Bag storage and loading unit

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/103,116, filed Oct. 6, 2008 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/045,883, filed Apr. 17, 2008, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to an apparatus for use with bags, such as grocery bags or other bags used in commercial settings. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus configured to conveniently store bags, for example, non-form-stable bags, while simultaneously holding one of the bags in an open configuration for loading.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a bag storage and loading unit including a first arm and a second arm substantially parallel with and spaced a distance from the first arm to define an interior space having a width measured between the first and second arms. A first upwardly-open hook member extends laterally from the first arm into the interior space. The first hook member is configured to retain a plurality of handles of a plurality of bags that are in a storage orientation in the interior space. A second upwardly-open hook member extends laterally from the second arm into the interior space. The second hook member is configured to retain one handle of one of the plurality of bags that is in a loading orientation, such that the plurality of bags may be opened with a side-to-side movement.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a bag storage and loading unit including a base, a pair of upright supports coupled to the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of arms. A first arm extends from a first one of the pair of upright supports defining a left side of the bag storage and loading unit, and a second arm extends from a second one of the pair of upright supports defining a right side of the bag storage and loading unit. The second arm extends substantially parallel to the first arm. A first hook member is coupled to the first arm and extends in a direction substantially toward the second arm. A second hook member is coupled to the second arm and extends in a direction substantially toward the first arm, such that bags stored on one of the first and second hook members may be opened with a side-to-side movement.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a bag storage and loading unit including a first arm and a second arm substantially parallel with and spaced a distance from the first arm to define an interior space having a width measured between the first and second arms. A first hook member is coupled to the first arm and extends a first length into the interior space. A second hook member is coupled to the second arm and extends a second length, less than the first length, into the interior space. Both the first and second hook members are canted upwardly above horizontal.