US20200223616A1 - Dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Dispensing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20200223616A1
US20200223616A1 US16/641,668 US201816641668A US2020223616A1 US 20200223616 A1 US20200223616 A1 US 20200223616A1 US 201816641668 A US201816641668 A US 201816641668A US 2020223616 A1 US2020223616 A1 US 2020223616A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
receptacle
container
outlet
compartment
product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US16/641,668
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English (en)
Inventor
Shane Robert McGill
Gary McGill
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
McGill Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
McGill Technology Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by McGill Technology Ltd filed Critical McGill Technology Ltd
Publication of US20200223616A1 publication Critical patent/US20200223616A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/0055—Containers or packages provided with a flexible bag or a deformable membrane or diaphragm for expelling the contents
    • B65D83/0072—Containers or packages provided with a flexible bag or a deformable membrane or diaphragm for expelling the contents the contents of a flexible bag being expelled by a piston or a movable bottom or partition provided in the container or the package
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/0055—Containers or packages provided with a flexible bag or a deformable membrane or diaphragm for expelling the contents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
    • A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
    • A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
    • A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
    • A23G9/283—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers for filling containers with material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
    • B65D43/0222—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/36—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/365—Containers, or parts thereof, simulating or being incorporated into other items, e.g. puppet, animal, vehicle, building, dumb bells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/0094—Containers having an external wall formed as, or with, a diaphragm or the like which is deformed to expel the contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
    • B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
    • B65D85/78—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials for ice-cream

Definitions

  • This invention relates to containers of the kind having an outlet through which product is to be dispensed, e.g. food product, such as ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt.
  • product e.g. food product, such as ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt.
  • the outlet is sealed by a removable tab or sticker, in order to help seal product within the container.
  • the tab or sticker has to be removed before product can be dispensed through the outlet.
  • Such arrangements have proven to be problematic for use in fully automated dispensing operations. Hence, an alternative solution is required.
  • a container for product to be dispensed comprises a body defining a chamber for storing product to be dispensed, the body having an outlet in a lower region of the body, through which product is to be dispensed from the chamber.
  • the container further comprises a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet in order to reduce the volume within the chamber, for dispensing product through the outlet, wherein a receptacle is releasably coupled with the body of the container, said receptacle defining an open chamber, when decoupled from the container, for receiving product dispensed through said outlet; wherein the outlet of the container is covered by the receptacle, when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the invention provides a convenient arrangement for storing and dispensing product from the container.
  • the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container before, during or after a filling operation, such that product can be stored in the container compartment with the receptacle releasably attached to the container.
  • the receptacle is thereby conveniently located for use during a dispensing operation through said outlet, where it can be released from the container body and used to collect product being dispensed through the outlet, for example.
  • engagement between the receptacle and the container body may be configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle and the container body, meaning that a protective tab or sticker is not required for the outlet; effectively, the receptacle becomes a closure for the outlet.
  • the container comprises:
  • the receptacle has a base at the bottom of the open chamber, the base having an upper surface.
  • the upper surface of the base includes a convex portion, concentric with the central axis of the receptacle. The convex portion engages the outlet of the container body, to help seal the outlet.
  • the convex portion in the upper surface of the base of the receptacle is formed as a result of a concavity in a bottom surface of the base of the receptacle.
  • an internal profile of the receptacle is configured to nest with an external profile of the container body.
  • the term ‘nest’ is intended to mean that the container body fits within the receptacle such that a portion of the internal profile of the receptacle follows a portion of the external profile of the container body.
  • the receptacle is coupled with the container body there is substantially no separation between the portion of the internal profile of the receptacle and the portion of the external profile of the container body.
  • a majority of the internal profile of the receptacle is in contact with the external profile of the container body. This reduces the space envelope required for the container, reducing the storage space required as well as facilitating transport and delivery of multiple containers.
  • an upper surface of the base of the receptacle contacts a bottom surface of the body of the container.
  • the receptacle has a base at the bottom of the open topped chamber, the base having an upper surface, the upper surface of the base including a convex portion, concentric with the central axis of the receptacle, wherein the convex portion engages the outlet of the container body, to help seal the outlet.
  • the body defines a lower region of the compartment and the part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet defines an upper region of the compartment, such that the body is open at an end opposite the outlet so that the lower region of the compartment can be charged with product before the body and part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet are attached to one another during assembly of the container.
  • the part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet is a lid configured to fit on the body of the container, preferably with a snap or interference fit.
  • the dimensions of the receptacle helps to ensure that the receptacle does not significantly increase the space envelope of the container compared to a container without the receptacle, but the receptacle is still of a sufficient size to allow it to be used as a bowl by a user.
  • the receptacle can be made large enough that it defines a sufficient volume to contain an appropriate portion of frozen product for a consumer, and it is suitable for use as a bowl.
  • the term ‘receptacle’ in this specification is intended to specifically mean an open-topped ‘cup’ that defines a sufficient volume that it can contain an appropriate portion of frozen product for a consumer, and it is suitable for use as a bowl. This is entirely different to closures of the prior art, which are not suitable for use as a bowl and require a separate bowl or cup to be provided in order to collect the product as it is dispensed. Further, advantageously, the receptacle can be sized to match the capacity of the container, to help ensure good presentation of the dispensed product.
  • an internal surface of the receptacle is configured for engagement (e.g. snap or interference fit) with an external surface of the container body, for releasably coupling the receptacle with the container body.
  • the product to be dispensed is semi-solid, e.g. ice-cream or other frozen food product.
  • an ice bond may exist between the container and the receptacle in certain applications, e.g. as a result of storage in freezing conditions, in which case heating or some other form of agitation, that may include rotation of the container and/or receptacle, may be required to break or reduce said bond, and thereby ensure fully automatic decoupling of the receptacle from the container as product is expressed from the container outlet.
  • an underside of the receptacle defines an annular surface spaced from but concentric with said central axis.
  • the annular surface on the underside of the receptacle may be engaged by a suction device forming part of a dispensing machine, e.g. for assisting decoupling of the receptacle from the container, for positioning the receptacle in a desired location for receiving product from the container during a dispensing operation, and/or delivering the receptacle to a user after a dispensing operation.
  • a suction device forming part of a dispensing machine, e.g. for assisting decoupling of the receptacle from the container, for positioning the receptacle in a desired location for receiving product from the container during a dispensing operation, and/or delivering the receptacle to a user after a dispensing operation.
  • the container body defines an external shoulder, wherein the receptacle has a rim at its upper end, intended to abut against the shoulder when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the internal side wall of the receptacle.
  • the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the external side wall of the receptacle.
  • the receptacle provides an increased external area onto which product information may be displayed (i.e. as opposed to the product information being displayed only on the lower portion of the container).
  • an internal surface of the receptacle is configured to abut a radially outer surface of the container body, when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the engagement of these two surfaces helps to ensure the radial location of the receptacle relative to the container. In other words, it helps to ensure the receptacle is centred and nests co-axially with the container body.
  • the receptacle has a rim at its upper end, wherein the rim projects radially outwardly from the container, when the receptacle is coupled with the container body.
  • an upper surface of the rim can be engaged to easily separate the receptacle from the body, when required.
  • the receptacle is cup-shaped. Specifically, the receptacle has side walls extending upwardly from the base, to define the open chamber for receiving product dispensed from the container.
  • the receptacle is configured to be nestable with other receptacles of the same kind and configuration, one inside another.
  • the receptacle has an external lip at its open end, since this may allow the receptacle to be readily gripped within a dispensing apparatus, e.g. in an automated dispensing machine.
  • the receptacle is releasably attached to the container by one or more welded points.
  • the or each weld point may be configured to have an attachment strength such that at a certain force (i.e. during dispensing of product through the container outlet) will allow the container and receptacle to become easily separated.
  • the or each weld point is formed with one of spot welding, laser welding, or radio frequency welding.
  • the receptacle may be releasably attached to the container using an adhesive, suitable to allow easy separation under typical dispensing forces.
  • the receptacle may include an upstand within the open topped chamber, said upstand being configured to engage with the outlet of the container, in order to releasably couple the receptacle to the container until product is expressed through the outlet (e.g. under a predetermined force).
  • an upper portion of the container is domed and configured to deform inwardly (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), for reducing the volume within the container chamber, and causing product to be expressed through the outlet.
  • the container is of two-part construction, having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the outlet is formed in the lower part and wherein the upper part includes a portion configured to be deformed into the lower part, for dispensing product through the outlet.
  • the container defines a conduit having an outlet at a lower end thereof and a lid or other part is movable within said conduit (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), in order to reduce the volume within the container compartment and thereby cause product to be expressed through the outlet.
  • the arrangement of the container and receptacle is configured so that the receptacle is releasably decoupled from the container body as a result of product being dispensed through the outlet of the container.
  • Such an arrangement is particularly convenient for automated dispensing operations, e.g. wherein the receptacle is configured to be decoupled into a seat located below the container, for collection of product being expressed through the container outlet.
  • the container body has a central axis and the outlet is concentric with said central axis.
  • the receptacle has a central axis, which is concentric with the outlet of the container when the receptacle is releasably coupled with to the container body.
  • the container further comprises a mechanical locking arrangement for releasably securing the receptacle with the container.
  • the mechanical locking arrangement may be configured for preventing undesired decoupling of the receptacle from the container, e.g. during transportation from a filling location to a dispensing location.
  • the container body includes an external circumferential recess
  • the receptacle includes an internal circumferential protrusion, or vice versa, wherein the protrusion is configured to be snap-fittingly or interference-fittingly received in the recess, for providing said mechanical locking arrangement between the container and the receptacle.
  • the external recess is provided in a side wall of container body, and the internal protrusion is provided on an internal side wall of the receptacle.
  • the external protrusion is provided on an external side wall of the container body, and the internal recess is provided on an internal side wall of the receptacle.
  • the receptacle is configured to deform during a dispensing operation, in order to assist decoupling from the container.
  • this may help to avoid the need for additional intervention (such as user intervention) during a dispensing operation, thereby facilitating improved automated dispensing operations.
  • an underside of the container body defines a concave portion concentric with and annular to said outlet, and intended to deform outwardly during a dispensing operation.
  • the receptacle defines a convex surface at the bottom of the open topped chamber, concentric with the central axis thereof, against which the concave portion of the container is intended to act during outward deformation thereof.
  • the concave portion of the container is intended to nest with the convex surface of the receptacle when the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the convex surface in the receptacle chamber is formed as a result of a concavity in the underside of the receptacle.
  • at least one reinforcing rib is provided within the concavity on the underside of the receptacle.
  • the reinforcing rib(s) which may form part of a radial array (i.e. with respect to the central axis of the receptacle), provide support for the convex surface, so that it has the strength to stay convex when force is applied via deformation of the container during a dispensing operation.
  • the compartment of the container contains a frozen confection such as ice cream, sorbet or frozen yogurt.
  • a container comprising a body defining a compartment for storing product to be dispensed, the body having an outlet in a lower region of the body, through which product is to be dispensed from the chamber; the container further comprising a part configured to move or deform in the direction of the outlet in order to reduce the volume within the chamber, for dispensing product through the outlet; the container further comprising a closure for the outlet, said closure being configured to be releasably coupled with the body of the container, wherein an internal surface of the closure is configured for engagement (e.g.
  • the invention provides a convenient arrangement for storing and dispensing product from the container.
  • the closure is releasably coupled with the container before, during or after a filling operation, such that product can be stored in the container compartment with the closure releasably attached to the container.
  • the engagement between the closure and the container body may be configured so that a seal is created between the closure and the container body, meaning that a protective tab or sticker is not required for the outlet.
  • the container comprises:
  • the container body defines a side wall formed with a step or shoulder, and wherein the receptacle is releasably coupled with the container body at a location below the step or shoulder, when the container is orientated so that the outlet of the container is arranged lowermost.
  • an internal profile of the closure is configured to nest with an external profile of the container body.
  • the body comprises separate first and second parts configured to cooperate with one another (e.g. by fitting together) in order to define said compartment; wherein the first part defines a lower region of the compartment and includes said outlet, and wherein said second part defines an upper region of the compartment (e.g. wherein each of said first and second parts defines 50% of the capacity of the compartment); and wherein said second part is configured to deform in the direction of the outlet, for reducing volume within the compartment and dispensing product through the outlet.
  • the first part defines a concavity for receiving product to be dispensed during a charging operation
  • the second part defines a lid for enclosing charged product in the first part (e.g. with a snap fit or interference fit of said second part on said first part).
  • the second part is configured to nest in said first part when the first and second parts cooperate with one another to define said compartment.
  • the first part has an internal surface with a step or shoulder onto which a lower end of the second part is received when the second part is nested in said first part.
  • the lower region of the compartment nests within the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.
  • the internal surface of the closure is configured to engage the external surface of the body in a snap fit and/or interference fit, for releasably coupling the closure with the body.
  • the container is configured so that an internal profile of the closure provides a circumferential engagement with an external profile of the body when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.
  • the body has an external circumferential protrusion
  • the closure includes an internal circumferential recess, or vice versa
  • the protrusion is configured for snap-fitting or interference-fitting cooperation with the recess, for providing a mechanical locking arrangement between the body and the closure.
  • the body defines a bottom surface, which includes said outlet, and a further side wall extending away from said bottom surface, wherein said protrusion or recess is provided on said side wall.
  • the closure has an internal profile which includes a base surface; and wherein the container is configured such that said base surface is in contact with an underside of the body when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.
  • said base surface is in contact with a circumferential periphery of the outlet (e.g. in order to seal the outlet) when the closure is releasably coupled with the body.
  • the base surface defines a projection configured to engage said circumferential periphery of the outlet when the closure is releasably coupled with the body, in order to prevent leakage from the outlet; optionally wherein said projection defines a convex profile; further optionally, wherein said convex profile is the result of a concavity formed in an underside of the closure.
  • the container body defines an external shoulder, wherein the closure has a rim at its upper end, intended to abut against the shoulder when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the internal side wall of the closure.
  • the distance between the base of the container and the shoulder is less than the depth of the external side wall of the closure.
  • the closure provides an increased external area onto which product information may be displayed (i.e. as opposed to the product information being displayed only on the lower portion of the container).
  • an ice bond may exist between the container and the closure in certain applications, e.g. as a result of storage in freezing conditions, in which case heating or some other form of agitation, that may include rotation of container and/or receptacle, may be required to break or reduce said bond, and thereby ensure fully automatic decoupling of the closure from the container as product is expressed from the container outlet.
  • an underside of the closure defines an annular surface spaced from but concentric with said central axis.
  • the annular surface on the underside of the closure may be engaged by a suction device forming part of a dispensing machine, e.g. for assisting decoupling of the closure from the container, for positioning the closure in a desired location for receiving product from the container during a dispensing operation, and/or delivering the closure to a user after a dispensing operation.
  • the closure has an external lip at its open end, since this may allow the closure to be readily gripped within a dispensing apparatus, e.g. in an automated dispensing machine.
  • the closure is releasably attached to the container by one or more welded points.
  • the or each weld point may be configured to have an attachment strength such that at a certain force (i.e. during dispensing of product through the container outlet) will allow the container and closure to become easily separated.
  • the or each weld point is formed with one of spot welding, laser welding, or radio frequency welding.
  • closure may be releasably attached to the container using an adhesive, suitable to allow easy separation under typical dispensing forces.
  • the closure may include an upstand within the open topped chamber, said upstand being configured to engage with the outlet of the container, in order to releasably couple the closure to the container until product is expressed through the outlet (e.g. under a predetermined force).
  • an upper portion of the container is domed and configured to deform inwardly (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), for reducing the volume within the container chamber, and causing product to be expressed through the outlet.
  • the container is of two-part construction, having an upper part and a lower part, wherein the outlet is formed in the lower part and wherein the upper part is configured includes a portion configured to be deformed in to the lower part, for dispensing product through the outlet.
  • the container defines a conduit having an outlet at a lower end thereof and a lid or other part is movable within said conduit (i.e. in the direction of the outlet), in order to reduce the volume within the container compartment and thereby cause product to be expressed through the outlet.
  • the arrangement of the container and closure is configured so that the closure is releasably decoupled from the container body as a result of product being dispensed through the outlet of the container.
  • Such an arrangement is particularly convenient for automated dispensing operations.
  • the container body has a central axis and the outlet is concentric with said central axis.
  • the closure a central axis, which is concentric with the outlet of the container when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the closure is configured to be nestable with other containers of the same kind and configuration, one inside another.
  • an underside of the container body defines a concave portion concentric with and annular to said outlet, and intended to deform outwardly during a dispensing operation.
  • the closure defines a convex surface at the bottom of the open topped chamber, concentric with the central axis thereof, against which the concave portion of the container is intended to act during outward deformation thereof.
  • the concave portion of the container is intended to nest with the convex surface of the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the container further comprises a mechanical locking arrangement for releasably securing the closure with the container.
  • the mechanical locking arrangement may be configured for preventing undesired decoupling of the closure from the container, e.g. during transportation from a filling location to a dispensing location.
  • the container body includes an external circumferential recess
  • the closure includes an internal circumferential protrusion, or vice versa, wherein the protrusion is configured to be snap-fittingly or interference-fittingly received in the recess, for providing said mechanical locking arrangement between the container and the closure.
  • the external recess is provided in a side wall of container body
  • the internal protrusion is provided on an internal side wall of the closure.
  • the closure is configured to deform during a dispensing operation, in order to assist decoupling from the container.
  • this may help to avoid the need for additional intervention (such as user intervention) during a dispensing operation, thereby facilitating improved automated dispensing operations.
  • said open topped chamber may include a bottom surface configured to be arranged adjacent the underside of the container when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body, and wherein at least a portion of said bottom surface is biased inwardly, so as to project in the direction of the container outlet when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body; wherein said inwardly biased portion of the base is configured to be deflected outwardly (i.e. away from the outlet) as product is dispensed through the outlet; and wherein the closure is configured to decouple from the container as a result of said deflection.
  • the inwardly biased portion is concentric with the outlet of the container.
  • an underside of the closure is configured to define a concavity, thereby defining a convex surface within the closure, concentric with the central axis thereof; and wherein said convex surface is configured to be deflected outwardly (i.e. away from the outlet) as product is dispensed through the outlet of the container, when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body; and wherein the closure is configured to decouple from the container as a result of said deflection.
  • an underside of the container body includes a concave portion concentric with and annular to said outlet, and intended to nest with the convex surface of the closure when the closure is releasably coupled with the container body.
  • the compartment of the container contains a semi-solid product to be dispensed, e.g. ice-cream or other frozen food product.
  • the outlet may comprise one or more movable elements, which are moved outwardly (away from the internal compartment of the container body), during a dispensing operation through the outlet.
  • These movable elements may apply a load to the receptacle/closure (e.g. to an internal surface of the receptacle located adjacent the outlet, when the receptacle or closure is releasably coupled with the container body), in order to assist release of the receptacle from the container during a dispensing operation (i.e. when product is discharged through the outlet of the container body).
  • movable elements are known from prior patent applications, such as WO2014/184579, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first container according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 , with the container shown in a decoupled state;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 , including product stored in the container;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 , showing a piston applying force to the container;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 , showing product being dispensed from an outlet of the container;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 , showing product that has been dispensed into a receptacle of the container;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second container in a decoupled state
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 7 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 7 in a coupled state.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 7 in a coupled state.
  • a container for product to be dispensed is indicated at 10 .
  • the container 10 has a body 12 defining a compartment 11 for storing product to be dispensed.
  • An outlet 14 is provided in a lower region of the body 12 , through which product is to be dispensed from the compartment 11 .
  • the body 12 takes the form of separate first and second parts 12 A, 12 B (i.e. a lower part and an upper part) which are configured to cooperate with one another (e.g. by fitting together, as illustrated) to define the compartment 11 .
  • the first or lower part 12 A defines the lower region of the compartment (and includes said outlet 14 ).
  • the second or upper part 12 B defines an upper region of the compartment 11 .
  • each of said first and second parts 12 A, 12 B defines 50% of the capacity of the compartment 11 ).
  • the first part 12 A defines a concavity for receiving product to be dispensed during a charging operation, when separated from the second part 12 B.
  • the second part 12 B defines a lid for enclosing charged product in the first part 12 A (e.g. with a snap fit or interference fit of said second part 12 B on said first part 12 A), as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the first part 12 A defines a concavity for receiving the second part 12 B, and the second part 12 B is configured to nest in said first part 12 A when the first and second parts 12 A, 12 B cooperate with one another to define said compartment 11 , as illustrated.
  • the first part 12 A has an internal surface with a step or shoulder 63 C onto which a lower end of the second part 12 B is received when the second part 12 A is nested in said first part 12 A.
  • the first part 12 A of the body 12 has tapered lower and upper side wall portions 63 A, 63 B between which is provided a shoulder 63 C.
  • the lower and upper side wall portions 63 A, 63 B taper outwardly in the axial direction terminating at the upper edge in a lip 64 .
  • the angle of taper is approximately 5° to the vertical (but may be in the range of 1° to 10°).
  • a base surface 65 of the first part 12 A is generally planar, merging into the lower side wall portion 63 A through a radiused portion 66 . Centrally of the base portion 65 is formed the outlet 14 .
  • the second part 12 B of the body 12 includes a peripheral lip 70 which is arranged to engage over the lip 64 of the first part 12 A, for securing the second part 12 B to the first part 12 B.
  • the inter-fitting of the lip 70 with the lip 64 is, as shown, by a snap-fitting or clip action, but it may be provided by welding, heat sealing or by the first and second parts 12 A, 12 B being in an interference fit with one another.
  • the lip 64 on the first part 12 A of the body 12 is arranged to fit into a downward-facing annular channel of the lip 70 and has a thickened region 77 which interfits with the thickened region 76 when the first part 12 A and second part 12 B of the body 12 are brought together to secure the second part 12 B onto the first part 12 A of the body 12 .
  • the second part 12 B has a central deformable region 71 which is generally planar in the form of a disc, and which merges through a radius 72 with deformable folded over portions 73 and 74 , the lip 70 being formed at the upper edge of the folded over portion 74 .
  • a portion 75 which, when the second part 12 B is secured to the first part 12 A, is located half way down the body 12 and against the shoulder 63 C.
  • the portion 74 is tapered to match the taper of the side wall 63 B of the first part 12 A.
  • At least the regions 71 , 72 and 73 of the second part 12 B are formed of flexible material so that the second part 12 B can deform during dispensing of product from the compartment 11 , e.g. by engagement of a plunger with the central region 71 of the second part 12 B.
  • the body 12 containing product may be frozen, transported and stored.
  • the product Prior to dispensing of product from the compartment 11 of the body 12 , the product may be tempered to a suitable dispensing temperature in the case of ice cream or other frozen confectionery product or, in some cases, the product within the body 12 may be heated, e.g. by microwave means.
  • the first and second parts 12 A, 12 B can be manufactured separately.
  • the second part 12 B is clipped onto the first part 12 A with, in this embodiment, the snap-fit arrangement between the lip 70 and the lip 64 .
  • This assembly step can be done at an assembly location that is remote from the location or locations that the first and second parts 12 A, 12 B are manufactured.
  • each second part 12 B can nest with other identical second parts 12 B to create a stack of second parts 12 B.
  • each first part 12 A can nest with other identical first parts 12 A to create a stack of first parts 12 A.
  • the second part 12 B has at least one vertical rib 78 projecting radially inwardly from an internal surface of the folded over portion 74 .
  • the first part 12 A also has at least one vertical rib 80 projecting from a radially external surface.
  • the second part 12 B has multiple ribs 78 and the first part 12 A has multiple ribs 80 .
  • the vertical ribs 80 project radially outwardly from the upper side wall portion 63 B of the first part 12 A, and extend vertically downwardly from the lip 64 partway down the upper side wall portion 63 B.
  • the vertical ribs 78 project radially inwardly from the folded over portion 74 of the second part 12 B, and extend vertically upwardly from the portion 75 part-way up the folder over portion 74 .
  • the vertical rib 78 of the second part 12 B has the function of engaging a further second part 12 B when multiple second part 12 B are stacked together. This helps to prevent the second parts 12 B being pushed too close to one another, and therefore reduces the risk that it will be difficult to separate the second parts 12 B from one another at the assembly location.
  • the vertical rib 80 of the first part 12 A has the function of engaging a further first part 12 A when multiple first parts 12 A are stacked together. This helps to prevent the first parts 12 A being pushed too close to one another, and therefore reduces the risk that it will be difficult to separate the first parts 12 A from one another at the assembly location.
  • a first part 12 A is removed from a stack of first part 12 A and charged with product.
  • a second part 12 B is removed from a stack of second parts 12 B and fitted on the first part 12 A, for example, with the snap-fit arrangement between the lip 70 and the lip 64 .
  • a receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the body 12 of the container 10 .
  • the receptacle 40 defines an open chamber 41 , when decoupled from the container body 12 , for receiving product dispensed through the outlet 14 .
  • An internal surface 42 of the receptacle 40 is configured for engagement (e.g. snap or interference fit) with an external surface 18 at the lower region of the container body 12 , for releasably coupling the receptacle 40 with the container body 12 .
  • the outlet 14 of the container 10 is covered by the receptacle 40 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12 .
  • the lower region of the body 12 extends into the chamber 41 of the receptacle 40 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the body 12 of the container 10 .
  • the invention provides a convenient arrangement for storing and dispensing product from the container 10 .
  • the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the body 12 before, during or after a filling operation, such that product can be stored in the body compartment 11 with the receptacle 40 releasably attached to the body 12 .
  • the receptacle 40 is thereby conveniently located for use during a dispensing operation through said outlet 14 , where it can be released from the container body 12 and used to collect product being dispensed through the outlet 14 .
  • the engagement between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12 may be configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12 , meaning that a protective tab or sticker is not required for the outlet 14 ; effectively, the receptacle 40 becomes a closure for the outlet 14 .
  • the arrangement of the body 12 and receptacle 40 may be configured so that the receptacle 40 is releasably decoupled from the container body 12 as a result of product being dispensed through the outlet 14 of the container 10 .
  • Such an arrangement is particularly convenient for automated dispensing operations, e.g. wherein the receptacle 40 is decoupled into a seat located below the body 12 , for collection of product being expressed through the outlet 14 .
  • the container body 12 has a central axis and the outlet 14 is concentric with said central axis.
  • the receptacle 40 also has a central axis, which is concentric with the outlet 14 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12 .
  • the receptacle 40 is configured to be nestable with other receptacles of the same kind and configuration, one inside another.
  • the receptacle 40 is releasably secured to the body 12 , e.g. by a mechanical locking arrangement.
  • the mechanical locking arrangement is configured for preventing undesired decoupling of the receptacle 40 from the body 10 , e.g. during transportation from a filling location to a dispensing location.
  • the container body 12 includes an external circumferential recess 20
  • the receptacle 40 includes an internal circumferential protrusion 44 .
  • the protrusion 44 is configured to be snap-fittingly or interference-fittingly received in the recess 20 , for providing said mechanical locking arrangement between the container body 12 and the receptacle 40 .
  • the external recess 20 is provided in a side wall 22 of the container body 12
  • the internal protrusion 44 is provided on an internal side wall 46 of the receptacle 40 .
  • the receptacle 40 may be configured to deform during a dispensing operation, in order to assist decoupling from the container body 12 . This may help to avoid the need for additional intervention (such as user intervention) during a dispensing operation, thereby facilitating improved automated dispensing operations.
  • an underside of the container body 12 defines a concave portion 24 concentric with and annular to said outlet 14 , and which is intended to deform outwardly during a dispensing operation.
  • a base surface 55 of the receptacle 40 defines a projection configured to engage a circumferential periphery of the outlet 14 , when the receptacle 40 is coupled with the container body 12 .
  • the receptacle 40 defines a convex surface 48 at the bottom of the open chamber, concentric with the central axis thereof, against which the concave portion 24 of the body 12 is intended to act during outward deformation thereof.
  • the concave portion 24 of the body 12 is intended to nest with the convex surface 48 of the receptacle 40 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12 .
  • the convex surface 48 in the receptacle chamber 41 is formed as a result of a concavity 50 in the underside of the receptacle 40 .
  • At least one reinforcing rib 52 is provided within the concavity 50 on the underside of the receptacle 40 .
  • the reinforcing rib(s) which may form part of a radial array (i.e. with respect to the central axis of the receptacle), provide support for the convex surface 48 of the receptacle 40 , so that it has the strength to stay convex when force is applied via deformation of the container 10 during a dispensing operation.
  • the engagement between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12 is configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle 40 and the container body 12 .
  • an internal profile of the receptacle 40 is configured to nest with an external profile of the container body 12 .
  • the container body 12 defines an external shoulder surface 26 , wherein the receptacle 40 has a rim 54 at its upper end, intended to abut against the shoulder surface 26 when the receptacle 40 is releasably coupled with the container body 12 .
  • the chamber 41 of the receptacle 40 is suitable for receiving the volume of product stored within said compartment of the body 12 .
  • the receptacle 40 can be simply disposed of by a user prior to a dispensing operation. In such instances, the receptacle 40 only acts as a closure to protect product stored in the body 12 , and the product may be dispensed into a different vessel.
  • an ice bond may exist between the body 12 and the receptacle 40 , e.g. as a result of storage in freezing conditions, in which case heating or some other form of agitation, that may include rotation of the body 12 and/or receptacle 40 , may be required to break or reduce said bond, and thereby ensure fully automatic decoupling of the receptacle 40 from the body 12 as product is expressed from the outlet 14 .
  • An underside of the receptacle 40 defines an annular surface 58 spaced from but concentric with said central axis.
  • the annular surface 58 on the underside of the receptacle 40 may be engaged by a suction device forming part of a dispensing machine, e.g. for assisting decoupling of the receptacle 40 from the body 12 , for positioning the receptacle 40 in a desired location for receiving product from the container 10 during a dispensing operation, and/or delivering the receptacle 40 to a user after a dispensing operation.
  • FIGS. 3 to 6 show an example of automatic dispensing.
  • a piston 70 engages the second part 12 B of the body 12 , to deform it inwardly (i.e. in the direction of the outlet 14 ), reducing the volume within the compartment 11 and causing product to be expressed through the outlet 14 .
  • the concave portion 24 deforms outwardly during a dispensing operation due to the force of product being pushed downwardly by the piston 70 .
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 shows how the force of the concave portion being deformed outwardly acts against the convex surface 48 of the receptacle 40 , the receptacle 40 being releasably decoupled from the container body 12 as a result, and product being dispensed from the container body 12 into the receptacle 40 .
  • a further container for product to be dispensed is indicated at 100 .
  • the container 100 is very similar to the container 10 of FIGS. 1 to 6 .
  • the container 100 has a body 112 defining a compartment 111 for storing product to be dispensed; the body 112 has an upper region and a lower region, with an outlet 114 provided in said lower region (wherein product is intended to be dispensed from the compartment 111 through the outlet 114 , in use); a receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 , said receptacle 140 defining an open chamber 141 , when decoupled from the body 112 , for receiving product dispensed through said outlet 114 ; the lower region of the body 112 extends into the chamber 141 of the receptacle 140 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 ; the outlet 114 of the body 112 is covered by the receptacle 140 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 ; an internal surface
  • the body 112 is defined by separate first and second parts 112 A, 112 B configured to cooperate with one another (e.g. by fitting together) in order to define the compartment 111 for storing frozen confection (e.g. selected from one of ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt).
  • frozen confection e.g. selected from one of ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt.
  • the first part 112 A defines a lower region of the compartment 111 and includes said outlet 114
  • the second part 1128 defines an upper region of the compartment 111 .
  • Each of said first and second parts 112 A, 1128 defines 50% of the capacity of the compartment 111 .
  • the second part 1128 is configured to deform in the direction of the outlet 114 , for reducing volume within the compartment 111 and dispensing product through the outlet 114 .
  • the second part 1128 may be constructed in the same or substantially the same manner as the second part 1128 of the body 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 .
  • the first part 112 A defines a concavity for receiving product to be dispensed during a charging operation
  • the second part 112 B defines a lid for enclosing charged product in the first part 112 A (e.g. with a snap fit or interference fit of said second part 112 B on said first part 112 A).
  • the second part 1128 is configured to nest in said first part 112 A when the first and second parts 112 A, 112 B cooperate with one another to define said compartment 111 .
  • the first part 112 A has an internal surface with a step or shoulder 163 onto which a lower end of the second part 112 B is received when the second part 1128 is nested in said first part 112 A.
  • the lower region of the compartment 111 nests within the chamber 141 of the receptacle 140 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 .
  • the internal surface of the receptacle 140 is configured to engage the external surface of the body 112 in a snap fit and/or interference fit, for releasably coupling the receptacle 140 with the body 112 .
  • the container 100 is configured so that an internal profile of the receptacle 140 provides circumferential engagement with an external profile of the body 112 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 .
  • the internal profile of the receptacle 140 has a diameter in the range of 70 to 100 mm.
  • the circumferential engagement between said internal profile of the receptacle 140 and said external profile of the body 112 extends in an axial direction along a distance in the range of 10 to 20 mm. Said circumferential engagement extends axially along complimentary side wall portions 156 A, 163 A of said internal profile of the receptacle 140 and said external profile of the body 112 .
  • the body 112 has an external circumferential protrusion, and the receptacle includes 140 an internal circumferential recess, or vice versa.
  • the protrusion is configured for snap-fitting or interference-fitting cooperation with the recess, for providing a mechanical locking arrangement between the body and the receptacle.
  • the body 112 defines a bottom surface, which includes said outlet 114 , and a further side wall extending away from said bottom surface, wherein said protrusion or recess is provided on said side wall.
  • the engagement between the receptacle 140 and the container body 112 is configured so that a seal is created between the receptacle 140 and the container body 112 .
  • the receptacle 140 has an internal profile which includes a base surface 155 at the bottom of the chamber 141 .
  • the container 100 is configured such that said base surface 155 is in contact with an underside of the body 112 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 .
  • the base surface 155 is in contact with a circumferential periphery of the outlet 114 (e.g. in order to seal the outlet 114 ) when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 .
  • the base surface 155 defines a projection configured to engage said a circumferential periphery of the outlet 114 when the receptacle 140 is releasably coupled with the body 112 , in order to prevent leakage from the outlet 114 .
  • the projection defines a convex profile, which may be the result of a concavity formed in an underside of the receptacle 140 .
  • the body 112 has tapered lower and upper side wall portions 163 A, 163 B between which is a shoulder 163 C.
  • the lower and upper side wall portions 163 A, 163 B taper outwardly in the axial direction terminating at the upper edge in a lip 164 .
  • the angle of taper from the vertical is preferably between 1° and 10°, even more preferably between 4° and 6°. In this embodiment, it is 4.5°.
  • a base portion 165 of the body 112 is generally planar, merging into the lower side wall portion 163 A through a radiused portion 166 . Centrally of the base portion 165 is formed the outlet 114 .
  • the receptacle 140 has a rim 154 at its upper end, and the substantially planar base 155 at its bottom end. Between the rim 154 and the base 155 are a lower side wall 156 A and upper side wall 156 B, and a shoulder 156 C between the lower and upper side walls 156 A, 156 B.
  • the upper side wall 156 B defines a collar projecting in an axially upward projection from the shoulder 156 C.
  • the rim 154 and the shoulder 156 C are generally planar and extend in a radial direction, perpendicular to the central axis of the receptacle.
  • the lower and upper side walls 156 A, 156 B taper to match the lower and upper side wall portions 163 A, 163 B of the body 112 of the container 100 , i.e. they taper outward in the upward direction terminating.
  • the angle of taper from the vertical is preferably between 1° and 10°, even more preferably between 4° and 6°. In this embodiment, it is 4.5°.
  • the upper side wall 156 B defines an internal surface 156 B′.
  • the lower side wall 156 A defines an internal surface 156 A′.
  • the shoulder 156 C defines an upper shoulder surface 156 C′.
  • the base 155 defines an upper surface 155 ′.
  • the rim 154 defines an upper surface 154 ′.
  • the external surface of the lower side wall 156 A extends downwardly to define a skirt 157 between the lower side wall 156 A and a bottom surface of the base 155 . This helps to maximise the external surface area of the lower side wall 156 A, to provide more space for marketing, e.g. a label on the outside of the receptacle.
  • the skirt 157 projects downwardly further than the base 155 , and annularly surrounds the base 155 with a recess 159 defined by a curved transition between the skirt 157 and the bottom surface of the base 155 .
  • the taper of the receptacle 140 and the body 112 helps to ensure that the receptacle 140 and the body 112 are in contact. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the upper surface 155 ′ of the base 155 of the receptacle 140 contacts a bottom surface of the base 165 of the body 112 . This contact correctly locates the receptacle 140 in the vertical direction.
  • the internal surface 156 A′ contacts an external surface of the lower side wall 163 A of the body 112 .
  • the internal surface 156 B′ contacts an external surface of the upper side wall 163 B of the body 112 .
  • the protrusion 120 contacts the recess 144 .
  • the exact taper of the receptacle 140 and body 112 are chosen such that there is an interference fit between the receptacle 140 and body 112 .
  • the mechanical locking arrangement in the form of the snap fit arrangement between the protrusion 120 of the body and the recess 144 of the receptacle 140 . It will be appreciated though that, in some embodiments, there will only be the mechanical locking arrangement or the interference fit, and not both.
  • the mechanical locking arrangement is located below the shoulder 63 C of the container body 12 , when the container body 12 and receptacle 40 are coupled. In this embodiment, the mechanical locking arrangement is located above the shoulder 163 C of the container body 112 , when the container body 112 and receptacle 140 are coupled.
  • the location of the mechanical locking arrangement in each embodiment could be swapped, or there could be one or more mechanical lock arrangements above and/or or below the shoulder 63 C, 163 C of the container body 12 , 112 . In other embodiments, there could be no shoulder on the container body at all. In such embodiments, one or more mechanical locking arrangements could be provided between the container body and the receptacle.
  • the distance of the circumferential engagement in the axial direction between the internal profile of the receptacle and the external profile of the container body could be greater than 20 mm; the range could be, for example, 10 to 30 mm.
  • the upper surface 156 C′ of the receptacle 140 is spaced from the bottom surface of the shoulder 163 C of the body 112 when the receptacle 140 is coupled with the body 112 , because of the engagement of the upper surface 155 ′ of the base 155 of the receptacle 140 and the bottom surface of the base 165 of the body 112 .
  • the rim 154 projects radially outwardly from the container body 112 . This is advantageous, as the upper surface 154 ′ can be engaged to easily separate the receptacle 140 from the body 112 , when required.
  • the internal surface 1568 ′ of the receptacle 140 contacts the external surface of the upper side wall 163 B of the container body 112 .
  • this circumferential engagement of the two surfaces helps to ensure the radial location of the receptacle 140 relative to the container body 112 , i.e. it helps to ensure co-axial nesting of the container body 112 in the receptacle 140 .
  • the body 112 nests with the receptacle 140 .
  • internal surfaces 155 ′, 156 A′ of the receptacle 140 contact external surfaces of the base 165 and lower side wall 163 A of the container body 112 .
  • the radiused portion 166 does not contact the radius between the internal surface 156 A′ and the base 155 ; the radii are different.
  • the chamber of the receptacle 140 is dimensioned such that it is suitable for receiving the volume of product stored within said compartment 111 of the container body 112 .
  • the diameter of the body 112 where the lower side wall 163 A meets the shoulder 163 C should be between 70 mm and 100 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter of the body 112 where the lower side wall 163 A meets the shoulder 163 C is approximately 75 mm.
  • the diameter of the receptacle 140 where the lower side wall 156 A meets the shoulder 156 C should also be between 70 mm and 100 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter of the receptacle 140 where the lower side wall 156 A meets the shoulder 156 C is approximately 75 mm. In this embodiment, the diameter of the receptacle 140 where the rim 154 meets the upper side wall 1568 is approximately 85 mm.
  • receptacle 140 helps to ensure that the receptacle 140 is an ergonomic size, and ideally suited for holding in one hand by a user, e.g. wherein a user can consumer product using a spoon held in their other hand.
  • the vertical distance in the axial direction between the shoulder 156 C and the base 155 of the receptacle 140 should be between 20 and 40 mm. In this embodiment, the vertical distance between the shoulder 156 C and the base 155 of the receptacle 140 is approximately 23 mm.
  • the internal surface 156 A′ should be in contact with the external surface of the lower side wall 163 A over a vertical distance of 10 to 20 mm. In this embodiment, the internal surface 156 A′ is in contact with the external surface of the lower side wall 163 A over a vertical distance of approximately 12 mm.
  • the receptacle 40 , 140 can be manufactured from any suitable material.
  • the receptacle 40 , 140 is injection moulded from plastics.
  • the receptacle 40 , 140 could be manufactured from paper or board material.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
US16/641,668 2017-08-25 2018-08-28 Dispensing apparatus Abandoned US20200223616A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1713736.5 2017-08-25
GBGB1713736.5A GB201713736D0 (en) 2017-08-25 2017-08-25 Dispensing apparatus
PCT/GB2018/052418 WO2019038567A1 (en) 2017-08-25 2018-08-28 DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS

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US20200223616A1 true US20200223616A1 (en) 2020-07-16

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US16/641,668 Abandoned US20200223616A1 (en) 2017-08-25 2018-08-28 Dispensing apparatus

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US (1) US20200223616A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP3672889A1 (zh)
JP (1) JP2020536805A (zh)
CN (1) CN111712443A (zh)
GB (2) GB201713736D0 (zh)
WO (1) WO2019038567A1 (zh)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2889949A (en) * 1956-11-29 1959-06-09 Nirenberg Morris Ice cream dispensing apparatus
US5025960A (en) * 1989-12-05 1991-06-25 Risdon Corporation Dispenser with hollow drive rod
ES2192634T3 (es) * 1992-12-17 2003-10-16 Mcgill Tech Ltd Mecanismo dispensador.
PH31484A (en) * 1992-12-22 1998-11-03 Hosokawa Yoko Kk Container, method of manufacturing the same and installation jig for cartridge container for d18scharge gun.
ATE234260T1 (de) * 1994-07-02 2003-03-15 Mcgill Tech Ltd Abgabevorrichtung
JP4605895B2 (ja) * 2000-12-19 2011-01-05 雪印乳業株式会社 食品包装体及び食品の押し出し方法
JP3663376B2 (ja) * 2001-10-15 2005-06-22 名古屋製酪株式会社 アイスクリーム類用押出容器
US20030183658A1 (en) * 2002-03-29 2003-10-02 Sartin Cary Michael Hair removal cream dispenser
EP1459634B1 (en) * 2003-02-18 2005-06-08 Unilever Plc Frozen aerated product
FR2858304B1 (fr) * 2003-08-01 2005-09-23 Plastic System Packaging Dispositif de distribution
JP4583953B2 (ja) * 2004-02-19 2010-11-17 東洋アルミエコープロダクツ株式会社 電子レンジ調理用容器と包装体およびそれを用いた部分非加熱調理方法
US8590700B2 (en) * 2008-04-17 2013-11-26 Tai-Her Yang Sleeved to press-open type storage device with a prestressed to open closure
WO2010038047A2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-08 Sucup Limited Dispensing container
US8668119B2 (en) * 2009-09-03 2014-03-11 James Wheeler Container for viscous comestibles
GB201308810D0 (en) * 2013-05-16 2013-07-03 Mcgill Tech Ltd Container with outlet
CN205409473U (zh) * 2015-11-10 2016-08-03 郭星镐 冰激凌分配装置及其分配容器和按压装置
KR101821797B1 (ko) * 2016-11-21 2018-01-24 주식회사 씨에프에스 아이스크림 분배용기

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JP2020536805A (ja) 2020-12-17
CN111712443A (zh) 2020-09-25
GB201713736D0 (en) 2017-10-11
GB2567930B (en) 2020-12-16
GB2567930A (en) 2019-05-01
WO2019038567A1 (en) 2019-02-28
EP3672889A1 (en) 2020-07-01

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