US20200198516A1 - Liquid toppings dispensing system - Google Patents
Liquid toppings dispensing system Download PDFInfo
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- US20200198516A1 US20200198516A1 US16/809,971 US202016809971A US2020198516A1 US 20200198516 A1 US20200198516 A1 US 20200198516A1 US 202016809971 A US202016809971 A US 202016809971A US 2020198516 A1 US2020198516 A1 US 2020198516A1
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- liquid
- side wall
- dispensing system
- upstanding side
- toppings dispensing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/025—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects the object being a shop, cafeteria or display the object being a theatre or stage
- B60P3/0257—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects the object being a shop, cafeteria or display the object being a theatre or stage the object being a vending stall, restaurant or food kiosk
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0889—Supports
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Confectionery (AREA)
Abstract
A mobile confectionary apparatus includes a vehicle with at least one upstanding side wall. An interior space may be surrounded by the upstanding side wall. An opening may extend through the side wall. A liquid toppings dispensing system is adjustably positionable adjacent to the side wall and includes a first plurality of liquid dispensers configured to dispense at least one liquid topping. The liquid toppings dispensing system is pivotable relative to the side wall between a first position and a second position. The liquid toppings dispensing system is located externally of the side wall in each of the first and second positions.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/456,014, filed Jun. 28, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/124,646, filed Sep. 7, 2018, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/693,996, filed Sep. 1, 2017, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/870,439, filed Sep. 30, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,751,447, issued Sep. 5, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/779,650, filed Feb. 27, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,321,387, issued Apr. 26, 2016, and is related to U.S. Pat. No. 8,915,407, issued Dec. 23, 2014, and entitled “MOBILE CONFECTIONARY APPARATUS WITH PROTECTABLE DISPENSING SYSTEM,” and is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,136, issued Apr. 17, 2012, and entitled “MOBILE CONFECTIONARY APPARATUS WITH PROTECTABLE DISPENSING SYSTEM,” each disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to a mobile apparatus for serving confections and, more particularly, to a mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections.
- Mobile confectionaries for selling confections (e.g., snow cones, shaved ice, ice cream, and beverages) have been around for years. Mobility may be provided via truck, trailer, or mobile kiosk and may bring confection sales to places that as a matter of general operation may not have any vending available. These locations may include, for example, festivals, parks, and residential neighborhoods. The dispensing of liquids, likes drinks and flavorings, has typically been done by a person within the truck/trailer, or by the customer at a kiosk.
- Structurally, a mobile confectionery will typically include a box-like enclosure having an interior work space outfitted for the preparation and sale of the confections and at least one service window through which the confections are transferred to the customer and the transaction conducted. The work space is typically large enough for at least one person and contains apparatuses for preparing the confections and may include, for example, ice shaving or crushing equipment, slush making devices, ice cream/custard dispensing apparatuses, or the like.
- It has been found that in this industry, profitability and customer satisfaction are largely dependent upon providing quality products and fast service. Profitability may also be time sensitive. This may be the case when crowds are present before or after a show or concert or during an intermission when people flood a given area and then depart that area in a short amount of time. In this situation, the length of a line at any individual vendor may be the determining factor for people who arrive after the initial wave of people. A long line at one confectionary may drive later-arriving customers to another vendor with a shorter line. Fast service may drive profitability in this instance. Keeping the line short is an invitation to later-arriving potential customers.
- Another factor in customer satisfaction, particularly for frozen confections, such as shaved ice, snow cones, and the like, is the quantity of topping or flavoring applied to the confection. More is most often better. Yet applying more flavoring requires more time and can cause the wait time to increase to the detriment of potential customers. Because confectionaries are a favorite of children, another factor that drives up wait time, and thus drives away potential customers, is waiting for a child to select their topping or flavoring.
- Thus, what is sought is a mobile confectionary apparatus, which increases customer satisfaction and increases productivity, particularly for frozen confections, and which overcomes one or more of the shortcomings and problems set forth above.
- The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings and drawbacks of liquid toppings dispensing systems heretofore known for use in mobile confectionary apparatuses. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a mobile confectionary apparatus comprises a vehicle that includes at least one upstanding side wall. An interior space is surrounded by the at least one upstanding side wall and is configured to receive at least one person. An opening extends through the at least one upstanding side wall and through which an item may be passed from the interior space to outside of the vehicle.
- A liquid toppings dispensing system is attachable to the at least one upstanding side wall and includes a first plurality of liquid dispensers configured to dispense at least one liquid topping onto the item. The liquid toppings dispensing system is pivotable relative to the at least one upstanding side wall between a first position and a second position, with the liquid toppings dispensing system being located externally of the at least one upstanding side wall in each of the first and second positions.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, the at least one upstanding side wall includes a pair of opposing side walls and a rear wall extending transversely between the pair of opposing side walls.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a longitudinal axis of the liquid toppings dispensing system is disposed generally parallel to one of the pair of opposing side walls in the first position.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a longitudinal axis of the liquid toppings dispensing system is disposed generally parallel to the rear wall in the second position.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the opening is provided in one of the opposing side walls and the liquid toppings dispensing system is oriented generally parallel to the one opposing side wall in the first position.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile confectionary apparatus comprises a vehicle including at least one upstanding side wall and a liquid toppings dispensing system being supported by the at least one upstanding side wall. The liquid toppings dispensing system includes a plurality of liquid dispensers configured to dispense at least one liquid topping onto the item. The liquid toppings dispensing system is pivotable relative to the at least one upstanding side wall between a first position and a second position, with the liquid toppings dispensing system being located externally of the at least one upstanding side wall in each of the first and second positions.
- The above and other objectives and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a side view of a mobile confectionary apparatus including a liquid toppings dispensing system shown pivoted to a first position according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a view similar toFIG. 1 showing the liquid toppings dispensing system pivoted to a second position according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the liquid toppings dispensing system pivoted to the first position as illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the liquid toppings dispensing system shown inFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the liquid toppings dispensing system shown pivoted to the second position as illustrated inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the liquid toppings dispensing system shown inFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of the liquid toppings dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the liquid toppings dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 5C is a rear elevational view of the liquid toppings dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a disassembled perspective view of the liquid toppings dispensing system shown inFIG. 1 according to one embodiment, showing fluid connection of the liquid toppings dispensing system with a mobile structure; and -
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a mobile confectionary apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. - Referring now to the drawings, and to
FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, in one embodiment, a mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 provides a mobile platform for making and serving frozen confections, such as, but not limited to, shaved ice and/or snow cones to customers. A liquid topping, such as a flavored syrup, may then be applied to the frozen confection by the customer. In this regard and according to embodiments of the present invention, the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 includes a liquidtoppings dispensing system 12, described in detail below. Generally, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is configured to dispense one or more liquid toppings, such as flavored syrups, onto the frozen confections served to the customer. A customer having been previously served with a frozen confection may selectively self-serve one or more of the liquid toppings onto the frozen confection as desired from the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12. The mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 as described herein may advantageously increase the number of customers that may be served over any given period of time. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may increase revenues generated by the sales of frozen confections from the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 while also positively influencing customer satisfaction by reducing the possibility of potentially long wait lines. - To these and other ends and with continued reference to
FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 may include avehicle chassis 14. In the representative embodiment shown, thechassis 14 is a truck chassis and includes an engine and drive train (not shown) for rotating one ormore wheels 16 in a conventional manner and for propelling thevehicle chassis 14 in both the forward and reverse directions over roads and the like to various destinations. As shown, thevehicle chassis 14 supports amobile structure 18 that includes anupstanding side wall 20. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to trucks. For example, thevehicle chassis 14 may include a trailer chassis (not shown) that is towable by a vehicle, such as a truck, as is known in the art. In this situation, themobile structure 18 may be mounted onto the trailer chassis. - In one embodiment, as is described in more detail below, the liquid
toppings dispensing system 12 may be releasably or removably attached to theupstanding side wall 20 and may be movable or pivotable to at least two different positions, such as first and second positions, as is shown according to one embodiment inFIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Visually, in the first position as shown inFIG. 1 , the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may provide an overall lengthening of the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 relative to a second position as shown inFIG. 2 . While the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be pivoted to many different orientations, thesystem 12 may be operable by customers to self-serve a liquid topping when thesystem 12 is pivoted to the position shown inFIG. 1 , by way of example. In the second position as shown inFIG. 2 , the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may not be operable, or may be oriented in this second position to change the location in which the customer accesses thesystem 12 for dispensing liquid toppings onto a frozen confection or simply as a transport position during movement of the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10. It will be appreciated that certain geographic locations at which theapparatus 10 is positioned for business may have a reduced space within which to operate, and the second position of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 as shown inFIG. 2 may allow the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 to physically fit within the confines of a reduced area and still retain the improved throughput as set out above. Alternatively, the second position of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 as shown inFIG. 2 may be a temporary storage position, which may be utilized during movement of the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 or in other situations. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theupstanding side wall 20 encloses aninterior space 22 and separates theinterior space 22 from the environment outside of thestructure 18. Theinterior space 22 is configured to holdequipment 23, such as equipment for preparing shaved ice, snow cones, and/or other frozen confections. It will be appreciated that other equipment, in addition or as an alternative toequipment 23, may be located within theinterior space 22 including, but not limited to, a freezer and/or a cooler.Interior space 22 is sufficiently large for one or more people to operate theequipment 23 and to serve customers from within thestructure 18. It will be appreciated that the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is not within theinterior space 22. Rather, in the embodiment shown, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be only accessible from outside of themobile structure 18. - In the representative embodiment shown, the
interior space 22 is bounded by theupstanding side wall 20, afloor 25, and aroof 27.Roof 27 is spaced sufficiently above thefloor 25 to allow a person to stand within theinterior space 22. In one embodiment, theupstanding side wall 20 includes aside wall 24, a second side wall (not shown) opposite theside wall 24, arear wall 26 extending transversely between the pair of side walls that are joined at corners 28 (one corner shown), and afront wall 29. As shown, theside wall 24 is generally parallel to the forward and reverse directions in which the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 moves. Therear wall 26 is generally perpendicular to theside wall 24. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , thewall 20 may include aservice opening 30 through which a person in theinterior space 22 can conduct business by passing frozen confections to customers and receiving money from customers outside of thestructure 18. Theservice opening 30 is located at a suitable elevation above the ground on which the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 rests. Aservice window 32 may be operable by a person in theinterior space 22 between an opened position (shown inFIG. 1 ) in which the person in theinterior space 22 may make transactions through theservice opening 30 and a closed position (shown inFIG. 2 ) in which theservice opening 30 is closed or obstructed by thewindow 32. - As described above with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be movable or pivotable between at least two different positions relative to thestructure 18. That is, a person may swing or pivot the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 about its point of attachment to thestructure 18 from at least one position to another position. Once the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is positioned in either of the first or second positions, the customer, after having been served via theopening 30, may simply follow theside wall 24 to the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 in order to self-serve liquid toppings from thesystem 12. Thus, the location and orientation of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 in either of the first or second positions as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , by way of example, may enhance the flow of customers through the service process, that is first the flow of customers to theopening 30 to receive a frozen confection or container and then from theopening 30 to the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 to dispense the liquid toppings onto the frozen confection or into the container. - In the first position, as is shown in
FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B , the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may extend outwardly from therear wall 26 at a suitable height so as to be manually operable by a customer located outside of the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 for dispensing a liquid topping, such as flavored syrup, on a confection. That is, a longitudinal axis 36 (FIG. 3B ) or a major length dimension of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may extend in a generally transverse direction relative to therear wall 26. In the exemplary embodiment, thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is oriented generally perpendicular to therear wall 26. Furthermore, when the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is in the first position as shown inFIG. 1 , thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 extends in a direction that is generally parallel to theside wall 24. As described above, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be pivoted from the first position shown inFIG. 3A to the second position shown inFIG. 4A when there is insufficient room for thesystem 12 to extend transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) from therear wall 26 or prior to moving the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10. In the second position, thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be oriented generally parallel to therear wall 26. - Further with regard to positioning of the liquid
toppings dispensing system 12, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to thesystem 12 being oriented at an approximately perpendicular angle relative to therear wall 26 in the first position, and generally parallel with therear wall 26 in the second position. Other orientations than those shown are possible in which a customer may self-serve the liquid toppings. For example, thelongitudinal axis 36 of liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may extend at an angle that is not perpendicular to therear wall 26. In such an orientation, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may still provide an overall relative visual lengthening of thestructure 18 and provide a natural flow to the self-serve liquid dispensing process from theopening 30 to thesystem 12. - In addition to the angular orientation of the liquid
toppings dispensing system 12, the location on thewall 20 to which thesystem 12 is attached may vary. In the embodiment shown, and with reference toFIG. 3B , the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be secured proximate to thecorner 28 as shown. In this sense, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be visible to customers standing at or near theopening 30. Generally, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be secured to thestructure 18 nearer to theside wall 24 than to the centerline of thestructure 18. As described above, when the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is positioned nearer to thecorner 28, customers may see and obtain easy access to the liquid toppings. By way of example, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be secured to therear wall 26 such that a front surface of thesystem 12 is substantially flush with theside wall 24. It will be appreciated that the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may project beyond a plane defined by theside wall 24 and so the position of thesystem 12 is not specifically limited to the orientations shown. - In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid
toppings dispensing system 12 is movable or pivotable to at least one other position (e.g., the second position, as shown inFIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B ). Unlike the first position of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 shown inFIG. 1 , the second position shown inFIG. 2 may orient thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 generally parallel to the rear wall 26 (shown best inFIG. 4B ). When the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is in the second position shown inFIG. 2 , thesystem 12 may still be usable in that customers who have been served via thewindow 32 may proceed to therear wall 26 of the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 to self-serve the liquid topping from thesystem 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may not be operable in the second position shown inFIG. 4A . - While the figures generally illustrate the liquid
toppings dispensing system 12 as being removably attached to and pivotable relative to the rear wall 26 (see, for example,FIG. 6 ), it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 being secured to therear wall 26. In this regard, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be removably attached to, and pivotable with respect to, theside wall 24. - With reference now to
FIGS. 4A and 5A , in one embodiment, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may include a plurality ofliquid dispensers 40 that are configured to selectively dispense the liquid toppings onto a frozen confection. In one embodiment, theliquid dispensers 40 are arranged along an axis 41 (FIG. 4A ) that is generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12. While liquid toppings, such as flavored syrups, are described herein, it will be appreciated that theliquid dispensers 40 may be configured to dispense a beverage into a container, such as a cup or the like. The plurality ofliquid dispensers 40 may be arranged along and secured to asupport panel 42 that includes abacksplash 43. Thesupport panel 42 andbacksplash 43 may be enclosed within ahousing 44. Acatch basin 45 may be disposed beneath theliquid dispensers 40 and configured to drain spilled liquid topping to a waste container (not shown). It will be appreciated that the number ofliquid dispensers 40 may dictate the overall dimensions and thus the length of thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12. Theliquid dispensers 40 may be accessed and operated by customers via anopening 46 in thehousing 44. - With reference to
FIGS. 3A, 5A, 5B, and 6 , in one embodiment, thehousing 44 may further include one or moreutility access openings 48 on one side of thehousing 44 through which electrical and fluid connections may be made to equipment within thestructure 18. In one embodiment, thestructure 18 includes ahookup panel 60 located on therear wall 26 that includes a plurality of liquid dispensingports 62 and anelectrical outlet 63. Thepanel 60 may align with one of theutility access openings 48 in thehousing 44 when the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is positioned as shown inFIG. 3A . The number of liquid dispensingports 62 may correspond to the number ofliquid dispensers 40. It will be appreciated that a plurality of fluid delivery conduits ortubes 64 may be releasably contacted to the individualliquid dispensing ports 62 via conventional quick connect/disconnect connectors, and extend between the liquid dispensingports 62 and the correspondingliquid dispensers 40. Theliquid dispensing ports 62 may be fluidly coupled to one or more reservoirs 66 (shown inFIG. 1 ) of the liquid toppings. As shown inFIG. 1 , thereservoirs 66 may be positioned within thestructure 18. Thetubes 64 may direct liquid toppings from thereservoirs 66 to the correspondingliquid dispensers 40, as needed, during operation of the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to thereservoirs 66 being positioned within thestructure 18, as it may be beneficial to have a reservoir provided within thehousing 44. In addition, anelectrical cable 65 may be releasably coupled in a conventional manner to theelectrical outlet 63 for providing electrical power to devices on or in thehousing 44. By way of example, theelectrical cable 65 may be configured to power a plurality of display lights 67 (e.g., 12V LED lights) within thehousing 44. As shown inFIG. 5A , the display lights 67 are arranged to illuminate at least theliquid dispensers 40 during operation. - The
structure 18 may further include awaste line port 68 that aligns with another one of theutility access openings 48 and thehousing 44, as shown inFIG. 3A . Thewaste line port 68 may be configured to transport any liquid topping drippings captured by thecatch basin 45 from within thehousing 44 back to thestructure 18 via tube 64 (FIG. 6 ). Furthermore, thetubes 64 may be configured to be disconnected from theport 62 and/or theliquid dispensers 40, theport 68 and/or thecatch basin 45, and theelectrical cable 65 may be configured to be disconnected from theelectrical outlet 63, in situations in which thehousing 44 is detached from thestructure 18 as described in greater detail below. - Referring now to
FIG. 5C , in one embodiment, thehousing 44 further includes a utility access opening 50 in the side of thehousing 44 opposite theopening 46. Adoor 52 may close off theopening 50. And, when theliquid dispensers 40 or other equipment enclosed by thehousing 44 require service, thedoor 52 may be removed to allow access to within thehousing 44. - With reference to
FIGS. 3A and 6 , in one embodiment, one or more hinges 56 may be utilized to pivotably attach thehousing 44 to thewall 20 of thestructure 18. In this regard, thehinges 56 provide an axis of rotation about which the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be pivoted relative to the structure 18 (indicated byarrow 58 inFIG. 3A ). It will be appreciated that thehinges 56 may allow the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 to be oriented in any one of a number of orientations relative to therear wall 26 and theside wall 24 as set out above. However, thehinges 56 may include a stop or another mechanism by which thehousing 44 is held in a fixed position while customers operate theliquid dispensers 40. In one embodiment, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 is secured in place in the first position as shown inFIG. 1 using a fastening system, not shown. - Further in this regard, as shown in
FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the individual leaves of thehinges 56 may be separable allowing thehousing 44 to be easily disconnected from thestructure 18. By way of example and without limitation, thehinges 56 may be slip-joint or take-apart type hinges by which the corresponding leaves may be separately secured to thestructure 18 and to thehousing 44 when thehinge 56 is disassembled. In the embodiment shown, thehousing 44 may further include ahandle 70 to allow a person to lift thehousing 44 and separate the individual leaves of hinges 56. It will be appreciated that thehousing 44, once separated from thestructure 18, may be stored within thestructure 18 should that be necessary prior to moving the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 or for another reason. - Alternatively, when the liquid
toppings dispensing system 12 is oriented in the position shown inFIG. 4A , it may be releasably secured to therear wall 26 by thehinges 56 provided on one end thereof and by alatch mechanism 72 provided at the other end thereof. - While hinges 56 are shown according to one embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other hinge structures, or other known structures for providing a pivotable or rotatable connection between two components, are possible as well without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- In one embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 1 , the mobileconfectionary apparatus 10 may include a second liquidtoppings dispensing system 74 disposed in or on theside wall 24. Similar to the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12, the liquidtoppings dispensing system 74 may be configurable to selectively dispense a liquid topping onto a frozen confection or to fill a container with a beverage. The second liquidtoppings dispensing system 74 may include a second plurality ofliquid dispensers 76 that are arranged along an axis 73 (FIG. 2 ). As with theliquid dispensers 40, a customer may self-serve a liquid topping with thedispensers 76, because eachdispenser 76 may be connected by a liquid line (not shown) to thereservoir 66. - In one embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3B , thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12 may be arranged generally parallel with theside wall 24. In this arrangement, the plurality ofliquid dispensers 76 may also be arranged generally parallel with theside wall 24 and with thelongitudinal axis 36 of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12. This generally parallel arrangement may facilitate a uniform, quick flow of customers past theopening 30 and allow each customer more time within which to select and dispense a liquid topping from one or more of theliquid dispensers 40 and/orliquid dispensers 76 on to a frozen confection or dispense a beverage into a container. - With reference to
FIG. 7 , one or both of the liquidtoppings dispensing systems cover member cover members liquid dispensers confectionary apparatus 10. By way of example, thecover members liquid dispensers cover members liquid dispensers cover member 80 is generally usable in all positions of the liquidtoppings dispensing system 12, including the position shown inFIG. 1 , thecover member 80 may be used more often when thesystem 12 is in the position shown inFIG. 2 . According to one embodiment, the plurality ofliquid dispensers 40 are covered bycover members 80 in a storage position. - While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while those embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' invention.
Claims (22)
1. A mobile confectionary apparatus, comprising:
a vehicle including at least one upstanding side wall;
an interior space surrounded by the at least one upstanding side wall and configured to receive at least one person; and
a liquid toppings dispensing system including a housing being positioned adjacent to the at least one upstanding side wall and including a plurality of liquid dispensers configured to dispense at least one liquid topping onto the item, each of the plurality of liquid dispensers being in fluid communication with at least one reservoir holding the at least one liquid topping, with the liquid toppings dispensing system being located externally of the at least one upstanding side wall and spaced laterally therefrom so as to be juxtaposed with the at least one upstanding side wall.
2. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle includes an opening extending through the at least one upstanding side wall and through which an item may be passed from the interior space to outside of the vehicle.
3. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of liquid dispensers is arranged along an axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the liquid toppings dispensing system.
4. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one tube extending from the at least one reservoir and being coupled to at least one of the plurality of liquid dispensers.
5. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is a truck.
6. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is a trailer.
7. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1 , further comprises a catch basin supported by the housing and located beneath the plurality of liquid dispensers.
8. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the liquid toppings dispensing system is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the at least one upstanding side wall.
9. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the liquid toppings dispensing system is pivotable relative to the at least one upstanding side wall between a first position and a second position such that, in the first position, the liquid toppings dispensing system is displaced away from the at least one upstanding side wall and, in the second position, an axis of the plurality of liquid dispensers is located generally parallel to the at least one upstanding side wall.
10. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising at least one port in the at least one upstanding side wall through which the at least one tube extends to couple the at least one reservoir to the at least one of the plurality of liquid dispensers.
11. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising at least one hinge supported by the at least one upstanding side wall and defining an axis about which the liquid toppings dispensing system is pivotable between the first position and the second position.
12. A mobile confectionary apparatus, comprising:
a vehicle including at least one upstanding side wall;
an interior space surrounded by the at least one upstanding side wall and configured to receive at least one person; and
a liquid toppings dispensing system including a housing being positioned adjacent to the at least one upstanding side wall and including a plurality of liquid dispensers configured to dispense at least one liquid topping onto the item, each of the plurality of liquid dispensers being in fluid communication with at least one reservoir holding the at least one liquid topping, with the liquid toppings dispensing system being located externally of the at least one upstanding side wall and spaced laterally therefrom so as to be positioned parallel with and overlay the at least one upstanding side wall.
13. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the vehicle includes an opening extending through the at least one upstanding side wall and through which an item may be passed from the interior space to outside of the vehicle.
14. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of liquid dispensers is arranged along an axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the liquid toppings dispensing system.
15. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising at least one tube extending from the at least one reservoir and being coupled to at least one of the plurality of liquid dispensers.
16. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the vehicle is a truck.
17. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the vehicle is a trailer.
18. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 12 , further comprises a catch basin supported by the housing and located beneath the plurality of liquid dispensers.
19. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the liquid toppings dispensing system is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the at least one upstanding side wall.
20. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the liquid toppings dispensing system is pivotable relative to the at least one upstanding side wall between a first position and a second position such that, in the first position, the liquid toppings dispensing system is displaced away from the at least one upstanding side wall and, in the second position, an axis of the plurality of liquid dispensers is located generally parallel to the at least one upstanding side wall.
21. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 20 , further comprising at least one port in the at least on upstanding side wall through which the at least one tube extends to couple the at least one reservoir to the at least one of the plurality of liquid dispensers.
22. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 20 , further comprising at least one hinge supported by the at least one upstanding side wall and defining an axis about which the liquid toppings dispensing system is pivotable between the first position and the second position.
Priority Applications (3)
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US16/809,971 US20200198516A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2020-03-05 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US17/157,038 US20210138950A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2021-01-25 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US17/829,836 US20220363184A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2022-06-01 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
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US13/779,650 US9321387B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2013-02-27 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US14/870,439 US9751447B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2015-09-30 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US15/693,996 US20170361752A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2017-09-01 | Liquid Toppings Dispensing System |
US16/124,646 US20190001859A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2018-09-07 | Liquid Toppings Dispensing System |
US16/456,014 US20190315262A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2019-06-28 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US16/809,971 US20200198516A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2020-03-05 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
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US16/456,014 Continuation US20190315262A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2019-06-28 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
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US17/157,038 Continuation US20210138950A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2021-01-25 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
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US14/870,439 Active US9751447B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2015-09-30 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US15/693,996 Abandoned US20170361752A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2017-09-01 | Liquid Toppings Dispensing System |
US16/124,646 Abandoned US20190001859A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2018-09-07 | Liquid Toppings Dispensing System |
US16/456,014 Abandoned US20190315262A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2019-06-28 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US16/809,971 Abandoned US20200198516A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2020-03-05 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US17/157,038 Abandoned US20210138950A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2021-01-25 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US17/829,836 Abandoned US20220363184A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2022-06-01 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
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US13/779,650 Active US9321387B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2013-02-27 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US14/870,439 Active US9751447B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2015-09-30 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US15/693,996 Abandoned US20170361752A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2017-09-01 | Liquid Toppings Dispensing System |
US16/124,646 Abandoned US20190001859A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2018-09-07 | Liquid Toppings Dispensing System |
US16/456,014 Abandoned US20190315262A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2019-06-28 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
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US17/157,038 Abandoned US20210138950A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2021-01-25 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
US17/829,836 Abandoned US20220363184A1 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2022-06-01 | Liquid toppings dispensing system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20190315262A1 (en) | 2019-10-17 |
US20160121778A1 (en) | 2016-05-05 |
US20170361752A1 (en) | 2017-12-21 |
US9321387B2 (en) | 2016-04-26 |
US9751447B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 |
US20140239020A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
US20190001859A1 (en) | 2019-01-03 |
US20210138950A1 (en) | 2021-05-13 |
US20220363184A1 (en) | 2022-11-17 |
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