NL2017408B1 - Dispenser for semi spherical food products - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an in-store self-service dispenser. The dispenser comprises a driven dispensing conveyor for dispensing the tomatoes. The dispensing conveyor comprises a conveyor belt that is provided with a pattern of gripping members. The gripping members are dimensioned and grouped such that they in combination, i.e. two gripping members, will entail a cherry tomato along a dispensing trajectory. The gripping members are grouped for example in pairs, for each pair entailing a single cherry tomato, or in rows, i.e. a combination of pairs, for entailing a row of cherry tomatoes, each tomato of that row being engaged by two gripping members. The gripping members thus provide a discontinuous front for picking up cherry tomatoes to settle relative to each other when engaged.

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands

© 2017408

BI PATENT (51) Int. CL:

A47F 1/03 (2016.01) G01F 13/00 (2017.01) G07F 11/44 (2017.01) (21) Application number: 2017408 © Application submitted: 02/09/2016

© Application registered: 09/03/2018 © Patent holder (s): Harvest House B.V. in MAASDIJK. © Request published: (72) Inventor (s): Jacco Frederik de Haan in ROTTERDAM. © Patent granted: Martinus Cornells from Scheppingen 09/03/2018 in HOOFDDORR Gerardus Arnoldus Petrus Johannes Visker © Patent issued: in ROCKANJE. 13/03/2018 Philip van Antwerpen in AMSTERDAM. Jeroen Klaasjan Verbrugge in HOEK VAN HOLLAND. © Authorized representative: ir. H.V. Mertens et al. In Rijswijk.

© Dispenser for semi-spherical food products (57) The invention relates to an in-store self-service dispenser. The dispenser comprises a driven dispensing conveyor for dispensing the tomatoes. The dispensing conveyor comprises a conveyor belt that is provided with a pattern of gripping members. The gripping members are dimensioned and grouped such that they are in combination, i.e. two gripping members, will entail a cherry tomato along a dispensing trajectory. The gripping members are grouped for example in pairs, for each pair entailing a single cherry tomato, or in rows, i.e. a combination of pairs, for entailing a row of cherry tomatoes, each tomato or that row being engaged by two gripping members. The gripping members thus provide a discontinuous front for picking up cherry tomatoes to settle relative to each other when engaged.

NL BI 2017408

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P32799NL00 / MHR

Dispenser for semi spherical food products

The invention relates to an in-store self-service dispenser operated by consumers, for cherry tomatoes dispensing and similar semi-spherical food products.

Self-service dispensers for dispensing cherry tomatoes are known from the prior art. For example, W02015101858 discloses such a dispenser. These known dispensers employ a drum with slots in its outer circumference for picking up products and dispensing them.

It has been submitted that the prior art dispensers have several drawbacks.

For example, to pick up products, the slots need to be a filling position for some time, and / or should be moved slowly through said filling position, to enable the slot to be filled with products. Therefore, the drums are hero and / or rotated slowly, which in turn slows down the dispensing process.

Also, this type of dispensers dispenses metered portions, the portion being defined by the amount or product hero in the slot. The drum is rotated until a slot passes the dispensing position, in which dispensing position the products fall from the slot. If the consumer wants more products, the drum needs to be rotated further until a subsequent slot is moved into the dispensing position and a subsequent portion of products is provided. Thus, this type of dispensers is configured to provide a cascaded flow of products, i.e., provides products in steps or or example with products with each slot. Such a flow limits the consumer in metering a portion to his own liking.

Furthermore, the prior art drum type dispensers are rather bulky. Providing a drum with multiple cavities or slots, for each receiving multiple products, requires the drum to have diameter substantially larger than the diameter of products to be dispensed. Also, when many slots are provided, a large diameter drum is required which in turn leads to a large dispenser (or a dispenser which can only hold a small amount of products). This is a drawback because, especially in the retail environment, space is an expensive commodity.

Thus, a bulky device will be less likely to be located in a store, in particular at a prime location.

-2 It is an object of the invention to provide an improved dispenser. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an in-store self-service dispenser in which the aforementioned drawbacks are eliminated altogether or occur in a greatly reduced extent.

Therefore, the invention provides an in-store self-service dispenser operated by consumers, for cherry tomatoes dispensing and similar semi-spherical food products, according to claim 1.

An in-store self-service dispenser according to the invention comprises:

- a hopper, for holding multiple cherry tomatoes;

- a feeder plate;

- a driven dispensing conveyor, for dispensing the tomatoes;

- an actuator, for actuating the driven dispensing conveyor;

- a chute, for guiding dispensed cherry tomatoes into a receptacle;

- a housing, which housing supports the hopper, the feeder plate, the driven dispensing conveyor; the actuator and the chute;

wait the hopper, the feeder plate, the dispensing conveyor and the chute define a dispensing trajectory, the dispensing trajectory extending from the hopper to the chute, via the feeder plate and the dispensing conveyor, for transporting the cherry tomatoes from the hopper to the chute , the hopper is open at a bottom end for feeding the cherry tomatoes, along the dispensing trajectory, to the feeder plate, the feeder plate is inclined downwards in a direction towards the dispensing conveyor, to gravity feed the cherry tomatoes along the dispensing trajectory towards the dispensing conveyor, taking the feeder plate and the dispensing conveyor join at a transfer zone, from which transfer zone the dispensing conveyor picks up cherry tomatoes presented by the feeder plate, taking the dispensing conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, which conveyor belt extends along the dispensing trajectory from a pick up end towards a dispensing end, at which dispensing end the cherry t omatoes are dropped from the conveyor belt into the chute,

-3wherein the conveyor belt has a support surface for supporting the cherry tomatoes, and on said support surface is provided with a pattern of gripping members, which gripping members are dimensioned and distributed on the support surface for, in combination, entailing the cherry tomatoes supported on the support surface, and entail the cherry tomatoes into the dispensing direction along the dispensing trajectory, and the actuator is provided with an interface that allows a consumer to actuate the driven dispenser, ie to drive the conveyor belt or the dispensing conveyor, and to thus dispense the cherry tomatoes.

According to the invention, the dispenser comprises a driven dispensing conveyor, including a conveyor belt, for dispensing the tomatoes. The conveyor belt is provided with a pattern of gripping members, which gripping members are dimensioned and grouped such that in combination, i.e. two gripping members, they will entail a cherry tomato along the dispensing trajectory. The gripping members are thus grouped for example in pairs, for each pair entailing a single cherry tomato, or in rows, i.e. a combination of pairs, for entailing a row of cherry tomatoes, each tomato or that row being engaged by two gripping members.

Thus, with a dispenser according to the invention, the dispenser device has no continuous front, i.e. does not employ a single continuous wall or surface that engages a full row of cherry tomatoes at once. The gripping members provide a discontinuous front that allows the cherry tomatoes to settle relative to each other when engaged. Furthermore, the discontinuous front of gripping members more delicately engages the cherry tomatoes when passing through the transfer zone for engaging the cherry tomatoes.

According to the invention, the conveyor belt or the dispensing conveyor extends along the dispensing trajectory, and thus provides a support surface for supporting a layer of cherry tomatoes. The gripping members are provided on the conveyor belt to entail cherry tomatoes supported on the support surface along the dispensing trajectory, from the transfer zone to the dispensing zone.

It is submitted that the diameter of the return rolls of the conveyor is not linked to the dimension and number of the gripping members, and to the pattern in which they are provided. Providing a conveyor belt thus allows for a compact dispenser, more in particular

-4 allows for a compact dispenser that is capable of transporting multiple rows or cherry tomatoes.

Furthermore the dispensing conveyor allows the chute to be located below the dispensing conveyor, in particular a small diameter return roll allows for locating the chute below the conveyor for receiving cherry tomatoes dropped from the conveyor over a limited drop height. Prior art drums require a chute to be located adjacent the wheel, to prevent a large drop height for the cherry tomatoes being dispensed, which creates a gap between chute and drum and may get the jammed between the chute and the drum. The dispensing conveyor according to the invention thus is especially beneficial for dispensing delicate cherry tomatoes.

In an embodiment, side walls are provided along the conveyor to prevent cherry tomatoes from sliding off the conveyor belt sideways. In an embodiment, in addition to or instead of the side walls, rows of gripping members are provided along the sides of the conveyor belt. These rows of gripping members do not function as a support for enticing cherry tomatoes in the dispensing direction, but act as stops to prevent cherry tomatoes from rolling from the conveyor sideways and / or from sliding along a wall surface along the belt.

In an embodiment, the dispensing conveyor, or at least the support surface of the conveyor belt extending along the dispensing trajectory, inclined upward in a direction towards the chute, such that the substantially spherical cherry tomatoes supported on the support surface intend to roll backwards , ie towards the transfer zone and contrary to the dispensing direction, and are thus positioned against the gripping members entailing the cherry tomatoes in the dispensing direction.

In an embodiment, the gripping members are distributed on the support surface such that in a first direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction, the gripping members are interspaced relative to each other such that cherry tomatoes can pass between them, and in a second direction at an angle to the first direction, are interspaced relative to each other such that the gripping members, in combination, entail cherry tomatoes.

In a further embodiment, the gripping members are furthermore grouped in rows, ie a combination of pairs, the rows extending at an angle to the dispensing direction, to transport rows of cherry tomatoes, said rows of cherry tomatoes extending at an angle to the dispensing direction.

-5Thus, in these terms, the gripping members are provided in pairs or rows extending at an angle to the dispensing direction, i.e. a line connecting the two or more gripping members grouped for entailing a product would extend at an angle to the dispensing direction. The gripping members are interspaced along that line such that in combination, i.e. a pair of gripping members, they will engage and support the product, and thus support the product against movement contrary to the dispensing direction and in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction. The gripping members thus stabilize individual cherry tomatoes in three directions.

For example, a row of five gripping members, said row extending at an angle to the dispensing direction of 50 degrees, would allow the gripping members to support four cherry tomatoes between them, the row of cherry tomatoes extending at the 50 degree angle to the dispensing direction.

Because the pairs or rows of gripping members extend at an angle to the dispensing direction, the angle with the dispensing direction being narrower than 90 degrees, preferably being narrower than 80 degrees, the cherry tomatoes or such a row are not dispensed all at once but one after the other. Furthermore, if the gripping members are grouped to entail the cherry tomatoes adjacent each other, a substantial continuous flow of cherry tomatoes can be dispensed by a single row of gripping members.

The substantial continuous flow of cherry tomatoes allows the consumer to better his / her portion.

Furthermore, by arranging the gripping members in overlapping rows, such that the rows overlap each other when seen in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction, multiple parallel rows of cherry tomatoes can be transported in the dispensing direction at once. Also, when the conveyor belt is provided with such overlapping rows, multiple rows are dispensed at once, each one product at the time, at the dispensing end of the conveyor.

In such an embodiment, the overlapping rows can be staggered relative to each other, such that not all rows dispense a product at the same time.

Also, in such a configuration, the product is not picked up at the transfer zone one row at the time, but product by product for each row. This creates a more continuous flow of cherry tomatoes in the transfer zone as well, which reduces the impact on the cherry tomatoes in the product flow.

-6In a further embodiment, the gripping members are arranged in parallel rows as mentioned above, ie the rows extend at an angle to the dispensing direction and the interspacing of the gripping members relative to each other is such that they, in combination, entail cherry tomatoes, the rows of gripping members do not extend up to the side of the conveyor. Instead, the rows of gripping members leave a space between the inclined row and the side of the transport conveyor, at least at the downstream end of the row, which space is large enough for cherry tomatoes to pass through. By providing such a passage at the upstream end of a row of gripping members, it is prevented that cherry tomatoes accumulate in a corner area where the inclined row would meet the side of the conveyor.

In a further embodiment, the gripping members are arranged in rows as mentioned above, ie the rows extend at an angle to the dispensing direction and the interspacing of the gripping members relative to each other is such that they, in combination, entail cherry tomatoes, the subsequent rows or gripping members are not parallel. Instead, they extend at an opposite angle to the dispensing direction. In such an embodiment, two subsequent rows or gripping members are mirrored relative to a plane or symmetry extending at the center of the conveyor belt. Such a configuration is useful when the cherry tomatoes picked up in the transfer zone have a tendency to be moved by the row of gripping members towards a side of the transfer zone. Since subsequent rows of gripping members are inclined, relative to the transport direction, at opposite angles, the cherry tomatoes are moved to one side by a first row of gripping members and to the opposite side by the subsequent row of gripping members. Thus, it is prevented that cherry tomatoes accumulate at one side of the transfer zone.

In the transfer zone, the products are collected prior to being dispensed. The feeder plate feeds products into the transfer zone, the dispensing conveyor, when driven, moves products out of the transfer zone. The flow of products provided by the feeder plate may consist of stacked products, i.e. multiple layers of products on top of each other, while the conveyor belt or the dispensing conveyor preferably dispenses a single layer of products.

It is noted that in an embodiment, the transfer zone, i.e. the zone where the products are collected and may still be stacked onto each other, may overlap with the conveyor belt or the dispensing conveyor. In such an embodiment, the conveyor may be set at an angle and / or a skimmer may be provided above the conveyor belt to reduce the flow of products to a single layer and prevent products from being dispensed by the dispensing conveyor stacked one upon the other .

-7In an embodiment, the dispensing conveyor, or at least the support surface of the conveyor belt extending along the dispensing trajectory, is inclined upwards in a direction away from the transfer zone, such that it blocks the stream of cherry tomatoes presented by the feeder plate, preferably forms a barrier having a height for blocking two layers of cherry tomatoes. Thus, the conveyor acts as a barrier that prevents cherry tomatoes from prematurely moving from the transfer zone. This is particularly beneficial when the feeder plate is configured to feed the cherry tomatoes into the transfer zone by way of gravity only.

In a further embodiment, the support surface of the conveyor belt extending along the dispensing direction and the feeder plate and a transfer angle in a plane parallel to the dispensing direction, which transfer angle is at least 150 degrees, preferably at least 160 degrees and is at most 170 degrees.

Thus, the conveyor and the feeder plate together create a basin at the transfer zone, for collecting the cherry tomatoes to be dispensed. The inclined feeder plate securing a flow of cherry tomatoes into the transfer zone, while the inclined conveyor prevents the cherry tomatoes form exiting the transfer zone when the conveyor is not driven.

In an embodiment, the feeder plate has a length, extending in the dispensing direction, or multiple cherry tomatoes, preferably or at least seven cherry tomatoes, to provide an optimal stream or cherry tomatoes to the dispensing conveyor.

In an embodiment, the feeder plate meets the conveyor on the curved surface or a return roll, more in particular the curved surface created by the conveyor belt extending over the return roll. In such an embodiment, the return roll provides a barrier, preventing the product to slide directly from the feeder plate onto the support surface. Thus, in such an embodiment, the conveyor, or more in particular the support surface of the conveyor belt extending along the dispensing trajectory, can extend at a shallow angle relative to the horizontal without the risk of cherry tomatoes sliding onto that support surface

Furthermore, when the curvature of the return roll passes through the transfer zone, the gripping members that pass through the transfer zone, due to the conveyor belt being "are" by the curvature of the return roll, open up, ie move away from each other, to thus facilitate transfer of the cherry tomatoes onto the support surface of the conveyor.

When the gripping members pass the return roll, the curvature of the return roll makes the outer ends of the gripping members move away from each other, thus opening up the

-8space between them to further facilitate cherry tomatoes to be received between them. This reduces the “filling time” compared to slots or the drum-based dispensers, i.e. the time required for the dispenser to pick up cherry tomatoes.

In an embodiment, the feeder plate is a driven feeder plate to promote the flow of cherry tomatoes onto the dispensing conveyor. In such an embodiment, the feeder plate is driven such that it vibrates, the vibrations of the plate promoting the flow of cherry tomatoes towards and / or onto the dispensing conveyor.

Thus, in such an embodiment, the feeder plate can extend at a shallow angle relative to the horizontal without the risk of cherry tomatoes not being moved into the transfer zone and onto the conveyor belt. The reduced angle furthermore reduced the pressure of the cherry tomatoes exerts on the cherry tomatoes accumulated in the transfer zone, which in turn reduces chances of the cherry tomatoes getting damaged.

In a preferred embodiment, the feeder plate is hingeable supported at an end away from the transfer zone, and is supported by a vibration generating device at an end located at the transfer zone. In an alternative embodiment, the feeder plate is a flexible plate, which is fixed at an end away from the transfer zone, and is supported by a vibration generating device at an end located at the transfer zone. In both, the feeder pate is driven by a vibration device located near or at the transfer zone and configured to lift and drop the end of the feeder plate located at the transfer zone, to thus shudder the feeder plate, the vibrations thus generated promoting the flow of cherry tomatoes along the inclined feeder plate surface.

In a further preferred embodiment, the feeder plate is driven by a return roll or the dispensing conveyor. In such an embodiment the return roll functions such as the vibration device, and the actuation of the dispensing conveyor are directly coupled with the actuation of the feeder device. In a highly advantageous embodiment, the return roll or the conveyor is provided with gears on each end, and the feeder plate is on corresponding opposite sides provided with ends that rest on those gears. Thus when the conveyor is driven, the gears rotate, thus continuously lifting and dropping the ends of the feeder plate resting on those gears, thus shaking the feeder plate. Thus, a dispenser is provided in an efficient way with a driven feeder plate, the actuation of which is directly linked to the actuation of the dispensing conveyor, and thus to the actuation by the consumer.

-9Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the dispensing conveyor is configured as a removable unit, a configuration in which the feeder plate rests on gears provided at the ends of the return roll allows for an efficient way to couple and uncouple the feeder plate with the removable unit, ie by simply lifting (uncouple) the feeder plate from the gears, or lowering the feeder plate onto the gears (coupling).

In an embodiment, the feeder plate, at an end located at the transfer zone, has a transfer edge located adjacent the support surface of the conveyor belt or the dispensing conveyer, which transfer edge is provided with multiple setbacks for passing through the gripping members. When providing the conveyor with interspaced gripping members, providing a discontinuous front extending along the width of the conveyor, the connection of the feeder plate to the conveyor can thus be improved. By providing the feeder plate with setbacks that allow the gripping members to pass the feeder plate, sections of the feeder plate located between the setbacks can extend up to the support surface of the conveyor track. A gap between the feeder plate and the conveyor, extending along the full width of the conveyor, can thus be prevented. Thus, the feeder plate better connects with the conveyor, and the chance of cherry tomatoes getting stuck and / or are busted in a gap between the feeder plate and the conveyor is reduced. Such an embodiment is therefore particularly beneficial for dispensing delicate food products.

In such an embodiment, certain areas of the support surface of the conveyor belt are kept free from gripping members. These gripping member free areas extend in the dispensing direction. At these gripping member free areas the feeder plate can extend up to the support surface or the conveyor belt.

In an embodiment, in addition or instead, the chute, more in particular a product support surface of the chute, is provided with such a transfer edge adjacent the dispensing conveyor.

In an embodiment, above the transfer zone and substantially perpendicular to the dispensing direction, a flexible skimmer sheet is provided, to reduce stacked layers of cherry tomatoes, preferably provide a single layer of cherry tomatoes to the dispensing conveyor at the transfer zone.

Typically, the skimmer sheet extends substantially perpendicular to the dispensing direction, such that it defines a passage between a lower end of the skimmer sheet and the support surface of the conveyor, which passage is dimensioned to allow only a single layer of cherry

- 10tomatoes to pass through. The skimmer sheet is flexible such as in case of stacked cherry tomatoes passing through the passage, the skimmer sheet flexes and pushes the cherry tomatoes into a downward direction, ie towards the support surface of the conveyor, rather than simply blocking passage of the cherry tomatoes . Thus, the chance of cherry tomatoes getting damaged by the skimmer is reduced.

In an embodiment, the skimmer is a flexible skimmer sheet, made of a flexible sheet of plastic material, for example a flexible plastic or rubber, and is an end away from the dispensing conveyor, supported by the housing of the dispenser.

In addition, the skimmer sheet may be cut such, that it includes multiple parallel flaps that each may flex individually in a direction parallel to the dispensing direction.

A flexible skimmer sheet is particularly beneficial when delicate products such as cherry tomatoes are dispensed.

In an alternative embodiment, the skimmer may be embodied in the form of a hinged plate, said plate being hinged at a side away from the dispensing conveyor, and being hinged about an axis parallel to the support surface of the conveyor and perpendicular to the dispensing direction. Thus, the plate can pivot in the dispensing direction. In such an embodiment, the skimmer plate is biased into a skimming position, in which the opening between the skimmer plate and the support surface of the conveyor is minimal. Such a skimmer plate functions in a way similar as discussed above with respect to the flexible skimmer sheet.

In an embodiment, the actuator for driving the dispensing conveyor is configured for manually driving the dispensing conveyor. In such an embodiment, the interface that allows a consumer to actuate the driven dispenser to drive the conveyor belt can be provided for example in the form of a handle which, when pulled, moves the conveyor over a certain distance, or as a wheel that is to be rotated by the consumer to drive the conveyor belt, etc.

In an embodiment, the actuator for driving the dispensing conveyor comprises a motor, e.g. an electrical motor, for driving the dispensing conveyor. In such an embodiment, the interface of the actuator can be provided in the form of for example a switch or push button.

- 11 Also, the interface may be provided with a pay system, configured to drive the conveyor over a certain system after a certain amount has been paid. In an alternative embodiment, the pay system allows the consumer to actuate the driven dispensing conveyor over a certain distance or during a certain interval.

In an embodiment, the driven dispensing conveyor is configured as a removable unit, which unit is removably mounted in the housing, and is connected to the actuator via a releasable connection, to enable temporary removal for cleaning purposes and / or replacement. In yet another embodiment, the connector is part of the removable unit and both can be removed, preferably in combination, from the housing.

In such, the driven dispensing conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, return rolls and at least a device for driving the dispensing conveyor, or at least a connector for connecting the driven dispensing conveyor with a device for driving the dispenser. The driven dispensing conveyor can thus be removed from the housing as a single unit, i.e. without the need of being disassembled.

In a preferred embodiment, the components of the removable unit, e.g., the drive for driving the conveyor belt, are mainly located within the confines of the conveyor belt, such that the unit is essentially a cassette with the conveyor belt extending around it. This allows for a compact removable unit.

In a further embodiment, the dispensing conveyor is configured as a removable unit that allows for easy replacement of the conveyor belt. In such an embodiment, the dispensing conveyor unit can be tasks from the housing, after which the conveyor belt can be tasks from the unit to facilitate cleaning or the conveyor belt and to allow easy access to the other components of the removable unit, for example to enable easy cleaning. Furthermore, such an embodiment allows for replacing the conveyor belt with a belt having a different pattern of gripping members, for example to use the dispenser with tomatoes or a different size or to use the dispenser with other semi spherical food products.

In an embodiment the removable unit is supported in a bottom compartment housing, which is preferably configured as a cradle for receiving the driven dispensing conveyor, in particular the removable unit. In a further embodiment, the bottom compartment of the housing also comprises a driven feeder plate, which driven feeder plate is preferably configured to be driven by the driven dispensing conveyor.

- 12 In an embodiment, the housing comprises a bottom compartment and a top compartment, the top compartment comprises the hopper, and the bottom compartment comprises the feeder plate, the driven dispensing conveyor and the chute, and the bottom compartment supports the top compartment such that the top compartment can be removed to provide access to the driven dispensing conveyor. By thus providing the dispenser with a removable hopper, easy access can be provided to the components of the dispenser, for example to enable cleaning, repair, etc. or those components.

The dispenser according to the invention is configured for dispensing semi-spherical food products, in particular cherry tomatoes. The dispenser can also be used with other type or semi-spherical food products, for example nuts, berries or the like. It should be noted that some features can be adapted to make the dispenser better fit the product to be dispensed, in particular the interspacing and the size of the gripping members may be adapted to fit a particular product. For example, larger semi-spherical food products require longer gripping members, interspaced at a greater distance compared to smaller semi-spherical food products. Also, the outflow opening of the hopper, the angle of the feeder plate, etc. may be adapted to better fit the characteristics of a particular product.

In an embodiment, components of the dispenser may be adjustable, or may comprise adjustable components. For example the outflow of the hopper may be adjustable, for example by providing a sliding valve to adjust an outflow opening, the inclination of the feeder plate and / or the inclination of the dispensing conveyor may be adjustable, etc.

In an embodiment, the dispenser, in particular the housing of the dispenser, is configured to be stacked, and / or to be grouped in rows or dispensers. Thus different dispensers can be combined in a single set up, each dispenser being provided with a different type or product. For example, one dispenser for red tomatoes, one for green tomatoes and one for yellow tomatoes.

In an embodiment, the chute may be configured to support a receptacle, for example a paper bag, for receiving the dispensed products. In a further embodiment, the chute may be provided with a weighing device, the weighing device displaying the weight of the amount of products received in the receptacle supported by the chute.

In an embodiment, the chute is provided with a resilient area for receiving products dropped from the dispensing conveyor. In such an embodiment, the chute may be formed from sheet metal, and is provided with a layer of flexible material, e.g. a rubber insert or a pouch

- 13 attachments on the chute, on the area the products dropped from the conveyor are received, for softening the impact. This is especially beneficial in case delicate products are dispensed.

The invention provides an in-store self-service dispenser operated by consumers, for cherry tomatoes dispensing and similar semi-spherical food products.

In an embodiment, the dispenser may comprise a stock or stack of receptacles, which are presented to a consumer at the time to be filled by the consumer with tomatoes.

It is submitted that the dimensions of the gripping members are preferably matched with the product to be dispensed. For example, the height of the gripping members is preferably such that they only entail a single layer of cherry tomatoes. Thus, the gripping members preferably do not extend beyond two thirds of the height of the particular product to be dispensed.

It is furthermore submitted that the diameter of the gripping members is preferably smaller than the diameter of the semi-spherical products to be dispensed. In an embodiment, the dispenser is configured for dispensing cherry tomatoes and the gripping members have a diameter smaller than the diameter of typical cherry tomatoes. For example, for dispensing cherry tomatoes having an average diameter of 1.5 cm gripping members are used that have a diameter smaller than 1.5 cm, for example have a diameter between 1.2 cm and 0.6 cm, for example of 0.8 cm.

Furthermore, the shape of the gripping member is preferably matched with the product to be dispensed. For example, in case of delicate food products, the gripping members preferably are rounded and / or are provided with a rounded or chamfered cross section, without any edges or corners that may cause peak pressures in the products where contacted by the gripping members.

In an embodiment, the gripping members are cylindrical shaped, or have a cylindrical shaped midsection for contacting the products, and protrude from the support surface of the conveyor belt in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the gripping members are conical shaped, having a spherical top, and protrude from the support surface or the conveyor belt in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

- 14 However, for example hemispherical shaped, conical shaped, mushroom shaped gripping members, etc. can also be used.

In an embodiment, the dispenser according to the invention is configured for dispensing cherry tomatoes.

It is submitted that cherry tomatoes are a specific variety of tomatoes. Although they can range in size from a berry size up to the size of a plum, they are typically produced having an average size in the range of 15-20 mm. Also, the shape of cherry tomatoes may range from being spherical to oblong, having a length of 20-30 mm and a diameter of 15-20 mm. However, they are typically produced with a semi spherical shape.

For cherry tomatoes having a diameter of about 15-20 mm, the gripping members can be provided in the shape of conical shaped bodies, having a spherical top and a diameter of about 6 mm just below the spherical top at a height of about 6 mm , the gripping member having an overall height including the spherical shaped top, or about 8 mm.

Furthermore, for dispensing cherry tomatoes having an average diameter of about 20 mm, the gripping members are preferably spaced at a distance of 20 mm, the gripping members having a diameter of 0.7 cm. Thus, the gripping members are interspaced at a distance of 13 mm, i.e. the passage between the gripping members has a width of 13 mm, which allows two gripping members to securely entail a cherry tomato having a diameter of about 15 mm or more. When for example apricots have an average diameter of 2.5 cm are dispensed, the spacing between two gripping members can be larger, for example is 20 mm. this can be achieved by increasing the space between the gripping members and / or increasing the diameter of the gripping members. However, it is worth noting that the diameter of the gripping members is preferably small, since this allows for guiding the conveyor belt over a return roll having a comparatively small diameter. Typically, an increase in the diameter of the gripping members reduces the flexibility of the conveyor belt.

Other semi spherical food products that can be dispensed using a dispenser according to the invention are for example nuts, e.g. walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, berries, e.g. gooseberries, blueberries, blackberries, plums, apricots, cherries, etc.

The gripping members are preferably made of a flexible material, preferably are an integral part of the conveyor belt. Preferably, the gripping members have a small diameter, such that

- 15during use they are flexible enough to flex a certain extend and thus reduce the chance of damaging delicate food products such as cherry tomatoes.

In an embodiment, different conveyor belts can be used to enable a dispenser to be adapted to a certain type or product. These conveyor belts may vary in the pattern and dimensions of the gripping members such that they are optimally configured to handle different types of products. For example, one conveyor belt can be provided with small sized gripping members spaced close to each other for handling semi spherical fruit products having a small diameter, for example berries, while another conveyor belt is provided with large sized gripping members spaced further away from each other for handling semi-spherical fruit products with a larger diameter, for example cherry tomatoes.

In a further embodiment the driven dispensing conveyor is configured to allow for the conveyor belt to be replaced, preferably is configured as a removable unit that allows for easy replacement of the conveyor belt once the removable unit has been tasks from the housing, and the dispenser is provided with multiple conveyor belts. Thus, the dispenser can be easily adapted to a different type or product to be dispensed.

In an embodiment, the conveyor belt is provided with a grid or opening, said opening being configured for mounting gripping members on the conveyor belt. In such an embodiment, the gripping members are provided in the form of separate bodies that can be mounted on the conveyor belt, for example by using a screw type connection or a force fit connection. Thus the patter or gripping members can be adjusted to fit a particular type or product to be dispensed. Also, such an embodiment allows for more flexible gripping members to be replaced with more rigid gripping members, larger gripping members to be replaced with smaller gripping members, etc.

In an embodiment, the dispensing conveyor extends along the dispensing trajectory to such an extent that the dispensing conveyor can hold pattern of cherry tomatoes, the individual cherry tomatoes not contacting each other, which cherry tomatoes are preferably grouped in multiple rows, said rows preferably extending at an angel to the dispensing direction.

In an embodiment, the return roll or the conveyor belt located at the transfer zone has a diameter or at least 4 cm and at most 6 cm, preferably is about 5 cm. Such a diameter promotes the gripping members moving away from each other when passing the return roll, thus facilitating transfer of the cherry tomatoes onto the support surface of the conveyor.

- 16 In an embodiment, the return roll or the conveyor belt located at the transfer zone has a diameter or at least 4 cm and at most 6 cm, preferably is about 5 cm. Such a diameter allows for locating the chute below the conveyor, with a drop height small enough to prevent damage to cherry tomatoes.

In an embodiment the distance between the rotational axes or the return rolls lies in the range of 7-9 cm, preferably is about 8 cm.

In such an embodiment a single rotation or a return roll would advance the conveyor belt about a distance or about 3 cm. In a preferred embodiment, the gripping members are grouped such that the dispense quantity is three cherry tomatoes at once, preferably provided by three parallel rows of tomatoes, each row dispensing one cherry tomato. In an embodiment, the gripping members are grouped to dispense a maximum of cherry tomatoes at once, said maximum preferably being at most fifteen cherry tomatoes at once.

In an embodiment, the dispenser is configured to enable the consumer to dispense three cherry tomatoes at once. The actuator is provided in the form of a handle, the actuator is configured such that a minimum of 3 cherry tomatoes, while a full pull of 10-15 cherry tomatoes.

The invention furthermore provides a method for providing consumers with cherry tomatoes, said method including:

- providing a dispenser according to one or more of the preceding claims,

- filling the buffer or the dispenser with cherry tomatoes.

Advantageous expo of the dispenser according to the invention and the method according to the invention are disclosed in the subclaims and in the description, in which the invention is further illustrated and elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary edition, or which some are shown in the schematic drawing.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an in-store self-service dispenser according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of the dispenser or Fig. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view in a cross section along the line a-a or the dispenser or Fig. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view or a bottom compartment of the dispenser or Fig. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of some components of the dispenser or Fig. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the bottom compartment of Fig. 4;

FIG. 7 shows three different layouts or a conveyor belt according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a close up in top view or a section of a conveyor belt or the dispenser or Fig. 1;

FIG. 9 shows a close up in a side view or a section of a conveyor belt or the dispenser or Fig.

1;

FIG. 10 shows close up in side view of the dispensing conveyor, the feeder plate and flexible skimmer;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the components or Figs. 10;

FIG. 12 is a close up of the dispensing conveyor and of the feeder plate;

FIG. 13 shows an alternative layout of a conveyor belt according to the invention;

FIG. 14 shows a further alternative layout of a conveyor belt according to the invention; and FIG. 15 shows a further alternative layout or a conveyor belt according to the invention.

In FIG. 1 is shown as a side view of an exemplary embodiment or an in-store self-service dispenser 1 to be operated by consumers, for cherry tomatoes dispensing 1 and similar semi-spherical food products, according to the invention. FIG. 2 a frontal view of the dispenser or FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a side view in the cross section of the dispenser.

Shown in the particular embodiment, the dispenser is configured for semi-spherical food dispensing products in the form of cherry tomatoes 11.

The dispenser 1 comprises a housing 2. In the housing are provided a hopper 3, a feeder plate 4, a driven dispensing conveyor 5 and a chute 6. The dispenser 1 furthermore comprises an actuator 7.

The hopper 3, the feeder plate 4, the dispensing conveyor 5 and the chute 6 define a dispensing trajectory 8. The dispensing trajectory extends from the hopper 3 to the chute 6, via the feeder plate 4 and the dispensing conveyor 5, for transporting the products 11 from the hopper to the chute. Thus, products move in the dispensing direction 9 along the dispensing trajectory 8 while they move from the hopper to the chute.

The hopper 3 is located at the top of the dispenser and is configured to hold the products 11 to be dispensed. In the particular embodiment shown, the hopper 3 has an opening 10 at a bottom end, and a guide plate 12 for feeding the cherry tomatoes, along the dispensing trajectory 8, to the feeder plate 4. The embodiment 1 shown, the products are fed from the hopper to the feeder plate by gravity, no driven feeder plates or conveyors are required. In

- 18an alternative embodiment, the course of the feeding trajectory may differ, for example additional guide plates may be provided, and / or additional driven feeder plates and or conveyor may be provided for feeding the product to be dispensed to the feeder plate that presents products to be dispensed to the driven dispensing conveyor.

The feeder plate 4, via which the products are presented to the driven dispensing conveyor 5, is inclined downwards in a direction towards the dispensing conveyor 5, to gravity feed the semi-spherical food products 11 along the dispensing trajectory 8 towards the conveyor belt 13 or the dispensing conveyor 5.

The feeder plate 4 and the dispensing conveyor 5 join at a transfer zone 14, at which transfer zone the dispensing conveyor picks up food products presented by the feeder plate.

Shown in the embedment, the dispensing conveyor is inclined upwards in a direction away from the transfer zone, such that it blocks the stream of products presented by the feeder plate. Thus, the conveyor acts as a barrier that prevents products from prematurely moving from the transfer zone.

Furthermore, the feeder plate 4 meets the conveyor on a curved surface or a return roll of the conveyor. Thus, the return roll also provides a barrier, preventing the product to slide directly from the feeder plate onto the support surface.

According to the invention, the driven dispensing conveyor 5 comprises a conveyor belt 13 for transporting products along part of the dispensing trajectory. The feeder plate 4, dispensing conveyor 5, and the chute 6 are shown in isolation in Figs. 5.

The conveyor belt 13 extends along the dispensing trajectory 8 from a pick up end 17 towards a dispensing end 18. The conveyor belt 13 has a support surface 16, for supporting the spherical food products 11, and is on the support surface 16 is provided with a pattern of gripping members 15.

The gripping members show 15 in more detail in Fig. 8 and FIG. 9. The gripping members 15 are dimensioned and distributed over the support surface 17 for, in combination, entailing the spherical products 11, supported on the support surface 17, and to entail the spherical food products into the dispensing direction 9 along the dispensing trajectory 8 .

- 19 It is noted that in the embodiment shown, the feeder plate 4 meets the conveyor belt 13 or the dispensing conveyor 5 on a curved surface or a return roll 26 or the conveyor belt, see Fig. 3. Thus, when the curvature of the return roll passes through the transfer zone, the curvature of the return roll makes the outer ends of the gripping members move away from each other to facilitate transfer of the products onto the support surface or the conveyor.

The dispenser 1 is provided with the actuator 7 for actuating the driven dispensing conveyor 5. The actuator 7 is provided with an interface that allows a consumer to actuate the driven dispensing conveyor, ie to drive the conveyor belt 13 or the dispensing conveyor 5, and to thus dispense the food products 11.

In the embodiment shown, the interface is provided in the form of a handle 19 that can be pushed down to move gearing or the dispensing conveyor 5 for driving the conveyor belt 13. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator for example comprises an electronic switch linked to an electric drive for driving the conveyor belt or the dispensing conveyor.

When the conveyor belt 13 or the dispensing conveyor 5 is driven, the dispensing conveyor 5 transports the products 11 from the transfer zone 14 to the dispensing end 18 or the conveyor 13, where the semi spherical food products 11 are dropped from the conveyor belt 13 into the chute 6.

The chute 6, shown below the dispensing end 18 or the conveyor belt 13, is configured for guiding dispensed food products into a receptacle, for example a paper back, plastic container, etc. (the receptacle is not shown in the Figs.)

It should be noted that the configuration of the different components in the housing can be changed within the scope of the invention. For example the chute may be located adjacent, instead of below, the dispensing end or the driven dispensing conveyor. The driven dispensing conveyor may be fully or partially located outside the housing, for example the dispensing end of the conveyor may be located outside the housing, for example penetration through an opening in a front panel of the housing.

In the embodiment shown, the driven dispensing conveyor 5 is configured as a removable unit 22, which will be discussed in more detail below. The removable unit 22 is removably mounted in the housing 2, and is connected to the actuator 7 via a releasable connection, to enable temporary removal for cleaning purposes and / or replacement.

The removable unit 22 is shown in a side view in FIG. 10, and in perspective view in FIG. 11, in both cases in a position between the feeder plate 4 and the chute 6. The removable unit 22 is also depicted in FIG. 12, which shows a close up of the dispensing conveyor and of the feeder plate. Furthermore, FIG. 12 depicts the removable unit including the dispensing conveyor while being coupled with part of the actuator, more in particular with a connector part of the actuator.

In the particular embodiment shown, the actuator 7 for actuating the driven dispensing conveyor 5 comprises a gear with a conical connector part 30. The conical connector part 30 is provided with external ribs. The conical connector part 30 is part of the actuator 7, which actuator 7 is shown in the embodiment with an interface in the form of a handle 19, see Figs. 1, that allows a consumer to actuate the driven dispensing conveyor, ie to drive the conveyor belt 13 or the dispensing conveyor 5, and thus dispense the food products 11. Between the handle 19 and the conical connector part 30 gearing is provided to link the movement of the handle 17 in the proper ratio. For example, the handle and the dispensing conveyor may be linked by the gearing such that a full pull of the handle 19 dispenses 10-15 cherry tomatoes. In FIG. 12, only the connector part of the actuator is shown.

The removable unit 22 shown includes a return rolls 26 configure to be coupled with the conical connector part 30 of the actuator 7. The return roll of the removable unit is provided with a recess 31 for receiving the conical connector part 30, and which recess 31 is configured for coupling with the conical connector part, such that the conical connector part can drive the return roll. Thus, the actuator 7, or which only the gear with the conical connector part is shown, can be coupled with the removable unit 22 by inserting the removable unit into the housing, more in particular in the lower compartment of the housing, as shown in FIG. 12.

It is noted that in the embodiment shown, the connector part of the actuator 17 also comprises the gear on which the feeder plate rests. In an alternative embodiment, the gear may be part of the removable unit 22. In such an embodiment, the connector for example comprises the conical connector part 30, and the gear comprises part of the recess 31 of the return roll for receiving that connector part . Other means for coupling the actuator with the removable unit are also possible.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the housing 2 comprises a bottom compartment 20 and a top compartment 21. The top compartment rests on the bottom compartment and can be lifted from that bottom compartment to provide access to the inside of the housing.

-21 The top compartment 21 comprises the hopper 3 and guide plate 12. The bottom compartment 20, which is depicted in FIG. 4, comprises the feeder plate 4, the driven dispensing conveyor 5 and the chute 6. Shown in the embodiment, the actuator 7 for driving the dispensing conveyor 5 is also provided in the bottom compartment 20.

The removable unit 22 is supported in the lower part 20 of the housing, which is configured as a cradle for receiving the driven dispensing conveyor. Thus the removable unit 22, including the conveyor belt, return rolls and a connector for connecting the driven dispensing conveyor with the actuator 7, can be lifted from the bottom part of the housing to be removed.

The removable unit is shown with the feeder plate 4 and the chute 6 in Figs. 5. In the preferred embodiment shown, the components of the removable unit are mainly located within the confines of the conveyor belt, such that the unit is essentially a cassette with the conveyor belt extending around it. This allows for a compact removable unit.

According to the invention, the conveyor belt 13 or the driven dispensing conveyor 5 has support surface 16 on which a pattern of gripping members 15 is provided. This is for example clear from Fig. 6, in which shows a top view of the bottom compartment 20 or FIG. 4

The gripping members show 15 in more detail in Fig. 8 and FIG. 9. The gripping members 15 are dimensioned and distributed over the support surface 17 for, in combination, entailing the spherical products 11, supported on the support surface 17, and to entail the spherical food products into the dispensing direction 9 along the dispensing trajectory 8 .

The particular embodiment shown, the dispenser is configured for dispensing cherry tomatoes with a diameter in the range of 15-20 mm, and for cherry tomatoes having an oblong shape, for example having a diameter in the range of 15-20 mm and perpendicular to said diameter have a length in the range of 15-35 mm.

It is submitted that for cherry tomatoes having such dimensions, in a preferred embodiment, shown in Fig. 9, the gripping members have conical shaped bodies, with a spherical top and a diameter of about 0.65 cm just below the spherical top at a height of about 0.58 cm. The gripping members have an overall height, including the spherical shaped top, or about 0.82 cm.

-22 The gripping members 15 are distributed on the support surface 16 for, in combination, entailing the spherical products, supported on the support surface, along the dispensing trajectory. Thus there is no continuous front that engages a full row of products at the time. The gripping members provide a discontinuous front allow the spherical products to settle between two gripping members.

According to the invention, the conveyor belt is provided with a pattern of gripping members 15, see Fig. 6. The gripping members are dimensioned and grouped such that a cherry tomato is entailed along the dispensing trajectory 8 by two gripping members 15. The gripping members 15 are therefore grouped in pairs, in the particular edition shown are grouped in rows, each row including multiple pairs or gripping members. More in particular, shown in the embodiment, each row comprises 12 gripping members, for entailing 11 products.

In a first direction, indicated with line 23 and extending perpendicular to the dispensing direction, the gripping members 15 are interspaced relative to each other such that the spherical products 11 moving in the dispensing direction can pass between them. In other words, two gripping members that are each positioned on a line perpendicular to the dispensing direction are spaced such that a product could pass between them.

In a second direction, indicated with line 24, the gripping members are interspaced relative to each other such spherical products 11 can not pass between them. The gripping members 15 are spaced such that two gripping members, in combination, can entail a product along the dispensing trajectory. The second direction 24 is at an angle to the first direction 23, and at an angle to the dispensing direction 9.

The gripping members are thus interspaced along that line such that in combination, i.e. a pair of gripping members, they will support a product against movement contrary to the dispensing direction, and against movement in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction. The gripping members thus stabilize individual products in three directions.

It has been submitted for dispensing cherry tomatoes with a diameter in the range of 15-20 mm, the gripping member is preferably spaced at a distance of 20 mm, ie center to center, and each have a diameter of for example 6 mm to enable two gripping members to support a cherry tomato with a diameter of 15 mm.

-23In the embodiment shown, the rows of gripping members, and thus the rows of products, extend at a 70 degrees angle to the dispensing direction, see Fig. 8. Due to the angle with the dispensing direction, the products or such a row are not all dispensed at once but one after the other. Furthermore, the products are spaced adjacent each other. This provides a substantial continuous flow or products being dispensed, enabling the consumer to better his / her portion.

Furthermore, the gripping members are grouped in overlapping rows, i.e. the rows overlap each other when viewed in a perpendicular direction to the dispensing direction. Thus, multiple parallel rows of cherry tomatoes can be transported in the dispensing direction at once.

Also, multiple rows are dispensed at once, each one product at the time, at the dispensing end of the conveyor.

Also, in such an embodiment, the products are not picked up at the transfer zone one row at the time, but product by product for each row. This creates a more continuous flow of products in the transfer zone as well, which reduces the impact on the products in the product flow. Furthermore, the discontinuous front of gripping members, when seen in the dispensing direction, more delicately engages the products compared to continuous fronts that lift entire rows of products.

In FIG. 7 different configurations or gripping members are shown. The top most configuration is similar to the one shown in Fig. 6. The middle configuration differs in that the rows are Vshaped, with the V-shape pointing in the dispensing direction, stream downwards. In the bottom configuration the rows are also V-shaped. However, in this configuration the Vshape points contrary to the dispensing direction, i.e. stream upwards.

Other configurations are also possible, see for example Figs. 13-15. Furthermore, the spacing between the gripping members as well as the spacing between the rows of gripping members can be adapted if this better suits the product to be transported.

In the preferred embodiment shown the driven dispensing conveyor is configured to allow for the conveyor belt to be replaced. Thus, the dispenser can be provided with different conveyor belts. The conveyor belts may differ in the pattern and dimensions of the gripping members such that they are optimally configured to handle different types of products. For example, one conveyor belt can be provided with small sized gripping members spaced close to each other for handling semi spherical fruit products having a small diameter, for example berries, while another conveyor belt is provided with large sized gripping members

-24 spaced further away from each other for handling semi spherical fruit products with a larger diameter, for example cherry tomatoes.

In the embodiment shown, the support surface 16 of the conveyor belt 13 extending along the dispensing trajectory 8 and the feeder plate 4 and a transfer angle, in a plane parallel to the dispensing direction, see Fig. 3. The transfer angle is preferably at least 150 degrees, preferably at least 160 degrees and is at most 170 degrees. In the embodiment shown, the transfer angle is 25 degrees. Thus, the conveyor and the feeder plate together create a basin at the transfer zone 14, for collecting the products to be dispensed. The inclined feeder plate securing a flow of products into the transfer zone, while the inclined conveyor prevents the products from exiting the transfer zone when the conveyor is not driven.

Above the transfer zone a skimmer 25 is provided to prevent too much products from leaving the transfer zone, preferably to reduce the flow of products to a single layer of products. In the embodiment shown, the skimmer 25 is provided in the form of a flexible skimmer sheet 25. FIG. 10 shows close up in side view of the driven conveyor, the feeder plate and a flexible skimmer. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of these components.

The skimmer 25 extends substantially perpendicular to the dispensing direction 9, such that it defines a passage between a lower end of the skimmer sheet and the support surface of the conveyor, which passage is dimensioned to allow only a single layer of products to pass through. The skimmer sheet is a flexible such that in case of stacked products passing through the passage, the skimmer sheet flexes and pushes the products into a downward direction, i.e. towards the support surface of the conveyor, rather than simply blocking passage of the products. Thus, the chance of products getting damaged by the skimmer sheet is reduced.

In the embodiment, the skimmer sheet is furthermore made of a flexible material, the embodiment shown is made out of a flexible plastic sheet, and is located at an end located away from the dispensing conveyor, supported by the housing of the dispenser. This is the top end in fig. 10. In addition, at its opposite end, the skimmer sheet is cut such that it comprises multiple parallel flaps 27 that each may flex individually in a direction parallel to the dispensing direction. Thus, the skimmer sheet can optimally adapt to the flow of products passing beneath it. Such a flexible skimmer sheet is particularly beneficial when delicate products, such as cherry tomatoes are dispensed.

-25In an alternative embodiment, the skimmer may be embodied in the form of a hinged plate, said plate being hinged at a side away from the dispensing conveyor, and being hinged about an axis parallel to the support surface of the conveyor and perpendicular to the dispensing direction. Thus, the plate can pivot in the dispensing direction. In such an embodiment, the plate is biased into a skimming position, in which the opening between the skimming plate and the support surface or the conveyor is minimal. Such a skimmer plate functions in a way similar as disclosed above with respect to the flexible skimmer plate.

In the embodiment shown, the feeder plate 4 is a driven feeder plate, i.e. the feeder plate is vibrated to promote the flow of products towards the dispensing conveyor.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the feeder plate 4 is hingeable supported, in the particular embodiment shown by connecting the feeder plate 4 via a flexible body to the housing 2, at an end away from the transfer zone 14, and is supported by a vibration generating device at an end of the feeder plate that is located at the transfer zone. In the embodiment shown, the feeder pate 4 is driven by a vibration device in the form of the return roll 26 of the dispensing conveyor 5.

The return roll 26 or the conveyor 5 is provided with gears 28 at each end, and the feeder plate is provided on opposite sides with ends that rest on those gears. In the embodiment shown, these ends are configured in the form of fingers 29, located at the corners of the feeder plate 4, which fingers extend up to the gears 28 of the adjacent return roll 26 of the dispensing conveyor 5 Thus, when the conveyor 5 is driven, the gears 28 rotate and continuously lift and drop the ends, more in particular the fingers 29, or the feeder plate resting on the teeth or those gears 28. Thus, a dispenser is provided in an efficient way with a driven feeder plate , the actuation of which is directly linked to the actuation of the dispensing conveyor, and thus to the actuation by the consumer.

Furthermore, a configuration in which the feeder plate at one end rests on gears provided at the ends of the return roll allows for an efficient way to couple and uncouple the feeder plate with the removable unit, and for removing and placing the removable unit including the driven conveyor. In such an embodiment, the feeder plate is uncoupled by simply lifting the feeder plate from the gears, and is coupled by lowering the feeder plate onto the gears.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the feeder plate, is located at an end on the transfer zone, provided with a transfer edge that is located adjacent the support surface of the dispensing conveyer device. The transfer edge is provided with multiple setbacks for passing through the gripping members.

-26Areas of the support surface are free form gripping members. These gripping member free areas extend along the support surface or the conveyor in the dispensing direction. Thus, at these gripping member free areas the feeder plate can extend up to the support surface or the conveyor.

By providing the edge of the feeder plate with setbacks that allow the gripping members to pass the feeder plate, the feeder plate better connects with the conveyor, and the chance of products getting stuck in a gap is reduced.

Such an embodiment is particularly beneficial for dispensing delicate food products.

It has been submitted for dispensing cherry tomatoes with a diameter in the range of 15-20 mm, the gripping member is preferably spaced at a distance of 20 mm, ie center to center, and each have a diameter of for example 6 mm to enable two gripping members to support a cherry tomato with a diameter of 15 mm.

The skimmer 25 extends substantially perpendicular to the dispensing direction 9, such that it defines a passage between a lower end of the skimmer sheet and the support surface of the conveyor, which passage is dimensioned to allow only a single layer of products to pass through. The skimmer sheet is a flexible such that in case of stacked products passing through the passage, the skimmer sheet flexes and pushes the products into a downward direction, i.e. towards the support surface of the conveyor, rather than simply blocking passage of the products. Thus, the chance of products getting damaged by the skimmer sheet is reduced.

Fig 13-15 show alternative layouts of a conveyor belt 113 according to the invention, ie show alternative patterns of gripping members 115 provided on the conveyor belt 113. According to the invention, the gripping members 115 are provided in a pattern configured to entail semi spherical food products 111, for example cherry tomatoes, in a dispensing direction 109. The conveyor belts 113 are shown in top view, dispensing semi spherical products 111 in a dispensing direction 109, which dispensing direction 109 in the drawings is directed upwards, ie to the top of the page.

It has been submitted in a preferred embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention, the conveyor belts 113, or at least the part that extends in the dispensing direction and supports the semi-spherical food products 111, extends at an angle to the horizontal such that the semi spherical food products 111, while being moved in the dispensing direction

-27 109, are also moved vertically upwards. In such an embodiment, the dispensing conveyor is inclined upward in a direction towards the chute, such that the semi-spherical food products are positioned against the gripping members by gravity. Thus, the semi spherical food products 111 are pushed against the gripping members 115 entailing the food products by gravity.

According to the invention, the gripping members 115 are dimensioned and grouped such that in combination, ie two gripping members 115, they will entail a semi spherical food product 111, shown in the edition a cherry tomato, along the dispensing trajectory 108 into the dispensing direction 109.

In Fig. 13 the gripping members are 115 grouped in pairs, such that each pair entails a cherry tomato.

In FIG. 14 the gripping members 115 are grouped in rows, ie combinations of pairs, a gripping member can be a part of a first pair and a second pair, the gripping members of each pair are spaced for entailing a semi spherical food product in the dispensing direction . The rows of gripping members extend at an angle to the dispensing direction, the angle with the dispensing direction being narrower than 90 degrees, and overlap each other, when seen in a perpendicular direction to the dispensing direction. Thus, multiple parallel rows of cherry tomatoes can be transported in the dispensing direction at once. Also, multiple rows are dispensed at once, one product at the time for each row, at the dispensing end of the conveyor.

Since the conveyor belt depicted in FIG. 14 is provided with overlapping rows, multiple rows are dispensed at once, each one product at the time, at the dispensing end of the conveyor. However, in the embodiment shown, the overlapping rows can be staggered relative to each other, such that not all rows dispense a product at the same time. The overlapping rows are staggered relative to each other such that or two adjacent rows the semi spherical food product are not dispensed, ie dropped into the chute, at the same time, but one after the other, ie one semi spherical food product or the first row of gripping members, followed by one semi spherical food product or the second row of gripping members, followed by one semi spherical food product or the first row of gripping members, etc.

In FIG. 15, the gripping members 115 are also grouped in combinations or pairs. Again a single gripping member can be part of two pairs, the gripping members or each pair being spaced for entailing a semi spherical food product in the dispensing direction.

-28It is submitted that in addition to the semi spherical food products engaged by a pair of gripping members, further semi spherical food products may be transported, which further semi spherical food products are entailed by a combination of a semi spherical food product and a gripping member, or by a pair or semi spherical food products.

For example, with the pattern of gripping members show in Fig. 15, a double pair of ripping members may entail two cherry tomatoes, or which one is supported by a first pair of gripping members, as depicted, and another is supported by the cherry tomato and the third gripping member, ie the gripping member or the second pair of gripping members.

Furthermore, in the expired or dispensing conveyors shown in Figs. 13-15, the gripping members 115 are distributed on the support surface of the conveyor belt 113 such that in a first direction, indicate with line 123, perpendicular to the dispensing direction 109, the gripping members are interspaced relative to each other such that the semi spherical food product 111 can pass between them, and in a second direction, indicated with line 124, at an angle to the first direction 123, are interspaced relative to each other such that the gripping members, in combination, entail the semi spherical food product in the dispensing direction 109.

Thus, shown in the following, whether a pair of gripping members is spaced relative to each other to combination, ie as a pair, entail a product into the dispensing direction, those two gripping members are located on a line that is not perpendicular to the dispensing direction. The gripping members thus support a product against movement contrary to the dispensing direction, and against movement in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction. The gripping members thus stabilize individual products in three directions.

-29Reference signs dispenser housing hopper feeder plate dispensing conveyor chute actuator dispensing trajectory dispensing direction opening hopper semi spherical food products guide plate hopper conveyor belt transfer zone gripping members support surface pick up end dispensing end handle bottom compartment housing top compartment housing removable unit first direction second direction skimmer sheet return roll flaps skimmer sheet gears fingers feeder plate conical connector part recess return roll for connecting with conical connector part

P32799NL00 / MHR

Claims (3)

CONCLUSIONS 1. In-store self-service dispenser to be operated by consumers, for dispensing cherry tomatoes and corresponding semi-circular food products, the dispenser comprising: - a hopper, for holding several cherry tomatoes; - a supply plate; - a driven dispensing conveyor, for dispensing the cherry tomatoes; - an actuator, for driving the driven delivery conveyor; - a hopper for guiding the dispensed cherry tomatoes in a container; - a housing, which housing supports the hopper, the supply plate, the driven delivery conveyor, the actuator and the hopper; the hopper, the supply plate, the delivery conveyor and the hopper defining a delivery path, which delivery path extends from the hopper to the hopper, via the supply surface and the delivery conveyor for conveying the cherry tomatoes from the hopper to the hopper, the hopper open is at a lower end for supplying cherry tomatoes, along the delivery path, to the delivery plate, the delivery plate being at a downward angle towards the delivery conveyor, for gravity feeding of cherry tomatoes along the delivery path towards the delivery conveyor, wherein the supply plate and the delivery conveyor come together at a transfer zone, in which transfer zone the delivery conveyor picks up cherry tomatoes presented by the supply plate, the delivery conveyor comprising a conveyor belt, which conveyor belt extends along the delivery path of a pick-up end towards e and dispensing end, at which dispensing end the cherry tomatoes fall from the conveyor belt into the hopper, the conveyor belt having a supporting surface for supporting the cherry tomatoes, and on said supporting surface being provided with engaging means, which engaging means are dimensioned and distributed over the supporting surface for the in combination, taking the cherry tomatoes supported on the supporting surface in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path, and wherein the actuator is provided with an interface that allows a consumer to drive the driven dispenser, ie to drive the conveyor of the conveyor , and thus deliver the cherry tomatoes. 2. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a first direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction, the engaging means are spaced relative to each other such that the cherry tomatoes can pass between them, and are spaced in a second direction at an angle with the first direction. relative to each other such that the engaging means, in combination, carry the cherry tomatoes. 3. Dispensing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engaging means are grouped in rows, which rows extend at an angle with the dispensing direction, for transporting rows of products which rows of products extend at an angle with the dispensing direction. 4. Dispensing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing conveyor is at an upward angle in a direction away from the transfer zone, such that it forms the flow of products presented by the supply plate, preferably a barrier that has a height for clocking two layers of products. 5. Dispensing device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the support surface of the conveyor extends along the dispensing direction and the feed plate encloses a transfer angle, in a plane parallel to the dispensing direction, which transfer angle is at least 150 degrees, preferably at least 150 degrees Is 160 degrees, and is no more than 170 degrees. 6. Dispensing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the supply plate meets the conveyor at a curved surface of a return roller. 7. Dispensing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the feed plate is a driven feed plate, preferably driven by a return roller from the dispensing conveyor, for promoting the flow of products to the dispensing conveyor. 8. Dispensing device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the supply plate, located at one end at the transfer zone, has a transfer edge located adjacent to the support surface of the conveyor of the dispensing conveyor, which transfer edge is provided with several back jumps for passage of the engagement means. 9. Dispensing device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein a flexible skinning sheet is provided above the transfer zone and substantially perpendicular to the dispensing direction, for reducing layers of products, preferably for providing a single layer of products to the delivery conveyor at the transfer zone. 10. Dispensing device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the driven dispensing conveyor is arranged as a removable unit, which unit is removably arranged in the housing, and is connected to the actuator via a detachable connection, for enabling a temporary remove for cleaning purposes and / or replacement. 11. Dispensing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a lower compartment and an upper compartment, wherein the upper compartment comprises the hopper, and the lower compartment comprises the supply plate, the driven delivery conveyor and the hopper, and wherein the lower compartment supports the upper compartment such that that the top compartment can be removed to provide access to the driven delivery conveyor. 12. Dispensing device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the engaging means have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of a typical cherry tomato, for instance a diameter smaller than 1.5 cm. 13. Dispensing device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the return roller of the conveyor belt located at the transfer zone has a diameter of at least 4 cm and at most 6 cm. 14. Dispensing device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the return roller of the conveyor belt located at the transfer zone has a diameter of at least 4 cm and at most 6 cm. 15. Method for providing consumers with Christmas buddies, said method comprising: - providing a dispensing device according to one or more of the preceding claims; - filling the hopper of the dispenser with cherry tomatoes. 2Π Fig.2 Fig.3 LT> 3/7