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
  • B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
  • A47F1/00—Racks for dispensing merchandise; Containers for dispensing merchandise
  • A47F1/02—Racks for dispensing merchandise; Containers for dispensing merchandise for granulated or powdered materials, i.e. bulk materials
  • A47F1/03—Dispensing means, e.g. with buttons or handles

Definitions

• the present invention relates to dispensing apparatus for foodstuffs.
• the present invention relates to confectionery containers or dispensers although it may have application to nuts and similar foodstuffs also.
• a further problem is that foodstuffs stored in bins may not be stored ideally to maintain freshness. If items are regularly taken from the top of a bin, and the bin is then replenished, items at the bottom may lose their freshness. It is desirable to provide arrangements in which an entire batch of displayed items is sold before a new batch is provided. It is also advantageous to provide items to shopkeepers in containers that are sealed until actually put on sale, to ensure best possible freshness, minimal pilfering, and minimal chances of tampering.
• a still further problem is that of theft by customers. When goods are displayed in lidded or unlidded bins, it is believed for customers to sample without buying. A dispensing device which requires a deliberate and visible action to be taken and then dispenses several items, is less susceptible to this problem. A yet further problem is that some items are by nature "sticky", tending to form into lumpy masses. Certain sweets, not individually wrapped, are in certain temperature and/or humidity conditions likely to act this way. A dispensing device which "tumbles" or agitates its contents regularly, eg every time dispensing occurs, is desirable.
• the methods and apparatus described herein should at least alleviate the above problems. They are particularly applicable to dispensing foodstuff items where an absolutely precise weight or number of items is not required to be dispensed, and where there is a separate payment point. However, the invention is also in principle applicable to vending machines operated by coins, tokens or the like.
• apparatus for storing and dispensing foodstuff items including: container for storing foodstuff items therein; and a fixed part, said container being received in said fixed part and movable in said fixed part between first and second positions, wherein in said first position of said container at least one said item collects adjacent to a first formation included in said container and against a wall of said fixed part, and wherein through movement of said container forwardly from said first position to said second position said at least one item is moved by a pushing surface of said first formation along said wall to an upper edge of said wall over which by action of gravity said at least one item falls into a discharge means included in said fixed part.
• the invention provides method for storing and dispensing foodstuff items, including the step of providing apparatus according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein, with said container of said apparatus containing said foodstuff items. It is strongly preferred that after dispensing of said foodstuff items by said apparatus said container is removed and replaced in said apparatus by a new container with a supply of foodstuff items therein.
• said container is movable between said first position and said second position by rotation of said container about an at least approximately horizontal axis in said fixed part.
• initial movement of said at least one item away from said container and into said discharge means is at least partially in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
• This is advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, a larger opening for movement of items from the container into the discharge means can in practice be provided than when the movement is substantially axial, for a given capacity of the container.
• it has been found more convenient to provide apparatus with a container endwall that is transparent for viewing of items therein, with the discharge means delivering dispensed items adjacent to that endwall. This front-discharge arrangement is highly desirable in retail outlets. It is also convenient where a number of apparatus are to be stacked adjacent to each other to display and dispense a range of different products.
• said container includes first and second endwalls and a sidewall extending axially therebetween said sidewall having an opening extending lengthwise and through which said at least one item passes for dispensing from said container.
• said first formation extends along a first side of said opening and said pushing surface extends into said container and particularly preferred that said pushing surface is angled forwardly so that when said container is in said second position any said item thereon is shed from said surface into said discharge means.
• a component of said first formation having said pushing surface is preferably connected to said sidewall by resilient means whereby said component is held in contact with said wall of said fixed part during movement of said container between said first and second positions.
• the resilient means may include a resilient flap extending rearwardly from said component of said first formation to said sidewall.
• the invention can enable an arrangement in which a larger proportion of the volume of the container can be filled with the items to be dispensed than otherwise, as described later herein.
• the invention also provides for said wall of said fixed part to have an arcuate section centred on said axis of rotation of said container and a further section extending upwardly from said arcuate section and for said component of said first formation in moving from said first position to said second position to be initially in contact with said arcuate section and thereafter in contact with said further section.
• said container may include a second formation extending axially along a second side of said opening and into said container with, in said first position of said container, said at least one item collecting between said first and second formations.
• said first endwall is externally visible and is at least partially translucent or transparent so that items stored in said container are externally visible to a user.
• said first endwall of said container is or includes a lid covering an opening through which said container is tillable with said foodstuff items. It is also possible and within the cope of the invention for there to be no detachable lid and/or for filling of the container to be via the opening in the sidewall, but this makes for less convenient production of the container.
• said container may include at least one additional internal formation for agitation of items stored in said container during rotation of said container.
• the container may be manually movable from said first position to said second position by a user.
• a handle for this purpose may be moulded integrally into a lid as disclosed above.
• the apparatus includes return means for returning said container from said second position to said first position without action by a user. Then, when dispensing is complete, the container returns to its starting (first position) without reliance on the user.
• the return means may include a component arranged to be resiliently deformed during rotation of said container from said first position to said second position so that a torque is applied to said container for returning said container to said first position.
• the container may alternatively be made movable from said first position to said second position by drive means including an electric motor.
• the container is removable from said fixed part and replaceable in said fixed part by new container containing a supply of new items to be stored and dispensed.
• the manufacturer can in this case provide the items in sealed containers.
• the apparatus have locking means in said fixed part whereby said container is held captive in said fixed part except when said locking means is unlocked by an authorised person, said container then being removable from said fixed part and replaceable in said fixed part by said new container.
• the container has a key formation thereon which is damaged by a process of correctly positioning said container in said fixed part for operation of said apparatus but which must be intact for commencement of said process, so that said container is usable once only in said apparatus.
• correct engagement of said container in said fixed part requires two stages of movement of said container of which a first said stage is possible only when said key is intact and of which the second said stage causes damage to said key.
• said first stage of movement may require said key formation to be axially received in a cooperating socket in a component mounted in said fixed part, and said second stage of movement may require said container to be rotated from a position allowing said first stage of movement to said first position.
• said key formation is secured to said second end wall of said container and includes a spindle part on the axis of rotation of said container and a web extending outwardly therefrom, said damage to said key including distortion of said web.
• the invention provides container for foodstuff items adapted for use in apparatus according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
• a preferred embodiment of the container is adapted for use in apparatus according to the invention in which the container rotates between the said first and second positions, of the containment and has a removable closure over said opening in said sidewall.
• the said closure may be a peel-off closure.
• a container in any of the embodiments described, including foodstuff items contained therein.
• FIGS. 1a and 1b are schematic cross-sectional views of a rotary dispensing device according to an invention described herein, in two differing conditions.
• Figures 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are schematic cross-sectional views of a further rotary dispensing device according to an invention described herein, in four differing conditions.
• Figure 2e is a perspective view of a part of the device shown in Figures 2a to 2d.
• Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of a rotary dispensing device according to the invention illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mechanism usable in the device shown in Figure 3.
• Figure 5 is a lateral cross sectional view of a part of a container shown in Figure 3.
• Figure 6 is a lateral cross sectional view of a mechanism forming part of the device shown in Figure 3.
• Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken at station YY in Figure 6.
• Figure 8 is a lateral cross sectional view of the container shown in Figure 5 when initially mating with the mechanism shown in Figure 6.
• Figure 9 is a cross sectional view taken at station YY in Figure 8.
• Figure 10 is a lateral cross sectional view of the container and mechanism shown in Figure 8 at a later stage of mating thereof than that stage shown in Figure 8.
• Figure 11 is a cross sectional view taken at station YY in Figure 10.
• Figure 12 is a perspective partially exploded view of a further dispensing device according to an invention described herein.
• Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 12 in a first condition.
• Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in Figure 12 in a second condition.
• a dispenser 1 includes a fixed part 2 and a movable part 3.
• the movable part 3 is of generally cylindrical form extending axially between endwalls (not shown) and contains items 4 to be dispensed in an internal space 5.
• the movable part fits closely within an inwardly- facing wall 6 arcuate in cross-section of the fixed part 2, and is free to rotate from a first position, shown in Figure 1 a, to a second position shown in Figure 1 b.
• the movable part 3 has two inwardly-facing formations 7 and 8, between inner ends of which is an opening 9 (which extends axially in the dispenser 1 ). In the first position ( Figure 1a) some of the items 4 collect (through the action of gravity) in a space 10 peripherally between the formations 7 and 8 and against wall 6.
• movable part 3 After movable part 3 has reached the second position and the items 4 from space 10 have fallen clear, i.e. been dispensed, movable part 3 is rotated back to the first position. In the preferred mode of operation, this movement is in the opposite direction, i.e. anticlockwise, but continuation in the clockwise direction is also possible. In either case, the items 4 remaining in space 5 are further agitated and when or by the time movable part 3 reaches the first position ( Figure 1a) again, more items 4 will have collected under the action of gravity in space 10. It will be appreciated that more formations (not shown) could be provided protruding into space 5 to enhance the tumbling action.
• Figure 2a shows a modified dispenser 21.
• dispenser 1 there is a fixed part 22 and a movable part 23, the movable part 23 being rotatable clockwise from a first position shown in Figure 2a.
• Items 24 are contained in internal space 25 of movable part 23.
• Some of the items 4 collect, due to gravity, in space 30 in the first position shown in Figure 2a.
• a ramp 31 extends downwardly from an upper edge 32 of wall 26. Ramp
• Figure 2b shows the movable part 23 rotated clockwise from the first position of Figure 2a to an intermediate position where formation 28 has reached the end of arcuate part 33 of wall 26 with items 24 being elevated ahead of formation 28 in space 30. Formation 27 is causing a tumbling action of items 24 within space 25.
• Figure 2c shows a further intermediate position of movable part 3.
• movable part 3 has a generally cylindrical wall section 35 and a resilient flap 36 secured thereto along an edge 37 (which extends axially in movable part 23).
• Flap 36 extends forwardly from and approximately tangentially to wall section 35 to a forward edge 38 thereof, bearing formation 28.
• Edge 38 is urged against wall 26 including while it rides up extension 34 of wall 26 so that those items 24 which collected ahead of formation 28 in the first position ( Figure 2a) continue to be elevated toward ramp 31.
• Figure 2d shows the movable part in its final, second position corresponding to the second position of movable part 3 in Figure 1 b.
• Movable part 23 can then be rotated back to the first position shown in Figure 2a and the process repeated to dispense more of items 24 as required.
• the effect of the provision of flap 36 is to enable ramp 31 to be higher than the arrangement of Figures 1 a and 1 b would permit, and for a higher degree of filling of space 25 to be used than for space 5.
• FIG 3 is a perspective view of a practical dispenser 40 embodying the principle shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b. It will be readily appreciated that a similar arrangement may be used for a dispenser based on the principle shown in Figures 2a to 2d.
• Dispenser 40 is very suitable for dispensing foodstuff items such as sweets, nuts and the like in retail stores. It is shown without any coin- or token-operated mechanism, being intended for use in "pick and mix" situations, where customers fill bags with their selections and then pay by weight at a central service point. However, a vending machine, with a coin- or token-operated mechanism, is also possible and within the scope of the inventions.
• Dispenser 40 has a boxlike frame 41 , with a hinged front door 42. Inside frame 41 there is an internal space 43 with an inwardly facing wall 44, which corresponds to the wall 6 of schematically-shown dispenser 1 in Figures 1a and 1 b. Corresponding to ramp 11 , there is a ramp 45 extending in a front-to-rear direction in the frame 41 over which the items to be dispensed (not shown) pass during the dispensing process. A further ramp 46 is provided down which the dispensed items slide or roll to pass through an opening 47 in door 42 for collection by the consumer.
• dispenser 40 includes a container 48 having a base part 49 for containment of items to be dispensed and a lid 50 securable thereto.
• Base part 49 is in the general form of a slightly tapering cylinder with sidewall 52, and has an opening 51 extending axially. Faces 53 and 54 correspond to faces of the formations 7 and 8 of Figures 1a and 1b, and opening 51 to opening 9.
• Wall 44 closely conforms to the shape of sidewall 52 of base part 49 as wall 6 conforms to the shape of movable part 3.
• Base part 49 has a floor 55 shaped to be supported on a spindle 56 (not shown in Figure 3) in rear wall 60 of frame 41 and a side area 56 and flange 57 of lid 50 cooperate with a flange 58 on door 42 so that container 48 can be placed in frame 41 , the door 42 closed with container 48 then being captive in frame 41 but free to rotate.
• Base part 49 may be adapted to be removed when empty, refilled through opening 51 or by removal of lid 50, and then returned to frame 41.
• base part 49 may be arranged to be captive in frame 41.
• a manufacturer provides containers 48 ready-filled with the items to be dispensed and intended for a single use only. When a container 48 is empty, a storekeeper (for example) opens door 42, removes the empty container 48, and replaces it with a new, full container 48. Door 42 is closed and dispensing from new container 48 can begin.
• opening 51 may be sealingly secured cover.
• a foil or plastics cover may be secured to base part 49 by adhesive or heat sealing. Such a cover may be removed (eg stripped off) immediately before container 48 is placed in frame 41.
• the base part 48 may be filled through an opening (not shown) where the lid is attached and the lid 50 then placed in position.
• the base part or both the base part and lid may be formed by such known methods as injection moulding of suitable plastics.
• lid 50 is transparent so that consumers can see the items in container 48 before choosing to dispense some of them.
• Lid 50 is shown with a handle 59 integrally formed thereon, for rotation by hand of container 48.
• container 48 is intended to be single-use, it is desirable for that single use to cause some change in the container 48 preventing its re-use. Otherwise, empty containers 48 could be provided to manufacturers of inferior products, filled with same, and used. A preferred way of doing this is set out later herein.
• frame 41 includes means for returning the container 48 back to its starting (first) position after the dispensing of some items therefrom.
• Figure 4 shows a very simple arrangement that is suitable where the container 48 is rotated by hand.
• Spindle 61 is mounted on a shaft 62 extending through rear wall 60 of frame 41 , and in use fits into a cooperating recess (not shown) in the floor of container 48. Being non-round, spindle 61 is rotated as container 48 is rotated.
• a spring 63 is anchored at one end to a pin mounted on frame 41 and at the other is secured to a flexible filament (eg string) 64. This in turn is wound around (and secured to) a drum 65 on shaft 62.
• base part 49 is formed with an integral, external key 70 in a recess 71 on its floor 55.
• the key has a round pin 72 on the intended rotation axis and a radially extending web 73.
• Spindle 62 is initially prevented from rotating within wall 60 by a pin 78 which extends laterally from spindle 62 and is received in a cooperating socket 79 on wall 60.
• Pin 78 is secured to a member 80 having an angled slot 81 in which slides a pin 82 secured to pin 75.
• This arrangement causes pin 78 to be retracted into spindle 62 as locking pin 75 is pushed in.
• Integral with locking pin 75 is a locking catch 83 which is pushed by member 80, during movement of pins 75 and 74, into a cooperating recess 84 in pin 74 thereby to lock pins 74 and 75 together.
• a positioning lug 85 is mounted on a deflectable arm 86 and is pushed downward during fitting of key 70 into spindle 62.
• Device 101 includes a fixed part 102 and a movable part 103.
• the fixed part 102 includes a first section 104 in which the movable part 103 (of which only a handle 105 is visible in Figure 12) is mounted for sliding motion, in use in at least a substantially vertical direction.
• Fixed part 102 also includes a second section 106, detachable from the first section 104.
• Second section 106 is adapted to contain items 107 to be dispensed by device 101 and is adapted to be secured to first section 104 by sliding into place on slides 108.
• First section 104 has a front wall 111 and movable part 103 is free to be slid upwards and downwards by a user against wall 111 using handle 105.
• Movable part 103 is formed at its upper end with an angled face 112 which in the lowest position of movable part 103 is in line with a ramp 113.
• movable part 103 As movable part 103 is slid upwards, a number of items 107 which collected above face 112 and against wall 111 are carried upwards. Some will fall back into space 110.
• movable part 103 has reached an upper edge 113 of wall 111 and those items 107 which have been carried upwards by movable part 103 either have fallen or are positioned to fall down face 112 and onto a ramp 114, forming part of chute 115 and are thereby dispensed to the user.
• Ramp 114 and face 112 are angled to exceed the "angle of repose" of the items 107 to be dispensed.
• second section 106 may be a container having a base part 116 and a lid 117. Either or both of base part 116 and lid 117 may be transparent so that an intending user can see the goods available to be dispensed. Also analogously to container 48, second section 106 may be adapted for single use and provided by a manufacturer of the items 107 ready filled with such items and ready to replace another such container that has been emptied.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
• Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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ID=3830884

Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (3)

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Citations (6)

• 2001
  • 2001-08-13 AU AUPR6928A patent/AUPR692801A0/en not_active Abandoned
• 2002
  • 2002-08-13 CN CNB028181565A patent/CN1274265C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2002-08-13 NZ NZ531164A patent/NZ531164A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2002-08-13 WO PCT/AU2002/001093 patent/WO2003015587A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2002-08-13 JP JP2003520352A patent/JP4095023B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related

Patent Citations (6)

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