U.S. patent application number 11/284000 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for pet chew device.
Invention is credited to Keith A. Miller.
Application Number | 20060134278 11/284000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36498596 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060134278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Keith A. |
June 22, 2006 |
Pet chew device
Abstract
A pet chew device that includes a main body having a
longitudinal inner bore and first and second opposite ends, and an
actuator rotatably coupled to the first end of the main body. A
pusher assembly is received within the inner bore of the main body
and is movable between a first position near the first end of the
main body and a second position near the second end of the main
body by rotating the actuator.
Inventors: |
Miller; Keith A.; (Hatfield,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLANK ROME LLP
600 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Family ID: |
36498596 |
Appl. No.: |
11/284000 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60630265 |
Nov 24, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 15/026
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/132 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/78 20060101
B65D085/78 |
Claims
1. A pet chew device, comprising: a main body having a longitudinal
inner bore and first and second opposite ends; an actuator
rotatably coupled to said first end of said main body; and a pusher
assembly received within said inner bore of said main body that is
movable between a first position near said first end of said main
body and a second position near said second end of said main body
by rotating said actuator.
2. A pet chew device according to claim 1, wherein said pusher
assembly engages threads of said inner bore of said main body.
3. A pet chew device according to claim 1, wherein said pusher
assembly includes a pusher member received within a collet
member.
4. A pet chew device according to claim 3, wherein said pusher
member is resilient.
5. A pet chew device according to claim 3, wherein said pusher
member is slidable within said collet member.
6. A pet chew device according to claim 5, wherein said pusher
member includes at least one lug slidable within at least one slot
of said collet member.
7. A pet chew device according to claim 6, wherein said lug engages
threads of said inner bore of said main body to move said pusher
assembly between said first and second positions.
8. A pet chew device according to claim 3, wherein said collet
member includes a plurality of resilient fingers extending from an
end thereof for holding a food product.
9. A pet chew device according to claim 1, wherein said actuator
forms a first knob at said first end of said main body, and said
second end of said main body forms a second knob.
10. A pet chew device, comprising: a main body having a
longitudinal inner bore and first and second opposite ends, said
inner bore including threads extending between said first and
second ends; an actuator rotatably coupled to said first end of
said main body; and a pusher assembly received within said inner
bore of said main body that is movable between a first position
near said first end of said main body and a second position near
said second end of said main body by rotating said actuator, said
pusher assembly including a pusher member received within a collet
member, said pusher member engaging said threads of said inner bore
of said main body.
11. A pet chew device according to claim 10, wherein said pusher
member including at least one radial lug that engages said threads
of said inner bore.
12. A pet chew device according to claim 10, wherein said pusher
member including at least radial lug that engages at least one slot
disposed in said collet member.
13. A pet chew device according to claim 10, further comprising: a
rotatable sleeve connected to said actuator and received in said
inner bore, said sleeve engaging said pusher member to rotate said
pusher member when said actuator is rotated.
14. A pet chew device according to claim 13, wherein at least one
radial lug of said pusher member engages a longitudinal slot of
said rotatable sleeve.
15. A pet chew device according to claim 14, wherein Said at least
one radial lug includes a sloped outer surface.
16. A pet chew device according to claim 10, wherein said pusher
member is resilient and includes a slot for receiving a ridge of
said collet member when said pusher assembly is in said first
position.
17. A pet chew device according to claim 10, wherein said pusher
member is resilient and includes a slot for receiving a portion of
a plug member slidably coupled to said pusher member when said
pusher assembly is in said first position.
18. A pet chew device according to claim 10, wherein said collet
member includes a plurality of resilient fingers extending from an
end thereof for holding a food product.
19. A pet chew device according to claim 10, wherein said threads
of said inner bore are disposed on a stationary sleeve disposed in
said inner bore. said pusher member being slidable with respect to
said collet member.
20. A pet chew device, comprising: a main body having a
longitudinal inner bore and first and second opposite ends; an
actuator rotatably coupled to said first end of said main body; a
pusher assembly received within said inner bore of said main body
that is movable between a first position near said first end of
said main body and a second position near said second end of said
main body by rotating said actuator, said pusher assembly including
a pusher member received within a collet member, said pusher member
having at least one lug that is slidable within a complementary
slot of said collet member; and a food product received within said
inner bore of said main body, said pusher assembly moving said food
product with respect to said inner bore as the actuator is
rotated.
21. A pet chew device according to claim 20, wherein said food
product includes a tapered end that facilitates engagement with
said pusher assembly and an annular groove for engaging said pusher
assembly.
22. A pet chew device according to claim 20, wherein said collet
member includes a plurality of fingers having angled pads that
engage said food product to securely hold said food product.
23. A pet A pet chew device, comprising: a main body having a
longitudinal inner bore and first and second opposite ends; an
actuator rotatably coupled to said first end of said main body; a
pusher assembly received within said inner bore of said main body
that is movable between a first position near said first end of
said main body and a second position near said second end of said
main body by rotating said actuator; and a food product received
within said inner bore of said main body, said food product
including a tapered end and an annular groove for engaging the
pusher assembly, said pusher assembly moving said food product with
respect to said inner bore as the actuator is rotated.
24. A pet chew device according to claim 23, wherein said pusher
assembly includes resilient fingers that engage said annular groove
of said food product, said resilient fingers and annular groove
having complementary shapes.
25. A pet chew device according to claim 24, wherein said resilient
fingers include an acutely angled surface that engages said annular
groove of said food product, thereby substantially preventing
removal of said food product.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/630,265, filed Nov. 24, 2004, the subject
matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates to a pet chew device for
securing a food product and regulating the dispensing of the food
product. More specifically, the pet chew device has a shape
pleasing to pets and includes an actuator for controlling the
dispensing of the food product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional pet chew devices are comprised of a variety of
chew toys and chew products for the entertainment of pets. These
chew toys and chew products are made from a variety of material.
For example, rawhide, woven fabrics, plastic, rubber or rope have
been used. All chew products are subject to breakdown from
continued chewing and may also cause digestive problems if large or
sharp pieces are swallowed. Softer chew toys and chew products are
dangerous for pets when unattended for extended periods since, by
instinct, pets will consume the pieces of the toy. More stable and
longer lasting materials, such as rubber or plastic, have been used
for such chewable objects, but frequently these materials have
undesirable tastes and quickly loose the attention of the pet.
[0004] A variety of methods have been developed to impregnate
chewable objects with odor or flavor extracts or animal meals. More
specifically, there exists several chew products, such as the
GALILEO.TM. M by Nylabone, which is solid plastic and impregnated
with chicken meal. These products have limited success in
significantly increasing the time a pet will chew on the product.
Other common products have one ore more openings and hollow
cavities that hold food items, such as dog biscuits, peanut butter,
cheese, or the like. These products are reusable. An example of
this chew product is THE KONG.TM., manufactured by The Kong
Company. This chew product has a single hole leading into a hollow
core that pet owners fill with biscuits or human food. The dog
chews and licks on the chew toy to try and eat the edible food. The
food item and the chew toy is not an integral system and the food
item is usually consumed too quickly which significantly limits its
entertainment value to the pet. Also, food product frequently gets
stuck inside the chew toy making it virtually impossible for the
pet to remove and enjoy the food product, and difficult for the
owner to remove and keep the chew toy hygienic and odor free. A
chew toy called the KONG GOODIE TOY.TM., manufactured by Kong
Company.TM., includes star-shaped receptacles, or grippers, that
usually hold small dog biscuits. These biscuit grippers provide
easier access to the food item. However, the food item is often
consumed too quickly, significantly reducing the entertainment
value and the time the pet is occupied.
[0005] Another method exits where an edible food product is molded
inside and totally encased by a synthetic, chewable material. An
example of this product is the MARROW BONE.TM. by the Sporn
Company. This product encourages the pet to chew due to the
desirable food inside. The disadvantages with this product are that
the pet must chew through the synthetic material to get to the food
product, it is not reusable, and the pet owner is unable to remove
the food if it is gets old. Another method exists where a synthetic
chew product has two parts that screw or connect together in some
fashion. The chew product is unscrewed, or opened, and the edible
food product is placed inside. The product is then closed to secure
the food and prevent the pet from eating it too quickly. Usually
there are openings on surface of the chew product that allow some
food product to pass through and be consumed by the pet as they
play or chew. An example of this type of product is the
HAVABALL.TM. by Stellar Pets. However, these products are limited
since the pet, not the pet owner, controls how quickly the food
product is consumed and the owner is not able to regulate
consumption without limiting their entertainment. These types of
products do not imitate a real bone with a marrow core.
[0006] Another method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,096 to
Miller. Miller discloses a non-circular hollow chew toy that holds
a specially formed food product. The food product fits inside the
chew toy and is engaged and secured to the chew toy by a threaded
rod. One end of the chew toy is secured to this rod, and when this
end is rotated, the rod tries to rotate the food product inside.
The non-circular shape of the food product within the same shaped
cavity prevents the food product from turning and consequently the
food product advances out of the cavity exposing it to the pet.
This concept allows the food product to be dispensed by the owner
while the food product inside entices the pet to chew on the
product. This product is refillable and the entire food product can
be removed for hygiene. The disadvantage of Miller is that it
requires a rigid and non-circular treat, with an internal,
longitudinal threaded bore inside the treat to receive the rod. If
the bore is not threaded than an intermediate element with a
threaded bore must be formed onto the food product. The bore inside
the food product limits the outside diameter preventing small
treats from being used because they become too fragile and often
break preventing them from being used within the bone. In addition,
the bore in the food product also makes it difficult to use a food
product that is soft or has a soft chewy center. Another
disadvantage is the threaded rod must extend the length of the
cavity to the open end in order to turn out the last remaining
piece of food product or the food product will become stuck. The
threaded rod then becomes exposed to damage by the pet's chewing
making the device inoperable or if the threaded rod is shortened
then the chew toy does not eject the last piece of treat. Another
disadvantage is the threaded rod does not allow the pet owner to
easily and quickly reload the chew toy. To load the chew toy the
pet owner must insert the food product and then awkwardly hold the
food product and chew toy at the same time while turning the end of
the bone to rotate the threaded rod and engage the food product to
retract and load the treat. To allow the food product to partially
slide into the chew toy so the pet owner does not have to hold both
requires the threads to be removed from the beginning of the food
product. However, this would prevent the chew toy from ejecting the
last piece of food product and make it difficult for the pet owner
to get out.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide a pet chew device that securely holds and protects the food
product and allows the pet owner to control the dispensing of the
food product.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pet
chew device that allows for quick loading of the food product.
[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
pet chew device that occupies pets longer than conventional
products.
[0010] The foregoing objects are basically attained by a pet chew
device that includes a main body having a longitudinal inner bore
and first and second opposite ends, and an actuator rotatably
coupled to the first end of the main body. A pusher assembly is
received within the inner bore of the main body and is movable
between a first position near the first end of the main body and a
second position near the second end of the main body by rotating
the actuator.
[0011] The foregoing objects are also attained by a pet chew device
that includes a main body having a longitudinal inner bore and
first and second opposite ends. The inner bore including threads
extending between the first and second ends. An actuator is
rotatably coupled to the first end of the main body. A pusher
assembly is received within the inner bore of the main body that is
movable between a first position near the first end of the main
body and a second position near the second end of the main body by
rotating the actuator. The pusher assembly includes a pusher member
received within a collet member. The pusher member engages the
threads of the inner bore of the main body.
[0012] The foregoing objects are also attained by a pet chew device
including a main body having a longitudinal inner bore and first
and second opposite end. An actuator is rotatably coupled to the
first end of the main body. A pusher assembly is received within
the inner bore of the main body that is movable between a first
position near the first end of the main body and a second position
near the second end of the main body by rotating the actuator. The
pusher assembly includes a pusher member received within a collet
member, the pusher member having at least one lug that is slidable
within a complementary slot of the collet member. A food product is
received within the inner bore of the main body, the pusher
assembly moving the food product with respect to the inner bore as
the actuator is rotated.
[0013] Other objects, advantages and salient features of the
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,
discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pet chew device in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the pet chew device taken
in section along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial elevational view in section of
the pet chew device, showing a pusher assembly of the device in a
first position;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial elevational view in section of the pet
chew device, showing the pusher assembly in a second position;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the pet chew device
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of an actuator of the pet
chew device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an elevational view in section of an inner sleeve
of the pet chew device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an elevational view in section of the inner sleeve
similar to FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an elevational view in section of a rotational
sleeve of the pet chew device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of an alternative rotational
sleeve in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a collet member of the pet
chew device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a pusher member of the pet
chew device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of an alternative pusher
member in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is an elevational view of an alternative pusher
member in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a plug of the pet chew
device illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 16 is an elevational view of an alternative plug in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 17 is an elevational view in section of an alternative
collet member in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 18 is an end elevational view of the collet member
illustrated in FIG. 18;
[0033] FIG. 19 is an elevational view in section of an alternative
pusher member in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 20 is an elevational view in section of an alternative
pusher assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention, showing the pusher assembly in a first position;
and
[0035] FIG. 21 is an elevational view in section of the pusher
assembly illustrated in FIG. 21, showing the pusher assembly in a
second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-21, a pet chew device 10 of the present
invention preferably has a shape that is pleasing to pets, such as
a bone shape, and includes a main body 12 that receives a food
product 14 that can be easily dispensed by rotating an actuator 16
at an end of the main body 12. Once the food product 14 is
dispensed, the main body 12 can be rapidly refilled with more food
product 14. The food product 14 can be any type of food that is
soft or hard. In general, the main body 12 includes a threaded
inner sleeve 18 that cooperates with a rotating sleeve 20 of the
actuator 16 to move a pusher assembly 22 within the main body 12
between a food loaded position (FIG. 4) and a food ejected/refill
position (FIG. 3). The components of device 10 are preferably made
of a plastic or rubber material.
[0037] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, main body 12 includes a
cylindrical middle portion 26, opposite first and second ends 28
and 30, and an inner bore 32. Both ends 28 and 30 are open with the
second end 30 receiving the food product 14. The first end 28
includes an annular groove 34 adapted to engage the actuator 16.
The threaded inner sleeve 18 is disposed within the inner bore 32
and is stationary with respect to the bore 32. Inner sleeve 18 can
be secured within the main body 12 by inserting longitudinal ribs
36 (FIG. 7) of the sleeve 18 into corresponding longitudinal
channels 38 (FIG. 5) of the inner bore 32, or by any known matter,
such as adhesive. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inner surface of
inner sleeve 18 includes threads 40 for engaging the pusher
assembly 22. The threads 40 preferably extend substantially the
entire length of the sleeve 18. Slits 42 (FIG. 8) can be provided
in the sleeve 18 to allow the sleeve 18 to expand. Although use of
inner sleeve 18 is preferred, threads 40 can be formed directly in
the inner surface of the inner bore 32, thereby eliminating the
sleeve 18. Each thread 40 includes front and rear surfaces 44 and
46. Rear surfaces 46 can be sloped to facilitate loading of the
food product 14 in the inner bore 32.
[0038] Actuator 16 is rotatably coupled to the first end 28 of the
main body 12, as seen in FIG. 2. Actuator 16 preferably has a knob
shape, and the second end 30 of the main body 12 likewise
preferably has a knob shape, thereby giving the device 10 the
appearance of a bone, and elevates the food product off of the
ground. Device 10 can have any shape appealing to pets as long as
actuator 16 is rotatably coupled to the main body 12.
[0039] An annular flange 50 (FIG. 2) of the actuator 16 engages the
annular groove 34 of the main body 12 so that the actuator 16 can
rotate with respect to the main body 12 but may not be easily
removed by the pet. The rotating sleeve 20 is connected to the
actuator 16 so that rotation of the actuator 16 also rotates the
sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 preferably includes a tab 52 (FIG. 9) at
one end 54 thereof that is received in a corresponding groove 56
(FIG. 6) in the actuator 16, to couple the actuator 16 and sleeve
20, with the end 54 of the sleeve 20 being received in a recess 58
(FIGS. 1 and 6) of the actuator 16. Alternatively, the sleeve 20
and actuator 16 can be coupled in any known matter, as long as the
actuator 16 and sleeve 20 rotate together. For example, actuator 16
and sleeve 20 can be bonded to one another, or the actuator 16 and
sleeve 20 can be formed as a one-piece member. The rotating sleeve
20 has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of
the stationary sleeve 18 of the main body 12 to allow the sleeve 20
to be received within the stationary sleeve 18. An inner lip 33
provides a stop for the pusher assembly 22. Longitudinal slots 60
(FIG. 9) are provided in the rotating sleeve 20 which engage the
pusher assembly 22, as seen in FIG. 3, to move the pusher assembly
22 within the inner bore 32. The end of the sleeve 20 includes a
tapered shoulder 62 that extends beyond the sleeve 18 and engages
the pusher assembly 22 when in the ejected/refill position, as seen
in FIG. 3, and allows the collet fingers 78 to open and the pusher
member to eject the food product 14.
[0040] As seen in FIG. 10, an alternative rotating sleeve 20' can
be used that includes a longitudinal slot 60' and end shoulder 62'
and a tab 52' that extends outwardly for engaging the actuator.
Sleeve 20' can include inner tabs (not shown) that provide a stop
for the pusher assembly 22.
[0041] Pusher assembly 22 includes a collet member 70 and a pusher
member 80, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. As seen in FIG. 11, collet
member 70 includes a cylindrical body 72 open at both ends and
receives the pusher member 80. A plurality of slots 74 extend
between the ends of the cylindrical body 72, providing flexibility
and resiliency to the collet member 70. Resilient fingers 76 extend
from the cylindrical body 70 and include locking pads 78 (FIGS. 3
and 4) for engaging a groove 79 of the food product 14. The fingers
76 can have an angled shape and the groove 79 can have a
complementary angled shape, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0042] As seen in FIG. 12, pusher member 80 includes a stem portion
82 and a head portion 84 with a cylindrical space 86 (FIGS. 3 and
4) therebetween. Cylindrical space 86 gives the pusher member 80
flexibility and resilience. An end wall 88 of the head portion 84
abuts or nearly abuts the food product 14, as seen in FIG. 4.
Radial lugs 90 extend from the cylindrical side wall 92 of the head
portion 84 for engaging the threads 40 in the inner bore 32. The
stem portion 82 slidably supports a plug 100 with a catch 94 at the
end of the stem portion 82 for preventing the plug 100 from
separating from the pusher member 80, as seen in FIG. 3. To
increase the flexibility of the head portion 84, the pusher member
80 can include U-shaped slots 93 disposed around the lugs 90, as
seen in FIG. 13, or slots 96 that are disposed in the cylindrical
side wall 92 between the lugs 90, as seen in FIG. 14.
[0043] Plug 100 assists with the engagement of the lugs 90 with the
threads 40 by preventing compression of the head portion 84 when
the food product 14 is fully loaded, as seen in FIG. 4. Plug 100
includes a cylindrical wall 102 (FIG. 15) that fits over the stem
portion 82 of the pusher member 80 and an end flange 104 (FIG. 15).
The outer diameter of the end flange 104 is substantially the same
as the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 72 of the collet
member 70, as seen in FIG. 3. The terminal end 106 of the
cylindrical wall 102 is preferably tapered to facilitate engagement
with the cylindrical space 86 of the pusher member 80.
[0044] An alternative plug 100' can be used, as seen in FIG. 16,
that includes a straight and longer wall 102', and end flange 104'
and side tabs 105 that fit into slots of the pusher member 80, such
as slots 96, as seen in FIG. 14, and prevent the slots from
compressing.
[0045] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pusher assembly 22 is
assembled by inserting the stem portion 82 of the pusher member 80
into the cylindrical body 72 of the collet member 70 so that it is
slidably received therein, with the lugs 90 being received in the
corresponding slots 74 of the collet member 70. The plug 100 is
slidably received over the stem portion 82 of the pusher member 80
and the catch 94 of the stem 82 prevents the plug 100 from sliding
off. The pusher assembly 22 is received in the rotational sleeve 20
with lugs 90 extending through the longitudinal slots 60 of the
rotating sleeve 20. Because the pusher assembly 22 is inside of the
main body 12, pets are unable to access and damage the pusher
assembly 22.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 17-21, a second embodiment of the pusher
assembly 22' includes a collet member 70' and a pusher member 80'.
Like collet member 70 of the first embodiment, collet member 70' of
the second embodiment includes a cylindrical body 72' that receives
the pusher member 80', a plurality of slots 74', resilient fingers
76' extending from the cylindrical body 70', and that include
locking pads 78' (FIG. 17) for engaging the groove 79 of the food
product 14. Collet member 70' of the second embodiment also
includes first and second inner ridges 200, as seen in FIGS. 17 and
18, for engaging the slots 308 of pusher member 80'. Each ridge 200
includes a wide section 202 and a narrow section 204, as seen in
FIG. 17.
[0047] As seen in FIG. 19, pusher member 80' of the second
embodiment includes a cylindrical body 300 with opposite first and
second ends 302 and 304, the first end 302 being open and the
second end 304 forming a wall 306 that abuts the food product 14.
Slots 308 extend between the first and second ends 302 and 304 of
the cylindrical body 300 providing resiliency to the pusher member
80' and for engaging the ridges 200 of the collet member 70'.
Radial lugs 310 extend from the cylindrical body 300 for engaging
the threads 40 of the inner bore 32. Lugs 310 can have sloped outer
surfaces 312, as seen in FIG. 19, to facilitate loading of the food
product 14 in the device 10 by allowing the lugs 310 to skip over
the threads 40 more easily. The wide section 202 of the ridge 200
allows the pusher lugs 310 to stay engaged with the threads 40
while the food product 14 is ejected. Once the food product is
ejected, the narrow section 204 of the ridge 200 allows the pusher
grooves 308 to compress, readying the pusher assembly 22' to easily
skip over the threads 40 while loading another food product.
[0048] As seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, the pusher assembly 22' is
assembled by inserting the pusher member 80' into the cylindrical
body 72' of the collet member 70'. Lugs 310 are received in
corresponding slots 74' of the collet member 70' and ridges 200 are
received in slots 308 of the pusher member 80'. Ridges 200
eliminate the need for a separate plug, such as plug 100 of the
first embodiment. The pusher assembly 22' is received in the
rotating sleeve 20 with the lugs 310 extending through the
longitudinal slots 60 of the rotating sleeve 20.
[0049] In operation, the food product 14 is loaded into the device
10, as seen in FIG. 3. The design of the pusher assembly 22
facilitates rapid loading of the food product 14. Upon initial
insertion of the food product 14 into the inner bore 32 of the main
body 12, the resilient fingers 76 of the collet member 70 lock onto
the groove 79 of the food product 14 via pads 78 with the food
product 14 abutting or nearly abutting the end wall 88 of the
pusher member 80, thereby securing the food product 14 and pusher
assembly 22 together. The front obtuse angle of the fingers 76
allow the food product 14 to be easily inserted and the back acute
angle of the fingers 76 securely holds the food product. The end of
the food product 14 can be tapered to facilitate loading into the
pusher assembly 22. The inner surface of the rotating sleeve 20
prevents the fingers 76 from expanding and releasing the food
product 14. Once locked in, the food product 14 can be pushed into
the inner bore 32, thereby pushing the pusher assembly 22 toward
the first end 28 of the main body 12 with the lugs 90 sliding
within the longitudinal slots 60 of the rotating sleeve 20. Because
the head portion 84 of the pusher member 80 is flexible, due to the
cylindrical space 86 between the head portion 84 and the stem
portion 82, the head portion 84 can be compressed as the pusher
assembly 22 is moved toward the actuator 16, allowing the lugs 90
to slide over the threads 40 of the stationary sleeve 18. The
sloped rear surface 46 of the threads 40 and/or a sloped outer
surface of the lugs 90 further facilitates rapid loading of the
food product 14 by allowing the lugs 90 to more easily slide over
the threads 40.
[0050] When the pusher assembly 22 reaches the first end 28 of the
main body 12, the food product 14 is fully loaded, as seen in FIG.
4. In this position, the end flange 104 of the plug 100 abuts the
inner lip 33 of the inner bore 32 so that head portion 84 of the
pusher member 80 slides over the cylindrical wall 102 and the
cylindrical wall 102 is received in the cylindrical space 86,
thereby preventing compression of the head portion 84 and locking
the lugs 90 into the threads 40 of the inner bore.
[0051] Once fully loaded, the food product 14 can be easily
dispensed by rotating the actuator 16. As the actuator 16 is
rotated, rotating sleeve 20 rotates and in turn rotates the pusher
assembly 22 because the lugs 90 of the pusher member 80 are coupled
to the rotating sleeve 20 via longitudinal slots 60. Because the
lugs 90 are locked into the threads 40, the pusher assembly 22
moves toward the second end 30 of the main body 12 as the lugs 90
advance through the threads 40, thereby dispensing the food product
14. The slots 74 of the collet member 70 guide the lugs 90 as the
pusher member 80 ejects the food product 14. The food product 14
can also be retracted by rotating the actuator 16 in the opposite
direction. Once the pusher assembly 22 reaches the second end 30 of
the main body 12, the resilient fingers 76 clear of the rotating
sleeve 20, and expand to release the remainder of the food product
14, thereby automatically ejecting the food product 14. The device
10 can then be refilled with food product 14 repeating the steps
above.
[0052] The pusher assembly 22' of the second embodiment operates in
the same manner as the pusher assembly 22 of the first embodiment,
except that plug 100 is eliminated. As seen in FIG. 21, when the
food product 14 is fully loaded, the ridges 200 of the collet
member 70' are received in the slots 308 of the cylindrical body
300 of the pusher member 80' so that the cylindrical body 300 is
expanded over the wide section 202 of each ridge 200. The wide
section 202 of the ridges 200 prevent the pusher member 80' from
collapsing and lock the lugs 310 into the threads 40 of the inner
bore 32. Once the pusher assembly 22' reaches the second end 30 of
the main body 12 after rotating the actuator 16, the resilient
fingers 76' expand to release the remainder of the food product 14,
thereby automatically ejecting the food product 14, and the pusher
member 80' can slide forward toward the fingers 76' allowing the
cylindrical body 300 to collapse onto the narrow section 204 of
each ridge 200. When filling the device 10, the food product 14
pushes the pusher assembly 22' to the loaded position in the same
manner described above with respect to pusher assembly 22. Because
the cylindrical body 300 of the pusher member 80' is collapsed when
inserting the food product 14, the lugs 310 can slide over the
threads 40 when loading the food product 14. The sloped outer
surface 312 of the lugs 310 further facilitate this quick loading
of the food product 14 by allowing the lugs 310 to more easily
slide over the threads 40.
[0053] While particular embodiments have been chosen to illustrate
the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that various changes and modifications can be made therein without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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