US3707826A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Check-out counter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-11
•
Granted: 1973-01-02
•
Expires: 1991-03-11
Abstract
Abstract A check-out counter for use in retail stores and including an automatic bag opening mechanism. The check-out counter consists of two counters arranged in a generally T-shaped configuration. A bag loading recess is formed in one of the counters at the intersection of the two counters and the bag opening mechanism is adapted to locate an open bag in the bag opening recess. The counter also includes a cash register support which is mounted for movement between two positions relative to one of the counters so that the check-out counter itself may be operated by one or two operators. Bag storage means is formed in one of the counters on one side of the recess and the bag opening means includes a clamping mechanism which is movably mounted in the counter in the opposite side of the recess for movement across the recess to grip the edge of a bag located in the bag storage means and back across the recess to locate the bag in a vertically disposed open configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 E Cole
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 08:23
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47F; A47F9/00; A47F9/02; A47F9/04; A47F9/042; B; B65; B65B; B65B43/00; B65B43/26; B65B43/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
360 words
A check-out counter comprising in combination: a first counter having movable belt means forming a counter surface, a second counter having an open recess formed therein to provide a bag loading recess, said first counter being disposed substantially at right angles to said second counter with one end of said first counter adjacent said bag loading recess such that merchandise placed on said first counter may be moved to a position adjacent the open end of said recess, bag storage means formed in said second counter on one side of said recess and clamping means movably mounted in said second counter on the opposite side of said recess, said clamping means being movable across said recess to grip an edge of a bag located in said second counter and movable back across said recess to locate said bag in a vertically disposed open configuration, said storage means including a bag discharge opening formed in said second counter, retaining means at said opening normally retaining bags in said storage means, a clamp guide means mounted at the upper edge of said discharge opening and extending downwardly into said passage; and clamping means movably mounted in said second counter on the opposite side of said recess and disposed in alignment with said guide means, said clamping means being guided by said guide means as it moves across said recess to grip an edge of a bag, said clamping means including an anvil, a pivotably mounted finger movable between a first position wherein it points towards said bag discharge opening to a second position wherein it bears against said anvil in a position to clamp one side of a bag therebetween, spring means for maintaining said finger in either said first or second positions, said guide means having a cam surface adapted to contact said finger to cause said finger to pivoT from said first position to said second position as said clamping means moves across said recess, and catch means carried by the opposite side of said second counter and adapted to contact said finger as it is moved towards said bag storage area to move said finger to said first position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
360 words
A check-out counter comprising in combination: a first counter having movable belt means forming a counter surface, a second counter having an open recess formed therein to provide a bag loading recess, said first counter being disposed substantially at right angles to said second counter with one end of said first counter adjacent said bag loading recess such that merchandise placed on said first counter may be moved to a position adjacent the open end of said recess, bag storage means formed in said second counter on one side of said recess and clamping means movably mounted in said second counter on the opposite side of said recess, said clamping means being movable across said recess to grip an edge of a bag located in said second counter and movable back across said recess to locate said bag in a vertically disposed open configuration, said storage means including a bag discharge opening formed in said second counter, retaining means at said opening normally retaining bags in said storage means, a clamp guide means mounted at the upper edge of said discharge opening and extending downwardly into said passage; and clamping means movably mounted in said second counter on the opposite side of said recess and disposed in alignment with said guide means, said clamping means being guided by said guide means as it moves across said recess to grip an edge of a bag, said clamping means including an anvil, a pivotably mounted finger movable between a first position wherein it points towards said bag discharge opening to a second position wherein it bears against said anvil in a position to clamp one side of a bag therebetween, spring means for maintaining said finger in either said first or second positions, said guide means having a cam surface adapted to contact said finger to cause said finger to pivoT from said first position to said second position as said clamping means moves across said recess, and catch means carried by the opposite side of said second counter and adapted to contact said finger as it is moved towards said bag storage area to move said finger to said first position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A check-out counter as claimed in claim 1 including movable cash register support means and guide means for guiding said cash register support means from a position adjacent one end of said first counter to a position adjacent the outer end of said first counter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
A check-out counter as claimed in claim 1, including sensing means extending into said recess for detecting the presence of a bag in said recess, said sensing means being adapted to activate said clamping means to move across said recess when the recess is empty and to maintain said clamping means in a withdrawn position when a bag is located in said recess.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A check-out counter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said recess is located substantially centrally of said second counter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A check-out counter as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first counter has two movable belt means forming two movable counter surfaces arranged in series and independently operable.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |