Card Insert Dispenser

My ability to develop unique user centred retail packaging systems through applied research methods has been recognised internationally – over 10 million people a week in Europe use the pinch pull system alone (GB2329629A), an under-shelf bag dispensing system for use in fresh fruit, vegetables and bakery areas in supermarkets.

The knowledge gained from patent research and user centre research activities (GB2329629A) has helped to identify ways in which an entirely new winged card wrap system can eliminate the need for glue when folded and clipped together and reduce the amount of packaging material needed and enable the packaging to be 100% recycled. The unique configuration of the folded bag stack enables the user to pull off one bag at time. The action of pulling the bag opens the mouth of the bag due to the novel design of the bag itself. This opening of the bag reduces wastage by between 15-20%. The compact nature of the cartridge also improves the refilling times of the unit.

The inventiveness of these features have been rigorously scrutinised via the patent assessment procedure leading to the successful granting of a UK patent (UK Patent GB2407564A).

During subsequent intensive testing (involving 12 weeks of user trials) new knowledge was gained which led to a unique insight into how to improve the performance of the solution. By developing the rear flap and introducing an elastic band that goes around the u-shape bag stack this helps to secure the bags and provided additional resistance on the surface of the top bag, improving the opening of the bag. This new knowledge and features have been rigorously scrutinised again by the patent assessment procedure leading to the successful granting of a second UK patent (UK Patent GB2407564B).

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