AU2002313398A1 - Dispensing apparatus for confectionery and the like - Google Patents

Description

DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR CONFECTIONERY AND THE LIKE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispensing apparatus for foodstuffs. In particular, the present invention relates to confectionery containers or dispensers although it may have application to nuts and similar foodstuffs also.

BACKGROUND ART

Many foodstuffs, and much confectionery in particular, takes the form of individual small pieces or items. Such foodstuffs, while often sold in prepacked form, are often also required to be dispensed at the point of sale. As an example, small confections, both individually wrapped and unwrapped, may be provided in bins in a shop, so that customers may fill a bag by selecting from several bins and then pay for their selections at a central service point. The bins may be provided with scoops for picking up selections. A similar approach is often also taken in relation to the selling of nuts and similar foodstuffs. An increasing problem with such merchandising methods is that of hygiene. Foodstuffs in bins, and the scoops provided, are susceptible to handling by customers, and even to deliberate tampering. Both shopkeepers and regulators are becoming increasingly concerned about such problems.

A further problem is that foodstuffs stored in bins may not be stored ideally to maintain freshness. If items are regularly taken from the top of a bin, and the bin is then replenished, items at the bottom may lose their freshness. It is desirable to provide arrangements in which an entire batch of displayed items is sold before a new batch is provided. It is also advantageous to provide items to shopkeepers in containers that are sealed until actually put on sale, to ensure best possible freshness, minimal pilfering, and minimal chances of tampering.

A still further problem is that of theft by customers. When goods are displayed in lidded or unlidded bins, it is tempting for customers to sample without buying. A dispensing device which requires a deliberate and visible action to be taken and then dispenses several items, is less susceptible to this problem. A yet further problem is that some items are by nature "sticky", tending to form into lumpy masses. Certain sweets, not individually wrapped, are in certain temperature and/or humidity conditions likely to act this way. A dispensing device which "tumbles" or agitates its contents regularly, eg every time dispensing occurs, is desirable.

The methods and apparatus described herein should at least alleviate the above problems. They are particularly applicable to dispensing foodstuff items where an absolutely precise weight or number of items is not required to be dispensed, and where there is a separate payment point. However, the invention is also in principle applicable to vending machines operated by coins, tokens or the like.

An enormous range of dispensers and dispenser types has been developed and used. Most have a stationary container into which items for dispensing are loaded. Examples include the devices shown in US Patent 1277406, French patent publication 2696330, European Patent Application publication 0286194 and in WO/9708977. These are more prone to sticking together of stored items than the dispenser of the present invention, due to the more limited movement of stored items during the dispensing process. They are also have a greater tendency to jam, and lend themselves less well to the supply of items in sealed, single-use containers openable immediately before replenishment of the device. German patent 2822581 describes a dispensing device for pill-type objects that is somewhat similar to the present invention in its preferred embodiments. However, the present invention provides for a more convenient construction and one that is better suited to rapid dispensing of larger items (for example wrapped sweets, nuts) in a retail environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is broadly stated here. However, further aspects and preferred features are set out in the attached claims, which are explicitly made a part of this disclosure of the invention. There is provided apparatus for storing and dispensing foodstuff items including: container for storing foodstuff items therein; and a fixed part, said container being received in said fixed part and movable in said fixed part between first and second positions, wherein in said first position of said container at least one said item collects adjacent to a first formation included in said container and against a wall of said fixed part, and wherein through movement of said container forwardly from said first position to said second position said at least one item is moved by a pushing surface of said first formation along said wall to an upper edge of said wall over which by action of gravity said at least one item falls into a discharge means included in said fixed part.

In a further aspect, the invention provides method for storing and dispensing foodstuff items, including the step of providing apparatus according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein, with said container of said apparatus containing said foodstuff items. It is strongly preferred that after dispensing of said foodstuff items by said apparatus said container is removed and replaced in said apparatus by a new container with a supply of foodstuff items therein.

In the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, said container is movable between said first position and said second position by rotation of said container about an at least approximately horizontal axis in said fixed part.

It is then further preferred that initial movement of said at least one item away from said container and into said discharge means is at least partially in a plane perpendicular to said axis. This is advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, a larger opening for movement of items from the container into the discharge means can in practice be provided than when the movement is substantially axial, for a given capacity of the container. Secondly, it has been found more convenient to provide apparatus with a container endwall that is transparent for viewing of items therein, with the discharge means delivering dispensed items adjacent to that endwall. This front-discharge arrangement is highly desirable in retail outlets. It is also convenient where a number of apparatus are to be stacked adjacent to each other to display and dispense a range of different products.

Thus, preferably, said container includes first and second endwalls and a sidewall extending axially therebetween said sidewall having an opening extending lengthwise and through which said at least one item passes for dispensing from said container. It is further preferred that said first formation extends along a first side of said opening and said pushing surface extends into said container and particularly preferred that said pushing surface is angled forwardly so that when said container is in said second position any said item thereon is shed from said surface into said discharge means.

A component of said first formation having said pushing surface is preferably connected to said sidewall by resilient means whereby said component is held in contact with said wall of said fixed part during movement of said container between said first and second positions. The resilient means may include a resilient flap extending rearwardly from said component of said first formation to said sidewall. With some types of items, notably items of which a proportion have small sizes, this arrangement may reduce the possibility of jamming.

Further, it can enable an arrangement in which a larger proportion of the volume of the container can be filled with the items to be dispensed than otherwise, as described later herein. Specifically, the invention also provides for said wall of said fixed part to have an arcuate section centred on said axis of rotation of said container and a further section extending upwardly from said arcuate section and for said component of said first formation in moving from said first position to said second position to be initially in contact with said arcuate section and thereafter in contact with said further section.

In embodiments of the invention wherein the container rotates, said container may include a second formation extending axially along a second side of said opening and into said container with, in said first position of said container, said at least one item collecting between said first and second formations. Preferably, said first endwall is externally visible and is at least partially translucent or transparent so that items stored in said container are externally visible to a user.

It is preferred that said first endwall of said container is or includes a lid covering an opening through which said container is tillable with said foodstuff items. It is also possible and within the cope of the invention for there to be no detachable lid and/or for filling of the container to be via the opening in the sidewall, but this makes for less convenient production of the container.

To enhance tumbling of the stored items with each operation of the apparatus, said container may include at least one additional internal formation for agitation of items stored in said container during rotation of said container.

The container may be manually movable from said first position to said second position by a user. For example a handle for this purpose may be moulded integrally into a lid as disclosed above. Desirably, the apparatus includes return means for returning said container from said second position to said first position without action by a user. Then, when dispensing is complete, the container returns to its starting (first position) without reliance on the user. The return means may include a component arranged to be resiliently deformed during rotation of said container from said first position to said second position so that a torque is applied to said container for returning said container to said first position.

However, the container may alternatively be made movable from said first position to said second position by drive means including an electric motor.

For ease of distribution and supply of such items as sweets and nuts, and for optimum freshness, it is preferred that the container is removable from said fixed part and replaceable in said fixed part by new container containing a supply of new items to be stored and dispensed. The manufacturer can in this case provide the items in sealed containers. To avoid unauthorised access to items within the container, it is preferred that the apparatus have locking means in said fixed part whereby said container is held captive in said fixed part except when said locking means is unlocked by an authorised person, said container then being removable from said fixed part and replaceable in said fixed part by said new container.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container has a key formation thereon which is damaged by a process of correctly positioning said container in said fixed part for operation of said apparatus but which must be intact for commencement of said process, so that said container is usable once only in said apparatus. In a further preferred embodiment, correct engagement of said container in said fixed part requires two stages of movement of said container of which a first said stage is possible only when said key is intact and of which the second said stage causes damage to said key.

For example, said first stage of movement may require said key formation to be axially received in a cooperating socket in a component mounted in said fixed part, and said second stage of movement may require said container to be rotated from a position allowing said first stage of movement to said first position. Preferably, said key formation is secured to said second end wall of said container and includes a spindle part on the axis of rotation of said container and a web extending outwardly therefrom, said damage to said key including distortion of said web.

In a further aspect, the invention provides container for foodstuff items adapted for use in apparatus according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

A preferred embodiment of the container is adapted for use in apparatus according to the invention in which the container rotates between the said first and second positions, of the containment and has a removable closure over said opening in said sidewall. The said closure may be a peel-off closure.

Also within the cope of the invention is a container in any of the embodiments described, including foodstuff items contained therein.

Preferred embodiments will now be described in more detail and non- limitingly, by reference to the attached diagrams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1a and 1b are schematic cross-sectional views of a rotary dispensing device according to an invention described herein, in two differing conditions.

Figures 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are schematic cross-sectional views of a further rotary dispensing device according to an invention described herein, in four differing conditions.

Figure 2e is a perspective view of a part of the device shown in Figures 2a to 2d.

Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of a rotary dispensing device according to the invention illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mechanism usable in the device shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a lateral cross sectional view of a part of a container shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a lateral cross sectional view of a mechanism forming part of the device shown in Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken at station YY in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a lateral cross sectional view of the container shown in Figure 5 when initially mating with the mechanism shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a cross sectional view taken at station YY in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a lateral cross sectional view of the container and mechanism shown in Figure 8 at a later stage of mating thereof than that stage shown in Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a cross sectional view taken at station YY in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a perspective partially exploded view of a further dispensing device according to an invention described herein.

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 12 in a first condition.

Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 12 in a second condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figures 1a and 1b, these show the basic principle of a rotary dispenser according to the invention. A dispenser 1 includes a fixed part 2 and a movable part 3. The movable part 3 is of generally cylindrical form extending axially between endwalls (not shown) and contains items 4 to be dispensed in an internal space 5. The movable part fits closely within an inwardly- facing wall 6 arcuate in cross-section of the fixed part 2, and is free to rotate from a first position, shown in Figure 1 a, to a second position shown in Figure 1 b.

The movable part 3 has two inwardly-facing formations 7 and 8, between inner ends of which is an opening 9 (which extends axially in the dispenser 1 ). In the first position (Figure 1a) some of the items 4 collect (through the action of gravity) in a space 10 peripherally between the formations 7 and 8 and against wall 6.

As movable part 3 is rotated clockwise (as shown in Figures 1a and 1 b) those items 4 in space 10 are carried or swept peripherally forward of formation 8 and upward. By the time movable part 3 reaches the second position (Figure 1b) the items in space 10 either have fallen, or are positioned to fall, down a ramp 11 formed in fixed part 2. Formation 8 is angled so that in the second position, it is steep enough for items 4 to fall roll or slide downwards onto ramp 11. The upper face 12 of formation 8 and ramp 11 are aligned in the second position. The effect of formation 7 is to limit the number of items 4 that are dispensed in this way, and additionally to cause a tumbling action in the items 4 within space 5, generally in the manner shown by arrows 13 in Figure 1b. This tumbling is particularly advantageous where items 4 are of a type which tends to stick together into a mass. Some sweets for example are prone to do this in high temperature and/or high humidity conditions.

After movable part 3 has reached the second position and the items 4 from space 10 have fallen clear, i.e. been dispensed, movable part 3 is rotated back to the first position. In the preferred mode of operation, this movement is in the opposite direction, i.e. anticlockwise, but continuation in the clockwise direction is also possible. In either case, the items 4 remaining in space 5 are further agitated and when or by the time movable part 3 reaches the first position (Figure 1a) again, more items 4 will have collected under the action of gravity in space 10. It will be appreciated that more formations (not shown) could be provided protruding into space 5 to enhance the tumbling action.

There is a limit to the degree to which space 5 can be filled without more of items 4 than those in space 10 being dispensed with each movement of the movable part 3 from the first to the second position. To enable space 5 to be more fully occupied by items 4, a modification may be made, which is shown schematically in Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e.

Figure 2a shows a modified dispenser 21. As with dispenser 1 , there is a fixed part 22 and a movable part 23, the movable part 23 being rotatable clockwise from a first position shown in Figure 2a. Items 24 are contained in internal space 25 of movable part 23. There is an inwardly facing wall 26, and two formations 27 and 28 on movable part 23 which define an opening 29 and a space 30. Some of the items 4 collect, due to gravity, in space 30 in the first position shown in Figure 2a. A ramp 31 extends downwardly from an upper edge 32 of wall 26. Ramp

31 is higher than the corresponding ramp 11 of the dispenser 1 of Figure 1a. Wall

26 has an arcuate part 33 and an upward extension 34 tangential thereto. The arcuate part lies close to the formation 28 in the first position shown in Figure 2a.

Figure 2b shows the movable part 23 rotated clockwise from the first position of Figure 2a to an intermediate position where formation 28 has reached the end of arcuate part 33 of wall 26 with items 24 being elevated ahead of formation 28 in space 30. Formation 27 is causing a tumbling action of items 24 within space 25.

Figure 2c shows a further intermediate position of movable part 3. As best seen in Figure 2e, movable part 3 has a generally cylindrical wall section 35 and a resilient flap 36 secured thereto along an edge 37 (which extends axially in movable part 23). Flap 36 extends forwardly from and approximately tangentially to wall section 35 to a forward edge 38 thereof, bearing formation 28. Edge 38 is urged against wall 26 including while it rides up extension 34 of wall 26 so that those items 24 which collected ahead of formation 28 in the first position (Figure 2a) continue to be elevated toward ramp 31. Figure 2d shows the movable part in its final, second position corresponding to the second position of movable part 3 in Figure 1 b. By the time movable part 23 reaches this second position the items that began in space 30 either have fallen, or are positioned to fall, down ramp 31 formed in fixed part 22. Formation 28 is angled so that in this second position, it is steep enough for items 24 to fall roll or slide downwards onto ramp 31. In this way those items 24 falling onto ramp 31 are dispensed.

Movable part 23 can then be rotated back to the first position shown in Figure 2a and the process repeated to dispense more of items 24 as required. The effect of the provision of flap 36 is to enable ramp 31 to be higher than the arrangement of Figures 1 a and 1 b would permit, and for a higher degree of filling of space 25 to be used than for space 5.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a practical dispenser 40 embodying the principle shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b. It will be readily appreciated that a similar arrangement may be used for a dispenser based on the principle shown in Figures 2a to 2d. Dispenser 40 is very suitable for dispensing foodstuff items such as sweets, nuts and the like in retail stores. It is shown without any coin- or token-operated mechanism, being intended for use in "pick and mix" situations, where customers fill bags with their selections and then pay by weight at a central service point. However, a vending machine, with a coin- or token-operated mechanism, is also possible and within the scope of the inventions.

Dispenser 40 has a boxlike frame 41 , with a hinged front door 42. Inside frame 41 there is an internal space 43 with an inwardly facing wall 44, which corresponds to the wall 6 of schematically-shown dispenser 1 in Figures 1a and 1 b. Corresponding to ramp 11 , there is a ramp 45 extending in a front-to-rear direction in the frame 41 over which the items to be dispensed (not shown) pass during the dispensing process. A further ramp 46 is provided down which the dispensed items slide or roll to pass through an opening 47 in door 42 for collection by the consumer. Corresponding to movable part 3 in Figures 1a and 1b, dispenser 40 includes a container 48 having a base part 49 for containment of items to be dispensed and a lid 50 securable thereto. Base part 49 is in the general form of a slightly tapering cylinder with sidewall 52, and has an opening 51 extending axially. Faces 53 and 54 correspond to faces of the formations 7 and 8 of Figures 1a and 1b, and opening 51 to opening 9. Wall 44 closely conforms to the shape of sidewall 52 of base part 49 as wall 6 conforms to the shape of movable part 3. Base part 49 has a floor 55 shaped to be supported on a spindle 56 (not shown in Figure 3) in rear wall 60 of frame 41 and a side area 56 and flange 57 of lid 50 cooperate with a flange 58 on door 42 so that container 48 can be placed in frame 41 , the door 42 closed with container 48 then being captive in frame 41 but free to rotate. Base part 49 may be adapted to be removed when empty, refilled through opening 51 or by removal of lid 50, and then returned to frame 41. Alternatively, base part 49 may be arranged to be captive in frame 41. However, in the preferred mode of use of dispenser 40, a manufacturer provides containers 48 ready-filled with the items to be dispensed and intended for a single use only. When a container 48 is empty, a storekeeper (for example) opens door 42, removes the empty container 48, and replaces it with a new, full container 48. Door 42 is closed and dispensing from new container 48 can begin.

To ensure optimum condition of the items to be dispensed, opening 51 may be sealingly secured cover. For example, a foil or plastics cover may be secured to base part 49 by adhesive or heat sealing. Such a cover may be removed (eg stripped off) immediately before container 48 is placed in frame 41. For convenience of the manufacturer, the base part 48 may be filled through an opening (not shown) where the lid is attached and the lid 50 then placed in position. The base part or both the base part and lid may be formed by such known methods as injection moulding of suitable plastics. Preferably, lid 50 is transparent so that consumers can see the items in container 48 before choosing to dispense some of them. Lid 50 is shown with a handle 59 integrally formed thereon, for rotation by hand of container 48. Sidewall 52 of base part 49 is shown with integrally-formed longitudinal striations 160, which enhance rigidity and also enhance tumbling of the contents of container 48. The approach of supplying goods for dispensing in a single-use container has the great advantage of maximizing the chance that consumers are provided with goods that are fresh, have not been tampered with, all in the most hygienic conditions. Door 42 may be kept in place following filling of dispenser 40 by a suitable key-operated latch or lock to avoid tampering by consumers.

Where container 48 is intended to be single-use, it is desirable for that single use to cause some change in the container 48 preventing its re-use. Otherwise, empty containers 48 could be provided to manufacturers of inferior products, filled with same, and used. A preferred way of doing this is set out later herein.

Preferably, of course, frame 41 includes means for returning the container 48 back to its starting (first) position after the dispensing of some items therefrom. Figure 4 shows a very simple arrangement that is suitable where the container 48 is rotated by hand. Spindle 61 is mounted on a shaft 62 extending through rear wall 60 of frame 41 , and in use fits into a cooperating recess (not shown) in the floor of container 48. Being non-round, spindle 61 is rotated as container 48 is rotated. A spring 63 is anchored at one end to a pin mounted on frame 41 and at the other is secured to a flexible filament (eg string) 64. This in turn is wound around (and secured to) a drum 65 on shaft 62. As container 48 is rotated, filament 64 is wound on to drum 65 and spring 63 is extended. When container 48 is released after dispensing, the spring them pulls filament 64 to return the container 48 to its starting position where it is stopped by a suitable stop (not shown). Other possible simple spring arrangements will immediately suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art. Figures 5 to 11 show an alternative to arrangements such as that in Figure

4 which has the ability to prevent re-use of base part 49. In this arrangement, base part 49 is formed with an integral, external key 70 in a recess 71 on its floor 55. The key has a round pin 72 on the intended rotation axis and a radially extending web 73. When base part 49 of container 48 is mounted in frame 41 , it is pushed towards spindle 62 and rotated until pin 72 and web 73 enter cooperating openings in spindle 62 and respectively depress both a centre pin 74 and a locking pin 75 both of which are slidably mounted in spindle 62. Return springs 76 and 77 are compressed as key 70 advances into spindle 62.

Spindle 62 is initially prevented from rotating within wall 60 by a pin 78 which extends laterally from spindle 62 and is received in a cooperating socket 79 on wall 60. Pin 78 is secured to a member 80 having an angled slot 81 in which slides a pin 82 secured to pin 75. This arrangement causes pin 78 to be retracted into spindle 62 as locking pin 75 is pushed in. Integral with locking pin 75 is a locking catch 83 which is pushed by member 80, during movement of pins 75 and 74, into a cooperating recess 84 in pin 74 thereby to lock pins 74 and 75 together. A positioning lug 85 is mounted on a deflectable arm 86 and is pushed downward during fitting of key 70 into spindle 62. The positions of the various mentioned components when base part 49 has been pushed fully home is as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Base part 49 is now rotated until lug 85 springs back and engages in a cooperating recess 87 in floor 55, as shown in Figure 11. During this rotation, spindle 62 is prevented from rotating by a torsion spring 88 connecting spindle 62 and a formation 89 on wall 60. Also during this rotation, web 73 is sheared at its line of intersection with the base of recess 71 and wraps around pin 72 as shown in Figure 10. Figures 10 and 11 show the position of the various mentioned components on completion of this process. Door 42 may be closed to make container 48 captive once key 70 has been pushed fully home in spindle 62.

Now, further rotation of container 48 for dispensing items therefrom, with lug 85 in recess 87, causes torsional deflection of spring 88 so that when dispensing is complete and container 48 released by a user, it is returned to its starting position by spring 88. The shearing off of web 73 means that the base part 49 cannot be used a further time, for it will not enter the spindle 62. The fact that web 73 is not completely removed from base part 49 is a safety feature, as it precludes the possibility of a severed web finding its way accidentally into the dispensed items where harm might be caused. The dispenser 40 is in the form of a simple box with both dispensing and replenishment taking place on its front face. Lugs 68 on its corners may have screw holes or other provision for fasteners. Dispensers 40 can thus be conveniently stacked in horizontal and vertical rows to provide an attractive display, with multiple products available for selection and dispensing.

Turning to Figures 12 to 14, there is shown a further inventive dispensing device 101. This also has the advantageous feature that items to be stored and dispensed can be provided to a retailer (for example) in sealed containers which are installed in the device 101 without any need for manual handling of the items themselves. Device 101 includes a fixed part 102 and a movable part 103. The fixed part 102 includes a first section 104 in which the movable part 103 (of which only a handle 105 is visible in Figure 12) is mounted for sliding motion, in use in at least a substantially vertical direction. Fixed part 102 also includes a second section 106, detachable from the first section 104. Second section 106 is adapted to contain items 107 to be dispensed by device 101 and is adapted to be secured to first section 104 by sliding into place on slides 108. When second section 106 has thus been slid into place, a sliding panel 109 on second section 106 is removed and items 107 flow under gravity into a space 110 in first section 104. First section 104 has a front wall 111 and movable part 103 is free to be slid upwards and downwards by a user against wall 111 using handle 105. Movable part 103 is formed at its upper end with an angled face 112 which in the lowest position of movable part 103 is in line with a ramp 113. As movable part 103 is slid upwards, a number of items 107 which collected above face 112 and against wall 111 are carried upwards. Some will fall back into space 110. At the point shown in Figure 14, movable part 103 has reached an upper edge 113 of wall 111 and those items 107 which have been carried upwards by movable part 103 either have fallen or are positioned to fall down face 112 and onto a ramp 114, forming part of chute 115 and are thereby dispensed to the user. Ramp 114 and face 112 are angled to exceed the "angle of repose" of the items 107 to be dispensed.

Like its counterpart 48 in rotary dispenser 40, second section 106 may be a container having a base part 116 and a lid 117. Either or both of base part 116 and lid 117 may be transparent so that an intending user can see the goods available to be dispensed. Also analogously to container 48, second section 106 may be adapted for single use and provided by a manufacturer of the items 107 ready filled with such items and ready to replace another such container that has been emptied.

It will be understood that many variations may be made to the various devices and arrangements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. For example, to still further enhance hygiene, it is possible to provide coverings for the walls (items 6, 26, 44, 111) and ramps (11 , 31 , 45, 114) when replenishing the respective devices, so that no surface of a fixed part of the device is contacted by the dispensed items during dispensing. To provide such a covering, or any of the devices described with such a covering, is within the scope of the invention.

Claims (29)

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for storing and dispensing foodstuff items including: container for storing foodstuff items therein; and a fixed part, said container being received in said fixed part and movable in said fixed part between first and second positions, wherein in said first position of said container at least one said item collects adjacent to a first formation included in said container and against a wall of said fixed part, and wherein through movement of said container forwardly from said first position to said second position said at least one item is moved by a pushing surface of said first formation along said wall to an upper edge of said wall over which by action of gravity said at least one item falls into a discharge means included in said fixed part.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container is movable between said first position and said second position by rotation of said container about an at least approximately horizontal axis in said fixed part.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein initial movement of said at least one item away from said container and into said discharge means is at least partially in a plane perpendicular to said axis.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said container includes first and second endwalls and a sidewall extending axially therebetween said sidewall having an opening extending lengthwise and through which said at least one item passes for dispensing from said container.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said first formation extends along a first side of said opening and said pushing surface extends into said container.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said pushing surface is angled forwardly so that when said container is in said second position any said item thereon is shed from said surface into said discharge means.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein a component of said first formation having said pushing surface is connected to said sidewall by resilient means whereby said component is held in contact with said wall of said fixed part during movement of said container between said first and second positions.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said resilient means includes a resilient flap extending rearwardly from said component of said first formation to said sidewall.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 wherein said wall of said fixed part has an arcuate section centred on said axis of rotation of said container and a further section extending upwardly from said arcuate section and wherein in moving from said first position to said second position said component of said first formation is initially in contact with said arcuate section and thereafter in contact with said further section.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein said container includes a second formation extending axially along a second side of said opening and into said container and wherein in said first position of said container said at least one item collects between said first and second formations.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10 wherein said first endwall is externally visible and is at least partially translucent or transparent so that items stored in said container are externally visible to a user.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 11 wherein said first endwall of said container is or includes a lid covering an opening through which said container is tillable with said foodstuff items.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 12 wherein said container includes at least one additional internal formation for agitation of items stored in said container during rotation of said container.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13 wherein said container is manually movable from said first position to said second position by a user.

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 14 including return means for returning said container from said second position to said first position without action by a user.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said return means includes a component arranged to be resiliently deformed during rotation of said container from said first position to said second position so that a torque is applied to said container for returning said container to said first position.

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13 wherein said container is movable from said first position to said second position by drive means including an electric motor.

18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 17 wherein said container is removable from said fixed part and replaceable in said fixed part by new container containing a supply of new items to be stored and dispensed.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 having locking means in said fixed part whereby said container is held captive in said fixed part except when said locking means is unlocked by an authorised person, said container then being removable from said fixed part and replaceable in said fixed part by said new container.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19 wherein said container has a key formation thereon which is damaged by a process of correctly positioning said container in said fixed part for operation of said apparatus but which must be intact for commencement of said process, so that said container is usable once only in said apparatus.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein: correct engagement of said container in said fixed part requires two stages of movement of said container of which a first said stage is possible only when said key is intact and of which the second said stage causes damage to said key.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein: said first stage of movement requires said key formation to be axially received in a cooperating socket in a component mounted in said fixed part; said second stage of movement requires said container to be rotated from a position allowing said first stage of movement to said first position.

23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein said key formation is secured to said second end wall of said container and includes a spindle part on the axis of rotation of said container and a web extending outwardly therefrom, said damage to said key including distortion of said web.

24. Container for foodstuff items adapted for use in apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. Container for foodstuff items adapted for use in apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 23 said container having a removable closure over said opening in said sidewall.

26. Container according to claim 25 wherein said closure is a peel-off closure.

27. Container according to any one of claims 24 to 26 including foodstuff items contained therein.

28. A method for storing and dispensing foodstuff items, including the step of providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein said container of said apparatus contains said foodstuff items.

29. A method according to claim 28 wherein after dispensing of said foodstuff items by said apparatus said container is removed and replaced in said apparatus by a new container with a supply of foodstuff items therein.