AU2002313398B2 - Dispensing apparatus for confectionery and the like - Google Patents

Description

PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 1 DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR CONFECTIONARYAND 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, take 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 mixes its contents regularly, eg every time dispensing occurs, is desirable.

AMENDED SHEET IPEA1AU PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 2 In the past, numerous dispensers have been developed and used for different goods and purposes. The most common type of dispensers is where a storage container or hopper holds the material to be dispensed and provided at the base of this container is some means to dispense the stored goods.

US Patent No. 1277406 provides such a device wherein stored sugar falls into a rotary measuring cup and is dispensed therefrom.

FR 2696330 shows a similar hopper arrangement wherein a rotary paddle is provided at the bottom of the storage container.

WO97/08977 provides a dispenser for sweets which uses a feed screw to convey the sweets from the storage container above to the dispensing outlet below.

EP 286194 also provides a dispenser for sweets wherein at the base of the storage container a sluice system is used to dispense the sweets. In particular a sliding frame which moves in the horizontal direction captures a quantity of sweets and conveys them over the dispensing hole.

The difficulty with the above described type of dispensers is that the stored goods if they are of the "sticky" nature tend to clump together. This can result in being unable to dispense the stored goods and furthermore jamming of the dispenser.

DE patent 2822581 discloses a dispensing device for tablets wherein it is highly desirable to dispense one tablet at a time. A flange with recess is provided at the base of the container wherein one tablet can fit into each of the recesses.

Upon rotation a tablet is transported from the recess through an outlet and is dispensed.

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.

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PCT/AU02/01093 Received 12 December 2003 3 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.

The invention provides a dispenser apparatus for particulate foodstuff items, including: a rotary container for storing a plurality of particulate food Items, having first and second end walls, a continuos sidewall extending longitudinally between the end walls, a dispensing opening in the sidewall and a pusher formation in proximity of the dispensing opening; and a housing with a cavity in which said container is received for rotary movement, the housing having a discharge zone communicating with the cavity and at which terminates a guide wall, of the cavity, the guide wall facing the container sidewall; wherein the configuration and arrangement of the dispensing opening, the pusher formation, the guide wall and the discharge zone is such that in a pre-dispensing position of the container some of said particulate food items contained in the container are accumulated at the dispensing opening and held on the guide wall of the cavity, on rotation of the container towards a discharge position said some particulate food items are moved by said pusher formation along said guide wall towards the discharge zone and in the discharge position said some particulate food items have been pushed into the discharge zone from where these discharge under gravity action.

By having the container mounted for rotation within the housing, the food items are able to be tumbled thus minimising the likelihood of the items forming lumpy masses and the dispenser becoming jammed. Additionally by providing an opening lengthwise along the entire sidewall a larger hole may be provided, thus increasing the quantity of food that can be dispensed and also reducing further the likelihood of the dispenser becoming jammed.

To assist in the control of the number of items to be dispensed, the dispenser of the present invention has at least one (inwardly directed) pusher formation proximate to either a first or second edge of the opening of the container.

In a preferred aspect of the.invention the container used in the dispenser of the present invention is positioned in said housing such that a longitudinal axis AMENDED SHEET

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PCT/AU02/01093 Received 12 December 2003 4 of the container is substantially horizontal. Additionally, the container is preferably substantially cylindrical.

Additionally it is preferred that at least one of said inwardly directed formations is angled such that upon rotation of the container, said formation cooperates with a corresponding face in the housing, eg the guide wall, to allow the items to flow from the container Into a discharging zone of the housing and then out to the consumer.

To allow for the option of refilling or for ease of filling the container during production, the dispenser of the present invention preferably has at least one of said end walls of said container is or includes a lid covering an opening through which said container can be filled with said foodstuff items.

It is envisaged that where some of the foodstuff items are particularly sticky by nature that additional internal formations may be provided for increased agitation of the items.

The dispenser of the present invention may have a container which is either arranged for manual rotation or rotated by a drive means. The drive means includes an electric motor. Preferably the dispenser has a return means for returning said container from a dispensing position to a rest position without action by a user. More preferably, the return means includes a component arranged to be resiliently deformed during rotation of said container from said rest position to said dispensing position so that a torque is applied to said container for returning said container to said rest position.

To ensure that the foodstuffs cannot be tampered with and that the container is not removed by unauthorised persons the container may be locked into said housing.

The present invention allows for the option of the container being a single use container, wherein the container is filled and sealed by the food manufacturer. This ensures optimum freshness of the food items and greatly assists the retailers in presenting and selling the foodstuffs. To ensure single use of a particular container a key arrangement is provided, where a key component at the container is damaged during installation of the container into the housing Preferred embodiments will now be described in more detail and nonlimitingly, by reference to the attached diagrams.

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PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures la and lb 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 1 a and 1 b.

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 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 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.

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PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figures la and lb, these show the basic principle of a rotary dispenser according to the invention. A dispenser 1 includes a housing 2 and a container 3. The container 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 container 3 fits closely within an inwardly-facing wall 6 arcuate in cross-section of the housing 2, and is free to rotate from a first position, or resting position shown in Figure 1 a, to a second position or dispensing position shown in Figure lb.

The container 3 has two inwardly-facing formations 7 and 8, between inner ends of which is an opening 9 (which extends axially in the dispenser In the first position (Figure 1 a) 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 container 3 is rotated clockwise (as shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b) those items 4 in space 10 are carried or swept peripherally forward of formation 8 and upward. By the time container 3 reaches the second position (Figure l b) the items in space 10 either have fallen, or are positioned to fall, down a ramp 11 formed in housing 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 lb. 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 container 3 has reached the second position and the items 4 from space 10 have fallen clear, i.e. been dispensed, container 3 is rotated back to the first position. In the preferred mode of operation, this movement is in the opposite direction, 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 container 3 reaches the first position (Figure 1 a) again, more items 4 will have collected under the action of gravity in space AMENDED SHEET IPEN AU PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 7 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 container 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 housing 22 and a container 23, the container 23 being rotatable clockwise from a first position shown in Figure 2a. Items 24 are contained in internal space 25 of container 23. There is an inwardly facing wall 26, and two formations 27 and 28 on container 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 la. 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 container 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 Figure 2c shows a further intermediate position of container 3. As best seen in Figure 2e, container 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 lb. By the time container 23 reaches this second position the items that began in space 30 either AMENVDED SHEET

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PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 8 have fallen, or are positioned to fall, down ramp 31 formed in housing 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.

Container 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 thus a higher degree of filling of space can be achieved than for space Figure 3 is a perspective view of a practical dispenser 40 embodying the principle shown in Figures la and lb. 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 1 a 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 container 3 in Figures la and lb, 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 1 a and l b, 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 container 3.

A-IENDED SHEET IPE EAU PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 9 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 49 may be filled through an opening (not shown) where the lid is attached and the lid 50 then placed in position.

The base part 49 or both the base part 49 and lid 50 may be formed by such known methods as injection moulding of suitable plastics. Preferably, lid 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.

A M EDED SHEET I PEAAU PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 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 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 AMENDED SHEET

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PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 11 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 AMEIDED SHEET

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PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 12 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.

AMEVIDED SHEET IPE Ul PCT/AU02/01093 Received 04 November 2003 13 To provide such a covering, or any of the devices described with such a covering, is within the scope of the invention.

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Claims (17)

1. A dispenser apparatus for particulate foodstuff items, including: Z a rotary container for storing a plurality of particulate food items, having first and second end walls, a continuous sidewall extending longitudinally between the end walls, a dispensing opening in the sidewall and a pusher 0 formation in proximity of the dispensing opening; and a housing with a cavity in which said container is received for rotary movement, the housing having a discharge zone communicating with the cavity and at which terminates a guide wall of the cavity, the guide wall facing the container sidewall; wherein the configuration and arrangement of the dispensing opening, the pusher formation, the guide wall and the discharge zone is such that in a pre-dispensing position of the container some of said particulate food items contained in the container are accumulated at the dispensing opening and held on the guide wall of the cavity, on rotation of the container towards a discharge position said some particulate food items are moved by said pusher formation along said guide wall towards the discharge zone and in the discharge position said some particulate food items have been pushed into the discharge zone from where these discharge under gravity action.

2. The dispenser apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing opening in the container extends lengthwise along the sidewall.

3. The dispenser apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing opening includes a first and a second edge, and wherein the pusher formation is provided at one of said edges protruding into the container interior.

4. The dispenser apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the pusher formation has a height into the interior of the container and is shaped such as to control the number of items that can be pushed during rotation of the container whilst maintaining same at the dispensing opening for subsequent discharge form the housing. PCT/AU02/01093 Received 12 December 2003 The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said container is positioned in said housing such that a longitudinal axis of said container, which is its axis of rotation, is substantially horizontal. 6, The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said container is substantially cylindrical.

7. The dispenser apparatus of claim 6, wherein the guide wall is arcuate in shape, and the discharge zone includes an opening in the housing from which a discharge ramp extends away from the cavity, the ramp forming an angled edge with the guide wall.

8. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a portion of the sidewall of the container at which the pusher formation is located is made of resilient material thereby to bias the sidewall portion towards the guide wall of the housing cavity.

9. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said inwardly directed pusher formation is angled such that upon rotation of the container, said formation cooperates with the guide wall of the housing cavity to allow the items to flow from the container into the discharge zone of the housing. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said container includes at least one additional internal formation for agitation of items stored in said container during rotation of said container.

11. The dispenser apparatus of claim 3 and 10, wherein one of said additional formations is provided at the dispensing opening edge opposite the location of the pusher formation.

12. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of said end walls of said container is or includes a lid covering an opening through which said container can be filled with the particulate foodstuff items. AMENDED SHEET IPEANAU PCT/AU02/01093 Received 12 Decemiber 2003 16 13, The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said container is arranged for manual rotation to dispense the foodstuff items.

14. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further including an electric motor and drive arrangement for rotating the container.

15. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further including a non-discharge position return mechanism arranged for automatically returning said container from the discharge position to a rest position without action by a user.

16. The dispenser apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said return mechanism includes a resilient member arranged to be resiliently deformed during rotation of said container from saidorest position to said discharge position and apply torque to said container for returning said container to said rest position.

17. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said container is a single use container.

18. The dispenser apparatus according to claim 16, further including co- operating key elements on the container and housing that are arranged to engage during installation of the container into the housing and at least the container key elements being formed such as to be damaged upon removal of the container from the housing cavity thereby to prevent correct re-insertion of the same container within the housing cavity. 19, The dispenser apparatus of claim 18, wherein the key elements include a spindle part of the axis of rotation of the container at one of its end walls, with a deformable or severable key web extending radially outwardly there from, and a socket at the housing cavity arranged to receive the spindle and key web, and wherein the key components are formed such that a two stage movement of said container is required to correctly insert it into the cavity, a first of the movement stages being axial displacement of the spindle into the socket and being possible AMENDED SHEET IPENAU NO c only when said web is intact and wherein a second one of said movement stages causes damage to said key web. z The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further including a lock mechanism arranged to prevent unauthorized removal of the 00 5 container from the housing.

21. The dispenser apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, said N container having a removable closure over said dispensing opening in said Osidewall.

22. Container for foodstuff items adapted for use in the dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A dispenser apparatus of particulate foodstuff items, which apparatus is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the Figures. DATED this 31st day of October 2006 MARS, INCORPORATED WATERMARK PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS 290 BURWOOD ROAD HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122 AUSTRALIA P19628AUPC