.
`1. showing the axle and the 0-ring;
`FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred configuration of the plastic
`bags in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dispenser in which the
`roll is supported so that it frictionally engages a surface of
`40 the dispenser;
`FIG. 9 is a front view of the dispenser of FIG. 8;
`FIG. 10 is a side partial cross-section view of the dis(cid:173)
`penser of FIG. 8;
`FIG. 11 is a detail view of the tongue/finger assembly of
`the dispenser of FIG. 8. showing the next bag partially
`engaged by the tongue;
`FIG. llA is a detail view as in FIG. 11. after dispensing
`a bag;
`FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along the line 12--12 of
`FIG. llA;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to
`the preferred embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 14 is a front view of the dispenser of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 15 is a side partial cross-section view of the dis(cid:173)
`penser of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 16 is a cross-section taken along the line 16--16 of
`FIG. 15;
`FIG. 17 is a cross-section taken along the line 17-17 of
`FIG. 15; and
`FIG. 18 is a side partial cross-section view of the dis(cid:173)
`penser of FIG. 13.
`
`45
`
`50
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
`invention. a plastic bag dispenser holds a continuous roll of
`bags. connected by perforated separation lines. The dis- 55
`penser is provided with a tongue, which the bags are
`dispensed over. that engages the separation line between the
`bag at the end of the roll and the next bag. This begins the
`separation of the separation line. as well as holds the next
`bag behind the tongue. A finger is provided on the upstream 60
`side of the tongue. with a gap between the finger and tongue.
`As a bag is separated. a portion of the front edge of the next
`bag is held in the gap. holding the bag in position for the next
`user. The roll of bags is mounted in the dispenser so that the
`roll frictionally engages an interior surface of the dispenser. 65
`As individual bags are dispensed. the roll of bags
`decreases in weight. This can cause a significant difference
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`Referring to FIGS. 1-7. a dispenser includes a generally
`rectangular box 10 for housing a continuous roll of articles
`
`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`
`Page 011
`
`

`
`5.752.666
`
`3
`4
`ready for the next consumer. Because of the downward(cid:173)
`12. Individual articles 14 may be sheets of plastic. preferably
`facing teeth 32 in the gap. the bag 34 will tend to remain in
`pre-fabricated into sealed bag-like containers disposed in a
`the gap 30 until such time as a consumer pulls upward on the
`unitary end-to-end relationship. The top of the box 10 is
`leading edge. The dispenser will thus constantly be in a
`open for quick replacement of the roll 12. which rotates on
`an axle 16. The two ends of the axle 16 rest in two grooves 5 ready state, until the roll of bags 12 is depleted.
`18 cut into the interior faces of the side walls of the box 10.
`Many different types of plastic bag configurations are
`The grooves 18 extend to the top of the side walls. where the
`commonly used and the principles of the invention do not
`axle 16 is inserted. One end of the axle 16 preferably has
`require a specific configuration; however. in the preferred
`notches 19 and the corresponding groove 18 is narrowed to
`embodiments. a so-called "star seal" configuration as shown
`prevent rotation of the axle 16 during rotation of the roll 12. 1 o
`in FIG. 7 is employed because it is somewhat easier to open
`One end wall 20 has a lower top surface than the other three
`and provides a strong seal at the bottom. Whatever the
`walls. The bags 14 are dispensed over the top surface of the
`configuration. the width of the roll relative to the width of
`end wall 20.
`the tongue 26 should be such that when a bag is severed from
`the roll. the edges of the next contiguous bag are pulled
`Each bag 14 is sealed at one end and connected to
`15 forwardly of the tongue a sufficient distance so that they can
`adjacent bags by a perforated separation line 22. At the
`center of the separation line 22 is a slot 24. although the slot
`be grasped readily by the user.
`24 can be placed at other positions on the separation line 22.
`When a consumer pulls on the end bag 34. a significant
`Integrally molded with the end wall 20 and extending
`amount of rotational momentum is gained by the roll12. In
`upward beyond the wall 20 is a tongue 26. The tongue 26 is
`this embodiment. the bags are wrapped around a cylindrical
`positioned at the center of the top surface of the wall 20 to 20
`core 15 which is mounted on the axle 16 with sufficient
`receive the slot 24. The tongue 26 preferably has a half-oval
`clearance that the core 15 and roll 12 can rotate relative to
`shape with its top surface angled upward. the higher side
`the axle 16. To prevent the roll 12 and core 15 from
`being toward the inside of the box 10.
`free-wheeling and reeling out several bags as the end bag 34
`is dispensed. the axle 16 with notches 19 is preferably
`Either integrally molded with or preferably attached to the
`interior surface of the end wall 20. adjacent the tongue 26. 25
`provided with a rubber 0-ring 38. as in FIG. 5. that
`frictionally engages the core 15 of the roll 12. Other mate-
`is a finger 28 that extends inwardly from the wall 20. The
`rials besides rubber will work similarly. In known devices.
`upper limit of the finger 28 is below the top of the tongue 26.
`an 0-ring is slipped onto the axle. and over time. tends to
`but above the upper surface of the end wall 20. The top of
`the finger 28 is preferably rounded convexly in the direction
`slip off one of the ends. To prevent axial movement of the
`of travel of bags 14 to facilitate the movement of bags over 30
`0-ring 38 on the axle 16. the axle 16 is provided with a
`the finger 28. Between the upper portions of the tongue 26
`circumferential groove 36. in which the 0-ring 38 rests. The
`groove 36 is dimensioned so that a portion of the 0-ring 38
`and finger 28 is a V-shaped gap 30. perpendicular to the
`direction of travel of the bags 14. which receives the leading
`will extend beyond the outer surface of the axle 16.
`edge of an upstream bag after a slot 24 between two bags 14
`The construction of the dispenser allows for simple
`has been engaged by the tongue 26.
`mounting to any surface. be it horizontal. vertical or
`Within the gap 30 are means 32 to impede but not prohibit
`otherwise. by conventional means. such as with screws or
`glue. It also can be free standing. with one hand holding the
`the upward movement of a portion of a bag 14 out of the gap
`box 10. if necessary. while the other pulls the end bag 34.
`30. while not impeding downward movement into the gap.
`40 The dispenser may also be formed of a light-transmissive
`This means is preferably a set of downwardly-angled hori(cid:173)
`zontal teeth 32 on the surface of the finger 28 within the gap
`material to give the owner of the dispenser ample warning
`that a roll 12 is nearly depleted.
`30. as shown in FIG. 2.
`In the dispenser of FIGS. 8-13. a dispenser 10' is pref(cid:173)
`In practice. a consumer would find the dispenser in a
`erably mounted at a few degree angle from the vertical.
`condition as in FIG. 1. with a portion of a leading edge of
`an end bag 34 within the gap 30 and the two leading corners 45 From one end wall 20'. a tongue 26' and finger 28' are
`of the end bag 34 extending forward past the end wall 20.
`mounted on and perpendicular to the top surface of the wall
`The consumer grabs the portion of the end bag 34 extending
`20'. facing inward. The entire dispenser is preferably
`mounted on a pole 40 or any other surface that will maintain
`forward of the end wall and pulls it upward and forward.
`its angled configuration with respect to the vertical. as
`away from the roll 12. extricating the bag 34 from the gap
`30. The teeth 32 are designed so that only minimum force is
`50 described more fully below.
`required to extricate the bag 34 from the gap 30. avoiding
`As seen most clearly in FIG. 10. the grooves 18' in the
`damage to the bag. While pulling the end bag 34 away from
`sidewalls 21' are preferably formed by guides 42. although
`the roll12. the consumer pulls the bag 34 over the tongue 26
`they could be impressed into the walls 21' as with the
`and then at an angle below horizontal. preferably to below
`embodiment of FIG. 1. The grooves 18' also are angled with
`the level of the bottom of the gap 30. so that the tongue will 55
`respect to wall 20' so that the roll of bags 12' will be biased
`contact the underside of the bag 34 as the bag travels.
`against the interior bottom surface 44 of the dispenser 10'.
`Eventually. the tongue 26 will engage the slot 24 at the
`engaging the surface 44 at position A. As seen in FIG. 10.
`trailing end of the end bag 34. splitting the slot 24 over the
`the area of frictional contact between the roll 12' and the
`tongue 26. The center of the leading edge of the next bag
`surface 44 will move closer or farther from wall 20' depend-
`will then travel down into the gap 30 and remain there.
`60 ing on the size of the roll 12'. The angle of the grooves 18'
`with respect to the vertical of course depends on the mount(cid:173)
`Further forward motion of the end bag 34. in response to
`ing angle of the dispenser 10'. so the mounting angle should
`force by the consumer. will result in the ends of the
`be chosen so that gravitational force alone will move the
`separation line 22 bending forward around the tongue 26.
`The separation line 22 will then separate starting at the slot
`axle 16' down the grooves 18' and force the roll12' against
`65 the surface 44. Due to this frictional contact with the surface
`24 and progressing outward toward both ends of the line 22.
`44. the axle 16' need not include notches at its end (see FIG.
`After complete separation and removal of the end bag 34.
`10) to prevent free-wheeling. nor the 0-ring and groove seen
`the dispenser will again be as in FIG. 1. with a new end bag
`
`35
`
`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`
`Page 012
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`5,752.666
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`5
`in FIG. 6. since the frictional contact between the outer bag
`of the roll 12' and the bottom surface 44 will serve the same
`purpose.
`The roll 12' is placed into the dispenser 10' merely by
`slipping the axle 16' into the grooves 18'. since there are no
`axle notches to be aligned with the groove as in the embodi(cid:173)
`ment of FIG. 1. The tolerance with respect to the length of
`the axle 16' and the corresponding distance between the
`grooves 18' should be relatively close. since an axle that is
`too short may become angled from its normal position
`perpendicular to the walls. causing the edges of the roll 12'
`to engage the grooves 18' or guides 42 as it turns. potentially
`damaging the bags 14'.
`It can be seen that the roll 12' is preferably positioned
`within the dispenser 10' so that the bags 14' will be dispensed
`from the underside of the roll 12'. instead of over the top as
`shown in FIG. 1. Preferably. the pole 40 and dispenser 10'
`would be mounted on a table top surface (not shown) so that
`the dispenser 10' is approximately at least the height of an
`average standing consumer's abdomen. This will allow the
`consumer to pull outward and downward on the end bag 34'
`in a natural movement of the arm. This will also make it
`convenient for a person to pull up slightly on the leading
`edge of the end bag 34' to dislodge it from the gap 30' for
`dispensing. With the bags dispensed from the underside of
`the roll 12' and the position and angle of the tongue 26' and
`finger 28'. the possibility of a consumer pulling a bag 34'
`from the dispenser 10' above and away from the tongue 26'.
`which would defeat a significant purpose of the invention. is
`greatly decreased.
`The essential functioning of the tongue 26' and finger 28'
`with respect to engaging and separating bags 14' is identical
`to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1. except that the tongue
`26' and finger 28' are perpendicular to the position of FIG.
`1. Similar teeth 32' are also present in the gap 30'. An end
`bag 34' being separated and dispensed is shown in FIGS.
`11-12.
`Some economy of material is possible with the dispensers
`of the present invention. For example, the embodiment of
`FIGS. 8-12 has only three walls. the fourth being unneces(cid:173)
`sary. In the same embodiment. the roll 12' may be directly
`mounted onto an axle 16'. without the need for a core as in
`the embodiment of FIG. 1. The axle 16' may also formed of
`a hollow, recyclable material.
`The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in
`FIGS. 13-18 wherein a number of the elements are similar
`to the elements of FIGS. 8-12. For example. extending from
`the bottom wall 120 (since the dispenser is preferably
`mounted vertically in this embodiment). a tongue 126 and
`finger 128 are mounted on and perpendicular to the top
`surface of the wall 120. facing upward and inward. The
`tongue and finger 128 act in essentially the same manner as
`in the previous embodiments. except that the downward(cid:173)
`facing teeth 32 in the gap 30 of the embodiment of FIGS.
`1-7 has been replaced with ridges 132 along the length of
`the finger 128. These ridges 132 serve the same purpose as
`the teeth. which is to help prevent the leading edge of the bag
`114 to be dispensed from inadvertently leaving the gap 130.
`An end bag 134 in the process of being dispensed is shown
`in FIG. 14.
`Two of the differences between the embodiment of FIGS.
`13-18 and that of FIGS. 8-12 are the curved grooves 118
`and the addition of a friction roller 150. The purposes for
`these two differences are related, as if further discussed
`below.
`In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, the grooves 18' are
`straight over their functioning lengths. Thus, the angle
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`20
`
`6
`between the grooves 18' and the bottom surface 44 remains
`essentially constant. Therefore. the component of the weight
`of the roll 12' pressing against the bottom surface 44 to
`create the frictional force at point A (see FIG. 10) remains
`5 a constant fraction. It is well known that the weight of the
`roll of bags 12' is not related to the radius of the roll in a
`linear relationship. but rather in a squared relationship. Thus.
`when the roll 12' is new and large. the frictional force at
`point A will be much greater than the frictional force when
`the roll12' is near empty. The force may be too great for the
`convenience of consumers using the dispenser.
`To compensate for the squared relationship between the
`radius and weight of the roll. the grooves 118 in the
`embodiment of FIGS. 13-18 curve downwardly from the
`upper front portion of the container to the lower rear portion
`of the container. the front portion of the container being that
`portion of the container from which the bags are dispensed.
`Grooves 118 are defined by curved flanges 142. The row of
`bags 112 is wound on a hollow core 116 which differs from
`conventional cores on which plastic bags are typically
`wound in that it is slightly longer than the bags are wide so
`that the ends of the core which project beyond the roll can
`be received within the grooves 118. The grooves are open at
`their upper extremities so that a roll of plastic bags can be
`positioned within the container by simply placing the pro(cid:173)
`jecting ends of core 116 into the axles 118 from above.
`The curve of each groove is such that at its upper portion
`the groove extends at close to 90 to the back wall144. which
`is the surface which frictionally engages the roll at point B.
`30 In this position. the component of force exerted by the roll
`in the horizontal direction against the back wall 144 is
`relatively low. As the plastic bags are removed from the roll
`and the roll diminishes in size. the core 116 drops to the
`position shown in FIG. 18. As the roll drops. the horizontal
`35 component of force exerted by the roll relative to the total
`force is increased so that despite the loss of weight the
`horizontal component of force is not excessively diminished
`and. indeed. may actually remain substantially constant.
`In FIG. 18, the roll 112 is nearly depleted and is posi-
`40 tioned near the bottom of the grooves 118 where the angle
`is steep. Because the angle of the grooves 118 is so steep in
`this area. it is desirable to prevent the now small roll 112
`from becoming wedged into the bottom of the grooves 118
`and thus difficult to rotate. Therefore. the friction roller 150.
`45 a preferably hollow tube. is mounted near the bottom of the
`grooves 118. The roller 150 is held within the dispenser 110
`by pins or rivets 152 that extend inward from the side walls
`121. The roller is free to move and rotate. supported on the
`pins 152. the side walls 121. and the guides 142. Pins 153
`50 prevent the roller 150 from falling out of the container if it
`is upended for any reason.
`As can be seen in FIG. 18. when the roll 112 is small. it
`will contact the roller 150 (at area C) without contacting the
`back wall 144 of the dispenser. The placement of the roller
`55 150 and the pins 152 will cause the roller 150 to frictionally
`contact the guide flange 142 nearest the back wal1144. Thus.
`the weight of the roll 112 will be transferred through the
`roller 150 to cause friction between the roller 150 and the
`guide flange 142. This friction. taking into account the low
`60 weight of the roll112 and the steep angle of the grooves 118.
`will be sufficient to prevent free spinning of the roll112 with
`easy dispensing of bags 114 by the consumer.
`While the embodiments of the invention shown and
`described are fully capable of achieving the results desired.
`65 it is to be understood that these embodiments have been
`shown and described for purposes of illustration only and
`not for purposes of limitation.
`
`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`
`Page 013
`
`

`
`5.752.666
`
`7
`The embodiment shown at FIGS. 13-18 is the currently
`preferred embodiment of the invention. In addition to the
`benefits provided by the curved grooves as explained above.
`this embodiment is advantageous insofar as cost of manu(cid:173)
`facture is concerned and provides a container which pro(cid:173)
`vides substantial protection for the bags themselves as
`compared to standard prior art arrangements in which the
`roll of plastic bags is mounted on an axle (either horizontally
`or vertically) and exposed on all sides- Although the pre(cid:173)
`ferred means for separating the individual bags from the roll
`is the combination of the tongue and finger as described in
`each of the embodiments herein. the concept of the container
`having curved grooves for supporting a roll of bags as
`described would have utility with other types of separating
`devices.
`What is claimed is:
`1. For use with a dispenser which dispenses and separates
`a plastic bag from a roll of plastic bags. said dispenser
`having opposing grooves in which a roll of plastic bags can
`be supported. a surface which is engageable by the roll when
`it is supported in said grooves. and separating means for
`enabling individual bags to be separated from the roll. the
`improvement comprising a roll of plastic bags wound on an
`axle. the plastic bags being in the form of a flattened tubular
`member having at least four contiguous plies. the roll being
`rotatable with the axle. the axle being axially longer than the
`roll is wide. with the ends of the axle projecting beyond the
`ends of the roll a distance sufficient to enable the axle to be
`supported for rotational and translational movement in said
`grooves in such a way that the roll frictionally engages said 30
`dispenser surface. said roll further including separation lines
`
`8
`between adjacent bags. at least a portion of each of said
`separation lines including a slot extending through all of said
`at least four contiguous plies. said slot being substantially
`centrally located along each said separation lines and being
`5 engageable by the separating means within said dispenser so
`that individual bags can be dispensed one at a time.
`2. A roll of plastic bags according to claim 1. wherein said
`bags are in a star seal configuration.
`3. For use with a dispenser which dispenses and separates
`10 a plastic bag from a roll of plastic bags. said dispenser
`having opposing grooves in which a roll of plastic bags can
`be supported. a surface which is engageable by the roll when
`it is supported in said grooves. and separating means for
`enabling individual bags to be separated from the roll. a roll
`15 of plastic bags wound on an axle. the plastic bags being in
`the form of a flattened tubular member having at least eight
`side-by-side contiguous plies of plastic material in a star seal
`configuration. the roll being rotatable with the axle. the axle
`being axially longer than the roll is wide. with the ends of
`20 the axle projecting beyond the ends of the roll a distance
`sufficient to enable the axle to be supported for rotational
`and translational movement in said grooves in such a way
`that the roll frictionally engages said dispenser surface. said
`roll further including separation lines between adjacent
`25 bags. at least a portion of each of said separation lines
`including a slot extending through all of said contiguous
`plies and engageable by the separating means within said
`dispenser so that individual bags can be dispensed one at a
`time.
`
`*
`
`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`
`Page 014
`
`

`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
`
`PATENT NO.
`DATED
`INVENTOR(S) :
`
`5,752,666
`May 19, 1998
`Ebrahim SIMHAEE
`
`It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby
`corrected as shown below:
`
`Title page, item
`
`[54], Title, change "PLASTIC
`
`BAG ROLL" to --ROLL OF PLASTIC BAGS--.
`Col. 1, line 1, change "PLASTIC BAG ROLL'' to
`
`--ROLL OF PLASTIC BAGS--.
`
`Signed and Sealed this
`
`Twenty-fifth Day of August, 1 H98
`
`Alle.\'1:
`
`Altntin~ ()/Jicer
`
`Free-Flow Packaging Int'l, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`
`Page 015

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