Hanging bag dispenser

Abstract

A hanging bag dispenser includes a bag support platform having a surface that contacts a last bag in a vertically supported bag pack. A mounting device is attached to the platform to engage a mounting aperture that penetrates each bag in the bag pack. A positioning system is attached to the bag support platform and maintains the bag support platform at a sufficient height to allow the bag pack to extend downwardly from the mounting device. A pivotally mounted bag control arm is mounted to the platform and permits installation of the bag pack on the mounting device when pivoted to a loading position and rests upon an outermost bag in the bag pack when pivoted to a control position. A guard plate is mounted adjacent the control arm that prevents access to an upper portion of the bag pack when the control arm is in to the control position.

Claims

1. A hanging bag dispenser comprising: a bag support platform, said platform providing a surface, said surface contacting a last bag in a vertically supported bag pack, said bag pack having a first predetermined width and a first predetermined length; at least one mounting device, said device being attached to said bag support platform and being sized, shaped and disposed to engage a mounting aperture, said aperture penetrating each bag in said bag pack; a positioning system, said system being attached to said bag support platform and maintaining said bag support platform at a height sufficient to allow said bag pack to extend downwardly for at least said first predetermined length; at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm, said bag control arm being mounted to said bag support platform and being sized shaped and disposed to permit installation of said bag pack on said at least one mounting device when pivoted to a loading position and disposed to constrain an outermost bag in said bag pack when pivoted to a control position; at least one guard plate, said at least one guard plate being mounted adjacent said at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm, said guard plate preventing access to an upper portion of bags in said bag pack when said pivotally mounted bag control arm is pivoted to said control position and said at least one guard plate having at least one access notch, said at least one access notch being disposed to provide clearance for said at least one mounting device, permitting viewing of said at least one mounting device and said bag pack to determine a number of bags remaining in said dispenser.

2. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one mounting device is upwardly and rearwardly angled.

3. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one mounting device comprises a bendable tab.

4. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one mounting device comprises an angled hook.

5. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm rests upon said outermost bag in said bag pack when pivoted to said control position.

6. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said positioning system is selected from the group comprising: floor stands, wall mounts, surface mounts, counter mounts, glue, screws, nails and looping and hooking fasteners (Velcro®).

7. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, further comprising first and second horizontal control arms, said control arms being attached either of to and adjacent to said bag support platform and being sized, shaped and disposed to align with hanging apertures disposed in handles of a T-shirt style bag.

8. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, further comprising a surrounding control device, said device being attached to either of said bag support platform and said positioning system, and being sized shaped and disposed to surround at least a lower portion of said bag pack, thereby preventing a user from pulling a bag from a lower portion of said bag.

9. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 8 wherein said control device is of wire form construction.

10. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 8 wherein said control device is formed of wood, plastic or metal.

11. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said support platform comprises either of a vertical and angled planar surface.

12. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said support platform is horizontally oriented and having either of a cylindrical and convex curved surface.

13. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein the support platform has a canopy-style angled bag surface.

14. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 13, wherein at least one mounting device is a mounting spike having an angled portion adjacent a distal end of said spike.

15. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one mounting device is slidably mounted to said bag support platform and adapted to accommodate bags having a variety of differently located mounting apertures.

16. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one mounting device is a mounting hook.

17. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 16, wherein said mounting hook is slidably mounted to said bag support platform and adapted to accommodate bags having a variety of differently located mounting apertures.

18. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said positioning system further comprises any of a floor stand, a counter mount, and a surface mount, said positioning system adapted to support at least two of said bag support platform.

19. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said positioning system is a wall mount, said wall mount supporting said bag support platform.

20. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said positioning system is a counter mount, said counter mount supporting said bag support platform.

21. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm contacts said outermost bag of said bag pack at a single point.

22. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm comprises a pair of control arms, said control arms contacting said outermost bag of said bag pack at two points.

23. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm comprises at least one weight, said weight providing increased friction between said control arm and said outermost bag.

24. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm comprises first and second bag control elements; said first and second elements being attached to a pivot rod, said pivot rod being slidably disposed within a bearing structure, said bearing structure being attached to said bag support platform.

25. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises a central handle, said central handle selected from the group comprising: round, oval, kidney-shaped and racetrack (elongated round).

26. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 7, wherein said bag further comprises a top seam, a bottom seam, a U-shaped cut-out commencing at said top seam, extending downwardly toward said bottom seam, proceeding across said bag and rejoining said top seam, a central hanging aperture, said top seam and bag material adjacent said U-shaped cut-out forming first and second bag handles, said bag handles having first and second hanging apertures disposed in an upper portion of said handles.

27. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 26, wherein said bag further comprises at least one side gusset.

28. He hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said bag pack further comprises self-opening bags, said self-opening bags employing technology selected form the group comprising: corona treatment, corona treatment with pressure, knife cutting, adhesives, hot staking, cold pinning, special material formulations and adhering inks.

29. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein the special material formulation comprises 40-48 wt. % high density, high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low density polyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

30. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein the special material formulation further comprises 0.5 wt. % slip and antiblock compound.

31. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein the special material formulation further comprises 1-3 wt. % calcium carbonate.

32. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein the special material formulation further comprises 10-20 wt. % recycled material, said recycled material comprising about 40-48 wt. % high density, high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low density polyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

33. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein 10-15 wt. % of said linear low density polyethylene has a density ranging from 0.923-0.924 gm/cc.

34. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein 10-15 wt. % of said linear low density polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.25-0.30 gm/10 minutes.

35. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein said high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene has a density ranging from 0.937-0.947 gm/cc.

36. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 28, wherein said high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.10-0.30 gm/10 minutes.

37. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 18, further comprising a central mounting hook and first and second horizontal control arms, said mounting hook and said control arms being attached either of to and adjacent to one of said at least two of said bag support platform and being sized, shaped and disposed to align with hanging apertures disposed in bag material adjacent a U-shaped cut-out and handles of a T-shirt style bag, respectively.

38. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 18, wherein said positioning system supports two bag support platforms, said platforms being disposed at right angles to each other.

39. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 38, further comprising at least one removable surrounding control device, said device being attached to either of said bag support platform and said positioning system, and being sized shaped and disposed to surround at least a lower portion of said bag pack, thereby preventing a user from pulling a bag from a lower portion of said bag.

40. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one guard plate comprises a first guard plate, disposed between a first pivotally mounted bag control arm and a first mounting device, a second guard plate, disposed between said first mounting device and a second mounting device, and a third guard plate mounted between said second mounting device and a second pivotally mounted bag control arm.

41. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one guard plate comprises a first side guard plate, disposed between a first pivotally mounted bag control arm and a central mounting device and a second guard plate, disposed between said central mounting device and a second pivotally mounted bag control arm.

42. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 40, wherein said at least one guard plate is attached to a mounting loop, said mounting loop being attached at a first end to said first pivotally mounted bag control arm and attached at a second end to said second pivotally mounted bag control arm.

43. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said bag support platform comprises a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, said at least one mounting device being disposed upon said horizontal portion and said at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm being disposed to constrain said bag pack between said bag control arm and said vertical portion.

44. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 43, wherein said at least one mounting device comprises at least one folded metal pin, said folded metal pin being angled backwardly and attached to said horizontal portion.

45. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 8, wherein said surrounding control device includes a central opening, said central opening permitting access to a central portion of a front surface of said outermost bag.

46. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 43, wherein said at least one mounting device is disposed upon said horizontal portion at an angle ranging from 30° to 45° to the horizontal.

47. The hanging bag dispenser, as described in claim 46, wherein said bag pack mounted on said at least one mounting device will have a first tension point adjacent said at least one mounting device and a second tension point at an intersection of said horizontal portion and said vertical portion, said first and second tension points augmenting self-opening features of bags in said bag-pack.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the dispenser with guard plates and surrounding control device attached to a floor mounting;

(2) FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment without the surrounding control device;

(3) FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment with a plastic surrounding control device;

(4) FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating the positioning system supporting three bag support platforms;

(5) FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating the positioning system supporting two bag support platforms, one adapted for use with T-shirt style bags;

(6) FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment with a pack of T-shirt bags mounted on the dispenser;

(7) FIG. 1F is a perspective view of two of the FIG. 1A embodiment mounted at right angles to each other;

(8) FIG. 1G is a perspective view of the FIG. 1F embodiment with a bag pack attached;

(9) FIG. 1H is a perspective view of the FIG. 1F embodiment illustrating a removable surrounding control device;

(10) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment with the control arms in the loading position;

(11) FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment with a bag pack installed the control arms in the control position;

(12) FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of a wall mount version of the FIG. 1 embodiment with the control arms in the loading position;

(13) FIG. 2C is a side elevational view of the wall mount version of the FIG. 1 embodiment with the control arms in the control position;

(14) FIG. 2D is a side elevational view of the wall mount version of the FIG. 1 embodiment with a bag pack installed and with the control arms in the control position;

(15) FIG. 2E is a close up partial side elevational view of the FIG. 2D embodiment illustrating the critical angle of the mounting device and related tension points;

(16) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1A embodiment illustrating slidably attached mounting device attached to a horizontal surface of the bag support platform;

(17) FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1A embodiment illustrating the control arms in the loading position;

(18) FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the FIG. 1A embodiment illustrating an angled mounting hook attached to a horizontal surface of the bag support platform;

(19) FIG. 3C is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a bendable tab mounting device; illustrating a cylindrical bag support platform with slidably attached mounting spikes;

(20) FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a convex bag support platform and the bag control arm in the loading position;

(21) FIG. 3B is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a mounting hook attached to an angled bag support platform;

(22) FIG. 3C is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a bendable tab mounting device;

(23) FIG. 3D is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1A embodiment illustrating the control arms in the loading position, a convex bag support platform and a race track handled bags and a glue spot adhesion means;

(24) FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a dispenser adapted for T-shirt-style bags having a central round bag support aperture fitted over an angled mounting hook;

(25) FIG. 3F is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a dispenser loaded with oval handle bags using adhesive ink for a self-opening feature;

(26) FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1A embodiment illustrating a dispenser with a single bag control arm contacting the outermost bag of the bag pack at a single point;

(27) FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a the bag control arms in the control position;

(28) FIG. 4B is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1A embodiment illustrating a slidably attached mounting hook attached to a horizontal bag support platform and the control arms in the loading position;

(29) FIG. 4C is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating an angled hook mounting hook, cylindrical bag support platform and a race track handled bag;

(30) FIG. 4D is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1A embodiment illustrating the control arm in the loading position and bags with kidney-shaped handle opening and a knife cut adhesion means;

(31) FIG. 4E is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a dispenser loaded with round handle bags having a corona treatment and pressure adhesion means;

(32) FIG. 4F is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a dispenser with a canopy-style angled bag support platform;

(33) FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating pivotally mounted bag control elements contacting the bag pack at two points;

(34) FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weights attached to the bag control elements;

(35) FIG. 7 is perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a wall mounting positioning system with a looping and hooking attachment;

(36) FIG. 7A is side elevational view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a wall mounting positioning system with a screw attachment;

(37) FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a user removing a bag from the dispenser;

(38) FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating the pivotal mounting of the bag control elements; and

(39) FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a counter mounted positioning system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(40) (1) A hanging bag dispenser 10 providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, bag support platform 14 is provided. The platform 14 provides a surface 18. The surface 18 contacts a last bag 22 in a vertically supported bag pack 26. The bag pack 26 has a first predetermined width 30 and a first predetermined length 34. At least one mounting device 38 is provided. The device 38 is attached to the bag support platform 14 and is sized, shaped and located to engage a mounting aperture 42. The aperture 42 penetrates each bag 46 in the bag pack 26. A positioning system 50 is provided. The system 50 is attached to the bag support platform 14 and maintains the bag support platform 14 at a height 54 sufficient to allow the bag pack 26 to extend downwardly for at least the first predetermined length 34. At least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 is provided. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4A, the bag control arm 58 is mounted to the bag support platform 14 and is sized shaped and located to permit installation of the bag pack 26 on the at least one mounting device 38 when pivoted to a loading position 62 and located to constrain an outermost bag 66 in the bag pack 26 when pivoted to a control position 70.

(41) At least one guard plate 72 is provided. The at least one guard plate 72 is mounted adjacent the at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58. The guard plate 72 prevents access to an upper portion 76 of bags 66 in the bag pack 26 when the pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 is pivoted to the control position 70. The at least one guard plate 72 having at least one access notch 75, the at least one access notch 75 being disposed to provide clearance for the at least one mounting device 38, permitting viewing of the at least one mounting device 38 and said bag pack 26 to determine a number of bags 22 remaining in said bag pack 26 in the dispenser 10.

(42) (2) In a variant of the invention, at least one mounting device 38 is upwardly angled.

(43) (3) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the at least one mounting device 38 includes a bendable tab 40.

(44) (4) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1D, 1E, 3E, 3F and 4E, the at least one mounting device 38 includes an angled hook 44.

(45) (5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1G, 2A, 2D and 4A, the at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 rests upon the outermost bag 66 in the bag pack 26 when pivoted to the control position 70.

(46) (6) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1F, 1G, 111, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 4F, 7, 7A and 10, the positioning system 50 is selected from the group comprising floor stands 122, wall mounts 126, surface mounts (not shown), counter mounts 130, glue (not shown), screws 52, nails (not shown) and looping and hooking fasteners (Velcro®) 56.

(47) (7) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1D, 1E and 3E first 60 and second 64 horizontal control arms are provided. The control arms 60, 64 are attached either to or adjacent to the bag support platform 14 and are sized, shaped and located to align with hanging apertures 68, 72 located in handles 76, 78 of a T-shirt style bag 80.

(48) (8) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 10, a surrounding control device 74 is provided. The device 74 is attached to either the bag support platform 14 or the positioning system 50. The surrounding control device 74 is sized shaped and located to surround at least a lower portion 78 of the bag pack 26, thereby preventing a user 82 from pulling a bag 46 from a lower portion 86 of the bag 46, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

(49) (9) In another variant, the control device 74 is of wire form construction 90.

(50) (10) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the control device 74 is formed of wood (not shown), plastic 76 or metal (not shown).

(51) (11) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the support platform 14 has either of a vertical 94 and angled 98 planar surface.

(52) (12) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 3D, the support platform 14 is horizontally oriented and has either a cylindrical 102 or convex 106 curved surface.

(53) (13) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 4F, the support platform 14 has a canopy-style angled bag support surface 16.

(54) (14) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the at least one mounting device 38 is a mounting hook 118 having an angled portion 114 adjacent a distal end 110 of the spike 118.

(55) (15) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the at least one mounting device 38 is slidably mounted to the bag support platform 14 and adapted to accommodate bags 46 having a variety of differently located mounting apertures 42.

(56) (16) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the at least one mounting device 38 is a mounting hook 118.

(57) (17) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the mounting hook 118 is slidably mounted to the bag support platform 14 and adapted to accommodate bags 46 having a variety of differently located mounting apertures 42.

(58) (18) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1C, 1F, 1G, and 111, the positioning system 50 is any of a floor stand 122, a counter mount 130 and a surface mount (not shown). The positioning system 50 is adapted to support at least two of the bag support platform 14.

(59) (19) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the positioning system 50 is a wall mount 126. The wall mount 126 supports the bag support platform 14.

(60) (20) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the positioning system 50 is a counter mount 130. The counter mount 130 supports the bag support platform 14.

(61) (21) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 contacts the outermost bag 66 of the bag pack 26 at a single point 134.

(62) (22) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 includes a pair of control arms 138, 142. The control arms 138, 142 contact the outermost bag 66 of the bag pack 26 at two points 146, 150.

(63) (23) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 includes at least one weight 154. The weight 154 provides increased friction between the control arm 58 and the outermost bag 66.

(64) (24) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1D, 1E and 9, the at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 includes first 158 and second 162 bag control elements. The first 158 and second 162 elements are attached to a pivot rod 166. The pivot rod 166 is slidably located within a bearing structure 170. The bearing structure 170 is attached to the bag support platform 14.

(65) (25) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 3D, 3F, 4C, 4D and 4E, the bag further includes a central handle 174. The central handle 174 is selected from the group that includes round 178, oval 182, kidney-shaped 186 and racetrack (elongated round) 190.

(66) (26) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3E, the bag 80 further includes a top seam 24, a bottom seam 28, a U-shaped cut-out 32 commencing at the top seam 24, extending downwardly toward the bottom seam 28, proceeding across the bag 80 and rejoining the top seam 24, a central hanging aperture 36, the top seam 24 and bag material 108 adjacent the U-shaped cut-out 32 forming first 76 and second 78 bag handles, the bag handles 76, 78 have first 68 and second 72 hanging apertures located in an upper portion 112 of the handles 76, 78.

(67) (27) In still another variant, the bag 80 further includes at least one side gusset 48.

(68) (28) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 3D, 3F, 4D and 4E, the bag pack 26 further includes self-opening bags 120. The self-opening bags 120 employ technology selected form the group comprising: corona treatment 88, corona treatment with pressure 92, knife cutting 96, adhesives 100, hot staking (not shown), cold pinning (not shown), special material formulations (not shown) and adhering inks 124.

(69) (29) In a further variant, the special material formulation includes 40-48 wt. % high density, high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low density polyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

(70) (30) In still a further variant, the special material formulation further includes 0.5 wt. % slip and antiblock compound.

(71) (31) In yet a further variant, the special material formulation further includes 1-3 wt. % calcium carbonate.

(72) (32) In another variant of the invention, the special material formulation further includes 10-20 wt. % recycled material, the recycled material comprising about 40-48 wt. % high density, high molecular weight polyethylene, 12-20 wt. % high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene, 20-30 wt. % linear low density polyethylene, 0-8 wt. % color concentrate.

(73) (33) In still another variant, 10-15 wt. % of the linear low density polyethylene has a density ranging from 0.923-0.924 gm/cc.

(74) (34) In yet another variant, 10-15 wt. % of the linear low density polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.25-0.30 gm/10 minutes.

(75) (35) In a further variant, the high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene has a density ranging from 0.937-0.947 gm/cc.

(76) (36) In still a further variant of the invention, the high density, medium molecular weight polyethylene has a melt index ranging from 0.10-0.30 gm/10 minutes.

(77) (37) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1D and 1E, a central mounting hook 118 and first 60 and second 64 horizontal control arms are provided. The mounting hook 118 and the control arms 60, 64 are attached either to or adjacent to one of the at least two of the bag support platforms 14.

(78) The mounting hook 118 and the first 60 and second 64 horizontal control arms are sized, shaped and located to align with hanging apertures, 68, 69 located in bag material 108 adjacent a U-shaped cut-out 32 and handles 76, 78 of a T-shirt style bag 80, respectively.

(79) (38) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1F, 1G and 1H, the positioning system 50 supports two bag support platforms 14. The platforms 14 are located at right angles to each other.

(80) (39) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the dispenser 10 includes at least one removable surrounding control device 74. The device 74 is attached to either the bag support platform 14 or the positioning system 50. The device 74 is sized shaped and located to surround at least a lower portion 78 of the bag pack 26, thereby preventing a user 82 from pulling a bag 46 from a lower portion 86 of the bag 46.

(81) (40) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, the at least one guard plate 72 includes a first guard plate 80, located between a first pivotally mounted bag control arm 84 and a first mounting device 88, a second guard plate 92, located between the first mounting device 88 and a second mounting device 96, and a third guard plate 100 mounted between the second mounting device 96 and a second pivotally mounted bag control arm 104.

(82) (41) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 3E, the at least one guard plate 72 includes a first side guard plate 180, disposed between a first pivotally mounted bag control arm 84 and a central mounting device 184 and a second side guard plate 188, located between the central mounting device 184 a second pivotally mounted bag control arm 104.

(83) (42) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2D and 2E, the at least one guard plate 72 is attached to a mounting loop 128. The mounting loop 128 is attached at a first end 132 to the first pivotally mounted bag control arm 84 and attached at a second end 136 to the second pivotally mounted bag control arm 104.

(84) (43) In yet another variant, the bag support platform 14 includes a horizontal portion 140 and a vertical portion 144. The at least one mounting device 38 is located upon the horizontal portion 140 and the at least one pivotally mounted bag control arm 58 is located to constrain the bag pack 26 between the bag control arm 58 and the vertical portion 144.

(85) (44) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the at least one mounting device 38 includes at least one folded metal pin 148. The folded metal pin 148 is angled backwardly and attached to the horizontal portion 140.

(86) (45) In a still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 7, the surrounding control device 74 includes a central opening 152. The central opening 152 permits access to a central portion 156 of a front surface 160 of the outermost bag 66.

(87) (46) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 2E, the at least one mounting device 38 is located upon the horizontal portion 140 at an angle 176 ranging from 20° to 50° to the vertical portion 144.

(88) (47) In a final variant, the bag pack 26 mounted on the at least one mounting device 38 will have a first tension point 164 adjacent the at least one mounting device 38 and a second tension point 168 adjacent an intersection 172 of the horizontal portion 140 and the vertical portion 144. The first 164 and second 168 tension points will augment self-opening features 88, 92, 96, 100, 124 of bags 46 in the bag-pack 26.

(89) The hanging bag dispenser 10 has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.